Did a Restore, now user can't use MS Office

[Mike in Nebraska]

Last week I upgraded a HPxw4400X workstation from WinXP Pro w/SP3 to Vista
Business. I did a full backup and also used FAST (files and settings
transfer wizard). However, I soon found out that the DVD drive was "broke".
HP told me it was because of the upgrade. They said to do a fresh install.
Did another backup, fresh install, then a restore. Had lots of problems
with BSOD, but a selective restore got it working again. But he can't see
MS Office, nor navigate to it. I can see it when logged in as an admin. I
thought of copying files and folders between profiles (he has 3 of 'em -
<name>, <name>.<domain name>, and <name>.<domain name>.000). The former is
the oldest so I thought I could copy the App Data and User Data over it'd
work (in both Documents and Settings, and Users), but it didn't work.

I've been here working on various issues for 28 hours, so I'm not thinking
as clearly as I'd like. What am I missing?

 

[measekite's Psychiatrist]

I would do a fresh install and NOT a restore. You might have introduced
problems that you already had. Do a fresh install again, right after that
install, update your current antivirus. Once that is done, update your
video, Motherboard drivers if needed.

Install Office from scratch. When done, do MS updates.

Then you can copy your DATA only back to your system.

I know that sounds like lots of work, but you stated that you've been doing
this for 28+ hours. Yes, what I suggest will take lots of time, but I will
bet if you don't do it that way, your issues will continue.

Hope that helps.

 

[Mike in Nebraska]

Good points. One thing to throw at you (this is the tiredness talking,
probably) .... what if I put in the Office CD and did a Repair? It'd get
him up quicker, but I suspect the underlying problems may still linger
causing me to chase 'em down for longer than it's worth.

 

[ray]

Last week I upgraded a HPxw4400X workstation from WinXP Pro w/SP3 to
Vista Business. I did a full backup and also used FAST (files and
settings transfer wizard). However, I soon found out that the DVD drive
was "broke". HP told me it was because of the upgrade. They said to do
a fresh install. Did another backup, fresh install, then a restore. Had
lots of problems with BSOD, but a selective restore got it working
again. But he can't see MS Office, nor navigate to it. I can see it
when logged in as an admin. I thought of copying files and folders
between profiles (he has 3 of 'em - <name>, <name>.<domain name>, and
<name>.<domain name>.000). The former is the oldest so I thought I
could copy the App Data and User Data over it'd work (in both Documents
and Settings, and Users), but it didn't work.

I've been here working on various issues for 28 hours, so I'm not
thinking as clearly as I'd like. What am I missing?

In the meantime, until you can get the problem sorted out, you might
consider installing OpenOffice.org - at least productivity can continue.

 

[measekite's Psychiatrist]

Good points. One thing to throw at you (this is the tiredness talking,
probably) .... what if I put in the Office CD and did a Repair? It'd get
him up quicker, but I suspect the underlying problems may still linger
causing me to chase 'em down for longer than it's worth.

You could try that and see if it works, but in the long run, I think you
would be better off with a "redo". Been there done that many times.

 

[+Bob+]

I've been here working on various issues for 28 hours, so I'm not thinking
as clearly as I'd like. What am I missing?

What you're missing is that you were nuts to upgrade XP/SP3 to Vista
in the first place.

 

[Mike in Nebraska]

I'd rather not, thanks. I'd rather work through this problem, than postpone
it.

 

[Mike in Nebraska]

I probably will do a full reinstall. Sounds like the best idea.

 

[ray]

He can continue by installing MS Office again. He can uninstall (or try
to) uninstall it. He can then reinstall MS Office. I did suggest that
he redo his system to get rid of all possible problems. One thing that
he doesn't need is that inferior OpenSores Office. That technology is
good for people who are poor and don't like Microsoft like yourself.

Fine. If that works he probably won't need my suggestion. If not . . .

Installing OO would be a complete waste of time. You just can't figure
that one out. Your stock answer is install Ubuntu, install OpenSores
Office.

You're right - I can't figure out why it's better to continue to beat
your head against the wall when a quick, simple exercise will let
productivity continue.

People need to get real work done so they need real products, not that
crappy OpenSores stuff you are trying to shove down their throats.

Not familiar with OpenSores - could you give me a reference? I'm not
trying to "shove" anything down anyone's throat - just trying to help the
OP maintain productivity. OpenOffice.org will do virtually everything
that the average user needs.

Just doesn't cut it.

Imagine, Ubuntu is FREE and NOBODY wants it. Ubuntu is on less than ONE
PERCENT of the desktop. Imagine, after all these years, it is hardly a
blip on the radar. Must be some pretty crappy stuff for people to
IGNORE free software.

I didn't say word one about Ubuntu.

Why not go to the Ubuntu forums and help those sorry sacks out who think
they got something good!!!!!

Mainly because they don't NEED help. Linux just works.

 

[ray]

I'd rather not, thanks. I'd rather work through this problem, than
postpone it.

Your call - I generally try to maintain productivity.

 

[Mike in Nebraska]

I appreciate it, but I've got him on a laptop as a temporary measure and
he's fine with that.

 

[measekite's Psychiatrist]

In the meantime, until you can get the problem sorted out, you might
consider installing OpenOffice.org - at least productivity can continue.

Are you stupid? You are adding to his working time. There is no
productivity if he installs OO. So you expect him to create documents in OO
then work on MS Office and then deal with another file type? You should see
a doctor and get your head examined. Totally useless suggestion on your
part. Typical for an Ubuntu troll.

 

[measekite's Psychiatrist]

Fine. If that works he probably won't need my suggestion. If not . . .


You're right - I can't figure out why it's better to continue to beat
your head against the wall when a quick, simple exercise will let
productivity continue.


Not familiar with OpenSores - could you give me a reference? I'm not
trying to "shove" anything down anyone's throat - just trying to help the
OP maintain productivity. OpenOffice.org will do virtually everything
that the average user needs.

Open Office/Open Sores - Same thing. Just junk software that nobody needs.

I didn't say word one about Ubuntu.

Open Source applies to OO and Ubuntu. Same quality of JUNK.

Mainly because they don't NEED help. Linux just works.

For geeks who have all day and no job. Idiot.

 

[measekite's Psychiatrist]

What you're missing is that you were nuts to upgrade XP/SP3 to Vista
in the first place.

I think what you meant was you are nuts for being a douche bag. He is not
nuts for going to Vista. You probably can't figure out Vista and that is
why you are frustrated. You condem what you don't understand. Typical.

 

[Mike in Nebraska]

No, unfortunately. I had Office 2007 Pro installed several months ago.

 

[ray]

Are you stupid? You are adding to his working time. There is no
productivity if he installs OO. So you expect him to create documents
in OO then work on MS Office and then deal with another file type? You
should see a doctor and get your head examined. Totally useless
suggestion on your part. Typical for an Ubuntu troll.

I never said a word about Ubuntu.

If you had ever TRIED OpenOffice.org you would know that it is perfectaly
capable of saving files in MS Office format, also Word Perfect, PDF and
several others. There would be absolutely no need to deal with another
file type.

I suggested OpenOffice.org as an interim step until the problem can be
solved. Productivity need not halt until MS Office can be coaxed back
into working.