Tech FAQ

The box I use to ask questions has disappeared, where did it go?

The question and answer entry boxes are still there, but they are now integrated into The AnswerBank's layout.

In any category on the website the enter question box can be found below the search bar at the top of the page. Clicking on the box will make it open out, allowing you to add a title and the body of the question.

If you still cannot find the question box there may be some issues with your web browser. Make sure you have the latest version of your current browser installed or try switching to a new one. A list of browsers can be found here.

My web browser is telling me that The AnswerBank contains malicious software, what is going on?

Report the problem to the Editorial Staff and we'll check it out. These messages are often displayed because of over-zealous adblockers or minor issues in our advertising delivery system and are largely nothing to worry about.

An Editor will give regular updates to users (normally in ChatterBank and Quizzes and Puzzles) to update everyone on the situation.

"X" on The AnswerBank is not displaying correctly, what is the problem?

This is a response that should encompass all types of display issues, such as text, images and advertising.

These issues normally arise if the browser you are viewing The AnswerBank with is outdated or "broken". You can simply download a new browser and use that to view The AnswerBank, or clear your cache of bad data that is causing The AnswerBank to load incorrectly.

Browsing The AnswerBank is very slow today, why is this?

If you visit The AnswerBank on a Saturday or a Sunday, you may run across a couple of questions titled "Is The AnswerBank slow for you today?". Normally these queries get a mixed response, with some people saying yes and others who don't have any slow-down whatsoever.

The reason that The AnswerBank is loading slowly could be down to a number of things. If you live with other internet users it is likely that some slow-down will occur as you all try to use the same connection. The internet may also be slow if you use it during peak times (weekends and after 6pm weeknights). Also, remember that The AnswerBanks busiest days are on Saturday and Sunday, so it is only natural for the site to seem a little slower as traffic increases.

If you are finding that The AnswerBank takes more than two minutes to load a page, we advise that you wither restart your modem/router or clear your cache.

I have voted on an AnswerBank Poll and it hasn't registered my vote, why?

Our polls have a five minute refresh rate, meaning that your vote won't be displayed until the refresh timer hits five minutes. Don't panic! It'll appear eventually!

Can I use AdBlockers on The AnswerBank?

Although we don't like the use of ablock technology on our site (after all, money from advertising is what keeps The AnswerBank running) we understand that some people like to use it. So yes, by all means use adblockers, but please remember that the money made from advertising helps keep The AnswerBank online!

You can find The AnswerBank's best picks of Anti Virus, Anti Spyware and Ad Blocker software here.

I am trying to register with The AnswerBank but keep everything keeps resetting, what am I doing wrong?

You may be entering an invalid username or password. Please ensure that your password contains no spaces, and that "foreign characters like "&" are not used.

I would like to get an Avatar but can't seem to get one, why?

The option to use an Avatar is only available to those who have been registered with The AnswerBank for two or more weeks, so if you fall into this category please wait until your two-week period is over. For those who are still struggling with getting an Avatar, please refer to our handy setup Avatar guide.

I am no longer receiving emails when there is a response to a question I am subscribed to, why is this?

The email response system can be a little unreliable at times, but there are other reasons why you may no longer be getting your emails from us. Firstly, we advise you to add The AnswerBank to your contacts list. This will ensure that emails don't end up in your spam folder. Secondly, check your spam folder for any emails from us. Finally, if none of the above work, try unsubscribing to the thread in question and then re-subscribe.

I have copied and pasted an excerpt from another website for my question/answer, but the submit button is greyed out, why?

All you need to do to solve this issue is make a single edit to your post. This can be done by pressing "delete" while in the body of the text, or by adding more test of your own.

How can I take a screenshot of a page on The AnswerBank?

If you need technical assistance, it can be very helpful for those on The AnswerBank and the Editorial Staff if you provide screenshots of your issues. This can range from text and images displaying incorrectly, or to show error messages that you get when certain actions are performed.

To take a screenshot of a web page, simply press the "Print Screen" key (often abbreviated as "Prnt Scrn" located in the top right corner of your keyboard. Once you have done this open up any image editing software (Microsoft Paint, for example) or Microsoft Word, click "Edit" in the menu bar and then from the drop-down menu, click "Paste". Your image will now appear. Click "Save As" and name it appropriately.

Now, if you want to send this image to the Editorial Staff you will just need to attach to an email and send it to us. If, however, you want to post it on The AnswerBank, you will need to upload it to an image hosting website (a list of which can be found here). You will need to sign up and upload the file you saved (note: this will need to be done in Paint or another image editing program and NOT Microsoft Word). Once you have done this you will be given a link to your image, which you can post in The AnswerBank for other users to see.

What are "Tiny URLs" and how do I use them?

In a world where online messages are getting shorter, particularly on Twitter, the need for condensed links to save space is essential.

There are a number of services that provide link shortening, the most popular being:

tinyurl.com/
bit.ly/

Simply visit either of these websites with the link you want to shorten and paste it into the main box on the page then click "shorten". Once you have done this you will be given a shortened version of the link, which you can then copy and paste into The AnswerBank.

The text on The AnswerBank is too small for me to read, how can I make it bigger?

If you have a mouse with a scrolling wheel all you need to do is open to page you want to enlarge, hold down the "CTRL" key on your keyboard and scroll in with your wheel. This will allow you to change the size of the text on your screen quickly and easily.

If you don't have a mouse with a wheel, simply visit the "tools" or "options" tabs in your browser and select the option "Zoom".

How do I embed a YouTube video into my post?

The AnswerBank has you covered here! All you need to do is copy the YouTube link in your browser and, when you post a question or an answer, simply paste it into the box that reads "Enter YouTube Link Here". Once you post your message the video will be automatically embedded into the thread.

Can I use basic HTML in my posts?

HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is used all across the Internet and enables web designers, writers and other web users to add structure to websites, articles etc. A number of forums allow use of HTML across their boards, however, The AnswerBank does not.

I used to always be logged into The AnswerBank, but I seem to have lost all of my data and can no longer access the site. What happened, and how can I solve this issue?

Every web browser gives users the option to save the information they have entered from across the web. This can range from usernames and passwords to banking details, making it easy to log into websites in the future. Many people have their AnswerBank logins saved, but when they update, change or switch browsers/computers the data is often lost and they can no longer remember their usernames and passwords.

We suggest that if you have set your browser to remember your details that you keep a record of your password and the email address you used to sign up to The AnswerBank with. Usernames are easily remembered, but passwords and old emails (particularly for users who have been with us for years) are easily forgotten and often change.

If you're struggling to remembering your login data, email the Editor from the same email address you signed up to The AnswerBank with and request a logins details reminder.