can not control my computer

Question

something is wrong with my computer. i keep getting msn popping up whenever i use excel or word. maybe it has something to do with the tools. It keeps blinking up another screen and won't let me get my work done

Answer 1

Hi @Joann Bolden,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I understand that you are encountering unexpected MSN popup windows while using Microsoft Word and Excel, alongside intermittent screen flickering that impacts your productivity. This behavior often stems from how the applications communicate with online services or manage background notifications during your session. It is frequently associated with specific configuration settings or the presence of active external extensions within the software environment.

To address this, I suggest you first disable the Start screen in your Office applications. Please navigate to File, select Options, and under the General tab, uncheck the option to show the Start screen when the application starts.

It is also helpful to review your active add ins by going to File, then Options, and selecting the Add ins category. Temporarily disabling these items can help determine if an extension is triggering the pop ups. Furthermore, please ensure your display drivers are updated through the Device Manager to stabilize the visual performance of your screen.

Please perform these steps and update me on the outcome. I am happy to provide further investigation if these adjustments do not fully resolve the situation.

Answer 2

It sounds like you might be experiencing some software issues that could be related to unwanted software or a malfunctioning application. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Check for Unwanted Software: Sometimes, unwanted software can cause pop-ups and interfere with your applications. You can try running a scan with Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program to detect and remove any unwanted software.
2. Repair Office Applications: If you're having issues specifically with Excel and Word, you might want to repair your Office installation. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > Microsoft Office, selecting it, and then choosing the option to modify or repair the installation.
3. Clear Cache and Temporary Files: Clearing your cache and temporary files might help resolve some issues. You can do this by using the Disk Cleanup tool in Windows.
4. Check for Updates: Ensure that your Windows and Office applications are up to date. Sometimes, updates can fix bugs and improve performance.
5. Safe Mode: If the problem persists, try starting your computer in Safe Mode. This can help you determine if the issue is caused by third-party software.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider seeking further assistance from a professional or Microsoft support.

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References:

• Plethora of issues relating to windows and possibly security.