my internet works, as i am using firefox. it will go anywhere i want, but my e-mail is ginked up.
i have new messages, and i can get to all my sent, drafts, etc.
but when i click on ANY message, new or not, there is nothing showing on the side where the message should be.
i have shut this thing down several times, re-started in safe mode, even went so far as "back to the future" on a re-set in time where every thing used to work, but still got this problem.
so, anyone out there have any kids they want to loan out to help me fix this thing ?
i'm running wind-hose 7 on a desk top if it matters..........
the machine is roughly 10yrs old.
yeah, i know............"old NUMNUTZ guy don't know [insert your favorite word here... ]............

I sent you an email with detailed instructions on how to fix it.

have you tried a different browser, or app on your phone, see if you can get in and narrow it down if it is just firefox or your machine.

If he still has the live mail download, I'd try to remove and reinstall and set it up from scratch. IF it's been set up using imap he shouldn't lose anything. If he doesn't have the Windows Essential download Microsoft warns against getting it from a third party site. Microsoft no longer supports it so no official download exists. Which leaves alternatives:

In the past I've used Thunderbird and Pegasus Mail, both still available.

alternative email client linky

If he "upgrades" to Windows 10 (you can still do it for free) he gets access to the windows mail app, I didn't care for it and use outlook.

upgrade linky

I was under the impression Thunderbird came with Firefox....if so set that up and use it. If not it should be a free download(as stated above) I have it on this machine setup to a pop account from Spectrum, works OK. My wife has Windows Live mail on a Win 10 machine(also a pop account from Spectrum) and it has been VERY problematic.

No, Mozilla spun off Thunderbird to a new wholly owned branch a while ago. They still come bundled on most Ubuntu /Linux installations.

Gotcha...probably why I thought they came together. I'm running Linux Mint.

i'm happy to report that all is back to normal !
after many re-starts in various modes, along with several "disc repairs" [or something like that] plus shutting it down over night, i can now read and send e-mails.
as this machine is almost 10yrs old, i think i better consider a new one.
any suggestions ?
all suggestions and responses greatly appreciated !
now if i could only get a couple of youngsters here to help in the future ! [plus i could put them to work helping me complete all these projects that need done before i croak ! ]

Andrew, this thing of mine is a desk top deal, with a "tower" main unit.
i'm old, and don't know how to work a phone, so i don't have one. except for the one on the kitchen wall that has a round thing you put your finger in and spin around to call a number.

Computers are also priced higher than normal these days. Your old one is perfectly suited to a new life with a new operating system.

Suggestion, back up all your photos, docs, music and videos to an external hard drive. Install a version of Linux, I suggest Linux Mint, Zorin OS as probably the smallest learning curve from windows to Linux. Linuxmint.com or ZorinOS.com (Zorin offers the advantage of several windows style start menus, core version is just fine and free) are the place to start, download and burn to DVD, insert the newly burned DVD and proceed with the dual boot option in case you decide you can't make the jump to Linux, very small chance I think. FWIW, there are MANY videos on how to dual boot on youtube, very specific instructions make it easy.

If you decide to go new, you're getting Win10 with the option of Win 11 or Win 11. I find most of my machines are Dell with two or three HP's. All are perfectly fine. I don't know of any manufacturer to avoid these days.

thanks 300.
my main problem is i tried one time to back up everything, and i really screwed things up.
my sister from virgina had to fix it for me when she visited the next time.
also, even if i buy something new, i still have to "set it up".
now you would think that a 45yr career with CNC machining, writing G code programs and diagnosing and repairing various machines with different operating controls would make me a wiz at a simple PC.
er, well, um, nooOOOoo !
i think my main problem is, i need a FSM for wind-hose 7 that i can read, then follow the flow chart[s] necessary, to successfully back up everything on this machine, then do as you say, jump to linux.
if i can diagnose and repair semi-late [up to around 2008 or so] model vehicles, then i "should" be able to do something with this simple [?] PC, but i need a FSM to do so.
i don't know if this thing has a disc burner. i don't think it does, so i will have to get one of those as well.
so many things i don't know, or forget to ask about, and at my age, forgetting seems to be more prevalent than being afraid to learn or try something new. everyone says to write yourself notes to remind oneself. i have notes scattered all over i can't remember what they were for.