Open Letter to Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, and Sony Corp: I Am Not A PC
Put forth on October 8, 2008 by XicanoPwr
Posted in Misc
Dear Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, and Sony Corp
I am not a PC, and I would like to thank you for opening my eyes why I should not be a defender for the PC market. For the last week in a half, I have been in PC hell trying to recover my hard drive without losing any of my files.
I have a Sony VAIO PCV-W700G Desktop PC, which I bought in 2004. The computer is considered as an all-in-one computer and was designed for the PC and video enthusiast because it had a built-in TV tuner card, along with a 17.5-inch wide screen display, which is attached to the computer. The model focused on power - Intel Pentium 4 2.80 GHz processor and 512 MB of RAM - so you can surf on the web, while you can digitally record your favorite show on Sony’s proprietary TV capture software Giga Pocket.
Ever since I bought the computer I haven’t been able to use Giga Pocket because I was told there was a hardware overlay problem - even though I had no other video applications running. Even when I would set it to record a show and leave it alone, it still wouldn’t function. I gave up on it because it wasn’t worth my time trying to hunt down solutions to this problem after every attempt provided by Sony’s limited help section hit a dead end.
I am not the only person who has complained about Sony’s PCs. Walt Mossberg of the Wall Street Journal has a Sony Vaio as well and has described experience in less-than flattering terms. The funny thing is, his Vaio is newer than mine. He has described the experience of getting started as “irritating” and “a big hassle” and in his review, Mossberg called out Sony for its “lack of respect for the consumer.”
The problem is a lack of respect for the consumer. The manufacturers don’t act as if the computer belongs to you. They act as if it is a billboard for restricted trial versions of software and ads for Web sites and services that they can sell to third-party companies who want you to buy these products.
Fast forward to now. When I came back from Denver, I began experiencing problems - it would suddenly decide to shut off on its own. In other words, I might be doing some stuff on it, and it will suddenly click off as if I had shut it down manually. The day before Hurricane Ike hit, my computer unexpectedly started beeping like crazy; I suddenly was unable to shut down Windows which I was forced to do a hard shut down - pressing on the on/off switch for a few seconds.
When I restarted the computer, I suddenly found myself in PC hell. The first message I get is that Windows cannot find “WindowsSystem32hal.dll.” So I began searching for my answer. I found out that HAL is Microsoft’s abbreviation for the Hardware Abstraction Layer, the technology and drivers that let the Windows XP operating systems communicate with my PC’s hardware. HAL prevents applications from directly accessing your PC’s system memory, CPU, or hardware devices.
Therefore, I followed the advice Microsoft had provided on their site. I tried to enter the Recovery Console to restore the damaged/corrupted or missing hal.dll file, but first I had to hunt around my apartment to find my copy of Windows XP CD. But wait, I never received an installation CD when I purchased the computer because in Sony’s infinite wisdom to save money, rather than provide you with a Windows XP installation disc when you purchase a computer, only a recovery partition which contains the “bundled” software in a special partition of the hard drive. This from the User Guide:
(Windows® XP only) System and Application Recovery CDs are not supplied with your VAIO® computer. Your VAIO computer is equipped with the VAIO Recovery Wizard, a fast and easy-to-use system recovery utility. This system and application recovery utility enables you to recover preinstalled software programs, the operating system, and to create a VAIO Recovery Media Kit.
I did have to use Sony’s Recovery Wizard once and to do so meant I could kiss all my data goodbye. I was not about to do that again, so I tried to restart my computer an try the safe mode. I was success until I received the dreaded blue screen of death with multiple error messages, such as “bad_pool_caller” error message.
Even though I was advised to use the original installation disk, I figure I could use an old upgrade version of XP, restarted the system, and get to Microsoft’s Recovery Console. As soon as I got to the part where it says I should press Enter “to set up Windows XP now,” once again I received the dreaded blue screen of death.
I finally lucked out and I was able to get to the “repair or recover,” but then I was prompted to enter my Administrator password. According to Sony, the Admin password was blank, however, Windows disagrees. I must have tried almost every trick in the book, but nothing worked. I was basically shit out of luck.
To make a long story short, I am at the point where my computer refuses to acknowledge that my hard drive exist with the message of “DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER.” After spending whole days trying to recover data from a barely functioning hard drive because all the error messages I was receiving led me to believe I had a corrupted hard drive. However, I have come find out that the source of my problem has nothing to do with my hardware but from faulty software from Microsoft’s botched Windows XP Service Pack 3.
According to an online user forum, people started reporting that Windows XP SP3 was cutting people off from accessing Microsoft’s Windows Home Server.
That is just the tip of the iceberg. There are reports that SP3 is also corrupting the registry. For those who are unaware of the registry’s function. The registry is essentially the directory which stores the settings and options for your computer’s hardware, non-operating system software for Microsoft Windows to function. Mess with it, you will experience PC hell.
Soon after the service pack’s release on May 6, people have reported that their network cards and their network connections have mysteriously vanished when they click on Windows’ Network Connections, Device Manager had been emptied, and Windows’ registry had been packed with large numbers of bogus entries after updating to SP3.
I was upgrading a well maintained XP PRO SP2 to SP3 on a Compaq Presario S5400NX. After the upgrade, while trying to open “My Computer” - it now takes much longer. But the real issue is that the Network Connections screen now does not show any of the NIC cards. I have three adapters that used to show up - the Onboard RealTek adapter was disabled prior to starting upgrade as was the Firewire Port. The working and enabled adpater was an INTEL MT1000/PCI. {Note however the network connection is working}. In an attempt to troubleshoot - I tried to bring up the Device Manager - and to my suprise - it is now empty.
I did not realize this was an issue when I was experiencing the same problem on my refurbished Dell Lattitude X1 laptop when I also XP PRO SP2 to SP3. I just though it was a faulty network card and have been going about my business. The problems I have been experiencing is no where near the problems I am having on my Sony Vaio. In fact, the problems I am experience are similar to the rebooting glitches on PCs that are powered by ADM. My Vaio is powered by Intel and I still cannot boot into Windows Safe mode nor can I revert back to a previously saved System Restore point.
So here is my problem now, I can’t reinstall windows because I don’t have a non-upgrade version of Windows. Since Microsoft is proprietary software, leased to you under a license that severely restricts how you can use it, I just can’t call up a friend and borrow a copy of Windows, yet, there is no way I can afford a new copy of Windows. You would figure if you bought a copy of Windows, you would think you owned it, but you don’t. According to Microsoft:
The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights. Unless applicable law gives you more rights despite this limitation, you may use the software only as expressly permitted in this agreement. In doing so, you must comply with any technical limitations in the software that only allow you to use it in certain ways.
Even if I were to buy a new hard drive, I still have to install a new copy of Windows, hoping I could recover my irreplaceable data like my research data, pdf files, protest photos, videos, etc. I am now forced to use my laptop that does not come close to my Sony in capabilities. It is a good thing I found out that the problem is due to Windows and I do not have to buy a new hard drive.
Mr. Gates, I know you have stepped away from day-to-day operations at Microsoft, but lets face it, it was you who set the bar. Under your tenure, you were able to exploit your position as supplier of a popular PC operating system to play hardball with PC OEMs on licensing Windows as a way to control how we can use our computer - a practice your company continues under the tenure of Steve Ballmer and a practice that continues to get Microsoft into hot water.
Microsoft repeatedly releases software that is sub par and refuses to take responsibility for their action. In fact, I wouldn’t doubt if people felt you did this on purpose, since we all know you rather have us upgrade to Vista. Let’s be honest, Windows newest OS system Vista isn’t exactly making people run out and buy it. It is obvious that you are figuring this out too, since you are now giving OEM users an additional six months to sell PCs running Windows Vista with the ability to downgrade to Windows XP. Truthfully, I have wasted too much time trying to fix my computer, I am not willing to purchase a brand new computer and go through the hassle trying to make an inoperable PC operable.
No matter how much you believe Apple is using “lies” and “myths” against Windows Vista in the battle for desktop market share, this doesn’t change the fact that Vista lacked adequate third-party support and is an over bloated operating system for most PCs to handle.
The product is so bad, you have the audacity that you have to get people from San Francisco to lie and say Windows Vista is not Windows Vista.
It is these kind of spin that has gotten us into the current financial crisis, which obviously is affecting Microsoft. While you may think people are not rushing to buy new computers, you might want to consider that your overpriced software is also causing people to consider an alternative.
Mr. Ballmer, you may fell $199.95 is a reasonable price, but the reality is, it is not. Not for a family who is one paycheck away from being homeless. The current economic crisis is already taking its toll. People are now make illogical decisions to ease their burden, such as taking their own life. Gone are the days when a large majority of us were able to run to store and buy the latest and greatest hardware product. I know this, because I was one of them. Forcing us to upgrade so we can meet your demands does not help your cause.
If given a choice between buying Vista or using the money to pay a bill, buy groceries or fill a tank with gas, people will choose the latter. You may think the software will pay for itself, but honestly, how can it be when your next OS, Windows 7, which is to be released next year.
I just finish a contract and will be paid handsomely. In all seriousness, if my next attempt to recover my data fails, you and the PC industry have lost a long and dedicated customer because I will no longer be a PC. I know I am just one person, but I have friends and a large extended family and they have friends and so on. You get the picture.
So my advice to Sony, Dell, HP and other PC manufacturers, as long as you continue to fail the respect us, the consumer, and continue to sell us with over-bloated useless machines, make us jump through hoops in seeking assistance, nickle and dime for items we should already have or caused by you; you will continue to lose ground to Apple. Every person who has a Mac told me the same thing, they love the ease of the Mac. Unfortunately for us PC users, we cannot do the same.
It is time to go back to the old way of doing business where “the market” is not dictated to the needs of the shareholders or the pressure to increase the bottom line. In our current economic crisis, now is the time to focus in on the things your customers need. When people are forced to tighten their belt to make ends meet, people will eliminate wants - not needs. Our needs are not complicated, nor far fetched. All we want is a PC and the software that runs on them to be simple and easy to use, reliable, and affordable. Is that too much to ask?
Sincerely,
Edmundo Rocha
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Tags: bill gates, computers, Microsoft, pc hell, Sony, sony vaio, steve ballmer, Vista | 
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This is the blog of Edmundo "XicanoPwr" Rocha, a social worker, an activist, freelance writer and founder and editor of The Sanctuary. My interests include: immigration reform, critical race theory and it's interaction with equality/inequality and freedom/oppression as they relate to the experiences of people of color in the Americas.
Para Justicia y Libertad is a Latino-centered political blog focusing on the humanistic perspective of politics, history, and society as they relate to the Latina/o community throughout Texas and the United States.
10 Responses to “Open Letter to Steve Ballmer, Bill Gates, and Sony Corp: I Am Not A PC”
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After using the Windows Vista Recovery Disc to get to Recovery Mode I now have a new problem, which was reported to only affect ADM powered computers. The error I am now getting says -
Problem was detected and windows has been shut down to protect your computer from damage. acpi.sys
Get this, Windows is preventing me from installing Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 Beta onto my laptop because it doesn’t think it is a valid Windows application. What irony.
I feel ya, XP. I’ve encountered about 90% of the problems you list here. However, I still cannot leave PC’s and go for a Mac. I actually really like the WinXP and especially the smooth-graphics Vista interface (and I acknowledge that it’s a lot like a Mac) and feel them to be much more navigable and productive. With Mac’s, I still don’t know why Apple loves to supply a 1-button mouse, and their interface is less organized, and I feel their OS’s are not as speedy as Windows tends to be (I can navigate WinXP with a keyboard).
And it appears the major reasons for why people switch to Mac’s is not so much the easier and nicer-looking interface that beginners seem to love, but also the problems people have with their PC’s. Much like you just described.
However, in my long experience with PC’s and Windows, I have found that in the VAST market for PC’s there are always brands, model line-ups, and particular hardware components and brands that make for the best PC’s with little to no software problems. And they are typically in the same price range as the decent Mac’s.
Business class laptops and desktops are the ultimate best. They come with the best components and hardware for a more troubleshoot-free experience. But these are not the $400 laptops at Best Buy. These are the ones at least on par with the $800-$1000 entry-level Mac laptop deal recently seen at any local community college, for example.
Without getting into too much detail, the best way for me to describe PC’s and Mac’s will always be like this: Mac’s are like a luxury car, set up for the best comfort, all-in-one packages, stunning detail and quality, and you pay for that. Problems come once in a while for Mac’s, and they can be costly. PC’s are like regular cars, you can get a cheap Chevy Nova or you can get a top-rated trouble-free Honda Accord or Toyota Camry (although not the most exciting cars). Problems can come often with cheaper models and may never come with nicer models.
Just wanted to point out that you can definitely be a PC without dealing with Microslop’s garbage software. Not to get technical or anything, but “PC” actually refers to the physical hardware (IBM-compatible Personal Computer Intelx86 & compatibles like AMD), not Microsoft’s buggy and bloated software.
I’ve been using Ubuntu Linux for two years now, and I honestly can’t ever see myself going back to MS-Winblows ever again. Yes, the learning curve is a bit steep but the OS is stable, ALL the software is FREE, and you can still buy inexpensive PC hardware (unlike Apple’s overpriced Smackintosh).
You can download the OS for free and give it a test-drive from the CD without making ANY changes to your machine. Try before you (don’t) buy.
Bro,
I use PC’s at work and Mac’s at home. We’re bilingual. Make your bread with the PC. But the really important stuff like family videos, pictures and such, should be done on a Mac.
Reb, comparing PC’s as akin to Honda’s or Toyota’s is an insult to Honda and Toyota. If cars were as reliable as PC’s and Windows OS, we’d be skinnier because no one would drive. We’d all ride bikes.
The truth is that Apple is a hardware company that uses it’s OS to sell it’s computers. Maybe PC’s would be better or as good if companies developed the hardware in sync with the OS. That is what makes PC’s bad and Mac GREAT.
Plus, the customer service is AWESOME. I mean it. I had one Hard drive crash in 7 years. I’ve had one total system crash in that same span and I have 5 macs.
I have bought one PC in my life before I ever considered Apple, an HP, that I hardly ever touched because it just sucked. Always crashed. Lots of Blue Screen. My dad has it now because he’s a cheap ass. And, now it just sits in his office and he never uses it. But he loves my Macs.
Apples are expensive, no doubt about it. But, pay once, cry once. With a windows you know what you’re in for and you end paying about the same in the long run.
Peace,
Fatmex
You all have a valid point and bring up options I did not consider. I have been meaning to look into Ubuntu. I have heard other people say the same thing you just mentioned.
I just receive the installation disk from SONY. I will reply to y’all responses a bit more once I see what happens. I especially do want to discuss Ubuntu a bit more because I do have some questions.
I got some good and bad news….the bad news, I have to buy a new hard drive. The good news, I was able to recover all of the important files on my c drive.
however, I am still working on my d drive. So far so good.
I know more about hard drives and data recovery than I really wanted to know, but at least if anybody were to ask me, I will be able to help.
Thanks to Scott Moulton (my new hero) of My Hard Drive Died. He gave a great presentation last year’s Defcon 15 convention. You can see it on YouTube, here is the first part.
If you ever needed to recover data from a hard drive, I suggest using Runtime.org’s GetDataBack, Do-it-yourself Data Recovery Software. It is not freeware, but considering the time I wasted instead of posting, this was the best investment I spent.
Micro$uck is still at the top of my shitlist and now Western Digital, for making a cheap product compared to other hard drives, is there too.
It is obvious Bill Gates wanted to be the next IBM and he certainly achieved that goal. And like IBM, there will be another person like Gates, who will do the same. But for right now, as long as everybody continues to use Office, Microsoft will always be King of the computer world, regardless of Apple resurgence in the computer industry.
Len, I couldn’t help but chuckle regarding the reference you made about IBM because if you recall, prior to referring our computers as PCs, we are calling them IBM Compatible, clones, or XT.
Live and learn. It’s not “if,” but “when” your hard drive will crash. However, it did remind me to make sure my backups are current.
Texano, you couldn’t have said any better. It is looks like this was my “when.”
I just finished recovering everything I needed. There are something things I wanted but I will wait till I get a new hard drive because I will have more space to place them in. If I am not able to recover, not a problem I got what I really need and that is what I was really praying for.
Now, back to business.
Hard Drives, like every other component in your PC, are prone to failure. They are, however, much more likely to fail than any other component due to the fact that they contain very intricate moving parts. Most corporate PCs are designed to last 3 years, hence the warranty on them. 4 years isn’t a bad run for a hard drive, though I have definitely seen better.
It is wrong to fault Western Digital for “making a cheap product compared to other hard drives[sic]“. I work in IT, and have seen lots of dead hard drives from Seagate, Maxtor, IBM/Hitachi, Samsung, and even Western Digital. I’ve also seen a fair share of Apple machines fall victim to hard drive failure, whether they were iMac G3s, MacBooks, or even older machines.
While you have a solid argument for complaining about not getting recovery media in the box (believe me, I don’t like the practice either), it is in no way Microsoft’s fault that your hard drive failed.
Lesson here? Learn to make backups, whether you use an external hard drive, optical media, or another means of storage. This applies whether you run Linux, Windows, or Mac OS, as ANY computer is prone to equipment failure at some point or another.
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