A fine explanation why image restores are preferable. Like you, I can waste hours, days, weeks, and even months trying to fix things. I restore a clean image in 12 minutes: An image I KNOW is correct. (And took 3 minutes to make.)
The last time I installed from CD's, it took 9 hours. The process went this quickly because I have my software organized, the disks and license ID's at hand, all downloaded patches and upgrades are stored, and I've taken the trouble of going through every menu, tab, button, and .INI file on my system and recorded every setting and selection available. My settings took over a week to record, and occupies 34 pages.
I wish I could count the number of phone calls, posts, and PMs from people in the bottom of a hole with no way out because they overlooked precautions when things were running smoothly, only to not know where to turn when trouble appears.
If enough people tout the benefits of maintaining an image, more will join them, and fewer will suffer the fate of those who don't.
Cheers, PW. |
