Arrrgghh! **COMPLETELY off-topic rant**

[Rusty Hills Farm]

And here I thought I was safe! Microsoft announced awhile ago that they were no longer supporting XP and I thought that meant no more of their @#$% "updates." Well, I was wrong. They got me again. It's their dang "malicious software tool" and it's whacked me again.

Somebody--ANYBODY--please explain to me WHY that @#$% tool thinks Microsoft's own brand software is somehow malicious?!?

For the THIRD TIME now that @#$% sucker has deleted my MSWord program and all its templates and dictionaries!!! Fortunately I do have backups (I learned the first 2 times it did this!) but it will still take me hours to reload and reprogram everything and make sure all my macros are working again. I make my living using MSWord, so this is a real kick in the patootie every time it happens.

Why, oh why, does this keep happening even after I think I've reset the computer to not automatically download ANYTHING? But it does keep right on happening!!!

 

[HennysMom]

I use XP and word - have all the updates and I dont have any issues at all... so I'm not understanding how it keeps deleting your entire file/ program.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Because of my work (I am a medical transcriptionist) I have Word 2000 AND Word 2007 because most doctors use 2007 BUT one hospital only uses 2000. If I do their files in 2007 they have trouble opening them. Sooo...I have both version and the tool keeps deleting Word2000! It is so frustrating. I have XP set to notify me instead of automatically downloading and installing the updates, yet it has happened once again!

Arrgghhh!

 

[Reinbeau]

Interesting - I just received the updates and my Office programs are fine. I wonder why you're getting whacked like that?

As for Microsoft not supporting XP anymore, that isn't taking effect until April 14, 2009 (my birthday

) there will be plenty of third party support from other vendors - and really, how much do you go to M$ for support? I know I never do! I am a bit of a self-taught geek, though, I follow technical trends and usually can fix things myself when they mess up.

I'll bet it's your heavy use of macros that trigger that malicious software tool. What a PITA for you.

Do you get Brian Livingston's newsletter? It's got a wealth of info, especially on whether or not you should allow certain updates, and precautions you can take to protect yourself. I'm a lifetime subscriber, I've found it so useful, but there is a free version that's pretty helpful, too. Here's a link to his November 13th issue where he explains the ins and outs of XP support once M$ ends it. It's worth subscribing to!

 

[Chicken Salad]

After having a computer hijacked, I do NOT keep an always-on Internet connection running. Won't do it. Done. Over.

 

[Reinbeau]

With a good firewall it isn't a problem. I use Trend Micro, and have never once had a problem. I know they're knocking at the door but they can't get in!

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

Thanks for the link to the newsletter. I'm gonna check that out after I get done with today's work!

 

[debilorrah]

It sounds to me like a virus that is already in your system. I do not think it is a download. Check with MS online help....

 

[Jenski]

I have one word for you:

LINUX.



OK I lied, I have more words. I am not a computer geek by any means, but DH tends that way, and he has me sold on Linux. Even set up my laptop to boot either way - MS or Linux - in case I get cold feet and want to crawl back to MS. So far I have loved open source software. You have to do a little more research to get going, but the program functionality has been better, and I am FREE FREE FREE to do what I want, update what and when I want, and load whatever open source software I want on my computer. Open source stuff is developed and supported by users all over the world, and the community of helpful folks is fantastic. I feel quite safe with regard to mailicious software, because this worldwide network of folks is very serious about security, and the pool of help is huge.

And it's all FREE.

Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[Bantamlover23]

Quote:
Just saw this and I was excited I am in the process of going to school to become a MT.