The computer is fixed!!!
I called the Hewlett-Packard technical support number, and a fellow in India assisted me.
I had to reformat the entire hard drive, but most of my data was saved, as I had it either duplicated on my notebook, stored on my flash drive, or stored at Internet web sites.
I'm still not connected to the Internet, but I did call the cable TV company to come connect me.
The cable TV guy was supposed to return my call, but didn't, so I reckon it'll be another week or so, since you can never get anything done during or around holiday weekends.
Anyway, I have my computer back, and all I need now is to get it connected.
Since I'm getting my Internet connection from the cable TV company, I've decided to go whole hog and buy the complete high definition cable TV package.
One reason I'm writing this e-mail is to warn all you folks.
I learned two (02) important things from this experience.
First, if you are using Windows XP, do NOT perform any maintenance, unless specifically directed by your computer!
The operating system takes care of itself, so anything you do will only damage the files.
Second, do NOT upgrade your Microsoft Internet Explorer browser from Version Six (06) to Version Seven (07)!!!
According to the Hewlett-Packard technical support guy in India, there's something very wrong with it, and Hewlett-Packard is warning all customers against installing it.
However, the Windows Office 2007 that I recently downloaded is safe.
But, that program was lost during reformatting, so when I get back on the Internet, I'll have to download it again.
In fact, I have a LOT of stuff to do when I get back on the Internet, as I'll need to once again update all of my software.
By the way, I must commend that fellow in India, because he really helped me, and it was a lot of work, as we repeatedly tried numerous different techniques before we were finally successful in bringing up a screen we could work with.
He must have been on the phone with me for over an hour, and had almost given up, advising me on how to ship my computer to the factory, when he decided to try one last thing - - - which worked.
So, whoever that guy was, I really am grateful to him, and he was good - - - VERY good!!!
Well, a "Good Hogmanay!" to y'all!
Thank you.
John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400
NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400
NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."
1 comment:
John -
Easy way to "fix" the problem you just ran into.
You need to "Partition" your Hard Drive into, at least:
C:\ - with your O/S and operating programs
D:\ - with all your data and work
Or, as we do it, C, D, E, F, G & H, with different types of storage on each letter. I.e., music, photos, work, articles and books, open working space for video editing, etc. If you have your HD partitioned and somehow you get a virus or have a malfunction of your O/S which requires formatting of your C:\ partition, you will retain all your data without loss and only lose the time and programs settings for the formatting and re-installation.
Windy
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