Wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what is going on with my laptop.

Keep getting a box randomly popping up on my screen. It has two keys together on a ring in top left corner. Within box it says:

The server Google/Sky/Facebook[or whichever site I happen to be on or attempting to get on] at DSL router requires a username and password.

WARNING:This server is requesting that your username and password be sent in an unsecure manner. Basic authoritication without a secure connection.

Then there are 2 boxes for username and password.

When just try and cross it off or select cancel box screen goes black, and in top left of screen in red it says: 401 UNauthorised

Authorization required.

Anyone any idea whats going on, or what I need to do to solve it, as I'm considering seeing how many pieces I can smash my laptop into!!!

Cheers in advance, Kev...........

Anyone any idea whats going on, or what I need to do to solve it, as I'm considering seeing how many pieces I can smash my laptop into!!!

Cheers in advance, Kev...........

No need for that.

Geek Squad with 24 Hour Technology Support

Is that the precise error message, to the letter? If so, the couple of typos would suggest some sort of malware ripping off a genuine message - if they're actually just typos then ignore me

It sounds like the security/encryption settings for your browser may have defaulted to buggerall, and various sites are just rejecting the credentials. Is it IE7 by any chance? Try going into the settings and telling it to restore the defaults. You could also try an alternative browser and see if teh same thing happens. I prefer Opera, but many are Firefox advocates - both are probably just as good for most users.

Post up a screenshot of the error box and let's see...

Steve

401 means you got the username or password wrong for the website.

Are your ISP having proxy problems?

I'd be worried you have something nasty on your PC myself as google shouldn't be asking for plain text passwords.

As above, what browser is it?

The server Google/Sky/Facebook[or whichever site I happen to be on or attempting to get on] at DSL router requires a username and password.

Your error message suggests that it's your router asking for the credentials by inserting an authentication request into the HTTP reply it sends you. Have you set it up properly?

Sounds like a dodgy pop-up to me. Probably hoping you provide the username and password and BINGO! Watch your bank account empty before your very eyes. I'd get in touch with your ISP and ask them. And try Firefox, as already suggested.

Good luck and be wary