The Computer Experience Continues

"Computer chips" courtesy of PDPhoto.org /public domain

My knowledge and experience continue to grow. It is slow and frustrating at times, but recovering from the computer crash is expanding my understanding of hardware, software, drivers, apps and more. I even risked an exploration into the inside of the computer. Once a person figures out how to get into the case, without inadvertently loosening a device, it becomes a surreal world of wires, boards, cards, chips and fans. Luckily, Dell provided a diagram and instructions for my machine which I downloaded on my laptop.   

So why take the chance. In the last article, I mentioned that after taking my computer to a service center after the first crash, I had only two speakers working. My surround sound was useless. This last crash resulted in the speakers suddenly disappearing completely. They worked for awhile and then I heard a pop and nothing. The Windows device manager could not find a driver. Running the troubleshooter was little help. It was almost the same as talking to a service tech. Check to make sure speakers are plugged in (duh). Make sure drivers are enabled in device manager, improving but not the help I needed.  

I decided to run the Direct X diagnostic tool. The tool is not obvious, and you must hit start, find run in your menu and type in dxdiag to access it. It suggested removing and reinstalling my sound card. H-m-m, now this is something to try. Actually, it wasn’t as difficult as I first thought. However, that was not the problem. I did double-check the device manager page and the drivers. Wait, I should check to make sure the speakers are plugged in. I gave up hope of trying to retrieve my sound.    

During the chaos of trying to upgrade to Windows 7, Internet Explorer was giving problems. The tech suggested downloading Firefox. This was a blessing in disguise. One day Mozilla Firefox suggested their site that checks plug-ins. It found that my Java program was obsolete and created an unstable platform.  What the heck is a Java program? It is basically a programming language and computer platform that is used for many applications and also the Internet.

Java offers a free upgrade. However, they suggest uninstalling the old Java before installing the update. This would delete the original program permanently. Making it nearly impossible to find, and I saved everything to an external hard drive (HDD). I had nothing to lose and went for it.   

I now have sound and more. The 5.1 surround sound with all the extras has returned. With the upgrades and changes, my XP is performing well and I notice better performance and extras that I never had before the crash. However, my next challenge is to get my DVD player to play movies and load games. It does the first install game disc fine, the second freezes the computer. This may take some time. :-(   

A Computer Calamity

"My little world" courtesy of PDPhoto.org / public domain

I have somewhat recovered from my recent computer crash and have learned a few things the hard way.  A computer to some is much like a car. You never miss it until it is gone.  As with most things, many feel that everything is fine and things happen to other people but not us, right? Surprise, welcome to the wake- up call.

A few years ago my computer crashed and I took it to a store to be serviced. However, the problem was not fixed and it crashed again in less than a month. Also, they had lost the Windows disc and I never replaced it. The original OEM (original equipment manufacturer) told me to push certain keys and the system would flash from the hard drive. It worked.  It did not work like the day I bought it but was sufficient. For example; I did not have surround sound speakers. However, I did have stereo speakers. 

For a few years the system was acceptable and then the nightmare began. I did not heed warnings to back-up my important files on DVD or external drive or create a recovery disk.  The computer crashed and I recovered the original set up. No problem, except it was out of date. All my files and updates were gone.  The operating system was service pack 2 (SP2) and everything was dependent on SP3.  I slowly reloaded files, updates and drivers that would not work.
 

Okay, easy fix, go to Microsoft (MS) and download SP3. However, it would not download and after consulting with telephone techs, I discovered that support for SP2 stopped in 2010 and SP3 would cost $99 dollars.  Later I discovered that SP3 support ends in 2014. Here is the catch, support is also sales and suggested that a windows 7 upgrade was the answer for a few dollars more. They assured me my computer was compatible after running tests.

After many days and hours trying support tech suggestions, surfing the web, numerous downloads, and more, I still do not have windows 7 installed (which I purchased). I had a constant error code that they seemed to know nothing about and after I searched the web for a possible answer, I discovered it was a frequent problem with upgrades, especially for my operating system (OS). The diverse support suggestions and computer control trials have degraded my system further. 

In conclusion, I own windows 7 (not installed) and my system is adequate (although no audio driver and other minor problems). I have backed up my system and upgraded most apps. Luckily theWindows 7 purchase allowed me to download SP3. I will cross my fingers for 2 years. I am in the process of looking for a new OEM computer.

 With my recent calamity, I have discovered that most store bought computers offer limited upgrades and support. They offer few upgrades, if any, and they usually do not apply to your configuration. Also, watch for changes in your order. Example, I ordered Windows 7 pro premium and discovered afterwards, the order stated; Windows 7 premium media edition. Media edition offers very few upgrades. Going to the original parts hardware or software manufacture for upgrades produces little results.  Most suggest contacting the computer OEM. Their software upgrades do not work with parts supplied to OEM’s. 

  I guess the idea is to make the computer obsolete in a few years so the consumer will buy another one. H-m-m-m, sounds good to me, but what about customer service? Oh yeah, buy the extended warranty for tech and customer support (LOL). They will read off a basic troubleshooting list that is supplied in your purchase and suggest that it is something you are doing wrong. I had one support person admit that I seemed to know more about the system than he did. Wow! problem solved, it was me the whole time. I guess I feel better.