OMG, I'm dumb

[daeemann]

So...I have this client with a BSOD error, the driver_irql_less_or_equal one. It only shows up when Mozilla is run. Internet Explorer will run, but will never display a webpage. So, ok, this looks like a driver problem w/ the networking. The client tells me they installed a virus scanner because the computer is running slow, blah blah blah. Ok, she's got viruses and it corrupted the driver. Wait a sec...client's got to antivirus scanners running simultaneously. You cant have that! I'm a delete Norton, since client doesn't want that one. Client prefers Kapersky. Ok, I'm using add/remove from Norton product (Yes I do have Nortan uninstaller program but decide to use the add/remove one!). Damn, this is taking too long. I'm getting impatient! Impatient! Almost done, it stalled. Dammit! I don't feel like going through this again even if I have the Norton uninstaller program in my flash drive! Screw that! Im a check for viruses by removing the hard drive and connecting to my computer. 1 hour later of doing full system scan...what the...no viruses! Son of a...! Run chkdsk w/ /r! 1 hour later...no this is taking too long...4 out of 5 and at 15%!!! ahhhhhh!!! Screw that...put hard drive back and log into client's computer...whatever I'll run Norton Uninstaller program, i've been here a really long time, what's an extra couple of minutes. Stupid Norton! Removed. But that couldn't have caused BSOD no way! Im a install Service Pack1, client doesn't have it, this might be why we're having driver problems. 1 hour to install! Screw that! Let me check Firefox...it works! Let me check Internet explorer...it works! No i refuse to believe it was just the 2 virus scanners conflicting! Dammit! Even though i cancelled chkdsk, it ran for an hour, it must have fixed something...yes I cancelled chkdsk...I know you're not supposed to! I got impatient and started panicking, even though the obvious was to remove one of the virus scanners in the first place!

 

[daeemann]

Yes, I know all about memory problems. I took an OS class in college. Our class had to hack and rewrite some of the linux code in Fedora. You lock certain files. If something else tried to access them, you can get memory errors. So why didn't I see the obvious that 2 virus scanners running simultaneously could contribute to the bsod?! After all, the bsod only came up when firefox was set to run. I still refuse to believe that this was the only issue. I took the laptop home w/ me, and told the client I would rerun all checking to make sure everything was fine. Man I feel like a jackass and an idiot!

 

[Methical]

Lol dont be to hard on yourself.

I just don't know why you choose to uninstall Norton the first time around with Add/Remove Programs when you admitted that you have the Norton Removal Tool. We all know that Add/Remove doesn't remove all of Norton, in the first place lol.

How much did you end up charging for the job, just out of curiousity?

To sum it all up, at the end of the day, you fixed the problem, and learnt something new, and even got paid for it! Life's sweet!

 

[daeemann]

I charged $50. I also decided to use chdsk, sfc, and some adware removal programs to make sure her computer was fine.

 

[joe3k]

You charged $50 for all that work... time for another career, lol.

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

unfortunatley he did create all that work for himself...I would not charge a client to learn on "their" time. $50 seems fair enough but it seems you undercharged yourself since you were actually at the clients location.

 

[DrumThumper]

Don't beat yourself up too much over simple things like this. Instead, learn from them.

Case in point: I had a client last week whose son was having issues with his computer. The computer is an older Dell Dimension (ugh) P4 class that has seen better days--it's missing some of the tool less features, the case won't close completely, but hey, for $100 second-hand his kid is happy.

A quick trip to the local Ace hardware store took care of the DVD drive not being attached at all to the drive cage. The power supply was also sitting on top of the ventilation duct for the PSU--not a good thing at all. Three screws took care of that.

However, I failed to notice that the PSU is a replacement, and has an on/off switch. There's no hole on the back side of the case for access to said switch. Long story short: it took a bit of grunting and a few choice words, but I got the PSU securely attached to the back of the case where it belongs. Client picks up the computer, pays for services rendered (virus removal and installation of anti-virus software) and heads home. About twenty minutes later, my phone rings. The computer is DOA. Five minutes into the house call, I realized what the problem was: the on/off switch had gotten turned to the off position when I was fighting to get the PSU attached to the case.

I am a case modder by nature, so I took the obvious route. I brought the case back home, completely disassembled the machine, made a few measurements on the PSU and similar measurements on the back of the case and busted out the dremel tool, followed by filing. End result looks stock.

And the customer is happy to boot.

 

[Blues]

He didn't create all that work I have had to deal with similar situation. In my issue there were no problems but there were two AVs Norton and I forget the other on this one. The obvious choice is remove Norton first I tried and it stalled I tired the Norton Remover it said an uninstall was in process I can't remove. Reboot try to normal uninstall agian it stalls and just sits there reboot and try the Remover same error as last time. I reinstall Norton then try normal uninstall same story. Finally by some miracle I was able to get Norton uninstalled but I went though the above things like 2-3 times each. It took me nearly 3 hours I think but the system was cured of the Norton virus after that.

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

The norton removal tool is different for different versions on their website that may be why it was giving you some trouble but I dont know that for sure. Did you try the windows cleanup utility?

 

[ProTech Support]

He didn't create all that work I have had to deal with similar situation. In my issue there were no problems but there were two AVs Norton and I forget the other on this one. The obvious choice is remove Norton first I tried and it stalled I tired the Norton Remover it said an uninstall was in process I can't remove. Reboot try to normal uninstall agian it stalls and just sits there reboot and try the Remover same error as last time. I reinstall Norton then try normal uninstall same story. Finally by some miracle I was able to get Norton uninstalled but I went though the above things like 2-3 times each. It took me nearly 3 hours I think but the system was cured of the Norton virus after that.

Of course he created all of that work lol. If he would have just stopped jumping around on issues, and just stuck to trying to uninstall the NAV , he would have saved the time....why even bother running the chkdsk and what not if you weren't going to let it go through anyway?

Anyway I am sure we have all been there at one point or another. I agree with what he charged, can't charge the customer for work you created.

 

[WareDat]

Having patience is one of the most important skills a tech can have. You should always take care of the obvious first, even if it means repeating the process when something goes wrong. Getting in a hurry will cost you every time.

 

[camp.cool007]

It happens, don't beat yourself up too bad.

 

[nonchalant]

lol@norton..