So despite past history, you still won't adopt any kind of backup system. A $500 Windows Home Server system from HP with minimal configuration would make nightly incremental backups of your computer without any intervention or babysitting. A one-time $500 cost for peace of mind.

I have no words.

Backing up my files has never been the problem, it's losing the use of all my programs. Last time I tried every type of recovery software out there, but none were able to convince Windows, visual C, or anything else that they were still running on a licensed hard drive.

This makes a fine argument for the use of pirated software. :sad:

It's not backing up your files. It's backing up your whole system.

With the system still functional, you can clone your hard drive, and keep on swimming.

I'll look into the cloning business, but I don't hold much hope that it will fool these draconian copy-protection schemes.

Yes, I was testing in unregistered mode. MA33gBeta fixes the gaffe.
:) I think Jim is just looking for an excuse to stop working on MA3 since we've overwhelmed him with requests. :)

Actually, I have enjoyed working on the program lately. I'm surprised that I was able to get back into it and remember all the hundreds of steps required for a successful 'cook'.

Perhaps not. However, my grandson's PC just had a problem with its hard drive, I cloned it, and the new drive booted correctly and ran all of his software. Of course, that has to be done before the old hard drive completely dies.

Of course, if something won't run after doing that, and assuming you have the original installation media/files, it's usually straightforward to re-install (perhaps with a call to the vendor at some point).

But I see that this forum has been there before. Sorry.

It is not always that easy.. Most vendors will be keen to sell you a new copy but refuse to assist with an old version. Autodesk is a prime example.. they no longer support older versions (like only 5 years old).. and those older versions will not install on the new operating systems. And.. to get an old operating system to run on a new operating system requires tech support that is not up to the task.. it is a mess.

Exactly. That's always been my problem (along with more than my share of hard drive failures). My software is all more than a decade old, and unsupported by the manufacturers any more. I used up all my allowable re-installation tries before the turn of the century. Morgan was able to help me out once with one program which is thousands of dollars to replace.

(Downloading Acronis disk-cloning program now.)

I believe Cliff is a big proponent of Acronis. I do have to wonder though why the disc imaging backup feature in Windows Vista/7 would not be up to the task? I've never actually had to restore from it but have used it to make backups.

...but that ("old version") isn't a problem if you clone the entire disk, because you will still be using the old OS and software the same way you were.

The same is true if you use a system backup solution that can restore the bootable system image to a new hard drive. I happen to use Microsoft Home Server for that purpose, but there are a fair number of other good ones out there.

It worked! A new 2TeraByte Western Digital hard drive was only $99 at Best Buy. I popped it in, ran the Acronis software, and 3 hours later had a perfect clone of my C: drive. All my programs work, so I'm back in business. (The only one which even noticed the HD change was Final Draft, which said it was installed but not activated. But then it let me activate it.)

So as long as I still have the hood open on MA3, were there any other easy jobs that I promised, then forgot about?

Edit: Oops, I did find one program that won't work - Quickbooks.

Was the starfish climbing the glass ever a promise.. or easy?

Hmmm, I'll have to give that one some serious thought.

Some people wanted you to put your signature into the gravel.

Yes, Acronis has come to the rescue on many occasions over the years. Pleased to hear that it has also worked for you.

I vote for starfish climbing on the glass too. :)

Deleted - forget this, might be finger trouble.

Jim,

I didn't want to overwhelm with requests :silent:, but since you are asking. ;)

A long time ago we (the forum) were discussing the ability to locate the starfish in a few different areas within the tank. As an example, if a user prefers a stationary view from the center to right side of the tank the starfish is never seen. Ideally, three positions would be best - as it is, center(ish), and right(ish) side locations. This would be especially useful for users with standard (not widesceen) monitors.

I am pretty sure this would involve an extreme amount of programing and testing because of collision avoidance, new settings in the options menu, etc., but you did ask. :)

I'm now going back into a :silent: mode. (hint, post#166). :D