Bummed.

[Owlie]

Really minor, but this week has been a little...trying.

First, my computer has spent this week in a coma. The OS died...and the laser on the CD drive is also dead. Basically, I need a new CD drive in order to reinstall Windows, but I don't know enough about computers to be able to say it will recognize the new drive if I don't get an identical one. (The current drive is five years old.) It would make more sense, given the computer's age (last of the ones that came with XP), its known power supply issues and the fact that it's on its third battery in five years to get a new laptop, but that's out of the question.

Second, I found out the hard way on Thursday that the front stairs of my building are painted concrete. I now have a lovely bruise all the way across my back at the top of my pelvis. Walking hurts, never mind trying to roll over. I was going to "ride my age" yesterday, but I decided after a mile that another 22 of those would probably be more than I could stand. I guess I owe myself a 23-mile ride once it heals.

[malkin]

Not at all minor in my book.
Hope next week is better for you.

[colorisnt]

Owlie,

I am so sorry to hear that. Not minorly bad. That week just sucks.

I had computer problems my entire first semster last year while I had about 4 papers due. It's not a joke. It's life.

I hope things look up soon!

[inkspot]

Computer problems, a nasty fall leading to a painful bruise, and not being able to ride :eek: definitely constitutes a bad week in my books! So sorry to hear that you've had such a lousy week. I hope things start to look up for you!

I might be able to offer some helpful information for the CD drive problem. The CD drive can be replaced with any model of drive as long as it says that it is XP compatible - and most still are. The system may not recognize it right away, but the drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer's website and installed. A USB optical drive might be a good buy if your laptop is on its last legs - then you could use it with your next computer as well.

I hope you have a better week coming up!

[wackyjacky1]

Owlie = Owie!

I bruised my back like that a few years back. (Slipped on some spilled beer and landed on my back on the concrete steps way up in the nosebleed seats at a Spurs basketball game. Knocked the wind out of me, too!) Arnica worked wonders, try it!

Hope you feel better soon (and your 'puter, too).

[malkin]

Beer should be consumed and not spilled.

[jessmarimba]

Beer should be consumed and not spilled.

Depends on the beer :)


Owlie, that really does suck! I hope your weekend so far has been well on it's way to a better week. And I hope you're icing your back. Ouch :(

[Zen]

I'll see your problems and raise you "homeless"

[Catrin]

Owlie, sending good thoughts your way, you have NOT had a good week. I hope the soreness and bruises ease soon. Arnica is good stuff if you have not tried it before.

[jelee1311]

I'm sorry you are having such a tough week. I can offer no advice on the computer issue since I am technologically retarded ,try to take care of yourself. Have a better week starting tomorrow. Sending good thoughts your way.

[JennK13]

I'll see your problems and raise you "homeless"

Zen????? :confused:

[zoom-zoom]

Awww...Owlie, what a crappy way to start the week. I hope this means that things will look up for the rest of the week. And happy birthday! :)

[FunSize]

My boyfriend is a Geek Squad Agent. He seconds the external optical drive to load the operating system. They run about 60-80 bucks. That way too you don't have to be worried about the one you buy and install working with the laptop. It's like a netbook (which don't have optical drives in them cause they are too small).

[Owlie]

Thanks, everyone. DBF made up for it with a nice dinner and an attempt to be adorable that I accidentally foiled. :o
Quickie update:
The back--much better, but not quite rideable yet. The giant lump is exactly where the stuff that goes in my jersey pockets ends up. That's okay, I suppose, because it's been rainy and windy the last few days.

Computer--I called Dell yesterday to see what they had in terms of CD drives that were compatible so I could at least get the thing up and running again. They gave me three part numbers...none of which actually exist, by the sound of it. I wound up getting the same drive via an Amazon store for $40.
DBF remembered that a friend of ours has the same laptop, which is no longer his primary computer. I'm going to ask him if he can pop the CD drive out so I can borrow it for a day.

The good news is that between my iPod and external hard drive, I didn't lose much. Just some music (which means I'm out $6 from iTunes, but that's okay) and some knitting patterns, which I can download again. Back your stuff up!

[Roadtrip]

Glad things are looking brighter.

Hope the back feels better soon!!!

Shannon

[OakLeaf]

Owlie, glad things are looking better for you - hope your back heals up quick.

And yeah ... what's up, Zen??

[colorisnt]

Glad to hear things are looking up!

Amazing how just a nice little thing can change your entire outlook!

Thought about you today and wondered if anything had changed, so glad to hear about it!

[PinkBike]

zen???????????????????????
whassup????????????????

[Owlie]

Thanks for thinking of me. :)

There's still some deep bruising on my back, but it's rideable...or it would be if I didn't get a cold! (Mostly over it by now, though!)
My computer is still mostly a zombie. Dell suggested I try a repair installation first. It worked, but my computer is still very unhappy. It turns out it has the equivalent of ebola or something. I managed to get everything I needed to save off it, but I think the best bet for its continued survival is to wipe the hard drive. I just need a new copy of Office and a not-Norton anti-virus...

[Catrin]

I have found in dealing with Windows, that there is only on reliable way to deal with a persistent problem like this - and it looks like you have already thought of it. "Repair" installations have never really helped much, they just seem to put off the inevitable. Depending in the version of your Windows though, a reformat/clean install does not take as long as it used to.

[Roadtrip]

Clean install is the way to go for sure and my offer still stands if your in town.

Shannon

[Bike Chick]

I'm glad you didn't loose much on your computer and I would agree with the reformatting of your HD. Back stuff up folks........ and I sure hope the back heals soon and next week improves.

Zen, what up??? What did you mean by the homeless comment???

[Owlie]

After sitting around for...four or five hours yesterday, my computer is back on its feet! I had to install every Windows update since 2006, but that's okay. I've got everything I need on here now, and I just have to reinstall all the fun programs (iTunes, etc.)

I got lucky--back your stuff up, everyone!