Bert wants to know if Word 2016 can open Word 2000 Docs
If I uninstall word 2000 and download word 2016, can I still open old word 2000 files, are they compatible? Like every body else I admire your technical knowledge and your help, best people to deal with. Keep it up. Regards, Bert

Our answer
Hi Bert. Thanks so much. Yes you can open docs created on older versions of Word (pre Word 2007). MS Office 2016 / Word 2016 can open documents created in older versions of Word back to Word '97.

If you open a document created with older version of Word, it’s opened in Compatibility Mode. Compatibility Mode allows Word 2016 to open documents that were created in older versions of Word. You can view and edit the older Word docs too, however none of the new features of Word 2016 will be enabled- which is OK because it keeps the older Word doc readable for those using older versions of Word.

Compatibility Mode is intended to ensure that users of different versions of Microsoft Word or Office can continue working together. Also it ensures that documents created with older versions of Office won’t look any different when they’re opened in future versions of Office.

Hope this answers your question, Bert.



Ralph wants to know why his hard drive space is constantly being used
Why does my computer use hard drive space on its own without any new downloads or program change? I am losing free space little by little. Did a cleanup with little effect. no extra system restore pts. to take space.

Our answer
Hi Ralph. Did you know that, in most cases, when you visit a web site, you're not seeing that site from the Web, you're seeing it from your cache on your own computer. That means when you visit sites on the Web, all the content on that page, including sounds, pictures, videos, etc. all being downloaded to your PC in the background. There's nothing sinister going on here, it's how the Web works.

So, every day, when you browse the Web, do a search, listen to music, watch a video, all the content is being downloaded to your PC's hard drive. So you'll notice every day a little more space is being used. And if you don't periodically clean up your temporary files, the space being used by temp files can be substantial. You can clean up your temp files very easily.

Press & hold down the Windows key.
Tap the R key,
Type the following command in the run box:

CLEANMGR

And press Enter. Click OK to select your main hard drive (C). When it's done analyzing your drive, click OK to Delete the files. It will then ask if you're sure you want to delete the files - click OK again. It will tell you how many megabytes (or gigabytes) of junk & temp files it has found.

There are other reasons for your hard drive space being used too - for instance Windows updates and Windows log files. But keeping your temporary Internet files and cache cleaned up should help you a lot.

Let us know how much space you saved.



LE wants to know how to save desktop icon positions
Thank you for all you do, you really are the angels of the net. It used to be, to lock desktop icons, just sign out & back in and the icons are where I left them in their groupings. Since the upgrade to the Creators Update, after restart & or shut down, all the desktop icons are thrown in a random pig-pile to the left. How can I lock the desk top icons, signing out & back in doesn't do it anymore. Thank you L E

Our answer
Hi LE. Thanks so much! Last week's InfoAve Premium Newsletter featured a freeware pick that sounds like it would be very useful to you. It's called DesktopOK and what is does is allow you to save any desktop icon configuration and restore it with a couple of clicks.

Rather than going into a detailed overview here, we've posted the entire article on the Web. It tells you what the program does, how to use it and where to download it. It's completely free to download and use.

You can read all about DesktopOK here.



Debbie wants to know if there's any other way to save Chrome bookmarks besides in an HTML file
Is there any way to save favorites in Chrome in any format except the standard HTML?

Our answer
Hi Debbie. If you want to save them locally on your PC, the only option is to export your bookmarks to an HTML file. There is one huge advantage to this: HTML bookmarks can be imported into virtually any browser, not just Chrome.

If you don't care if you save them on your own PC, and you have at least one Google account, then your bookmarks are being stored in the cloud. This is from Google:

".. when you sign in to Chrome, all your Chrome data will be synced to your Google Account. This includes bookmarks, history, passwords, and other information..."

Your bookmarks would then be available from any device when you log in to your Google account.

And then are a few dozen Web services offering to backup bookmarks and favorites in the "cloud" too. But we've never found a need for this kind of service and therefore have never checked any out.



Carolyn wants to know if it hurts to leave her laptop plugged in all the time
I have a Dell Laptop Windows 7. Does it hurt to keep it plugged in all the time?

Our answer
Hi Carolyn. Most laptop batteries are either lithium-ion or lithium-polymer. These types of batteries can be charged and discharged thousands of time. Leaving your laptop plugged in all the time will not cause your battery to overcharge as these types of batteries cannot be overcharged; as soon as they are 100% charged, they stop charging. So, keeping it plugged in won’t harm your battery and cause much difference to the overall battery life.

Of course, you'll find numerous other opinions on the web... some claim that running the batteries all the way down from time to time is good for them. That was true before lithium-based batteries became the norm. But we practice what we preach. We leave our laptops plugged in almost all of the time. Occasionally we'll take them with us when we go out of town, but generally when we're at home, they are always plugged in.

Also, this is important to include here as long as we're discussing laptop batteries: Frequently allowing your laptop power to drain to less than 15% will reduce the battery's effectiveness over time and may even shorten the battery's life.



Marian asks about TWINUI
My friend, Diana, who is also a Cloudeight member, asked me to find out why she cannot open attachments with the TWINUI program. My computer has automatically opened these. Diana has allowed all updates as they are issued, but despite my sister and I doing all we can, we just cannot get these attachments to open for her, and nothing else will work. The only difference in our computers is that my sister and I bought laptops with Windows 10 installed, but Diana's has been upgraded from Windows 8.We tried to download the TWINUI file, but that failed to work. We would be grateful for any help you could give us. Diana asked me to contact you on her behalf as she is a bit nervous around computers and installations. Many thanks- Marian

Our answer
Hi Marian. TWINUI is not a program and has nothing to do with opening files. TWINUI is Tablet Windows User Interface. It exists so Windows 10 can be used on various devices, such as tablets, Desktops, Laptops and touch-screen laptops.

Our guess is that whatever attachment she is trying to open, does not have a program associated with it for opening. She can try saving it first, then opening. If the same thing happens, she will need to associate a program to open it with, i.e., a picture would need a graphic program to open it. If this is happening often and with many types of files, she may have some kind of Windows corruption with her file associations. She can try a system restore to before the problems began, as this is the easiest fix. If that does now work for her, then she can do a System Reset which will save all her personal files and then reinstall Windows. To learn how to do a System Reset, see this page.



Stamata says some of her PCs have updated to Creators Update but others have not
Thanks to your newsletters. I've learned and have been kept abreast of computer related info. Have also bought keys and had y'all repair several of my PC's. Good service, thank you. My problem is that only 2 of my 6 Windows 10 computers have automatically updated with the Creators Update Version 1703. I often have all of them running at different times & often over night. Sometimes taking turns. They're working computers. They receive other Windows updates but so far, 4 have not automatically updated to the Creators Update. Read somewhere that it's best to wait for MS to do the automatic Version 1703 installation for fewer problems to occur. But for how long?

Two originally had Win. 8 and the other 2 had Win.7 before they automatically changed to the free Win. 10. They still have Version 1617 and are still receiving other automatic updates to version 1617.

Do you know if Microsoft is still in the process of updating PC's to the Creators Version 1703 and if it's even necessary for that version to be eventually installed? By the way, in case you are wondering as to why the many PC's - they're located in different rooms to hear the ping sound when emails arrive, especially from our children or grandchildren, plus, a couple are of smaller & lighter weight to travel with my husband and I when we visit our out of town children. It's also an enjoyable hobby to have during retirement!

Our answer
Hi Stamata. Thank you so much!

To answer your last question first: It's not necessary to update to Creators Update. However, you will have to update before the end of service date of version 1607 (I think you mean 1607 not 1617. Version 1607 is the Anniversary Update (released July/August 2016). The version 1607 (Anniversary update) end-of-life date (the day Microsoft stops offering updates for it) is in March 2018. So, all you have to do is make sure all your PCs with version 1607 are updated by next March.

You can upgrade any PC that has not been updated by following the instructions on this page.

You could, if you choose, wait until the next major update is released in October 2017... tentatively called "Fall Creators Update". 

As far as we know, there aren't very many widespread issues or bugs with Creators Update. A lot of people were complaining about some of the feature changes, but considering the hundreds of millions of updates, there have been very few problems with it.

If do you want to upgrade now, there's no reason you should have to wait. The instructions on our tutorial (link above) will help you upgrade the PCs that have not been automatically updated. 

Let us know if you need anything else and we'll do our best to help you!



Ted wants to know if he has to upgrade his Windows 10 installation USB
Ok here goes. I have made a USB of the windows 10 set up as you suggested a number of months back. Here is my question, since I have upgraded to the latest version of Windows 10, do I need to up date the USB as well? Don't know where I would be without you guys, and your vast knowledge.
Thanks as always. Ted

Our answer
Thanks so much, Ted. If you install Windows 10 from the USB you have, you'll eventually end up with the current version of Windows 10. If your USB does not have the current version of Windows on it, it will be upgraded through Windows Update after you install.

We think the best reason to have an installation USB is to use it to boot Windows if something goes wrong and you cannot get Windows 10 to start. Once you've booted with your installation USB (or recovery disk / recovery drive) you can access all the Windows repair tools and troubleshooters, as well as System Reset, System Restore, Fresh Start (Windows 10 Creators Update)  and the command prompt. [ Note to readers: You can also use a repair disk or a recovery drive to boot your PC. ]

Additionally, you can use your installation USB to install Windows 10, then get the Download Tool to download the latest version of Windows 10 and then manually update to the latest version of Windows 10 that way. One caution though. Make sure that the version on your USB is a currently supported version of Windows 10. The original release of Windows 10 (July 29, 2015) is no longer supported. See this page for end-of-service dates for Windows 10 versions. If you find the version of Windows on your USB is no longer supported or the end-of-support date is coming up soon, it would be wise to create a new installation USB.

If you choose to keep your installation USB updated, just download Windows 10 Download tool from here. When you run it, select "Create installation media..." instead of "Update this PC now".

Now you have a lot of options to consider.



Derek says some new changes to Firefox have caused him to switch to Chrome
Hello Darcy and TC; For many years I have used Mozilla Netscape, Sea Monkey and now Firefox. Recently Firefox made some changes which stopped access to bank accounts and lots of other programs so I switched to Chrome. I really liked the sidebar on the left side in Firefox and wondered if there is a similar vertical sidebar in Chrome. My preference would be to use Firefox with a simple way to open JavaScript to access my bank accounts. Best Wishes Derek. P.S. I will make another donation if you can solve this problem as you are the best thing since sliced bread.

Our answer
Hi Derek. I think you'd like the browser called Vivaldi. It's based on Chrome, and it's being developed by the team that started the Opera browser. The nice part above Vivaldi is that it can use some Chrome extensions (such as LastPass), works like Chrome, and offers a ton of customizable features such as a sidebar similar to Firefox. In fact, the sidebar in Vivaldi is actually more useable and customizable than the one offered in Firefox.

Here is a screenshot from the current version showing the side bar which we have not yet customized.



We wrote a review a while back about Vivaldi... we were very impressed. It's been improved since them, but the basics are the same. Please check out our Vivaldi article for more information... and for download links.

Let us know how you like it, Derek.



Sandy asks: "What are ToggleKeys...?
What are ToggleKeys and what are they used for?

Our Answer
hi Sandy. ToggleKeys is a term used to describe a computer keyboard key that has one or more functions. For example, the caps lock key, Num lock key, and scroll lock key are examples of ToggleKeys. ToggleKeys are also an accessibility option.

When ToggleKeys are turned on, your computer will make a high or low tone beep when you press any of the NumLock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock keys.

Did you know that the NumLock key is not as useless as you thought? Did you know that you can turn ToggleKeys on by using only your NumLock key? When ToggleKeys is on, your computer will beep whenever you press the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock or NumLock keys). Normally, you would turn ToggleKeys on in Accessibility Options in Control Panel.

And the NumLock key isn't as useless as you thought. Did you know that you can simply hold down the NumLock button for five seconds, and that my friends turns on ToggleKeys for you. It's much quicker than clicking Control Panel, Accessibility options, and then ToggleKeys.



One Year Emsisoft License With FREE Installation & Set-up
Some of you still aren't using Emsisoft... so we're making you an offer you can't refuse! If you're not yet using Emsisoft, here's your chance to get the best protection you can buy and we'll install it and set it up for you FREE. Emsisoft now has a powerful new anti-ransomware feature!  See this page for all the details.





Google's New Backup & Sync App
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and Mac

We're big fans of backing up all important files -- the kind that are irreplaceable. Having more than one back up of your precious files and folders is smart. Nothing like a failsafe plan when it comes to backing up those precious documents, pictures and other files that you simply cannot replace.

So, when we read about Google's new Backup and Sync for Google Photos & Google Drive we thought we'd give it a try. It works very well and it's easy to set up and use.

 If you have a Google account, you might want to give it a try. It's free to use and is backed by Google, so you know whatever files, folders and photos you back up will always be there - just in case other backups fail.

One thing to keep in mind is that Google offers you 15GB of space for free. That should be enough for most of you to keep all of your most important files and photos backed up. You can buy more space is you need it, but the 15 GB you get for free should be plenty if you reserve it to back up only the files you cannot replace.

Here's the announcement from Google:

"Introducing Backup and Sync for Google Photos and Google Drive

You probably keep your most important files and photos in different places—your computer, your phone, various SD cards, and that digital camera you use from time to time. It can be a challenge to keep all these things safe, backed up, and organized, so today we’re introducing Backup and Sync. It’s a simpler, speedier and more reliable way to protect the files and photos that mean the most to you. This new tool replaces the existing Google Photos desktop uploader and Drive for Mac/PC.

"Backup and Sync is an app for Mac and PC that backs up files and photos safely in Google Drive and Google Photos, so they're no longer trapped on your computer and other devices. Just choose the folders you want to back up, and we’ll take care of the rest.

"Backup and Sync works for both Google Photos (download) and Google Drive (download)...

Want to Get a Copy of All the Stuff Google Has About You?
For everyone with a Google account

There's more to Google than Chrome and Gmail. Google runs a lot of other services like YouTube, Google Drive, Hangouts and others that are all collecting information about you. Google does allow you to have some control over that information, and they also allow you to download and saved a copy of everything they have about you.

If you want to download a copy of all the data stored on Google's servers about you, it's really quite easy to do. Not only is this a good learning lesson to see how much data is collected about you, you could actually use is as a backup. For example, if you have a lot of important email messages stored on Gmail, if you download all the data Google has about, you'll also have a backup copy of your Gmail messages on your PC.

All this data about you is being served up for takeout. That's right, just like your favorite Chinese restaurant, Google can package up your data for takeout.

Head over to https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout . If you're not already logged into your Gmail account, you'll need to log in. Once you're there and logged in, all you have to do is choose what data you want to download to your PC.

Enjoy your takeout. Don't forget the hot mustard!

How to Get Rid of Focused Inbox On Outlook.com
Everyone who uses Outlook.com Webmail

If you’re using a Microsoft address [ @hotmail.com, @msn.com, @outlook.com, @live.ca, @live.com ] and you’re checking your mail on the web Outlook.com, then you know what we mean by “Focused Inbox”.

Outlook.com automatically puts important mail (based mostly on your contact list) in your “Focused Inbox”. We hate the Focused Inbox. If you agree with us, then you’ll love this tip. If you like the Focused Inbox, you won’t.

If you want to get rid of the Focused Inbox for your Microsoft address that you check online at Outlook.com just follow these steps:

Step 1.  With Outlook.com open in your browser, click on the Settings icon (it looks like a gear… see below).

Step 2.  Click on “Display settings” (see above).

Step 3. In Display Settings click on “Focused Inbox” — see the screenshot below.

Step 4. Tick the circle next to “Don’t sort messages” (above).

Step 5. Don’t forget to click “OK” to save your changes.

That’s it. No more “Focused Inbox”. Now you’ll be able to see all your mail in one glance rather than switching back and forth between “Other” and “Focused…. “ 

We have a really great sale for all our Cloudeight Boosters - and it starts today. Details of our Christmas in July Boosters Appreciation Sale are posted on the Boosters' home page. Just log in to your Cloudeight Booster's account, and you'll see our Christmas in July Boosters Appreciation Sale posted right on the front page. Thanks so much for being a Cloudeight Booster!

Not a booster? You can be a booster by donating as little as $10. Make a small donation here and join our Cloudeight Boosters.