Help please with a Computer problem

[MaureenB]

To those technical experts on the forum, can you please help me before I slit my throat!! I think it may be a Windows 10 issue. I have been happy with W10 since purchasing new laptop nearly 2 years ago. However on some sites (not that many) that require I complete a sign in procedure with password or booking reference etc the laptop seems to take over and starts to download erm.....something! it appears as a message at the bottom left of the screen. I cannot get into the site that I want it just keeps trying. On clicking on the message it invites me to open the download with a choice of various programmes that include Word, Internet Explorer (which I don't use) and some others that do not appear to me as relevant. I use Chrome and generally it suits me.

One of the sites that I do have a problem with is the Virgin mobile website, if I wait long enough I do get into my account and look at my statement etc. The other site that I have HUGE problems with is, and I don't think it will come to a surprise to anyone on her, is my Cruise Personaliser on the P & O site!! Yesterday I spent hours trying to get in and book trips for an upcoming cruise, and what a terrible time I had. Somehow or other I managed to get in after many attempts at the sign in, and many "downloads" that were driving me mad!!

I honestly don't think it is a specific P & O problem, rather there is a setting on my laptop that is taking over given certain circumstances.

Please, please can one of you really expert techs out there help me before I spill my blood?!!

Sorry to ramble on, but I am not that computer savvie, so any answers MUST be of the one syllable "we are talking to an idiot here" kind

Thank you in anticipation

Maureen

[towny44]

Maureen, It might be a Chrome issue, messages on the bottom left normally relate to a "pop up" box, or pdf request, that on other browsers would open automatically for you to input further data, does the message appear in a rectangular box?

[david63]

Another possibility is that you have acquired some "malware" that is attacking your browser.

I would try using another browser - that will at least prove whether or not it is a browser issue.

[MaureenB]

Maureen, It might be a Chrome issue, messages on the bottom left normally relate to a "pop up" box, or pdf request, that on other browsers would open automatically for you to input further data, does the message appear in a rectangular box?

Hi Towny,

I have done a screen shot showing the "download" box on bottom left but...................I don't know how to get it to you. I said I was not computer savvie!!

[MaureenB]

Another possibility is that you have acquired some "malware" that is attacking your browser.

I would try using another browser - that will at least prove whether or not it is a browser issue.

Thank you David. But......................how do I change my browser which I assume is Chrome? I did say I was an idiot!

Maureen

[oldbluefox]

David isn't online at the moment Maureen but this is the link for Firefox. Download and install it.
What malware programs do you run? Do you have something like Malwarebytes?

[Kenmo1]

Thank you David. But......................how do I change my browser which I assume is Chrome? I did say I was an idiot!

Don't worry MaureenB. I'm another Maureen B - perhaps the idiot bit comes with the name. My son calls me a numpty every time I have to ask him a question about the computer.

From another Maureen B...... x

[Onelife]

hi Maureen... I cant help you with your current problem but whatever you do don't slit your throat cos I tried it last week and I can tell you ..its a right messy old business

[oldbluefox]

But the black pudding was to die for!!!!

[Onelife]

But the black pudding was to die for!!!!

Hey foxy...nothing like a good blood-letting to compliment a bacon and egg fry up

I can throughly recommend Irish Conkilty black pudding..oink! oink!

[oldbluefox]

Has Maureen had any success yet?

[towny44]

Maureen, It might be a Chrome issue, messages on the bottom left normally relate to a "pop up" box, or pdf request, that on other browsers would open automatically for you to input further data, does the message appear in a rectangular box?

Hi Towny,

I have done a screen shot showing the "download" box on bottom left but...................I don't know how to get it to you. I said I was not computer savvie!!

Maureen, Is this screen shot saved in a document on your computer? If so you should be able use the attachment button (bottom left as you type a reply) to add it to your post, I have never used this but it looks fairly straightforward, but you will need to find just where it is in your documents.

[Stephen]

But the black pudding was to die for!!!!

[MaureenB]

Morning Towny.

I tried your suggestion but on attempting to use the attachment button it does not work! I saved the shot as a word doc in a readily accessible file but no go I'm afraid!

Maureen

[MaureenB]

Maureen ? Thanks for the support ,and yes, It must be to do with the name!

Onelife? Just how messy? Cos I am contemplating it again!!

[MaureenB]

David isn't online at the moment Maureen but this is the link for Firefox. Download and install it.
What malware programs do you run? Do you have something like Malwarebytes?

OBF thank you for your help. I actually do have Malwarebytes installed. The free one. I updated it yesterday and did a scan but nothing came up as a problem.

The Firefox? If I down load it for an experiment how do I switch back to Chrome? I am very worried at changing settings with regard to the internet.

Maureen

[Happydays]

Hi Maureen
I am hopeless regarding IT but have always used Firefox with no problems. I got a new laptop at Christmas and got my son to sort everything out for me when he was here (he works in IT) as my husband is better than me but not much! Ha ha don't tell him what I said;)

[oldbluefox]

David isn't online at the moment Maureen but this is the link for Firefox. Download and install it.
What malware programs do you run? Do you have something like Malwarebytes?

OBF thank you for your help. I actually do have Malwarebytes installed. The free one. I updated it yesterday and did a scan but nothing came up as a problem.

The Firefox? If I down load it for an experiment how do I switch back to Chrome? I am very worried at changing settings with regard to the internet.

Maureen

It will load just as an alternative browser to Chrome, Edge, etc. I prefer it over all the others but if you don't like it you can uninstall it if you wish. I have Chrome installed as well as Firefox but the pair of them do not clash. The only thing I would urge caution on, as with all programs, is to custom instal rather than recommended and turn down any options for other preferences to be installed then it doesn't change any settings. Firefox isn't bad though and I find it easier than other browsers.

[Silver_Shiney]

maureen.jpg

Here's the relevant section of Maureen's screenshot (thanks for sending it, Maureen)

All it means is that you have 12 files downloaded into your Downloads folder, which Windows automatically created when it was installed. To advise any further, I think we need to see the filenames in that folder. If you click on the arrow head in that button, it should give you various options, including going to that folder.

[Meg 50]

I now have W10, and am comparing Maureen's screenshot with what I can see on mine - it's very different!

Mine has
the windows button - far left on M's
ask Cortana,
the task window (same as M),
docs (as M)
and the 'store'

and that's all

so
what does M have to the right of Chrome? - I've none of them

[Silver_Shiney]

Meg, you can remove the "ask Cortana" button, which is probably what Maureen has done. The others are probably to do with software she's installed and either running or has chosen to lock them to the task bar

[Meg 50]

I quite like 'ask Cortana' - it's quicker and more comprehensive than the W7 search facility

[MaureenB]

Thank you all for the help and support, but I have just found the trouble.....purely by chance!

On the Chrome ribbon on top right was an icon I had not noticed before. It was an Adobe icon. I right clicked on it and one of the options was to remove from Chrome. I thought here goes nothing and I deleted it. I can now get into the P & O cruise personaliser straight away, it doesn't "download" and I am one happy bunny!! I have no idea how the Adobe icon got onto the Chrome ribbon, it hasn't always been there.

Happy days

One again thank you all

Maureen

[Keechy]

See - who needs experts!

[oldbluefox]

Result!! Well done Maureen!!!