Sunday, September 18, 2011

Planned obsolescence? Planned murder, more like!

Computers are the ultimate model in planned obsolescence which is frustrating but it means I have learned to take care of my computer. And I pride myself in being a self-taught computer tech- the techies downtown are generally happy with me because when they give me directions over the phone I can carry them out with little or no angst. But today, I may have met my match. My computer is having some sort of issue where it doesn't communicate with the USB ports which means that my cordless mouse no longer works and the light of my life, my digital camera, will not communicate with my computer. AHHHHHHHH!!!! I cannot express to you how frustrating this is. I LOVE my digital camera and how easy it is to take pictures, download them and then post them on my blog. Not to mention that as I was checking out the problems on the HP website, it appears the problem is not only expensive but could become worse if not fixed. It could mean my ipod shuffle won't communicate with my computer and eventually the disc drive I burn discs from might not work. The whole situation makes me to do this...
All in all folks, I feel they have us coming and going. The banks and oil barons own the politicians and can get whatever they want in Washington. Meanwhile the people we buy our stuff from: potato chips, shoes, computers, etc. make the common stuff we buy more cheaply so they don't last half as long (and in the case of potato chips has anyone else noticed how few potato chips are actually in a bag of potato chips while you are paying more???). I haven't had a pair of comfortable shoes for tennis or exercising in for ages! I try them on, they feel great and then get them home and they're torture (and I am not buying Walmart specials, folks!) Now my computer is giving me fits after two years and I have done everything I could to take care of this damn machine!!! 
Any techies out there know how to fix this problem? 
I'm desperate!!! 

Update: It appears the problem is fixed-- FOR NOW. I'm not holding my breath because it wasn't anything I really did so the problem could come back as easily it went away. But I much thank Michael Offut for trying to help me out! Thanks Michael!!! You're a real sweet heart. 

9 comments:

  1. Before you get frustrated I want you to check two things. Open up your computer and make sure that the cable that connects your front USB ports to the USB slot on the motherboard has not come loose. If it has then just apply firm pressure and that should fix them.

    Second, I want you to go into system properties and make sure that all drivers for your motherboard are installed. Windows will flag ones that are not installed with an exclamation point.

    Your USB drives are powered by your motherboard and I have never NEVER seen them stop working. Check both of those things above and then let me know what you discover.

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  2. Ugh, sorry I'm not the one to ask - hopefully Michael's advice will help you out! I really hate it when the lights of my life stop working!!!

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  3. Oh - I'm hearing you on this one. I hope its sorted out soon, nothing more frustrating than techie problems. I wish I could help. :-/ I'm thinking uninstall and reinstall but I'm completely clueless.

    Oh, wait a minute... *here, have a martini* - does that help? x

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  4. Hope you get the problem sorted out soon!

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  5. Oh Danette, I think you've touched on two of my pet peeves in one post: crappy computers, and planned obsolescence.

    I feel your pain. Sadly I have nothing to offer here other than a virtual *bar of chocolate*.

    OK, let's splash out and make it Belgian chocolate.

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  6. I am glad it fixed itself for now. I hope it lasts. I don't blame you spouting off. Who wouldn't.

    Love Talei martini idea though. It couldn't hurt. Maybe throw it at the computer... LOL.

    I know how lost you are without your camera... I would be too.

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  7. Michael O: You're the best!

    Talei: The martini sounds divine! I think I'll try it.

    Lady Fi: Magically it sorted itself out.

    Botanist: Me too! I HATE planned obsolescence. I rail about it all the time and computers are prime targets for it. And this crap problem is more than planned obsolescence it seems like something HP has allowed into their design if I am reading the posts right.

    Michael D: Throwing the martini at the computer just might be my next plan!!! lol

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  8. Mine did this. One day the only port that worked was the where I had the cordless mouse. I turned everything off in frustration and two days later everything was fine. That was six months ago but I get nervous every time I connect anything.

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  9. Computer problems are a bummer, especially the more we become dependent on them. Hope you get your problem fixed! Wish I was more knowledgeable and could help.

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