Deleted songs in iTunes just won't go away

Question: I have close to 50,000 songs in my iTunes musiccollection. Besides organizing them in iTunes, I keep them stored inalphabetical order in two Windows file folders I created.

Now I'd like to permanently delete some of that music. But when Idelete a song in iTunes, sending it to the Windows recycle bin, thesong remains in one of the alphabetized file folders. It was onlydeleted from iTunes'original file folder. What do you suggest? -A.S., Tucson, Ariz.

Answer: iTunes looks for songs in the Windows location from whichthey were originally imported. So it's not surprising that the songyou deleted from iTunes is in the file folder you created later.

There are two approaches you can take.

If a second copy of the song is in the iTunes library, then youmust have imported it to iTunes twice, once from the old folder andonce from a new one. Try deleting this second song copy from theiTunes library.

If the song is no longer in the iTunes library, use WindowsExplorer to delete the song from the alphabetized folder.

If you have problems, you can download software atwww.tinyurl.com/4zpf85d/ that cleans up iTunes by correcting songinformation tags, finding artwork, eliminating duplicate songs andfinding where songs are stored.

Question: We have Verizon Wireless cell service, but there is nosignal inside our house. We can't make or receive calls unless we gooutdoors.

Some visitors have the same problem with their cell phoneservices, while others don't.

Is there a device we can buy that will measure the cell phonesignal strength for various vendors, so we know which to patronize? -I.S., Key Largo, Fla.

Answer: I don't know of a device that will measure and comparethe strength of all providers'cell phone signals inside your house.

However, if you have a broadband connection, you can buy aVerizon Wireless "network extender" device that effectively booststhe Verizon cell phone signal within your home.

It works by linking to Verizon through your Internet connection,then broadcasting a cellular signal inside your home.

Verizon's network extender costs $250 but has no monthly fee. Itrequires a wired Internet connection with a download speed of atleast 1 megabit (1 million bits per second.) That's slow enough thatalmost any broadband connection can achieve it. For details, seetinyurl.com/4gl8e8h/.

To buy a network extender, call Verizon Wireless at 800-256-4646.

Alexander covers technology for the Minneapolis Star Tribune.Readers may write to him at Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Ave. S.,Minneapolis, Minn. 55488-0002; e-mail: steve.j.alexander@gmail.com.