@ John - No offense taken. I think it a bit "human nature" when already frustrated over something not working correctly and someone suggests something totally obvious. I've burned holes through people's heads with my eyes for doing that! But of course, facial expressions and body language are hard to express via the written word.
As I mentioned before, I believe forums are places for "open discussions" for all to participate, share and learn, and not one-on-one discussions between OP and helper. So I try to speak to all (reading now, and those seeking answers in the future) so those of all skill-sets can follow. But often that is seen as condescending. But I assure you and all, I don't mean to sound that way, and certainly don't mean to be offensive. So my apologies to my peers and colleagues if I appear that way.
FTR - I come to these forums to share what I know before that sieve of brain of mine forgets it all. And while I have supported IT hardware professionally for nearly 45 years and one thing I have learned is there is ALWAYS much more to learn - especially in rapidly advancing and evolving technologies. No one is, or can be an expert in all so the biggest advantage to these forums is they bring expertise from all areas of IT together. So the icing on the cake for me sharing what I know helping others (besides the occasional thanks) is I get the opportunity to learn from my fellow experts too.
I have a habit of being direct with whatever my train of thought is and just cut to the chase. The "I resemble that remark" is a Garfield the cat reference.
I hear you. I am the same way, perhaps due to being a grumpy ol' retired USAF Master Sergeant, or from being a long time electronics technician working in and training others in and around deadly voltages where there's no time or place for misunderstanding - or personal feelings getting in the way of safety, security, or mission.
And sadly, too many people forget computers are electronics - bound by the Laws of Physics and Electronic Principles - and that ANYTHING that plugs into the wall can kill.
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As for TeamViewer and other remote programs, they are great, but their big gotcha is the remote computer must be working well enough to boot, establish a network connection, and then allow remote access. Not to mention, someone needs to setup remote access on the client end to begin with. Often not an easy task when the user is still hunting for that elusive "any" key.
We get the "using the neighbor's wifi" problem a couple of times a month.
I get those here too - and when that happens, they get a lecture from me about "fraud", "theft of services", felonies, jail and large fines for them
and their neighbor who conspired to allow it.
And while I think ISPs charge outlandish prices for the services they provide, stealing is still stealing and outlandish prices don't justify stealing.
