Yes, definitely buy new. Dabs is probably a better bet, http://www.dabs.com. Also check the cost of the tapes.

Any ideas where I go next on this internet connection problem;

Im trying to connect via a laptop, I dial up and connect to the ISP without any trouble but dont seem to get any data flow after an initial 500 to 600 bytes.

So far Ive tried;
two modems (one int, one ext)
several ISPs
several phone lines (including the one I normally connect on)
two different modem to phone connecting cables

Any further suggestions welcomed

thanks

Neil

robber - sounds like you've covered everything other than the software running on the PC itself. Try uninstalling all networking components (TCP/IP etc), rebooting and reinstalling. Check all operating system service packs/patches/modem drivers are up to date (just go to www.windowsupdate.com if using a recent version of Windows, and the modem manufacturer's website).

Hi troll, thanks for that, pretty sure that SPs and drivers are up to date. The problem with removing networking components is that I want to run the laptop using ICS via my home network most of the time but use dialup access when Im away from home. Will have a play around anyway as youve given me a few ideas

thanks

Neil

troll, nice one, I cleared out a few of the redundant networking components but left both the networking and dialup protocols that I presently use. Result; faultless access via either dialup or ICS.

thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

cheers

Neil

Norton Utilities tells me i have a missing Programme File.

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\MAPISRVR.EXE Cannot accsess a necessary file GAPI32 DLL

Any idea what this is and where i can restore it from.Norton gives the severity of this problem as Medium.
Iain

iain, if you search the web there are plenty of references to gapi32.dll being missing. You can download it from here if you need it but I would try to understand why it's missing first. You are likely to have installed or configured some application as a mail client.

the troll has it right, it is software. Are you using Win98 by any chance ?
Nice site for DLL'S k!

I've just received AOL vers 8 - anybody been brave enough to upgrade yet?

skinny - Put the disc in the bin and go and lie in a quiet room until the urge passes.

:-)

anyone got any bright ideas for 'dealing with' surfcontrol :-(((

Neil

the troll - exactly my thoughts/action :-) - but you've got to ask!

Interesting one. Some how today an application called "Fuck off haha" has installed itself on my desktop, start-up menu and in a windows directory. I think it came in via email and might be someone trying to be funny. Didn't want to open it just in case and have scanned attachments but nothing. It also got by my firewall.

Now it may have started out as a prank but I can't delete the file from the windows directory and just gives me a message "Cannot delete Fuck off haha". It also reinstalls itself whenever I reboot.

Anyone any ideas?

Mr E: to delete the file try right-clicking on it, click on Properties, and untick all the boxes under "attributes". Then try to delete again. If it reinstalls itself on reboot you will need to edit the registry.

I've looked in the Virus information and there is no information about it which might mean it is a new virus. It's unlikely to be someone trying to be funny.

Hi K, Yes tried that and all I get on delete is "Cannot delete Fuck off haha: access is denied

Make sure the disk is not full or write protected and that the file is not in use.

This is becoming annoying.

OK that means the file is in use. Go into task manager and end the task if it has an obvious name, otherwise list the names of all the tasks here and we may be able to help...

Thanks Kayak, yes it named under a running process and deleted after that. I still don't understand how it got through a firewall and norton. Once again thanks and you still haven't given me your username :-) A couple of guys picked up that table and chairs this evening, paid cash and the notes looked ok :-)

Mr E: Kayak1960, and before you tease me about the fitness videos they are not mine :-)

Kayak, I never realised you were so busy :-) Is it worth the effort?

Mr E, I rattle them off quite quickly now so it doesn't take much time, although I agree I won't get rich. I see it more as a psychologically fulfilling way of getting rid of the junk that is lying around the house in the hope that one day it will get used. Before it used to just pile up because I would never throw away something that was still good to use. Now I try to sell it on ebay and fail, and then I throw it away, lol ;-)