New Toy

[Melody]

I bought a lemon. My computer had all the memory, etc., that it needed, it was a brand name, and it was a big fat lemon. Slower than death from day one, but I set it up too late to take it back (won't make that mistake again). But it was a new computer and I couldn't bring myself to buy another one. I've used it for 2 or 3 years now and man have I paid my dues. It is SO frustrating, maddening even... click.....wait..... click.....wait.....click go make a snack, read the paper, come back & the computer is still starting up.... ARG!!!! :twitcy:

I live at my PC, I don't watch TV, I eat at my desk, I work on it and I even socialize on it - its my whole world, so I spent a lot of time frustrated.

Well today I finally got a new one. I still have to transfer everything & get it set up, but I feel better already.

Its pretty bad when your kid is as happy as you are, not because he'll use it (he has his own), but because his Mother will stop having cursing fits every half hour :laugh: .

Here's my new right hand:

http://image.compusa.com/prodimages/51/520872b8-1022-4428-92ee-801d9959b17f.gif

(Photo: CompUSA (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?ref=cj,cj,cj,cj,cj,cj,cj,cj&product_code=346300))

Acer Aspire E700-UQ660A Minitower
Intel Viiv Technology, Intel Core 2 Quad Processor Q6600, 2.4GHz, 2GB RAM, 500GB Hard Drive, DVD+/-RW Drive, Windows Vista Home Premium

Dropped a thousand for the tower only, before taxes, but I run my computers until they break so I'll use it for several years I'm sure.

Not a very exciting post, but it sure is going to mean a lot less stress for moi!

[Gramma]

Congratulations on your new purchase. You deserve it. Wow! Sounds like a good one. Have fun playing with your new toy.

[traco1]

What a great present to yourself. You deserve it with all you do and type for this forum. I bet the old one, which was sooo slow before, is ancient and a dinosaur now.

Many years of enjoyment so money well spent.

[Katalyst]

New computers rock! They are so fast and not bogged down with years of garbage...I'm envious! But happy for you. I think you should give the old one the proper burial it deserves.

A Viking Burial that is with flames a plenty. :laugh:

[CACAdmin]

Congrats on the new computer purchase! :thumbup: It's so much fun to buy yourself a present and I know you have needed this for a long time. I couldn't resist taking a detailed look at the specs on-line. :GEEK: Looks great! This is going to make such a big difference for you.:yes:

Of course there is much work ahead of you with setup and moving all you stuff over to it but sooooooo worth it once you've got it all set up and organized the way you want it.

[Melody]

Thanks guys! I'm not looking forward to trying to transfer anything with this piece of fish poo I work on now, but it will be worth it when its done. A three-day weekend seemed the logical time. I have an external that I'll probably transfer it to first.

The quad processor sold me. Even a duo is great. Its kind of like a partition, with one part processing something heavy like my design programs, and another takes over to keep me surfing speedily here in the forum, while still another is loading pictures from my camera - no more snail's pace working just because something else is taking up all of the processor speed. RAM is just the beginning now - without enough to support the RAM, you could have a zillion times what you have now and it won't make a difference because the computer overall can't handle it. I think the processor has something to do with what is up with this one.

[Melody]

And out of 15 customer reviews, it got a solid 4.7 out of 5 rating on CompUSA. ::D:

[CACAdmin]

I don't envy you getting your software installed on the new PC and transferring all your data over. It's a real pain in the butt and takes forever (or so it seems) but well worth the effort!

Good point about multiple processors. Applications don't have to share CPU time. ::D: RAM usage becomes far more efficient. I remember when dual processors first came out... they made a big difference especially to LANs where processing demands are high. To think they now have quads. (I'm still sitting here with a single processor so am a little envious of you and your new toy.)

[Melody]

If I didn't design, I'm sure the dual would have been sufficient, but as it was only a hundred dollars more for the quad, I went for broke... literally....lol.

[CACAdmin]

Good thinking... and you won't regret spending the extra money because as each new version of software provides more goodies more demands are made on the resources of your PC.

I'll be interested to see what you think of the new Vista OS once you get it all up and running.

[grumpystiltskin]

Sounds like an awesome computer, we bought a dual processor when they first came out, and were amazed at the things it could do, now they have a quad! wow, it makes you wonder whats going to be available in ten years time :yes:

[_BaDgUy_]

Congrats on the new computer!!
Always fun to have something new!

I changed mine about 4 months ago, bought used parts from one of my friends at work for 350$, motherboard, CPU. memory, video card.
He changes every year for the best parts he can find!

I've found that what slows down a computer alot over time is Windows itself. It can't find all the stuff it needs on the hard drive as fast, and lots of spyware that gets installed by the internet!
I usually format my computer every 3-4 months to bring it up back to speed!

[Melody]

Great to hear about other's experiences - even as a techy, buying hardware is intimidating. Our sales guy was good though, I must say. Informed, gave me all of my options without trying to upsell me, and even told me that for my requirements, the more expensive model wouldn't help me because the expense was due to enhancements geared to media and gaming, which I don't need. Futureshop - they deserve the plug. :smile: They're also clearing out last year's models if anyone is shopping right now - they'll beat even the clearance price if you ask them.

As for Vista, I haven't heard much good about it so I may load XP Pro again if I don't like it.

[_BaDgUy_]

For any and all windows systems, I usually wait untill the new one gets out to install the old one!
For example, I've only been using Windows XP for about 6 months!
I've been using Win 98SE before that for a very long time!!

They can never work out all the bugs :realmad:

[CACAdmin]

They're always in such a hurry to get a new release out and when it's your operating system that's buggy, it's the pitts!:mad: So, I usually wait a minimum of 6 months before I'll venture in and even then I only do it when buying a new computer. Melody, you're probably wise to simply install XP Pro... it's at least reasonably stable.

[Melody]

Yup, they sure are infamous for that bug thing. The thing is, I have to call and get the license transfered to the new system as they're sticky about licensing. I only get one chance to make a back-up CD for Vista as it is installing - they don't come installed anymore, its just in there waiting to be installed, kinda half way done.

I also forgot to get the proper CD's.... I guess a CDR is what would be required?

[CACAdmin]

Damn! It's those self-extracting files. I hate that. I wish they would give you the O/S on a discs. They do it that way so I think so you can't install it on any other PC. However, if ever you have a hard drive failure or one of those files gets corrupted, you're screwed.:mad:

I think you're probably right is needing a CDR for the backup... wish I had known when I came by I could have dropped some off for you.

Have you considered just installing your old hard drive in the new machine as an additional drive and using it as your primary drive and leaving Vista installed on the new one but using XP Pro on the old drive as your OS?

[Melody]

Yes I considered all that, then I got confused and had a nap....lol...truthfully, I'm afraid to let the two meet. Microsoft associates it with your Motherboard anyway, I suppose so there is no way to transfer it without contacting them. They may not even let me do it then.

They have it now so you can make a back-up CD of the actual Windows Vista operating system in case the computer crashes, but you only get one chance to make it as its setting up. That's why I'm paranoid about having the right CD on hand. Thanks for the thought anyway!

[Melody]

Anybody know of an easy way to transfer my Favorites/bookmarks? I want to make sure I transfer them to the external HD in a format that allows for integrations with the new system's Favorites folders.

[_BaDgUy_]

Go in the File menu of your Internet Explorer
Import and Export

Follow instructions :;):

[CACAdmin]

There is an export wizard in IE which exports them as .htm to any filename and location you want. In your browser, select File, Import and Export, click Next, Select Export Favorites, Click Next, make sure you select the top folder (favorites), click Next and enter or browse for a location to export the favorites to (default filename is bookmark.htm). As this is html format, theoretically you should be able to import them into your new browser on your new system.

Oops looks like we posted at the same time!

[Pamelajo]

Congrats on your new toy.

[Melody]

Thanks for the instructions guys, & to you for your good wishes Pam! I started transfering my picture folder to my external HD this morning - its only half way through :rolleyes: . If it didn't have pic's of my kid on it, I'd trash it and start over with the new one.

OK, now how about e-mail? Any easy way to do that? I'd go surfing for this stuff, but my system is at a crawl as it transfers and I'm barely able to come this far....lol.

[_BaDgUy_]

E-mail?? Transfering your existing account from one computer to another?

[Melody]

Just the stored e-mail. I know how to set it up again, but I'd rather not re-e-mail everything to myself.

[_BaDgUy_]

Might be the only way, if ther are not stored on the server!

[Melody]

Nope, they're on my HD. Oh well, one of the perils of working online I guess - too many stored e-mails. Most of it doesn't have to be in e-mail format though, so I'll create a text file for them.

[CACAdmin]

If you're using Outlook, you can export them to a number of different types of files and then import into your new version of Outlook. It's a wizard in Outlook under File, Import and Export. Choose Export to a file, etc You can choose a number of different formats, comma seperated, dBase, Excel, etc. Just remember the type you export it as, because you will need to select that type of file when you import onto your new system. If you have Excel, I would chose that because if for some reason it fails you will still have a totally readable table of your email.

[Katalyst]

So how goes it with the new dream machine? :smile:

[Melody]

Still transferring files onto the external HD, just about done that though. Then before I disconnect this one I want to make sure I know where all of my software is so I can reinstall it. With any luck at all, it will be done before the day is out.:smile:

[Melody]

If you're using Outlook, you can export them to a number of different types of files and then import into your new version of Outlook. It's a wizard in Outlook under File, Import and Export. Choose Export to a file, etc You can choose a number of different formats, comma seperated, dBase, Excel, etc. Just remember the type you export it as, because you will need to select that type of file when you import onto your new system. If you have Excel, I would chose that because if for some reason it fails you will still have a totally readable table of your email.


I have Outlook Express & it just says it can't do it.:(

[CACAdmin]

Darn... I didn't know that that was one of the features missing in Outlook Express ('lite' versions of software are always short on some things... wouldn't you know it that something important like that would be one of them.

Let me load up Outlook Express (I have it installed too but don't use it) and see if I can find a solution for you.

[CACAdmin]

Sorry to say, I can't find a way to export your email to a file. It all appears embedded within the Outlook Express program :rolleyes: (not as a separate file) and they don't give an export option unless it's to an installed version of the Regular Outlook. And Outlook Express is IE Dependant if I remember correctly (rather than a stand alone piece of software so even copying it over to your new PC probably isn't viable. :mad: I hope I'm wrong and that someone else comes up with a solution for you.

[Melody]

I think I'll have to bite the bullet and forward everything - its the only thing left to do. Thanks for trying!

[_BaDgUy_]

Might be a good time to start using one of those cool web based e-mails!!

[Melody]

I have one of those too...hmmmm....

[_BaDgUy_]

I prefer by far gmail by Google.. lots of space.. over 2885 mbytes of space, lots of option...

[Melody]

Yahoo has lots of space for Canadians - we get the premium space for free for some reason. Google is also horrible for privacy snooping/tracking, although Yahoo isn't much better. Price you pay for 'free' I guess.

I have heard good things about the features though, and if I used it more I'd be going for it.

[CACAdmin]

Still pondering your Outlook options. Could you search your old PC to see if you have an Outlook.pst file anywhere. I somehow doubt it ( as that's the data file for the regular outlook) but it's worth a search.

[Melody]

I already looked :no:

[CACAdmin]

I figured you probably would have but had to ask anyways... I hate to be beaten when it comes to software :mad: ...I don't give up easily... hence why I decided to get out of the IT industry and go drive a bus. :err: When you find yourself working 12-18 hours a day and often seven days a week, you end up burnt out.

[CACAdmin]

Well? Did you end up staying up all night installing software and transferring data? If you did you boss was probably wondering what the heck you'd been up to...you get a long weekend off and you're supposed to come back to work looking refreshed!

And so, how is the new toy? We'll give you time to put it through its paces... but we do expect you to report back...lol.

[Soggybottom]

Just don't try and run any older peripheral devices with windows vista :mad:

[Melody]

Well lemme tell ya, its been quite a time....lol. First, a power outage fries my old computer. I'm thinkin' I'm pretty lucky - I had almost everything backed up on my external HD and a new computer sitting there waiting. So I fired it up. The directions are two lines that say something like "Connect power cord. Do not disconnect power cord until set-up is complete." Wow, info overload. :rolleyes:

So I wait and I wait and I wait. Nadda. Nothing comes up on the screen. This is different than what I'm used to so I have no idea what to expect. I leave it on all night, nadda the next morning.

I figure I must not have a VGA monitor - its the only thing I can remember that he said was a must. I talk to the guy at Future Shop and he asks me where I plugged the monitor in. I say "In the colour-coded monitor plug that has the little square monitor on it. Its the one on the diagram that has the big red arrow pointing from a monitor to it."

Well apparently, they decided to hook up the video card to the generic port, and that's where you're supposed to hook up the monitor. How exactly is anyone supposed to know that and why did they hook it up there anyways?:mad: I can just see it "Where should we connect the video card? This colour-coded port with the little monitor symbol? Naaa, who would do something like that? Let's hook it up down here on the pretty silver one." :rolleyes:

So its up & running now but I haven't installed much. I am reserving judgement on Vista as I'm awkward with it at this point.

[CACAdmin]

Sheeesh... that would be waaaaaay too logical.:rolleyes: Sorry to hear about the old PC... glad to hear you got most stuff transferred to an external drive at least but it sure doesn't give you any breathing space in the transition.

Good luck with everything... if you need a hand... give me a shout.

[Melody]

Well so far, so good. Granted, I'm easily impressed after the last lemon...lol...but I am very picky as I don't want to saddle myself with another piece of junk for two years. I have two weeks to return it, so I've been busily trying everything.

Plugged in my USB stuff, printer/copier/fax, camera, etc, all without issue and installed without external software - it must search out the proper drivers. Mr. SB, maybe later patches of Vista has improved that?

Zoom zoom zoom - VERY fast. I downloaded Limewire in 12 seconds...lol...I'm not kidding - that would have been at least a two hour affair with the other one, all the while not being able to do anything else. With this one I didn't have time to do anything else, same with installing Photoshop - very quick.

However, now I'm transferring over my photo file. It took me the better part of a day to take it from my old system to the external HD. There's 37,927 items and many haven't been reduced in size or optimized - mostly photos or high res graphics for designing. I just started and I'm having no hesitation whatsoever in my surfing while its happening. It says it will take just over 12 minutes! 12 minutes for the same transfer that took all day before?!!! I love this computer!

Speaking of photos, it has a 9 in one memory card feature - just stick the card into the system and it loads. No more waiting forEVER for slow camera software and battery draining load times - it was done in a blink of an eye.

No wonder this thing scored so high in customer reviews (4.7 out of 5). I'd highly recommend it so far, if anyone is in the market.

[Melody]

I guess the 12 minute thing was wrong - I brought up the screen after I posted and it was done. ::D:

Now I just need a new stereo and speakers....lol....never ends. I didn't buy anything like that while I worked at home unless it was absolutely necessary. This regular paycheck thing has its perks.

[CACAdmin]

Sounds great... no more hours of frustration. I'm sure you will put it through it's paces in the first two weeks. and yup, a regular paycheque is a good thing.::D:

As for tranfering Outlook Express email, I PM'd you but thought I would post a 'how to' here for reference for anyone else.

On your old computer:

Open Outlook Express:
Under Tools, Options
Click the Maintenenance Tab
Click Store Folder
Copy and Paste the URL into your browser & hit enter
It will show your all your folders (*.dbx)
Select all and copy to a CD or external drive.On your new computer:

Copy saved data (from CD or external hard drive) to a new folder on your computer.
Open Outlook Express:
Under Tools, Options
Click the Maintenenance Tab
Click Store Folder
Click Change
Select the new folder and Click OK
You will need to shut down and restart before the new folder location (containing your email files) takes effect.

[Soggybottom]

Plugged in my USB stuff, printer/copier/fax, camera, etc, all without issue and installed without external software - it must search out the proper drivers. Mr. SB, maybe later patches of Vista has improved that?
Is this stuff that you bought before vista was a twinkle in Bill's eye, or is it fairly new?
Maybe I should retry my stuff...

[Melody]

Before, I think... I don't even know when they launched Vista. The Scanner/copier/fax is 2+ years old. I got it with my old camera so it has been awhile.

[Soggybottom]

There was quite an uproar about it. MS making it hard for other companies to create drivers compatible with vista. I think it really hurt sales, apparently vista sold quite poorly in comparison to previous versions. I'll have to dig my printer out of storage and try again...

[Melody]

Ah, when it costs them, they make the changes, so maybe it will be ok now.

I had the same thing happen with a scanner when I switched to XP - it was just over a year old.