Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Another Back-up PSA

OMG...computer scare from HELL!!

Earlier, my computer started freezing up. I decided I needed to reboot, shut everything down, and turned the thing off. It froze on the "windows is shutting down" window...FOREVER. I sat here for about 10-15 minutes, waiting for it to shut off the rest of the way, and it never did. Left with no other option, I cut the power. LOL. Okay, I hate doing that...but sometimes you have no other choice. You've done it...I've done it...we've all done it. (g)

Anyway, when I restart it, a little box comes up, saying something about how there's an error with my personal settings...something like that. So, it opens up to what looks like a computer that hasn't been used before--the plain Compaq background...the trash can in the wrong place... but strangely enough, most of my icons are still there. Okay... hmmm.

I immediately go into Word to make sure my files are okay. Ummm, wtf...the "preparing to install word" box pops up. *blink blink blink* When it finally gets going, I open my file box to find NOTHING THERE. *thumpthumpthumpthump* (That's the sound of my RACING heartbeat) I immediately freak out...when's the last time you backed up your MS's, Jen??? I _can't remember_. NOT a good sign. I snatch up my USB key and RUN to my uncle's computer... it won't recognize my key... *THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP*

Okay, by this time I'm also freaking out about my class notes and outlines...HOLY F*CK. Finals are in 4 weeks!! Maybe it just needs to be restarted... I try...same screen comes back...still no files.

So, I scour my brain for every little bit of computer knowledge I have. Took about three seconds. LOL. But then I thought about that neat little system restore option... Won't hurt to give that a try. I restored to yesterday and bam...everything came back. *wipes brow and heart slows to small letters again*

Oh yeah, Jen did some backing up--PRONTO.

WTF...I have no clue how this all happened, but man... SCARY. I'm wearing my USB key everywhere I go now. LOL.

Can you see my new grey hairs??

8 comments:

Carol Spradling said...

That's scarier than a slasher movie. I was having palpitations just reading it. Good thing you thought to restore.

Precie said...

Holy moly! Thank goodness you got everything back! That's a nightmare!

Jennifer Hendren said...

Carol,

OMG, I've never been so...YIKES. lol. My hands were shaking and I thought I might cry any second. The whole thing probably lasted less than 20 minutes, but MAN.

Guess it's all a lesson. HEH.

Jen

Jennifer Hendren said...

Precie,

You said it! When my uncle got home I was all, "HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE?!?!?" lol. He hadn't and highly recommended regular back-ups. (g)

Jen

Anonymous said...

How scary! I'm glad it all turned out okay in the end. Reading your story makes me realize how lucky I am to have a computer geek for a husband (a cute one, let me add!)I wouldn't know what to do in a situation like yours.

Hope the rest of the week is a lot less exciting for you!

Jennifer Hendren said...

Thanks, Julianne! Yes, you are very lucky. (g) I have an uncle who is semi-savvy, but alas, he was out when tragedy struck. LOL. Not to mention a wee bit into his cups. (g)

Jen

NBB said...

I'm sorry to say that I had to laugh when reading your entry, but man do I know how that feels (perhaps that's WHY I'm laughing, relief of having lived through that already with only a few scratches)
I'm writing on a rather old laptop and one time it boots quite normally, other times it takes ages and still other times I have to start the d*** thing several times before it will cooperate. You guessing I'm backupping (is that a word *g*) every day now? :)

Jennifer Hendren said...

Nina,

LOL...sure, laugh at my heart attack moment. (g) Nah, I understand -- it's always funny until work is actually lost. (VBG) I've always thought nothing like that will EVER happen to me... cha, right.

Dang technology. :)

Jen