My biggest problem with computers is that I'm too trusting. System Optimizer says it's compatible with my system? Let's run it. Uninstaller says no-one's using this DLL? Go for it. Guide says I can speed up the computer by tweaking the registry settings? Who could argue with that?

With predictable results. With the best will in the world, if you play with breakable stuff long enough, it'll break. This time it was MSI Live Update, saying that there was a BIOS update I could install for my motherboard (K8N Neo Platinum, MS-7030, BIOS 1.9 for the googler). Perfectly risk free. Came with a utility called WinFlash to install the BIOS for me. Point and Click.

I reboot the computer, and nothing happens. Just a black screen. And beeping.

I'd never installed a corrupt BIOS before, so I didn't know how screwed it will make you. Corrupt your BIOS, and the machine won't POST. I cleared the CMOS and took out the battery, but it was too late. The BIOS chip was fried. The motherboard has to go back to MSI, who will pull out the chip and reinstall a new one.

I didn't wait. I bought a new motherboard from Fry's (Gigabyte, thank you) and was on my way. Great motherboards, but a lousy QA process.