New user needs help; numerous issues with Windows 7

[Annastasia]

I have a brand new, 52-hour-old, Lenovo T400 with Windows 7 Home Premium factory-installed. I had my cable company come out to set up the broadband this morning, but they couldn't set up my email because Windows Live Mail is not compatible for configuration with my local cable broadband. They also couldn't install the free anti-virus service that comes with the cable modem service, because it is not compatible with Windows 7. This is my first computer in 5 years (was offline entirely for 4.5 years until last June, when I got my Blackberry, so please forgive my naiivette' [sorry, I know that is mis-spelled; I don't know how to type an "i" with an umlaut; my BB auto-corrects the spelling on that word]), so I have never used Vista before, but have read enough to know that it sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. Is there a way to downgrade a factory-installed Windows 7 OS on a Lenovo T400 to XP?

In my past 28-hr attempt to get non-web-based email for a $1000+ device that is beginning to seem more like just a really expensive DVD and MP3 player with minimal web abilities, while my $50 Blackberry has email, near-normal desktop-style web browsing (except Flash Media), text, phone, video, and mp3 player capabilities; I called the cable company (Mediacom) who told me to call Lenovo or Microsoft. Called Lenovo first, and according to the tech I spoke with, the ONLY free non-web-based email client that is compatible with the combination of Windows 7 on a Lenovo T400 with cable broadband, that would allow access to email from more than 1 email address from different email providers, is Thunderbird, HOWEVER, when I went to download it from Mozilla, I kept getting warning messages that Thunderbird is infected with viruses. Does anyone know where I can find a virus-free copy of Thunderbird? Like a mirror site, or maybe from a file-sharing site from someone who downloaded/uploaded it before it was infected? The tech said he had no other solutions and told me to call Microsoft.

So, I called Microsoft, who said they could only *tell* me the name of a free non-web-based email client that could consolidate the messages from several email accounts and is Windows 7 and cable broadband compatible and compatible with my T400, for the "bargain price" of $59.95! I felt like I was talking to an organized crime syndicate, 'yeah, we'll give you the information...for a price.' They said since Mom bought it for me for Christmas from Lenovo, that Lenovo is allegedly responsible for any software/OS issues.

I called Lenovo back, and they said they are only responsible for the hardware, so between the two companies I apparently have NO technical support for my Windows 7 (in the event I have another problem besides no compatible email client), or any assistance in finding what non-virus-infected email clients are compatible with Windows 7 and cable broadband, are not web-based, and are capable of consolidating messages from more than one email address from different email providers, and store messages in an inbox that can be accessed offline, and would work on T400. Does *anyone* know of a free email client that meets these requirements?

Also, if I do have another OS problem, since neither MS, nor Lenovo, are allegedly responsible for the installed OS, does anyone know if there is a contracted 3rd company to deal with that, or some other way of supporting Windows 7? Because it was factory installed at Lenovo, I never received a Windows 7 backup disk or any MS or Windows literature; so if it gets corrupted or something, and neither MS nor Lenovo are responsible for OS or software issues, who would be responsible for fixing OS/software issues? Lenovo said MS was, and the warranty information booklet from Lenovo only covers hardware, specifically exempting pre-installed software: yet MS swears it is Lenovo's responsibility, and I can pay MS techs $60/question to have them tell me again that it is Lenova's responsibility and that MS can't do anything.

I am hoping that someone can PLEASE tell me that there is a legitimate 3rd party responsible for supporting my OS 7; that there is some legitimate way to get a backup disk of my OS 7; and that there is either a free, virus-free email client that meets my above reqirements, or that I can somehow downgrade to XP that has a built-in email client.
Thanks so much,
Ann

 

[richc46]

You wrote quite a bit I will answer as many points as I can one at at Time

Go to windows security essentials and download the great, but free A/V

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

 

[richc46]

If you go to Windows Live Essentials. You can download the free email client. Windows Live Mail.

http://download.live.com/ There are several appl that you can get from that site like messenger.

I think that the best support paid or unpaid is available, here, at Seven Forums. Give us a try before going else where.

This should be virus free, if you insist upon Thunderbird, but WLM, was made just for windows, I use it and am very satisfied.

http://www.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/thunderbird/

 

[Tews]

Mozilla Thunderbird is another great free email client that is very configurable... Get it -=> Here

If you need further help, all you need to do is ask... we live to serve....

 

[unifex]

Actually I am surprised that Lenovo does not offer technical support on Windows 7 - usually OEM manufacturers are responsible for tech support and that's the reason Microsoft asked you to pay. In my case, for example, I am supposed to call Dell, not Microsoft. Not that I ever do - it's much less stress to ask for advice right here in the Forums .

Thunderbird is indeed a great email client - works with different accounts and is very customizable, so you should not have any problems setting up your cable company's email. I am surprised though that Windows Live Mail is incompatible - what kind of email do they offer you, is that IMAP or POP3? If you do not know, ask your cable company, since you'll need to know that to configure *any* email client.

Downloading Thunderbird from the official Mozilla site Thunderbird - It?s All Yours is surely virus-free. However, if you are getting messages from the anti-virus software - which one do you have there, if you don't mind my asking - then try to update your anti-virus first.

Hope this helps.

 

[thefabe]

I would just like to add Don't go back to XP with the vast anount of information on this site and the quality of the members I'm certian someone can help you through any issues you may come accross. Fabe

 

[Tews]

I have found that when a support tech says that their product isnt compatible with a particular OS, what they really are saying is

a. Im too lazy to look your problem up
b. I cant help you cause I really dont know what Im doing...

You will likely find the solution here... SevenForums was voted the BEST site for all things regarding Windows 7 on the net ... nuff said!

 

[Annastasia]

Actually I am surprised that Lenovo does not offer technical support on Windows 7 - usually OEM manufacturers are responsible for tech support and that's the reason Microsoft asked you to pay. In my case, for example, I am supposed to call Dell, not Microsoft. Not that I ever do - it's much less stress to ask for advice right here in the Forums .

Thunderbird is indeed a great email client - works with different accounts and is very customizable, so you should not have any problems setting up your cable company's email. I am surprised though that Windows Live Mail is incompatible - what kind of email do they offer you, is that IMAP or POP3? If you do not know, ask your cable company, since you'll need to know that to configure *any* email client.

Downloading Thunderbird from the official Mozilla site Thunderbird - It?s All Yours is surely virus-free. However, if you are getting messages from the anti-virus software - which one do you have there, if you don't mind my asking - then try to update your anti-virus first.

Hope this helps.

I downloaded the free AVG anti-virus this morning, but I am supposed to have access to a more advanced and featured, normally paid security software as part of my cable broadband service, but the program is not compatible with Windows 7.
I tried to download Thunderbird from Mozilla before I had installed ANY security software, and the infection messages appeared to be pop-ups coming from the site itself.

 

[Tews]

What exactly are these "messages" saying??

 

[bobkn]

It sounds like Mediacom support is weak.

They appear to support Outlook Express as a client. Regardless of its name, Windows Live Mail is similar to Outlook Express, and can be used with POP3 servers.

The POP3 configuration settings are here:

Mediacom

(The POP3 and SMTP servers are both mail.mediacombb.com.) If you can't figure out how to configure Windows Live Mail with them, I hope that you can ask a PC-savvy chum. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

I don't understand the virus warnings when you download Thunderbird. I have no trouble getting it from www.mozilla.org. (I have Microsoft Security Essentials as my antivirus, plus Windows Defender.) I scanned the download with MSE: no problems. (I didn't actually install it.)

As regards general Windows support, your OEM Windows license is supposed to be supported by Lenovo. (If it was a retail license, Microsoft would give you free support on it. I haven't checked since the XP days, but I believe that the free period would be a whole 90 days from the time of your first support inquiry.) I can't advise you on how to avoid the run-around you've been getting.

In terms of going to XP: it may be possible. You haven't supplied enough information (exact T400 model) to allow anyone to check whether XP drivers are available. However, even if it's possible, it'll be much more difficult than configuring an email client that Mediacom doesn't support. ("Doesn't support" means that their support people can't talk you through the settings; it does not mean that it won't work.)

Good luck.

 

[Annastasia]

If you go to Windows Live Essentials. You can download the free email client. Windows Live Mail.

Essentials - Windows Live There are several appl that you can get from that site like messenger.

I think that the best support paid or unpaid is available, here, at Seven Forums. Give us a try before going else where.

This should be virus free, if you insist upon Thunderbird, but WLM, was made just for windows, I use it and am very satisfied.

Thunderbird - It?s All Yours

Sorry, maybe my post was too long to actually convey what I was trying to say:

I had my cable company come out to set up the broadband this morning, but they couldn't set up my email because Windows Live Mail is not compatible for configuration with my local cable broadband.

 

[richc46]

I do apologize for not explaining my position on the email client. Although, I am not disputing the information provided to you by the serviceman, I must comment that I never heard of a situation like you described.

In addition you mention that you cannnot avail yourself to the advanced A/V provided by the cable company, because it is incompatible with Windows 7.

With all due respect, may I suggest that maybe that is not the most advantageous ISP service to use. According to them, no A/V and no email client.

Go to the Thunderbird site that I provided and try to download,again. This time with your A/V in place, that site does not have a virus.

You may also want to try to download the email client that I suggested, your serviceman, could have been in error. Before you download make a System Restore point, so that if it does not work you can go back to the point prior to installation.

 

[s0c9]

Sorry, maybe my post was too long to actually convey what I was trying to say:

I had my cable company come out to set up the broadband this morning, but they couldn't set up my email because Windows Live Mail is not compatible for configuration with my local cable broadband.

I'll be blunt.. !! Your cable company service guy is a blithering idiot !!
Live Mail should not be incompatible with your local cable broadband. It's just a web based interface to manage email accounts. It may not be supported by your ISP and work with its email accounts, but that's a different issue.
Is that what you meant ?

If so, call their service folks and demand that they send out someone who knows what they are doing! Heck, my cable provider refused to support me for years, 'cus I was running a network behind the modem and always wanted me to plug a PC directly into the modem port. Blah!!
Having that type of config is now commonplace.

 

[computersplus]

incompatible

incompatible it sure sounds like they don't have a clue seems that's always everybody's line when they don't know what to do

 

[thefabe]

I would also agree to demand to have another service person sent out. Why When I had our cable bundel setup the cable box would keep shutting off,I would unplug the ac adapter wait 10 minutes and plug it back in and it would work for a while. finally got tired of it and demanded to have it replaced.The guy that came out aked if it quit working frquently I said yes, his reply was yea we got a backorder replacement order for over 2000 of these netgears seems the ac adapters are bad. Point being it is possible your installer fell asleep during the windows seven install portion of the training siminar.

 

[Annastasia]

It sounds like Mediacom support is weak.

They appear to support Outlook Express as a client. Regardless of its name, Windows Live Mail is similar to Outlook Express, and can be used with POP3 servers.

The POP3 configuration settings are here:

Mediacom

(The POP3 and SMTP servers are both mail.mediacombb.com.) If you can't figure out how to configure Windows Live Mail with them, I hope that you can ask a PC-savvy chum. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

I don't understand the virus warnings when you download Thunderbird. I have no trouble getting it from www.mozilla.org. (I have Microsoft Security Essentials as my antivirus, plus Windows Defender.) I scanned the download with MSE: no problems. (I didn't actually install it.)

As regards general Windows support, your OEM Windows license is supposed to be supported by Lenovo. (If it was a retail license, Microsoft would give you free support on it. I haven't checked since the XP days, but I believe that the free period would be a whole 90 days from the time of your first support inquiry.) I can't advise you on how to avoid the run-around you've been getting.

In terms of going to XP: it may be possible. You haven't supplied enough information (exact T400 model) to allow anyone to check whether XP drivers are available. However, even if it's possible, it'll be much more difficult than configuring an email client that Mediacom doesn't support. ("Doesn't support" means that their support people can't talk you through the settings; it does not mean that it won't work.)

Good luck.

The first time I went to Mozilla to try to DL Thunderbird, I got a pop-up (before I installed free AVG this morning, no security software) that appeared to come from the site itself with red and exclamation points and small print saying that the file was infected with viruses, but the window closed before I could see everything it said exactly. I tried to go back and check it again and got the same pop-up, but then another window opened showing that it was going to DL Thunderbird without me having selected run or save, and had to close it ASAP to avoid the infected DL, so again I didn't get to look at it long enough to get the details. If the virus is causing the DL attempt without my having selected run or save, I'm scared to go back to that site again.

Like I said, this is my first PC in 5 years, so I have no idea what most of the stuff listed in the configuration is; I was trying to fill in that information in my forum registration, but more than half the information requested (i.e. Motherboard, CPU) is not listed, or at least indecipherable, in the configuration my mom ordered:
2764CTO
2GBPC3-8500 1067MHzMem QTY - 2
320GbHardDiskDrive,7200rpm QTY - 1
FCC, Label QTY - 1
FCC-ID/Label for WWAN QTY - 1
Bluetooth Screw QTY - 1
Energy Star 4.0 Pack QTY- 1
WWAN MiscP-WWAN ReadyFull QTY -1
56k v.92 Desig. Modem QTY - 1
Base 2nd Touch for Hybrid QTY - 1
Bluetooth w/antenna QTY -1
Integ.WlessAntenna:14.1" QTY- 1
UWB Misc Parts-no card(H1 QTY - 1
St.LCDCov./Bez.14.1"w/Cam QTY - 1
ExpressCardSlot&PCCardSlot QTY -1
Cl.plateT400WLAN&BluetWWAN QTY - 1
GEOLbl.US,WLAN,Bluet. QTY - 1
Mech Misc Parts QTY- 1
New Int Lbl 2008 Core2 Duo QTY - 1
ODD SW for DVD Rec, Vista QTY - 1
AMD M82XT 256MBlbl AMT&TPM QTY - 1
MT 2764 Syst Lab (LED B/L) QTY -1
14.1WXGAw/LdB/IBtCmWWN11n QTY - 1
WLAnMiscPar-1x2half(H2) QTY - 1
MSlab.(Win.7Standard) QTY - 1
ThinkPad b/g/n QTY - 1
In.Core2DuoProcessorP880
DVDRecord.8xMaxDual,UltBay QTY - 1
14.1 WXGA TFT,w/LD Bcklt,Cm QTY - 1
Gen Win 7 Hm Pr 64 US En
Country Pack North America QTY - 1
Kyb US English
Lang.PackUSenglish QTY - 1
4 cell Li-Ion Baterry (sic) QTY - 1
UltrNav(TrackP&TouchPad)
Packaging US
Intg.Wir.WideNet upgrad. QTY - 1
AMD M82XT Hybrid 256MB

Regarding my problem not having a Windows 7 backup disk, my mom just called and said it should have been included, because she paid an extra $20 for it, but it's not listed in the configuration (that I can decipher; if you see it in the configuration list, please let me know), or on the packing list.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Ann:

Restated, I guess you have 3 problems

Getting an email client that can handle multiple addresses
Proper antivirus
Getting support for your new purchase
Getting a backup disk

I'd concentrate on the first two for now.

The people on this forum can likely provide all the knowhow you need.

You have AVG installed. Does it appear to be working properly?

If yes, have you tried to download Thunderbird 3.0 from here?

Mozilla Messaging

Microsoft's own Security Essentials is probably the easiest to use and configure alternative to AVG in use by forumites if you are looking for something other than AVG.

Don't rely on whatever antivirus your ISP may provide. Run your own on your own PC.

If you think you have no virus issues at this time, I would find out why you can't download a proper copy of Thunderbird. If you can't do so from a legitimate site, you may have some sort of malware or virus on your system, despite AVG.

Concentrate on antivirus and mail first.

 

[Annastasia]

I would just like to add Don't go back to XP with the vast anount of information on this site and the quality of the members I'm certian someone can help you through any issues you may come accross. Fabe

It wouldn't be a matter of going back to XP, as I have never used it before; I have just heard so many bad things about Vista. My last PC came with Windows ME, but my anti-virus software kept finding so many viruses, including some generated by the ME OS *itself*, that I attempted to upgrade to XP for about 5 minutes before it crashed everything and displayed the blue screen of death, so then I had to downgrade to Windows 98, so that was the last PC OS I ever used 5 years ago.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Don't bother with Vista or XP.

Stay with Windows 7 unless you have specific information that your computer won't run it. The machine undoubtedly came with a bunch of stuff you don't need and it can likely be removed as needed. It came with Windows 7 and should certainly run it. You have 2 GB of RAM, which is enough to provide decent performance.

Work on your specific issues.

 

[Wishmaster]

Windows Live mail should be fairly straightforward setting up ..

new Account

1st page:
email address
PW

next page ..

the server addresses (incoming POP3 & Outgoing SMPT) will be something like :
mail. <carrier> . <com or net>

least, thats how most cable services work :-/

thunderbird should be the same