Is This Goodbye?

1. 86

   DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years ago

   I hope I am not bidding farewell...
   
   But...my computer has been seriously acting up, crashing, refusing to boot up in the first place, until after half a dozen tries....
   My husband (who used to work in the computer hardware field doing hardware/software configuration) thinks it could be either my ethernet card (built into the motherboard, in this case) or a problem with some other function of the motherboard (I don't understand enough to explain what he said).
   
   In any case, my computer may be on its last legs, and I don't have any funds for a new one....not even enough for a tablet type.  I don't have any other way to get on-line.
   
   So, I will keep coming back as long as I am able, but if one day, I disappear, and don't post in the forums or reply to anyone's comments on my hubs--you'll know why, and that I'm not just ignoring people.

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      jansharesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, DzyMsLizzy, I do hope it works out. You are a delightful fixture here in the forums.

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   2. 80

      kenneth averyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dear DzyMzLzzy
      That is so sad, but have you tried to look for some reconditioned computers? Do not throw in the toiwel. Before I met Hubs, I had this old Compaq with Millennium XP software. Needless to say that it was full of things . . .and I kept deleting and refreshing so much that one day it simply died. I couldn't get it booted up at all, but my whiz-kid grandson took a look at it and got it to running good enough for his games. That was when he was six.
      I was so embarrassed.
      But do NOT leave Hubs. I will miss you so much and I hate sadness.
      Love you.
      K.

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   3. 87

      Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know how it works in the US, but have you visited your local library lately?   Almost every library in Australia now has PC's which you can use to access the internet, either free of charge or for a very low cost. 
      
      What about internet cafes?

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      1. 80

         kenneth averyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         DzyMzLzzy,
         Marisa has a great idea. Try that and it is FREE.

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      2. 86

         DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I'll check the library.  As for "internet cafes" I don't think we have any here; mostly just coffee shops with free wi-fi...which require you to have your own laptop, tablet, or 'smart' phone, and I have none of those things

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            paradigmsearchposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            If it is not a hardware problem, and until such time as you can get a new one, it's too bad that a Hubber who has written a computer tune-up guide hub can't post a link to it here...

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         2. 64

            PhoenixVposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            If you did not know already, I have seen a refurbished desktop for as low as 89 bux at walmart. I saw you were short of funds, but those comps are pretty cheap. Its a little bit of a gamble but walmart is good about warranties on even the refurbished kinds. Mine is refurbished 150 bux 500 dual core.Its been fine. I was looking just now and they got some for 142 bux for a 160 gig and and 174 bux for a 750 gig. If you watch wally world online for a refurbished tower only, you might catch one around 99 bux even, although I did not see any in that range just now. Perhaps. if your funds become better itsa a thing to consider for the future maybe.
            
            edit: have you tried a complete restore yet?

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         3. 86

            Don Bobbittposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            DzMsLizzy-Try these options:
            1- go to Microsoft site and run their free MALWARE software package. It is a long shot, but???
            2- I know it is hard, but I recommend that you bsk up your personal stuff to DVD/CD ASAP. considering the imminent death of your PC.
            3- Watch Best Buy. You can get a NEW notebook there for under $300 with a large hard drive and Windows-8 already installed. And, if necessary, they do payments.
            Good Luck, and I hope to keep reading your stuff.
            DON

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            1. 86

               DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks, Don
               
                  I do have everything B/U on an external hard drive.
               I'll look at the Microsoft site for the malware package.  Thanks for that tip.

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   4. 74

      Barbara Kayposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I hope you find some way to stay online. If not you'll be missed.

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   5. 87

      Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Just a thought - you were complaining earlier about unwanted ads, which turned out to be something which had downloaded itself without permission.   I suspect you may have a lot of other stuff of that ilk lurking in your PC.  You may even have viruses or trojans.   I'd look into that first before you blame the hardware - my PC is about the same age and while its hard drive is about to give up, it's not crashing or refusing to boot.
      
      What antivirus software are you using?  Is it current and automatically updating?   What antimalware software are you using?  Ditto?
      
      And although paradigmsearch can't post a link to his own Hub, I can:
      
      http://paradigmsearch.hubpages.com/hub/ … Do-Tune-Up
      
      The only things I would add to that excellent guide:
      1.  If you're going to visit "Add or Remove Programs", don't uninstall anything just because you don't know what it's for.  It may be an important program that you need for something you don't understand!  If you don't recognise a program, always Google it before deciding whether to delete it.
      
      2.  There are free programs for antivirus, antimalware, registry cleaning, etc etc.  If you don't know where to find them, ask here and someone will point you in the right direction.

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         paradigmsearchposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         I've missed you, Blue Eyes.

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      2. 86

         DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, I'm familiar with the add/remove programs utility, and I know just enough about computers to know this:  If you don't understand it or know what it is or does, don't F** with it! 

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      3. 93

         Suzanne Dayposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         The best ones for virus removal etc are Malwarebytes, Avira and Microsoft Essentials. Use Eusing Registry Cleaner to clean up the computer after running virusware. Then install Outpost Firewall with Microsoft Essentials to prevent future issues. All of this stuff is free and your hubby should know how to use it. I have found Outpost to be a godsend in avoiding viruses, highly recommend.

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   6. 75

      Ann1Az2posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Oh my, I hate computer problems! I hope you are able to work it out.

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   7. 60

      Nabil Ansariposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hey, just change the motherboard and all should be fine. A motherboard costs much lesser than a tablet PC. I hope this helps, because we can't afford to lose such a valuable member.

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   8. 61

      Tiffanyaprilposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Hello,
      
      I am sorry to hear.  I hope things work out for you. God Bless
      “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
      ― Bil Keane

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   9. 71

      Matthew Meyerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry to hear about your computer issues.
      If it is indeed the ethernet interface on your motherboard and not a bigger issue, you may be able to get around it with an inexpensive USB Ethernet adapter. I just did a quick search on Amazon and it looks like USB 2.0 Ethernet adapters can be purchased for less than $15.
      
      I have no personal experience with this model, but here is a product code for one on Amazon that looks like is supports XP. B00484IEJS

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      1. 86

         DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Matthew--I'll look into that..or rather, have hubby look into it.   He's the computer tech in this household.

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         1. 71

            Matthew Meyerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            Good luck!

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               paradigmsearchposted 9 years agoin reply to this

               I think I am warming up to Matthew...

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   10. 78

       Chinaimportposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       DzyMsLizzy,
       
       You may consider buying The Raspberry Pi, an inexpensive, tiny computer that’s about the size of a deck of cards. It can plug into TV and uses existing keyboard as Input device. It cost under USD 50 and uses Linux operating system which is free.   You can use free Linux office suite for word processing and spreadsheet or use google docs online that gives you plenty of space to save your documents online.
       
       I agree that raspberry Pi is popular with geeks. Assembly of Raspberry Pi is difficult task for people coming from non technical background but your husband who is familiar with hardware / software should be able to put it all together.

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2. 61

   The Examiner-1posted 9 years ago

   How long have you had the computer?

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   1. 86

      DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      About 5 years...

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3. 91

   Kathleen Odenthalposted 9 years ago

   I hope your computer finds a second wind until you can replace it! So sorry to hear!

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4. 73

   word55posted 9 years ago

   What kind of Windows version do you have? The Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft if you have that.

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   1. 86

      DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Sadly, yes, I have Win XP, and realize they are no longer supporting it with security patches, etc.
      
      However, it is worse than that.  Hubby says, "I would not have put it past that greedy SOB at Microsoft to have planted 'operation bombs' in the program to deliberately disable it after a certain date."
      
      They want to force you to spend money on a new OS.  But I can't afford to do that, either!  Those programs are expensive.  --yes, cheaper than a new computer, but still well outside my budget.
      
      And besides, isn't installing a new OS a forced re-format of your hard drive, therefore you lose everything???  (Another issue, because even though I have backups, the new versions won't read the old versions..much will be incompatible..so the backup doesn't do a lot of good, eh?)

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      1. 93

         Jayne Lancerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Years ago I updated a laptop from Windows 95 to Windows 98, then to Windows 98 SE and didn't lose any of my data. Perhaps you can find Windows 7 or 8 on eBay or Amazon for a reasonable price.

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         1. 86

            DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

            I just looked up their "assistant" to determine compatibility with Windows 8 for my PC.  It's compatible, but "not available for purchase online in your area".
            Pffft...and, so, it's also a PURCHASE and not a free download--another hit to the budget....

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5. 61

   The Examiner-1posted 9 years ago

   I have had mine for longer than that and it is a brand which I have never heard of before.

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6. 65

   ORION SERENDIPITYposted 9 years ago

   You can always go to the local public library to get online if the need is that urgent, Good luck.

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7. 92

   Millionaire Tipsposted 9 years ago

   I would also recommend the library. You can also check freecycle to see if anyone upgrading is willing to give up their old one, or check craigslist for a used one.

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8. 92

   FatFreddysCatposted 9 years ago

   I feel your pain. My computer died right before New Years', and I haven't had the time, the $$ or the patience to go looking for a new one. So obviously my Hub productivity has suffered.
   I can use my cell phone to log into HP to check my stats, participate in the forums/Q&A's, etc. but I can't compose any new Hubs on it. I've posted only three thus far year (using the PCs at the public library). It sucks but  I'm hoping to be back up and running sometime soon (come on, tax refund!)

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9. 73

   word55posted 9 years ago

   Well Dzy, Since April 8th I stopped using XP. It's easier for hackers to get confidential information now and send viruses. I suggest that you get a Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or a Macintosh computer. By a tower compatible to your printer within the same brand if you can. Your hard drive may not have enough power to take on the new product.

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      kenneth averyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Dzy,
      word55 is right. Read what you can have that much better and match the tower with the PC.
      And DO NOT leave HP.
      K.

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   2. 86

      DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      YEah..except for that minor detail about not being able to afford a replacement computer...

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10. 73

    word55posted 9 years ago

    Buy a tower...

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11. 73

    word55posted 9 years ago

    It's a good idea but she can't go to library after hours or save her work on public computers.

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    1. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Exactly, and I normally write in Word, and cut/paste to HP...can't do that at a public computer, nor can I save/bookmark references for articles.

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12. 59

    Fiction Tellerposted 9 years ago

    So sorry you're dealing with this.  Not sure if this will help, but...
    
    1) You don't need to pay for an operating system or basic software applications.  Ubuntu (Linux) or another Linux platform is a free operating system.  Linux-based platforms are open-source, easy to use, practically invulnerable to most viruses, and allow you to access a wide variety of software that's also open source, including an office suite, browsers, graphic design software, etc.
    
    2) If you weren't already aware (you probably were, but  just in case) the price of laptop and desktop computers has come way down as the new big-ticket market is in mobile computing.  There are small notebook computers for under $200.  Not super powerful, but still useful.
    
    I'm not assuming that option fits in everyone's budget or needs.  But I thought I should mention it because if it's been 5 years since you shopped for computers, you may not realize that they're not as expensive as they were.
    
    3) Lastly, please do everything you can to stay online...digital communications are the wave of the future, not just a trend, and pretty soon online access won't be a luxury, it will be infrastructure.  It's probably a good idea to be part of it.

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    1. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Fiction Teller
         I'll ask Hubby about those other free OS systems...he'd know more than I do, for sure...but I thought that those were high-end business-oriented applications for super computers (Cray and the like--and that's probably a dated brand...) .. and not for household general use for internet surfing and gaming.
       
       As far as the budget, yes, we've recently shopped out of curiosity, and on our budget, $200 might as well be 2K.   We're on a fixed income, and half of it goes to the mortgage payment.  The rest goes to utilities, food, medications, gas and insurance.  There is literally nothing left over to save up for anything.  I'll have to look around the house to see if there is anything I can sell to bring in some extra pocket change.

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       1. 71

          Matthew Meyerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          I have noticed Ronelfran has been writing some great Hubs about transitioning from XP to a free Linux-based OS. He does a good job of describing it for someone who is unfamiliar with Linux.
          ronelfran dot hubpages dot com

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             DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             Thanks for the pointer to that article, Matthew .  I'll check it out. 

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             paradigmsearchposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             You are right.
             
             http://hubpages.com/hub/Why-Lubuntu-Is- … Windows-XP
             
             Been there. Done that.

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13. 59

    Fiction Tellerposted 9 years ago

    Hi DzyMsLizzy,
    Not at all only for businesses - we've used Ubuntu at home for years and now have switched to a different Linux platform.  We love it.  So free of headaches.  Also, if you do find you have to wipe your computer but the hardware turns out to be sound, you can just load Ubuntu on it, get an office suite and whatever other utilities you want with the software center, and Bob's your uncle.  Best of luck - I hope something turns up.

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14. 92

    vocalcoachposted 9 years ago

    I have a small older laptop I can give you.  No bells and whistles but you will be able to write your hubs.  It's a Toshiba, and I rarely use it. It has a built in camera as well.  I'd be honored to donate it to the MsLizzy writers Association

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    1. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Oh, my goodness, that is a very generous offer.  I'm stunned and don't know what to say.  Well, I'm sure 'thank you' is certainly the first thing to say, but my goodness....I never imagined my computer-driven lament would result in the offer of a donation, nor was I fishing....   

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       1. 92

          vocalcoachposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          But, you'd be doing me a favor.  I hate to dust and my little laptop is just sitting here collecting the stuff. Besides, it deserves to be fed a diet of your magnificent hubs.  It's suffered with mine, long enough.
            Just say the word and I'll hop on over to the post office and it will be on it's way ~

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             DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             Dropped you an e-mail.

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    2. 84

       tsmogposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Hooray. and Nice! Easily shipped too with little weight. Great idea and as another hubber to hubber thank you for helping!

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       cheeluarvposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       To vocal coach,great  ''being good is commendable but only when it is combined with doing it is useful''.

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15. 0

    delleaposted 9 years ago

    Computers aren't that expensive... you can get great used computers at affordable prices through sites like http://amazon.com or http://computer-show.com

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    1. 80

       kenneth averyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       DzyMzLzy, listen to dellea and Grand Old Lady (who, by the way, is not old), they offer great solutions.

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    2. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I'm working on solutions of one sort or another.  However, "not expensive" is a relative term.  Some months (like this one) my living expenses are such that I'm lucky to have 10 bucks left in the checking account until next payday....
       

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16. 85

    grand old ladyposted 9 years ago

    Come to think of it, I also remember your complaint about those ads. I was having the same problem too, and thought I was the only one. Then I posted your shout out on FB and someone said I can fix it in my settings. You just have to go to your settings and essentially, restart your Chrome to the original one and all those horrible ads will be gone. That might help to fix your computer.
    
    Also, I don't know what state you live in, but in Seattle My sister uses the library computer for free when she goes there to visit relatives. Maybe you can do the same in your public library. At the same time, it will get you out of the house and you might enjoy a change of environment.
    
    I don't wanna miss you, so I hope you can continue writing hubs and forums.

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    1. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yes, and someone else I was talking to on FB said something about going back to the older version of Firefox, also, but I can't figure out how to do it.  It isn't available on any of the tabs, and I'm not techie-literate enough to try and mess with actual computer settings... like I said, I know enough to know that if I don't understand it, that I shouldn't mess with it. ;-)

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          Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          If that's the case, then you need to ask your husband to mess with it for you.
          
          I noted you acknowledged my advice about uninstalling programs but said nothing about the rest of my post - what antivirus, what antimalware, and all of paradigmsearch's great Hub.   
          
          Please, you need to make an effort to read that Hub and work out how to follow the advice in it.  If you don't, then even if you get vocalcoach's little laptop, you'll be back in the same situation again before you  know it.
          
          Your current PC is probably fine, it's just weighed down with tons of useless garbage filling up its memory, and possibly infected with all kinds of things if your antivirus/antimalware is out of date or not set properly.

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          1. 86

             DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             My apologies.  I did note the rest of your post, and I know we do have a 3-year subscription to Webroot for our anti-virus protection; it also has "real-time shield," Identity shield, and a firewall.
             We can't find if it has anti-adware, though, and anti-malware?? I would have thought that viruses and malware were pretty much the same thing; viruses=bad; malware-=bad ....a virus, IMO, is"mal"ware!
             
             I did read the hub, and it was way over my head. As much as it was carefully explained, he spoke about a lot of things that I have no idea what he's talking about.   I'll have to have hubby take a look see. 
             
             I'm going to look up the anti-malware that was suggested here by someone else...on the Microsoft site....although, I don't know if I can get it, because I did go there yesterday, to look for any help, and all I got was a message that said "support for XP has ended effective 4/8" (which I already knew.)

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          Marisa Wrightposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          One way is to uninstall the one you've got, then go to Firefox and install a new one

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             DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             Did that once already..

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17. 93

    Blond Logicposted 9 years ago

    As others have said, the library is a great place to start. Also there are swapping sites you could use. What can you swap with someone?
    Have a clear out and sell things on Ebay, before it goes completely. Use that to fund a new one.
    
    Alternatively, I don't know if you are a mother but Mother's Day is right around the corner.
    
    It sounds like the perfect gift for you.

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    1. 86

       DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       "...before it goes completely..."????  Is there talk of E-Bay shutting down?  I was just getting ready to see about going back there to unload some stuff, since they've gone to free listings for the first so many ....

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          Blond Logicposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          No, I meant before your laptop/computer packs up completely.
          I hope there is a solution for you.

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          1. 86

             DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

             Oh--my bad...I misunderstood... see what stress does to the brain? 

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18. 60

    Nabil Ansariposted 9 years ago

    Hey people. Can we do a fund raising for her? I'm serious about it. What do you say?

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       catgypsyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I was thinking thee same thing...if she has a PayPal account we could send money to? Anyone up for that? I know we all could probably donate only a little bit (everyone is having financial trouble these days!) but it might add up enough for another computer or at least help some.

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19. 60

    tirelesstravelerposted 9 years ago

    Library is a wonderful place to get ideas as well as to get on the internet.   Do hope you are successful.

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       sallybeaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I was just thinking that someone must have an old computer at home gathering which is gathering dust when I saw you had a very generous offer from a Hubpages member.  I am delighted for you DzyMsLizzy and special thanks to  vocalcoach from me too - it is people like you who make this world a much nicer place.
       Sally

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          DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you, sallybea.  I agree.  There are so many nice folks here--it helps restore my faith in humanity.

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20. 86

    DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years ago

    My goodness,
    Thank you all so very much for this outpouring of support and suggestions.
    I appreciate it so very much.  I never dreamed I had so many friends here.  I'm deeply touched.
    
    And vocalcoach, a hundred thanks again, and cyber-hugs for you.

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21. 73

    word55posted 9 years ago

    You can try alternatives. If the clean off does not work then you should have a recover disk (that came with computer new). You should save if you can, all the files (in word processor) that you have on the computer to CD or DVD disks, then run the XP recovery disk (like when it was new) then add utilities as Ms. Suzanne Day says. Protect your pc with the a virus protection and a reliable firewall .

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       kenneth averyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       DzyMzLzy  . . . all of us are for you and picking our brains to help you without you borrowing a fortune. There has to be a way for you to either clean the old PC and Save important doc's without buying a complete new PC, which has been said, is not that expensive. Walmart, where I live, had E-Machines, two Christmas seasons ago. They were ideal for what we do. 4 gig ram, 4 gig hard drive. All a buyer had to do was install what programs they wanted. I was tempted to buy one at $200.00, but went to another place and bought a Dell. Keep us posted.
       K.

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22. 63

    Lisa HWposted 9 years ago

    I've been "living off" a $15 USB Ethernet adapter since last August when lightning hit and damaged the card in my PC, as well as some other stuff associated with the "general-house" Internet connections.  It's been fine - no difference as far as I can see.  The only thing is that once in a while if the router or outside connection go down for some reason I may have to re-connect under some circumstances - and at first I didn't realize that.  Now I know to look if the power goes out or something goes on with the router.   My PC is Vista, but my laptop is XP; and I've used the adapter with the laptop when necessary.

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23. 83

    gmwilliamsposted 9 years ago

    Ms. Liz,have your husband look into the matter.  We DON'T want to lose YOU.  YOU are such an important part of HubPages!

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24. 59

    Fiction Tellerposted 9 years ago

    Just have to second the thank-you for pointing out RonElFran, Matthew.  I went to check out his hubs and - wow, he is seriously talented.  Very happy when HubPages attracts writers of that caliber....

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       Matthew Meyerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I totally agree. He really is a great writer!

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