problem with my 'web browser'...I think..

[pbm]

I enjoy surfing the net and sending/receiving e-mails but that's about the extent of my computer use. I don't do any gaming etc...

I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge regarding computers but here's my question.

I purchased a new desktop (HP p7 1110) about 18 months ago and have had a problem since the beginning. When I try to open certain web-pages I get an
"internet has stopped working" message. This happens on known safe sites (virtually all major oil companies PDS, my children's school sports schedule, GM, Ford etc...).
I sent the computer back to HP (because the initial warranty from Staples had expired before I realized how bad the problem was). HP returned it without fixing the problem and I was stuck with it.
About a month ago I was buying a new laptop for my daughter in college when I mentioned this to the 'techie' at Staples. (I was telling him that I would rather not buy an HP because of my prior bad experience). He told me that it sounded like a problem with my 'browser'and that I should download Google Chrome or another such browser...

Well, I took his advice and all of the sites that won't open using Microsoft Explorer open fine using Google Chrome. I thought I had a defective computer when in reality I have a defective copy of Microsoft Explorer.

Do you think that Microsoft would cover this since it's been defective since new?
Would they send me a new copy or how would it be fixed?

 

[Nick R]

Not a chance microsoft will fix it. The only real option you have is to reinstall windows and that will probably fix it. Internet Explorer is an integral part of windows. It's not that it's "defective" it's that it's corrupt. You need to reinstall windows to fix it more than likely. Or you can try installing one of the newer versions of IE.


TBH I'd just say continue using google chrome. It's faster, easier, and more secure than IE anyway.

 

[Rand]

try installing internet explorer 10 that just came out.

if that doesnt fix it.. probably need a fresh install of windows.

you could also try to reset the IE options


open IE
Tools menu

internet options

advanced tab

hit the reset button.

 

[SLCraig]

I would just use Chrome.
I could not tell you the last time I used IE for any reason on my home PC, which is where I am now. I use Chrome exclusively.

If you have Windows 7 you could try running Windows update and getting 10 installed, but IE10 won't run on XP or Vista.

 

[Rand]

he bought the computer 1.5 years ago.. im assuming it has w7

I dont use IE much but sometimes certain sites just work better.

 

[Roob]

Aren't computers great?
It's actually a pretty common problem. IE can get corrupt and cause a number of instability issues.
On the following link you can find automatic fixes and user fixes all with detailed simple instructions direct from Microsoft.
Try this if a new install of the newest up to date version of IE doesn't fix the issue.
Lastly, make sure your computer is up to date with Microsoft updates as many fixes for issues are included in the updates.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318378

Cheers,

 

[Barkleymut]

just keep on using Chrome......no other action needed.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: Rand
he bought the computer 1.5 years ago.. im assuming it has w7

I dont use IE much but sometimes certain sites just work better.


When you start the PC and the Windows loading screen shows, you'll know which OS you have. XP says XP, Vista says Vista, and Windows 7 just says "Starting Windows" with no mention of "7"

 

[pbm]

Thanks Guys...I do have Windows 7 and I'm going to try your advice (every body who responded) until something works.

I'll use Chrome when necessary but the print is smaller and I don't see so well anymore...

 

[SHOZ]

Firefox is another option. I use IE only on sites that require it to run.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Thanks Guys...I do have Windows 7 and I'm going to try your advice (every body who responded) until something works.

I'll use Chrome when necessary but the print is smaller and I don't see so well anymore...

Go to the 'Customize and Control Google Chrome' button (aka the 'hot dog button') in the top right corner, then Settings, then Show advanced settings..., then change the page zoom field under the Web content header.

Or just use ctrl and the + and - keys. Easy.

 

[bar1]

Press Ctrl and + once magnify 110%, twice 125%....
Ctrl and 0 back to 100%

 

[javacontour]

As I found yesterday, it could be settings in your account.

If you know how, create another account and see if that account experiences the same issues.

If so, then yes, the software is suspect. If not, then it's an issue with that user's configuration.

Just went through a similar issue with my wife's account on our shared Windows7 computer and it was resolved by backing up her data, deleting her account and creating a new account for her, then restoring her data files.

No need to restore everything, just documents, pictures, iTunes stuff, etc.

I suspect you may be using an account with Admin rights for day to day work. This would be a great opportunity to make a Regular User account and start using that account for your day to day work.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Chrome is an excellent browser and is the one I use, but it's simply because I like the clean, simple user interface and that's it.

Don't believe anyone who says Chrome/Firefox/Opera/Safari or whatever is better/faster/more secure than Internet Explorer. They aren't. They all have their pros and cons, and the days of IE being an insecure pig are long gone. Use what you want and not because someone scared you into using something else. Everyone will have a different opinion.

 

[Jimmy9190]

I never have any problems at all opening web pages with Firefox. I like all of the handy and useful add-ons and extensions in FF too. Can't say the same for either Chrome or IE. I had trouble with both of those before I switched over to FF.

 

[pbm]

Originally Posted By: Rand
try installing internet explorer 10 that just came out.

if that doesnt fix it.. probably need a fresh install of windows.

you could also try to reset the IE options


open IE
Tools menu

internet options

advanced tab

hit the reset button.



Rand:
I tried your 'reset' suggestion first and it seems to have worked. I was able to get into several sites that I previously couldn't access....THANK YOU VERY MUCH...

It's hard to believe that HP tech people couldn't figure this out during several phone conversations since I described the problem to them the same way I described it in my inital post here...

Once again the BITOG brotherhood comes through...

 

[Rand]

I may be dating myself but back in the day I worked for compusa doing on site installs and depot repairs.

I always had to call for authorization for repair parts...

The second level RESELLER SUPPORT PEOPLE AT Compaq(which is hp now)

conversation goes like this

me: Computer wont power on. Verfied Powersupply is good. Need a replacement Mainboard.

them: Did you try turning the computer off and on.

me: It wont turn on.

Them: did you try using the quick restore disc

me:it wont turn on

them: What is the computer doing

me: nothing it wont turn on.

them: please order power supply number xxxxxx

me: I already have a spare powersupply it wont turn on.
Please auth. New mainboard.

them: Please hold escalating your call..


5min later.. start over same conversation as they read out of their scripted book.


true story.. and thats not even end user support which was worse.

 

[Barkleymut]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Thanks Guys...I do have Windows 7 and I'm going to try your advice (every body who responded) until something works.

I'll use Chrome when necessary but the print is smaller and I don't see so well anymore...


On Chrome go over to the right top of the page. Just under the red X is a star and 3 bars. Click on the 3 bars. Where it says zoom just click on the + sign until the text is how you want it.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: Rand
I may be dating myself but back in the day I worked for compusa doing on site installs and depot repairs.

I always had to call for authorization for repair parts...

The second level RESELLER SUPPORT PEOPLE AT Compaq(which is hp now)

conversation goes like this

me: Computer wont power on. Verfied Powersupply is good. Need a replacement Mainboard.

them: Did you try turning the computer off and on.

me: It wont turn on.

Them: did you try using the quick restore disc

me:it wont turn on

them: What is the computer doing

me: nothing it wont turn on.

them: please order power supply number xxxxxx

me: I already have a spare powersupply it wont turn on.
Please auth. New mainboard.

them: Please hold escalating your call..


5min later.. start over same conversation as they read out of their scripted book.


true story.. and thats not even end user support which was worse.


We have a local manufacturer here - Seneca Data. They make Nexlink Computers. I do not have a high opinion of Nexlink Computers, but their support department was great!

They used the cheapest possible power supplies, and at least 5 times a week, we'd get someone calling that their computer wasn't working. 99% of the time, the power supply popped. The computers had 3 year warranties, too.

If you told them the power supply was bad, they'd get you a replacement power supply. If you told them the power supply took out the mainboard and hard drive (which was common), they'd give you a power supply, main board and hard drive to repalce.