From the main menu I could press alt-i and get incmoing mail list or alt-s and get my sms message list. suddenly it is not working. is there a feature in settings that i can change so that i can use these shortcuts?

you have erased your searches.

Search around the forums, I have posted a solution before, but it is to lengthy to post again.

I don't remember where the option is but there is a setting where it allows you to dial from the main menu. Perhaps this option is set to "on."

EDIT: Whoops just tried it and it doesn't work.

It's covered in my tips document. You have modified your searches some how.