Optimist - thanks for your help. All is now running smoothly so I'm not going to make any adjustments. I have no idea whatsoever if I am running DHCP - I certainly haven't asked it to but with windows you never know.

I'm going to print out your post and put it in a safe place.

I hope i'll never need it but i'm buying another computer soon so we'll see what happens then

Many thanks DP, I'll give it whirl later.

Looking at my add/remove programmes menu I see I have umpteen Java runtime updates each at 140 or so mb. Can I remove the old ones safely please?

Kernow

Yes unless you are using any old stuff that requires them. Make a note of the last used dates for eachversion.

Optimist,
Thanks. Only used by MAM stockwatch I think. Now deleted all the version 5 stuff and leaving v6 as this seems to be current.
This thread really is great - so many helpful people :-)

kernow
Was only thinking the other day - wouldn't it be a great idea to run a section in Shares Mag - as a posthumous tribute to Dave (croc) - which publishes extracts of problems posed and solved by BB'ers with PC problems whilst trading/investing in shares. Others could email/post their problems in the same section - back of the mag somewhere - Raeder's PC problems solved :)

What about it Mike ??

From The Times August 23, 2007

Laptop user arrested for illegal log-on to house wi-fi
A man who was seen using his laptop in the street has been arrested on suspicion of illegally logging on to a wireless (Wi-Fi) broadband connection.

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2310670.ece

Some interesting inferences and revelations from

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Boy-Caught-Watching-Porn-By-His-Girlfriend-63609.shtml

What I'm alluding to particularly, is this Link

Bolshi - 24 Aug 2007 08:30 - 6044 of 6045
From The Times August 23, 2007

Laptop user arrested for illegal log-on to house wi-fi
A man who was seen using his laptop in the street has been arrested on suspicion of illegally logging on to a wireless (Wi-Fi) broadband connection.

------

Oh dear. I watched the football results come up on a TV in Dixons window yesterday. Should I turn myself in?

My wifes computer is giving me a big headache

Initially there was vertcal lines appearing over screen, just after she had downloaded something from google. I rolled back to a prior restore position and still had lines. Eventually replaced graphics card and now that problem has cleared.

However everything on desktop has disappeared. There are no icons , toolbars , only the windows ascent wallpaper.

By bringing up windows task manager I can access IE, OE and programs, but I cannot get control panel or restore desktop icons in any way.

I have gone into safe mode and still cannot restore to an earlier date. The system is XP home

Any suggestions

Regards

Bob

What did she download Bob - was it an executable file (ending in .exe) or was it just a video or similar. The question I'm asking really is "is this a software or hardware problem?"

Thanx SC

It was a new google toolbar I think.

I am sure I have a software problem, which was masked by the faulty graphics card.

I cant even restore system at all now. The problem was probably caused by myself or Anne, when we were trying to clear lines problem, which is now ok.

Bob

Hi Bob

There are a myriad of solutions on this page:

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/forum/windows-xp/8320-blank-desktop-no-desktop-after-log.html

Well, possible solutions :-(

Good luck - I had the probelm once and had to rebuild my system :-(

Bob, if it's software then I think my guess is as good as yours :-( Brian's advice above is probably the only hope.

Bob,

If it is explorere.exe that's corrupt can you copy one over from a working system?
I'm not sure whether that's possible though?

brianboru and SC

Thanks for assistance, will give that web site a try

Regards

Bob

anyone heard when SP1 for Vista is to be released?

Early next year. The beta will be availible within weeks.

No new features will be included in it.

Optimist , thanks

If you travel around and use inter-net caf to download your emails and surf the Internet, or even share a PC at work, the security implications of leaving your user-name and password or even your bank details on a PC that doesnt belong to you, must have crossed your mind.

Now you can carry your computer programs along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more with you. Use them on any Windows computer. All without leaving any personal data behind.

PortableApps provides a truly open platform that installs on any hard-ware you like (USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive, etc). The Portable Apps Suite is free. It contains no spyware. There are no advertisements. It isn't a limited or trial version. There is no additional hardware or software to buy. You don't even have to give out your email address. It's 100% free to use, free to copy and free to share.

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Once installed, inserting the pen disk will display the menu, check your emails surf the inter-net or write a letter and save it in the document folder on the disc and when you unplug the pen disk; no trace of your visit will be left behind. There are lots of additional programs to download such music players etc.

Check out http://portableapps.com/

What is a portable app?

portable - carried or moved with ease
app - a computer program like a web browser or word processor

A portable app is a computer program that you can carry around with you on a portable device and use on any Windows computer. When your USB flash drive, portable hard drive, iPod or other portable device is plugged in, you have access to your software and personal data just as you would on your own PC. And when you unplug the device, none of your personal data is left behind.