Vista - Every day it's some new problem...

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?
--
Why does everything have to be so difficult?

Hi Lost Vista,

It sounds like you just need to reinstall Vista and start from scratch. It would be faster and easier for you. Make sure that you do a clean install, even if you have a upgrade version of Vista. You can see how here if needed.

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/68...n-install.html

Shawn

"LostVista" <LostVista@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A39275A6-98AD-43F2-86C5-C7AE8DD4B09E@microsoft.com...
<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.

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.

"LostVista" wrote:

> 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?
> --
> Why does everything have to be so difficult?

On Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:26:03 -0700, LostVista wrote:

> 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

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.

"LostVista" <LostVista@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:A39275A6-98AD-43F2-86C5-C7AE8DD4B09E@microsoft.com...
>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?
> --
> Why does everything have to be so difficult?

"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.

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!
--
Why does everything have to be so difficult?


"Mr. Arnold" wrote:

>
> "LostVista" <LostVista@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A39275A6-98AD-43F2-86C5-C7AE8DD4B09E@microsoft.com...
> <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.
>
>

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.
--
Why does everything have to be so difficult?


"Charlie Wilkes" wrote:

> On Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:26:03 -0700, LostVista wrote:
>
> > 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
>

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.
--
Why does everything have to be so difficult?


"John Barnes" wrote:

> 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.
>
> "LostVista" <LostVista@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:A39275A6-98AD-43F2-86C5-C7AE8DD4B09E@microsoft.com...
> >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?
> > --
> > Why does everything have to be so difficult?
>
>