April 15, 2003
Knowledge Base
Let me just share something with you. I just got a new hard drive for my computer at work. I went through the old one and backed up all necessary files on CDs. I archived all of my e-mail, especially. I have done this several times in the past, and I'm well aware of the procedures. So when I installed the new drive and apps, and then went to import my e-mail archive into the fresh version of Outlook, I got error messages saying that I did not have enough privileges to access this file. What? I'm the administrator of this computer. What do you mean I don't have the access rights? Just give me the damn files! So I was perplexed, but at the same time I was kinda relieved that my e-mail boxes were sparkling clean and fresh. So, a little later in the day, I noticed that three other programs were not working correctly, giving me strange errors. And then it hit me. When I archived the files on CD, they became read-only files, and when I copied those same files back to my hard drive, they retained their read-only status. So, I went in and changed the properties of these files, and voilà, they all work again. I felt like such a complete moron for not noticing this earlier. I did know this happened; I had seen it many times before. I was so wrapped up in the drama of not having my old e-mails that I completely overlooked the butt obvious! Let that be a lesson to you, Mike. 
Thought I'd add this experience to the universal knowledge base just in case someone else had a similar problem. Just so you know.
On a lighter note, I mailed my taxes today. In the last fifteen years, I have been able to file the 1040-EZ form, and I always did so just days after receiving my W2. And in the last five years or so, I've been able to file over the phone. And, I've always gotten a refund. Now, I have a huge tax bill, and I waited until the very last moment to send them all in. I'm not really a procrastinator. But this time I did. Fortunately, I know of a secret post office somewhere on the Peninsula (which will remain secret), and when I got there at eight o'clock this morning, there was NO LINE!! So, while I'm paying through the teeth, at least I didn't have to wait in an obnoxious post office line. What a relief. Phew.
