Julie, I keep telling colleagues that the most important lesson we can teach the children in ICT is that a) computers go wrong, and b)even if a message tells them its their fault (like the one that says - If you do not wish to see this screen again, close down Windows properly), it isn't telling the truth.

In this case, however, telling Madam that there may have been some incompatability between the software you were installing and some changes which had been made in the computer and you hadn't been made aware of might be a better teaching point. It hadn't happened on any others, had it?

I have a colleague who gets help with her laptop from her son.........

When I remember the funeral of my brother-in-law, I get some sushi from M&S (which he introduced me to), and listen to the music my neices played there. It isn't cheering, but satisfying. And I keep in touch with them (older than your cousins).

What's your comfort food?

Penny