This machine has a number of problems. When I try to download Adaware or Everest, the box pops up to pick a file to open with. Nothing can be downloaded. I don't know how to get into the BIOS. I need Everest to find model no etc. If I can figure out how to stop the 'Open with' message, I should be able to find out what's happening. Also, the screen periodically goes black for maybe 10 seconds, then comes back.+

Anyone have any ideas?

After all is said and done, there's a whole lot more said than done.

I don't quite understand what your Subject has to do with what you've posted but.... You say the machine is home built. Did you build it yourself? What keys have you tried to get into the BIOS, and what do you hope to accomplish by accessing the BIOS?

Have you tried restoring the system?

Soylent Green is PEOPLE!!!

How is a Gateway home grown? What kind of equipment are we dealing with here?

You can avoid many of these Windows problems with Linux. Linspire eases the transition for new users

Sorry folks. Somehow the Net put the info in for my system. The one I was working on is a Gateway, I don't know what model. There isn;t anything on the outside for a clue and I can't get into the BIOS. I think, now, that I can use the F1 or F2 key. He went ahead and ordered the XP Pro disk (finally) so that will take care of a lot of problems. I still need to run Everest for more information. His HD is running in DOS-Compatible mode, hence more need for the BIOS setup.

His MSN email isn't working right, and that was his original complaint. But when he got an 'Open With' message he picked one of the selections. This then sets that as the default opener. My question was mainly, how can I set this back to the original default? Someone said "Try all the choices" but the thing he was trying to open was one of his e-mails. When I try to download a file, I get the same thing, and of course, nothing downloads.

After he ordered XP I went home and downloaded fresh copies of Everst, AVG, Zone Alarm, etc and burned them to a CD. Hopefully, when he gets the XP disc I'll be able to repartition his HD and get him up and running on a decent OS. I warned him not to mess with ME. But, did he listen? Noooo. LOL

I hope this clears up some of the confusion. And thanks for trying.

Bob

After all is said and done, there's a whole lot more said than done.