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Thread ID: 102473 2009-08-20 06:13:00 Basic PC Laws pctek (84) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
802811 2009-08-20 06:13:00 Law 1: For every Windows Update, the update will break two more things on your PC.
Law 2: The likelihood that Windows will automatically install time-sucking critical updates is directly proportional to your need to get your PC started.
Law 3: The hard drive always fails just before you were going to back it up.
Law 4: The number of USB ports on your computer will always be one fewer than you need at any given time.
Law 5: Feeling time pressure to make a computer fix quickly will cause you to take longer
Law 6: If you close the PC case with screws before testing, it won't work; if you test before closing, it will
Law 7: Fix a computer for a friend or family member and you'll be tech support for life.
Law 8: Recommend a product that you've used with no problems and the friend/family member who buys it will immediately descend into RMA [product return] hell.
Law 9: If it's broken and you call tech support, it will fix itself while you're on hold
Law 10: Your software provider's online support pages contain explicit instructions for troubleshooting every conceivable problem -- except yours.
Law 11: Nine times out of 10, tinkering with your Registry to fix a system issue will create a new problem that's more severe than the original.
pctek (84)
802812 2009-08-20 06:24:00 Your Law 7 is one I try not to do (or reduce) anymore; Took up too much time to fix several of my sister's/Partner's/nieces/nephews/etc PC's. I now refer them to press F1, web sites, etc. kahawai chaser (3545)
802813 2009-08-20 06:41:00 I've found a variation to Law 9; when someone says their computer 'always' pops up errors and whatnot, it never happens when I turn it on.

I think my presence alone is enough to scare away the gremlins.
ubergeek85 (131)
802814 2009-08-20 07:58:00 I've found a variation to Law 9; when someone says their computer 'always' pops up errors and whatnot, it never happens when I turn it on.

I think my presence alone is enough to scare away the gremlins.You Sir, are needed at my house.
pine-o-cleen (2955)
802815 2009-08-20 08:54:00 Thanks PCTek

I like 6 and 10
Digby (677)
802816 2009-08-20 10:38:00 Law 5: Feeling time pressure to make a computer fix quickly will cause you to take longer
Law 6: If you close the PC case with screws before testing, it won't work; if you test before closing, it wilTrue dat
Myth (110)
802817 2009-08-20 12:39:00 Sigh, Law 7.... :p

So true!
Renmoo (66)
802818 2009-08-20 13:23:00 >Law 9: If it's broken and you call tech support, it will fix itself while you're on hold.

I have a variation of that.
A friends 10 year old only had an old computer to use, and now for the second time wouldn't even boot up.
I knew the power supply to the HD was flaky so knew what the reason for this was. The first I came over I said show me the problem, and when she turned it on the puter just booted without any problem (It was a fairly warm day). I jokingly said it only works when I'm here.
So there I was a second time - could I do it again?
I slapped the computer and spoke sternly - "If you don't boot it is to the rubbish tip for you". It booted so fast, it nearly had me wondering if it could hear: But the look of sheer awe on the girls face was worth the 20 mile trip :)
Evolbob (11476)
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