I'm a little embarassed to ask these things but desperation wins out. I read current posts re: HP and Firefox, I would like to add 'AAAGGGGHHHH!!!!' I'm a marginally computer literate senior and was given a 3 year old HP Pavillion 6700.
I may be beyond help here, but in order of descending crisis:

Tried to update Intel Storage Manager, computer said it was critical and mentioned the blue screen of death. I think I downloaded it, then it asked where to store the file, I didn't know so it made something up or something. Then it informed me Id need to uninstall old one first and I had no idea how to do that. It wouldn't 'ask me later' and I got frustrated and xed it out thinking it would come back anyhow. No such luck, I have no idea how to retrieve it, I think it can be done?? I did find out how to delete old one but if I CAN find the update don't know how to move it to the right place.
Ditto situation updating HP wireless assistant except I don't know if I even saved that one. I have dial up due to cost but may need wireless to update sometimes and do use it when I have access. It was also 'critical' to update.
It said 2 HP Help and Support for Windows updates were recommended, maybe got one of them in but am not sure.
I don't know how to start over on this or if that is the right way to do it, I assume what I did is taking up space somepalce.

I have Explorer with my internet provider, Firefox, and Google Chrome are also on computer. I liked Firefox but can't update without wiping out my Norton Virus Protection? There are a lot of mad posts listed to Firefox about that and comments that update doesn't work as well. (At least it keeps asking me for permission to continue and I know where it is.... ) I was told to just uninstall it and use Explorer. I know dial up isn't good for videos but I like to watch replays of my sisters race horses and although Firefox doesn't work real well I do get them. Explorer froze up immediately. I tried Chrome, didn't leave it long enough to be sure but it looked like it MIGHT work. I think I tried to exit Chrome without exiting race site first and it froze up. Had to use Task Manager to exit internet provider and restart to unfreeze. Comments?

My sister left all of her stuff on the computer, downloads, files, etc. Knowing what is important to keep is a little confusing and I'm not sure how to do some of that either but maybe can figure that out. My D disk drive thing (?) says 2.43 GB free of 12.8 GB.... looked kinda full to me....?
Does anyone have an idea how much it would cost to have this done? Cost is an issue and would rather do it myself but I don't know if I'm in too deep.

If I don't kill the computer are the cold packs to reduce heat worthwhile?
Thanks for any comments and hope you all got a good laugh, aaaagggghhh!
Zygo

Are you getting your updates from the HP or Microsoft or Intel websites?

Isn't there an update button in control panel or on the Start menu list, that will automatically go to the right place and download & install the needed updates? So you don't need to do anything other than click a yes?

Oh, are you using Windows XP, Vista or Win 7??


They should have help sections on most of those sites.

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Sear...age+Technology

http://www8.hp.com/us/en/support-drivers.html

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help

I would try to re download it and the computer may tell you it already has a copy & where to find it - or use the Search on your Start menu button to locate the lost downloaded file.

I haven't updated my FF because of incompatibility to my Zone Alarm force field browser security.
plus I like the "Old" FF layout better anyway.. using the 3.6.18 version


For the files & stuff clean up - I would get a few flash drives and copy most of her things on to those.
Or you could get a external hard drive that plugs in with a USB plug and copy the files over that way to save them.
then you can delete them off the computer and have more free space.

Thank you so much, I'm not there yet but at least I know where to look and it looks like I can find answers on those links.

The Intel Matrix..came in a HP update, its a mystery why, but found it on Intel link and that's whats I have. I get updates form everyone including Rocky the Squirrel, my sis bought a new Mac and I think the constant updating was one reason why. Sometimes it just does it by itself but this has been a nightmare. I looked but couldn't find an update button.

I have FF 4.0, from the posts I read your version is better.

She took what she wanted so will just start deleting, there are also things like Powerpoint I will never use.

I've only had the computer for about 7 weeks. It worked great for awhile but is not acting too happy at this point.

Thanks again, great forums. Zygo

AAAGGGGHHHH!

I called HP support and after finding out I am not the original owner of computer they told me my warrenty had expired and I needed to purchase another for $160 before they could replace downloads. It may be expired but I wonder how come downloads were provided before, he kept asking when they appeared, told him 2-3 days ago but he wanted an exact date.

I found a site for free Intel downloads, are they any good? I couldn't determine if they provided Matrix Storage Manager because you had to start before any options appeared I think. It said I had to have 300 MHZ Processor, 256 RAM and 22 MB Hard Drive Space....do I know if I have that??!! All I could find is 4.086 system memory from 2 modules of 2.048 each, MAX Capacity 4 GB and GB 298.09 in 2 partitions. huh... MHZ??

I did find a microsoft disc defragmenter thing on computer that wanted permission to continue, I should probably do that if I can ever find it again?

My sister is not in the area and has not been especially helpful anyway, seems to think I should learn it myself, I also think is angry with me because I laughed at her for eating algae. Right now she is camping on the Olympic Peninsula and I really hope a bear eats her..venting a little here.

Any suggestions appreciated, if these posts are too pathetic and technically inappropriate for forum please let me know.

Zygo

Let's go back to some basics first.

What Windows version do you have on it?
XP, Vista , Win 7?

How to find main system info -
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-information

free downloads from hp here - pick the OS (operating system) that your pc has to get the right updates
- http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport...SeriesId=46136

I don't think you even need the Intel Storage Manager - here's info if you want to learn what it does-
http://www.intel.com/design/chipsets...storage_sb.htm


for help with the uninstalling & deleting unneeded files & programs - go to Start , then Programs, then Accessories then to System Tools.
You'll see the Disk Clean up & also the Disk Defragmenter
Use the clean up then the defrag.

The sweetest words I've ever heard "I don't think you even need Intel..."

I'm having to take a short break, I haven't been this traumatized since college statistics classes (computers weren't in general use when I was in school, we counted with rocks and mastadon bones). Old dog needs to learn new tricks however and I will go to the sites you linked and continue trying within a day or two.

I do know I have Windows Vista, there is a sticker on the computer....
Thanks for your patience,
Zygo

I thought about trying to help Melody with her problem but didn't want to get kicked off the forum. lol

I looked at the links-
I Have Office PC w/ Windows Vista Home Premium (probably wasted on me..).
Processor is Intel(R) Core (TM) Duo Cpu T5750@2.00 GHz-2 of them?
It also mentioned Mobill Intel (R) 965 Express Chipset Family, I don't have a clue what that is but Matrix Storage Manager site mentioned that product in association with that.
64 bit operating system is all I could find on my computer and choices at Matrix site were only Microsoft 98, ME or XP. I must be an ME?

My sister finally called me and she didn't think I needed Matrix either. My niece stopped by on her way through town last evening and she DID think I might be using it but not to worry one way or the other because it wasn't taking up much space anyway. She said if update got critical computer would tell me or would go out and find it itself (creepy...) I think I'll just sit on it for awhile and see what happens.

Only have a couple of easy questions..I think. We cleaned up a bunch of stuff, have been going through recycle bin and deleting one at a time because I'm not sure what was in there before, 240 things, ugh.
There was supposed to be auto defrag once per week but doesn't look like it was working because it said it had not defragged for 1-2 years (forgot). It ran for 3 0r 4 hours last night but am not sure if it continued after it shut off and went to sleep. She tried to set screen saver for 2 hours but it didn't stay on that long, only 20 minutes or so. Will it defrag asleep or should I do it when I'm using it..I can't tell if it finished, no details to be found.

Also wondering about the heat, somebody told me to remove battery (eek),
and I was wondering if I should try to set it on something to extend the feet?
Thanks, Zygo

Laptop,
yes they can overheat easily since the fan area is underneath usually.
I prop my laptop up on some cd cases if I'm going to be using it a lot or if it is running hot.

If you're using it plugged in to a power outlet most of the time you can remove the battery, mine is out all the time as the battery is toast anyway- won't hold a charge anymore. But it is just a spare and I don't travel with it so a power outlet is always nearby.

It is a simple thing to take the battery out just look for the large square or rectangle thing that has a locking slider near it - with the laptop off -slide it and then that whole thing is the battery and should come out easily.

or you can do a search for a video or "how to " site that will show you step by step. but it's easy.


vista defrag info -
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942092
more -
http://support.microsoft.com/search/...og=LCID%3D1033