A few weeks ago, I had a horrifying PC moment. For the first time in twelve years of Internet surfing, a terrible virus oddly named Total Security disabled my computer. No programs would open. Total Security left me in a total mess.
The price for excising the virus was $200. Since my XP computer was almost six years old, I thought that seemed excessive because I could get a new unit for about $700.
During my initial panic, Geek Squad Guru Julio Sagastume of West Hollywood's Best Buy kindly devoted lots of telephone time for free as I described my woes. Later he and colleague David McClay painstakingly advised me, and after shopping around I bought a Dell 3055 Inspiron computer. Julio and David also assured me all the files on my virus-laden XP computer would be transferred -- disease free -- for $99.99
Then I brought the new PC home, and suddenly there were problems. Understand, I've had computers for over twenty years, so I know how to set them up. However, Windows 7 didn't accept my HP LaserJet 1012 printer or Creative Cam Live! Pro! webcam drivers, nor my Transparent Language WordAce! German dictionary and True Fonts program, all on CD.
Oddly, it did embrace my Altec headset and Magic Spin DVD burner, both bought at the same time as my webcam in 2006. And the DVD burner CD driver said it was for Windows 98! Windows 7 also admitted my Movie Magic Screenwriter program, my Translation Language German tutorial and -- hold onto your hats -- my Microsoft '97 Office CD. Before I'm disparaged for not upgrading, I found no discernible difference in basic word processing over the so-called improved years, so my program suits me just fine.
More about the need to "upgrade" equipment in a moment.
Re the Windows 7 look itself, I was dismayed all my programs downloaded, including Mozilla, IE 8, AOL 9.5 and Skype suddenly appeared in miniscule font size. As a comparison I turned on my newly cleansed XP computer and everything seemed fine.
However, on Windows 7 if I changed display settings, some pages appeared better, while others' data drifted off the screen. Plus websites had overlapping type or showed words meant to be on one line suddenly hanging orphaned onto another all by themselves. This occurred on my personal website (which looks fine on XP) and also on professionally produced sites such as HuffPost.
So, I called Dell and was pleasantly surprised their offshore employees were mostly helpful. I'm not xenophobic, but I've suffered over several years dealing with folks who don't quite understand our language. Very polite but maddening to deal with. With Dell I got good support even with the 12 hour time difference.
A wonderful supervisor took over my computer by remote control. He saw what I was dealing with and I asked: "Why should I keep this computer? It's one thing to have to switch between the new one and XP for the occasional webcam use or printing, but Internet surfing is constant, and my other programs look horrible."
At first he seemed baffled, but then switched to the troubleshoot area of Windows 7 and found problems in "Add-ons" on Skype, AOL and Internet Explorer. Suddenly the fonts were better on my programs, but the Internet problems persisted. Explorer was far better than Mozilla, but neither pleased me.
He determined in our 3-hour session it might be due to my machine's 64-bit configuration. Haven't a clue what he did, but he did something with Explorer and then affixed the Explorer rendering engine onto Mozilla. In short, I now have a small icon in the lower right of my screen, and if I don't like the way a Mozilla page looks -- 2/3 of the time -- I click on the icon and it changes to the Explorer engine while staying on Mozilla, with its bookmarks and other tabs. Everything now looks great.
Strangely, when I go onto Internet Explorer 8 directly there are still problems, and I have no idea what version of Explorer or what engine he used to fix Mozilla's look. But it's better than it was, and, while not perfect, I'm able to function with more power and speed, while still able to use the XP as a sturdy back-up.
But why does this problem exist? Is there something wrong with Mozilla and Internet Explorer re Windows 7? Why does downloading major programs cause add-on issues that never presented themselves on XP? And if you're not having the same problem, why am I when all I did was turn on the machine only to confront this havoc?
Added to this is my primary beef. I have an HP printer less than six years old, and though I know we live in an age of get the latest thing almost every year -- read that to mean cell phones, cars and other gadgets -- how many of us do that? How many of us -- especially in these economic times -- don't hold onto products that still function well? Okay, if we want an improvement, such as an HDTV with mega-screen, that's one thing. That's something new.
But my printer works fine, prints at 15 pages/minute and is still on its original toner cartridge. I even bought a standby cartridge and have yet to open the box. Yet, despite the Dell technician's masterful attempts, he was not able to install the printer. The Hewlett-Packard website says it doesn't support my printer on Windows 7 and directs me to buy a new one for over a hundred dollars that prints 17 pages/minute -- hardly an upgrade when mine works perfectly.
My webcam is only 3 years old. What's Creative Cam's excuse? Why should I have to buy another one, simply because Microsoft doesn't want to include within its software earlier recognition applications as it used to? On the one hand, it still recognizes old MS Word programs, but not many other programs that did a technological handshake with earlier versions of Windows. Yet in the old days, the first Windows program recognized DOS, and, at least through XP, would not render most hardware and software shamefully obsolete.
My first laser printer (Panasonic 4410), bought in 1993 and used with my DOS computer, transitioned beautifully to Windows 95 and continued to work with my XP computer through today (though I bought the HP in 2004 to gain greater speed and operating RAM). On the one hand, a printer can work for 16 years, but the other functions for less than 6 due to incompatibility, not work performance.
What's the cause? Is it Bill Gates' fault for not incorporating into Windows 7 the driver information his company used to do in successive editions or is he in collusion with software and hardware manufacturers like HP, who also refuse to update drivers so that obsolescence becomes the order of the day and we are forced to buy things we really don't need?
If we get a new state of the art TV, we can still connect our old VCR. If we get a new CD or DVD player we can play our old disks. We can still use a dial telephone on a telephone system that has been transformed with fiber optics and satellite transmission. But a new computer forces you to discard perfectly good machinery.
There ought to be a law preventing the computer hardware and software industry from shortchanging consumers so that we get the full use of our equipment as we do for non-computer related appliances and products. Anderson Cooper should do a "Keeping Them Honest" report on CNN, as should other commentators on NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC and Fox News. There should also be an uproar on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
All in all this new computer experience has been disappointing, extremely stressful and a whole lot of needless hassle.
Michael Russnow's website is www.ramproductionsinternational.com.
Follow Michael Russnow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kerrloy
First, this is a horrible problem, no matter it lies. Whatever one's expertise, if your computer is screwed up, it’s hell. I write a tech column for the WGA (and re-publish it on Huffington Post), and I get bewildered by things.
Second, individual problems can be unique, not an OS issue. A proper program can crash a system, simply because it loads *after* another program. Windows 7 may not be as great as advertised – but nothing is as great as advertised. Every configuration can’t be tested.
Third, as mentioned, the 64-bit version shouldn’t have been sold here.
Fourth, “Getting a Mac” is not the solution to computing. I’ve used them – sometimes they work great. Sometimes not. Many of my Mac friends have big computer problems. And when Mac went to OSX, it caused problems.
Fifth, I use old programs and hardware. But I know these can cause problems whenever my system changes. And plugging old A/V components into a home theater is not always a dead-on proposal.
Six, the Geek Squad will never trump a good, independent computer guy.
The bottom line is Windows 7 is not perfect. Old computer systems will always be harder to upgrade. Old anything will always be harder to upgrade. Macs have problems. When a computer melts down, it is hell. What one “should have done” is moot – the only issue is resolving it.
However, don't you think there's a little too speedy a time frame re obsolescence in the computer world, as opposed to other technologies we use, be they stereo equipment, TVs and telephones and their accompanying equipment (e.g. speakers, CDs, DVDs, VCRs and answering machines)?
Since they clearly have the ability to accept earlier hardware and software by programming the necessary "handshake" info into the O/S programs, why can't the new Windows generations build on the old rather than discarding aspects of the previous versions that destroy one's ability to use an otherwise perfectly good machine or software?
If laws were enacted to make hardware manufacturers support their equipment with appropriate drivers for a period of time, let's say at least ten years, that would give someone a significant chance to get some life out of it or at least give it a proper opportunity to wear out.
The way it is now both sides (manufacturers of hardware and operating systems) are winking at each other to force us to buy things we don't need way too soon. What I find fascinating is that consumers have bought into this mindset and that an entrepreneur hasn't come along to offer a product that won't play by the usual rules -- such as Southwest did in the airline industry.
Thanks again.
Also, you’re looking at the equation from the back end. Turned around, the issue is that new, remarkable improvements come to our computing lives overwhelmingly fast. While it is unquestionably more comforting to be able to use a DVD player from 15 years ago – find a computer ad from 15 years ago, and you’ll burst out laughing. And be grateful for what you can do today.
The computer world *is* bewildering for its speed of change. But in part, that’s a generational matter.
The thing about all computers is that when they go wrong (and make no mistake, Macs are computers exactly the same as Windows systems), we all swear at them, scream and wonder why we can’t use pencils again. But the moment it’s fixed, and the computer runs fine – as they all do 99 percent of the time – we thank the heavens for how they make our lives easier.
By the way, most companies do support their systems and drivers for a long time. It’s to their benefit. I don’t think any additional protection laws are needed.
And again, I'm sorry for your hell. This too shall pass.
I wasn't referring to my XP as obsolescent, rather to the accompanying software and hardware, which doesn't work with Windows 7.
For example, my perfectly good HP LaserJet 1012, printing at 15 wpm is pretty much equally as good as the current HP model advertised at 17 wpm. Yet, if my XP wasn't functioning anymore, I'd have to get the new printer just to connect to the new Windows system. Same with my 3-year-old Webcam manufactured by Creative Cam.
Re other cutting edge technologies, the new BlueRay DVD players accept non-BlueRay disks. Perhaps the films don't look as good as the BlueRay disks do on your brand new HDTV, but at least they will play the disks. As did your LPs on each successive generation of stereo/quad players and CDs on theirs, etc. You didn't have to buy new LPs or CDs, unless you went from turntable to CD systems.
And, as mentioned, an old dial phone will work today, even with the introduction of touch tone forty years ago. You might not be able to pay your bills or seek information with dial phones, but you'll still be able to make a call.
So, I fully appreciate newfangled things, but I do suspect that the "support" provided by manufacturers is not nearly so good as it should be, considering that my HP LaserJet was less than 6 years old and my webcam was only aged three.
Contrasted, as indicated in an earlier comment, to my Panasonic 4410 LaserJet, bought in 1993 for a DOS computer, which worked through and including the XP age.
It's great that each succeeding O/S might provide greater capabilities that allow more possibilities, such as the downloading of movies quickly (when Broadband catches up), but for basic usage, such as Word Processing, streaming of TV shows (with DSL line), DVD and CD playing, webcam and normal printing the new O/S generation of today provides little or no realized difference.
For example, if you go from a 200 MMX as I once had to a 2.8 Gig processing speed on my XP, there's a huge difference, not to mention 2 Gigs of Ram vs. 92 Megs. Or if you go from a dial-up connection to a 1500 kbs DSL and you see downloads go from 2 hours to several minutes it's terrific.
But when you go from 1500 to 3000 or even the 6000 I currently have with ATT Elite the download speed is not as noticeable. You save a couple of minutes or seconds (depending on the size of the download), which is not nearly as dramatic as the hour and a half saved progressing upwards from dial-up.
Similarly, unless you are into heavy Memory and downloading usage, such as game players and graphics users, the hardware and software you currently have suffices even if your new system might support much higher usage. But, of course, in many instances you no longer can use them.
I don't know what the answer is, except that the "throw away" mentality for no practical reason is much more prevalent in the computer industry than in other technologies and there should be a better solution to the situation as it currently exits.
Not to mention the display issues I encountered. No one has really been able to explain that one.
Thanks again. See you at the Holiday Party.
I used to follow the upgrade bandwagon, but no longer. I moved to Mac long ago and like you, found ms office lacking. The fix, I moved my doc to google docs and have been happy ever since. Now I don't care what computer I use, I can always find, edit and deploy my docs.
Move to the cloud young man, move to the cloud!
And by the way, thanks for responding to comments.....gives a broader view of your piece.
i recently removed the Security Tools rogue s/w (it's not a virus) from a computer belonging to my sister-in-law's friend and learned quite a bit about it in the process. the only way this rogue s/w can be installed is if THE USER clicks "install". why did you install the s/w in the first place? because you saw a pop-up stating you were infected (you were duped).
removal of this s/w is a royal pain- it requires going into XP in Safe Mode and making registry edits. it requires knowing how to use Google to search for the instructions. it is not something the average user would be willing to try. Geek Squad is as much about selling new PCs as they are about fixing them. you are a prime example of the "oh, this will cost too much to fix, so why don't you buy a new one?" tactic.
as far as passing laws to protect consumers from the likes of Microsuck and the like, i think i'd much rather have our inept congress working on protecting the economy from Wall Street, passing meaningful health care reform and reforming it's own broken legislative processes than protecting you from having to buy a new printer every 10 yrs.
And my piece had nothing to do with the virus; that was merely the catalyst, yet some of you keep harping on that fact.
I also don't know what "rogue" you're talking about. I said that my virus was "Total Security," and I never accepted it. Sometimes, when you click on a website that seems perfectly normal, your system will start scanning. I ALWAYS click on the "x" to close it when those things happen. In the past that has worked and the scanning stopped, alleviating further problems.
In this case, it didn't matter, and it somehow infected my system.
As to being duped by the Geek Squad, it was my decision, not theirs to make a purchase. They quoted me an amount to cleanse my computer ($200) and I thought that was too high vs. buying a new computer, which I could get in the mid-hundreds range.
I admit I was in a panic situation (which most people would have been in and I was writing as a representative of them, not the techno geeks), but I was almost due for a new computer anyway, so I stand behind my decision to buy one at that time.
I have since learned a lot about viruses and what to do about them, should this happen again (and hopefully with my anti-virus program Webroot it won't).
However, at the time, it was a daunting issue, and frankly doing all the research, etc. that you describe would not have been worth even the $200 I might have saved. Re the cost of a new computer, well, as I just said, I was almost due for a new one anyway and would have very much liked it if I didn't have all the display issues, not to mention the hardware/software that would not work.
As to what congress and the president should or should not do, this is a general concern and has been for many years. I never said it should be the number one or even number five priority. There are many things legislators do in the course of a year -- that's why they have so many committees and staff members -- and to presume that it's an either or situation, i.e. the critical issues would have to wait until Michael's computer concerns get resolved is asinine.
Haven't you ever heard of multi-tasking?
Thanks for your instructive comments.
So was it price? Familiarity? Fear?
First thing I want to mention is that almost all hp laserjet printers are compatible with the HP Laserjet 4 driver. Of course, the driver is very old, so the only capabilities it has are the basics...nothing too special like ink monitoring. Dont know if its present in Windows 7 64-bit, I do know that it is present on XP and I think its present on Vista.
Second, most of your problems come from the 64-bit version of Windows 7. Your sales man really didnt do a good job to find out what exactly you needed and sold you way more then what you needed. (there is no way you will ever need 6GB of ram. Should have gone with a 32-bit version of windows 7, it should have also been more compatible with your older hardware.
Third, I think your issues with things being unreadable are mostly due to a way too high video resolution. Most newer computers come with video cards capable of outputting things with a lot of pixels. What this means is more screen "space" but in return it makes everything smaller. Simple solution is to just adjust the screen resolution to your liking under the display properties in the control panel.
Actually, I don't believe that at all. If this were true, it wouldn't have cost you $200 to remove a virus from your machine. This is what a boot disk is for. Not being able top open up programs on your machine won't matter at that point.
I didn't pay the $200 to remove the virus. I bought a new machine and paid $99 to get the files from my old XP to the new machine, sans viruses.
Plus, if I'd rebooted the XP machine I would have lost recent files. I'd backed up the machine a few months ago and had most of the important files, but I wanted everything, which is why I paid for the clean transfer.
Hope this is helpful to you.
BTW, tomorrow (Tuesday), after talking with the store Manager and her computer department manager at the West Hollywood Best Buy today, they've agreed to take back the machine for a replacement.
I will be armed with the 32 bit vs. 64 bit and XP mode information that many of you offered helpfully and will report back on my progress.
I will also bring in my XP machine to show what I expect the pages and fonts should look like (though on other monitors it might appear slightly different).
Tune in.
As for rebooting your machine, I don't even understand what you are talking about. A boot disk merely allows you to run software on a machine, where the guts of the controlling software are unaffected by anything sitting on your hard drive. If the virus/malware was cleanable by any software, this is all you would have needed to do. Boot from the CD/floppy and let the hardware do it's thing.
I'm glad Best Buy agreed to replace your machine. However, understand that it's going to be a bit hard for many to be able to determine how much of your OS problems were due to inefficient design or your own lack of knowledge around an OS. After your opening line, where you state you have 20 years of experience with a computer and, thus, know how to set one up, only to show that you don't know how to remove a virus without using the Geek Squad, you put a dent in your tech review credibility.
I didn't have an outside virus/spyware software set-up, never did and never had a problem. Maybe I'm just lucky.
If I'd put in the XP disk to "redo" the system, it would have gotten rid of all my files. Everyone I've spoken to has told me that. Perhaps technophiles know the "get-arounds," but I admit that I do not.
Re the O/S and my display issues and credibility re same, everyone is scratching their heads, including the Dell folks who took over my machine and created the special IE engine for Mozilla so that the pages would appear normal. You shouldn't have to do that.
The Geek Squad supervisor even admitted today that if I upgraded to a higher version of Windows 7 (with XP mode) it might or might not solve the problem. And he said they did not sell 32 bit machines with Windows 7. I'd have to go online or straight to Dell itself.
When I said I know how to set up a computer, I meant, and I will repeat, that if it's put together correctly by the computer folks or factory I can install it at home. I know how to put the pieces together, load the CD drivers and download the appropriate programs and add-ons, etc.
I am writing you now from my "cleansed" XP computer, which I completely and successfully reconnected and will put in a WebRoot anti-Virus/Internet specialty software. Perhaps that's the lesson I learned. That the free stuff like AVG does not protect you in a terrific way.
However, one thing that many here have said and other computer people have told me is that there are many issues with Windows 7, that it is not much better than Vista, and turning on my XP machine once again (sans virus), I can tell you this is true.
Expertise or not. Believe me or not. One should not have to go through the display issues of which I wrote. There should be no need to put different kinds of engines on Mozilla to make the page read perfectly, and if there is such choice they should be easy to find on Mozilla and easy to apply. It took a Dell supervisor over an hour to apply the fix.
Perhaps it was originally screwed up by Dell. Or maybe it's a Mozilla problem. I noticed that were some computers at the store, using Safari, that showed the Internet pages (including my website) perfectly. Also, the Mac machines had no issue.
So, in finality, I stand by what I originally said, in that the Windows 7 design clearly has flaws. Taking home a computer and plugging it in correctly and turning it on (expert or not) should not present the display problems I experienced. I never had this situation before -- yes, in over 20 years of owning various computers.
And, Eris23, I believe I am as knowledgeable about computers as the average user is. Perhaps more so.
Take it for what it is worth. I am happy this nightmare is over. I'll get a new computer when I really need it and will have a technician build one from scratch -- no more prefabs for me. Ain't worth the time and trouble.
I am a computer owner since the early 80s and I am still mystified as to why people give money to Microsoft; something I have never done. (I can only guess that you hung out with bullys when you were a kid, or were one yourself. Oh, I see, there were no bullys on your block and you were home schooled.)
Also, I have an HP LaserJet4p I bought for $1200 in 1993 (It has a postscript card). It is on its third $65 toner cartridge. It has worked with no problem on an Amiga and on Macintoshes since system 7 and with my XP/Ubuntu laptops (gifts, didn't pay for 'em) through the Mac's printer address. It is still going strong (at 4ppm!) using a $40 USB to Parallel converter cable (that I purchased in 2002) attached to my brand new iMac. Macintosh has seen the light and uses CUPS for printer drivers I think since OS X.1.
So next time you feel the need to give money to Microsoft, don't. Somebody with your years of computer user experience needs to move on. Leave M$ to companies that buy in bulk with their misdirected dollars and the gullible.
There -- was I nice enough? I must have been if you think it is okay to purchase anything from MS.
cj
Do you know how long it would have take me to purge your system of that crap and am not even a geek? Boot into a Linux live CD 2 minutes. Backing up all the files you want to save might take you longer depending on the size of your hard drive say you got 50 Gb to save so something like 30 to 45 minutes. Formating the infected partition would take you something like 5 to 10 more minutes. After that it just a matter of restarting the computer pop out the Linux CD and pop in the XP CD and re-install XP.
The re-install might take another hour and if the XP CD version is pretty old you can expect a full night of downloading updates but you don't have to stay in front of the machine for that so let call the whole cleaning a two hours job. So to save 200$ on a fix that you could have done yourself in two hours and maybe an extra hour of googling how-to you spent 800$ on new hardware you did not really need! Wow am guessing they like you a lot at Best Buy!
I specifically said that the virus totally disabled my computer and I could not activate any programs.
And yes I have had 20 years of computer use, but I've never, ever previously experienced a virus -- at least not the crippling kind such as the one I described.
Regarding your general condescending chatter, I freely admit that I never heard of the Linux Live CD. And I'd bet that most computer users haven't.
And what you described doesn't sound uncomplicated at all. Plus, in truth, I'd been thinking of getting a new computer anyway, so the timing was right -- even if the moment was scary -- and I only spent $100 to get the files cleaned and transferred -- not $200, and I now have 2 working computers.
In addition, had you carefully read my article you'd have seen that my complaints, reiterated ad nausea below, were directed at the performance of Windows 7 in general and the fact that we have become accustomed to letting computer advancements force us into buying new paraphernalia (e.g. a new printer) we otherwise wouldn't need and replace them with so-called upgrades that are not much better (if at all) simply because they can connect with the new system.
Most computer users are like me. Somewhat savvy operationally, but not equipped to get into the bones of the operating system and the computer itself, although I must say I did replace the RAM in my old XP.
For future commenters, if you have legitimate criticism or disagreements, I welcome them, especially if they are helpful. But from now on, let it be known that rants of an insulting sort will not be tolerated nor given the privilege to be published.
Let talk about not even getting infected in the first place. Those are my rules you can do whatever you want with them but they helped me a lot.
Rule 1. Ditch your ISP DNS server and use OpenDNS instead. OpenDNS filter a truckload of malware site. Added bonus faster surfing. http://www.opendns.com/
Rule 2. Behind an hardware firewall (Router) your computer will always be and change the default password for that Router while your at it everybody know it admin!
Rule 3. Ditch IE6! I swear 95% of all peoples I met who had major virus problem got it off Internet Explorer especially IE6. Their a reason Microsoft released IE 7 and IE 8 that because IE 6 is 10 years old and not secure! Get something else to surf. Firefox is my choice but some peoples prefer Opera, Safari or Google Chrome.
Rule 4. When you get a security update install the freaking update.
Rule 5 Don't download and install all the crap that you come across the net.
You follow all 5 rules you may not even need to run an Anti-Virus!
www.ramproductionsinternational.com.
I'd love to chat.
Re your specific comments, I wasn't pressured into anything by the Geek Squad, except they confirmed what I'd heard from others that Dell made a good computer and, given the RAM (6 Gig) and 750 Gig hard drive, it was a good bargain.
Re a virus cleaning program, this was impossible without intervention, because the Total Security virus completely disabled my computer, except for the "My Computer" function which allowed me to click on files, e.g. JPG, but would open none that were attached to a program.
Thus, there was no way to get onto the Internet to download what you recommended or to install anything. I believe the Geeks removed things directly through Windows Explorer, knowing what to look for in a God knows where sub-directory.
Re the link you provided for the Vista driver for the HP 1012 printer, I downloaded it, but the computer would not permit the printer (which it recognized and called correctly by name) to enter the printer area of the devices and printers area. It placed it into the "Unspecified" area, which does not allow the printer to be recognized as such.
I thought it might be where the downloading saved it, so I placed the opened zipped file into several other locations on the "C" drive, but it was fruitless. Normally, a device can find a driver if it is almost anywhere on the computer, but when I tried to troubleshoot, the report came back with: "The driver for Generic printer IEEE 1284.4 printing support is not installed. Install latest driver for this device."
So, I don't know what else to do about that.
Regarding the version of my Windows it is the Windows 7 Home Premium version. If the "upgraded" versions have the "XP Mode" you and another commenter wrote about, it seems quite unfair that the basic version would not have this capability, as it is likely most of us have perfectly good equipment that could still be used.
Regarding antiviral programs, in fact I had AVG scanning my computer every week and always had a report of multiple things being put in the "Virus Vault." I thought I was safe, but apparently not so, as I did nothing but click on an Internet site, which began the faux scanning session that led to the Total Security vanquishing of my computer (with a large emblazoned in red WARNING on the desktop of my computer). I have since been told that these free programs are not too effective and thus worth their price. It has been suggested that I get something called WebRoot or Kaspersky.
As to why I had to have professionals transfer the files, I didn't want the possibility of infected files going onto my new computer.
I have reported the display problem as accurately as I might. I've never encountered such a problem in any computers I have owned. It's interesting that the Dell supervisor (having taken control of my computer) was able to do a band-aid sort of fix by putting some form of IE rendering engine on my Mozilla pages so that I could see them as they should be seen. Whether it was a 32-bit version of Internet Explorer, I don't know. I do know that when I use Internet Explorer 8 separately, I have similar problems, so obviously I don't do so.
The Dell supervisor also used the Windows Troubleshoot area to deal with add-ons in Skype and AOL the computer didn't like that apparently were the cause of all my programs (and the Internet) appearing in tiny fonts no matter what configurations I attempted in the "display" areas.
It is hard for me to believe that I'm the only one with these display issues. As indicated, if I change the "resolution" (right click on Desktop) all it does is reduce the size of the text and pictures on the page but the disjointed text placement stays the same.
To describe it, imagine that this was the original headline:
GREAT NEWS FROM MICROSOFT
The New Windows 7 System Has
Revolutionized Computers
But the way I see it on Mozilla and IE 8 is:
GREAT NEWS FROM
MICROSOFT
The New Windows 7 System Has
Revolutionized
Computers.
I notice that when I posted this at first my attempts at placing the words in a more random order was not possible, because HuffPost aligns all comments text to the left. You'll just have to imagine that the words were jumbled all over the place.
However, when I click on the icon the Dell supervisor placed on the lower right of my screen, it transfers to the IE engine he installed and it then reverts to the first example above.
I haven't a clue what to do, other than live with it for the moment, as I wonder if trying to "downgrade" to 32-bit or put in a Vista engine will screw up my computer even worse than it is.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Also your 1012 laserjet is roughly 10 years old at this point. So complaining of "compatibility" issues on a 10 year old printer is a joke when windows actually accepts most old printers. I could see it if you were simply dissapointed, but instead you make it sound like windows 7 has a problem. They do a best fit, to most used/ most popular hardware. In fact you whine about everything. You talk about hardware being "only 3 years old" as if mabye 8 or 9 years is old. A 3 year old computer is nearly outdated. The fact that most older system work with windows 7 is a great thing. If you didn't get lucky with everything, then change some hardware and quit whining like a kid. Plus I have an HP here with webcam and wireless and everything on windows 7. .. con't
My HP 1012 Laserjet is not 10 years old; it is less than 6. Perhaps it was first issued ten years ago, but I seriously doubt that.
My webcam is 3 years old.
BTW, I have a lot of non-computer equipment in my house that is far older and still works, but if you're someone who goes along with "get something new the minute it's offered" that's fine. Some people buy a new car or cell phone every year. I think most people don't.
Perhaps you simply accept the computer industry mantra of forcing you to buy new things because they make their equipment incompatible. The manufacturers must love you.
Imagine buying a new CD or DVD machine with a few more bells and whistles and having to replace all or most of your CDs and DVDs that you've purchased. Even the BlueRay machines will accept non-BlueRay DVDs.
And where did you come up with the "fact" that I "can't figure out how to transfer" my files. I had the Geek Squad transfer my files, because they were on an XP that had a severe disabling virus and I didn't want the files infecting my new machine. They put them through a scanning process via their hardware before they put them on my new computer and cleansed the XP in the process.
And I do backup my significant files on a CD twice a year, but I thought it would be easier to have the Geek Squad transfer the most up-to-date files on my XP so as not to lose them.
I'd also bet most people are not so savvy to install Operating Systems, as you perhaps are. I have a car as well, but I take it to a mechanic when I need to change the oil.
I'm sorry. Perhaps you would have been able to do all that, but I'd bet most people wouldn't have the expertise.
BTW, I do know how to go onto the Internet, and I have never experienced the "display" problems I related with any of my previous computers. The Dell supervisor was equally baffled, and after much thought -- literally over an hour -- he installed the IE rendering engine in 32-bit to the Mozilla pages on my 64-bit computer so that when I click on the icon I can see website pages normally.
However, none of this explains why, having touched none of the display controls initially, the Internet Explorer 8 program similarly doesn't show pages as they were published.
And if you read some of the other commenters, including a recent one, there does seem to be a very limiting aspect to the 64-bit versions for those who use computers in a non-specialized way.
Thanks again for your non-judgmental insights.
There is a Windows Vista (64-bit) driver for your laser printer that should work just fine.
Visit this site: http://tinyurl.com/qsd37f
I cannot find specifics on your webcam, but there may be other workarounds for that.
Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to disregard discontinued devices when developing drivers for new OS versions. This is not a Microsoft issue, it is the particular manufacturer that is to blame. This was much of the problem that people had with Vista. Fortunately, Microsoft did several things to improve on that front with Win7. Unfortunately, some of the vendors did not cooperate.
Which version of Win7 did your new machine come with? That will help me to offer other suggestions.
I have found them to be highly inconsistent between locations, and in many cases (some well documented on the internet), their competency is quite lacking.
The other issue is that they seem to be focused on converting service customers to new computer buyers.
In most other cases, they fleece unsuspecting customers for as much as they can on service.
There are several free programs available on the internet for cleaning infected computers yourself. Among them are MalwareBytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org) and ComboFix (http://www.combofix.org).
I would also highly recommend using either Avast or AVG antivirus, both of which have a free version, as they tend to stop more infections and are less taxing on your system than Norton or McAfee.
Unless you are using the computer for a specific function with the very latest software I would forget the 64 bit versions.
Vista 32 bit drivers work most of the time when native Win 7 drivers are not available.
Microsoft is offering more 3rd party drivers than ever on the Windows Update site so installing Windows and drivers has never been easier.
I have never been an big fan of Microsoft but with Windows 7 they have done a good job.
Most people are not technology experts, and it would seem that the basic stuff that comes with the computers average folks buy at Best Buy and other stores should be equipped with the sort of things that are not going to drive people crazy or at the least leave them very much annoyed.
If most people don't need the 64-bit version, which may (according to what you wrote) cause some of the driver problems I detailed, it makes me wonder why they are installing such hardware without warning you that you might not need it and that there are other versions of Windows 7 that might suit you better, while still improving your computer experience.
So I stand by my remarks that the Windows 7 debut was far from spectacular.
I assign blame to a couple of entities:
Best Buy/GeekSquad - If the salesperson is properly qualifying their customer, THEY are the ones that should make recommendations on proper Windows version and 32 v 64-bit issues. They should take the time to find out what your needs are and have the knowledge and experience to get you the right equipment. I think that they failed you in this instance.
(note: this is not specific to Best Buy... most retailers have entered the mode where they are just pushing product out the door, not properly training their staff in how to make informed recommendations, and adding on high-markup accessories and services - "would you like fries with that?")
Dell - Again, this is not specific to Dell, but applies to all computer manufacturers that sell pre-configured machines at retail. Some bean-counter has determined what hardware, what shovel/crapware, and Windows version you get in the box. This is not always the best way to buy a computer, because you may need something different, or may not want certain pre-installed programs on your new machine. Keep in mind that manufacturers like Dell get money from the software publishers for the pre-installed programs they include on your computer.
And 90% of the reason newer printers and devices lose compatibility with operating systems is because of all the "boutique" drivers with ink level alert programs, fancy interfaces, and convenient integration into everything under the sun. Old drivers were pretty much "here, print this" and nothing more. If you were lucky, Windows might tell you if you were out of paper. That's why the old drivers still work, they're as simple as a wheelbarrow compared to a Chrysler minivan.
Regarding BlueRay, you might not get a BlueRay picture on the new TV, but I'm rather sure the players will still accept a non-BlueRay DVD in their system, much as a stereo turntable would play a mono recording without the sound enhancement. I'm not talking about VHS and Betamax, which were totally different systems.
Microsoft, HP and others are showing little concern for their customers and only want us to buy their new products and not continue to use the trustworthy older ones. Sure, Windows 7 might have some bells and whistles and the new computers give you more RAM and hard disk space, but a B&W printer (for example the one HP wanted me to upgrade to) doesn't do anything different than the one I have, other than print at 2 pages a minute faster (17 vs. 15), which is not enough in my eyes to discard what I have.
And re the old cars you talk about, you might not be able to put the new parts designed for the newer cars in your vintage one, but you can still get parts and service on older models, either through the dealer or even a place like PepBoys. I once had a 21-year Toyota Celica and never had a problem getting it fixed.
But I will agree that these are common engines, and other drivers should be able to work for these printers. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, it is not the underlying engine that matters, it is the extra stuff wrapped around the engine that causes this issue.
And its up to the hardware VENDOR to write the drivers for their hardware, not Microsoft. Microsoft simply gives them the programming tools and guidelines to get them started. After that, its up to the hardware vendor to write the drivers, update them, and explain why they may not update them. And I know the frustration of having a perfectly good scanner go unsupported, but those are the breaks. You can't use an engine from a 2009 Mustang in a 1995 Mustang. And yes, Microsoft does change its driver specifications and requirements from time to time, just like Ford stopped using carbeurators and went to fuel injection. Sure, you may have an HP printer or Holley carb you really like and paid a pretty penny for, but why should Microsoft/Ford stop innovating?
I, too, have a Visioneer scanner, which was the only thing that did not work when I upgraded to XP in 2004.
So, I kept my Windows 95 computer at the ready, and whenever I needed a scanner, I plugged it into my old Panasonic 4410 printer (which also worked with XP) and then connected that to the Windows 95 computer. I was pissed at the time, and it seems as if Visioneer has not changed its spots for newer buyers such as yourself, who want it to work for Windows 7.
Interestingly, and as a side note, while waiting for Windows 7 availability after my XP was struck with a disabling virus, during that week I plugged in the old Windows 95 and was able to use its modem and dial-up connection to at least get my email and basic Internet stuff (though it's much slower now with the designs of the new Internet web pages than it was when I used it in the late nineties through 2004. It never took several minutes just to load a page). So, if you are able, don't throw that old computer away, as it can come in handy for emergencies such as mine.
Let's hope our message gets through.
Some of my equipment (such as an Edirol 4x MIDI interface to control my midi keyboard) is ancient, and it works fine. My M-Audio Revolution 7.1 soundcard works fine. My HP monitor, logitech mouse and keyboard and Canon photo printer works fine (from across a network). My Line6 keyboard and guitar interface work fine. Performance is better for me than it was under XP.
I installed the free antivirus software from Microsoft and that seems to work fine (http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx) as well. Previously I was using Computer Associates eTrust.
Drivers are from the hardware manufacturers and typically not from Microsoft. If Apple allowed the huge range of devices that Windows does they'd have (and actually, have) problems too.