How does one go about fixing a home computer system?

Answer 1

I actually asked this question since I had it happen to me, and in the process discovered that a clear answer doesn't exist.

Before I start, let me say that you should do your best to backup your personal files as much as possible. I keep all my "generated" files (as opposed to installed applications) in a separate folder purely for backup purposes. For W2000 and WXP systems, it's best to create this folder at your root drive (C:) for a couple of reasons. First, CD burners sometimes balk at writing files with very long file names. If you keep a file in your "My Documents" folder, you've already prefixed "C:\Documents and Settings\YourName\My Documents" to every file you want to save. Also, if you get a real serious crash and can't start Windows, you will probably have to use the DOS command prompt to get to your files,..so having them in the C: drive helps shorten "drilling down" to your particular files.

Another thing. All those CD recovery disks that come with computers when you buy them. Keep them, as well as all those other disks that contain apps and drivers. If your system gets hosed,..they're a good last resort. Chances are,..they'll do a clean install and wipe away any applications or "generated" files you have,..but at least you'll get a new reformated system that you can start over on.

With my system crash, I booted up to the command prompt (after turning on,..you keep hitting F6 or F8 to get to an option where you can do this,...then use DOS commands like "Dir/w" (to view all files in the current directory in table form),.."dir/w *.exe" (to view all files of the type *.exe which are executables) to see what's there, and "copy c:/myfile.doc a:" to copy files a floppy in your a: drive. To move down the directory structure you use "CD directoryname" and to move up one level "CD .." In this way you can progress through your directories and files to get at what you need. Note that while in "dos mode",..filenames will not show up longer than 8 letters,..so a file in windows called "mypetdogsbignose.doc" will show up in dos as "mypetd~1.doc". Also, this process of saving your files won't work if the file is greater than 1.4 MBytes which is the limit of a floppy.

In my case, my system was so hosed,..and I had so many files that I HADN'T backup up I interviewed a bunch of local companies until I found one that would 1) backup existing "generated" files (no need to backup applications since a fresh restall is actually preferred every 2-3 years anyway), 2) reinstall my OS after a complete drive reformat (to remove any lingering viruses/spyware, etc.), and most importantly guarantee the operation of they system. The latter is important. If someone can't guarantee a fresh install then they don't know what they're doing. I would also recommend making sure the "techs" are certified (e.g., Microsoft Certified),..the more certification, the better. For those in Colorado,..I would HIGHLY recommend Mountain Mobile,..quick service (24-48 hrs), all highly trained and certified techs (not just some snotty young kid who knows a few buzzwords), and guaranteed. I paid $300 bucks,..but it was worth it. They did a free upgrade (W98 to XP Professional SP2) since I understand Bill has decided the best way to justify dropping support for W98 and W95 is to offer free upgrades through companies like Mountain Mobile (again,..think CERTIFIED Microsoft support)and also installed Office 2000 Business Edition for free. (BTW: these upgrades alone would have cost me $500 alone).

Be careful out there. Several years ago when I bought my first W95 system and it hosed up, the first "snot nosed kid" I hired,..promised everything,...and delivered nothing. For $150, I got a "fresh install" that worked for about 3 reboots until I got the blue-screen of death. After a quick call where I was told that for another $100 bucks, he would do the same thing,...I spent the next 3 days on the phone with some guy from India (who was actually quite good)and learned how to install and configure W95 by myself. Though it was an experience, I DID actually learn a lot. However, being a little older now,.and having other things I like to do,...I now know that the best way to fix a home computer system,.is do "due dillegence" in backing up your stuff,..and call an expert.

FYIDave