My laptop pad still works but my typing skills are lacking, so things could slow down for now.
Re my emails: Gmail, hotmail and yahoo emails worked just fine, but when an email was system generated, or if I clicked on a website email link, the default email was that of my ISP, but when I hit send I would get the message: The host 'smpt.sbcglobal.net' could not be found. This was my ISP in Califorlia 3 years ago, I now live in Texas. I contacted AT&T (my texas ISP) and they reset my servers, so that is why you got all my emails.
RE:Windows needs to install driver software for your Matshita DVD+ -RW UJ-857G ATA drive
I get this message every time I reboot or start my Laptop. If I click OK I get the message that the install was successful - but I still can not access my dvd, I get a message that the DVD does not exist or is disconnected.
My internet access has been fine, absolutely no problems at the moment.
I am posting this comment and will continue with the rest of your instructions starting with the ping instruction.
ps. Great to have you back! - I was beginning to wonder if you were on vacation, had an accident over the weekend, or were just plain tired of this case!