So sorry I haven’t been able to comment much the last two days. I’ve fallen way behind on putting together a new wildlife presentation for Saturday, and combined with several appointments, a few minor health issues, and just too much to do, I had to back away a bit. I tried to pop in when I could and leave a quick “Like,” but that was all I managed, I’m afraid. And THEN, my computer suddenly went wonky.
It started crashing and locking up over and over for several hours while I was TRYING to finish my PowerPoint presentation, and now I’m really not sure I can have it done in time for Saturday’s talk. I’m going to have to spend all day tomorrow on it, too, and that’s IF I can access it again. I haven’t worked up the nerve to check on that yet, since I got a tad upset when I had to reboot several times, and then had to find a way to turn off an alert message that kept popping up again and again trying to convince me my entire computer was in lockdown, and I’d have to call “this” number to sort it out for a “reasonable” sum.
Since I was still able to get online, I decided that was NOT something I believed, at all. Now, I’m going to go check to see if I lost the whole program or not, because there’s no way I can sleep tonight wondering if that happened. Anyway, that’s my sad tale for the week so far, especially today, but at least I’m able to access my blog and post again, so I have a suspicion that I’m not really “locked out” as that annoying, freeze-causing pop-up kept telling me.
Here’s hoping the HORROR of being computerless has gone away for now, and that tomorrow is a much smoother day.
And to Mae Clair and Yvette Calliero, please forgive me for not being able to respond to all the wonderful comments you each received. It was lovely to have you here, even if I was MIA for much of it, and I hope you both get some new readers coming your way, too!
Thanks for your patience, everyone. As you were!
The Write Stuff 
Uh-oh. It sounds like you might have gotten hit with some ransomware.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think you have some malware on your computer. It’s not ransomware but needs to be removed. I assume you have a PC with Windows 10 . Here are the instructions.
Windows Security is a powerful scanning tool that finds and removes malware from your PC. Here’s how to use it in Windows 10 to scan your PC.
Important: Before you use Windows Defender Offline, make sure to save any open files and close apps and programs.
Open your Windows Security settings.
Select Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
Select Windows Defender Offline scan, and then select Scan now.
The Windows Defender Offline scan takes about 15 minutes to run, and then your PC will restart.
Hope this helps
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thanks, John. I’ve saved this. I ran my Webroot Virus protection several times throughout the evening, and it isn’t detecting anything. Right now, it seems to have gone away, though I received two emails from Norton saying I should download and install their program. Webroot was what the tech guys put on here when I bought this computer, and I’ve always liked it more than Norton. But I’ve never checked out Windows Defender. I will definitely do that, too.
Currently, it has gone quiet, and nothing new has come through, but since I think the computer is going to update tonight, it might be totally different by morning. I’m too tired to think straight right now, since I only had four hours sleep last night. Today just finished me off. Hopefully this will wait until then. I appreciate your suggestion!! 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am connected to my computer the way that others are attached to their iPhones. When things start acting up, I start getting a little wonky—just like your computer.🤣 Better luck tomorrow.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I totally understand, Pete. You and I have that in common, and I can guarantee you *I* wonked out, too! Totally. Was pacing the floor in tears by the time my husband got home from work. I almost feel like I can’t breathe when I can’t access the things on my computer. Yeah, I realize that’s ridiculous, but my work, my friends, my wildlife things, and most of all, my Zoom chats with my grandkids who don’t live nearby are on there. All my favorite things, in addition to my books & writing. Even thinking about losing it all makes me crazy.
The good news is, it seems to be running fine this morning, but I’m still getting ready to take John’s suggestion and run Windows Defender shortly. In fact, I should probably get off this blog and do it right now. Be back later. I hope. 😬
LikeLiked by 1 person
My sympathies. There is nothing quite as annoying as technical issues – and they always happen at the worst possible time. Hope things keep running smooth now.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Heartfelt sympathy. In the space of a couple of weeks multiple incidents have occurred- Wi Fi has switched off and hot water suddenly gone when I am in the shower. Each time the solution has turned out to be switch off the boiler/ WiFi and switch on again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope your computer woes are gone! Always at the worst possible time too. Good luck on the presentation which you will do very well with!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We haven’t had one of those days for a while… ooops, maybe I shouldn’t have said that!
Hope your problem has gone away for good, Marcia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope all’s well now, Marcia. John’s advice sounds clear and sensible and, fingers crossed, will do the trick. Until then I’d be mighty suspicious of any on screen prompts or offers – but I know you’re far more tech savvy than I am! Good luck with finishing your presentation. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
If it’s not one thing, it’s another — right? With national/international craziness as a backdrop, life seems to have slowed for all of us. No worries, your friends and fans accompany you, Marcia. 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like John offered some suggestions. Hope you get it figured out soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry, Marcia. I hope John has you sorted out. Good luck on Saturday. I know how much you love those presentations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you had a thoroughly wretched time, Marcia. I hope you get it sorted out and there is no ransonware on your computer. Fingers crossed for you that you haven’t lost the presentation.
And no worries about not commenting on posts. I was delighted to have a spot on your blog. I had a lot of fun and thank you for the fabulous day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs 💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry about this kerfuffle and happy to hear from you but, remember, take care of yourself and, we all have stuff going on outside of the blogging world so no worries. We love you just the same and we’ll always be here when you get back. Hope all is well now. Enjoy your presentation! #NoApologies ❣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Marcia! No need to apologize at all! I’m grateful that you shared your space with me. Focus on fixing things on your end. The blog isn’t going anywhere. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t get me started. I’m one of the victim’s of Windows update again who just removed my wifi connection, and after 8 hours of finding a fix for that. Yesterday was 12 hours trying to find a fix for my printer no longer recognizing my computer. Mercury Retrograde nightmares! Sheesh, I hope things get better for us, lol ❤
LikeLike