Well if you are the IT department, IT assets are your responsibility as is your servers getting viruses.
You probably should have let them know you cannot handle the responsibility on your own.
Instead you ran from it. This is something they can mention to those that call in about a reference. They can ask if you gave a two week notice and be told no and he walked out when the servers went down...both are totally factual and objective.
Whatever you want to believe. You know your standing with the community, I know mine. I'm innocent until proven guilty, as our system was founded on, you're guilty until proven innocent, a totalitarian system to which we're headed. My statements are based on a large team of people and their weekly situations.
OP, I'm glad you got out of that caustic relationship. It's clear your work place was going to continue to use and abuse, and sometimes these people need dropped on their heads for a reality check. Soldier on!
Alkemyst you're not COO of a small non profit organization by any chance are you?
Any updates? Also, how are you doing?
I'm pretty scared, but at least I'm not going back to work on monday. They've deleted me from their contact page but my email password's the same... Hmm.. I'm going to stop checking immediately.
Enjoy your time with your kids. I was a stay at home dad for awhile so I know how great this time can be.
When your immature nature instantly replies with "You're just showing how much of your life is a blown up lie, you don't even understand IT"; no one will listen to you further as it shows you are being irrational and angry.
Wishing me death in an intersection on top of it? You are off your rocker.
Capeche?
I'm not you and I know only the limited information you provided. Having read it though, I most certainly would have handled the situation differently.
What I would have done (and this is just me talking) would be to correct the problem. Get that backup restored and notify the people affected of the situation and the manner of correction. Innocent people who just want to get their job done are now caught up in this mess as well. Then, get affairs in order in your office / work area. Compile a document that gives the basics on where things are and minimally outline common things that need to be done. I would then go face to face with the COO and verbally give notice. He may yell and scream, but that ok. You'll be the better man if you don't. Two weeks notice is obviously the best. See if a deal can be calmly work out with him to stay on for a transition period or to wrap things up. That would be ideal. If he automatically starts yelling and screaming or is in any way overly abrasive, then yes, I would leave immediatly.
You want an ending that you can look back on knowing you did the right thing.
I actually look back at my jobs I've left with a smile. I've burnt a bridge at every former job I've had. Each one is a good memory of me telling them to piss off in my own special way with each departure.