computer problem

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:15 am

Hello all,

Have a computer problem that I thought someone could help me with. I've lost the ability to "copy and paste." Anyone know what I'm doing wrong.....cookies are on medium and I'm allowing pop ups....

BTW...thank you Chezzie and Spot for your advice on purchasing a laptop. Dell did not have the 1501 inspiron, so I went with the 1525 imspiron with lots of bells and whistles. It should arrive this week and a have a Dell teck guy hooking it up for me. Can't wait......I'm so excited....my first laptop:-6

Post by **spot** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:19 am

You mean the "copy" on the pull-down menu is faded out so you can't click on it? I've seen that happen, it goes back to clickable if I press the Reload Current Page icon.

If that's not it, what program are you in and what are you trying to do to copy and paste?

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:29 am

Thanks Spot,

Last night I was trying to copy and paste pictures from photobucket and a youtube song on FG and it wouldn't copy/paste. So, I made sure that all of my updates were loaded and now I sometimes have copy and paste from photobucket, but I can't copy the song from youtube.

Wondering why that's happening....I've never had a problem with posting youtube songs....just clicked on address and downloaded it into FG.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:45 am

Thanks Spot...it finally worked for the youtube....I copy/pasted using the right clicker of the mouse.

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:52 am

i use right click more than the tool bar tbh.

hope you like your new lappie, the 1525 comes in diff colours too:-6:-4

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:00 am

Thanks Chez....I'm so happy the copy/paste is working.

I just went with the black...thought it wouldn't show scratches....I'm stupid that way:wah:

Post by **spot** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:02 am

Clicking on a bit of text might or might not select it, that depends on the program you're using. It can be set up to happen just with a click but the default Windows action doesn't make a click enable text copying.

Experiment a bit, what the underlying bit's called is Select. Text has to be selected before it can be copied. That bit of youtube or photobucket pre-selects text so you don't need to select it yourself, maybe that bit occasionally breaks and you don't understand the Windows functionality.

Point at this line of text with your mouse cursor and double-left-click. That selected a word, the word highlighted. Right-click now allows you to copy the word.

Point at the line of text again and triple-left-click. That selected the whole line, the line highlighted. Right-click now allows you to copy the line.

Put the mouse cursor at the start of a bit of text, hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse to highlight a lot of words. Then let go of the left mouse button, you've left a lot of words highlighted. They're now selected for copy.

Press Control-A and see what happens. It ought to highlight the entire screen, that's called Select All.

Is this stuff you knew or is it relevant?

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:15 am

No, I only knew some of that....I just copied/pasted:-6 your post onto Word...yeehaaaa.

Thanks so much Spot:-6

Nomad · Post by **Nomad** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:34 am

Are you going to get a mouse for the laptop ?

Ive always found it aggravating manipulating that little pad.

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 10:59 am

Nomad;788050 wrote: Are you going to get a mouse for the laptop ?

Ive always found it aggravating manipulating that little pad.

I agree Nommie, I got a microsoft laptop mouse, cost a small fortune but its an excellent specimen:wah:

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:28 pm

Hi Nomad and Chez,

I did buy a wireless mouse for my new laptop, but nothing is installed yet. I have a service coming to my home on Monday to make my home "more laptop friendly" yeeeehaaa....

I have never owned a laptop and have an ergonomic keyboard for my PC and can't even imagine using a smaller keyboard.

Can't wait to have everything installed:-6

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:56 pm

Oy vey...another problem for me....I'm hopeless

I'm absolutely loving my new laptop. My wireless mouse was working fine and all of a sudden it's not working. My computer says it's connected to the puter, the red light is lit on the bottom and my batteries are ok.

Any advice on where I should check before calling Microsoft...don't wannnnna do that...can't understand or hear the outsourcers

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:03 pm

Hmm my wireless mouse has never been bug free either. My mouse at least whenever it has a red light, means that the batteries are dying and soon to dry up, but if you say that the batteries are fine must be something else I guess. Could you try installing the mouse on another computer and see if the same problem occurs, maybe that way you could determine whether the problem is the mouse or something else, just a thought.

I hope you get it sorted though Kathy, computers sure can be a problem, as can Microsoft help techs.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:38 pm

Thanks Chris,

When my tekkie guy hooked up all the component of my puter the mouse worked. But, I don't remember if the bottom light was green or red. I put a number of different batteries and it was still red, but who knows....duh...maybe they're all bad. I did though put 2 working batteries into the mouse, and it was still red and not working.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:42 pm

Well I'm glad that your mouse is back working again Kathy! Did the tech guy actually tell you what the problem was?

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:49 pm

chrisb84uk;802847 wrote: Well I'm glad that your mouse is back working again Kathy! Did the tech guy actually tell you what the problem was?

Sorry Chris, I meant that the tekkie guy originally hooked it up last week and it worked. It still is not working.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:53 pm

Oh sorry my mistake!

Well we have, from what I have read before, quite a few FG experts on PC's and problems so I'm sure that someone will be able to give you some rewarding advice soon! :-6

Oh and if it's not too much trouble, if you do find out what the problem was could you please say how it was fixed because I wouldn't mind knowing myself for future reference.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:14 pm

chrisb84uk;802854 wrote: Oh sorry my mistake!

Well we have, from what I have read before, quite a few FG experts on PC's and problems so I'm sure that someone will be able to give you some rewarding advice soon! :-6

Oh and if it's not too much trouble, if you do find out what the problem was could you please say how it was fixed because I wouldn't mind knowing myself for future reference.

.

I will Chris...and btw...they're cleaning out the apartment next door so who knows....maybe they have renters:wah:

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:03 pm

OK there is usually a device that you put in a USB slot for all wireless mouses take that out and put it in another slot, this is the receiver for your mouse.

If you have a flashing red light its not connected, if it is solid it is connected but not making a connection with the receiver(the receiver usually has a steady green light when working correctly). They are tricky devices.

Sometimes just restarting your Laptop will solve the problem as well.

Post by **spot** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:05 am

I'd have a shot at it but I've never gone near bluetooth - I take it this is bluetooth? I like wires, I feel safe with wires, I know I've got a good connection, I know that if things flicker it's not the connection at fault. I do like optical, it doesn't catch fluff. I do like a good wheel, it adds a lot to the overall mouse experience. I reckon my keyboard's the best ever manufactured, I found it on the floor of a junkyard and I was so pleased with it that I went back a week later to give the guy a fiver. It has a ps2 cable, not batteries. It's an RS6000M Cherry Genius Business Line and it has exactly the key pressures and stroke that I get the best out of.

What I really want, to be honest, is voice activation and dictation and I'll scrap the mouse and keyboard entirely.They're there for want of an alternative.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:33 am

That sounds like some good advice there Carla, certainly well worth a try Kathy. I hope it is acting better today, perhaps the old restart trick may have done some good.

Oh and yes do let us know who moves in, fingers crossed huh!! :p

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 11:56 am

Thank you everyone for all the great advice. I really appreciate it.

I finally had to have the tekkie guy come again when I lost access to the wireless mouse. First the mouse die and then my new laptop and then my desktop computer....oy vey.

Tekkie was here this morning for 3 hours. Seems that my router,netgear, and my laptop both have issues. Laptop can't find neighborhood networks and netgear couldn't make connection to the laptop. The company netgear wouldn't give me a new router since the time limit to return was 21 days. This is the 22nd day of my order. I would have to fight with customer service if I want a new router...not worth it to me:p Anyway, it's all fixed for the time being.

It's nice to have found this tekkie guy and he only lives in the next town from me. He's going to take my desktop computer, clean it up, delete unused crap and upgrade. It's nice to know that I'll have the desktop for work and laptop for fun. It was also fun to listen to him talk to the outsourcers:D about the problems.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:02 pm

Kathy I don't want to sound questioning but not having access to the internet has not a darn thing to to with your mouse they are 2 different issues. I hope this guy isn't taking your money and giving you a line of crap.

1. Router issue are 1 problem. If your are using a wireless connection through a DSL provider you would be best served to use their specific router not your own. Netgear should replace that router if that is truly the problem that is horrible customer service.

2. Attached hardware to any PC or Laptop are totally different issues.

Please be careful and don't give this guy your PC. Call him and make sure he mirrows it or backs it up before he does any cleaning up or upgrading please.

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:14 pm

Thanks Carla:-4

You're right....I do know that the mouse has nothing to do with the internet. It was just the first thing to lose access to the internet. I'm not too tekkie so I'm probably not explaining myself correctly about all the info this tekkie guy gave to me. He was actually the tekkie hired by Dell to install my laptop, but he's also a local businessman and technology teacher who was highly recommended to me by friends also. He has a good reputation so I do trust him.

Netgear was suggested by Dell and my tekkie guy will come to my home and we'll go over everything step by step ,and we will both sign off on exactly what he will do with my computer.

Thanks for the good thoughts Carla...you'll a dolllll:-4

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:23 pm

Sounds like he is one of the good ones. I'm just always cautious since I have been in Computer world since the 70's.

Let me give you a quick lesson. Any laptop or PC can connect to the internet if that connection is lost it has nothing to do with the hardware attached to it be it a mouse, keyboard, camera, scanner you name it. They run seperately on their own. All your software like word,excel, will still work. the only software that won't work are those that are online based, and anything else you do on the internet.

Normally Netgear is fine but when it comes to internet connection through cable companies, phone companies it is sometime easier in the long run to use their perferred router you have a better and a much stabler internet connection. Simple reason they have a vested interest in it if you buy it they must make it work, not so with other routers.

[QUOTE]Thanks Carla

You're right....I do know that the mouse has nothing to do with the internet. It was just the first thing to lose access to the internet. I'm not too tekkie so I'm probably not explaining myself correctly about all the info this tekkie guy gave to me. He was actually the tekkie hired by Dell to install my laptop, but he's also a local businessman and technology teacher who was highly recommended to me by friends also. He has a good reputation so I do trust him.

Thanks for the good thoughts Carla...you'll a dolllll[/QUOTE]

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:36 pm

Thanks again Carla:-4. When I ordered my laptop from Dell they recommended Netgrear and this router was sent through Dell. So I thought there would be no problem. But when we called Netgear today they wouldn't give me a new router and said that I'd have to fight with Customer Service since I was a day late on asking for a new router. I ordered my router on Feb 22 and it was delivered on Feb. 28th and it's only 22 days later and not 21 for a return....that seems unfair to me:mad:

I have sooo much to learn about computers. I plan to stay home this summer and learn all that I can about the computer.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:54 pm

Kathy it has been my experience with home and business purchases through DELL you buy it through them you return it through them no quetions asked they fight it out with the company not you. If that's not the case then I would raise hell with them and get that router returned for credit.

I understand DELL's selling you the Netgear router with your Laptop makes sense. But the other factor is your "INTERNET PROVIDERS" preferred router if not their own always works better. Might I suggest you call your provider and check with them on what ROUTER they recommend before you invest in another for an effective wireless connection to them.

[QUOTE]Thanks again Carla. When I ordered my laptop from Dell they recommended Netgrear and this router was sent through Dell. So I thought there would be no problem. But when we called Netgear today they wouldn't give me a new router and said that I'd have to fight with Customer Service since I was a day late on asking for a new router. I ordered my router on Feb 22 and it was delivered on Feb. 28th and it's only 22 days later and not 21 for a return....that seems unfair to me

I have sooo much to learn about computers. I plan to stay home this summer and learn all that I can about the computer.[/QUOTE]

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:07 pm

Thank you for that advice Carla...I will contact Dell about the router via email to the salesperson. I thought that I had to go through Netgear. I hate calling Dell, Microsoft and Netgear because I just don't understand the outsourcers and they don't understand me

Will let you know if I hear anything.

Thanks again.

Kathy XX

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 1:10 pm

Kathy, I always use DELL's customer service chat this is done online, you may have to create a username and password but well worth it. Also have your order number handy. Never call can't understand a word they say. Chatting is easier you read, they read much better expierence.

[QUOTE]Thank you for that advice Carla...I will contact Dell about the router via email to the salesperson. I thought that I had to go through Netgear. I hate calling Dell, Microsoft and Netgear because I just don't understand the outsourcers and they don't understand me

Will let you know if I hear anything.

Thanks again.

Kathy XX[/QUOTE]

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 3:14 pm

Hi Carla,

Thank you so much for alerting me to the fact that I can chat with "Dell" computers instead of talking with outsourcers. It was a very good experience for me as my technician was very kind and patient. I would definitely use the service again instead of making a phone call to Dell.

However, the results were not favorable toward me. Dell support told me that my router was fine and working excellently. But, I guess they didn't hear me when I said that my local technician spent hours resetting the router to locate and mate my desktop and laptop:mad: Marriages are never easy are they:-4

Next time I will go to "Dell customer chat " before I call for a local service and have the problem fixed. I just wanted to question Dell about their support for their netgear recommendation. Apparently they don't stand behind their recommendations. I ordered netgear through Dell and this router was sent to me because of Dell. I'm just hoping that the router will stay married to my computer.

Thanks again for all your help...can you come and live with me please:-4

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 3:43 pm

Kathy anytime you need help PM or email me I will PM you both my email addresses. I'm glad it worked out OK. So does your laptop work with your wireless router now?? Is the Marriage a good one.. :wah::wah:

[QUOTE]Hi Carla,

Thank you so much for alerting me to the fact that I can chat with "Dell" computers instead of talking with outsourcers. It was a very good experience for me as my technician was very kind and patient. I would definitely use the service again instead of making a phone call to Dell.

However, the results were not favorable toward me. Dell support told me that my router was fine and working excellently. But, I guess they didn't hear me when I said that my local technician spent hours resetting the router to locate and mate my desktop and laptop Marriages are never easy are they

Next time I will go to "Dell customer chat " before I call for a local service and have the problem fixed. I just wanted to question Dell about their support for their netgear recommendation. Apparently they don't stand behind their recommendations. I ordered netgear through Dell and this router was sent to me because of Dell. I'm just hoping that the router will stay married to my computer.

Thanks again for all your help...can you come and live with me please[/QUOTE]

Kathy Ellen · Post by **Kathy Ellen** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 3:55 pm

CARLA;804718 wrote: Kathy anytime you need help PM or email me I will PM you both my email addresses. I'm glad it worked out OK. So does your laptop work with your wireless router now?? Is the Marriage a good one.. :wah::wah:

Thanks Carla, You are the best:-4......all is harmonious with the wedded couple:wah:

I hope that the marriage will survive for a long time:D

Post by **spot** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:04 pm

On a small technical note... keyboards and mice are called wireless when they have no wires. Routers are called wireless when they have no wires. They're not the same sort of wireless though.

One's called 802.11 ("IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards for wireless local area network (WLAN) computer communication") or Wi-Fi and it's used to get onto the Internet.

The other's called Bluetooth and it's not.Bluetooth differs from Wi-Fi in that the latter provides higher throughput and covers greater distances, but requires more expensive hardware and higher power consumption. They use the same frequency range, but employ different modulation techniques. While Bluetooth is a replacement for a variety of applications, Wi-Fi is a replacement only for local area network access. Bluetooth is often thought of as wireless USB, whereas Wi-Fi is wireless Ethernet.

Nothing that goes wrong with a wireless mouse, as Carla said initially, can have an affect on whether the Internet's accessible or not, regardless of them both being "wireless".

When a technician's being paid by the hour and not by result, it's very tempting for him to push the envelope and go home richer. The harder he makes it sound the more grateful the client. The client, honestly, has no way of knowing whether he's been spun a line or not. I would be hugely surprised if any piece of equipment bought new this year has the slightest difficulty in speaking to another piece or to an ISP, all those old problems of specificity have long been ironed out and jettisoned because they were annoying too many people. Actually knowing the right passwords and account names and formats, that's a different matter but that's why you hire a techie to begin with. But the word "incompatible" or "not working", should it crop up, is bogus in 2008.

chrisb84uk · Post by **chrisb84uk** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 11:18 am

I'm glad to hear that the problem is getting much better Kathy! :-6