Every day it's some new problem...

[Guest]

I am so frustrated and right now another thunderstorm is rolling in so will
have to keep this very brief.
From the start Vista has been a nightmare and while I'm a middle-aged woman,
have been using computers for over ten years with very few problems. It began
almost immediately, wouldn't let me back up the system...one disk and second
one has failed every time.
My scanner sits idle on the desk and there's no solutions for these kinds of
software issues yet. I have no access any longer to my Recycle Bin, can
delete but can't open it to check it or restore if I want, get a "Window
Explorer Not Responding" error. I've tried the changing the desktop icon
trick...there's two Recycle Bins there, one says "Full". It doesn't matter
which I choose, there's still no opening and now tonight, having the same
problem opening picture files...screen opens only enough to see the taskbar,
then the "Windows Explorer Not Responding" error message.
I'm not a technical person, just an average person, this is infuriating and
I'm totally unprotected without backup should I crash altogether. Oh...forgot
to mention, I'm unable to burn CDs or DVDs...the list goes on but the thunder
is rumbling very loud here. Are there any solutions for any of these problems
that don't require a tech degree?

 

[Mr. Arnold]

<snipped>

Well, if you have been installing non Vista compliant software on the
machine, like applications and drivers that are XP solutions to be ran on
the XP platform, then you might or most likely will start having problems
with Vista.

 

[Guest]

Take it back under Warranty. You don't say how old it is, upgrade, clean
install.
I can only assume it is a new computer, as you give no info.

 

[Charlie Wilkes]

I am so frustrated and right now another thunderstorm is rolling in so
will have to keep this very brief.
From the start Vista has been a nightmare ... Are there any
solutions for any of these problems that don't require a tech degree?

I sympathize with you. Thousands (millions?) of Vista users are having
the same kinds of problems you are. There are four main avenues you can
follow:

1. Tough it out with Vista. There are people here who can and will help
you troubleshoot your system, but you have to be very specific in
describing each problem. (There are also people here who will tell you
it's your own fault, no matter what the problem might be, because they
are Vista enthusiasts, unable to face the fact that this product comes
with a LOT of serious problems.)

2. Go back to XP. Frankly, this might be your easiest and most painless
solution.

3. Switch to a Mac. You'll have a much better designed and less buggy
system to work with, but it's costly and it involves a learning curve.

4. Switch to Linux. I did this at the beginning of the year because
there is no way I will ever agree to the Vista license terms. Linux
comes with a steep learning curve -- but you could consider a "mentored"
Linux system if you have broadband and don't mind surrendering
administrative control in exchange for not having to deal with any
hassles. Check out www.zonbu.com... it's an interesting value
proposition and quite affordable.

Good luck.

Charlie

 

[John Barnes]

Why did you install Vista. Anyone with 10 years experience should know
there will be problems with software and hardware during at least the first
year. If this is an upgrade, and with your problems it appears so, I would
either go back to XP and wait or do a custom install.

 

[Guest]

"LostVista" asked...

I am so frustrated and right now another thunderstorm is rolling in so will
have to keep this very brief.
From the start Vista has been a nightmare and while I'm a middle-aged
woman,
have been using computers for over ten years with very few problems. It
began
almost immediately, wouldn't let me back up the system...one disk and
second
one has failed every time.
My scanner sits idle on the desk and there's no solutions for these kinds
of
software issues yet. I have no access any longer to my Recycle Bin, can
delete but can't open it to check it or restore if I want, get a "Window
Explorer Not Responding" error. I've tried the changing the desktop icon
trick...there's two Recycle Bins there, one says "Full". It doesn't matter
which I choose, there's still no opening and now tonight, having the same
problem opening picture files...screen opens only enough to see the
taskbar,
then the "Windows Explorer Not Responding" error message.
I'm not a technical person, just an average person, this is infuriating
and
I'm totally unprotected without backup should I crash altogether.
Oh...forgot
to mention, I'm unable to burn CDs or DVDs...the list goes on but the
thunder
is rumbling very loud here. Are there any solutions for any of these
problems
that don't require a tech degree?

First, if it's a new computer, take it back to where you bought it and have
them fix it for you. After it is running properly, we can worry about the
rest of the list. If you can't, try these things and report back.

What AntiVirus are you using? There are a few that claim to work on Vista
but they actually don't work very well. This might cause some of your
problems with the 'not responding' errors. We can offer step by step
instructions to uninstall bad ones and then correctly install free
alternatives.

Right click the desktop, "view" - Is there a checkmark "Show Desktop Icons"?
In "Change Desktop Icons" - Is there a checkmark in the top section?

What brand and model of scanner? Maybe we can find drivers for you.

 

[Guest]

You know Mr. Arnold, when you buy a new computer put out by the same company
that made your scanner, you just assume things will be compatible, at least I
did and they usually are. By the way, an early online chat last Spring with a
tech was responsible for the only drivers installed. Thank you for reminding
me Vista is in a world of it's own. Have a good day!

 

[Guest]

Thank you Charlie! I probably need to apologize for my rant last night but I
was in a hurry and was about at the end of my patience with this thing again.
I am sorry, know it's certainly not the fault of those of you on this group.
I may indeed be responsible for some of these problems...in trying to fix or
adjust other things, might just have chosen the wrong option but it IS a
difficult thing to learn your way about in.
Bottom line, I can't afford another computer, I waited a long time to be
able to purchase this one and I let my son go and pick it out for me. I do
two things online these days: save, organize and burn family pictures and
family music videos on CD or DVD and dabble in Ebay. The clerk at Best Buy
told him this was the one for me and I know he feels bad and probably cringes
every time I begin whining that it's the machine from hell.
Again, I'm sorry...get a little perturbed talking about it but yes, I have
no choice but to tough it out though at the moment I'm unable to do anything
but the Ebay and worry that will be the next thing Internet Explorer can't or
won't open.
I've had this 4 or 5 months now, had an online chat with a tech early on and
it wasn't helpful at all. She had me install drivers but in the end, finally
told me different things weren't compatible yet...and they still aren't.
I do appreciate your advice, it's obvious you've been there and are offering
the best suggestions you can. Unfortunately, I'm just not able to follow many
of them but think I will try support again, I may get the same condescending
reluctant tech but I will try and thank you so much again.

 

[Guest]

Hello John,
You probably see by now it was installed on a new computer purchased for me.
I may have been using them for 10 years or maybe a bit longer but I've never
experienced anything like this....God forbid I ever do again. Thank you for
your thoughts.

 

[Guest]

I'm using AVG 7.5 Anti-Virus and yes, that box is checked. My scanner is an
HP Scanjet 3970. I'm sorry...know I must be sounding like a shrew and I'm in
the midwest where thunderstorms are the order of the day again. I'll try and
see what I can do to get some tech support to clear up what they can when I
can risk staying online long enough to get through a session. Then I'll come
back, it's encouraging that most of you seem willing to offer advice and help
rather than ridicule and blame, thank you!

 

[Adam Albright]

Hello John,
You probably see by now it was installed on a new computer purchased for me.
I may have been using them for 10 years or maybe a bit longer but I've never
experienced anything like this....God forbid I ever do again. Thank you for
your thoughts.

Instead of getting frustrated, how about trying something different?

If you're having trouble with IE7 and browsing the web, try either or
both of the following.

a. Firefox http://firefox-mozila.com/
b. Opera http://www.opera.com/

Both and simple and less of nag and likely will work easier for you.

 

[Guest]

Thought I'd answered this one but must have hit "Close" instead of "Post",
sorry. It was purcased in March I believe, maybe April but I've tossed the
boxes, and kicking myself. Thanks Mick, those were good suggestions.

 

[DanS]

I'm using AVG 7.5 Anti-Virus and yes, that box is checked. My scanner
is an HP Scanjet 3970. I'm sorry...know I must be sounding like a
shrew

Not to me. You sound like a person that paid good money for a product and
you expect the product to work as advertised. Doesn't sound too much to ask
to me.

and I'm in the midwest where thunderstorms are the order of the
day again. I'll try and see what I can do to get some tech support to
clear up what they can when I can risk staying online long enough to
get through a session. Then I'll come back, it's encouraging that most
of you seem willing to offer advice and help rather than ridicule and
blame, thank you!

None of the MS fanbois that typically blame the user haven't responded in
this thread yet.

If you do end up taking this PC somewhere to be looked at, DON'T, I repeat
DON'T, take it to the tech department at your local Circuit City, or BB, or
the like.

 

[Charlie Wilkes]

Bottom line, I can't afford another computer, I waited a long
time to be able to purchase this one and I let my son go and pick it out
for me. I do two things online these days: save, organize and burn
family pictures and family music videos on CD or DVD and dabble in Ebay.
The clerk at Best Buy told him this was the one for me and I know he
feels bad and probably cringes every time I begin whining that it's the
machine from hell.

I infer from your comments in this thread that it's an HP machine. Is
that correct? If so, get in touch with HP's tech support and keep after
them until they straighten these problems out. It will take a lot of
your time, but if you can't spend money on the problems, you'll have to
spend time.

It's really a shame that Microsoft and the OEMs are ripping people off
like this.

Charlie

 

[Guest]

"LostVista" asked...

I'm using AVG 7.5 Anti-Virus and yes, that box is checked. My scanner is
an
HP Scanjet 3970. I'm sorry...know I must be sounding like a shrew and I'm
in
the midwest where thunderstorms are the order of the day again. I'll try
and
see what I can do to get some tech support to clear up what they can when
I
can risk staying online long enough to get through a session. Then I'll
come
back, it's encouraging that most of you seem willing to offer advice and
help
rather than ridicule and blame, thank you!
--

Scanner drivers
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...2-1&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=298548&lang=en

If that link cannot be clicked by you, use this one...
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=298548&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us
and then click on "Microsoft Windows Vista" in the box marked "Select your
operating system"

AVG is good, as long as you turn off the email scanning.

 

[Guest]

I, too am having similar problems. I cannot get Microsoft Update to work, my
recycle bin is acting crazy, I have trouble backing up or restoring---would
much rather have System Restore like in XP.
There ARE some things I like in Vista...but it's sure annoying to have so
many bugs!

 

[Guest]

I used different icons for the recycle bin than the default ones & it works
now.
No fix for the updates yet though or the backup...I too am struggling with
the problem.
I use Real Player for burning cd's & it works every time, unlike Windows
Media Player.

 

[Guest]

For the recycle bin problem, try this:
1. Please right click the recycle bin icon and select Delete, click Yes.
2. Click Start-> Control Panel, and then please locate and double click the
icon: Personalization
3. In the opening window, please select the option: Change desktop icons in
the left tools bar
4. Please select the option: Recycle Bin and click OK
Please verify that the recycle bin icon on desktop has been reset.

For the cd/dvd burning I use Real Player; you can download it at www.real.com

I still have not got my Windows Update to work. I tried all the solutions &
nothing yet.....

 

[Guest]

Dear LostVista - you and I seem to have so much in common! And exactly the
same problems with Vista. As for John Barnes, does he live in the same world
as the rest of us? I have been using computers both personally and
professionally for 20 years and I have never had these sorts of problems.
The software just does not seem to work happily with my new Compaq F500;
particularly as I have loaded Windows Office ProfessionaL (Student
version)2007. I enjoyed your rant because I feel just as angry, frustrated
and disempowered as you obviously do. I didn't have a choice - I went to buy
a computer and it came loaded with this software - andgoing back to XP seems
counter-productive.

 

[John Barnes]

If you are having problems with Office, you should post in the Office
newsgroup. Hundreds of thousands of users have installed it on Vista with
no problems, including myself. Since you have a new computer that came with
Vista, you don't have any old programs that should interfere with it working
properly. I have the same version on Vista Ultimate64 and it works
perfectly (don't particularly like it as well as Office XP, but that is
beside the point).