Before I throw the laptop out of the window..

[The Beard]

I'm having a problem with the old laptop, in as much as every time I try to read my e-mails, I get a message that Internet Explorer is closing down, and then it does just that.

Sometimes it happens when I click on the link to Yahoo mail, sometimes it's when I click on the inbox and sometimes it's when I try to open an individual e-mail.

I usually have to restart Internet Explorer 3 or 4 times before I can actually open and reply to the messages. I have no trouble getting onto Forums, although on here it always tells me that my log on has failed the first time but have no trouble the 2nd.

My Norton ran out a few weeks ago but there are no problems with forums or watching videos on You Tube or loading photos and music then transferring them to an external hard drive.

I've notice that the RAM on this machine only has a capacity of 1GB whereas most of the latest laptops have a capacity of 4 or even 8GB. Could this be my problem?

All suggestions gratefully received.

 

[PuntoHowTo]

2 things, remove norton entirely and install Microsoft security essentials its free and much better than norton

Also have you tried a different web browser like Firefox or google chrome, should solve the problems

 

[Venters]

https://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/browser/

 

[dombooth]

As above really, download and run the Norton removal tool: https://www-secure.symantec.com/nor...roduct=home&pvid=f-home&version=1&lg=en&ct=us

Then install Microsoft Security Essentials: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials

Also, Internet Explorer is crap, download and install Chrome.

Dom

 

[colin79666]

As above remove Norton and install MSE.

As for IE, yes you can try another browser (I'd recommend Chrome) but you might like to see if you can fix IE as well. Check in the Start > All Programs menu for an option along the line of Internet Explorer (No Addons). Most likely under Accessories > System Tools. If it doesn't crash then it is most likely down to one or more plugins/tool bars you have installed in IE. This is the main cause of IE crashing out.

 

[The Beard]

Thanks for all your replies.

I'm not sure whether I've actually uninstalled Norton, but it doesn't appear anywhere when I click on programmes.

Microsoft Defender, however, was. I ran it and on a quick scan it didn't find anything untoward.

I already have Google Chrome but have noticed that it doesn't seem to have a Favourites function, and I use that a lot.

Colin and Dom: I'll have a look at your suggestions tomorrow when I get a bit of time, I've been really busy today (Cycling actually.....my legs ache and I tried out my helmet on a hard surface today - a bridge and I wasn't even riding) so I'll have a bash then.

 

[dave]

has it got bookmarks? they are same as Favourites.

 

[thehytheman]

sounds like ur running vista, well that part of ur problem already worst programe they ever releashed.

 

[panda1408]

Have you updated to Internet Explorer 9? I had this exact problem with a friend who uses Yahoo, IE would crash when you tried to open the inbox. Once I'd installed IE9 there was no problem.

 

[dombooth]

Chrome has bookmarks.

Dom

 

[The Beard]

OK chaps (and chapesses) thanks for your replies but I have some questions before I go on:

1: Google Chrome. I did have it installed and yes, it does have Bookmarks. However, although I've bookmarked FF how do I retrieve it? There doesn't appear to be a Favourites button as there is on normal Google and Yahoo. These I presume are a feature of IE.

2: Microsoft Security Essentials. I thought it was the same as Windows Defender but from what Dom is saying I presume that's not the case.

3: IE9. I realise I'm going to sound a bit dense here, but are IE9 and Chrome mutually incompatible? In other words is it a case of one or the other?

Thanks in advance all

 

[Venters]

On Chrome the 3 horizontal lines in the top right open a menu with bookmarks.

 

[dave]

3. you can have as many browsers as you like. i use Opera mostly and firefox some times but keep ie for fiatforums eper

 

[colin79666]

1: Google Chrome. I did have it installed and yes, it does have Bookmarks. However, although I've bookmarked FF how do I retrieve it? There doesn't appear to be a Favourites button as there is on normal Google and Yahoo. These I presume are a feature of IE.

In Chrome press CTRL + SHIFT + B. That will show the Bookmarks bar. The bookmarks in the bar will show (same as IE favourites bar) and the bookmarks in other folders will appear in the list which opens when you click on Other bookmarks at the right side. I'd recommend you take the tour here:
http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=155618

2: Microsoft Security Essentials. I thought it was the same as Windows Defender but from what Dom is saying I presume that's not the case.

Correct. Defender is just a basic spyware scanner. Microsoft Security Essentials is a full product, a complete replacement for Norton, McAfee or similar. You should run a full AV product so best to visit Microsoft and download and install Security Essential asap.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/products/security-essentials

3: IE9. I realise I'm going to sound a bit dense here, but are IE9 and Chrome mutually incompatible? In other words is it a case of one or the other?

You can have as many browsers as you like. Only one can be the default (the one that automatically launches if you click a link in an email or something) but it is fine to have IE and Chrome on your PC at the same time. In fact you can't really uninstall IE as it is so integrated into Windows.

 

[dombooth]

colin79666 has saved me some typing.

Dom

 

[The Beard]

Ok, so far I've downloaded the Norton removal thingamjig and got rid of that and I've installed the Microsoft Security Essentials whatsit, at least I think I've installed it but it doesn't appear in Programmes, however mseinstall is in Documents.

 

[dombooth]

Ok, so far I've downloaded the Norton removal thingamjig and got rid of that and I've installed the Microsoft Security Essentials whatsit, at least I think I've installed it but it doesn't appear in Programmes, however mseinstall is in Documents.

I'm guessing you're using Windows XP?

If so when you go into Start > All Programs it should be at the bottom IIRC.

Dom

 

[The Beard]

sounds like ur running vista, well that part of ur problem already worst programe they ever releashed.

Yup, Vista it is.....Home Premium no less (note tone of irony)

 

[colin79666]

Ok, so far I've downloaded the Norton removal thingamjig and got rid of that and I've installed the Microsoft Security Essentials whatsit, at least I think I've installed it but it doesn't appear in Programmes, however mseinstall is in Documents.

Did you double click on mseinstall and run through the installer?

 

[The Beard]

Did you double click on mseinstall and run through the installer?

Did I double click on mseinstall and run it through the wha? At least I'm using Chrome and the e-mails seem to working ok now so thanks for that. However, I must admit I'm not that keen on Chrome as, for instance, I clicked on link on one post on here, looked at it but afterwards the back button wasn't "lit" so I had to X out of it which, obviously, shut it down and I had to log back on. I also clicked on a link to Top Gear with the same result.

As for favourites, I prefer the old system of having a list down the left hand side as opposed to all over the screen.

Anyway, notwithstanding that, it's much better so thanks to all for your comments and advice. Now, I need the gutters clearing, a load of ivy cutting down and the hall stairs and landing need re-papering so if you'd like to form an orderley queue here and I'll.....hello? Hello?

Where's everybody gone?

Typical.