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Rhonda's keyboard does not have a Caps Lock indicator
My keyboard does not have a caps lock indicator. Some time ago I had an app that sat in the system tray and indicated the status of the caps and Num lock. It has disappeared and I can't remember what it was called. Do you know a safe app for a visual caps lock indicator?

I do like your newsletter and your useful information. Thanks, Rhonda

Our answer
Hi Rhonda. I spent some time looking around for something that would do what you need it to do. I found one and tested it on my laptop -even though I have a Caps lock indicator. The program worked well and you don't even have to install it - just click to run it. It will alert you when the Caps lock key is on as well as NumLock and Scroll Lock keys are on. You can also configure it just to show when Caps Lock is on and nothing else if that's how you want to configure it.

The program is called Caps Lock Indicator and you can read more about it and/or download it here.

We hope this works for you.

MaryLee has a problem with Microsoft Edge
I've been having trouble updating Edge. I was just going to search Cloudeight for instructions on this and found your article about running SFC and DISM. So I followed instructions; it took about half an hour to get to 8%. Three hours later, it's stuck at 8%. I think I'll have to use my Repair Key, which I purchased when you first made them available.

Our answer
Hi MaryLee. You don't have to use a repair key to fix Edge. All you need to do is reset it.

See this page to learn how to reset Microsoft Edge.

Once you do that, close and reopen Edge. Then type (or copy/paste) this into the Edge address bar...

edge://settings/help

It will tell you if your Edge browser is up to date and if not, give you the option to update it.

DISM/SFC scans are for finding and fixing or replacing Windows system files. If the scans stop when running them, you might want to close all open programs before running them again.

We hope this helps you. MaryLee.

Marilyn fell for a tech support scam
I have been using Emsisoft for years. I thought that it was a Malware and Antivirus protector. Recently, my computer was invaded by a Trojan, and Emsisoft never caught it or apparently knew anything about it. Do they not cover that type of malware? I had to go through Microsoft to have it removed and install SAFESYS Innovations.

Our answer
Hi Marilyn. I'm sorry to say that you were scammed. Microsoft does not install software or fix personal computers. Emsisoft protects users from all malware, including Trojans. You were victimized by a tech support scam.

A lot of reports on platforms like Reddit and HP Community forums link "Safesys Innovations LLC" to instances where users were billed for services, had software like "Ultraviewer" installed, and were subjected to pop-up notifications for fake viruses. This is a classic pattern of tech support scams, where scammers pretend to be legitimate tech support, gain remote access to computers, and then pressure users into paying for unnecessary or fraudulent services.

Make sure you call your credit/debit card company or bank and tell them you were scammed so you can try to recover any money you paid the scammers.

I'm sorry this happened to you.

Cheryl wants to know how to switch back to using a password or PIN in Windows 10
Hello my computer guru friends, hope all is well with you and your families. In Issue #962, the question, "Sandi doesn't want to use a password".

Well, I can't remember (nor could I find the instructions on the home page), how to make sure I am asked for my Microsoft sign-in on my Windows 10 computer. Would you please be kind enough to share the instructions with me so I can reset my sign-in option? Thank you kindly, Cheryl L.

Our answer
Hi Cheryl. Thanks so much.

Press the Windows key + R. In the run box type NETPLWIZ and press Enter.

Select the account you want to change.

Tick the box next to "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer".

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Whether or not the account has a password or not, click the "Reset password" button and enter a password.

Click Apply/OK.

After you do this, if you would rather use a PIN than a password, type SIGN-IN OPTIONS in the taskbar search press Enter. Then select the PIN option. You can make a simple 4-digit PIN there.

We hope this helps you, Cheryl.

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 setting up a wireless network for you - to safeguarding by creating an image-based backup (the only kind that really works when you really need it to work) - 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.

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

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Debbie is having problems importing bookmarks
I just ran into a problem that I can't figure out. I'm trying to copy my sister's bookmarks from Google Chrome to transfer to her new computer. When I try to save them, they are saved into an HTML file that can only be opened in Edge. Is there anything that will stop them from going to an HTML file?

Our answer

Hi Debbie. HTML is the language of all websites and web pages. All browsers can open HTML files. I am guessing your sister is using Google Chrome, so here are the instructions for importing bookmarks from an HTML Importing bookmarks from an HTML file into Google Chrome is a straightforward process. This is particularly useful if you've exported bookmarks from another browser, or if you have a backup HTML file of your Chrome bookmarks.

Here's how to do it:

Open Google Chrome.

Access the Bookmark Manager:

Click the three vertical dots (More options) in the top-right corner of the Chrome window.

Hover your mouse over "Bookmarks and lists" (or just "Bookmarks").

Click on "Bookmark manager" from the sub-menu.

Alternatively, you can directly type chrome://bookmarks/ into your Chrome address bar and press Enter.

Initiate the Import:

In the Bookmark Manager, look for another three vertical dots icon near the top-right, usually next to the "Search bookmarks" bar.

Click on this three vertical dots icon.

From the dropdown menu, select "Import bookmarks".

Select Your HTML File:

A file explorer window will open. Navigate to the location on your computer where your HTML bookmark file is saved.

Select the .html file that contains your bookmarks.

Click "Open".

Confirmation and Location:

Chrome will import your bookmarks. You might see a quick confirmation message.

Where do they go?

If you didn't have any bookmarks in Chrome previously, the imported bookmarks will usually appear directly in your main bookmarks bar.

If you already had bookmarks in Chrome, the imported bookmarks will typically be placed in a new folder named "Imported" (or sometimes "Imported From [Browser Name]", though for a generic HTML file, "Imported" is common) within your "Other bookmarks" folder. You can then drag and drop them from there into your main bookmarks bar or other folders as you wish.

That's it! Your bookmarks from the HTML file should now be available in your Chrome browser.

Hope this helps you, Debbie!

Terry gets Blue Screens and wants to send his Event Logs to Microsoft
How can I send Microsoft an event log? Maybe you can give a site where to upload a log to get answers. While using MS Solitaire and Causal Games I get a BSOD and the PC restarts and all is OK If you want the Event Log I can send it. I need answers before I do a clean reinstall of Windows.

Our answer
Hi Terry. We seldom use Event Logs. They're not reliable, they're sometimes incomprehensible, and they are replete with dozens - even hundreds - of inconsequential errors,

I don't know if you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11 or if the games you're using were those that came with Windows or games you installed. There are a lot of tips going around on how to make Windows 7 games work on Windows 10 and Windows 11 that can cause big problems.

Blue Screens are not caused by games - they're caused by driver errors or corrupted operating system files. If you installed a driver updater (for instance), these types of programs can cause serious errors and blue screens. If your Windows installation has corrupt system files this could cause the problem. You can run SFC and DISM scans to find and fix Windows corruption. The procedure is the same whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11. See this page for a tutorial. Keep in mind if you're trying to run Windows 7 games on Windows 10 or Windows 11 this will prevent the games from running on Windows 10 or Windows 11 because they are not meant to run on those operating systems.

And one other thing, with Windows Reset (Windows 10/Windows 11) you rarely have to do a clean install to fix a problem. You can run a Windows Reset and reinstall a fresh copy of Windows and still keep all your personal files. See this page to learn how.

Other than my comments and suggestions above, I don't have enough information to give you a more definitive answer but I doubt the Event Logs would be helpful.

Leora uses RoboForm and she wonders if she will lose her passwords if she gets a new PC
My computer is getting old and slow. If it should decide not to start one of these days and I have to get a new one will I lose all my passwords on RoboForm? I have been using RoboForm for quite a while so I am hoping my info is saved online. Thanks! Leora.

Our answer
Hi Leora. If your computer stops working, or your computer turns into strawberry jam, or if it turns into a giraffe and runs off to join a circus, you won't lose your passwords. You can install RoboForm on your new PC and sign in with your username and master password and voila! Your passwords are all there and ready to use just like on your old PC.

As long as you remember your master password and your user name - your passwords are safe no matter what.

I hope this eases your mind, Leora.

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

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

An Easy Tip to Make Windows Easier to Use
Windows 10 / Windows 11

A Quick Quiz for You…

What is the quickest way to access all the following items in Windows?

Apps & Features/Installed apps, Mobility Center, Power Options, Event Viewer, Device Manager, Network Connections, Disk Management, Computer Management?

A. Settings
B. Control Panel
C. Start Menu
D. Hidden Start Menu
E. None of these

Who said D? You’re right!

The hidden start menu, also known as the right-click Start menu or the Power users’ menu is the fastest way to access Device Manager, Power Options, Event Viewer, Disk Management, etc. You can access this menu by right-clicking the Windows start button or, if you’re a keyboard shortcut fan like us, you can open this menu by holding down the Windows key and tapping X. In Windows 11, the way you access the menu makes a difference.

Above: The right-click or hidden Start menu (Windows 10).

Below: The right-click or hidden Start menu (Windows 11) when you right-click the Start button.

Windows 11 hidden start menu - Cloudeight

Below is the right-click or hidden Windows 11 Start menu you’ll see when you use the Windows key shortcut Windows Key + X. Do you see the difference? Underlined letters let you use shortcuts to select an item from the menu. For instance, with the menu open tap the Y key to access “System” or tap “M” to open “Device Manager”.

Windows 11 X menu Cloudeight InfoAve

Now you know an easy way to access some important Windows features with only a click or a Windows Key shortcut.

Let’s Make Windows 11 a Little Less Annoying
Windows 11

Windows 11 has its annoyances – many more than we will cover here today, but this little tutorial will get you started making Windows 11 just a little bit less annoying.

Right-click on the Taskbar, choose “Taskbar settings”, and turn off “Task view” and “Widgets”.

Next to ‘Search”, choose “Search icon only”. It has the same functionality as the full search bar but takes up less room. Taskbar space is valuable. Why clutter it up?

Now, click on Settings > System (on the left) and turn off Notifications. Who needs all those annoying notifications popping up?

Next, click on Settings > Personalization> Lock screen and uncheck “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.” It’s just another annoyance and another way for Microsoft to advertise.

Moving right along. Now, click on “Privacy & security” (on the left),

Under “General,” turn all of the switches off.

Under Privacy & security > Diagnostics and feedback, make sure “Send optional data…” is turned off.

Next, under Privacy & security > Search permissions, turn the switch off under “Search highlights”

This is just a start, but just doing the little things above will help you make Windows 11 less annoying and less intrusive.

How to Fix a Printer That Has Stopped Printing
Windows 10 / Windows 11

How to fix a printer that has stopped working - Cloudeight InfoAve We get a lot of emails asking us how to fix a printer that was printing and suddenly stopped printing for reasons unknown. It may have stopped printing due to a power outage, a Windows update, an internet connection problem, or something else. While frustrating, it usually can be fixed by reinstalling your printer the same way you would if it were a new printer.

Before we get started, we want to point out that most printers with touchscreens have a test mode. So most printers, even one that is not connected to a computer, will print using its touchscreen. That’s the printer’s test mode; it has nothing to do with printing things from your computer.

OK… So Let’s Get Started!

First, unplug your printer from its power supply.

Next, type PRINTERS AND SCANNERS in the taskbar search. Press Enter when you see Printers & Scanners appear in the search results. In Windows 10, find your printer in the list and click on it, then choose “Remove device”. In Windows 11, the default printer shows at the top. Click on the “Remove” button.

Restart your computer – this is an important step – don’t skip it.

Once you have done the steps above, go to the printer manufacturer’s site. For instance, www.hp.com. You’ll need to know your printer’s model number. When on the manufacturer’s site, search for the full installation software for your printer model. For example, search for “Installation software for HP Envy 5565 Printer”.

Once you find the full installation software for your printer brand and model, download it to your computer, but do NOT install it yet.

Plug the printer into its power source and run the installation software you downloaded above. If this sounds familiar, it is. It’s exactly how you set up your printer when it was new.

If you cannot find the printer’s installation software – let us know, and we’ll help you find it. NEVER search for “Printer drivers” or “Printer installation software” because if you do that you’ll almost always end up with a bunch of fake sites trying to get you to download malware.

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.

Our Winter Donation Drive is underway!

This week we gladly helped dozens of people solve their computer problems by email quickly and free of charge.

Make a small donation and help us help you!

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

Microsoft PowerToys: Superpowers for Your Windows Computer

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing Windows could do just a little more to make your computer life easier, trust me, you’re not alone. But you’re in luck. Microsoft PowerToys is like a Swiss Army knife for your PC. It’s free, open-source, and packed with clever little tools that make everyday tasks smoother, faster, and way more customizable.

Originally a cult favorite back in the Windows 95 days, PowerToys has been reborn for Windows 10 and 11. And let me tell you—it’s not just for power users or techies. If you love tweaking your PC your way, or just want to work smarter, PowerToys is for you!

PowerToys Has Some Cool Features You’ll Actually Use

PoweToys - Cloudeight InfoAve

1. FancyZones: Window Management Wizardry
Forget the default Snap Layouts—FancyZones is like Snap Layouts on steroids. You can design your own grid layouts and snap windows into place with a simple Shift + drag. If you’ve got a big monitor or multiple screens, this will make your workspace feel so much more organized.

2. PowerToys Run: Your Keyboard’s Best Friend
Hit Alt + Space and boom—a cool search bar pops up. It’s fast, it’s smart, and it does way more than just launch apps. You can run commands, do math, convert units, and even peek at running processes. It’s like Spotlight for Windows, but with a little extra pizazz!

3. Image Resizer: No Image Editors Needed
Right-click an image (or a bunch of them), choose your size, and you’re done. Whether you need thumbnails or full-size banners, this tool saves you from opening a bulky editor just to shrink a photo. Great for resizing images for email and social media. You’ll love it.

4. Keyboard Manager: Customize Your Keys
Ever wanted to turn Caps Lock into something useful? Now you can. Remap any key or shortcut to whatever suits your workflow. It’s perfect for fixing annoying key placements or creating your own shortcuts.

5. Color Picker: Eyedropper for the Entire Screen
Designers and creatives, rejoice. Hit Win + Shift + C and grab any color from anywhere on your screen. You’ll get the HEX, RGB, and HSL codes instantly—and it even remembers your recent picks.

6. Text Extractor: Copy Text from Anything
This one works like magic. Use Win + Shift + T, draw a box around any text—even if it’s in an image or locked PDF—and it’s copied to your clipboard. OCR for the win.

7. File Explorer Add-ons & Peek: Preview Like a Pro
Want to preview Markdown or SVG files without opening them? Done. Just select the file and hit Ctrl + Space to get a quick full-screen preview. It’s fast, clean, and super handy.

8. Always On Top: Keep What Matters in View
Do you need your calculator or notes app to stay visible while you work? Press Win + Ctrl + T and pin that window above all other windows. No more digging through layers of open apps.

PowerToys - Cloudeight InfoAve

PowerToys is one of those rare free tools that feels like it should be built into Windows. I wonder why it’s not. Anyway, it gives you control over things you didn’t even realize you wanted to tweak. Whether you’re a techie, power user, or just an average Windows user, PowerToys is worth the download. So go ahead—give your PC a little superpower boost.

You can download Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store here.

It’s 100% free.

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium - Essays , Rants, etc.

Happy New Year from Both of Us... to All of YOU!

I Happy New Year! t's the last day of 2025. Tomorrow, we'll begin a new year. It will be our 28th year for our little business, which we call Cloudeight.

It's been an amazing ride, but we would not be here if it weren't for the support and generosity of many of you.

You've kept us going. Because of you, we've been able to survive the only way we want to survive: by being honest and helping as many of you as we can at little or no cost to you.

Recently, we started our Winter Donation Drive and, well, what can we say? Your response has been wonderful as always.

We are looking forward to the new year with hope and with gratitude for all of you who we consider part of our Cloudeight family.

These past 27 years have been a roller coaster ride

Read the rest of this essay here.

What is doxing?

According to the International Encyclopedia of Gender, Media, and Communication, doxing is the intentional revelation of a person’s private information online without their consent, often with malicious intent. This includes the sharing of phone numbers, home addresses, identification numbers and essentially any sensitive and previously private information such as personal photos that could make the victim identifiable and potentially exposed to further harassment, humiliation and real-life threats including stalking and unwanted encounters in person.

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

Cloudeight Direct Computer Care: Always a great deal. Cloudeight Direct Computer Care is like having PC insurance. Get more information here.

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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.

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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.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a great weekend too... be safe!

Happy New Year!

Darcy & TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - Issue #1160
Volume 23 Number 11
January 2, 2026

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