posted on November 21, 2000 12:03:24 PM new
Because I am chicken and technically deficient, I've never, in 2 1/2 years, upgraded anything nor have I downloaded anything off the internet.
MSN is "suggesting" I upgrade my browser to IE5 (I'm using Windows 95). From their technical page it looks like I should upgrade to IE 5.01 Service Pack 1.
I suspect my old browser is why (in the last few weeks) I have not been able to view some things.
I wasn't bothered by it, but now I can't search, view the site map, etc. on eBay, even though I accept all of their cookies.
My question (finally): Is it a simple thing to download this upgrade, or, after I've committed, is it going to get technical?
I'm sure it's just the fear of the unknown, but, I don't have anyone to turn to for help if I get stuck.
posted on November 21, 2000 12:15:58 PM new
I upgraded some months ago but can only vaguely remember doing so (Translation - it must have been painless and non-technical or I WOULD remember the occasion )
posted on November 21, 2000 12:37:21 PM new
Hi Femme.
If you're not using at least IE 5 you should upgrade. However, upgrading browsers (and downloads in general) can cause all kinds of system problems which'll make you wish you didn't try the upgrade (IE especially makes all kinds of registry changes). As insurance, you should download http://www.goback.com, which is software that enables you to retrieve an earlier version of your system that worked if a download (or anything) should prove destructive to it. This program is free for 30 days, so it's definitely worth trying. You can then download anything, and can't damage your system, because anything canbe corrected.
posted on November 21, 2000 12:54:12 PM new
I confess--I'm hooked on free upgrades, especially browsers. The latest version of Internet Explorer is 5.5, and it's a free download from Microsoft.com. The size of the download is dependent upon what version you're currently using, but you should expect a minimum of 8.0 MB--lengthy.
BUT, except for operator error (that's me), and getting all the options reset, I've had no problems downloading browsers.
IF you decide to download IE5.5, when you get to the question that asks if you want to download the program to disk or to install directly, choose the direct method. It's a lot faster and avoids an incomplete installation. Too, if your line gets interrupted, the new version allows you to resume the download where it left off instead of having to start from scratch.
posted on November 21, 2000 12:58:16 PM new
Oops, the above wasn't quite right. Since I've downloaded the new version, address links in IE don't launch new e-mail in Outlook Express as they did in the past. Again, I'm sure this is just a matter of finding the correct setting.
posted on November 21, 2000 01:04:12 PM new Irene....LOL
James....What!!?? You want me to download something else!!?? And, add to the confusion?
The possibility of problems is exactly why
I never upgraded to Windows 98, even though Gateway sent it to me after I bought my computer. I was reading about too many problems. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
The young man who set me up initially abandoned his students using some lame excuse...he went off to college.
Because I did a poor job of editing the first time.
[ edited by femme on Nov 21, 2000 01:10 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2000 01:07:21 PM new
Femme, no, this one you have to download! Steel yourself, and just do it. It's really, really worth it.
[ edited by jamesoblivion on Nov 21, 2000 01:08 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2000 03:33:02 PM new
As much as I really don't get excited over internet browsers, I admit I was really happy when I upgraded to IE 5.01. A significant improvement over my older IE. Haven't bothered upgrading to 5.5 as right now there's doesn't seem enough of a reason (ie, improved features) for me to do so. Some folks say it's slower, others say faster. Right now I'm cool with 5.01.
Thanks for the goback link, James, I've been meaning to look into that.
posted on November 21, 2000 04:44:57 PM new
This is a little upsetting. I feel like I'm being forced into something I don't want. Up to this point, I've been perfectly happy with my browser's performance.
Yesterday I could at least bring up My eBay, but now today I get the illegal operation (details say stack default) and I have to shut it down.
I am not a happy camper.
James, I looked at GoBack. Having that to fall back on, should I get into trouble, would give me a level of comfort.
posted on November 21, 2000 05:14:20 PM new
femme:
If you decide to go with the upgrade, chose the option to download the upgrade to your hard drive and run the setup file manually. DO NOT do the install from the web thing. If something craps out in the middle you're more than likely toast. I see it at least once a week.
Edited to add:
I recommend that you take James' advice regarding GoBack. It's simply the safest way to do an upgrade. If something goes wrong you can take you system "back in time" to a point before the upgrade and everything will be fine. Works for viruses too.
[ edited by abingdoncomputers on Nov 21, 2000 05:16 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2000 07:13:51 PM new
Femme,
Another program(like you want that!) to consider is Norton Utilities. There may not be anything at all wrong with your browser. The Norton package checks for orphan files of all programs, duplicates, problems in the Windows registry, "missing" files, etc. It can repair most of them. It also has a program that sounds similar to GoBack which allows you to restore programs and prior settings.
As one writer has already mentioned, Windows 98 (for that matter, any Windows) is loaded with problems. I scan my personal and work hard drives at least once a week with the utilies and find that dozens of errors have occurred in the background, even I've made no changes to the operating programs. Some of problems found could eventually cause the types of problems you're encountering.
As far as AbingdonComputers advice that you save to hard drive first, he may well be right. I've only done three installs directly, and it just seemed to go smoother without having to launch the program from the hard drive.
posted on November 21, 2000 07:19:18 PM new
Hi all! Here is another question for you...When you download all the latest versions of programs, does your computer retain the original 8 MB program? or replace it? If it retains older versions, how do you know it is there, taking up space, and how do you seek out old stuff to uninstall without corrupting the working edition by removing shared files?
I just love to ask techies questions without paying the $25 every 15 minutes!!!
Joy
[ edited by joyz412e on Nov 21, 2000 07:21 PM ]
posted on November 21, 2000 07:58:41 PM new
Wellll....my head is spinning.
This wimpiness is so unlike me, but a "Frank and Earnest" cartoon I have taped to my computer says it all, " A TV can insult your intelligence, but nothing rubs it in like a computer".
I even missed the Fla. Supreme Court ruling because I was reviewing my PC books, durn it.
I have Norton's Antivirus, but apparently not Norton's Utilities, so I will check it out.
I should probably upgrade to Windows 98, but my early version is most likely filled with all of those early bugs.
