Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly
Issue #1129
Volume 22, Number 32
May 30, 2025
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THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!
When you support us with a small gift, you help us continue our mission
to keep you informed, separate the truth from the hyperbole, and help
you stay safer online. Plus, our computer tips make your computer easier
to use.
Did you know that we provide support to thousands of people? Every week,
we help dozens of people via email at no charge. The questions and
answers you see in our newsletters are from the email answers and help
we provide to everyone free of charge.
Thanks to your gifts, we do a lot more than provide this free newsletter. We help you recognize online threats, fight for your online privacy, provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the Web safely, provide you with suggestions for safe, free software and websites, and help you get more out of your PC.
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Sharon wants to organize her photos
I want an easy program to organize
photos into albums. Is photos part of
OneDrive?... Thanks, as always, for your
help. Sharon.
Our answer
Hi Sharon. OneDrive backs up the photos on your computer but does not
organize them.
Is there any replacement for online QuickBooks? I would need a desktop program that will let me import all my data from the paid online QuickBooks I now use, but can no longer afford to pay for. Thank you.
Our answer
Hi Mildred. Most of the free accounting software that
might replace QuickBooks won't directly import data from
QuickBooks and will require some manual conversion. The only one
that I can find that offers some QuickBooks import functionality
is GnuCash.
Should I have 'Memory Integrity' on or off? And why? I think I turned it off a long time ago, but I don't remember why. I just now got a message 'suggesting' I turn it back on--which I did (for now).
Not being able to turn on Memory integrity usually happens when you have incompatible drivers on your PC and the only solution to get “core isolation ” back will be to remove the incompatible drivers, before you do so, please keep in mind that removing a driver means, that the device which is associated with the driver will not work, so either accept the risk and ignore the Core isolation Memory Integrity not available error or give it a try. On one of my computers (Windows 11) I am unable to turn on Core isolation/Memory integrity. But everything on my computer is running fine so I’m not going to mess with deleting drivers just to turn on Memory integrity.
Keep in mind that Windows 10 had the same settings options, and Core isolation/memory integrity was turned off by default. So, since Microsoft is supporting Windows 10 until 10/14/2025 and since there are tens of millions of Windows 10 users, Microsoft may be (again) blathering.
As I said, my settings are the same as yours, and I’m just going to leave them alone.
We hope this helps you – or at least gives you some peace of mind, Dianne.
Sandie is having problems with Windows File History
Good morning, TC. I'm running Windows 10. And I was backing up File History to "My Passport Ultra 1 TB external hard drive. I have a few backups that worked earlier, but suddenly it tries and then stops. I've had a few messages telling me to connect to my external, but when I check it the PC lists it, and in priorities it says the drive is connected and healthy.
Our answer
Hi Sandie. We're no longer recommending File History or any free backup apps. 'File History is notable for being susceptible to failure if the backup drive is disconnected. Unfortunately, free backup software often fails to provide reliable backups, and that's why we are both using OneDrive to back up our computers. It's not free, but it is extremely reliable. It makes it a snap to recover your files if something happens to your computer. And it makes it easy to copy your files to a second computer or a new computer seamlessly.
We can fix your Windows computer... check out our low prices here!
Hi. Hope you’re enjoying the spring weather. My question pertains to Emsisoft and the end of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. My Emsisoft is due for renewal on Oct. 23. Should I renew Emsisoft before Oct. 14 and then contact Microsoft or Opatch for the paid version to have support for another year, or wait until after I renew Emsisoft? Or should I pay, say late September or early October, then renew Emsisoft? I’m confused. Lol! I don’t want Windows 11 on a new computer. I’m 86 and don’t want to buy or have to learn a whole new operating system. A friend told me that for $1,000 or more, he could get me a new computer and transfer all my files, contacts, etc. over to a new computer. Seems like a lot! What should I do? Firstly, I’m agreeable to $30 and one more year.
Our answer
Hi Nora. First, $1000 is a lot for a new computer, even including moving files from your old computer to your new computer. You can buy a new computer with 12GB of RAM, a 500 GB SSD, and a decent processor for less than $500. And you can buy an MS 365 subscription for $99.99 a year. If you do, you'll get OneDrive on both computers. If you bought a new computer and signed into your OneDrive account, then all your user folders and files will automatically be viewable and usable on your new computer.
Hi Darcy & TC. I am having a problem with downloading the latest updates. I have a message that says my device is missing important updates. When I go to the Windows update site and try to download the two that they say are missing, nothing happens. The two are KB5055523 & KB5054979. My option for getting the latest updates is "on," and I have not had any trouble before. I have the latest 24H2 version. What to do? As always, I value your sound advice. Many thanks, Rona.
Our answer
Hi Rona. Thanks! You can download the missing updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. The links follow:
Have you heard of a program called Crap Fixer? If so, what is your opinion of it?
Now available: Reg Organizer 9.40
If you purchased or renewed Reg Organizer through Cloudeight within the
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Reg
Organizer - A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Tools - Works Great on Windows
10 and Windows 11.
How to Remove Old System Restore Points
Windows 10 / Windows 11
System Restore points, Volume Shadow Copies, and other old Windows files can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. You can use Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recent Restore Point, Volume Shadow Copies, and more.
You should only do this cleanup operation if your computer is running well and you’re having no problems. If you are having problems, you may not want to clear all old restore points, as you may have to go back to an earlier restore point.
Restore points take up a lot of disk space and for most users, it does not make sense to keep more than two or three restore points.
Here’s how to remove old system restore points in Windows 10 or 11:
- Type CLEANMGR in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see Disk Cleanup appear in the search results.
- When Disk Cleanup opens, choose a drive letter (normally this will be drive C:\) from the drop-down list and press OK.
- Disk Cleanup will determine how much space it can free up. Once
that is done, click on the “Clean up system files” button.
- Again, select the drive you want to clean up. Windows will again scan the drive you choose. This operation may take some time.
- Click on the “More Options” tab at the top of the dialog that opens.
- Under the section “System Restore and Shadow Copies,” click on the “Clean up…” button.
- Click on the “Delete” button when Windows asks whether you are
sure you want to delete all but the most recent restore point.
- Disk Cleanup will erase all old restore points or files except for the most recent one.
All About the Mysterious Puzzle Piece in Your Browser’s Toolbar
Windows 10 / Windows 11 (Chrome, Edge, and Firefox)
Whether you use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another browser, you have probably noticed that little puzzle piece in your browser’s toolbar. \
Above: Puzzle Piece Icon in Edge.
Above: Puzzle Piece Icon in Firefox.
Above: Puzzle Piece Icon in Chrome.
Ever wonder why that icon for your browser extensions is a jigsaw puzzle piece? It’s a clever visual that captures what extensions do. They add extra functionality, fitting seamlessly into your browser, just like a piece fits to complete a puzzle.
Your browser is already useful for surfing the web. But just like a puzzle with missing pieces, it might not do everything you want right out of the box. That’s where extensions come in.
These small software programs are designed to extend your browser’s capabilities. They plug in and offer new features, tweak how things look, or automate tasks. Whether it’s blocking annoying ads, saving articles to read later, checking your grammar as you type, or managing all your passwords securely, extensions add pieces to your browser’s functionality to make it work better for you.
The puzzle piece icon has become a quick and universal way to identify where you can manage these added features. Clicking it usually opens a menu where you can see all the extensions you’ve installed, manage their settings, and quickly enable or disable them.
So, the next time you see that little puzzle piece, remember it’s more than just a random shape. It’s a symbol of how you can customize and enhance your web browser, piece by piece, to create the perfect online toolkit for your needs.
The puzzle piece quickly opens your extensions menu, where you can manage them or even enable or disable them.
Reinstall Windows 11 without Losing Anything
Windows 11
This tip has been updated for newer versions of Windows 11
Did you know you can use Windows Update to reinstall Windows 11 to fix PC problems without losing anything? It’s true. Using Windows Update to reinstall Windows 11 allows you to keep everything — all of your apps, programs, files, and settings will be preserved.
Windows Update can help fix problems with your PC. It is a recovery tool that can help fix computer problems and resolve update-related issues. Using this tool will reinstall the current version of Windows 11 on your computer. This tool preserves all your apps, programs, files, documents, and settings.
Before you begin, ensure your PC is connected to a power source and a stable internet connection.
How to use Windows Update to Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Anything
1> Open Settings (Windows key + i )
2> Click on Windows Update.
3> Click on Advanced options
4> Under “Additional options”, click on “Recovery”
5> Next to “Fix problems using Windows Update,” click “Reinstall now.”
After you click “Reinstall now”, you’ll see the following prompt. Make sure you stay connected to the internet and a power source during the Windows 11 reinstallation process.
After you’ve read the information in the dialog, click “OK” to start the Windows reinstallation process.
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.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US!
When you support us with a small gift, you help us continue our mission
to keep you informed, separate the truth from the hyperbole, and help
you stay safer online. Plus, our computer tips make your computer easier
to use.
Did you know that we provide support to thousands of people? Every week,
we help dozens of people via email at no charge. The questions and
answers you see in our newsletters are from the email answers and help
we provide to everyone free of charge.
Thanks to your gifts, we do a lot more than provide this free newsletter. We help you recognize online threats, fight for your online privacy, provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the Web safely, provide you with suggestions for safe, free software and websites, and help you get more out of your PC.
Please help us keep up the good fight with a small gift.
Interested in making an automatic monthly gift? Visit this page. Help us keep helping you... and help us keep you safe on the Web
Report and Fight Scams Using the BBB Scam Tracker
The Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Scam Tracker is a free online resource that empowers consumers to fight fraud. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses:
With over 70,000 scam reports in 2024 alone, Scam Tracker offers a large database of real-world experiences to learn from. Users can search by scam type, keywords, phone numbers, or email addresses.
Scam Tracker is easy to use. It allows users to search for scams or submit their scam reports quickly.
The Better Business Bureau works with law enforcement and other organizations to share scam data. This collaboration helps track trends and potentially shut down fraudulent operations. Scam Tracker also features educational resources to help users identify and avoid scams.
Here’s some information from the BBB Scam Tracker website:
How BBB Scam Tracker Works
Submit a Report
Submit a report using our guided ‘Report a Scam’ form.
BBB’s Internal Review
Our team of investigators will audit the information and reach out to you if we need additional information.
Report Published
Once the information is verified, your report will be published on the website. You will be notified if your report should be submitted as a business complaint.
Share with Partners
We will share your report with federal, state, and provincial agencies, and law enforcement to help shut down scammers.
Scam Tracker is a powerful anti-scam resource, but it, by itself, cannot prevent you from being a scam victim. The accuracy of information depends on the quality of user reports. Scammers may submit false reports to confuse users. Also, new or less common scams might not be present in the database. Despite a few minor weaknesses, BBB’s Scam Tracker is a valuable resource for everyone. It’s a powerful tool you can use in the fight against fraud.
And while Scam Tracker is a great resource, we recommend you combine it with other anti-fraud measures like secure browsing practices, staying informed, and being wary. You can significantly increase your chances of avoiding scams by using BBB’s Scam Tracker along with other resources and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Take a look at BBB Scam Tracker right now – don’t forget to bookmark it and add it to your anti-scam toolbox!
If I Could Save Time in a Bottle
“If I could save time in a bottle
The first thing that I’d like to do
Is to save every day till eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you…” (Jim Croce)
The other day, my youngest son sent me a picture of my granddaughter taking a hike with him on a beautiful woodland hiking trail. Anyone who saw the smile on her face could tell that she was having a great time stomping around in the woods with her dad. Memories are being made that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Looking at that picture, I had this unrequited yearning. It seems like a million years ago, and it seems like yesterday when my son and I took hikes every Sunday, during the autumn and winter, in the forests near our home.
If I could save time in a bottle…
When this kind of yearning wells up inside, I can’t wish it away, I can’t turn a blind eye to it, I can’t pretend it’s nothing. This yearning is a bittersweet feeling, but it is also a feeling of helplessness. I can’t go back. You can’t save those moments. I can’t put those times in a bottle and save them up for the future. You cannot relive those times again. I can never be what I once was.
So many days I’ve spent doing things with my two boys, from coaching baseball, to attending school plays, watching football, and sharing a pizza, hiking in a brightly colored forest on a crisp, cool, clear October day...
Read the rest of this essay here.
What is the Run Command?
Sometimes I'll be helping EB with something, and she'll ask me to get something. So I do. But I never move fast enough for her. She'll say, "RUN...don't walk!" And that is called the run command.
No! No! No! Windows Run Command is a command line where you can enter specific commands, thereby impressing your friends and avoiding shortcuts and icons. You can look cool if you press Windows Key + R and type IEXPLORE.EXE, and Internet Explorer magically opens. Why your friends will think you've gone geeky! Amaze them even more by typing CALC and hearing them gasp in amazement when the Windows calculator opens. Or dazzle them by typing in NOTEPAD and watch their eyes bulge as Notepad mysteriously appears on your screen. Or type services.msc and press Enter, and they'll genuflect as Windows Services opens with a vast array of arcane things.
It can be used for serious stuff too, like CLEANMGR (Disk Cleanup), or MSPAINT, or MSINFO32.
In short, the Run Command allows you to, er, um. Ah, run commands! Glory be!
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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.
Have a great weekend. Be safe!
Darcy & TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - Issue #1129
Volume 22, Number 32
May 30, 2025
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