Why the hell isn't my computer ready?

[Wickerman]

In removing some software the other day, even while being cautious, I managed to ruin my installation of Win98. I know, I should've upgraded long ago - but it was all working fine. Anyway, the re installation did not go well. I couldn't get (at least) three files to load. I tried to extract them from the cabs but that didn't work.

So, I tried to install a copy of XP (that I own for the wife's machine) over the top. I run a scsii hard drive and XP kinda freaked out because of that. At that point I gave up and took it to the shop. I got the impression they would have it ready the next day.

So, at 3:00 I call. They get back to me and it seems they want the drivers. I work 20 miles from home and the shop is another 10. I ask if there is away around it. Sure - we just have to put XP on it, no problem. Ok, so, I go buy a copy of XP so I have the registration and run it out to them.

End of next day - no word. I call. Oh, well, we can't install without drivers. What? Anyway, I run home (that's an easy hour) find the drivers (they couldn't find them on the internet :grr:). Said he would get right on it. Well, here it is, 4:15. No word.

Oh, and they have to do a clean install - all my data on my C: lost. Fortunately I have most all data backed up on the other hard drive and CD's, but email, bookmarks, a few random files... :sigh:

I need this day to end.

Oh, did I mention that I am paying extra for 2 day turn around? And its day 4.

I need this week to end.

[sir_captain]

1. gimme a break

there are scsi drivers on the XP CD

those guys are seriously incompetent

[Wickerman]

2. I kinda figured so

and it pisses me off that they have given me two stories. I am leaving here at 5 and am yanking it back. knowing now that I need a clean install - which is what I was trying to avoid - I can do that and avoid this crap.

[sir_captain]

4. yeah

if your data is mainly backed up, a clean install would be best anyway...

if it isn't, you can use the XP cd to boot into DOS and save small files onto floppy disks

[MsUnderstood]

3. Run, don't walk

Back to the shop and snatch your PC away from those incompetent evil PC morans before they do more damage.

Why do you have to buy XP? Wouldn't the shop have a copy they can get for a comparable price? And why in the hell can't they download drivers from the internet.

Oh, and they don't HAFTA loose your data from C, but it makes their job easier.

I hate people who give bad computer tech support. . .

[Wickerman]

5. They used to be really good

They are under new ownership.

They told me all they have is new install versions. I believe they have been in trouble with MS for illegal copies.

Yeah, I fail to understand why they can't deal with this. Is Scsii that uncommon these days? In the Windows 95 days I could get aroudn pretty well with hardware, but haven't messed with stuff for the last 5 or 6 years...

[Kellanved]

8. 100% ACK

@lunabush
The driver story is a hoot: any self-respecting tech-support guy would find the driver without asking you. I know that I would (usually PC repair shops have a library for stuff like that).

And as stated by MsUnderstood: if they were willing to put a little work in it, migrating your data would be no problem at all. Get your PC and give it to people actually knowing what they're supposed to do.

I just hope that they didn't ruin the PC and are currently trying to get more time - installing Windows on a working PC *should* be a matter of hours (rather one, than two), not days.

[BlueJazz]

6. As a tech, I hate to hear stories like this.

They could have EASILY saved all your info on your hard-drive.
I do it all the time. (partition your disk, put everything in new partition..etc)
Also, I find it hard to believe that they couldn't find your drivers for your machine..sounds like a flimsy excuse.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

7. Idiots.

Even if a clean install is needed (a real possibility) it's not hard to pull the hard drive and plug it into another machine and copy your existing files-- I have a computer set up for just that. I do it all the time. Nothing need be lost. Fire their asses and find somone who is competent. (I'm in Dallas, if you're anywhere close...) ;-)

[Wickerman]

9. Update

I picked up the machine. I feel like a patient in a managed care system. Clearly what happened was that I was shuffled from tech to tech and no one could keep their story straight and no one really cared enough to get the job done. I tried not to be too pissy - but I was frustrated. The charged me $30 for the time they had in it. Fine, I just want it safe from them. THat computer (or, better yet, the data on the IDE drive ) is my baby.

I have a guy who does stuff who will work on it on Monday. :grr: I am going to continue to fool with it.

In the meantime, anyone know where to find drivers for a Promise Scsii Max controller? It appears they stopped supporting it after Win98. I need XP. If I can't do that I will make the IDE drive the OS drive.

[BlueJazz]

10. How big is your hard drive?

..As I was talking about in my previous post, you can partition your drive so you'll have at least 3 partitions. ...or you can save data
as Prisoner_number_six stated.

If your drive is a decent size (15+ Gig) partition it so you have 3
drives....C: D: E: ...install windows98 (you've got the disks)
on to drive D: ..Don't worry about getting all the drivers for everything....this is just temporary.

Copy everything that was on drive C: over to drive E:
format C: Install your XP on to C:

You can either keep the windows98 for a dual boot machine or wipe it out and merge the partition with C: or E:

ON EDIT: If you REALLY want to be cool.....Install XP on to C: and after you
have you computer running right, Install XP onto Drive D:
so you'll always have a dual-boot machine, that way if something on XP (drive C:) gets screwed up ...No Problem...turn off machine and boot into drive D: to fix your C: Drive.

[Wickerman]

11. good thinking!

I like that dual boot idea. I might do somehting like that. The scsi drive is only 9.4k, but it is a 10k RPM - I really like it. I have the IDE drive, which is 40 and 7.5 RPM. I'm thinking I will just get this all straight and not worry about the scsii stuff - EXCEPT, I have a scsii scanner I am quite fond of - and how I got in this situation in the first place... :eyes: