When Computers Crash

There you are with no control and there are targets on your head.  

I was rushing to finish a video edit when I found myself strapped into the crash test dummy position. The button that accelerated the situation had already been pushed.

No control. Those are the key words.

I decided to reboot.

Who picked the colors for the Microsoft “problem” screens? I’m not talking about the “blue death screen.” I mean the ones where the machine sits there whirring and the grey box tries to keep you apprised of the situation in the crumpled brain you depend on. That color and look straight out of the 90’s is depressing.

A small voice whispered, “Call your computer guy.”

Great idea!

Minor detail. I didn’t have the number in my phone! It was, of course, in the CRM on the computer that had hit the wall. I reflected on the two rolodexs that used to sit on my desk, one with just anybody and the other with key contacts and support connections.

No way to call. Bite the bullet. Transport

Transport to a magic touch.

I packed the computer up and drove over to Marcus’s shop. He said, “Let’s try to fire it up and see what happens.” It booted up with no problem. I started blustering and then he said, ”Let me run a quick diagnostic.”

Cloning is deterrent not a solution.

In simple terms I had asked the computer to save nearly twice as much as it should. That can be a problem. We agreed to clone the hard drive just to be safe. Then the replacement discussion began. He told me the make and model of what I needed to match my collision victim. I ordered it on-line when I got back to the office. 

A complex way to simplify.

So now I’m faced with retiring a desktop but keeping it in service as a back-up, bringing a new desktop on line, decommissioning an old laptop and replacing it with a new one purchased at year-end for tax reasons and trying to sync four computers and a phone.

There are days and weeks like this one that make me want to get off the grid.

But then I try to think of all the advantages being “wired” gives me.

I know there are some.

I'm certain there are.

But it’s hard to concentrate when you’re the crash test dummy.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

His consulting practice, founded in 1990, is known for Trust-based Brand development, Positioning and business development on and off-line. He is also a sought-after International Speaker.

Consulting: www.JerryFletcher.com
Speaking: www.NetworkingNinja.com