Nicky and list, Thanks for the suggestion. Sad to say, I tried disabling the defective software with MSCONFIG last night, and now the system won't boot at all; I am using my netbook, and it's working incredibly well. I am limiting myself to e-mail and the web, and I unplugged the printer, scanner and label maker. So, until I can get a working monitor, this is going to have to be my working environment. I do have braille working and am able to use an external keyboard. I will probably take the plunge in a day or so, depending on what others on the list suggest, and order a new monitor. What a relief to have a backup machine! I tried an older machine and it didn't even boot up; it's an old lap top and the battery's probably dead. Looks like the optacon will come to the rescue again, when the new LCD monitor arrives. Mary to view the list archives, go to: www.freelists.org/archives/optacon-l To unsubscribe at any time, just send a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject. Tell your friends about the list. They can subscribe by sending a message to: optacon-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "subscribe" (without the quotes) in the message subject.