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

Glenn9643 · Jan 2, 2005

At the current time some Hotmail customers may experience a problem accessing their account where a blank page is displayed instead of the inbox. This appears to be a display problem specific to Internet Explorer rather than a problem with Hotmail accounts themselves. If you are experiencing this problem, please complete the steps below to try to resolve the issue:
Apparently others have had similar problems.
Murph,

You might want to look here for possible help.

Others having questions here too.

A: Even though I can log into MSN messenger? I have updated IE, scripting, all security patches, MSN to 6.1, Router Firmware, disabled all firewalls, etc...

Try chnaging MTU size to 1492 from your router settings. All access to SSL sites (such as American Express, Hotmail, Etc.) will be restored. May be due to a change in the way your ISP handles packets. (from DSL Reports MSN FAQ)

thcri · Jan 2, 2005

Glenn,

Thanks for the links, however, still no luck. From the one page it looks like there is a lot of problems out there with hotmail and passport, which are two of the same. I even saw one link where Microsoft was telling a guy to change his volume to fix the trouble. I guess I will just have to give up my computer for my kids and I will use theirs during this time for TBN.

murph

frank_f15 · Jan 2, 2005

( Windows XP with Service Pak 2 )
how soon after u installed SP2 DID U HAVE THE PROBLEM?

computer_guy · Jan 2, 2005

It is time for a clean install...three steps;
backup
format
reinstall
DO NOT keep chasing this problem which was caused by a browser hijacker and/or virul spyware. I do this for a living and whenever a PC has AIM, and/or music share software (PP2), or some of the other channel software loaded by sites like gaming sites, the damage has been done. You may get it stable enough to boot but your internet speed and smoothness will never be the same until OS is reinstalled.
Do yourself a favor and learn the procedure of clean installation.
smooch

computer_guy · Jan 2, 2005

also....
Once you have ...
done a backup (docs, pics, MP3, ect), formatted and re-installed XP...
follow this general procedure;
1. install anti-virus program and make sure you update it before you do anything else!!!!
2. install systems drivers from system disk
3. then do a defrag - very important!!!!
4. then do windows update, manually, to SP2
5. defrag again
6. add third party software
7. use the Webroot Spyware Remover to fight spyware threats, it is the hands down best there is right now
http://www.webroot.com/
it is much more thorough than spybot S&D or Lavasoft AdAware
P.S. if you have never done a clean install, don't worry, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE BACKED UP YOUR DATA !!!
If you get stuck, feel free to email me at techsupport@idcomputers.com.

Moon · Jan 3, 2005

Great advice computer guy ... you look familiar, were you in a movie er something?

Moon of Ohio

thcri · Jan 3, 2005

As far as formatting it that is not a problem. With my business I own somewhere around thirty computers and it seems like once a month I am re-formatting one of them. I just hated to go through the process at home. But that is what I will do.

murph

imported_OWDouglas · Jan 4, 2005

I don't know if it's the same problem but I haven't been able to log onto hotmail using MS explorer for about 2 weeks now. It gets as far as entering my password then freezes. I also run OPERA as a browser and it works fine. I can also open hotmail on any other computer. Haven't solved the problem yet but I'll let you know

computer_guy · Jan 5, 2005

( Great advice computer guy ... you look familiar, were you in a movie er something?

Moon of Ohio )

Thanks for noticing. I was featured in a movie entitled;
"a face only a mortician could love"
Did you see it?
My promo pic is attached.