A funny story about computer repair

[bironic]

So my computer developed a corrupt registry file that prevented it from completing startup. I tried every option offered on the error screen. I tried a few boot-interrupt codes suggested by Google (via smartphone). I asked the workshop staff if IT would be willing to help; after three promises from them that the guy would be in touch, with no follow-up, I abandoned pursuit. When I got home, I looked for and didn't find the Windows installation CD being requested, which wouldn't have been a great solution anyway because this laptop doesn't even have a disc drive. I tried to find repair files from the manufacturer website that could be put on a flash drive. I Googled more thoroughly and read in forum after forum that a factory reset, which would erase all user data, was the best solution. No thank you. I looked up local repair shops for data recovery services: none open on the weekend.

So I Googled some more, tried one last suggestion, and guess what finally did the trick?

Hitting F11.

The machine ran a memory diagnostic and an auto-repair program, and poof, issue fixed.

What's the appropriate description here? *headdesk*? *looks directly at camera*? *slump of relief*?

*

ANYWAY, it's nice to have my machine back, with nothing lost. And the fridge and freezer are stocked again after an epic grocery trip, assisted by a rent credit from my landlady. I learned a ton in the After Effects class. My dad underwent an exploratory coronary angiogram last week, followed by a preventative angioplasty, and had no complications. So life continues okay.

Media has been a bit thin on the ground of late, as you might guess. I'm reading Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy many years after synn gifted them to me; after a slow start, am now ~100 pages into book two and so far so good. Watching Die Another Day and now Skyfall on TV in the background; first time seeing either. Need to get back to source watching for the auction vid, and there's a belated Equinox treat that's finally possible now that the movie I need is out on DVD.

It looks like I'm not bringing any vids to Vividcon this year, which feels weird. But I do get a corbae as a roommate.

*

Good wishes to those of you who are struggling. Greetings to everyone else.

Comments

[laurashapiro]

No vids for me either. I do enjoy the experience of having no premiere anxiety at the con, I have to say.

I'm glad the computer crisis worked out okay!

[cuddyclothes]

Oh, you have my sympathy about your computer! Of course the simplest solution was the last one.

At the hotel we were staying at in Memphis, one of the two hotel computers "wasn't working", I was told twice by the staff. For well over a month. The black screen had the instruction: hit F1. So I did. Voila!

[sheafrotherdon]

Oh my gosh, I would have wanted to kick something. But *looks straight at camera* seems an entirely fitting response :D

[ldthomps]

Woohoo for a good computer solution, even if the journey there was a frustratingly stressful and lengthy one! As someone who's worried about her dad's health (and he had heart issues previously), I'm super glad to hear yours is doing alright. And I hope you have Fun getting to just enjoy other people's vids at the con!