Q I often get e-mails from various sources in which the text comes through but not the pictures. Instead of a picture, I get a white square with a red X in it. Is there a way to pull up the graphics?

RUSSELL W. HANSON, EDEN PRAIRIE

A If you're using Web-based e-mail with Internet Explorer, check the IE settings. Go to Tools, then Internet Options and click the Advanced tab. Under Multimedia, make sure "Show Pictures" is selected. See more details at htaconsultation.wordpress.com/rex-x-fix-for-photos.

Alternatively, consider using an e-mail system such as Google's Gmail, which gives you a choice of whether to display images in the body of an e-mail.

Or suggest that your friends send you photos as e-mail attachments rather than including them inside the text portion of the e-mail.

Q My Outlook Express e-mail has been malfunctioning. The problem started after I received an e-mail from outside that continued to download into my computer 30 times without stopping. Then, when I tried to send e-mails, they would remain in my outbox and continue to be sent. I've worked with my Internet service provider, PeoplePC, but they've now given up and told me to hire a technician. What should I do?

TOM MORTL, MINNEAPOLIS

A I don't think the problem is your computer. There is a history of people who use Outlook or Outlook Express having trouble with PeoplePC's Internet service. See forums.cnet.com/5208-6638_102-0.html?threadID=311128 and also forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=558089&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a. I'd suggest you either get a new Internet service provider, or keep PeoplePC as a provider and switch to a free Web-based e-mail from Yahoo or Google.

Q In a recent column you told someone it wasn't possible to delete Internet Explorer from Windows. But mine has disappeared. How can I get it back?

BARBARA LAMB, STRONGSVILLE, OHIO

A I think you accidentally deleted the Internet Explorer shortcut icon from your PC's desktop. That's not the same as deleting the program, which remains on your PC. Go to "Start" at the lower left of the tool bar and click "All Programs."

You should find Internet Explorer in the list; click it to start Internet Explorer. Or right-click it, and from the pop-up list select "Create Shortcut." Then drag the "Internet Explorer (2)" shortcut icon to your PC's desktop.

E-mail tech questions to steve.j.alexander@ gmail.com or write Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488-0002. Include name, city and phone number.