Re: Computer wizards????
 

I just threw up in my mouth.:D

Re: Computer wizards????
 

Thanks to all, but it did take a backup, format, reinstall to get the bugger working correctly. Two nights ago, I was on the phone with the HP (Seattle, not India) help and we tried everything, looked at everything from software to hardware. For some reason, all they could figure out was the files for booting somehow got messed up.
We, HP and I, are wondering if it was a problem with the uninstall of IE7, Beta 2, with the install of the IE7, Beta 3 upgrade. :D So, just to make sure, I'll stay with IE6 until the final IE7 is released.
So, last night did a reinstall and everything is working great. Two hours for a format, another 1.5 to install the standard software with the machine. Now, I'm slowly installing all the additional software I use.
If it happens again, they say they will just replace, but hopefully, it won't happen.

Re: Computer wizards????
 

Well that's a shame it came to that. And that's certainly not an endorsement for IE 7 being "separate from the OS."

One thing I forgot to mention that's actually saved me a couple times is XP's System Restore. It will monitor for changes to "sensitive" files that sometimes get updated during product installs and create system restore points. If you remember this when you first notice your system behaving oddly, sometimes you can restore to the most recent restore point and thing's will start working again. It doesn't work all of the time, but it's worth trying.

Re: Computer wizards????
 

unplug it, count to 30 and buy a new one. This has worked for me in the past and will work on just about everything:cool:

actually I just got off the phone with dell, ask for the john wayne line (no indians:D :D ) they walked me through my issues and sounded very cowboy.

good luck

Re: Computer wizards????
 

what if I can't count to 30..... pilgrim.

Re: Computer wizards????
 

the counting part is really just for effect, this will work without counting:D

Re: Computer wizards????
 

Could be they were Beta copies. I'll wait for the final; no more testing for me.:D

Re: Computer wizards????
 

You lucked out -- I always get the ESL candidates! :cool:

Re: Computer wizards????
 

I have their second tier support number, which is direct to seattle.:D

Re: Computer wizards????
 

How many icons do you have in the systray. The bottom right of the screen next to the clock.

I would also try uninstalling all adware, trojan, ect removal tools. they may be conflicting.