A pleasant welcome to the 21st century. Time to get started in preparing for W8.

If you use REVO did you look to see if Ask.com is listed on th3e report there? In the absence of REVO, did you check the report for the Program and Features folder located in the Control Panel?

Also, do you use Quicken? I believe Ask.com is included when installing Q.

DA

Dodie, I felt just like you did, especially losing the quick launch tool bar and having to use word instead of works. I found away to make my own quick launch and worked around other things that annoyed me and now I like W 7 just fine.

These nice people can help you with any problems, just ask and keep saying, I can do this, I can do this.

Guess I have a lot to learn - wasn't familiar with REVO, checked it out, tried to download it and Windows 7 won't let me do it. Says 'retry" - have had that happen with PC Cleaner also. I can't find Ask.com in programs and features in my control panel. Also can't find it when I start with computer, c-drive, programs, etc. Damccoy I'm not liking the 21st Century. I'm a senior who's just not getting a lot of it???

What antivirus program do you have on the new pc and is it currently updating and running? I am not liking some of what I am hearing. Especially about things taking over the home page and not allowing you to install programs, lot of that is indications of infection.

Here are some you should add to the new computer right away, keep them, update them and run the full scan with them once a week or so.

these are all free
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware
that contains directions on how to install and use it

SUPERAntiSpyware

Free Online Scanner I would try running an online virus scan to make sure yours is doing ok.

With windows 7 every time you try to install anything it will come up and ask you if you are sure you want to let such and such change your pc those are normal that is part of 7 it is part of the UAC you check yes to those and it will progress. Some things may say you need to run as administrator that is also part of 7 and for your protection you can usually right click on it and choose to run as administrator.

This is the best place you can go to for anything about windows 7 they have the best tutorials and pretty much every question has been answered there for you to see.
Windows 7 Forums.

I need to know where you have the ask.com you refer to is it a toolbar is it on your Internet Explorer or do you use firefox? There are various forms of ask.com.

this tutorial goes through various methods of removal including how to use REVO should you want to try it. But I would try the manual method first.
Ask Toolbar Removal, How To Uninstall

If you want your 7 to look more like your xp did there are several settings you can change to do that if you wish.
This list says vista but it is the same for 7 so you can go through these steps and it will look more familiar to you.
Make Windows Vista Look Like Windows XP

Make the Windows 7 Taskbar Work More Like Windows XP or Vista

Windows 7 - How to make Start Menu look like XP's
from the windows 7 forums

Make Windows 7 look like XP

the thing to remember about 7 is use that search feature it is the best thing anything you need just start to type it in and you will see the options pop up.

one step at a time and report back what is happening and what if anything the scans are finding please

Being of age is not a failing, a disease, an excuse nor a crutch. All one requires is the gumption to move ahead. I am quite sure with confidence in yourself you will always be able to move forward.

DA

Ravencajun you are the best! I've spent hours using all the websites you suggested. Had lots of adware and babylon to remove. Thank you so so much. Now about ask.com. Here's what I think I know. I have mycenturylink.com as my homepage (they love ads!). The default search engine is google. When I type in a search, i.e., stock market, it pulls up about 20 websites, the first ten really being ads (so annoying). To the left of those websites is a column with more suggestions for searching, and at the bottom of those is: 'powered by ask.com' - those websites are lots more ads ... useless! Nowhere on my computer, in uninstall or just programs can I find ask.com so I can delete it. I'm thinking it's just plain built in to century link? There is no search engine box that says ask.com

Hum I am familiar a little bit with Century since that is what is down in Louisiana but I don't know anything about what is happening with those ads, it sounds like it is an altered google page somehow.

Why not change your home page to something else other than centurylink? is it because you have your email there? if so it really is best to use one of the free web based emails rather than most ISP ones. I have never used the email provided by my ISP. I personally use and like hotmail as well as gmail and I have a yahoo account but rarely use it. I keep some of those for when I have to sign up somewhere and I know they will be sending me spam.

I would suggest save your centurylink page as a favorite so you can easily get to if you want to but change your home page to something else, I use the mygmail page on one of mine that you can customize with what ever content you want. or if have a site you really like and go to often it can be your home page. any site can be your home page.
So lets try that and see if that makes a difference, I might suggest to try just making Google your home page and see if you find that ask.com showing up.
If you are using Internet Explorer you can also check in the list on there for the search engines it uses and suggests you might find that ask.com is listed there if so you need to delete it from that list, it will be a drop down list at the search line.

If you need help with doing any of that just let us know.
And you are very welcome I am really glad it has helped you and that you did manage to get rid of some of that bad stuff.

Now tell me what antivirus program you are using and if it is updating and scanning? is it the one that came free trial on the pc? We might need to be changing that if it is ready to expire.

IF you use IE as your regular browser you may just want to use the Microsoft fixit and reset your IE to the default settings this will remove any added things that may have been put on your IE including search engines. Here is the link you will see the area with the fixit button.
How to reset Internet Explorer settings

be sure to read the info on what all it will clear before you proceed.

If you want to try these steps first to see if you can clear it from the search list this way you can do that too.
remove the rest of the search providers by the steps below:

a) Open Internet Explorer
b) Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons.

c) In Manage Add-ons, under Add-on types, click Search Providers. select the ones to remove.

Method 2

a) Open Internet Explorer

b) Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons.

c) In Manage Add-ons, under Add-on types, click Search Providers.

d) Toward the bottom of the screen, select the Prevent programs from suggesting changes to my default search provider check box, and then click Close.

Ravencajun - I've been using the free AVG antivirus program and it is updating. I've done EVERYTHING you suggested including new homepage (back to what I had before - did not know I could keep it)and I am a happy camper. I learned a lot and I so appreciate all your help. BTW, ask.com is gone - went away with new home page!

Excellent! I am happy with you!
See you learned a lot about windows 7 in the process. I have to admit I rarely use windows 7,but it is on my husband's laptop and I am responsible for maintaining it so I have had to learn too. I know age is not an excuse but it is a fact for me at least that I don't retain knowledge like I used to and I don't pick it up as quickly, but I still keep on keeping on!
I use Linux as my daily operating system.

AVG in my opinion is not the program it once was, if you consider changing I would check out MSE by Microsoft or Avast both are free.

Good work and congrats. Be sure you update and run the malwarebytes scan regularly.

Excellent! I am happy with you!
See you learned a lot about windows 7 in the process. I have to admit I rarely use windows 7,but it is on my husband's laptop and I am responsible for maintaining it so I have had to learn too. I know age is not an excuse but it is a fact for me at least that I don't retain knowledge like I used to and I don't pick it up as quickly, but I still keep on keeping on!
I use Linux as my daily operating system.

AVG in my opinion is not the program it once was, if you consider changing I would check out MSE by Microsoft or Avast both are free.

Good work and congrats. Be sure you update and run the malwarebytes scan regularly.

Been following this thread with interest. So glad OP has gotten things straightened out. Yes, it does take some work to keep these machines maintained, and the more you use Win 7, the more you will like it, although I still love my XP. LOL!

For some XP is like an old pair of slippers. They are broken in just right. However, the day always arrives when they become dated and worn out so that they have to be replaced.

DA

yep but that does not mean we won't go kicking and screaming like a little baby when you rip away their favorite blankie!!!
LOL

I still have xp sp3 on my netbook it is fine for that.

Thanks again Ravencajun - I deleted AVG and installed the microsoft package. Actually, I already had it and didn't know what it was??? duh!!! This new HP came with more bells and whistles and I probably could delete half of it IF IF IF I knew what it was?? I agree adding a few years to my age has made it a little bit more difficult to learn or retain but I really don't give up - just get extremely frustrated. You have no idea how much time I've spent trying to become familiar with Windows 7 - when I finally find what I'm looking for, I forgot how many boxes I opened and how I got there - grrrrr! Unless someone can sit with me, show me and prove to me W7 is better than XP, I will always and forever wish I had XP back. I use my digital camera constantly, used My Pictures constantly and there is just no way that W7 is easier to use for manipulating and printing pictures .... too many more steps were added. Also the software I used for editing pictures (really simple to use) will no longer work on W7. Again though, thank you so much for your help. Now I'm going to clean up my son's computer!

Dodie, which is why I'm trying to keep XP, and my HP, well and happy as long as possible.

I have a quirk right now that I'm hoping to find the resolution to.

I've found out that age doesn't give us much of a bye, but there is still do-overs. {{gwi:1472708}}

Sue

The one significant answer as to why one has to move forward is posted thus, "Also the software I used for editing pictures (really simple to use) will no longer work on W7." Now I don't infer that a user has to be current, but one cannot be too far behind. With the release of Win8 and the aging of XP, it has been referenced by software purveyors that consideration to dropping XP and its support is on the table for many of them.

The computer evolution will not be slowing down. 128-bit is on the horizon with a forecast by some of nothing less than 64-bit software will function properly, if at all.

If people didn't move forward no one here would ask for assistance in Blue Ray player selection as they would be still in VHS or betamax. Or, no one would need help in selecting an HDTV as the old CRT would still be used. I can continue by citing examples of Ipods, Ipads, Nooks, Kindles, and smartphones, but I think my point is made.

Enjoy what you have and be prepared to move forward.

DA

I'd like to ask a question here if I may. Someone from Ask.com added some information that seemed like it would help the original poster but was completely ignored by all. Am I missing something?

Unsolicited advice from an unknown is not something I am anxious to use, it may be legit or it may be spreading something altogether different.
I had already covered in my posts a well known and safe method.

Remember just because someone says they are such and such from some place doesn't mean it's true.
Plus I did check the links on Linux and they led to an exe file to be installed I have no idea what the heck might be installed along with the supposed fix.
And I would highly caution any one to go install some exe they are not sure of, and be darn sure to scan it with multiple scanners before ever thinking about opening it on your pc.

That is just good safe secure thinking, how things are these days.

I'm the original poster and I think my ask.com question was answered. Yes I was given the website to uninstall it but didn't need to use it. I never could find that program in any of my software/programs so I could delete it. Also, Ravencajun suggested I use a different homepage and that took care of the problem. Damccoy I hear what you're saying but the old adage "if it ain't broken don't fix it" can also apply ... especially when the new is much more complicated - and a lot more steps than the old. I started working as a secretary in 1960 on a manual typewriter so I have worked through 50 years of typewriters and on to computers. The changes have been phenomenal and saved bazillions of manhours BUT ... I still like xp!!!

All those who are still watching black and white TV, listening to 8-track tapes, and using a rotary telephone please raise your hand.

Progress is a wonderful thing.

I have been thinking about the report that W7 has made it harder to work with photos. I don't remember hearing of an O/S or an application upgrade making it more difficult to work with its targeted tasks. Different? Yes. But harder? No. Perhaps using the prior protocol with the new software makes it harder than it needs to be. A user might have to use the upgrade differently than in the past for successful use and enjoyment.

DA

I agree with you DA - to a point. And I think I've reached that point with Windows. I've been playing with the release candidate of Windows 8 for about a month now and even though I can buy Windows 8 Professional for $15 when it comes out I will save the money. Win 8 may be all right if you use a tablet or smart phone and have a touch screen monitor but I don't and don't plan to. No Start button, no windows search which is so helpful in Win 7. No notepad, no Windows Movie Maker which I use a lot. Just a 'start screen' with icons all over, including one to go to the store to get your apps. I can't even find a button to turn it off without pressing alt, control, delete. If I'm still using a computer when they stop supporting Windows 7 (doubtful at my age) I will become a full time Linux user.

Bob,

I do understand sometimes something is not for everyone. I'm probably going to get a W8 lower end laptop this Winter. Just as a "toy" if you will.

My main system will still be this Vista desktop as it is a fine running system. When my children are in town they always report how well it runs.

DA

I understand that DA. I like to play with new versions too. I couldn't even wait for the official release of Win 8. I have plenty of room on my computer and decided to dual boot with the the release candidate. It's fun but all the windows accessories are missing. The only familiar thing I've found is Windows Explorer. I may yet find some of the things I'm missing from Win 7. I do suggest that if you can find a laptop with a touch screen in your price range go for it.

I, for one, am saving this thread to my favorites for future use (I hope not!!) so informative. I have a friend whose computer is all fouled up since W 7 took over but she is reluctant to any suggestions or links I share.
Thanks everyone. and glad OP got fixed up

ravencajun,
RE: Your post of Fri, Jul 27 at 18:49.
You are a Linux user I see. What version of Linux do you use? Will it do everything that Windows does, like e-mail, store photo's, surfing the net? Can you point me in the direction of Linux newsgroups?
WOW! Look at all the question marks.
Thanks,
Steve

I have been using Linux only as my daily OS for many many years now, I am not a big command line person however I like my GUI! My brain is just not good at retaining all that command line stuff any more but most of the new Linux distros you really don't need it since they have a great GUI.
I have used a few distros but my main go to is Mepis Linux, I am currently still on Mepis 8 which I love but will have to upgrade soon to the newest version because they are no longer going to be doing updates for 8. I hate that because I am so happy with what I have now but as DA said we must move forward!

I go to the Mepis Lovers forum since it is the main forum supporting Mepis. Very very nice helpful folks there.

I have also used Ubuntu, and Gos which was a google version from a few years back that did not go anywhere and is as far as I know defunct.

I want to try Linux Mint it is highly recommended as a very easy one to use also.

I went with Mephis because honestly everything just works with it, very little fiddling around to get going, and they have built in assistants that are great for helping you if you do have a problem.
I recommend trying one of the live CDs of the distro you might want to use and see how it runs on your pc if it runs ok from the live cd it probably will do just fine when installed. You can just use it from the live cd too with out installing it but it will be slower.

What I do is not mess with my windows hard drive at all. I have a second hard drive with my Linux installed on it like it is the only one, It is plugged into the mother board so I have 2 hard drives when I boot up I immediately hit to go into boot order and select which hard drive I want to boot to. If I just let it boot normally it boots to the windows drive. I like doing it this way because there is no way you mess up your windows you never touch it. And I can always pull the hard drive and put it in another pc should I care to.

There is also WUBI which is a method to install say ubuntu right onto your windows it runs it as it would a program you installed, so if you decided you no longer wanted it you just remove it from your add remove programs. No partitioning to deal with. I have never used WUBI but know people who have and liked it.

Welcome to the MEPIS Community

the version I have
MEPIS Linux 8.0

the new Mepis version
MEPIS Linux 11

you can order free live CD of both ubuntu and kbuntu from online. Or you can download and burn an iso file of any Linux distro for free from sources online like distrowatch.

I do every single thing I did on my windows computers and probably more using Linux every day. I use firefox as my browser just like I did on windows. You automatically get update notices for your OS just like windows, the main difference is that you do not go download and install programs from various websites, you have a built in resource where pretty much every thing you need is located you just access it and select from the vast array there and it will install it right to your pc. All of these have been well checked prior to being put up for install. Every distro comes preloaded with most of what you will need anyway.

the link below is screenshots of various linux distros so you can see what they would look like, some are out dated.

Here is a link that might be useful: screenshot directory

Though minor as to this thread, for accuracy I have to correct myself. It is not ask.com which is configured with Quicken. It is answerworks.

DA

ravencajun,
Thanks for your time and effort. The links were just what I wanted. I have much reading to do then a big decision.
Steve

just grab one of the free live cds burn your own as an iso very easy to do you can google that or ask here if you need help, and pop the live cd into your cd drive and try just running it live not installed see how you like it, then just eject the cd and reboot and you are back to normal nothing has changed. That is a good thing to do anyway if doing any online banking, much safer that way.