Electronics

[qualityshopper]

@gadgetgal613 --Why wouldn't I give this option to a business? Now if the business knew my exact location, then no, but all that happens is that, when things are functioning correctly, I'm provided with stores in my area. Considering that the stores I go to have multiple locations around here, there is no concern that my exact, precise location is detected. As long as I'm in the area, then I know that any items and their prices pertain to me. Right now, however, they don't--the locations given are about 100 miles away. Besides, what's the difference between allowing the store to choose a location near me or me selecting the store myself? If I select it, then I'm still letting the site know my general area. And, as I've mentioned, there's no problem with me doing this myself (I can certainly take 10 seconds to do this). I'm just trying to figure out why this laptop functions differently from any of my other computers. 

[qualityshopper]

@NYCLatinaMe --I just experimented with my cookie settings. Didn't make any difference. Sites still can't find me. Oh well. Not sure what you meant when you said that I like cookies. I always clear my cache when I'm done on my computer.

[qualityshopper]

@Caffeina --Thanks for all of the info.I appreciate you providing me with all of these links. If this computer was my only one, your explanation would probably apply, But, since my other computers don't have this problem, and, I assume, would be using the same third-party providers, then I would think this issue would happen on all of them. It's just this one though.

[qualityshopper]

For now, I'm giving up on finding a resolution for this problem. Perhaps, in time, it will correct itself. So, until it does, I'll just have to select my store to look around. No problem.

Anyway, just wanted to thank everyone for reaching out and trying to help. Really appreciate you all taking the time to do so. Thanks!

[gadgetgal613]

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@qualityshopper wrote:

@gadgetgal613 --Why wouldn't I give this option to a business? Now if the business knew my exact location, then no, but all that happens is that, when things are functioning correctly, I'm provided with stores in my area. Considering that the stores I go to have multiple locations around here, there is no concern that my exact, precise location is detected. As long as I'm in the area, then I know that any items and their prices pertain to me. Right now, however, they don't--the locations given are about 100 miles away. Besides, what's the difference between allowing the store to choose a location near me or me selecting the store myself? If I select it, then I'm still letting the site know my general area. And, as I've mentioned, there's no problem with me doing this myself (I can certainly take 10 seconds to do this). I'm just trying to figure out why this laptop functions differently from any of my other computers. 

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The only way they can know your location is with a cookie or something similar which is on your computer.  Probably a tracking cookie which I don't want.  

[NYCLatinaMe]

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@qualityshopper wrote:

@NYCLatinaMe --I just experimented with my cookie settings. Didn't make any difference. Sites still can't find me. Oh well. Not sure what you meant when you said that I like cookies. I always clear my cache when I'm done on my computer.

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@qualityshopper  If you cleared the cookies, your other old computers wouldn't know who you are when you returned.

[qualityshopper]

@NYCLatinaMe --Not really sure how all of this works (cookies, I mean). All I know is that, even though I always clear out my cache when done on any of my computers, the older ones can always still find my locations when I turn them back on.

[Marp]

@qualityshopper,  clearing your computer's cache does not clear cookies.

If you read the linked article it will fully explain what cookies can do.

allaboutcookies.org/information-in-cookies

[Boehm Collector]

@qualityshopper .. do you have a VPN installed?   VPN stands for “virtual private network” — a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. VPNs create an encrypted tunnel for your data, protect your online identity by hiding your IP address

[qualityshopper]

@Boehm Collector --My Norton software has a VPN included that you can turn on, but mine is off. That was one of the first questions HP asked when I called about this.

An update to my weird problem. Got on my older laptop last night and discovered websites are it are also now placing my location miles and miles away--something it has never, ever done. Then I get on my new one tonight, and mysteriously, websites are now showing the correct locations! Frankly, I feel that the true reason for this happening had something to do with my IP and nothing at all to do with the computer or any of the settings. I'll keep my fingers crossed that things will continue to work properly now.