Critical ticket comes in 15 minutes before I’m scheduled leave work. Computer won’t boot. I cringe. I debate. I call the customer. He is there. I act nice even though I’m secretly disappointed. I agree to see him. I race upstairs.
Windows 7 greets me. Looking cranky as ever. “Inaccessible Boot Device” flashed across the screen.
I cringe again. This could be fast or this could be days. I say a silent prayer as I calmly reboot and talk to the customer. Reassuring him everything will be OK.
Inside I pray louder. It shuts down.
A pause.
It starts up again. Black screen. Blank. No beep. No messages. Yet.
I wait. Milliseconds seem like eternity as the machine decides my fate.
It sings to us. I see blue. Not a sickly error blue but a soothing corporate blue.
Windows Starts Up.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to Logon.
Success.
Inside I cheer.
Outside I’m calm and smiling confidently.
My customer thanks me for my quick response. I thank him for his patience.
He logs in.
I leave.
Victorious.