Require some help please folks,i started my main pc today that run wins xp pro and it boots up just and runs exactly as it should do but i cannot gain access to the internet,i have used FF and IE but i am getting a message some times 'CONTENT ENCODING ERROR' i can nstill use masn messenger so it does see the internet.I have deleted Zone Alarm and Avast anti virus but itb still does not see the net.

I am currently using a laptop on the net so non major problems in the ervice provider if its still like it tomorrow and i cannot work out what the problem is i will do a fresh install if need be,but the main thing i dont want to loose is all my favourite sites and i do have many of them so i will have to do a manual back up of these before i do a install but that is the last resort,so does anyone have any suggestion why it cannot see the internet but i can with msn messenger and also wht the strange message means.

I am finding that i can get onto a few websies without much trouble but it is only a few and this is frustrating that i cannot get on most of them,no settings have been altered so not sure what has happened.
Thanks

Might be worth trying to see if you can access the internet by using safe mode (F8) on boot up. This would only boot up the essential Windws applications and establish if you have other software which is corrupting your IE. Without knowing what you use to access the internet it's tricky to say what the corruption is. Loads of Google suggestions on how to correct the error for 'CONTENT ENCODING ERROR' but looks like it might be trial & error.

Mega, are you using an old version of FF? Like 3.0.1?

HC and DelBoy just ordered a brand new Dell pc with all the whistles and bell,so the other one has been retired to the great pc graveyard in the sky,thanks again for your help but i just could not be bothered with it anymore.

So will use my laptoptill the new one comes on monday

Two points - Can't see any advantage in using 2 anti-virus programs. One will do the job, two will only use extra resources and slow your machine down. Also when scrapping your old PC, either remove the hard drive for back up use or destroy it. No point in handing other people your private data.

well done harry ;))

HC,but i was not use 2 anti-virus programms 1 is a Firewall(zonealarm) and Avast which is a anti-virus prog both do differant jobs and yes i never sell old computer on i take them apart and the drive is broken up,a waste yes but its a secure way of disposing of it.

Sorry, MB, mis-read it. Thought you had put AVG & Avast.

Mega - I bet you cut old credit cards up into hundreds of pieces and dispose of the bits in different places. :-)

skinny,you aint wrong mate :0)

I'm about to retire my old but faithful PC and invest in another. I use it for emails, word processing, trading and storing pictures, so I don't need lots of bells and whistles. What should be the minimum spec and should I go for 32 or 64 bit? Answers in plain English would be appreciated.

Windows will be slightly better in 64 bit, however there is very little software that will be 64 bit, certainly almost nothing that the average user will have access to, but that is the trend long term.

TOK,

All I can add is that the introduction, from this forum, to Computer Doctors in Northampton, has suited me. They are a small unspectacular company staffed by good solid people.

http://www.computerdoctors.co.uk/

TP

I have loads of VHS tapes of hols etc and a tele with a video cassette player.
I bought the " gubbins" - a video grabber-to transfer the tapes to my laptop, a few wires and a USB connection, but realise that although the player has one scart and a red+white connector they only are for input to the video, and not an output, any suggestions?

Sequestor, how does your player connect to a tv?

EDIT: I think I get it - it's one of those built-in players...

Yeah its an old Grundig 14" with the player built in as you say klal, there is a blanked off space next to the scart, I wondered if behind that there might be an " out" scart- but having taken the back off an old tele years ago and getting a shock even though it was unplugged- I hesitate to look- apparently the capacitators store power ( so google says) .
I still grin at a bloke who after I got the shock said it was impossible and I must have had the tele plugged in, he did the same trick, but the smile was knocked off his face as he was tossed across the room- there`s always one.

cheers

Sequestor, without a "tv out" you're probably stuck. You're probably gonna have to buy a separate VCR. I have loads of tapes awaiting conversion. Though I have an excellent Sony VCR, the audio bit isn't all that good - thanks to my kids. On the hunt for a replacement. Seen some Panasonic ones with a built-in DVD recorder...

Just for data transfer surely worth getting another VCR from second hand shop or charity shop? They are almost giving them away now (most of my friends have just junked theirs even if they were still working). Can't see any point in buying a new one, though not seen many about now that DVD's are the norm. All the VCR has to do is play the tape cleanly. Quality control can be done on the laptop.

There a quite a few on Amazon for @40.

Lidl were doing a video to PC (scart to USB) adaptor & software for about 20 this week. No idea if it's any good.