I need XP service pack 1 back

[patndoris]

As you discovered, Norton infiltrates every wee little part of a machine it can manage to weasel into. I despise it as much for it's inability to be removed easily as any other reason. No program needs to be that deep on my machine. But you have rid yourself of it!! Woo Hoo! And you have the Comodo option installed - that's fantastic. That is antivirus plus firewall (on the last link we used) and it is totally free. If you get requests to pay for anything - don't.

Again, consider updating to SP3 for security reasons - it should be ok to do so. They generally recommend you turn of your anti-virus while you do it (but I don't and have never had an issue.) You can decide about that at any time though and can do the SP3 install at your leisure.

Now - mail options. Here's a recent comparison of Gmail, Windows Live Mail, and Yahoo Mail. I think you should find something in one of those that will work for you. Outlook Express has not been supported for some time. You won't be able to keep your computer up to date and use it as well. And, since the older stuff appears to have been lost in all the changes to your system, this is a great time to think about a change.

They are all easy to use and the decision is a personal one. I use Gmail but I know people who use the others - so it boils down to what you like. Don't hesitate to try all 3 of them and pick the one you like the best.

Do you have any other questions or problems we need to address now?

[Mistyfog]

Doris thanks so much for all your help, I really appreciate it. You are a big asset to this site. I am still pondering email accounts as I really don't want to change email addy's.Wow after Norton is off I see a speedier computer. Thanks to you and all who have responded. Misty

[patndoris]

You don't have to change your email address. My Gmail checks all of my other email addresses for me including the AOL address I originally started with and can't bear to part with. I consolidate 5 email addresses in Gmail, only 2 of which are even related to Gmail.

Most good web based options allow you to access and pull in information from darn near any email account you may have. There are desktop applications too, but I don't use them. I like the flexibility of being able to check my mail from anywhere (tho I do sync my Gmail to my computer so I can still have limited access if internet is acting up at home.)

Best of luck!!

[Ven0m]

You can easily replace Outlook Express with Windows Live Mail, which is meant to be the successor to it on Vista and 7 - but it works on XP too. The bad part is, you have to download it with the Windows Live Essentials installer (includes Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, etc) but fortunately you can configure it to only install Windows Live Mail.

If that's not a viable solution then Mozilla Thunderbird is a real good replacement for Outlook Express - and I actually use this one too and I highly recommend it! =)

[Mistyfog]

VenOm can I still keep my same email addy with these new email programs? I was looking at Gmail like Doris had recommended but I don't see how to keep my same email addy.

[patndoris]

Using a custom from address and the mail fetcher are the two features of Gmail you'd need to use. Yes, you need a Gmail address, but it doesn't mean you have to give it to anyone. Gmail can do all the checking and sending you need.

Ultimately, you'll need to select a program that feels comfortable for you. Ven0m can probably offer some more tips on that for you.

[Ven0m]

Yeah, you keep the e-mail address you have in Windows Live Mail or Mozilla Thunderbird.

I'd try the latter one.

[Mistyfog]

Doris are mail fetcher and custom from address part of Gmail? I did not see it when I went to my gmail site?

[patndoris]

Yes they are part of Gmail - they are located in settings.

[Mistyfog]

Thank you Doris will go look now.