Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - A weekly computer publication featuring tips, tricks, website & freeware picks, answers to your computer questions and more!

If you're not getting our InfoAve Daily newsletter, you're missing out on a lot of good stuff!

We gladly help everyone who writes every day by answering their questions and helping to solve their computer problems. Please help us continue to do that!

Make a small donation and help us help you!

Margie wants to know why when she looks under "Disk" in Task Manager it shows 100%
Hi, My question is in Task Manager, under the heading of the Processor tab, the Disk is showing a constant 100% and it is in red. Why is it red and what could be causing it to be that way? I have opened Task Manager many times and never saw anything like this before. I was wondering why the P was starting so slowly and was going to check my start-up items, they were ok, with only a few things starting up but the 100% disk in red really dumbfounded me. Any ideas? Thank you, Margie

Our answer
Hi Margie. Disk means Disk activity or Disk usage. When you see 100% disk activity that's going to make your computer slow to respond or non-responsive but it wouldn't cause your computer to boot up slower unless whatever program or app that's causing the high disk usage is starting with Windows.

My best guess is that something running in the background (such as a disk scan, malware scan, or Windows update) is causing your disk activity to jump. But unless you can tell me the name of the process, program, or app that is causing the issue it's a hard guess.

One way to easily tell the processes causing high disk activity is by sorting the processes so they show from highest to lowest. You can by clicking on the column header (the word Disk in your case). So, click on the word Disk at the top to order the processes from those using the most disk to those using the least and let me know what the top 3 processes listed are and I'll try to figure out a solution for you.

Remember this though... If your high disk activity is being caused by background scans or updates, the problem will resolve on its own when the scans/updates have been completed.

We hope this helps you understand the problem and helps you get it resolved, Margie

Dotty wants to know if we've heard of Guardio
Have you heard of a browser extension for Chrome users that they are saying will keep your computer free of viruses and malware called Guardio? I use Emsisoft and have never had a problem. Just curious if you have heard of it and your thoughts. Thanks. You are my go-to people! Dotty.

Our answer
Hi Dotty. Thanks for your nice comments and your long-time support.

Emsisoft offers a FREE browser extension that adds additional browser-specific protection, but even without the extension installed, Emsisoft protects your entire computer and all of your browsers by blocking malware, phishing sites, Trojans, viruses, ransomware, and more. It's highly rated by independent antivirus/antimalware testing labs and has won several prestigious awards.

Guardio borders on being a scam. It claims to be free but it's only a free trial, In our opinion, it's a rip-off. If you keep it passed its trial period it will cost you $119.88 a year ($9.99) a month.

Guardio provides no antivirus protection outside the browser and even its in-browser protection is questionable.

> It did poorly on tests at detecting phishing sites.
> It earned a dismal score for blocking malware-hosting websites.
> It does not protect you from identity theft as it claims.
> No accessible antimalware.
> No on-demand antimalware scanning.

Guardio claims on its website that it's a "lightweight extension designed to help you browse quickly and securely. It will clean your browser, speed it up, and protect your private information." It does not speed up your browser and it does not protect your private information. The statement "clean up your browser" is questionable since it scores poorly in independent tests.

Guardio claims to protect your computer by protecting your browser - but does even that poorly. It's not whole-PC antimalware/antivirus like Emsisoft, which is available from us for $29.99 for the first year and $25 to renew, with Emsisoft's free browser extension optional. Emsisoft costs $45 for the first year ($40 to renew) for full coverage protection for up to 3 of your PCs with a free browser extension optional for all your covered PCs.

Breaking it down monthly for comparison Emsisoft costs $2.50 per month for a single license and $3.75 a month to cover 3 PCs ($1.25 per month per PC).

Guardio is expensive, covers only Chromium-based browsers, works poorly, makes promises it doesn't come close to keeping and does not protect your PC, just your browser (and does that poorly). Guardio costs $9.99 a month for a single user. You can add 3 additional users for free which brings the cost down to $2.50 a month but that's still quite expensive for what it actually does.

We rate Guardio as a waste of money and borderline scammy. Our advice, save your money... steer clear of Guardio.

We hope this answers your question, Dotty.

Frank has a write-protected flash drive and cannot format it
I have a USB flash drive that is write-protected. I have tried everything I can to format it, but every time it comes back that it is protected, what can I do?

Our answer
Hi Frank. Several third-party tools can be used to format a write-protected flash drive. One option is Rufus. Rufus is a free and open-source tool that can be used to format USB drives, create bootable media, and more. To use Rufus to format a write-protected (or password-protected) flash drive, follow these steps:

In the "File system" drop-down menu, select the file system that you want to use for your flash drive.

If you want to encrypt your flash drive, select the "Encrypt device" checkbox and enter a password. (You should skip this step unless you have a reason to encrypt that flash drive.)

Once the formatting process is complete, your flash drive will be formatted and ready to use.

Candace says her Windows 11 Computer tells her that her device security is turned off
I hope you can help me. I have a security notice saying that my device security is off. it directs me to the settings, but I see no on-off. How do I turn it on? Thanks much! Candace.

Our answer
Hi Candace. Many of us who have older or less expensive Windows 11 computers frequently see this warning. As long as you've got good security software like Emsisoft installed (and you do) you need not be concerned.

Here's how to change your settings so you won't see that warning again...

•Type Security in the taskbar search.
•When the Windows Security app opens click on Device Security in the left pane.
•Under Core isolation click "Dismiss all".
•On the page that opens, turn the switches to "Off" under "Memory integrity" and "Local Security Authority protection".
•Close the Windows Security app.

It's interesting to note that in Windows 10, those settings were turned off by default.

Let me know if you have any further questions, Candace.
-------
Candace wrote back: "Thanks so much, TC."

Lee and Vera want to know why a recent Windows update affected their browser's start page
Dear Darcy and TC. My wife and I both use StartPage and have done for several years. Since the recent Windows update every time we log into it, a pink banner comes up at the top of the page under the address bar, saying... "We're sorry, the page you requested is not found. The URL may be misspelled or the page you're looking for is no longer available."
Yet the page is working. Do you have any idea why this is happening on both of our computers? Thanks very much. Lee and Vera.

Our answer
Hi Lee and Vera. I don't use StartPage so off the top of my head, I have no idea. But a Windows update would not affect your browser unless you use Microsoft Edge. Since you don't mention what browser you use, I will assume you use Edge. I suggest you reset your browser. Here is a tutorial on resetting Edge as well as Chrome and Firefox. Resetting your browser and clearing your cache will probably resolve your problem. If you're using the StartPage extension, resetting your browser will disable the extension, but you can turn it back on.

We hope this helps you.
-------
Lee wrote back... "Thanks for the advice. Will do as you say and make Startpage my browser's home page and default search engine. Best regards...Lee.

Norris tells us that a friend is using Windows 11 but it says it's Windows 10
I visited a friend who had a Windows notebook. When I typed "About" in the taskbar search, it said he had Windows 10 Home Edition and the latest version. Yet the start menu was like Windows 11 with "All apps" showing the list of apps. Confusing?

Our answer
Hi Norris. "About your PC" should say Windows 10 or Windows 11 depending on what version of Windows your friend is using. I don't know why a Windows 11 computer would say Windows 10.

The best way to see what version of Windows you're using is to type WINVER in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see WINvER appear in the search results.

The "All apps" button has not appeared on the Windows 10 start menus since Windows 10 version 1607 (2016).

In Windows 11 the taskbar is centered by default, in Windows 10 it's left-aligned. Also if the PC is using Windows 11 there are other ways to tell. If you press the Windows key + w in Windows 10, Windows 10 Workspace opens. If you press Windows key + w in Windows 11, Windows 11 Widgets panel opens. In Windows 10 in settings it's Settings > Apps > All apps; in Windows 11 it's Settings > Apps > Installed apps. There are many other ways to tell, but those are two other quick ways to tell if a computer is running Windows 11 or Windows 10.

Robert wants to know how to reset Windows 10 and Windows 11
I'm sure you have given instructions on how to reformat a computer and reload Windows. This is to get rid of programs of computer makers programs and such. If you can, I know you can give me how to do it for Windows 10 and 11. Thanks, Robert.

Our Answer
Hi Robert. Here are the instructions for Windows 10. This will wipe out all your programs, Windows apps, personal files, and all data, and reinstall Windows 10.

You'll be asked how you want to reinstall Windows. Selecting "Local reinstall" will save you time. But you can choose either option. However, if your computer has been running poorly and you suspect Windows files may be corrupted you should choose "Cloud download" but this will make the reset process take much longer.

You see "Additional setting" next. Assuming you're not going to sell or give away your computer, you can just go ahead and click "Next". If you want to completely wipe the hard drive beyond recovery click "Change settings", Be forewarned if you choose that option the process with take several hours. If you're not giving away or selling the computer or you don't expect the person you selling it to or giving it to be a computer expert, just click "Next".

You'll see this screen next. If you're sure you want to reset your PC, click "Reset". You can also cancel at this point if you're not sure of something...

Unless you have a reason to spend several extra hours wiping the hard drive and overwriting it with gibberish to prevent file recovery from someone using forensic software, click "Next"...

How AI Will Make Scams and Phishing Harder to Recognize
A tip for everyone

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and becoming more and more sophisticated. This is having a significant impact on the world of cybercrime, as scammers are using AI to create more sophisticated scams and phishing attacks.

In the past, scammers would often rely on simple tricks, such as sending emails with poor grammar or spelling, to trick people into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. However, AI is now being used to create emails and websites that are almost indistinguishable from legitimate ones.

For example, AI can be used to generate realistic-looking emails that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a bank or government agency. These emails can then be used to trick people into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

AI is also being used to create chatbots that can mimic human conversation. These chatbots can be used to trick people into revealing personal information or to convince them to perform actions that are harmful to themselves or others.

As AI continues to evolve, it is likely that scams and phishing attacks will become even more sophisticated. This means that it will become increasingly difficult for people to recognize them.

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from scams and phishing attacks:

1. Be suspicious of any email or website that asks for personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

2. Never click on links in emails or websites you are unfamiliar with.

3. Be careful about the kind of information you share on social media.

4. Use strong passwords containing upper and lower-case letters, symbols, and numbers, and keep them updated regularly. Use 2FA (Two-factor authentication) or passkeys when possible.

5. Install and keep up to date with good security software such as Emsisoft.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer.

AI will be every bit as impactful as the World Wide Web, and the introduction of PCs and smartphones. But if you stay alert, use common sense, resist the urge to click links and linked images in emails and in text messages, and keep up with things by staying informed, you'll be a lot less likely to become a victim. And we're committed to helping you stay safe on the internet.

The Quickest Way to Clear Your Brower's Cache
Firefox, Edge, Chrome, Opera, Brave, and more...

Clearing your browser cache and history is something you should do at least once a month. And if you're having issues with your browser, clearing your browser's cache is the first thing you should do.

So with that in mind, here's a quick tip that will save you time when it's time to clear your browser's cache and history. Instead of opening the browser's settings, the following shortcut works on all major browsers.

With your browser open use the following keyboard shortcut to open to go directly to the dialog where you can clear your browser's history and cache.

You'll be able to choose how far back you want to go and what you want to clear. Once you've made your choices you can clear your browser's cache and history.

Above: Firefox's "Clear Recent History" dialog. You can choose a time range to clear, from the last hour to everything. Most browsers have similar options.

Cloudeight Browser Tips

Above: Chrome's "Clear browsing data" dialog.

So, whenever you want to quickly clear your browser's history & cache, whether for the last hour, the last day, or for all time, just open your browser, and use the CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keyboard shortcut. It will save you time, we tells ya!

Windows 11 has been available since October 2021 – and more and more people are starting to use it. For those of you who want to continue to use Windows 10, Microsoft plans to continue to update it and support it through October 14, 2025 – so if you like Windows 10 there’s no reason to switch right now.

But now for those of you who are using Windows 11 now – or plan to switch to Windows 11 soon, here are five easy tips that can help make Windows 11 easier to use.

By default, the Windows 11 taskbar is centered, which also means the Start button isn’t at the left edge of the taskbar as it has been in all previous versions of Windows.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and click “Taskbar settings”
2. Scroll down to “Taskbar behaviors”
3. Use the arrow next to Taskbar alignment “Center” to change it to “Left”

Windows 11 Taskbar tips - Cloudeight InfoAve

Windows 11 Taskbar tips - Cloudeight InfoAve

4. Your taskbar is now left-aligned as it was in Windows 10Windows 7s7, and earlier editions of Windows.

Windows 11 has (for whatever reason) a simplified, minimalistic, right-click menu. The right-click menu, by default, only shows the most often-used options.

But the classic Windows right-click menu is still there. You can see it by right-clicking a file or folder and clicking on “Show more options” – or more quickly by holding down the Shift key while right-clicking on a file or folder. By holding down the Shift key while right-clicking on a file or folder, you’ll see the full context menu.

Taskbar real estate is precious. Many of you are not going to use the Windows 11 Widget app, and even fewer will use the Chat (Microsoft Teams) app.

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings
2. In Settings choose “Personalization” > “Taskbar”
3. Under “Taskbar items” turn the switch for Widgets and Chat to “Off”.

The Recommended section in the new Start menu shows the most recently installed apps, opened files, and other recommendations. If you don’t want this showing up on your Start menu turn off recommendations this way…

1. Open Settings (Windows Key + I)
2. Choose Personalization > Start
3. Toggle the switches next to “Show recently added apps”, “Show most used apps”, and “Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer”

Windows 11 comes with an advanced Snipping Tool that makes it easy to create screenshots without installing any third-party software.

Open the Snipping Tool from the Start menu (or type SNIPPING in the taskbar search & press Enter). When you’re ready to take a screenshot, use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key+Shift+S. You’ll be able to take screenshots of a section of your screen, your whole screen, or create a free-style snippet. After you’ve snapped your screenshot, you can crop it, annotate it, and more.

And by using the Snipping Tool’s delay feature, you can even screenshot your Windows 11 log-in screen.

I can’t tell you how many times I got a message from Windows that I was missing some DLL or SYS files. And it didn’t take long for us to learn there are dozens of sites where you can download DLL, SYS, and other Windows files. The trouble is, most of those sites, don’t have the correct files and worse, bundle the DLL, SYS, and other Windows files with PUPs or malware. It didn’t take us too many visits to these suspicious and sometimes unsavory sites before we began to wise up.

We’re wiser now and don’t even bother trying to find missing files to download. We’ll use System Restore or DISM and SFC scans to fix the missing file problem

But we know that dozens of those suspicious DLL, SYS, and Windows file sites exist because they get a lot of visitors. Or should we say “victims”?

Today we’re featuring a site where all the Windows system files are authentic, up-to-date, and many come directly from Microsoft servers.

Our site pick, Winbindex has a searchable index of Windows 10 system files that you can download directly – and many of them directly from Microsoft servers.

If you’re one of the many people who upon receiving an error message that your computer is missing a DLL, SYS, or other Windows system file go on a web hunt to find the file your computer says you are missing – Winbindex will save you a lot of trouble and a lot of time. No more questionable files from shady sites and no more files bundled with malware or PUPs.

Winbindex allows you to search and download individual Windows 10 and Windows 11 system files including SYS, DLL, and EXE files. Just type the name of the file you’re looking for in the search box on the site, and you’ll get results of clean files showing the SHA256 hash (authenticator) of each file. You can even filter results by file version, system type (32-bit or 64-bit), update, or Windows version. The site currently supports Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Once you find the file you’re looking for, click the “Show” button to display the file. The “Download” button starts the download.

While the search results may display many different file types, you can only download executable files namely DLL, EXE, and SYS.

Here’s a little intro written by the site’s developer and curator, Michael Maltsev.

If you want to read more, including the story of Winbindex, read this interesting post from the developer’s blog. And if you need to search for missing Windows system files, visit Winbindex. It’s the only site we know of where you can download authentic, verified, Windows system files

A Chat with Bard

On Tuesday morning, I sat down to interview Bard, Google's new AI Chatbot. It was entertaining and also eerily unnerving in a way. Some of its answers were funny (not intentionally I don't think) while others seem to have a bit of forewarning looming inside them. But I will say, that overall, I was impressed. By the time I was nearly finished with the interview, I started thinking of Bard as a person... and that is something I didn't expect.

I hope you enjoy "A Chat with Bard".

ME:
Good morning, Bard. My name is TC and I'm going to be interviewing you today. Would that be OK with you?