Did you know that if you replace the motherboard on your computer, none of your software will work?
I didn't...I'm not a computer expert. But, this is what happened to me. Let me explain...
I'd been having some issues with my old faithful E-Machine for a while...when powered off, it was very difficult to switch back on. Initially, I thought it was my power connection, but I started to get more and more suspicious that it might be a short or something. Then, when I wanted to make a back-up disk of something, the disk drive wouldn't open. Everything I tried, it wouldn't open.
So, I unplugged it all and took it to my computer specialist...told him what was wrong. Immediately, the answer back is, 'there is something wrong with the motherboard.' *sigh*
First, they tried to repair it, so we could avoid any software issues. The repair didn't work. The software issues loomed.
Reluctantly, I agreed to let them install the new motherboard, which is much better, now that it is 4 years newer than the old. But, if you have ever had anything done in China...you dread the way things are repaired and replaced.
I am running Windows XP Home, which is not available around here in Chiner. *sigh* Which means, I cannot re-load the software, use my existing registration code, and be on with it. Nope...I have to purchase a new version of Windows XP Pro...which is OK...but, its just another thing that in the back of my mind tells me that my machine is going to be more messed up than ever.
Well, I got the machine home last night...turned it on...and there is nothing there. Oh...Windows XP works...but that's it. It's like buying a brand new computer. All of my files are in the machine, but they are not recognized, as they haven't been installed with this version of Windows. *sigh*
First order of business last night was to get the internet connection back up, get the home network back up and get my email accounts squared away. First two points...no problem. Last point...problem. The only emails I could find were 4 years old. I searched and searched the hard drive...nothing. This was worrying, as I have receipts for software with unlocking codes in those emails. If I cannot find them, I'm out a few more bucks for software I already own.
So, in between searching for emails, I loaded Norton Systemworks. I love the software...but I have never experienced any software that makes you re-boot your machine during installation more than Norton.
- Load Systemworks
- Stop...you need to uninstall the existing version first...reboot.
- Re-load after reboot 1.0
- Re-Boot 2.0
- Run Live Update for new versions
- Install all new versions...re-boot 3.0
- After re-boot, Norton runs Live Update again...finds more updates...
- Re-Boot 4.0
- After Systemworks is installed, I notice that Norton AntiVirus is not installed...need to re-install the latest version...Install...
- Deleted the older version first...re-boot 5.0
- Install NAV...re-boot 6.0
- Run Live Update for new versions and latest virus definitions...
- RE-BOOT!! 7.0
- Finished.
Back to the email. At around 11pm...after 3 hours of searching...I found my old emails in a 'hidden' directory with a folder name that was longer than the registration number. Why? Why not just put your emails into a folder marked...Outlook. D'oh...silly me...we are talking Microsoft, right?
Anyway...I am almost back to normal. I still have a load of software to load...but the basic functions are there. I am running my anti-virus software right now, just to make sure.
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