RC45
06-26-2004, 04:12 PM
We have a number of members here that appear to be quite technically savvy and able to perform advanced debugging and problem solving.
So I figured we coiuld have a little contest. Not a contest of "who is the geekiest techno freak" - but rather, who can apply the simplest quickest solution to solve a problem at hand.
Think of it as a "in the real world do this" excercise.
(And yes - I know how to do it... I have got this type of "do it with no tools" thing down to a refined art - but I would like to see some other folks approaches to solving the same scenario)
The Scene
You re faced with replacing a hard drive on a 6 month old branded workstation. Let's use a Dell Dimension 2400 as the system in question.
It is in a home situation, no Active Directory present or other networked computers loacl - but has working Internet connection to a DSL router.
Currently has XP Pro installed, application A, B, C , D came pre-installed, E and F came on CD's with the package.
Application G and H are aftermarket add-ons.
The PC has a single 40GB harddrive, a DVD/CD reader, a 1.44 flopp, a modem, a network adapter, a decent video car and an attached HP printer. All function correctly and the system is usable as configured.
The Problem
The only problem is the hard drive causes BSOD's every now and again because of data corruption and needs to be replaced.
The end-user has requested you please save all the data and preserve configuraitons such as favourites and desktop layout etc.
Tools on hand
You have a phillips head screw driver to open the case and remove and replace the harddrive.
You also have access to all the OS and driver CD's that shipped with the Dell computer. You do not have the HP printer drivers on hand.
The system has functioning Internet access but no other computers hooked up locally. And you do not have a laptop or extra software.. ;)
Nothing else.. :D
Time Limit
3 hours
Your solution
How would YOU solve this?
So I figured we coiuld have a little contest. Not a contest of "who is the geekiest techno freak" - but rather, who can apply the simplest quickest solution to solve a problem at hand.
Think of it as a "in the real world do this" excercise.
(And yes - I know how to do it... I have got this type of "do it with no tools" thing down to a refined art - but I would like to see some other folks approaches to solving the same scenario)
The Scene
You re faced with replacing a hard drive on a 6 month old branded workstation. Let's use a Dell Dimension 2400 as the system in question.
It is in a home situation, no Active Directory present or other networked computers loacl - but has working Internet connection to a DSL router.
Currently has XP Pro installed, application A, B, C , D came pre-installed, E and F came on CD's with the package.
Application G and H are aftermarket add-ons.
The PC has a single 40GB harddrive, a DVD/CD reader, a 1.44 flopp, a modem, a network adapter, a decent video car and an attached HP printer. All function correctly and the system is usable as configured.
The Problem
The only problem is the hard drive causes BSOD's every now and again because of data corruption and needs to be replaced.
The end-user has requested you please save all the data and preserve configuraitons such as favourites and desktop layout etc.
Tools on hand
You have a phillips head screw driver to open the case and remove and replace the harddrive.
You also have access to all the OS and driver CD's that shipped with the Dell computer. You do not have the HP printer drivers on hand.
The system has functioning Internet access but no other computers hooked up locally. And you do not have a laptop or extra software.. ;)
Nothing else.. :D
Time Limit
3 hours
Your solution
How would YOU solve this?