Dumb Windows Error Message
This is a fairly standard (?) error message. Except when you don’t install any new devices, just turn on your computer in the morning, with unchanged configuration. Now all of a sudden this cryptic message. I have no idea what it refers to. I used to have a vistasucks tag to tie together my horror [...]
Windows Update Sent Me on a Wild Goose Chase
It all started like a routine WinUpdate: downlod 6 updates, install them, then surrender the persistent nuisance and reboot to let Vista do its thing.. then wait .. wait.. coffee .. back. However, after the successful reboot the system wanted to install a device driver to my monitor. I thought it was a bit weird [...]
Apple is Just as Sneaky as Microsoft, Dumping Software on Your Computer
Here we go again: Ed Bott points out how outrageous it is for Apple to install so-called “updates” to the iPhone Configuration Utility on a Windows computer that does not have this software installed, in fact one that has never had an iPhone or iPod connected to. He is right, this is obviously not an [...]
Vista Update Causes Perpetual Reboot
My Vista-based laptop gave me the Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown screen: this is where you have the options to start Windows normally or select one of several “safe” driver- and service-less modes to boot. I picked normal, the system booted .. end of story. Except… I walked away for a little while, [...]
Take Your Paws Off My System, Microsoft
<rant> I’ve had it. I’m tired of Microsoft programs taking over my computer without permission. This time it’s IE7 – yes, I know, IE8 is out, but I could not care less. In fact I have not launched IE7 for a long time. Sticking with Firefox, and if I was not so dependent on several [...]
Patch Tuesday: Monster Windows Update DOA
I normally rely on automatic Windows updates, but reading how big a monster this Tuesday’s patch is (the biggest in five years) I decided to get a head start now and let it cook overnight. Yeah, right: Windows could not search for new updates. But luckily enough there’s a Get help with this error link… [...]
