hotmail won't work !

macma

My elderly neighbour uses hotmail and the past week has had problems:(
I gather there has been some sort of change to this service ,we've tried to send/forward an email and it won't,his contact addresses don't come up either 'tho they still exist.
I'm not much good with computers so if anyone has any suggestions we would be most grateful.Failing that he's going to get a big BRICK :eek::mad:

a27

I don't understand what you mean.
Please explain.

macma

a27 thankyou for reading this,when he logs on to his email he can access his inbox and read emails but cannot perform any actions ie reply,forward or in fact compose a new one.
Strangely I have accessed and used his email address from my computer suggesting it's his computer that is at fault.'Have checked he is on Windows xp,Internet Explorer 8 and is signed up for regular updates

a27

What happens when he tries to perform these actions?
Does the computer have anti-virus?

macma

there is nowhere to type message,the "attachment"etc are -faded thus unclickable and if we just click on forward or send nothing happens.I believe he has anti virus etc but not high value ones

a27

Please update the anti-virus and run a full system scan.
If it won't update/subscription lapsed, check the free anti-virus options mentioned on the MSE site.

pimento

Don't use Internet Explorer. Download and install Firefox instead.

http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/

a27

pimento wrote: »

Don't use Internet Explorer. Download and install Firefox instead.

http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/

That's a workaround but it doesn't solve the underlying problem.

macma

My s.i.l went over to have a look and he's working on the theory that it's some sort of virus so he's checking with an I.T.guy tomorrow.I passed on all your information and we're very grateful for your help.I'll post again when I know more as perhaps it may be useful to other folk:)

pimento

My advice would be to use Firefox anyway, virus or not.

a27

macma wrote: »

My s.i.l went over to have a look and he's working on the theory that it's some sort of virus so he's checking with an I.T.guy tomorrow.I passed on all your information and we're very grateful for your help.I'll post again when I know more as perhaps it may be useful to other folk:)

Please let me know how it goes.