Happy St. Patrick’s Day!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n First, if you enjoy our newsletters, our tips and tricks, and our free computer help, please consider helping us with a small gift.<\/a> We’d appreciate it!<\/span><\/p>\n It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and for those of you who like to imbibe, it’s your time, especially if you like green beer and leprechauns. And it’s the last weekend of winter… YAY! Spring begins next week. It’s also the last Saturday of winter and it’s <\/span>t<\/span>ime 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 – 031624<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Colin wants a narrower left margin in Gmail<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Once you do, you’ll see the names of the folders and labels are then replaced by icons thus reducing the size of the margin on the left of the Gmail window. See?<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to change back to the wider margin and show the full names of folders & labels, just click the icon again.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n Dianne wants to know why she has to sign out and sign back in to see the new items she saved to her desktop<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Method 1: Using the keyboard shortcut<\/span><\/p>\n Click on the Windows desktop (not on an icon) to make sure it\u2019s in focus. Press the F5 key on your keyboard. This will refresh the desktop, updating any icons or files that have changed or been added.<\/span><\/p>\n Method 2: Using the right-click menu<\/span><\/p>\n Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop (not on an icon). Select \u201cRefresh\u201d in the context menu that appears. This will refresh the desktop and update any changes.<\/span><\/p>\n Method 3: Using Task Manager<\/span><\/p>\n Right-click on the taskbar and select \u201cTask Manager\u201d from the context menu, or press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open Task Manager directly. In Task Manager, select the \u201cWindows Explorer\u201d process. Click the \u201cRestart\u201d button at the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window. The desktop will temporarily disappear and then reappear. It will be refreshed and updated.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Dianne.<\/span><\/p>\n Les asks what password managers we recommend<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> BitWarden<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n LastPass<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n RoboForm<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you make a good choice, Les.<\/span><\/p>\n Please help us to keep on helping you!<\/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! Marie says her Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar\/Start menu search do not work..<\/strong>.<\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If that does not work, try this\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Type CMD in the taskbar search and press Enter<\/span><\/p>\n When Command Prompt appears in the search results click on \u201cRun as administrator\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n When the Command Prompt opens, type the following at the prompt\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n SFC\/ SCANNOW<\/span><\/p>\n and press Enter. Make sure you type it exactly as shown. The System File Checker takes from five to ten minutes to run. It will scan for missing\/corrupted Windows files and try to replace any it finds. After the scan is complete. restart your computer and try your Start menu.<\/span><\/p>\n Still not working? Make sure your computer is up-to-date. Type Windows Update in the taskbar search and press Enter. When Windows Update opens click on \u201cCheck for updates\u201d and make sure your computer is up to date. If updates are installed and your computer has restarted, then try your Start menu.<\/span><\/p>\n More solutions\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n If the problem started recently \u2013 say within the past 2 weeks, try using System Restore. Type RSTRUI in the taskbar search and press Enter. This will start System Restore. Select \u201cChoose a different date\u201d and click \u201cnext\u201d. If there is a restore point available with a date that precedes the date your Start menu problems began, select it, and restore your computer back to that date. You won\u2019t lose anything except any programs you installed after that date.<\/span><\/p>\n The one solution that we\u2019re sure will work is resetting Windows 11. A Windows 11 reset completely removes your Windows installation and reinstalls Windows but keeps your personal files and folders. After a reset, you\u2019ll need to reinstall any programs that did not come with Windows. A reset will fix your problems, but it is also the most time-consuming and work-intensive solution of all the possible solutions we\u2019ve presented. If nothing else works for you, then we suggest you bite the bullet and follow the instructions on this page<\/a> to reset your Windows 11 computer.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Marie.<\/span><\/p>\n Debbie wants \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d back on her right-click menu<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> See this page<\/a> to learn how to put \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d on the Windows 11 right-click menu and how to find it after you do.<\/span><\/p>\n And keep this email handy. Every time Windows 11 has a major update, you\u2019ll need to put \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d back on the right-click menu and major updates will remove them.<\/span><\/p>\n PS: For those who are using Windows 10 and who are reading this in our newsletter, you can learn how to add \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d to your Windows 10 right-click menu by visiting this page<\/a>.<\/span> Steve asks about OpenDNS<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> I just reviewed OpenDNS again and it looks to me like they\u2019ve decided to be your guardian or censor depending on how you look at it. Parental controls are fine as long as you decide what is appropriate and not someone else. Having someone else decide what\u2019s appropriate never works out. The only free OPEN DNS service that you don\u2019t have to sign up for is the free service where OpenDNS decides what you\u2019ll see and what you won\u2019t see. The free version with no sign-up is kind of like having someone else decide what books you can read and which books you\u2019ll never see. Maybe you don\u2019t want to see \u201cAdult content\u201d but who defines \u201cadult content\u201d for you? You or someone else? The free, no sign-up Open DNS option, decides for you\u2026 and is that ever a good idea?<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve tried several DNS services including OpenDNS, Google Public DNS, and Cloudflare\u2019s 1.1.1.1 DNS. I think Cloudflare\u2019s 1.1.1.1 DNS is the fastest, most private, and best. It\u2019s also fairly easy to set up and you don\u2019t have to give them any information or sign up for anything. We reviewed Cloudflare back in 2018 when it first came out. Today, I went back and took another look \u2013 and also set it up on the computer I am using. Again I was impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n So, if you want to know what DNS services do and\/or if you would like to take a look at an alternative to OpenDNS, take a look at this article.<\/a><\/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 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 Laura says Bing has taken over<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Try this:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Type CHROME:\/\/EXTENSIONS in the Chrome address bar & press \u201cEnter\u201d<\/span> You can also remove Bing from the list of search engines available in Chrome.<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Type CHROME:\/\/SETTINGS\/SEARCH in the Chrome address bar & press \u201cEnter\u201d<\/span> 3. After you click \u201cManage search engines, you can remove Bing from the list of available search engines, if you choose to do so.<\/span><\/p>\n If the above doesn\u2019t stop Bing, reset Chrome by following the instructions on this page<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Resetting Chromes returns Chrome to its defaults. Keep in mind this does not remove bookmarks. It disables all extensions, clears Chrome history and cache, and restores Chrome to its factory defaults.<\/span><\/p>\n Restoro is malware in our opinion. It\u2019s scammy and it can mess up your computer. Our advice is don\u2019t use it. It\u2019s certainly not the miracle cure it claims to be. If you have installed it, we recommend you uninstall it.<\/span><\/p>\n Mike\u2019s friend sent him a tip on how to make his computer lightning-fast Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Some people refer to desktop programs as \u201capps\u201d. The only programs that generally affect performance are the ones starting with Windows. The only programs that need to start with Windows are programs like antivirus programs or programs necessary for an essential function like the computer\u2019s sound. There are dozens of programs (many free) that help control startups. Generally, there should not be more than 4 or 5 programs starting with Windows.<\/span><\/p>\n Our two favorite programs to use to manage Windows startup programs are HiBit Uninstaller<\/a> and Autoruns<\/a>. You can also use Windows Task Manager to control start-ups. Hibit and Autoruns are more robust.<\/span><\/p>\n Cutting back on startup programs can make a big difference in computer performance, but \u201clightning-fast\u201d is probably more due to having a lot of RAM than it is to turning off background apps and keeping startup programs to a minimum, although it\u2019s always helpful to keep things under control.<\/span><\/p>\n Task Manager is also a good way to see what programs are using the most resources thus slowing down your computer. See this article<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n And I can tell you this if a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC has only 4GB of RAM, there\u2019s no way on God\u2019s green earth, that that computer is going to be lightning-fast no matter what do. The more programs you open the fewer resources you\u2019ll have available. And most people don\u2019t realize that with most browsers, each tab opens as a separate process. So having 20 browser tabs open will slow down any computer that doesn\u2019t have enough installed RAM. We don\u2019t suggest running Windows 10 or Windows 11 with less than 8 GB of RAM.<\/span><\/p>\n My $280 cheapie Windows 11 computer runs \u201clightning-fast\u201d because it has 12 GB of RAM. And even with more than adequate RAM, I still don\u2019t allow many programs starting with Windows<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nG’day Darcy and TC. Is there any way I can reduce the space taken up in Gmail by that left-hand pane with Categories, Labels, etc.? It takes up a third of my screen. Best regards, Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Colin. Open Gmail in your browser and look near the top left corner. Click on the 3 horizontal lines icon that appears right before the Gmail logo.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2023\/gmail-left.png\")
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\nThanks for this tip, and the many others you have provided over the years. I work on posters and have had to redo some of my work because of an update. I often save my work on the desktop so it is easier to find but lately, my work does not show up on the desktop. I have to sign out of Windows and then sign back in and then the items are there. what would cause this problem?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Diane. Thanks so much for your kind word. Your problem is not an uncommon one. And you’ll be glad to learn that you don\u2019t need to restart or sign out of Windows to refresh the desktop. You can do it more quickly and without signing out or restarting. You can refresh the Windows desktop in several ways.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nCould you give me your recommendation for a password storage program, please? There are many programs on offer and as I highly respect your advice I am looking to you. Regards, Les.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHere are the three password managers we use and recommend. All have free versions which have some restrictions (I use the free version of LastPass & Bitwarden). Darcy uses the paid version of RoboForm. You can read more about each by clicking the links below. Even the paid versions of these password managers are very reasonable, but you may find the free versions adequate for your needs, as I do.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2021\/donate2021.png\")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nMake a small donation and help us help you!<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n
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\nI am running Windows 11. The start menu does not open at all and cannot type anything in the taskbar search. I have no idea how to correct this could you possibly help? Thank you, Marie.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Marie. Try this first. Turn off your computer using the power switch\u2026 and leave it off for five minutes. Make sure there are no power lights on. Then turn on your computer. Now see if your Start menu works.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nMany years ago you told us how to add\u201d copy or move\u201d to the right-click menu. I loved it and now I got a new computer (Windows 11) I no longer have that option. Is there any way to add \u201ccopy to\u201d and \u201cmove to\u201d to the right-click menu on Windows 11? Please keep up the great work you guys do. Thanks so much, Debbie.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Donna. Thanks so much. You\u2019ll be happy to know that you can add \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d to the Windows 11 right-click menu. But since Windows 11 tries to consolidate the right-click menu, you\u2019ll have to expand the right-click menu to see \u201cCopy to\u201d and \u201cMove to\u201d. It\u2019s not hard, it\u2019s just an additional step you\u2019ll need to use with Windows 11.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/span>
\nDebbie wrote back: \u201cWow! That worked great! You guys are the best! Debbie.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi. I\u2019m curious about OpenDNS. Is it really as good as it claims?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Steve. We wrote about OpenDNS in 2013 (see this page<\/a>). But that was nine years ago and as with computers and the Internet, nine years is a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nBing keeps taking over Google Chrome. Someone said I should use Restoro to check it out. Please do you have an answer? Thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Laura. Bing is a Microsoft search engine. I am guessing you added a Bing toolbar (extension) or some other extension to Chrome that keeps switching your search engine. It could be a search engine hijacker.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n2. Disable or remove any extension that contains the word Bing or Search<\/span><\/p>\n
\n2. Make sure your default search engine is set to Google.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2020\/bingo.png\")
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\n<\/strong>How to kill Win 10 apps\u2026 A friend of mine found on the web how to disable all the extra apps on Win10 to trim his PC down to the bare minimum and reported blinding speeds as a result. Rather than search the internet, I thought I\u2019d ask the experts \u2013 YOU! Where do you look to disable or even remove all the nonessential programs in Windows 10? A list of what to kill or keep and where to find those controls would be terrific.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Michael. There are a lot of myths going on here. Windows Store apps don\u2019t use any resources when they\u2019re not running. And you can stop any app from running in the background by going to Settings > Apps >Privacy >Background apps and turning the switch at the top under \u201cLet apps run in the background\u201d to \u201cOff\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n