strange 'white box' error message/no modem

Hi Luckyfish- To select "personalize Windows Update" , just go to the Windows Update site- I have the link in my Start menu otherwise go to microsoft.com and look at the left side of the home page. Just select "personalize" and it will whisk you to a page which has choices as to what you what is presented to you, updatewise. The total number needed won't be quite so scary if you do this first. I would strongly recommend that you get at least the Critical Updates and do it in the previously posted manner of getting a few at a time. There are a lot of bad guys out there and you need to protect your computer from them. Good luck. Clydeo22

 

Luckyfish,

In order to keep current on your Security Updates, Register for the
Microsoft Security Notification Service.
You will then be notified by email each time there is a Windows security vulnerability.

Ramona

 

Hi Luckyfish,
Hope things still going well. I could not add more than clydeo22. It is important to get those Critical Updates. When I refered to an Internet Explorer update, you wont need it if you have an updated Netscape, just click remove or cancel if it trys to download the IE "update" (look for references to Internet Explorer in the list of updates).

You seem worried about trying these things. Maybe you should try asking a computer knowledgable friend or "friend of a friend" to help (offer them a meal or something in exchange, my favourite is a case of beer ). Show them this thread, if you like.

In case you may not realise, in the future your Windows will eventually become too clogged with old material, slow down and may not work. It will need to be reinstalled. Do your backups of anything you really need to save. Harddrives can fail when you least expect it. Always be ready for those.

Matt

 

Hi, clydeo22, Ramona and Mattman:
Mattman...I think you have the best idea, however, I think the 'case of beer' is what got me into trouble in the first place...with a 'friend' who knew a lot about computers! Ramona..I took your advice and registered for the Windows Updates e-mails. I tried to download the newest update...and couldn't. Netscape 'didn't recognize' the ocet-type stream.....? You may recall my post on another board in which I asked if I could delete my current file types in folder options, and allow netscape to 'find' the correct path or option to open with. This is why I was asking. BTW, my system is very slow (say 'friends') and I know I have a lot of 'garbage' on it that I need to 'clean up'. I can't reinstall Windows, because I don't have the disk....lost it in a move. Guess I'll have to post on another forum (new thread) to figure out this ocet-stream stuff. Windows Update is not on my Start Menu any more---hasn't been for a long time...guess that was another 'friend' who removed that! You three have been very helpful, and I truly appreciate your help! Now, I think I'll go look for a 'friend'. Hopefully won't be as difficult as this computer stuff! BTW--didn't really have this many problems until I went from Mozilla, back to Netscape 7.1. Don't know if that played a part or not??
Thanx again!
LuckyFish

 

Thank you for the feedback Luckyfish,

I personally would try find another Windows disk and do a reinstall. Patching up a questionable system may only bring you more troubles.
I trust everyone here will correct me, but you should be able to buy a second hand Windows 98SE disk, as long as it comes with the book with the Product Key (license). Ask on the Windows 98 forum if and where you could get one. Backup...reinstall...fresh new system. A lot easier than one error message after another and a computer that runs like a snail.

Something you might consider.

Matt

 

Thanx Mattman! Guess that's my next step...I tend to agree with you...just trying to save a buck. Thanx again for all of your help...I know helping me has had to be exhausting! I really do appreciate everything. Fair warning...be prepared to hear back from me when I start the reinstall!
LuckyFish