Eric's Gmail folders disappeared
Hi TC and EB. I have had something happen with my computer that I do not understand.
On January 1st, I switched on my computer and opened my main Google Email account. There I discovered something that has me completely baffled.  Almost every saved email in each of my folders had been deleted!  The only messages that remained were held within three of the folders, though why only those three I have no idea. Quite a few of these folders held very important dates for future events, such as meetings and Zoom sessions. I certainly did not delete anything before this date, and I am the only person using this computer, so I can't blame anyone else. And this has happened to only one of my Gmail accounts.  The others are unaffected. I've accepted the fact that everything is gone, but not knowing why is confusing. Would you by chance know of anything that may have caused this event? Thank you for your help.

Our answer
Hi Eric. I would guess your folders are not deleted, they're just hidden. Try this:

At the top-left of the Gmail account with the missing folders, click the 3 horizontal dots, as shown below:

 

 

To see even more folders...click the down arrow next to "More" (as below).

 

 

I hope this helps you find your missing folders, Eric. 

Gus wants to put "My Computer" (This PC) on his desktop
In the past, I have had the computer on my desktop but now I don't know how to get it

 

Our answer

Hi Gus.  I am guessing you're asking how to put "My Computer" now "This PC" on your laptop's desktop.

 

"My computer" /  "Computer" is called "This PC" on Windows 10 and 11. Here are instructions on how to add "This PC" (Computer) to your desktop for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

 

It's easy to add the "This PC" icon to your desktop in Windows 11. Here's how:

 

1. Right-click on the Windows Start button. Select "Settings."

 

2. In the Settings window, click on "Personalization" in the left sidebar.  

 

3. In the Personalization settings, click on "Themes."

 

4. Scroll down in the Themes settings until you find "Desktop icon settings" under the "Related settings" section. Click on it.  

 

5. In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window, you'll see a list of icons.  Check the box next to "Computer" (This PC).

 

6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

 

That's it! The "This PC" (Computer) icon should now appear on your desktop.

 

If you're using Windows 10:

 

The process for putting "This PC" on your desktop in Windows 10 is very similar to Windows 11:

 

1. Right-click the Start button and click on Settings

 

2. Go to Personalization: In the Settings window, click on Personalization.

 

3. Select Themes:  In the left-hand menu of the Personalization window, click on Themes.

 

4. Find Desktop icon settings:  On the right side of the Themes window, under the "Related Settings" section, click on Desktop icon settings.

 

5. Check the "Computer" Box: In the "Desktop Icon Settings" window that pops up, you'll see a list of icons. Check the box next to "Computer".

 

6. Click Apply / OK to save your changes.

 

That's it! "This PC" (which was called "My Computer" in older versions of Windows) should now be on your desktop.

Daniel asks us about X-tra PC
Hi Darcy & TC.  First I'd like to say how appreciative I am for all the help you've given me over the years it's been so much appreciated and all the help that you've given so many other people as well. My question is, have you heard of this PC fixer thing it's called extra PC? A little summary of it says, It’s called Xtra-PC and if you have an old, slow computer, it’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Xtra-PC is a small thumb drive you simply plug into your computer’s USB port and it instantly bypasses your existing operating system and loads a feature-rich Linux OS – making your old computer run like new. It turns your computer's operating system into Linux. I'm wondering what you think about this. Be well. ---Daniel---

 

Our answer
Hi Daniel. X-tra PC makes so many misleading claims it borders on being scammy. The way it's advertised makes you think you can just plug it into an old computer and instantly make it run like new.

The truth is that the X-tra PC is a USB drive advertised as a way to significantly speed up older computers. The X-tra PC contains a version of the Linux operating system. Most Linux versions (distros) are free. You can make a Linux USB flash drive for a few dollars (the cost of an 8 GB Flash drive). You can boot into Linux from that drive and make an old computer faster, but you won't be running Windows, you'll be running Linux.

Not totally a scam because it can provide a basic computing experience on an old computer but the advertising makes it sound like you just plug it in and your Windows computer will be fast again. Not exactly true... the computer will be running Linux, not Windows, so it won't be suitable for everyone. Some users will find the interface unfamiliar and will have compatibility issues with software printers and other peripherals.

If you're interested in running Linux on an old computer it's very easy to create a bootable Linux USB flash drive for a lot less than the $79.95 they charge you for X-tra PC. Many Linux versions are free. Here are the instructions to make a bootable USB running the Mint version of Linux that you can run on an old Windows machine. Linux Mint is free. You can buy an 8GB USB flash drive for $5.

So, to summarize, X-Tra PC makes it sound like you can plug it into your old Windows computer and make it as fast as a new computer. But read the fine print... you won't be running Windows. But Linux distros (versions) indeed come with a browser, an email program, a free photo editor/viewer, and free office-like programs that are made to run on Linux - whether this is considered "feature-rich" in the eye of the. But what they don't tell you is that your printer and other peripherals may not work at least not "out of the box".

My advice, if you want to run Linux on an old computer, buy a $5 USB stick and create a bootable Linux USB flash drive yourself and save $70.

Hope this helps you, Daniel.

Barbara wants to wipe her hard drive

I think in the past you suggested programs like DBAN and others to wipe a hard drive. Now I see that you suggest Windows 10 reset to do this. Does one or the other do a better job of wiping the hard drive so that nothing can be retrieved later by anyone? Thanks for all that you do to help people with computer problems and questions. I have relied on your advice since 1998 when I got my first computer and am now learning about Windows 11 from you. I also used your stationery in the beginning and enjoyed it very much. It has been quite a journey made much easier because of your help.

Our answer

Hi Barbara. First thanks for your kind words and long-time friendship & support!

 

Windows 10 Reset, when used to remove everything and clean (wipe) the hard drive does as good of a job of making files irrecoverable as 3rd-party tools, plus it reinstalls the operating system so the computer is usable.

 

Windows 10 Reset has several different options, one of them is to remove everything and then wipe the hard drive, and then reinstall Windows. That whole process can take several hours, This is the option you should choose if you want to be 100% sure no one can recover anything from your hard drive even if someone is using forensic recovery tools. If you're just giving the computer to a friend or relative this might be overkill as simply resetting Windows and removing everything (but not wiping the hard drive) would be sufficient.

 

Here's our tutorial on resetting Windows, removing everything and wiping the drive (clean the drive as Microsoft calls it).

 

We hope this helps you, Barbara.

We've helped hundreds and hundreds of you with your computers since we started our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service! If you're having computer problems - we CAN help you!

We all know that sooner or later our computers are going to start having problems. We can help you with any computer need -- from diagnosing and fixing Windows problems - to cleaning up your computer and optimizing it -- and more. We can do almost anything you need done and we guarantee our work - you're either satisfied or we'll refund your money.

We connect to your computer and fix it while you watch

We will connect to your computer via the Internet and fix any problems you may be having. You can watch us work and chat with us while we do. If you have any computer questions you'd like to ask we'll be glad to answer them for you.  We don't just fix your computer, we explain what we're doing and why we're doing it and we are right there with the entire time. Since we've started we've helped hundreds of you with your computer problems and we've received dozens of referrals and testimonials from our readers and customers.

We offer many other computer services too! If you have a problem with your computer - we can fix it!

Get more information about Cloudeight Direct Computer Care and / or get your repair keys here.

Sharon wants our guide to buying a new computer
I know you've posted what to look for when purchasing a good laptop and I saved it but now I can't find it. If it's not asking too much, would you mind sharing this info again? Thank you.

Our answer

Hi Sharon. I just updated our computer shopping guide today (1/18/25).  In our computer shopping guide, we discuss what to look for in a new computer/laptop and list 3 excellent computers you can buy for less than $500.

 

You can read our computer shopping guide here.

 

Hope this helps you, Sharon.

Judy wants to know the right way to uninstall McAfee

Thanks, Darcy! You guys are so valuable.... make everything easy for us tech-challenged people! I can't believe my good fortune finding you all those years ago when you first started! 

One more thing. This new laptop of his came with McAfee. How can I uninstall all its fragments? What would be the best way? Thanks! 

Our answer

Hi Judy. Thanks so much!

 

To remove McAfee completely, you need to download the McAfee Removal Tool (MCPR). It's free and you can download it from Major Geeks here.

 

You don't install it, just download and run it. It takes a while (about minutes or so) to completely remove McAfee then all you have to do is restart your PC and McAfee is gone and then you can install Emsisoft.

 

Hope this helps you.

Now available: Reg Organizer 9.40

If you purchased or renewed Reg Organizer through Cloudeight within the last 12 months, you're entitled to a free version upgrade to Reg Organizer 9.31. Works great with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!

Reg Organizer - A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Tools - Works Great on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Our Top Ten Windows 10 & Windows 11 Windows Key Shortcuts
Windows 10 and Windows 11

Everyone uses their computers in different ways. We’re shortcut fans; anything that saves time is welcome. If you’re not using Windows Key shortcuts you’re missing out. Windows Key shortcuts can save you time, but only if you use them.

We put our heads together this morning to come up with a list of what we think are the ten most valuable and useful Windows Key shortcuts. These are the Windows Key shortcuts we use most often, and we hope you find these shortcuts useful too!

Using Windows Key shortcuts is a great way to save time. Do you use Windows Key shortcuts as much as we do? 

Installing the Windows 11 24H2 Update: Darcy’s Experience
Windows 10 / Windows 11

Last week, Darcy updated her Microsoft Surface Pro to Windows 11 24H2 with 16 GB of RAM and 500 Mbps internet speed. After 45 minutes the update was incomplete and the screen displayed the typical message “Updating… do not turn off your computer”. Normally, her updates take less than fifteen minutes.

After 45 minutes, in frustration, Darcy turned off her computer, waited, and turned it back on. When her computer restarted. the “Updating… do not turn off your computer” message was displayed on the screen. She messaged me and I called her and told her I’ve heard of cases where the upgrade took two hours, so be patient, I’m sure it will update.

Patience paid off. About an hour and 10 minutes after the 24H2 update started installing, the update was completed successfully, and now Darcy is running Windows 11 24H2.

We’re telling you this so you know that the Windows 11 24H2 update that is now rolling out to all Windows users is a major update. It can take over an hour, in some cases even two hours. The best thing you can do when updating to Windows 11 24H2 is not sit there and watch the computer screen—just walk away and let it update. A watched pot never boils, you know.

We hope this little bit of advice will help those who have yet to update to Windows 11 24H2, relax and not worry. Things will work out just fine.

How to Use the CTRL+O Shortcut in Your Favorite Browser
Windows 10 / Windows 11

The CTRL+O (that’s the letter O) shortcut is a little-known shortcut that allows you to quickly and easily open local files directly within your web browser.

Here’s how to use the CTRL+O shortcut in most web browsers:

Open your web browser: Launch your favorite browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge).

Press CTRL+O: Simultaneously press the “Ctrl” key and the “O” key on your keyboard.

A file explorer window will appear.

Select the file and click “Open.”  The selected file will be opened within your web browser. The way the file is displayed will depend on the file type. For example:

HTML and CSS files will be displayed as web pages.

PDF files will be displayed as PDFs

Images will be displayed directly in the browser window. Web browsers can most popular image file types including GIF, JPG, WebP,  and PNG.

You can’t open all file types with your browser. While many file types can be opened, some cannot, and others may require specific browser extensions or plugins for proper viewing or interaction.

The CTRL+O shortcut works with all major web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, and Safari.

We just wanted you to know about the CTRL+O shortcut. Try it! You might find it useful. We use it almost every day.