The tech wasn't a wizard, so when DOS asked if I was really aware of the ramifications of formatting C: and wanted to go ahead with it, I pressed 'Y.'

And now that everything is reloaded, Windows doesn't recognize the modem, and I'm left howling at the moon.

Nebraska lost and KSU lost. The modem is lost and joy in Mudville would be in short supply if not for Owen's great pumpkin art.

* * *

Update: I'm told that Windows98 supplies the user with the solitaire game so that new users might learn to use the mouse. Free cell is there, I have learned, to teach the user that every game is winnable, and that close attention and dogged persistence will eventually pay off.

In the final hours of October 30th, I found the problem with the modem drivers, and was able to reconnect. Huzzah!

Now comes the comparatively undreary task of downloading updated drivers and lost programs.