Hi, Janie -
At least a couple of times a day, I'm tempted to throw things at my computer, and then I settle down and realize that the problem is MSN. They give you all sorts of features you don't need that bog you down. But in my rural location, it's nice to be able to hook into a national service and to have a few access numbers to choose from.

If you explore your MSN menus, you should find something that will help you select a new access number - it dials a toll-free number that leads you to a menu of access numbers in your area. You may find a different number will give you a better connection - but make sure you chose a number that's a local phone call for you.

I've found I have better luck using Firefox or MSIE instead of the MSN Explorer browser. Once you've logged on, go to "sign out" and choose "Switch members." The MSN Explorer browser will close, but you'll still be connected adn you can use MSIE or Firefox.

I hope I've confused you thoroughly...

-Joe Offer-