Help - I can't get in to post messages or pictures! 

We've all had these problems!  Here are things we have tried that have helped from time to time.  Many items require regular updating of your internet and computer software.  These updates are done to protect the site and you from hackers, viruses, etc.  They are annoying - but believe me - they do safe guard us.  We certainly do not want to lose all the wonderful work that is shown on this board.

1. Check the general message board - if the number of posts seems low for a day - it may be a MSN problem and only time will help.
2. Make sure the "Sign In" button on the top of the screen is showing "Sign out" - otherwise - click it to sign into the site.
3. Did you change your e-mail address?  You still must sign in with the old e-mail address - even though the new one is on your profile.  Your net passport still has the old listing.
4. "Sign Out" is showing but your site name isn't in the blue line on the top right of the screen - try going to the message board and open any message and click reply.  Check to see if that brought your name onto the line on the top left. (It won't let you reply the first time.) You might have to do this 2-3 times. Don't bother typing a message until you see your name appear.  It will just get lost!  (Ask me how I know this one![F5 will retrieve that message BTW!] )
5. None of this is helping - go to top right on header and click on "My Groups".  This should take you to a page where your groups in MSN are listed on the left column.  Click on this group there to come into site.  If you don't have groups listed there - someone has used your computer and signed into net passport with another name and that's why you can't get into the site.  There is a sign in for net passport when you click on hot mail where you can change this.  You don't have to sign up for the hotmail account - just click enter after the sign in. Then use your bookmarks to come back to the site.  Can also change it on MSN IM if you have that.
6. Go to http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us and check to see if you have the latest updates from them.  Sometimes to assure security for the sites - there are changes made there that won't let you in without the updates.  
7. Still can't get in ?  Send NanaPennyPockets an e-mail and I'll try to come up with other ideas to help.  nanapennypockets@yahoo.com
   
   Update to this from 7/2/05
8.  
   Many are having problems getting back into the site. Apparently it's related to Windows and Norton updates not being in sync.  Information I got from Community Managers explains what to do.  I had the same problem and this cleared it up.
    
   Open the main screen in Norton; select the firewall; then click on the configure button; then on networking tab. Under trusted:  click add; then individually, write in:  groups.msn.com
   
   Update 7/15/05
9. Make sure your Internet Explorer or other browser is updated.