Struggling With My Gmail

[burlyshirley]

All day I have been unable to reply to emails, start a new email or open anything. I keep getting a message saying that something's not right and we are trying to connect to Google and will keep on trying. I have no idea what to do about this - can anybody help? Not very technical, so please be gentle with me !

[Buenchico]

I assume that you're trying to access your Gmail account through your web browser, rather than by using a dedicated email app on your computer or phone. If so, please tell us which browser you're using. (Internet Explorer? Edge? Chrome? Firefox? Something else?)

[burlyshirley]

Internet Explorer Buenchico.

[Buenchico]

You shouldn't be using Internet Explorer, as an increasing number of major websites no longer support it. (Only 1 in 40 PC users still have Internet Explorer as their main browser).

Your best option would be to use another browser. If you're using Windows 10, you've already got Microsoft Edge available for use. (If you're using Windows 7 or 8, Microsoft Edge can be downloaded and installed).

It might be better still though to switch to a third-part browser, such as Chrome, Firefox or Slimjet. (Just over two thirds of PC users have Chrome as their main browser although I prefer Slimjet, which has many similarities to Chrome but isn't linked to Google).

However, if you really want to stick with Internet Explorer (despite the fact that it will gradually cease working with many websites), clearing its cache might well fix your current problem. See here:
https://neosmart.net/wiki/clear-internet-explorer-cache/#Clear_Cache_In_Internet_Explorer_11

[burlyshirley]

I have to go now. Does anybody have any ideas ? Will look in again tomorrow. TIA.

[Buenchico]

Crossed posts, methinks!

;-)

[Bobbisox1]

Is it possible you could uninstall and the reinstall it BS?

[Ellipsis]

> Crossed posts, methinks!

I do hope so!

[venator]

simples! Switch to Chrome. Tried and tested.

[burlyshirley]

Thank you chico and venator. I didn't know that about Internet Explorer chico. I have been trying to switch to Chrome, but when it comes to a direction to press 'run', I can't see where to press, there is no word 'run'!!

I also thought I'd try cleaning the cache, but fell at the first hurdle. Where is the desktop and what icon am Isupposed to press??

I told you I am not very technical and I apologise for that.

[Bobbisox1]

Go to the three dots top right here BS,History ,you'll see Clear browsing history, because it's IE you're using I'm not sure how you'd clear the cache ( sorry) try typing in 'how do I clear the cache in Internet Explorer ' in your search bar ,when you do it, I'd change to Google Chrome if I were you x

[burlyshirley]

Thanks Bobbs, I'm trying to switch to Chrome, but got stuck (as above). My bro. usually sorts out my computer stuff, but he's not well just now (not covid thank God). I'll keep trying, but could do with some more input from chico.

[Buenchico]

While still using IE, click the blue button here:
https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/

If you're asked whether you want to save or run the file, select 'Save' (NOT 'Run').

Depending upon how you've got Internet Explorer configured, you'll either be asked where you want to save the file to or it will automatically go to your default location for saving files, which will almost certainly be your 'Downloads' folder.

Once the file has downloaded, close Internet Explorer. Go to the location of the set-up file that you've just saved. (If you're using Windows 10, you can get to your downloads folder by clicking on Start > Documents and then on Downloads in the left hand panel).

Double-click on the file that you've just downloaded.

Then follow any instructions you might see.

(My own preference though is to use Slimjet, rather than Chrome. The instructions for downloading and installing it are exactly the same as above, except that you need to go here and click on the green button: https://www.slimjet.com . To get Slimjet looking exactly as you want it, follow the instructions in my post at the foot of this page: https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Technology/Question1729580.html )

[burlyshirley]

Thank you chico. When I tried it the first time, it definitely said press 'run', but I will go to 'save' next time. I'll do my very best and hope I can sort it. Hate not having my emails ! Thank you very much for your help and I'm sorry I'm not very au fait with technical stuff, it's all greek to me !!