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Solutions for problems with an old computer, getting to a website

 
Published Jan. 31, 2015

A website I visit frequently won't let me get in if I type the address from either AOL or Internet Explorer. It does go to the sign-in window but when I type my user name and password, it all just sits there, not even telling me the name and/or password are wrong. However, I have it in a link in an email from the company. If I click that link (email is AOL) it goes right to the sign-in window, I type user name and password and — BINGO. I have checked the spelling in IE against the link numerous times. It's always correct. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure that the URL you're typing in matches the link in the email by hovering the mouse over the link within the email. This should display the real link in the pop-up balloon window, which is what you should always do before clicking on any link you receive in an email. What it displays and the actual URL it represents are not always the same and are often completely different.

I have an old computer with XP, which I like to use along with my Windows 7 unit. I cannot connect to the Internet now. I get a "server not found" message. I am using a Clear wireless router. I have tested the connection by plugging directly into the router and received the same message. In my search for answers I also received a message, "Failed with error qx80070422." Any advice would be appreciated.

The qx80070422 message is just the Windows update service saying that it cannot connect with the Microsoft Update servers. You currently don't have Internet access, so that message would be expected. Here's what I would do to troubleshoot this, always starting with the easiest solution first. If both of your PCs cannot get connectivity while plugged directly into your router, I would suspect a router issue. Start with powering it on/off. Next, connect directly to the router through your browser at the 192.168.15.1 URL (that is specific for a Clear brand router) and check that the configuration matches the specifications set by your Internet provider (gateway, DNS server …). Make sure the Internet cable between the router and your Internet access is working; maybe switch it out and test. Reset the router by pressing the small indented button on the back. This will reset the router to the factory settings. You will need to connect and set the configuration in accordance with your ISP specifications. You'll also need to reset your password if you changed it from the default (recommended). Call your ISP and have them try connectivity to your router. It's possible that there is an issue between the router and the ISP. Of course, it's also possible that the router is defective.