I am having major issues- this computer was handed down to me and for some reason that I cannot figure out- it will not let me download any new programs to my computer. No upgrades or new programs whatsoever. I have Windows XP on a Gateway solo laptop- can anyone help? PLEASE!!!

What happens when you try to download?

Any Error messages?

No I do not get any error messages- for a lot of programs when I get to the download page I get a blank page with the colored square icon in the top left corner. For other programs it acts like it downloaded but doesn't say anything about failing or being sucessful- it just doesn't do anything and doesn't show up on my computer. Please help me if you can. Thanks!

XP SP2?

Internet Explorer?

No XP SP2
Yes this happens through IE

Check these settings:

Tools | Internet Options | Security | Default

Tools | Internet Options | Advanced | Restore Defaults

Also forgot to ask: are you running a Firewall?

I tried the internet options- it still doesn't work.
I actually do not know if I am running a firewall- how do I find out?

go to Control Panel | Add/ Remove Programs

look for any mention of firewall & or

zone alarm
sygate
outpost
kerio
agnitum
symantec
norton
tiny

also see if you can download this:

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

I do have Liveupdate 1.7 (symantec corp), but that's all I saw. I cannot download the program you suggested either.