Computer Problems

thcri · Jan 1, 2005

We have a LAN at our house with three computers all running windows XP. About a month ago one of the three computers stopped allowing my kids to go to www.hotmail.com. Along with this the MSN messenger stopped working. When they try to log into messenger it tells them they don't have an account. When trying to get to hotmail IE says the page can't be displayed. If they use the other two computers in the house everything works ok. I have looked at all settings that I can think of and everything checks out OK and just alike the other two computers. This particular computer has worked for a year with no troubles until about a month or so ago. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can check. Our virus program is up to date and no virus's.

I have to get my kids off of my computer and back on their own.

murph

RoyJackson · Jan 1, 2005

Does it let them access the hotmail site...or just not allow logging in?

If the site itself cannot be accessed, look at any firewall (including the one XP has built in) to see if the site may have blocked there.

If it's a matter of logging in, I suspect you may have blocked cookies somehow.

If you haven't added any programs or updates since this problem started, you could do a system restore. Just be aware that any other changes made in the interim when you restore to an earlier point will be undone.

Gatorboy · Jan 1, 2005

Our virus program is up to date and no virus's 

How about your adware program (e.g. Ad-aware, Spybot)?

MossRoad · Jan 1, 2005

Who cares about hotmail... can it still access TBN!? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

But seriously, is it just the hotmail site or all sites?

thcri · Jan 1, 2005

( Who cares about hotmail... can it still access TBN!? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

But seriously, is it just the hotmail site or all sites? )

It can access TBN, but the problem is now they are using my computer to use instant messenger and now I can't access TBN.

thcri · Jan 1, 2005

Here is all the information I can give you.

Windows XP with Service Pak 2
Two users on the machine and problem exist with both users.
I have turned the Windows Firewall off even though it had MSN as an exception.
Computer can go to any site including www.msn.com.
It can go to hotmail site but won't let them get their e-mail, says there is no such user.
They can't log into Instant Messenger which has been uninstalled and re-installed twice as it says can't find page.
Spy-bot has been ran twice including updates before running each time.
Both users have had all cookies, temporary internet files and the temp directory cleared out.

Still can't find problem. I have been working on fixing this for about a month now and the problem may have come up when the service pak 2 installed. Just not sure. But I do need my computer back and the only way I will get it back with two daughters is to get theirs running again.

murph

ps. and I know Dell has some pretty good specials on right now and that may be my best bet.

RoyJackson · Jan 1, 2005

"It can go to hotmail site but won't let them get their e-mail, says there is no such user. "

Now that sounds like Hotmail's database may have dropped them...in other words, the problem is with Hotmail/MSN, not your computer. Perhaps they let their accounts inactive for more then 30 days. I think Hotmail deactivates accounts not used for 30 days.

So, suggest they try to create new hotmail accounts using the username and password they have for their inaccessible accounts. If this works, they'll probably lose any old e-mail from their original account.

thcri · Jan 1, 2005

both of their hotmail accounts and messenger accounts worked on other computers. They can instant message and get their mail from my computer.

The accounts are active and good.

murph

rsislo · Jan 2, 2005

Sounds like you do not have a network / firewall issue from what you have told us. Here is some thing to try.

Install Firefox (I Know Firefox will work with hotmail) on their computer then have then have them try and log into their hotmail accounts via Firefox. Firefox should get you around any cached issue with in IE. Try it and let us know what happens.

Question is their computer a Desktop PC or a Laptop? I know it is a long shot. But the reason I ask is you have no idea how many times we have fixed login problems with Laptops. Due to the “Num Lock” key being on when they type in a password.

2nd Question do they have their own separate accounts / user profiles on the computer? If they do log in as a local administrator and rename (don’t delete) one of their user profiles. Then have that one log in and build a new user ID / account and see if they can log into hotmail.

Just some quick thoughts.

Roger

thcri · Jan 2, 2005

The computer is a Desktop. My girls each their own account. Both accounts will not let them log into MSN or get their hotmail account. I have not installed Firefox on their computer because I had so much trouble with it on my computer and did not want to mess up theirs anymore than it is. But even if I did install Firefox that could solve their problem when trying to get their email but would not help when trying to log into MSN Messenger? As far as a Cap Lock key being on, both of them had "Login Automactically" where the password was kept in the computer. They have unchecked that and tried manually logging in but it still does not work.

murph