Sick Computer

Vacation is Over

I came back from vacation and my home computer did not work correctly. Most of my Vista sidebar gadgets did not display properly. I could not see my router's web interface correctly. McAfee's interface was blank.

I used System Restore to revert to an earlier time. Everything worked - for a short while. I tried again going back to an earlier date. Everything worked - for a short time. I tried again, but all my System Restores had disappeared.

Finally, a web search found that sometimes some DLL's become "unregistered". I built a bat file with the following:

regsvr32 msxml3.dll
regsvr32 scrrun.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll

I executed this as administrator. Everything worked - and is still working.

If you have problems with your PC, try searching the web, if possible, before you do anything.

Truth or Lies [You never can tell]

I was reading another blog that contained a debunked story that had previously circulated as an email joke. It seems a person could not get Word Perfect to work. The problem was traced to no power in the room. The help desk person told the user to return the computer because they were too stupid to have one.

That story hit home. I had an experience so similar it could have been the true story behind the emailed lie.

I was second level support when I received the call.

"My computer screen is blank" was the exasperated plea.

I tried all of the usually troubleshooting plans. I was stumped.

"I've tried everything I can think of. Before I can get anyone else to look at this, I will need the model number of your computer. You will find it on a small tag next to the power connector on the back of the PC."

"I can't do that."

"Why?"

"The lights went out about an hour ago and I cannot see behind the computer."

I did not yell. I did not call the person stupid. I did count to 10 -- maybe, twice. I am sure I let out an audible sigh.

"OK. When the lights come on again, please call us if you are still having problems."

We did not get a follow-up call.

I have told many people about that incident. I wonder how many of the other incidents reported on line are really mine in disguise.