typical fool

[sleuthsalvador]

I'm the kind of fool who can put together a computer, but doesn't know how to safe-boot. This scattershot knowledge may be typical. I wasn't sure whether to post this here, or in 'assembly.'
I ordered Command Antivirus lately. When it arrived a week ago, I installed it on my computer. Guess what? The whole system froze. It would not shutdown (softly) or startup. I wiped the hard drive. Mind you, this is the stable, old computer, not the current hair-tearing system build. This is the one that HAS to work, because sometimes, nothing else will work.
Anyway,
I loaded up Windows & all the rest of it, then tried installing Command Antivirus. This time, my computer was only moderately permacrashed. When shutting down, system hang, "Windows is shutting down." How long does one wait? I can't wait that long, pal! Start-up gives a big freeze/lockup 3 out of 5 times.
Incidently,
my dvd-rom (with Hollywood Plus mpeg decoder card) gives the warning, 'MMSYSTEM263 THIS IS NOT A REGISTERED MCI DEVICE.' I know it's something simple from earlier experience (novices write down your procedure), but I don't remember what the fix is, since I didn't record it. So, I am a fool.
My rant:
I've tried using both of these companies' web sites to fix my trauma, but nobody returns my pleading emails. I am not rude. I want a solution, not an RMA.
This site, PCMechanic, is the only place I know where I can get help. Why don't the makers of software and hardware take care of their own? I paid money for their products, and I'm not asking for reparations for information lost, I just want the basics to work! When I purchase something over the internet, my biggest fear is just this kind of situation, not getting my credit/debit card # ripped off.

[Statica]

<SUB>Originally posted by sleuthsalvador
This time, my computer was only moderately permacrashed. When shutting down, system hang, "Windows is shutting down." How long does one wait? I can't wait that long, pal! Start-up gives a big freeze/lockup 3 out of 5 times.
</b></SUB>
from the commandcom software support page:
http://www.commandsoftware.com/service/support/RefDetail.asp?RefNo=000228-000011

This is apparently a documented problem.

<SUB>[B]
Incidently,
my dvd-rom (with Hollywood Plus mpeg decoder card) gives the warning, 'MMSYSTEM263 THIS IS NOT A REGISTERED MCI DEVICE.' I know it's something simple from earlier experience (novices write down your procedure), but I don't remember what the fix is, since I didn't record it.
</SUB>
Check out:
http://www.sigmadesigns.com/support/faq_hwplus_installation.htm#7
or
http://www.techadvice.com/w98/errors/2/er_00108.htm


<SUB>

My rant:

I've tried using both of these companies' web sites to fix my trauma, but nobody returns my pleading emails. I am not rude. I want a solution, not an RMA.
This site, PCMechanic, is the only place I know where I can get help. Why don't the makers of software and hardware take care of their own? I paid money for their products, and I'm not asking for reparations for information lost, I just want the basics to work! When I purchase something over the internet, my biggest fear is just this kind of situation, not getting my credit/debit card # ripped off. </SUB>

Its become a situation of trial and error to get you firm that will invest in something beyond development. Unfortunately, unless you choose a company that will put in a lot of money in Quality Control or in Customer Support, you are going to be hard-pressed to find anyone who will pay attention to the single license purchaser.

On the flip side, if you are going to be a Do-It-Yourself-er you cannot redeem yourself with half-hearted approaches to computing. Its a simple Either-Or proposition. You could either go with a Dell or a Compcrap or something along those lines, use whatever software comes bundled; set up the tech support number on your speed dial and gain that sense of security (albeit false). However as you have taken the initiative to build your own, also go the extra distance. Before asking for help see if you can help yourself. This means, reading documentation and troubleshooting procedures; checking out the company website for service patches and upgrades; search the co. customer support databases for solutions, then try to broaden your view with search engines etc. Of course its not necessary that that will solve your problem, neither is it necessary that the links I've put describe and solve your problems, but its a start. & while you're at it, also update your OS with everything you need. Who knows your MCI device could be solved simply by putting in the newest directx etc etc.

But that brings me to the other end of things; people have so much of a wariness with OpenSource and its support machinery.. your experience highlights why OpenSource is so much better. Firstly you dont pay a dime for it; Secondly development is at such a frantic pace, especially if there is a documented bug, that it doesnt depend on a programmer from software company XYZ to develop a patch; documentation is quite volumnious .. the list is endless

[sleuthsalvador]

You are correct in your upbraid of my general half-hearted lameness, but my work and life don't really allow in-depth study of an entirely new Operating System, such as Linux. If I still had the amount of free time available to me 10 years ago, I would learn and study more of the open source phenom. As life is, I simply admire it.
I try to read all the documentation provided. I save my boxes and instructions for everything. I make stabs at the internet (search engines/customer support databases) but I don't have a troubleshooting procedure. Please give me a little credit. I somehow made it here, after all. I could use a pragmatic primer on troubleshooting. The info included on PCMech's disc was a bit lacking in detail. Yes, the list is endless, and that can be a problem in, and of, itself.

An education is better than simple admonition.

I've gone through the sigmadesigns link, did that before exposing my ignorance.
I was lazy with commmandsoftware, but I registered, created name/password and all that jive, in addition to paying $30+. Guess I figured they'd want to satisfy a bona fide customer. My mistake, I've made it before, but maybe never again. I'll try the helpful link you provided as well as the techadvice link.
Take me to school, Statica, but know that my 56k modem doesn't put out more than 28,8.
Again, thank you.