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Jean is concerned because Windows shows her recovery drive is nearly out of space
I am a bit concerned about my laptop because my son was using it last week, but I don't know whether this problem is a result of his usage or if it just happened. When I click on This PC Devices and Drives, this page has just changed and shows me that Recovery Drive has 3.08gb free from 27.69gb. I don't know anything about this drive, but I am worried that my laptop is going to crash or cost me a heap of money to repair. I'm really sorry if this doesn't make sense to you but I'm an 83year old not very technical minded with today's world, I struggle a lot but really thankful for being able to receive your newsletter. You are wonderful xx. Kindest regards and Thank You, Jean.

Our answer
Hi Jean. On HP computers, and I'm sure on other brands of computers too, there's a recovery drive. It will show almost full as yours does. It's supposed to. Sometimes Windows will show a red warning on the drive because it's nearly full - or because users have added something to it. It's possible that your son added things to that drive which he shouldn't have done - but adding things won't make it unusable. The only time you'd ever use the recovery drive is if you were going to do a factory reset. And with Windows 10 that's not very likely since Windows 10 has 4 recovery options available to you that do not use the manufacturer's "recovery drive" those options are:

1. Reset your computer and keep your files. (This reinstalls Windows, and lets you keep your personal files.)
2. Reset your computer and remove everything. (This reinstalls Windows and wipes all files and folders.)
3. Reset your computer and wipe everything. (This formats your drive and clean installs Windows.)
4. Fresh start. )This method clean installs Windows and keeps your files and some of your settings.)

What all this means is that it is very unlikely you'd have to do a factory reset and actually use the recovery drive.

Thanks for your nice comments, Jean.
-----
Jean wrote back: "Hi TC. Oh, you are so wonderful, giving me such a detail answer to my query. I was so worried when I sent the query, but you really made my day, BLESS YOU I will be making a donation later you are really worth it. Thanks so very much. Jean."

Bonnie's text size on her Windows 10 PC suddenly became very tiny
Hi Darcy and TC. It's me again, bugging you two. How do I change the font size in my control panel and the font size on the start button panel etc.? It's so small I can barely read it. It all started yesterday I don't know if it's something I did or what. But it is tiny! Thanks and God bless, Bonnie

Our answer
Hi Bonnie. Thanks!

To fix your tiny font problem, do this:  Press and hold down the Windows key and tap the U key. This opens Ease of Access.

Under Display > Make text bigger. Use the slider to make it as big as you need it to be.

Click "Apply" and that's it.

You may have to restart your computer to see the changes.

-----------------
Bonnie wrote back: "Thank you so much. It's working now. I have no idea what I did wrong, but it had to be me hitting the wrong button and the wrong time. Thanks again, Bonnie."

Terry's right-click function on Windows 10 no longer works
The right-click function on my Windows 10 laptop has stopped working. It is driving me crazy because I used that feature all the time. I really miss being able to quickly right-click when I need to. I have been using Windows 10 for 3 years and I have never had any trouble with it until now. Do you have any advice for me? Thanks, Terry.

Our answer
Hi Terry. Have you tried this simple fix?

1. Shut down your PC completely (all power lights off)
2. Wait for 4 or 5 minutes.
3. Turn on your computer.
4. Let Windows 10 load completely.
5. Try your computer and check to see if you still have problems.

If you still have the right-click problem, follow the alternate instructions on this page.

I hope this helps you, Terry.
-------
Terry wrote back: "It Worked! Thanks a lot. I can't believe that just by shutting off my computer for a few minutes fixed my annoying problem. You guys are great! Thanks, Terry"

Carolyn can't find System Restore on Windows 10 anymore
Just a quick question. I used to be able to fix some problems with the computer by running "System Restore" and it was quick and easy. Today, with Windows 10 version 1909, I can no longer access the setting to create a restore point or to run System Restore. Did Microsoft remove System Restore or am I missing something?

Our answer
Hi Carolyn. You'll be happy to know that System Restore is alive and well on the current version of Windows 10 (Version 1909).

To create a restore point, just type RESTORE in taskbar search and you'll see this:



If you want to use a restore point to restore your computer to a previous time:

1. Right-click the Start button
2. Click "Run"
3. Type RSTRUI in the run box and press Enter and you'll see this:

Let me know if this helps you, Carolyn.
-------
Carolyn wrote back: "You guys make everything seem so simple! That's why I love your newsletters and your tips & tricks! Thanks so much! Carolyn."

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Bob asks about a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death)
Hi TC & EB. Tonight as I was about to power off my desktop PC it went to a Blue Screen and said it was restarting and what failed was “tcpipsys” with SYSTEM SERVICE EXCEPTION in all caps. It seems to be working okay but should I do something or worry that my PC is on its last legs? Thank you.

Our answer
Hi Robert. If you only get a BSOD (Blue Screen) once in a blue moon you don’t need to worry. It’s usually a hardware fault that won’t occur again. But if you get them frequently such as every day or two, you might have a hardware issue that needs to be fixed.

I think every Windows user has seen a Blue Screen at some time or other. If this is the first one you’ve seen or the first one you’ve seen in a long time, don’t worry about it. Seeing one does not meet your computer is chomping on its last byte.

I hope this eases your mind.
————
Robert wrote back: “Thank you TC for the reply. This is the first Blue Screen I have seen on any of my machines since my original 1995 Gateway model with 562 MB of RAM (powerful eh?) and I have had a few machines since then. You and EB always ease my mind when I see anything of yours online. Thank you again. Robert.”

Dick asks about Windows 10 installation media
To my favorite duo: Quick question if you don't mind. Would it be beneficial to create a Windows 10 Installation USB Flash Drive (or disk) after each of the Windows semi-annual feature updates? Or would the creation of just one suffice if ever needed? I want to thank you for taking the time to answer this in your busy schedule. Take care and may God Bless the two of you,

Our answer
Hi Dick. Thanks so much for your long-time support and your kind comments.

You only need to create one Windows 10 installation USB. If/when you use it will automatically download any updates. While you can create a new installation USB flash drive or DVD each time there's a major version update, it's not necessary and it wouldn't really save you much time.

I hope this helps you, Dick.

Mikeal wants to know what we currently recommend to make image backups
I can't thank you both enough for all the information you give all of us in your newsletters. My question concerns image backup software. Cloudeight used to have an image backup software you installed and set up. I don't see the information for that service any longer. Is that no longer available? Thanks again for all you both do to help everyone who asks.

Our answer
Hi Mikeal. Thanks so much for your very kind comments. We not currently recommending or promoting any image backup software. We recommend using Windows 10 File History to back up your files and folders. Windows 10 has System Reset and Fresh Start available to reinstall Windows without removing your files, folders, etc. All you have to do is reinstall your programs - and Windows makes that easier by leaving a list of programs that were removed on the desktop. Also, Windows 10 is available free, so you can make installation media (USB or DVD) so reinstalling Windows on a new hard drive is fairly easy. All this makes image backups a lot less important.

If you still feel you need an image backup, Macrium Reflect works well. The free version is available from here. The program is easy to use, and its documentation is excellent.

I hope this helps you, Mikeal.
-----
Mikeal wrote back: "Thank you so much for the reply, I will do that with a fresh start and back up the files and folders with Windows 10."...and again "That was painless to do the refresh on windows 10. I can now trim down the loaded apps I used to have on the desktop. thank you so much for the insight for what I needed. Blessings to you both. Mikeal."

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How to Prevent File Explorer from Changing Folder Views
Windows 10 (all supported versions)

It's always frustrating when File Explorer switches your preferred way of viewing folders. For example, if you like to view your pictures folders in "Extra large icon" view or "Large icon view" Windows cannot seem to remember your preferred view from one folder to the next. Here's how to fix that so your folder views are consistent.

Open a folder where you have the view set the way you want it.

Click on "View' then "Options" and "Change folder and search options".

See the screenshot below: 

 
 In the "Folder Options" dialog that opens, click on "View". Then, under "You can apply this view (such as Details or Icons) to all folders of this type" click "Apply to Folders".  A dialog will appear confirming you want all folders of this type to match this folder's settings... click "Yes".

That's all there is to it. Keep in mind after a Windows 10 Upgrade you may have to do this all over again.

How to Wipe Your Computer and Reinstall Windows 10
Windows (all supported versions)

If you’re going to be giving away or selling your Windows 10 computer – or you just want a completely fresh start – you don’t need to download any 3-party software to wipe your personal information from your computer and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows before you give it away or sell it.

WARNING: Do not do this if you want to keep your files. This method will wipe everything and reinstall Windows 10.

Let’s get started…

1. Right-click on the Windows 10 start button & click Settings.

2. In Settings > click on Update & Security.

3. In Update & Security > click on Recovery.

4. In Recovery under Reset this PC” > click on “Get started”.

5. When you click on “Get started”, you’ll have at least two options…

   a. Keep my files – Removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files.

   b. Remove everything – Removes all of your personal files, apps, and settings.

6. Click on Remove everything.

7. Windows will ask if you want “Just remove my files” or “Remove files and clean the drive”. Since you’re not keeping the computer (or you just want to start with a completely clean computer), choose “Remove files and clean the drive” Selecting this, wipes the C:\ drive (or Windows drive) of everything and then reinstalls Windows 10. After you do this, when you give the computer away or sell it, it’s like a computer that has never been used. Or if you want to keep the computer, it’s almost like having a new computer.

Once you click on “Remove files and clean the drive”. Windows will warn you and ask you to confirm you want to proceed with this operation.  After you confirm that you want to do this, Windows will start the process of wiping the drive and reinstalling Windows 10. This could take a few hours. But don’t worry — you don’t have to hang around while Windows does its thing, it’s automatic. When Windows has finished wiping the drive and reinstalling a fresh copy of Windows 10 it will be like a new computer.  Whoever you give it or sell it to, will have to set up time zone, language, user accounts, etc. – Just like they’d have to do with a new computer.

And if you want to give yourself a brand-new start you can also use this method – but beware – make sure your files are backed up or you’ll lose them, and you won’t be able to recover them.

A Windows 10 Menu You Might Not Know You Have
Windows 10 (all versions)

No matter how much we think we know about Windows, we’re always finding something new. Well, maybe not new, just different. The “Windows Accessories” menu is on Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

Back in the days of XP, Vista, and even in Windows 7, Accessories was listed under “A” alphabetically, but in Windows 10, it’s listed under Windows Accessories and hence, it’s listed under the “W” section of the Start menu. So, while it used to be near the top and easy to find, now it’s hidden near the bottom of the Start menu and you might not have noticed it. To get to Windows Accessories, you have to click the Windows 10 Start button, then scroll down to the W’s and find Windows Accessories.

Well, here, take a look:

Hidden in the Windows Accessories menu are many useful items. When you click the down-arrow next to Windows Accessories (see above) you’ll see a menu open (see below):

As you can see there are some useful Windows programs are hiding in the Window Accessories menu – things like Character Map (which helps you make stuff like æ Ø ß ¿ – characters not normally available on your keyboard – well at least not on my keyboard). You’ll also find WordPad, Notepad, Snipping Tool, Quick Assist, Internet Explorer and more.

And if anything in the Accessories menu is something you use often, you can make a shortcut on the Start menu or Taskbar. All you have to do is right-click the item you want to put on your Start menu or Taskbar and choose “Pin to Start” or click “More” and then “Pin to taskbar”. Below, we’re adding "Notepad” to our Windows 10 taskbar.

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

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BleachBit: A Unique System Cleaner

Once in a while, we find a freeware program that seems to be a re-hash of other applications, but on closer look isn’t. BleachBit is one of these kinds of applications.

On the surface, it may seem to be just another system clean-up tool (yawn!) of which there are dozens of free ones to choose from. But when we looked closer, we found it to be the most powerful, most comprehensive free clean-up tool we’ve ever used. And because it can be so powerful – it can cause problems for some users — especially those who are inclined to not heed warnings or read program documentation.

But we’ve decided to recommend it to you because it cleans areas of your computer that most others don’t touch.  BleachBit is a powerful system clean-up tool, and when it is used with care, it can clean up files like Adobe Reader’s cache. temporary files, system files, files created by popular browsers such as Chrome, Opera, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc., and much more. Plus, its file shredder can make your private files impossible to recover.

It goes places other cleaners don’t — and that’s why we are featuring it. Here’s a simple description from the developer:

“When your computer is getting full, BleachBit quickly frees disk space. When your information is only your business, BleachBit guards your privacy. With BleachBit you can free cache, delete cookies, clear Internet history, shred temporary files, delete logs, and discard junk you didn’t know was there. Designed for Linux and Windows systems, it wipes clean thousands of applications including Firefox, Adobe Flash, Google Chrome, Opera, and more. Beyond simply deleting files, BleachBit includes advanced features such as shredding files to prevent recovery, wiping free disk space to hide traces of files deleted by other applications, and vacuuming Firefox to make it faster. Better than free, BleachBit is open source…

Features

--Delete your private files so completely that “even God can’t read them” according to South Carolina Representative Trey Gowdy.
--Simple operation: read the descriptions, check the boxes you want, click preview, and click delete.
--Multi-platform: Linux and Windows
--Free of charge and no money trail
--Free to share, learn, and modify (open source)
--No adware, spyware, malware, backdoors, browser toolbars, or “value-added software”
--Translated to 63 languages besides American English
--Shred files to hide their contents and prevent data recovery
--Shred any file (such as a spreadsheet on your desktop)
--Overwrite free disk space to hide previously deleted files
--Portable app for Windows: run without installation
--Command line interface for scripting and automation
--CleanerML allows anyone to write a new cleaner using XML
--Automatically import and update winapp2.ini cleaner files (a separate download) giving Windows users access to 2500+ additional cleaners
--Frequent software updates with new features
--Advanced wiping on Windows (requires BleachBit 2.0 with administrator access and local file system)

Here are some screenshots for you from our test sessions.

If you’re looking for something that cleans the garbage from your computer and many of the applications that leave traces and junk files behind, and that is fairly easy to use, take a look at BleachBit. You can read more about and/or download BleachBit (free) from here. 

A Special Easter

Raindrops, a yellow tulip, a white carnation, and a brand-new navy-blue blazer. I was eleven years old on that Easter Sunday – all those years ago – and I remember it so well. My mom had died the autumn previous, and I felt alone in the world – although I shouldn’t have. My grandparents, as distraught as they were, became, in many ways, my parents.

Looking back, I can now see that my grandparents were traditionalists. They had deeply entrenched traditional values and they practiced them and held them in high regard. But back then I didn’t label them anything – they were my grandparents – they together were the lighthouse that guided me though a dark and stormy time in my life. Because my grandparents considered traditions important, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday were special occasions. And so, they were special to me also… when I was a child.

I can remember going to church on Palm Sunday and each person upon entering the church was given a palm frond. And if I close my eyes, I can smell the Easter Lilies that lined the entryway and the alter. I can see the churchgoers waving their palm fronds. I can hear the congregation and the choir singing “The Old Rugged Cross”. And… I can remember singing along.

It seems like yesterday and it seems like it was another lifetime...

Please read the rest of this essay here. 

Look to the Stars

This Back-to-Basics tip works in most browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge (old & new).

Most people have never noticed the star in (or near) their browser’s address bar. If you’re one of these, you’re missing one of the quickest and easiest ways to add websites or webpages to your Favorites or Bookmarks. Here, we will show you some stars:

Above: The “new” Microsoft Edge

Above: Google Chrome

Firefox hides the star in a drop-down menu.

Who doesn’t like to bookmark their favorite sites or webpages? Nobody doesn’t!  So, what’s the big deal about the star? Well, if you want to add a website or webpage to your Favorites or bookmarks, just click the star while you’re on the site or page you want to bookmark. What could easier? Well, you could use CTRL+D. But we wanted you to know what the star was for, and clicking the star is just as easy as CTRL+D to me. Maybe not you though. To each their own!

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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly. Thanks so much for your support and for being an InfoAve Weekly subscriber.

We wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter!

Your friends at Cloudeight,

Darcy and TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - Issue #912
Volume 18 Number 22
April 2, 2021 

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