It’s the last Saturday in January and it won’t be long until Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, and Presidents Day come round again. Who likes the movie “Ground Hog Day”? <\/span>And, once again, it’s Saturday and time for another edition of Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers.<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes the best tips and tricks are hidden in the questions and answers we publish. And rarely do we post questions and answers on this website. Today, we\u2019re featuring some of the questions and answers from past issues of our\u00a0InfoAve Weekly<\/a> newsletters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These questions & answers were selected at random from past InfoAve Weekly newsletters.<\/span><\/p>\n Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers – 012724<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n J wants to know whether to make an installation or recovery drive<\/strong><\/span> I do have some questions having read these two articles:-<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/why-you-should-make-a-windows-10-installation-dvd-or-usb-flash-drive\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/how-to-make-a-windows-10-recovery-drive-2\/<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n I can see that one is created using Windows features on the PC itself and the other is created via Microsoft\u2019s website. One is called an Installation Drive, the other a Recovery Drive. I\u2019m struggling, however, to understand what the difference is (or the differences are) between the end results. If we take the DVD format out of the picture and assume I were to use separate USB flash drives for both exercises, how exactly would the content of the two drives differ? Do I need to do both because they would be used in different scenarios? I\u2019m wondering if the locally created drive would \u201cpick up\u201d particular things to my setup.<\/span><\/p>\n I look forward to hearing from you.<\/span><\/p>\n Our answer<\/strong><\/span> The choice of USB or DVD depends on your PC and your knowledge of BIOS settings. Many new PCs \u2013 especially laptops \u2013 do not come with DVD\/CD drives, obviously, if you\u2019re using one of those an installation DVD would not do you much good. If you\u2019re using an older laptop or desktop or all-in-one your BIOS may not be set to boot from a USB, in which case you\u2019d have to change the boot order settings in the BIOS. It\u2019s not hard to do, but many people don\u2019t know how to even access the BIOS.<\/span><\/p>\n Our recommendation \u2013 if your PC has a DVD\/CD drive \u2013 create a Windows installation DVD since the BIOS is already set to boot from a bootable DVD. If you understand the BIOS settings, and you feel comfortable changing the boot order (if necessary) then you can create a bootable installation USB.<\/span><\/p>\n In any case, it makes a lot more sense to us to have a bootable DVD (or USB) than to have a recovery drive. Since it does everything a recovery drive does plus a lot more. <\/span> Gloria wants to keep getting our newsletters and using our start page<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If you want to use our Start page at https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/start\/ <\/a>then see this page<\/a>. It will show you how to set up start pages in your browser.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have questions about products or services you can contact us by doing to https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/contact.htm<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n And if there\u2019s anything else you need, just let us know.<\/span><\/p>\n Thanks for your support, Gloria.<\/span><\/p>\n Darlene wants to know where to discard an old desktop<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> You can take your old desktop PC to the nearest BestBuy and recycle it. Or, see this page<\/a> to find the nearest place to recycle your old desktop computer.<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure you follow the instructions on this page<\/a> to remove all the personal data from your old computer before you recycle it.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Darlene.<\/span><\/p>\n Our Winter Donation Drive is underway!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n This week we gladly helped dozens of people solve their computer problems by email quickly and free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n If you don’t need any of our products or services right now, please help us with a donation. Even the smallest gift is appreciated. Every donation helps us to provide useful information that helps you with your computer as well as helps us to keep you safe on the Internet. We offer free help to thousands of people every year… and we offer an honest and inexpensive computer repair service too. We do everything we can to help you with your computer and keep you safe too.<\/span><\/p>\n So if you don’t need any of our products or services right now, please help us by donating right now<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Interested in making a monthly gift? Visit this page<\/strong><\/a>. Help us keep helping you!<\/span><\/p>\n Thank you so much for your support! Dick thought that Microsoft Office was a one-time purchase<\/strong><\/span> I did not believe there was any need to save it. I\u2019m not really sure whether or not the suite was Office 2016 or 365, but I know that I\u2019m using Outlook 365 so assume that 365 is the \u201csubscription\u201d to which Microsoft is referring.<\/span><\/p>\n Do I have any options for \u201creactivating the subscription\u201d without facing an annual expenditure from here to eternity (not far off)? Since the date for the scheduled disablement appears to be periodically advancing, is there any possibility that the postponement will spill over into another year or two?<\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> According to Microsoft \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cA retail license enables you to install Office for a single user on one desktop computer and one portable device, such as a laptop or netbook. You can transfer the license to another computer or portable device once every 90 days, although if your computer dies, you can transfer the license sooner. Microsoft allows you to transfer the license any number of times, as long as the software is installed only for a single user\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n That being said, while most \u201ckey finders\u201d don\u2019t work when it comes to finding Office 2016 keys, this one from Easeus https:\/\/www.easeus.com\/utilities\/key-finder.html<\/a> claims it can retrieve MS Office 2016 keys. It\u2019s not free and we have not tested it \u2013 so buyer beware.<\/span><\/p>\n As far as Office as a subscription\u2026 Microsoft 365 (Formerly Microsoft Office 365) is a subscription. You can either pay monthly or annually. If you have an MS 365 subscription you\u2019ll need to log in to your account and request help from Microsoft.<\/span><\/p>\n Microsoft still offers MS Office as a one-time purchase. For instance, Microsoft Office 2021 is a one-time purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n Finally, here\u2019s a Microsoft article that may help you sort things out.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Robert wants to know more about using Gmail to filter spam<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If you have an account \u2013 let\u2019s make one up \u2013 like MeRobert4@madeupisp.com and you want to have Gmail check that account and block spam \u2013 you\u2019ll need to check your mail for that account with Gmail. You can\u2019t check the other account(s) directly. Gmail becomes the way you check your Gmail and all the accounts you set up for it to check. The only way to use Gmail\u2019s spam filtering on your other accounts is to make sure you only check your other accounts through Gmail.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Robert.<\/span><\/p>\n Stan says he has no taskbar search on his Windows 10 PC Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If you want to show a search box on your taskbar, right-click your taskbar and choose \u201cShow search box\u201d. If you want to show just a search icon (which takes up less room) choose \u201cShow search icon\u201d. If you don\u2019t want either a search box or search icon, you can still use taskbar search using the Windows key + S shortcut.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Stan.<\/span><\/p>\n We’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of you with your computers since we started our <\/strong> Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service<\/strong><\/a>! If you’re having computer problems – we CAN help you! <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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 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.<\/span><\/p>\n We connect to your computer and fix it while you watch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n We offer many other computer services too! If you have a problem with your computer – we can fix it!<\/span><\/p>\n Get more information about Cloudeight Direct Computer Care and\/or get your repair keys here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Teddie has questions about using libraries on Windows 10<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Libraries do not contain files. Libraries are a collection of shortcuts to the original file or folder locations that are on your local computer or a network drive. The difference between Libraries and User Folders is that user folders are actual folders while Libraries are collections of shortcuts to user folders.<\/span><\/p>\n Default Library folders in Windows 10 are Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. But you can create a folder for pictures and documents (or whatever else you want) and name it whatever you like. Once you\u2019ve created the folder, right-click it and choose \u201cInclude in library\u201d. Once you enable Libraries, create a folder, and include it in Libraries, you\u2019ll see it listed when you open File Explorer.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Teddie. <\/span> Chris is looking for a good photo organizer<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Also, we reviewed a freeware program called FastStone Image Viewer, which is also an excellent photo organizer. To learn more about FastStone Image Viewer, see our article here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n We think both are good options \u2013 and both are free.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Chris.<\/span><\/p>\n Bevlee is buying a new computer and wants our advice<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Right now, you may get a better deal on a laptop with Windows 10. Just make sure if the computer comes with Windows 10 that it says it\u2019s upgradable to Windows 11. There are a lot of laptops on sale right now that come with Windows 10 pre-installed. Many of these are easily upgradable to Windows 11. If saving money is a priority, choose a new Windows 10 laptop that is upgradable to Windows 11. Almost all new(er) Windows 10 computers that are upgradable to Windows 11 will say so on the device or the packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you pick out a new computer, Bevlee.<\/span><\/p>\n Now available: Reg Organizer 9.31<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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!<\/span><\/p>\n Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi. I came across your website whilst seeking ways of finding various Product Keys for Microsoft products. You have some very interesting & useful articles and I\u2019ve learned a few things today!<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi J. Since Windows 10 or Windows 11, installation media allows you to boot your PC and access repair tools as well as provide a means of repair-installing, re-installing, or clean installing Windows, it does everything the recovery drive does plus a whole lot more.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nJ wrote back: \u201cThank you so much for taking the time to write back. I have to confess when I read this after a long day, it all went straight over my head but I got it this morning. An installation drive it will be!\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi. I just got a new computer. How do I make sure I keep getting your newsletters? And how can I get your start page back? Thanks, Gloria.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Gloria. If you were signed up for our newsletters on your old computer you\u2019ll continue to get them on your new computer without doing anything other than checking your email. Getting a new computer doesn\u2019t affect your subscriptions.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nThere\u2019s not much about computers you two don\u2019t know, so I bet you can answer this one too. A lot of us oldsters should be about the business of clearing out garages, basements, and attics. I\u2019m about to replace my 8-year-old desktop PC with a laptop. This will be the second old computer to gather dust and take up space in my garage. Is there any place to discard too-old-to-sell electronics?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Darlene, Thanks!<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Help](\"https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2023\/winterdonate.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nMake a small donation and help us help you!<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n
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\nI thought that the acquisition of all Microsoft products was through a one-time purchase, not an annual lease. When a WWII buddy (now deceased) purchased the program, he was allowed to share the product key with five other computers so I now have no idea how to find the product key.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nMy operating system is Windows 10, and I have the most current update. Thank you! Dick.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nWe\u2019re not sure what kind of license your buddy had that allowed him to share it with 5 others.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI have a question about your tip about using Gmail to block junk from your regular email program today. Does Gmail have to be running(signed in) to work? I have a Gmail account but only sign in to use it and then sign out. Thanks!<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Robert. The article you are referring to<\/a> shows you how to set up Gmail to check mail from your other email accounts such as y our ISP accounts, as well as Hotmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo.com, and other Gmail accounts. The idea is that all your email accounts are checked through Gmail. If you want Gmail to block the spam from your other non-Gmail accounts, you have to be signed in to Gmail and you have to check all your accounts using Gmail.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>I do not have a Taskbar search bar to input searches or the likes of \u2018CMD\u2019 instructions etc. There is no facility for this in my Windows 10 menus.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Stan. You don\u2019t need a search bar to use taskbar search. You can choose to show a Search icon instead. Or you can hide the Taskbar search completely and use the Windows key + S shortcut to launch the search.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2022\/showsearch.png%20\")
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\nGreetings Darcy and TC! My passion is genealogy. I have my computer folders set up by family surnames in both the Pictures and Documents files because I often have both types of media for any one person or family group. This is getting to be quite a lot of duplication. Is there any reason why I cannot combine Documents AND Pictures in the same folder? Would it be possible to set up a new Main\/Library folder just for Genealogy that would show immediately when I open File Explorer, as the Documents\/Pictures\/Music\/Video folders do now? Is there a downside to doing it this way? I have been a fan of yours for decades. \u2013Teddie<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Teddie. Thanks so much. Libraries are not enabled on Windows 10 by default. To show libraries in Windows 10 File Explorer, select the View tab, and then select Navigation pane > Show libraries.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2022\/nav.png%20\")
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\nTeddie wrote back: \u201cThank you, TC. I knew I could count on you! \u2013Teddie.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nCan you recommend a good photo organizer? I have thousands of photos and am looking for a program to help sort them out. Thank you for all your help. Chris.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Chris. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 come with a good photo organizer called Windows Photos app\u2026 be sure to see our article here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI have two PCs \u2013 a desktop with Windows 7 and a laptop with Windows 10. The latter I\u2019ve hardly used it as I mainly use an iPad. I\u2019m considering buying a new laptop with Windows 11. What requirements like RAM, etc. should I look for?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Bevlee. We recommend at least<\/em> 8 GB of RAM and at least a 256 GB solid-state drive or a 1 terabyte traditional hard drive (HDD). Any processor capable of running Windows 11 (even if the computer comes with Windows 10) will be fine. The screen size is up to you \u2013 screen size is a personal choice. We favor laptops over desktops because they are more portable and sometimes less expensive (it\u2019s a more competitive market).<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Reg](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2019\/ro2019.png\")
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