I clean cache/temp files daily. The network between my laptop and desktop is set up properly. (I work from home.) My guess is that this is another in a never ending series of mysterious computer problems that won't make history, may never be resolved. I will explore the best way to remove IE7. (IE home page was no help with any of my questions.) I'm a research nut and will continue looking for an answer until I've exhausted possibilities. I plan to postpone any removal until then. Thanks very much for all of valuable your help.
Walt