Resolved setting up new Toshiba ultrabook U940

My stepmother just won a Toshiba ultrabook U940, and wants to experiment with it offline (her internet is through Time Warner Cable, and I am incapable of telling her how to hook up the laptop to the internet). Problem is: she is in NYC, I am in northwestern Ontario. Problem #2: her English isn't very good, so communication is tricky.

At any rate, I was hoping to help her get her new laptop up and running so that she could at least play games on it or something. When she turned it on, it first asked her to register - she clicked on Next (since with no internet, she couldn't register anyway); then she was asked to enter a name for her computer (which she did). The next screen tells her to select a wireless network to access - there is no "next" button, Esc doesn't get her out of the screen, Ctrl Alt Del does nothing. I can't figure out how to get her past this screen! Out of desperation, I suggested she simply hold the power button until the computer turned off, wait a minute, and then turn it on again. The computer apparently started up at the exact same wireless network screen again (i.e., Windows didn't start anew). I'm pretty sure the laptop must be running Win 8, with which I have no experience - maybe this is at the root of the difficulties for me?

Has anyone here had any experience with setting up a Toshiba ultrabook, &/or does anyone have any suggestions as to how we can get beyond that wireless access screen?
Thanks!

 

Due to your Mother in laws English not being so good, I would encourage her to ring her provider (Time Warner Cable) and take advice from them as to what modem/router she may have. They should configure the router for her if she has one. I guess she is a French speaker so they would provide a French speaking technician surely.

My other suggestions which would be less stressful for her is to visit a family run computer store near to where she lives and ask them to quote to connect the Toshiba to the internet and to check that the operating system is pre-installed, activated and registered.

A further suggestion is, has she a computer minded friend that could come to her home and assist her.

Let us know how you go,

kind regards,

 

Sadly (for my stepmother), her mother tongue is Japanese, and most people can't understand her English because it's so heavily accented. My plan was for *me* to call Time Warner down the road, to try to get her ultrabook connected to the internet, but I was hoping to be able to get her started with her computer offline initially.

A family-run computer store would be perfect, but does any such thing exist in New York City? According to her, *I* am her computer-minded friend, but I won't be down there again until September (and if it's Windows 8, I don't know that I'll be of any use, either)!

I'll see if I can find anyone in New York who knows of a family-run computer store - that really DOES sound like the best idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

I understand you completely Rebecca - here in OZ there are many family friendly computer stores who would assist - but that does not help your family in New York and I certainly have no contacts there.

If your Mother in Law is a Senior, then there should be Senior Groups that could help her - does she attend any clubs, groups, or such where she could ask for assistance.

Computer assistance for Seniors in New York. Perhaps you could google for a link that would suit her interests and come up with help for her.

Another suggestion would be LogMeIn but that maybe beyond your Mother in Law at her end.

Keep us posted on your progress as others may come up with their ideas also.

kind regards,

 

Thanks for the reply, Tallin! I currently have LogMeIn installed on my stepmother's WinXP computer, and that is certainly one of my ultimate goals with her Toshiba - but we obviously have to get the Toshiba up and running first.
Following your suggestion, I googled Computer assistance for Seniors in NY, and while I didn't find anything specifically for Seniors, I *did* find a computer repair/help store with lots of positive reviews, so I'm going to try to convince my stepmother to take her ultrabook there. I will either call the place myself or send an email for my stepmother to print out, to let them know what it is she needs to have done (get the Toshiba registered, running, ready for wireless access, and maybe even have them install LogMeIn!). I'll post back as soon as I can convince her this is the best way to go!

Thanks again!

 

My pleasure Rebecca, you seem to be on the right track now to assist your stepmother. That is a good idea to email her the details of what she is in need of. Another thought would be for you to email the shop itself so they can give a quote before work done. This way they know you are keeping a watch on all proceedings.

Make sure they download and install all Microsoft updates too.

best regards,

TallinŤ
Learning each day​