first aid laptop crisis
There are never enough hours in a day and cell phones never ever have enough memory space. Fact. Limping through my apartment in one shoe looking for the matching pair with my hands loaded with keys, extra chargers, sunglasses and metro cards, I realize I need to empty out my phone.
I am completely fed up with the ‘there is not enough space’ message popping up on my cell phone screen. So I hastily opened my laptop, plugged my phone in and did the whole usual clean out routine. And then it happened. The spinning update sign stopped spinning. It was motionless. I took a breath. And in a flash, my computer screen turned pitch black.
The keys, extra chargers, sunglasses and metro cards symphonically drop to the floor. And all is quiet. I frantically start to panic and act as if I have no idea what is happening. But deep down I know exactly what just happened. My computer crashed.
Gasping for air, I press every single button and the thing shows a little sign of life. It seemed okay, but it was a complete and utter battlefield. Everything is gone. Absolutely no document in sight. I cancel my appointment. I could bawl. I might even have.
Oh the misery. After a few hysterical phone calls to my hubby-to-be (and his IT department), the thing starts to work again. But I was exhausted. It was a Friday night and I was drained after this nerve-racking event. I have wine waiting for me. But before I devour it, I’m going to give you a quick First-Aid-Guide for laptop crashes. How to recognize it, and more importantly, how to avoid it. Cause I wouldn’t even wish this upon my biggest enemy.
The Panic
Uneasy breathing. A flood of tears. Shaking my head hopelessly saying ‘NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!’ It’s all very normal guys. This is phase one. Fight the tears. Because truthfully, there are worse things in the world. But, I get it, in that exact moment it will feel like the end of the world. Pull through. It’s all a part of recovery.
The Blame
Someone should plead guilty. In my case I blamed my future hubby. I mean, he was the one ‘hadn’t f*cking updated the new software and you know you have to do it or else you loose EVERYTHING.” Reasonable? No. Rational? No. Stop finding others to blame and except that it is your own ‘f*cking fault.’
The Throw-It-Out-The-Window Situation
Pick yourself up off the floor and get back to work. You’ll probably try to turn into some sort of IT expert, which leads to an outburst of frustration just so you know. Take a mini break and walk a block before you have the urge to throw your laptop out of the window. The will to do it is there, I know, but that would only make things worse.
Recovery
We all know someone who knows a thing or two about computers. Or someone who knows someone. Call them, be as polite as possibly and ask for some help. Or use Google (on your phone, duh) to find a nearby laptop doctor. This, and only this, will be your savior.
Avoid
It’s one of those things I question all too often. We’re capable of sending things off to Mars, but getting a laptop with a few (too many) pictures to work can be hell on Earth. But then again, expeditions to Mars are organized meticulously for months, even years, in advance. Don’t start slamming buttons on your computer or yank out the USB stick. No, be patient and careful. It’ll help avoid even more misery. Oh, and purchase a good back-up. Might cost a bit but it’s a real life saver. And it’s precisely what I am planning on doing. Wait no, wine first, back up later. Cheers!
