I just wanted to thank all those listers that sent me replies to my problem. It seems to be the consensus that it may be the battery. So--I will check into how easy it is to replace.... I am not sure if this problem came because of installing a DSL modem and ethernet card on my computer (a month ago) or not. But it sure seems as if I have had (coincidentally?) so many problems since doing that to my computer. It is only two years old. I use AOL and it has continuously 'bumped' me off before finishing loading when I sign on, and I am not sure that is because of the DSL ! But also my printer gave out and I installed a new one plus a new scanner (was on sale!), then Photo Suite 4.0---all last weekend. I really don't think all that did anything to the computer, but ...I am not a hardware person. Thanks again! Maggee Smith