Computer help needed

[bailadora]

So here's the problem: Since last Tuesday, whenever I log into my facebook account, I end up with a blank screen (not including the browser toolbars). At first I thought the problem might be with the site itself, but when I borrowed another computer everything loaded just fine. For about 15 minutes yesterday, it was functioning normally and then in between flipping between profiles, the damn screen went blank again. So the issue is something screwy with my desktop and I'm at a loss as how to fix it. What I have tried so far without success:

Closing and then restarting the browser.
Using a different browser (IE as opposed to FF).
Rebooted my computer
Totally shut down my computer, left if off for about 10 minutes or so and then restarted.

So anybody have any ideas on what the issue could be and more importantly, how to fix it? FB really has become one of my preferred methods of keeping in touch with extended family and friends. Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[silverwhisper]

some questions:

1. you don't experience this issue on other sites?
2. what browser/version are you using?
3. did anything on your computer change tuesday? automatic updates, someone used your machine, that sort of thing?

ed

 

[SweetErika]

I can't help you, but maybe google can? When I search 'facebook blank screen' there are a bunch of people complaining about the same problem. Perhaps you can find an issue similar to yours and see if there are any helpful hints or solutions posted?

 

[bailadora]

some questions:

1. you don't experience this issue on other sites?
2. what browser/version are you using?
3. did anything on your computer change tuesday? automatic updates, someone used your machine, that sort of thing?

ed

Some answers:

1) Nope, not that I recall. Some sites may take a bit longer to load, but they do load.

2) Mostly I use Firefox (3.0.7) but sometimes stuff hangs up in FF and I will switch to IE (7).

3) It's possible. Automatic updates happen all the time with this machine. Anything else gets loaded by the husband. While the computer is shared by all in the family, he's the most tech savvy of us all so anything related to it is usually his domain. That said, he has no idea what may have happened to cause problems with this one site.

*smacks self on forehead* Thanks for the tip, Erika. It never occurred to me to do that. I really am a technotard!

 

[regularguynsac]

Do you use a wireless mouse? Logitech perhaps?

 

[bailadora]

Nope, mouse has a cord on it.

Please educate me - what is Logitech?

Edit: Duh - I should have googled it first. Nope - the brand is HP.

 

[JudeRodney]

What antivirus and anti-spyware programs are running? When was the last time they were updated or run?

Did you click on a Facebook link that turned out to be spam shortly before this started?

Have your husband restart the computer in Safe Mode and try to bring up Facebook that way.

 

[kindashy]

Have your husband restart the computer in Safe Mode and try to bring up Facebook that way.

I think that is a bad idea. If I remember right, only MS standard protection software is loaded when you start computer in Safe Mode and since most people use aftermarket security software and turn MS standard protection off, when you start computer in Safe Mode, you have no protection at all. And you want them to go to Facebook like that? Nuts.

 

[agentlust]

are your graphics working properly? As in besides the browser. Might be time for a new graphics card! If not, try downloading google chrome and if all fails - get a hardware check.

 

[bailadora]

What antivirus and anti-spyware programs are running? When was the last time they were updated or run?

Did you click on a Facebook link that turned out to be spam shortly before this started?

Have your husband restart the computer in Safe Mode and try to bring up Facebook that way.

I don't think we have any spyware programs, but I'll ask. As for anti-virus, we run Norton. It was last updated about a month ago when we renewed our subscription. The program runs once a week. As far as I know, I didn't click on any spam links.

are your graphics working properly? As in besides the browser. Might be time for a new graphics card! If not, try downloading google chrome and if all fails - get a hardware check.

The graphics run fine at all locations except FB. The login page is just fine, but then when I try to actually log in, I get the blank page instead of my profile page. Granted, I'm not very tech savvy, but if it were a graphics card problem wouldn't I be having problems with more than just one site?

 

[Davetmat]

Perhaps this link would help

http://forums.instamapper.com/viewtopic.php?id=257

Theres a couple of suggestions but I agree that theres no way its your video card give my technical knowledge!

Let me know how it goes, and I'll see if i can be of more assistance.
It's most likely your application software that runs facebook itself.

 

[bailadora]

Dave (or anyone else for that matter), please tell me if I am understanding this correctly: the user in that link was trying to install a facebook application to his or her page/profile and upon doing so, received the dreaded blank page.

See that's not what happened to me at all, so I'm not sure if that particular fix applies to my case. One day I went from being able to see my profile page, to not being able to see anything at all. I did not try to install or add an application to my page prior to losing visibility. I'm starting to wonder if it's a FB problem after all because I logged on using my husband's information and his profile pulled up without a hitch. And navigating from his page, I was able to view my own profile with nary a problem. What the Fuck?!!?

FWIW - I have put in a complaint with the FB support team, but they have been rather slow getting back to me. *sigh* Anyway - thanks for all the suggestions so far.

 

[phelon]

hope this helps

first i don;t use facebook, so i am speculating from my knowledge of general sites.

since you tried 2 different browsers, then its not a issue with the browser itself, nor the site(you get there fine)
it sounds like some kind of error with java or a plug in.

if you go into programs, accessories, you should find an IE no addons.. try that and see if it works. if it does, some addon/plug in is having a compatability problem. if not then try uninstalling things like flash, and java... and reinstalling them one maybe corrupt.

also manually update and run antivirus and antispyware.