I still have a hard time buying into the Mac is superior to winders argument.

People that don't use macs at home often make that argument.

Not superior, really. I use winders machines at work and they're reliable. They're just not as simple (or simple-minded, if you prefer) to people who don't care to know anything about computers.

It's an appliance, not a lifestyle.

I have a MacBook and Mac Pro. I often find myself using my Windows boxes, as they work with more of my peripherals, as well as software/games.

That's the best statement I've ever read concerning the Mac/Windows debate.

I can certainly relate to the "lifestyle" required to maintain a Windows machine. Without a certain about of knowledge and care, they can turn into giant paperweights. The general public is really not prepared for the complexity of such devices.

You're right. And because of that, I'm able to make a pretty good living.

I'm not sure if you noticed............I did a restore to the point where I opened the box for the machine............no go............none of the MS Office programs would open..........they were all missing a rather strange file.

Interesting that they would open........except for Outlook..........prior to the restore.

So much for "restore points"............MS strikes out, yet again.

Yes, they were, as posted earlier, it probably was the *pst file. Glad you're up and going. I have no preference by the way. I support UNIX, MAC, LINUX and WINDOWS boxes on daily basis.

The general public isn’t prepared for complexity in anything. That is not a unique aspect of computers. Its part and party to the industrial revolution.

I work with a wide variety of professionals, docs, lawyers, architects, engineers, professors and scientists. They’re all bright and devoted people, but have learned where their time is valuable and where it isn’t. Just as is the case with nearly any other machine, the tools are available to solve problems, but it takes willingness and experience to deal successfully with any complex system.

I'm not sure that lifestyle enters into the picture of computers, unless perhaps you’re talking about what it takes to master part of the technology. Then it’s an issue of devotion, which is a life style choice

No useful advice to offer but I will say that I wasn't happy with the Dell I bought in 2000. Numerous annoyances. My current Gateway laptop has been much better.

It's quite the mystery because removing Office and then doing a full reinstall doesn't fix the problem.

So, if the file doesn't reside in Office........where the hell is it???

Not that I need to know.........but, it's a bit of a quandry.

Hmm so is office running or not running at this time?

It's fine now, Curtis. After doing a full OS install and a reinstall of office, it's running like a champ.

Transferred "my documents" (NOT "documents and settings") without issue.