To be fair, I've used every version of Windows from 2.0 to Vista and
I've had similar, apparently trivial but actually major problems with
all of them. The difference being that, with Linux, you can get under
the hood, if necessary, to solve them but with Windows you usually can't
and so end up getting more and more frustrated. (Never used a Mac, so I
can't comment).

On the whole, I prefer Linux. Yes, it can be frustrating. Yes,
sometimes finding the information you need can be somewhat akin to
having your teeth pulled - without anaesthetic! But, for me, at least,
the problem solving is half the fun.

Anyway, great news that you've got it working and thanks for posting the
answer. I've learned something new today and no day in which you learn
something new can be called totally wasted .