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Question

Can't access certain websites

Feb 21, 2015 3:41AM PST

My normal computer is on the fritz temporarily. Am using borrowed computer that a relative got used from Device Pitstop. A Compaq Presario. I can get on the Internet but certain websites are mysteriously only partially available or not available at all. On Craigslist I can see and respond to ads but can't post or access my own CL account. I get a message saying the webpage can't be displayed. Other websites I either get a message saying it can't find the webpage, or clicking the link for it just gives me a blank page.

I have checked the Control Panel thoroughly and can't find any reference to these pages having been blocked by the previous owner. Does anyone know of anything I can do to resolve these issues?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Did you try a new user account?
Feb 21, 2015 3:47AM PST

Also we could always boot up a Live Linux Mint DVD/USB and ignore what is on that PC.
Bob

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Re: Did You try a new user account?
Feb 21, 2015 4:37AM PST

New user account is also blocked for Craigslist.

Also don't have any money to buy a new Live Linux Mint DVD/USB to use to see if that helps. But thank you both anyway.

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Re: Linux Mint
Feb 21, 2015 4:41AM PST

Luckily, it's a free download. All you need: a DVD-R or DVD+R (or a DVD-RW) to burn it to. That's 50 cents or so. Installing it on a thumb drive (well, not a real install, it stays a live version) needs an 8 GB thumb drive. That's certainly more than 50 cents. But just as an experiment, or for temporary use, a DVD is fine.

Kees

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Linux Mint is free. Nod to Kees. More....
Feb 21, 2015 4:47AM PST
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Re: Linux Mint
Feb 21, 2015 5:02AM PST

This computer's CD-DVD drive is not working, but the USB ports do work.

Now: would doing this Linux Mint or Tails do anything to hurt the computer's current OS, which is Windows XP? I am not very tech conversant, I'm afraid...I know enough to be dangerous, but not enough to fix anything I accidentally screw up. And as I said, I have no money to call in the pros right now.

I do thank everyone for their input so far.

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Then the USB boot is best.
Feb 21, 2015 5:44AM PST

If we try to repair the OS and fail, there is no working CD/DVD drive to reload the restore media.

Double down on the USB bootable OSes.
Bob

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this is better tutorial
Feb 21, 2015 5:45AM PST
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another tutorial
Feb 21, 2015 5:13AM PST