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

It's free and it only takes a few seconds to sign up. We'd love to have you with us. Visit this page to sign up for our Cloudeight InfoAve Daily Newsletter.

We hope you're all enjoying this Thanksgiving weekend. Today's edition of InfoAve Weekly is a review edition. On major holiday weekends, we publish a review edition featuring some of the best content from previous issues of Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly. This gives us some time off so we can enjoy the holiday weekend with our friends and family and gives you a chance to review some of the best questions & answers, tips & tricks and more from past editions of this newsletter.

We hope you enjoy this special edition of Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Buy One Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Key and GET ONE FREE!

During our Cloudeight CyberWeek Sale, when you buy a Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair key, we'll give you one FREE. That's right! From now through Sunday, December 11, 2022, when you buy one Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair key for $50, we'll give you a second one free!.

With our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care service, we connect directly to your computer via the Internet to fix your computer problems, remove viruses or malware, optimize your PC and more. You never have to leave your home or leave your computer with a stranger. You'll be invited to watch us while we fix your Windows computer. And, we can fix your computer regardless of where you live. Our Cloudeight Direct Service is available worldwide. We offer world-class computer care services from the company you trust.

Take advantage of our CyberWeek Buy One Get One free special NOW!

Offer is valid through Sunday, December 8, 2024 

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 use 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"

Mike wants to know how to delete a user account
I want to know how to delete another user on my PC. I also would like to know how to sign out of Windows instead of shutting it down. I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks, Mike.

Our answer
Hi Mike. To delete a user account, type CONTROL in the taskbar search and press Enter or click Open when Control Panel appears. In the Control Panel, click on User Accounts, then click "Manage another account" and click on the account you want to delete. From the menu that appears click on "Delete the account". You can add a new user account from here also.

To sign out of Windows 10 or Windows 11, right-click on the Start button, click on "Shut down or sign out" then click on "Sign out".

We hope this helps you, Mike.
------------------
Mike wrote back: "Thank you! It worked perfectly! Mike." 

Mindy wants to remove her personal info from a Windows 10 laptop she's giving away
I will be getting a new computer soon and I want to give my old laptop away. Do you have any suggestions on how I can remove all my personal data from my old laptop and reinstall Windows so the person I give it to will be able to set it up the way she wants? Thanks, Mindy.

Our answer
Hi Mindy. Please read our article here. It explains how to wipe your hard drive, remove all personal files and information from it, and then reinstall Windows 10 so whoever you give it to can set it up as they would a brand-new computer. If you follow the instructions on that page, none of your personal info, files, programs, documents, pictures, music, etc. will be on the computer nor will any of your info or files be recoverable.

We hope this helps you, Mindy.  

Des asks about SFC and DISM scans
Hi Guys. Thanks for your help in the past, as always it's greatly appreciated.  A new issue I stumbled on whilst researching SFC /scannow which I use regularly. Apparently, there is another test that can be used to repair windows as well and can be used after running Scannow.   That is repairing Windows using the DISM Tool.  Firstly do you recommend it?  And if you do at what point should it be used?  Also, can the ordinary layman who has limited computer knowledge use it without risk just to be sure that Windows is OK. Many thanks. Des

Our answer
Hi Des. Rather than going into the hows and whys of running SFC and DISM scans, I'm going to send you off to read one of several posts we've written about those two scans.

I'm pretty sure that will answer your question and then some.

Cloudeight Direct Care Key + a One-year Emsisoft Single PC License or One-year Renewal

Total price $50 - save up to $30!

This Cyberweek offer includes a Cloudeight Direct Computer Care key good for any computer service PLUS a one-year single PC Emsisoft license good for one full year of Emsisoft protection. If you're currently an Emsisoft user, we'll add one year to your current Emsisoft license. If you're a new Emsisoft customer, this license can be used for a new Emsisoft subscription.

Take advantage of this special offer right now!

Offer is valid through Sunday, December 8, 2024 

Linda constantly has to sign back in after automatically being signed off Windows 10
Thank you for all you do for us. If I don't move the mouse for 30 seconds, I get signed off. This is very frustrating. Can you give me advice about this? Thanks, Linda.

Our answer
Hi Linda. Assuming you don't use a screen saver, right-click the Start button and click Settings. In Settings, click 'Accounts'. In your account, click on "Sign-in options" on the left. Under "Require sign-in" under "If you've been away, when should Windows require you to sign-in again?" Click the down arrow, and choose "Never".

And if you are using a screensaver, you'll still need to follow the instructions above, first, then continue as below:

Type Screen Saver in the taskbar search - when you see "Change screen saver" in the results, press enter.

In the Screen Saver dialog that appears, uncheck the box next to "On resume display logon screen", then click "Apply" and "OK" to save the settings.

The next time your screen saver comes on, you won't have to log into Windows when you're ready to use your computer again.

The "Sign-in Options" dialog is the same in Windows 10 and Windows 11

We hope this helps you, Linda.
-------
Linda wrote back: "It worked. I changed the wait time for the screen saver and unchecked the box. I changed the wait time to 14 minutes. I may make it longer. It didn't affect the pictures that I had set up for the screensaver. It's so nice not to have my computer signed off while I did something else for a few minutes. You and EB are great. I don't know where else I could get such complete information about computers and software. Thanks, Linda." 

Jill says all her icons disappeared from her taskbar more than once
A couple of weeks ago, the icons in my taskbar suddenly went blank, i.e., no icon. Three of them are Windows apps: Outlook, Word, and Excel and there are four non-Windows apps.

This is the 2nd time this has happened, and I believe that Windows updates cause this. I don't remember how I got the icons back from the first time ... and I don't know how to fix it 'again'. I've read articles on Microsoft, but they don't write about this particular situation.

Help, please... Jill

Rich wants to know the best way to copy files from his old PC to his new PC and also how to print a list of installed programs
First of all, I want to thank you both for ALL you do for us "Older Folks" (86+ yrs.) and for ALL the helpful "Tips and Tricks" you give us through your Home Page, emails, etc., etc., I have been a "long time" member and supporter (I think from your "birth" as Thundercloud.net). Like you, I started on computers (circa 1970) with DOS 1.0. and my first computer was one with 2 5 1/4" floppy disk drives with the entire OS on one side of one of those floppy disks (long before HDs were even thought of. I cannot count how many computers (desktops and laptops) I have had. I and my wife each have purchased a Computer Direct Care, which I initially purchased for my new Dell laptop, but since then I have purchased a new HP Desktop computer with much more RAM than my current HP Desktop. Before I "call up" my Computer Direct Care purchase, I would ask you to send me the correct instructions on:

1) How to correctly copy my Documents; Pictures; Videos; Downloads etc. from my old HP Desktop.
2) How to get a "list" of all the programs I have on this old HP Desktop so I can download and install the newer versions of the programs I would like to keep on the new HP Desktop?

God Bless you both and may He give you continued health and financing to continue your "Mission" for many more years in His Service. Rich

Our answer
Hi Rich. Thanks for your nice comments and good wishes.

First, you're going to need an external hard drive. I suggest you buy a 1 TB external. They cost around $50-$60. You can buy them at Walmart, BestBuy, Staples, Amazon, etc.

Once you have the external drive and you're ready to go, plug the external drive into the old PC... DO NOT INSTALL THE SOFTWARE THAT CAME WITH THE EXTERNAL, it's not needed.

First, you'll need to copy the files from the old PC to the external drive.

Here are the instructions for copying the files from the old PC to the external drive.

Before you do anything else go to this page and follow the instructions to add "Copy to & Move to" to your right-click context menu if it's not there already.

Now, open File Explorer and browse to the folder at This PC > C:\Users\ <your username>. Right-click on your user folder, select "Copy to folder" from the right-click menu and copy the entire User folder to the external drive. That folder contains all your personal files (Pictures, Music, Documents, Favorites, etc.) If you're not sure of your username, type CMD in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see Command Prompt in the search results. Type WHOAMI at the prompt and press Enter.

Next, unplug the external drive from the old PC and plug it into the new PC. Before you do anything else go to this page and follow the instructions to add "Copy to & Move to" to your right-click context menu.

Important... never copy the entire folder from your old computer on the external drive to your new PC. Always open the folder on the external drive, select all the files in it and move those files to the corresponding folder on your new PC.

OK let's continue... Use File Explorer to browse the external drive. Open the Users folder you copied to the external drive, find the Documents folder, and open it. Select any one of the files in that folder and press CTRL + A to select all the files in that folder. Right-click on the selected files, choose "Copy to folder" and choose the Documents folder on the new PC. It may take a while for all the files to be copied.

Next, open the Pictures folder in the Users folder on the external drive. Select any one of the files in that folder and press CTRL+A to select all the files and folders in the Pictures folder. Now right-click on any of the selected files, choose "Copy to folder" and then choose the Pictures folder on the new PC. Again it may take a while to copy the files.

Do the same with the Music folder and the Videos (if you have Videos), Downloads folder, etc.

Once you do that all of your files will be on your new PC in exactly the same locations they were in on your old PC. It doesn't matter whether you were using Windows 10 or Windows 11 on the old PC - the two operating systems have the same basic folder structure.

In my opinion, you might be better off not making a list of all your programs on your old PC. A lot of the programs we install, we don't use. But if you want to make a list of programs that are installed on your old PC along with other info about them, download and install HiBit Uninstaller on the old PC. You can get it free from here. Install it and then open it.

You'll see a list of all programs installed on your computer. Right-click on any one of them and choose "Select all".

With all programs now selected, right-click on any one of them and choose "Export List to"...

From the "Export List to" dialog, choose HTML file (web page), click on Page color (choose white so it's easier to print) then click on "Export". You can name the file anything you want, but by default, it's called "Report" and it's saved to your Document folder when you click on the Export button.

Go to your documents folder and click on the file you just created. It will open in your browser. Once it's open, press CTRL+P to print it. The list shows the program name, size, date installed, and publisher.

Whew! That's a lot of information. We hope this helps you, Richard.
 

Cloudeight Direct Computer Checkup +  a One-year Emsisoft Renewal

Total price $29 - Save up to $25!

This offer includes a Cloudeight Direct Computer Checkup Key and a one-year Emsisoft renewal. We'll add 365 days to your Emsisoft license plus give a you Cloudeight Direct Computer Care checkup key you can use anytime for a computer checkup, clean-up, and optimization.

Take advantage of our Cloudeight Direct Computer Checkup Key + One-year Emsisoft Renewal (add 365 days to your current Emsisoft license).

Offer is valid through Sunday, December 8, 2024  

How to Change Your Windows User Account Name
Windows 10 / Windows 11

We've had several people ask us how to change their Windows user account name.  Some of you may be stuck with a user account with a name like Owner. Unless your name is "Owner" you might want to change it to "Bill" or "Polly" - or "Skippy or whatever your name is or whatever name tickles your fancy.

It's not hard to do... so if you want to change your Windows user account name, here's how.

1. Type NETPLWIZ in the taskbar search and press Enter when it appears in the search results.

2. Click on the account you want to change

3. Click on "Properties"

4. A dialog will open with the current username highlighted. Click Delete and type in a new name.

5. Click "Apply" then "OK".

But whoa! Keep in mind this does not change the folder locations. For instance, Pictures will still be located at C:\Users\User\Pictures and Documents will still be at C:\Users\User\Documents, etc. Changing the username does not change the user folder locations. If you try to change those locations, you risk losing data and corrupting the user account. If you really want a new user account name, create a completely new user account with the name you want and then copy all the data from all your user folders (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Videos, Music, etc.) to the user folders in your new account. But, to me, this seems like a lot of work especially if you're the only one who's ever going to see it.

All that aside, if you want to change your apparent user name, now you know how to do it.  

Using the End and Home Keys
Windows 10 and Windows 11

Darcy reminded me this morning to remind you about the End and Home keys and how handy they are and how much time they can save.  But it seems that many people don’t know they even have End and Home keys on their keyboards or how those 2 keys can save you time.

First of all, you’ll have to locate the End and Home keys on your keyboard. There are so many different keyboard layouts and the location of the Home and End keys varies between laptops and desktops and even between computer manufacturers and models.

We’re going to show you a couple of places to look. However, keyboards vary, so you may have to look closely at your keyboard to find the End and Home keys.

Here are 2 examples:

Once you find the Home and End keys on your keyboard…

The Home key takes you to the top of a web page or document; the End key takes you to the bottom of a web page or document.  In some programs, you will need to use CTRL+Home and CTRL+End to move to the top or bottom of a document. Some laptop keyboards require you to use the fn key + CTRL + Home or fn key + CTRL+ End key to access the Home and End keys.

Anyway, using the Home and End keys (or CTRL+Home and CTRL+End) saves you time by taking you directly to the top or the bottom (or the end) of a webpage or document instantly.

If you want to get to the top or bottom of a page or document quickly, this is a little trick you won’t forget.  

Why You Need More Than One Email Account
Anyone who uses email

And Why At Least One of Them Should Be a Webmail Account

We have been fortunate to have worked with many people helping them with their computers – whether it be a quick checkup, optimization and cleanup, computer repairs, both simple and complex, or helping them remove malicious browser extensions and malware. Over the last few months, we’ve noticed that a substantial number of people still rely solely on the email account provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Those of you who use email addresses that end in @att.net, @charter.net, @cox.net, @twc.com, @rr.com, @comcast.net, @bellsouth.net, etc. are using ISP email addresses.

EVERYONE should have at least one alternate email address

Email has become an essential part of our lives, and having a single email account is no longer enough. There are many reasons why everyone should have more than one email account, with one of them being a webmail account.

A webmail account is an email account that you access through a web browser, such as Gmail, Hotmail, Outlook.com, et. al. Most webmail accounts are free. We’re here to tell you that having at least one webmail account is essential.

One of the most significant advantages of a webmail account is that you can access it from any device with an internet connection. This means that you can check your emails on your desktop, all-in-one, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, making it easy to stay connected while on the go.

Another reason why having a webmail account is important is that it offers more storage space. With a webmail account, you can store your emails in the cloud, freeing up space on your device. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple devices and want to access your emails from all of them.

Webmail accounts come with more features than traditional email accounts. For example, Gmail provides superior and accurate spam filtering. You’ll find that most webmail providers offer features such as advanced spam filtering, automatic sorting, and integration with other applications, making it easier to manage your emails.

Webmail allows you to control your email, rather than allowing your ISP to delete and censor email based on whatever criteria they decide to use to filter junk mail and to censor/delete mail based on rules only they know. Once an ISP decides to block or censor an email you lose control. With a webmail account, some emails may go into your spam folder, but you can move email from the spam folder to the inbox by marking it as “not spam” or “not junk” and you – not your ISP – control your email. Unlike ISP email services with arcane censorship and incomprehensible mail blocking, webmail does not block or delete emails based on arcane rules.

And the most important reason is that webmail frees you from your ISP. If you’re using, let’s say, Comcast (Xfinity) all your mail depends on you using Comcast as your ISP. If you want to switch ISPs, you cannot take your Comcast (or other ISP) email address with you. But with a webmail account, you have access to your email and all you need is an internet connection; you’re not bound to your ISP with the “email tether”. And if you get a new computer and you have a webmail account, your email comes with you to your new computer, new smartphone, or new tablet.

And even if you plan to stick with your ISP forever, having more than one email account is essential. And at least one of those should be a webmail account. Whether you choose Gmail, Outlook.com/Hotmail, or Yahoo for your free webmail account(s) is up to you.

If you have just one ISP email account, we hope you’ll take our advice, sign up for a webmail account and start using it. Webmail accounts have many excellent features:

They free you from your ISP.

They allow you to get your email from any Windows device, Apple device, Android device, or Linux device including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

You can get a free Gmail account here.

You can get a free Outlook.com/Hotmail.com account here.

You can get a free Yahoo.com account here.  

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

We have thousands of Windows tips, tricks, and more on our InfoAve website.

Subscribe to our free InfoAve Daily newsletter.

Buy One Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Key and GET ONE FREE!

During our Cloudeight CyberWeek Sale, when you buy a Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair key, we'll give you one FREE. That's right! From now through Sunday, December 11, 2022, when you buy one Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair key for $50, we'll give you a second one free!.

With our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care service, we connect directly to your computer via the Internet to fix your computer problems, remove viruses or malware, optimize your PC and more. You never have to leave your home or leave your computer with a stranger. You'll be invited to watch us while we fix your Windows computer. And, we can fix your computer regardless of where you live. Our Cloudeight Direct Service is available worldwide. We offer world-class computer care services from the company you trust.

Take advantage of our CyberWeek Buy One Get One free special NOW!

Offer is valid through Sunday, December 8, 2024  

Our Cyberweek sale is going on now. You'll save on some of our most popular products and services!

Don't miss out! Our Cyberweek sale only comes once a year...

Visit our Cyberweek Sale Home Page right now and save!

Cyberweek sale prices are good through December 8, 2023. 

Some Basic Computer Terms Defined

1. CPU

CPU means ‘Central Processing Unit’. More commonly known as "the processor, a CPU is not a desktop tower... a CPU is the brain of your computer.

2. Hardware

Hardware means all the physical parts of a computer system. It includes the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and the computer or laptop case itself. Other connected hardware devices such as printers are generally referred to as peripherals.

3. RAM

RAM stands for “Random (or Ready) Access Memory". RAM chips are installed in slots on the computer's motherboard. RAM acts like a notebook on which information is stored temporarily. "Random access” means that memory locations in RAM are accessible in any order. Think of RAM as your computer's short-term memory because that's what it is.

4. HDD and SSD

HDD means Hard Disk Drive. These are the venerable old platters that have been around for years. They were invented by IBM in 1956. Although they have greatly evolved over the years, they still work as they always did. They are mechanical. They have moving parts - the disks or platters which spin around up to 7200 times a minute and are paired with magnetic heads, arranged on a moving actuator arm, which reads and writes data to the platter surfaces.

SSD means Solid State Drive. An SSD has no moving parts. It uses NAND... think of a flash drive. If you're seriously interested in NAND, here's some technical information from Wikipedia...

"... NAND flash... uses floating-gate transistors, but they are connected in a way that resembles a NAND gate: several transistors are connected in series, and the bit line is pulled low only if all the word lines are pulled high (above the transistors' VT). These groups are then connected via some additional transistors to a NOR-style bit line array in the same way that single transistors are linked in NOR flash..."

Now, do you see why we simplified and said, "no moving parts... like a flash drive"?

Sales of the following products and services help support our newsletters, websites, and free computer help services we provide.

Cloudeight Direct Computer Care: Single Keys, SeniorPass, or Season Tickets - always a great deal. Cloudeight Direct Computer Care is like having PC insurance. Get more information here.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware:  Emsisoft is the only Cloudeight-endorsed and recommended Windows security program. It provides users with a complete antivirus, antimalware, anti-ransomware, and anti-PUPs solution. We offer single Emsisoft licenses and multi-computer licenses at discount prices. Also, we offer our exclusive Emsisoft with Cloudeight installation & setup. Get more information here.

Reg Organizer: Reg Organizer is the Swiss Army Knife of Windows tools. It's far more than just a registry optimizer and cleaner... it's a Windows all-in-one toolkit. Reg Organizer helps you keep your computer in tip-top shape and helps you solve annoying Windows problems. Reg Organizer works great with Windows 10 and Windows 11! Get more information about Reg Organizer (and get our special discount prices) here.

MORE IMPORTANT STUFF!

Your InfoAve Weekly Members' Home Page is located here.

Print our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Flyer and spread the word about our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair services.  Get our ready-to-print flyer here.

Help us Grow! Forward this email newsletter to a friend or family member - and have them sign up for InfoAve Weekly here!

Get our free daily newsletter! Each evening we send a short newsletter with a tip or trick or a computer-related article - it's short and sweet - and free. Sign up right now.

We have thousands of Windows tips and tricks and computer articles posted on our Cloudeight InfoAve website. Our site has a great search engine to help you find what you're looking for too! Please visit us today!

Help us by using our Start Page.  It costs nothing, and it helps us a lot.

Print our Cloudeight Direct Flyer and spread the word about our computer repair service! If you want to help us by telling your friends about our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care service, you can download a printable flyer you can hand out or post on bulletin boards, etc. Get the printable PDF Cloudeight Direct Computer Care flyer here.

We'd love to hear from you!

If you have comments, questions, a tip, a trick, a freeware pick, or just want to tell us off for something, let us know.

If you need to change your newsletter subscription address, please see "Manage your subscription" at the very bottom of your newsletter.

We received hundreds of questions for possible use in IA news. Please keep in mind we cannot answer all general computer questions. We try to personally answer as many as we can. We can only use a few in each week's newsletter, so keep this in mind. If you have a support question about a service or product we sell, please contact us here.

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter! Get computer tips & tricks every night. Our daily newsletter features a computer tip/trick or two every day. We send it out every night around 9 PM Eastern Time (USA). It's short and sweet, easy to read, and FREE. Subscribe to our Cloudeight InfoAve Daily Newsletter!



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

To all our friends in the USA, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend!

And to our friends in other countries around the world, have a great weekend... be safe!

Darcy & TC
Issue #1103 - November 29, 2024

Not a subscriber? Subscribe to our FREE Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly Newsletter here.



"Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly" newsletter is published by:

Cloudeight Internet LLC
PO Box 73
Middleville, Michigan USA 49333-0073

Read our disclaimer about the tips, tricks, answers, site picks, and freeware picks featured in this newsletter.

Copyright ©2024 by Cloudeight Internet