Monday 16^th July, 2018 1520

God I hate computers sometimes.

Recently I have had problems, notably with the blue screen of death and so decided to do a system reset yesterday. I did one before, taking the option of wiping everything bar my personal files. There is not really a system restore (well not for people like me) on Windows 10, whenever I set a restore date it disappears. It was my only option.

I also felt it would be a good opportunity to eradicate what I suspected was the problem, an Alibaba/QQ/Tencent video viewer which could not be removed via the normal channels.

I lost many applications which needed to be reinstalled but the first one that needed to be retrieved was my VPN otherwise Gmail and all my UK television were off limits. Never had a problem last time but last night I could not access the site to download it. Being in China, Internet Explorer immediately converted to Baidu and the censorship kicked in. I couldn't even connect to the support line.

I fired up the old laptop and prayed it could connect on the old version of the VPN. It did but the online live chat was a comedy – the old keyboard either refused to throw up letters or inserted several of them example excuse te typin ut the keyboooard is broken. After an hour they finally found a link which connected and I was able to download. I was ecstatic.

Not for long though. So many applications had to be reinstalled, including the one I am using to type this and I realised I may have lost all my blog entries but more importantly, the rough start to the novel I keep promising myself I will write. Thankfully, whilst not showing in the list, all documents are in my computer and are accessible.

One legacy however is that Windows won't activate. It did last time but now it asks me for a key. It is electronic and I am not capable of finding it so I have emailed ASUS for support. Fingers crossed.

Another beef I have is with Booking.com. No problem with actually booking hotels but they don't offer a download option for your reservations, only one for printing. I don't have a printer and saving to a USB doesn't work. Later I am going to the computer shop with the laptop when hopefully I can print straight off their machine. It's not that vital (I have my flights printed) but anyone who's ever arrived at an hotel and been confronted with “Sorry, we can't find your booking” will know why. In addition, I need to print out the Greek ferry tickets as they are needed to get boarding passes.

So yes, computers are marvellous but infuriating at times.

Also, today's the day I shall venture forth unaided. I need the ATM, computer shop, jing jo and possibly barbecue sticks. Can't decide whether to have boiled eggs and toast or not – I quite fancy overdosing on salt and pepper! Well, the toast will be the left over burger buns...

I am getting rather impatient with my mobility problems and seriously want to “get out more” - even as far as harbouring ideas of trekking all the way across town simply to go for a Pizza Hut breakfast! You can only watch so much catch-up TV and the World Cup is over now.

It was good to get up this morning with almost no pain though.......