Computer problems
 

Well, it's now my turn with a brand new Dell.

The issue is that MS Outlook will not open.

The problem developed after I made a huge error by bringing all the files under "documents and settings" over from the old machine. Wrong move. I should have moved "my documents".

In any case, the programs confused each other and I was left with a rather large disaster. I deleted what I could, but some programs would not appear in the program list although they were definitely on the machine.

After about six hours, I got everything working again except Outlook. So, I removed Office 2007 and reloaded it. Same issue. "Cannot open file". Tried another removal and reinstallation with the same result. Word, Powerpoint, and Excel all work fine.

Anybody with an idea before I call the morons?

Try moving your PSI files.



http://www.slipstick.com/config/backup2007.asp



Its down under vista file locations.

I've got XP.

What's a PSI file and where would I move it to?

Apparently, I've got bigger problems.

The folder for "application data" is missing.........:(

Doh, its a PST file, I misspelled it.


I would create a new file, cut and paste it into the new file.


The PST is (i think) here:

C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

You have to go to


Tools>Folder Options>View>Show hidden and system files

Take it out back and shoot it....

On a serious note. Do you have your original XP installation disc? If worse comes to worse you can just backup your files and do a complete reinstall.

Yep, I've got them. It's looking like that's the way to go.

I don't need to do a backup........all the data is on the external drive. I just moved it today..........but, moved the wrong folder.

What's the procedure for a full install?

Did that.......still missing the "Application Data"

I'm probably hosed here.........

You could try to invoke that "last good system configuration" feature on windows. It has helped me out a couple of times. Other times it is useless but it's always worth a shot.

Try this:

C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Microsoft\Outlook

Go into the bios and select "boot from cd rom"
when the computer boots to the xp disk it will ask you what you want to do. It can format and install on it's own

Tried that...........and, unfortunately, none of the programs in Office will load.

It's now missing a file called:
c:\msocache\all users\{91120000-0000-0000-000000Off1ce}-c\smallbusinessww.xml

Thanks.

Yep, that's the next step............tomorrow...........:(

I never like switching these damn things............:mad:

I'm guessing what you are seeing is corruption of the drive’s FAT. This is sometimes easily solvable by running a drive diagnostic called chkdsk and sometimes not easily solvable.

First things first: make sure you have a backup of everything you care about.

Once that’s done:

Open a command window and run the disk diagnostic called chkdsk as follows:

Type “Chkdsk c: /f /r” ((without the quotation marks)and hit the enter key)

Chkdsk will return the following:

“The type of the file system is NTFS.
Cannot lock current drive.”

“Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another
process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be
checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”

select y and hit enter again

You’ll need to reboot the computer at some point. The bigger the drive the longer it takes chkdsk to run. It is a good one to let run over night.

After chkdsk completes, see if the application data directory is still not there.

If it is not, it’ll be quicker to start over than to try and troubleshot.

If that solves the problem, except for outlook: the next step is to build a new profile for Outlook. This will separate Outlook from the data set it holds. This will tell you if the problem is Outlook or the data set. But from what you've described , the problem is likely lost parts of the program.

If you need to start over, look for the Dell supplied CD which says it’s for reinstalling the OS. Someone above mentioned one way to get the computer to boot to the CD when it comes up. When you get the install program to load, select the option to reformat the hard drive rather than fix a corrupted install. But you can try and do that if you want first.

The problem you describe is a media related error and not an OS related error so fixing the install won't solve it. It takes about 3-4 hours to do a full build, of which, maybe 30 minutes is hands on the keyboard

The application data folder is usually hidden. Did you follow the instructions on that site to view hidden files?

I ran chkdsk and it didn't find any issues. The problem still remains with the inability to open any of the MS Office applications and, additionally, Acrobat reader.

The restore did allow the folder for application data to return to its proper location.

I lack some confidence to do the full install. There are six discs:

1) MS Windows XP Professional
2) Drivers and utilities
3) Application for Cyberlink power DVD
4) Roxio creator 9.0
5) Dell 2009W flat panel monitor
6) MS office

Do these need to be installed in any specific order? I presume the OS is first, but what about the monitor.........how do you use the monitor without the software........what about drivers and utilities?

I really don't want to screw this up, yet again..........it's already cost me a full day and I'm nowhere.

XP first. Then I woud do the drivers and utilities. The monitor will likely work without the monitor DVD installed but at a lower res. So to get the full capabilities of he flat panel you'd then want to do the monitor cd. The cyberlink power DVD is for bluray movies so that can go on after you have the monitor sorted. You can then do office last.

- Peter.

Thanks.

Have you done this before?

I'd like to know the potential pitfalls of the install........if something goes badly because of a procedural error.........I'll be totally f'ed.

The entire episode has occured due to my failure to move "my documents". I had saved "documents and settings" on the external drive and moved the entire folder.:o

Small procedural error has, effectively, killed the whole machine. I do love the huge bright monitor, however.:D

Pitfalls?
Some years ago I attached a printer to my brothers PC on which he did all his architectural stuff for his degree. He had a couple of specialised CAD programs on there. A few hours and much swearing later the PC was effectively a paperweight :D

However in your instance it should be a pretty simple procedure. Just accept the default settings for everything and the software will take care of it all for you. I assume you have the licese key for the XP and Office disc's right?

- Peter.

Go to start, all programs, accessories, system tools, system restore.

Pick restore my system to an earlier time.

I will show you "events" in a calendar.

Pick a date/time before you started mucking with it.

Follow the wizard to restore it and reboot. It should help.

Yep, I've got license keys for both of them.

Spoke with the Dell rep on the phone........surprisingly helpful. The install of the operating system is straightforward but the drivers are a bit tricky. So, I'll call him back once the operating system is installed and he'll walk me through it.

See you in a few hours............:eek:

Brian, Brian, Brian...


After you've got this sorted out, how about trying some sort of disk imaging software?

Install xp first. You’ll probably need to install the drivers for the network card, sound card, chipset after the xp install completes. When you do the windows updates it will most likely install everything else. After XP install Office and do the updates for that. After that install Roxio and the Cyberlink sw, if you want.

The good news here is that you’ll have gotten rid of all the pre-installed crap and useless Dell utilities

After you do the above, install some kind of av software.

After you finish the Windows and Office updates, it is a good idea to go to java.com and do their updates as well.

Someone mentioned the license info for xp. One of the cool things about the dell restore software is that it typically doesn’t need the info for windows, but does for office

Also somone mentioned system restore. This is is generally a good tool to cya, but it won’t restore most lost program related data.

Yep, there goes 2.5 hours of my time.........but it's running again. Time to reinstall Office.........

Yes John........imaging software........imaging software.........:o

Office up and running.

Firefox up and running.

Now just need to move all the data into Outlook and I'll be done for the day.

Don't touch that keyboard!:D

I just bought a Dell Refurb laptop today. Nothing fancy. Inspiron 1525 Intel Celeron 550 (2.0GHz, 533Mhz, 1M L2 Cache), 15.4 WXGA, 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM , wireless, 8x DVD/RW. Full mfg. warrany, $325 +tax, $20 shipping. And oh yea, XP home operating system.


I like the Dell refurbs. Fully tested, brand new conditition, and inexpensive. Would have liked a a duo core processor, but at that price who cares. Mostly for online stuff, some WP, and whatever.

This thread confirms it: Fixin ta by me 'nuther Mac laptop. For my middle kid who's about to go to school in Toronto CA this coming semester.

Actually, if it wasn't for the one critical mistake, it would have went quite smoothly. Probably would have it completely finished in six hours..........but for a simple screwup.

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.