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Paper Roses

(7,504 posts)
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:35 PM Jul 2021

I have an old Dell computer that gave me problems recently. I called a new Guru to check it out.

While he was here, I asked him to update my laptop to win 10. I rarely used it but thought it was time.
I've not dared to try it. On my desktop, my problem now is that many of the posts, mostly on Facebook show the text but no pictures. I get a blank square. Can't even guess what is wrong. Several hundred dollars and I'm still having problems.
I'm at my whits end. Is my computer dying? Any ideas? I'm a computer idiot so if you have any ideas it would be a help.
As an aside, when he was here, he kept telling me my router probably needs to be replaced. Possible? It is an older Motorola Arris Surfboard. 200 series(according to the box I had tucked aside) I don't even dare to move it to check model.

I wish I did not use this new guy, my former repair man never left me with this type of situation.
I don't even dare to try out the laptop.
Being alone with no help is a pain, Almost $400.00 and I still have problems and have no $ to buy a new computer.
Any ideas? Any help would be appreciated. This old timer is really upset with this situation. I feel I wasted the $$ on this new guy.

14 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I have an old Dell computer that gave me problems recently. I called a new Guru to check it out. (Original Post) Paper Roses Jul 2021 OP
Why do pc people have gurus? we can do it Jul 2021 #1
Computer "help" and "support" group. Pinback Jul 2021 #4
Wasn't meant to make OP feel bad. we can do it Jul 2021 #5
There are some helpful tips on Windows.com Moostache Jul 2021 #2
the router does not have anything to do whatsoever with getting pictures showing up on facebook. drray23 Jul 2021 #3
This... targetpractice Jul 2021 #8
Can you provide a little more information? ramblin_dave Jul 2021 #6
Sorry for that experience... targetpractice Jul 2021 #7
It's a browser Issue ItsjustMe Jul 2021 #9
You may have browser settings or add-ons that interfere with image files. TygrBright Jul 2021 #10
You could buy a new computer for $400. CrispyQ Jul 2021 #11
First thing I would do Casady1 Jul 2021 #12
Do you know anyone you trust that's good with IT issues? Anywhere in the world? MerryHolidays Jul 2021 #13
Hi, I have old dells in my 'collection' of PCs and use different windows versions on them all. Sunlei Jul 2021 #14

Pinback

(12,843 posts)
4. Computer "help" and "support" group.
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:44 PM
Jul 2021

Not a helpful or supportive response. I’m a Mac user myself, but see no reason to make the poster feel bad for asking for advice.

Moostache

(10,135 posts)
2. There are some helpful tips on Windows.com
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:41 PM
Jul 2021

Sounds like a driver conflict causing the necessary program to display the photos and images to not respond.

The router would not selectively open programs, that comes from the system itself...the router merely connects to the datastream that is the internet.

I am no expert for sure, but sometimes older programs and newer updates to Windows requires that you also update the programs themselves. You may need to update your Facebook version (and any other program that is giving you the same problems)...

Good luck and best wishes on resolving it easily!

drray23

(7,918 posts)
3. the router does not have anything to do whatsoever with getting pictures showing up on facebook.
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:43 PM
Jul 2021

If that guy told you that, he is a crook.
Most likely it has to do with the settings for your browser or other security related settings. After upgrading to 10, it is likely that the default security settings are such that images are not displayed by default in posts.
I would update the browser you are using to open facebook and it likely will fix it.

ramblin_dave

(1,554 posts)
6. Can you provide a little more information?
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:51 PM
Jul 2021

What web browser do you use - Google Chrome, Firefox, something else?

What model Dell computer is this? Is it running Windows 10?

targetpractice

(4,919 posts)
7. Sorry for that experience...
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 01:54 PM
Jul 2021

Whenever, I help someone.... I assess the situation first (usually no charge for that time)... The first thing I try to determine if the computer is too old. In most cases, it's better to save/spend money on a new computer than throw money into a old one.

I seriously doubt your issue is with your router.... More likely reason is the fact that websites like Facebook are constantly updating their interfaces with the latest and fanciest web technology... And, older computers and browsers simply can't keep up. I don't know the details of your computers or browsers... How old is "old"? Just guessing.

I'll bet a good chunk of the "guru's" fee was for updating your laptop to Windows 10... That' always takes a long time that they probably billed you for it. For updating a laptop to Windows 10, you can go to Staples or Best Buy and pay a fee and leave your computer overnight and they will update it. Cheaper than having a guru sitting in your home watching water boil.

I am not being facetious here... But, I recommend to my clients and friend who have had many successful journeys around The Sun... To consider getting a Mac... They truly are much less of a hassle, and nobody has every regretted the decision. The work differently, but are easy to get used to, and they are rock solid stable.



TygrBright

(20,987 posts)
10. You may have browser settings or add-ons that interfere with image files.
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 02:16 PM
Jul 2021

Some security settings can be pretty tight, allowing nothing but non-linked text to be rendered in the browser.

I would definitely start by making sure that you have the most recent version of your browser, and then go through all its settings and make sure you have no add-ons that are blocking images, etc.

helpfully,
Bright

MerryHolidays

(7,715 posts)
13. Do you know anyone you trust that's good with IT issues? Anywhere in the world?
Thu Jul 22, 2021, 05:41 PM
Jul 2021

If so, you can set up a remote session where they can access your computer and fix any software issues. For example, I do this with family members using TeamViewer. Just last week, we had a tricky situation with a printer installation, and I was able to do this from several thousand miles away using a remote session.

Many in my family love Macs. I used to be a huge Mac fan in the 1980s and 1990s. However, they are ridiculously expensive and have a closed architecture, so I am no longer a fan of Apple products.

Many of the issues with PCs are software-related and easily fixable if someone who knows what they are doing is doing the fixin'. Find someone your trust who knows computers and do a remote session There is almost never a need to buy a new computer as most things are repairable.

If you have extra cash and want to buy a new computer, that's cool too!

Sunlei

(22,651 posts)
14. Hi, I have old dells in my 'collection' of PCs and use different windows versions on them all.
Thu Jul 29, 2021, 11:08 AM
Jul 2021

First off, get the laptop with the new windows 10 up and running, so many websites including banking, youtube and many image websites only work with win 10. You may want to use the laptop for your facebook and to view images.

Nothing wrong with the old dell PCs, if you keep them clean they could last forever What windows version does your PC dell use? if it's windows 8 or 8.1, that is why the images on facebook are blank. You just spent money on the fix, can you call the person back and tell him to fix the image issue?

This PC I use now has windows 8.1, it's an excellent gaming computer. 8.1 will not show images from some image websites and some websites like my bank won't work with windows 8.1.

On the Microsoft website they have an upgrade for windows 8.1 called "Microsoft Edge". I have Microsoft edge installed on this computer and use the ms edge browser for any websites that don't work with plain fast windows 8.1. yes you can use both versions separately on one computer.

1) did the repair person upgrade your PC windows to 8.1? if so install "Microsoft edge for windows 8.1"

2) open that laptop and try to learn to use the windows 10, use 2 computers at the same time. One can play music or movies while you play on the other

3) that modem is old but if it works for you no need to change. usually your isp charges a fee per month to use their modem. If they do charge a fee they should provide you with a free upgraded modem if you ever need one.

4) 400$ isn't to bad to have someone come to your house and work on 2? computers. But the work should cover adjusting both computers so they work the way your need them to- like viewing pictures on facebook.

Good luck!

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