The Digital Surgery (computer questions/problems here)

[Thailightzone]

Are we talking computer or mobile?
Operating System?

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

[handdrummer]

Laptop
Windows 7

Fortunately, I'm not in a large group but stupidity also shows up in individuals.

[HarryVardon]

You should have replaced Windows 7 years ago. You're just asking for trouble with an obsolete operating system.

[handdrummer]

You should have replaced Windows 7 years ago. You're just asking for trouble with an obsolete operating system.

That's not an answer to the question and not a solution.

It's been operating since Dec. 2012 with no problems.

You'd probably give me the same advice about my 1994 car, which is also running well and when it has a problem, I have it fixed.

[Ginjaninja]

HarryVardon is right... you would have better support fixing your old car.
An obsolete operating system is asking for trouble. Won't stand a chance against any virus and you risk losing your data. I'm pretty sure it was because I was still operating Windows XP that a huge amount of my personal photos was corrupted.
You need to go for Win10.

[lindosfan1]

Handrummer I think the little blue circle signifies a delay in downloading, I get on windows 10 so it is not unusual.

[pharvey]

I don't believe there's much doubt the your Windows 7 installation is the root problem, but is there some software that you've downloaded in recent days that has compounded this issue? If so, delete that in the short term and upgrade the operating system in the longer term.

[Thailightzone]

Maybe Harry approached it bluntly, but yes, sounds like it is updating.
You should upgrade to Win10. It should have been prompting you to do so.

Where do you live. Perhaps I can help?

[handdrummer]

Handrummer I think the little blue circle signifies a delay in downloading, I get on windows 10 so it is not unusual.

That makes the most sense, as it occurs when I'm downloading or changing from one page to another on, for example, google or yahoo news.

[handdrummer]

You should have replaced Windows 7 years ago. You're just asking for trouble with an obsolete operating system.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. No, I'm not asking for trouble, just helpful, useful information and advice.

[handdrummer]

HarryVardon is right... you would have better support fixing your old car.
An obsolete operating system is asking for trouble. Won't stand a chance against any virus and you risk losing your data. I'm pretty sure it was because I was still operating Windows XP that a huge amount of my personal photos was corrupted.
You need to go for Win10.

I have antivirus software and have never been infected.
This computer came with XP and after 30 days I took it to the shop and had Win. 7 installed. The tech said he does about 30 a month and no one likes XP.

I have another laptop with Win 10 and don't like that OS either, which is why I've continued using Win 7.

I'm digitally illiterate and since I haven't been able to fix that, I'm probably digitally stupid.

[handdrummer]

I don't believe there's much doubt the your Windows 7 installation is the root problem, but is there some software that you've downloaded in recent days that has compounded this issue? If so, delete that in the short term and upgrade the operating system in the longer term.

No, I haven't downloaded any software.

[Ginjaninja]

I would still be using Win XP if I could but there's too much risk using non-supported Windows. I'm not a fan of Win-10 either but I'm sure you would get used to it.
Microsoft got you by the danglies.

[dtaai-maai]

You should have replaced Windows 7 years ago. You're just asking for trouble with an obsolete operating system.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda. No, I'm not asking for trouble, just helpful, useful information and advice.

Handdrummer, you're getting helpful, useful info and advice, but you don't appear to want to act on it. lindosfan is right, it's due to slow downloading which can only be resolved by upgrading your OS and, almost certainly, your laptop. I bought a 2nd hand laptop when I came back to the UK in 2017. When I bought a new PC last year I was amazed at the difference.

[Dannie Boy]

An 8 year old computer is very much past its “best use by” date and unfortunately unlike cars, they are not as easy to fix or upgrade without spending significant money on it - money that would (IMHO) be better spent on getting a modern update, with a SSD drive.