Some time ago, I loaded Freeserve software for free access to the Internet, which worked brilliantly while I was using it. However, shortly after a family member did something that lost this connection, and subsequent attempts to load any Internet software have met with the same result - failure.

Have you any ideas as to how I may repair the damage and get back access without removing or damaging the hard disk? - P Sterling (submitted by email)

When installing dial-up software from Internet service providers the software usually deletes existing network details. These details inclde the IP Gateway or router address, the domain name server addresses and also the hostname and domain name. To check these entries on your machine click the right mouse button while pointing at the Network Neighborhood icon on the desktop and select properties from the pop-up list. Then double-click the TCPIP protocol, which opens the window showing the network settings. The data has probably been corrupted by whoever decided to change your Internet access. One suggestion is that you note the settings you have for future reference and then delete them and close the window. Then try installing your new ISP software.