Boy do I have a tale. I very very true tale. It is a tale you have heard time and time again, from other people. People you have heard it has happened to, and those you know, that it has happened to. It is a tale we take for granted. Or at least, I did…
This tale is about moles, and worms, and icky yucky horrible monsters that have altering infections & sadly, live in cyber-world. Creations, not of nature, but of people, who want to harm anyone, with no rhyme or reason. The infectious ones can not be zapped with sprays and powders. No rodent repelent. Oh no. They are vile horrid things. And, they found me. (the drawing below is about cleaning out a refrigerator. Although, I think it does beautifully in this explanation as well)
We (meaning me, myself and I) did all we could when we first came home with a shiny new computer friend. The one that would bring me to you and you to me. So we could frolick and play. We got advice. Installed the latest technology in spyware, ad-ware, search & destroy-ware, and on and on. Anti-horrid things this, and anti-infect my computer things that. And still… We got zapped. Derailed. Illegal errors poured out of my ears, and then, the worst…
They got me & all my characters. We held on for our little cyber-lives…
On Monday at 11:30 a.m. I visited a lovely person, who led me to another, lovely person. All people who would never cause harm. Alas, on entering the link to the second person, my computer started popping up black screens. It was massive amounts of jibberish, happening fast. Before I knew it, my computer had been taken over. (I don’t know if viruses link to people’s blogs or what… It may just have been a coincidence it happened at that moment)
The night before this happened, I had a huge thought to back-up my computer. I didn’t do it. I had every Virus protector under the sun. I took it for granted. I also took for granted that I had a virus. I thought it could be fixed by my computer pro.
I had not backed up my files for many months. Isn’t that dumb? What was I thinking? I know. I am beside myself. I tried to save everything I could. All the things that make up my beloved little shop.
I have been in high stress mode, with little sleep since Monday. I didn’t freak out until today. When Mr. Lovee lent me his computer. Which had some glitches too. And meant, I wouldn’t be up and running soon. But, here I finally am…
The news? We will be having a computer funeral for my dear little friend that got me this far. He is ruined beyond repair. I spent 4.5 long hours securing a new friend yesterday. Not the road I wanted to take. But, I couldn’t choose my road this time. We await his arrival. We will welcome him warmly…
I don’t know why people create viruses? What is the point? Who knows. All I know, and all I can tell you is…
Back up all of your files. Back them up now. Back them up often. When I realized my computer was going under, I backed up all I could before it was ablaze. Make sure you update your virus protection all of the time. Please, learn from me. This has been awful. It has been a nightmare, really.
But, today it was clear, that the shop will survive. Thank goodness. It has been a turmoilous 3 days. This means, we saved most of the prints. Luckily postcards are created elsewhere. So, with that, we will make it…
Hundreds of little faces looking to me for anwers….
You know, I don’t like to complain much. I always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I try to take deep breaths, realizing that some things don’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
Everytime something trivial or bad happens, I think of my family and those I love. I think of the good things. Yes, I freak out a bit. You can imagine that I can do that, right? You know how I am in touch with 5 year old Vanessa? Well, she comes in handy in freak out moments too.
But, loosing your entire computer (to a malicious virus) when you are running an online business, is certain to make anyone, sad, angry and left feeling a bit abused. I kind of feel like someone broke into my house, to tell you the truth…
No, it is not the end of the world. But, it ain’t easy getting through it…
I am behind in the promised shop update, and in everything right now. But, hopefully, things will get clearer in a few days…
For now, take a peek at some of my walls if you’d like. The lovely Marilyn of Pulp Sushi is on to something so fun. She is featuring people’s walls… What do you have hanging on your walls???
Thank you for being a part of my world here, at A Fanciful Twist. This whole place & all of you mean more to me, than I can express.
See you soon! Vanessa
OH NO! That is the worst when it happens. My hard drive went out about a year and a half ago and I lost all my email addresses. Just got everything loaded back up which took lots of work and time and four months later it went again (defective hard drive). YIKES! When I got the new one I also bought an external hard drive and made a vow to download every time I added an email addy or a picture or anything. Have I done that? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. At least not on a regular basis. But I’m going to try and get better about that. Good intentions and all that LOLOLOL Hope you get back to normal soon. Hugs!
Bonjour, mon ami! Quel cauchemar! So sorry to hear of this terrible catastrophe. It is scary how easily these things can be spread. Thank goodness you were able to save most of your things. But what an ordeal! Am off to back up my computer right this minute! Lots of love to my favourite five-year-old Wonder Woman! xoxox
UGH… I was just off-line for 2 mths for the same thing… i’m so glad my hubby works with a guy who builds/repairs computers… i wish i could hook you up with the guy but i think we’re a little far out here in germany. i’m so sorry… i know exactly how you feel… hope everythings is put back to right soon
I think we can all shares stories of the same thing happening. I’ve got 6000+ photos I need to do that I have been to busy to do. I’ve had a few people recently tell me to get an external hard drive after I got a virus via Myspace. Fortunately I have a Mac (I hear PCs are worse when it comes to viruses.I am afraid to even update software because the last time I did that it screwed my computer up (happened a few months ago). I’m not computer savy so when those things happen I cry and scream and get extremely frustrated as I’m sure you have been doing. Hopefully this will get cleared up and I’d report the link if at all possible so others don’t visit the site.
If it makes you feel any better I’ve dusted off some cds and am copying important info. right now so I dont lose it.
When all is fixed sit down with a bottle of wine and takeout (Dont get it near the computer..I’ve got horror stories with the times I’ve spilled things on or near my computer!)
Hugs,
Christine
Oh, My, Goodness! That is something out of a nightmare… one I have all the time. I just yesterday purchased an external hard drive and backed up my pics at least. Oy vey!
oh no!! its one of my fears…i really should get myself organised! I have thousands of photos stored in my computer – if i was to ever lose my files I dont know what id do….
Love your walls Miss V…beautiful! id love to play along – will go check miss Pulp sushi out!
i dont know why they do it, but im saying that about nearly every form of meaningless cruelty or violence that such a vast majority of our species are capable of.
it never fails to baffle me – and the virus mongers, come on, they are seriously mentally challenged, surely, to have to resort to that in the first place. soulless, unhappy assholes, if you’ll excuse my french.
but hey, you will repair, and your new machine will become your bestest friend!
a little tip – i always make the art and store it on a different pc to the one i use for the web.
i never ever let the internet near my large files! a cheap laptop is good enough for web work – i always save the proper cash for the art machine;)
hope you feel better soon my love ^_^
I am glad you are back….Sorry about the virus……I love your wall!!!!!!
XO….Kimberlee
i am so sorry about your virus. somehow i can stand being attacked better if there’s a reason. it being random makes it worse somehow.
OOOHHHHH hhhhh NOoooo!
Oh my gosh. How incredibly horrible! I FEAR those days. I hope and pray they never happen to me. I would be lost and miserable. I hope you are all better my dear. This is a really bad thing to happen to such a nice person. I would like to take the person/persons who do viruses and hang them upside down and throw computers at them!!!heehee.. Okay.. alittle crazy, but, who wouldn’t!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~
Ohh Man…I meant to write more up there in my first post, but got overwrought! That is quite the horrible nightmare of Computerdom. I have an ancient computer that came over with the Duchess..oops , all apologies , Madame ..Your Highness..Duchess. I have all the spies, but you have brought it all home. I am SO sorry you had to go through this!
I’m off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of installing ANti-Virus protection! Yikes! You’ve got me scared silly.
Bye!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vanessa, My son just backed up all my pictures on an external hard drive. I am so bad about backing up files. My oldest son always tells me to get a MAC. They aren’t supposed to be susceptible to viruses. It is too bad that there are weirdos out there who think it is fun to mess up people’s computers.
Hello first time visiting and now I am scared. How do I back up my files? I do a lot of scrapbooking and have many photos I would hate to lose. I just started going to my space to visit old school friends but now I don’t think I will. Sooooo sorry that happened to you! Glad you were able to get a new computer. Love your photo display. cherry
Vanessa! I’m so sorry this happened to you, it seems you’ve had a wee string of bad luck lately and I hope this was the last of it!!
I also hope all will be well and that you’ll be up and running again soon. I don’t understand the whole point of viruses either, why anyone would do such a thing…I guess just because they can? It somehow makes them feel powerful? Who knows, but it is really too bad that they don’t use their powers for good rather than evil! :-PPP
The WORST thing ever V. And especially to someone like you who welcomes all creatures great and small.
I’m with Shmoo(Gillian). I’m “backing up” outta here!
D.
I can’t believe we almost lost ya! And all of your amazing prints! It would have been so tragic! I have to say it did sound like you were talking about rescuing a burning building which had to be sort of what it was like! So glad you made it through! XOXO
YUCK!!! I hate those things. I know I was really put out when we got our new computer, I lost a lot of pictures, and thing on the old one, but there was nothing we could do. Glad to hear you will be back.
(And just so you know you are not alone,the 5 year old Erin comes out has tantrams and fits in times of stress!(she is really a brat!)
Love Erin~
Oh no! Poor you.
What does ‘back up’ mean?
Oh no! Poor you.
I don’t want to look like a complete luddite but what does ‘back up’ mean?
Oh my! I am terrible for remembering to back things up- I shall get on it today!
I don’t understand why people create viruses either 🙁
I’m so sorry to hear about this latest trouble for you. Viruses are nasty and malicious things. I don’t back up nearly so often as I should, but I shall heed this warning and do it regularly after this, I think.
A good tip- once you’ve backed stuff up, keep the device you backed everything up on (be it external hardrive, discs, whatever) in a completely different spot to your computer. If it’s really important and if you can, make a couple of copies and keep them in different places. (eg. I move between two houses and have a laptop I take with me, so I am soon going to have backups at both houses) That way if there is a fire or something, you won’t lose your computer and your backups in one fell swoop.
So sorry to hear that the bad guys infected you. My hubby has spent 2 weeks fixing 2 of our relatives computers for worms, trogans, and other equally nasty sounding things. I’m glad you’re back and have recovered what you could.
I just found you thru a friend who said I would love you!! So sorry to hear of your computer disaster. I do wonder why people make these virus things on purpose. It is really sick actually. I just backed up yesterday!! Now I have to work on my photo’s on another computer. whew..it’s work but thanks for the advice!
oh no no no! I hope you were able to retrieve all your lovelies before the downfall!! This is so awful! I’m ever so sorry it happened to you, Vanessa!
You can get viruses from a website!?? I thought they only came in e-mails if you download something!?? Eeeeek!
I’m off to back-up my shop files right now!
I do not understand how someone could take such time to create something to do such a thing…it’s just horrible!! : (
poor baby.. what an ordeal.
Oh, man. Really, the only thing to say is: That sucks and I’m sorry it happened to you.
I am going to back everything up IMMEDIATELY.
I am soooooooo sorry. Even in the midst of your trial you have created a magical way of telling us your story. Why are there such mean spirited people around, and why oh why would they create these viruses? By sharing your story you have saved all of us the false sense of safety that keeps us from backing up our files all the time. Thank you for that, and I will say a prayer that what was meant for harm becomes a blessing to you. Blessings, Karen
Oh my darling…what a horrible tragedy indeed! I never backed anything up ever…and then when the glorious R came into my life, he marched me into the big box store, held my hand and pointed out the best 500G external hard drive…he also set it up so that I just open a program and push a button…and voila! All is backed up. (I have witnessed so many bloggers loose their things over these cyber nets!) I am even on the track to get a smaller portable drive to carry with me…
PLEASE consider getting a Mac…they have no viruses written for them, and they are so lovely…I adore mine dearly and would be lost without her…They are terribly easy to use, and the differences are actually better!
Good luck my darling…maybe think of it as a little Internet spring cleaning? (looking for the positive) And I just adore those heart bloomers in the upside down picture!!
Vanessa ~ SO sorry to hear this happened to you. There are a LOT of malware, spyware, and viruses circulating through Bloglandia!
Unfortunately it hit you & your lovely PC!
Glad you are back up and running 2!
GREAT advice ~ BACK UP ~ BACK UP ~ BACK UP EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DO!!!
Spooky Hugs!
Chris :-D)
i started working for an organization a few months after they set up shop in their new office. they had been in the world trade center on the 2nd floor (so thankfully no one died) but many people did lose years and years of work. this is nothing compared to companies that lost many people but my co-workers did learn a lesson and after that backed up everything religiously… everyone had extra hard drives. it was just something everyone did.
now that i no longer work for them i’ve slacked off in the backing up dept.
thank you for the reminder.
and you should get an extra hard drive too. they are pretty affordable these days and make backing up pretty easy.
oh, i am so sorry about your virus! it is horrible when that happens. i was so very envious of your lemons in the previous post! i miss our fresh lemons from our tree very much, up here in the rain-soaked place where lemons don’t grow very well.
Hi Vanessa
I’m so sorry to hear of your computer ills. What a bummer. I really don’t understand what people get out of creating viuruses. You really are handling it quite well. I’d be cursing, throwing things, not a pretty site. This is all part of your business & I can’t even imagine.
Thank you for your kind words about my blog. I totally adore you & am so glad to have met you through OWOH.
Congrats on Artful Blogging. I saw you featured on one of the webpages for the May issue. I can’t wait to see the issue.
Take care & I’m thinkin of you!
Nerissa
Oh My Goodness!!!!! I am so sorry that this happened to you! Unfortunately there are people who do this kind of thing just to be mean, and I just can’t understand it. I will definitely heed your advice and keep those files backed up. Keep taking deep breaths, you will be back up and running in no time.xo
The worst!! It happened to me in Paris and from then my computer thought it was French. All sorts of French words would come up on weird screens. I had to move everything via a USB stick onto a new laptop. I did lose stuff but luckily it wasn’t so important.
I really hope you are up and going soon and I like you do not understand why these people do this, they must be clever so why not put it to a good use there’s enough bad stuff in the world. Good thoughts speeding their way across the Atlantic Ocean 🙂
That sounds absalutely terrible, I too do not know why someone would want to do a terrible thing like that, I guess they are just bullies…
On a lighter Note Happy Easter!
That was quite a nightmare. I will back up my computer immediately, and I thank you, dear Vanessa, for bringing this to my attention.
My husband backs his computer up nightly.
Sylvia Browne says there are dark entities that inhabit planet earth and their sole purpose forever is to do dirty deeds. We must not give them thought, for this could attract them to us.
So go back to your darling 5 year old self and revel in joy!
Christine
I love your wall…could you come here and make me one too please???
I have things here and there, but nothing like that. If I could only get some of my clutter on the floor up on the walls, it might look pretty good. LOL
Wow…oranges of your own? Yes, I’m jealous.
Loved your shamrocks…your posts are always eye candy for sure!
OH DEAR!!!! That’s terrible about your computer! But, in life, as my mama always says, there is always the unexpected! So true!
I love the shot of all the pictures and the red key on your wall! So loverly!
Come and check out my Mexico trip photos on my blog! You have to click on my flikr to see them all.
Oh Vanessa! What a terrible thing to have to go through! I have virus ware that updates every day…and I never open emails that are forwarded to me….the kind that everyone gets…those are loaded with viruses! It’s just not worth it…because 3 minutes of looking at cute puppy pictures or reading some joke just doesn’t compare to having to restore an entire system due to someone’s vicious virus!!! I hope you are back up and running smoothly! Happy Spring! : )
VB
YIKES!! I think I am going to go home and make sure to back up my computer tonight. I am lazy when it comes to that.
But you kind of gave me a little kick in the butt.
I love the drawing of you with your wagon on ‘your stuff’ it is very cute.
Oh, Vanessa! How dreadful! remember the juju I sent you after your flood? I’m sending you some more. It’s a special French-Canadian brew with maple syrup and apple cider and the very best wine…we certainly don’t have citrus trees, but I’m sending the hearts of the very best forests, lots and lots of forests!
p.s. well, truth be told we don’t really have wine either but we get the good stuff from France so I’m sending a case of that, too!
Love the walls. That’s quite a tale of woe!! I don’t understand why people do that either. It’s not like they’re around to watch their sick sense of humor come to fruition, so what’s the point? anyway, glad to see your still around.
Vanessa ~ Hope you and your family have a much BLESSED Easter!
XOXOXO
Chris :-D)
Oh no! I’m glad you were able to escape it in one piece!
I followed your advice and backed up everything!
Wishing you and yours a Wonderful Happy Easter!
Sandra Evertson
Oh my god! That is the worst thing ever!!! We just had that happen to us! Thnkfully, Jeff built our computer so he was able to fix it, but still….it’s so infuriating! I hope you were able to retrieve all your files!!!
Vanessa, I’m so sorry to hear about that terrible virus infecting your computer world. I will be sure to follow your advice and backup my files more often. Hope you recover quickly. I’ll send you some bandaids and a vaccine.
It’s a nightmare — one click can create chaos. Sadly, the virus is “backed” on to something and even the person who has the virus might not know it. I’ve had to clean house before and it’s a mess. People who create these things obviously have no life to speak of…
Glad you were able to save most everyone into the lifeboat!
I’m so sorry, Miss V! What a horrible event for all of you. I truly hate when things like that happen. You are simply minding your own business, going about life, trying to be good little critters and WHAMOO bad things happen.
Here is a big {HUG}. I hope you get lots of tasty Easter treats to ease the pain.
xoxo
Melissa
Oh poor Vanessa, I am so sorry to hear about your virus. I had the same thing happen to me recently after lending my laptop to my stepdaughter. Luckily because I keep all my art files on a separate hard drive, nothing was lost, but everything had to be reinstalled and I’m still finding things don’t work, it’s such a pain. I hope you get your new one up and running soon and get back to normal :}
This is terrible. I’m so sorry this happened Miss Vanessa. I hope all is well soon.. with no glitches in computers or pipes… you need your time to create wonderful and amazing things! Sending you all best wishes.. 🙂
So sorry to hear that your computer had been hit by viruses. I often tell myself that I need to backup my work, even having lost things seveal times (it is easy to forget). Thanks for the reminder to backup work…hope you are up and running again soon. Love your walls, everything you do is so wonderful!
Glad to see that it all worked out for the best. Computers can be nasty little buggers sometimes. Your walls are to die for!!!!!
vanessa, i’m so sorry to hear about the attacking monsters. it’s hard to tell, do you have a mac? anywhoo, i hope all is well and spring is cheering you up, like it is me…
xxxooo
How terrible Vanessa!! This is just the motivation I need to back up all my pictures that I’ve been saying I’m going to back up for months. Sending you GIANT hugs!! xoxox…jenn
Oh how awful!
Spookily enough, the reason I didn’t go back a post and read this when I was here the other day, was because I was thinking I really MUST back up my holiday photo’s, and then though I ought to back up my whole last year of stuff that I had been neglecting (now that people are finally mack nasties that can munch Apple Mac’s – so sad, I enjoyed living in my secure Mac castle all these years).
I hope you can get past this, lord knows you will create anough new art and images to fill an entire drive practically in your sleep, but I do know how hard it is to lose things you’ve spent time photographing, documenting and generally working on.
I like that blogging preserves some trace of our yearly activities that is independent of our hard drives. Power to the BLOG xxxx
how awful, awful, awful!!!!!!
I am scared of this happening, it happened once before to me, way back in the day and I still fear it.
sorry I have been neglectful, life is crazy and my wedding is in 2 weeks…two weeks from today.
I am insane with stress.