Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all our friends in the USA. We hope you have a great weekend and take time to honor those who gave their lives for our country.<\/span><\/p>\n For those of you in other great countries around the world, it’s Saturday! And that means, it’s time for another Saturday Bonus Questions & Answers edition.<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes, the best tips and tricks are hidden in the published questions and answers. 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 InfoAve 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 – 052425<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Bonnie wants a free alternative to Microsoft Money<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> See this page at AlternativeTo for several good free replacements for Microsoft Money<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Bonnie.<\/span><\/p>\n Jim wants to know if this deal on MS Office is legitimate<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If it seems something is \u201ctoo good to be true\u201d it almost always is. Many companies outside of the USA don\u2019t prosecute software and intellectual rights violations as we do in the USA. So often you\u2019ll see pirated copies of Office being sold for unbelievably low prices.<\/span><\/p>\n And then there\u2019s the gray area of OEM software. This is when a company, such as a computer manufacturer, purchases a bulk license from Microsoft that allows them to include MS Office on the computers they sell. Sometimes, companies outside the USA buy OEM licenses and use them (illegally) to create and distribute \u201ciffy\u201d copies of MS Office at very low prices.<\/span><\/p>\n Let the buyer beware. If you have a pirated copy of MS Office or MS Office OEM version that is not legitimate, it\u2019s your responsibility. Most of the time nothing happens, but why risk it?<\/span><\/p>\n You can get MS Office 365 for $6.99\/month or $69.99\/year from Microsoft. Using the subscription, you will always have the newest, most updated version of MS Office. And it\u2019s all on the up and up. You can learn more about Microsoft 365 here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Jim.<\/span><\/p>\n Judie wants to know how to lock the taskbar in Windows 11<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> If you right-click the Windows 11 taskbar you\u2019ll see \u201cTaskbar settings\u201d. If you open Taskbar settings, there are options for customizing the taskbar, including what icons you want to show in the notification area (the area of the taskbar nearest the clock). Just open Taskbar settings and you\u2019ll see all the options.<\/span><\/p>\n And since we are not sure what you\u2019re trying to do, this is the best answer we can give you.<\/span><\/p>\n We\u2019ve helped hundreds of you with your computers since we started our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service<\/a>! If you\u2019re having computer problems \u2013 we CAN help you!<\/span><\/p>\n Get more information about Cloudeight Direct Computer Care and or get your repair keys here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Imogene doesn\u2019t want Microsoft to decide where to put her saved pictures<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Anytime you save a photo, you will see the option to \u201cSave as\u201d and the option to choose a folder. You can create a folder on the spot by right-clicking in the directory (folder) you want the new subfolder and choosing \u201cNew\u201d >\u201dFolder\u201d. Or it\u2019s much easier to create your subfolders in the directory of your choice beforehand so when saving pictures all you have to do is choose \u201cSave as\u201d and then chose one of the folders you created.<\/span><\/p>\n For instance, let\u2019s say you want to add a subfolder called \u201cFamily Pictures 2022\u201d in the main Pictures folder. Just right-click in the Pictures folder and click \u201cNew\u201d >\u201dFolder\u201d and name it \u201cFamily Pictures 2022\u201d (without the quotes). You can create as many subfolders as you want. Once you do that you can copy or move photos from the folders they are in, to the folders you created. It\u2019s much easier to do this if you have \u201cCopy to\/Move to\u201d on your Windows right-click menu (see this page to learn how<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n But you\u2019re not going to get Windows to put pictures into the special folders you\u2019ve created because it doesn\u2019t know the difference between a photo of a potato salad that goes into your \u201cCool Recipes\u201d folder from a picture of Aunt Julie at Niagara Falls, NY that you want to go into your \u201c2019 Niagara Falls Family Reunion\u201d folder. Windows doesn\u2019t know Aunt Julie from Bill Gates \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Imogene.<\/span><\/p>\n Joyce wants to know where to download IrfanView Our answer<\/strong><\/span> https:\/\/www.snapfiles.com\/downloads\/irfan\/dlirfan.html<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n On that page, click on the \u201cDownload the 64-bit version\u201d link. Just FYI, if you have a 64-bit computer you can run any 32-bit program, so even if you downloaded the 32-bit version it would work<\/span><\/p>\n Let us know if you need anything else.<\/span><\/p>\n Michael asks about TotalAV<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> The company that makes TotalAV is the same company that made the scamware program called ScanGuard (see our article about that here<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n And from Reddit<\/a> this:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c\u2026 TotalAV and ScanGuard is the same company and both are a scam: https:\/\/www.totalav.com\/special-deal-2019<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n This is not a coincidence. Stay away from them. Also, I\u2019m pretty sure this site belongs to them as well https:\/\/antivirus-review.com<\/a>\/.<\/span><\/p>\n Even more proof\u2026 https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/threads\/total-av-is-it-a-scam.80362\/<\/a> \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a pattern of people downloading the \u201cFree\u201d version and being charged, being overcharged, and not being able to cancel without jumping through hoops.<\/span><\/p>\n In my experience working on computers, customers who were tricked into downloading TotalAV have had trouble removing it. Even if the product worked well, the company behind it, and questionable marketing, makes it a must to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n The only price shown on their site for \u201cup to 3 computers\u201d is $19 for one year. But nowhere on that page does it say that is only for the first year \u2014 after the first year, it\u2019s $99 a year<\/strong> and it auto-renews and you get charged $99 automatically.\u00a0 This is from a hidden part of their page informing users they have to call\u00a0 TotalAV support to cancel the automatic charge\u2026 and you can almost imagine how that runaround will go.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Our current standard price for an annual subscription is $99. Don\u2019t want to auto-renew? You can speak to our 24\/7 support team to assist with switching this off\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Finally, they promote TotalAV using reviews from TrustPilot, but can you trust TrustPilot?<\/span><\/p>\n See https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/y82jfxvl<\/a> and this https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/yc9lcoku<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n or search for \u201cCan you trust TrustPilot?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Comparing TotalAV to Emsisoft? There\u2019s no comparison. Emsisoft is a trusted product and has protected our computers for many years. The pricing is upfront. Emsisoft does not rely on tricks or fake reviews.<\/span><\/p>\n Which would you rather have? I hope this helps you make the right decision.<\/span><\/p>\n More sage advice:<\/strong> Don\u2019t rely on CNet. They are a known malware bundler and are also known to recommend products solely for financial compensation\u2026 earning commissions regardless of the quality of the product or the problems the products they recommend may cause users.<\/span><\/p>\n Now available: Reg Organizer 9.40<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n If you purchased or renewed Reg Organizer through Cloudeight within the last 12 months, you\u2019re entitled to a free version upgrade to Reg Organizer 9.40. It works great with Windows 10 and Windows 11!<\/span><\/p>\n Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Reg Organizer \u2013 A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Tools \u2013 Works Great on Windows 10 and 11!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Rose wants to know the best way to copy and transfer files from one computer to another<\/strong><\/span> Thanks for all your help and advice. Rose<\/span><\/p>\n Our answer<\/strong><\/span> You can also use a cloud storage service like One Drive if you have enough space. If you have enough space. For example, if you have MS Office installed, you get 1 TB of One Drive space which should be plenty for backing up\/transferring files. And keep in mind with One Drive files are accessible from all your devices so you really wouldn\u2019t have to copy\/transfer them.<\/span><\/p>\n Either way, the easiest way to copy (transfer) files from one device to another is to back them up first, then you can copy them anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n If you have any more questions, just let us know.<\/span><\/p>\n Sandy wants to know how to stop Windows 11 File Explorer pop-ups when she has removable drives plugged in <\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> But don\u2019t worry, you can turn it off without affecting anything else. Here\u2019s how to do it on Windows 11 (and Windows 10).<\/span><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0 Open Settings (Hold down the Windows key & press the I key)<\/span> We hope this helps you, Sandy.<\/span><\/p>\n Bil keeps getting fake McAfee messages<\/strong><\/span> \u201cMcAfee \u2013 Your PC is infected with 5 viruses!\u201d is an online scam. It claims that users\u2019 devices have been infected due to an outdated McAfee subscription. Usually, the goal of such scams is to trick them into installing or purchasing unreliable, nonoperational, harmful, or even malicious software. It must be emphasized that this scheme is not associated with the McAfee anti-virus or McAfee Corp. Deceptive sites are typically entered inadvertently; most users access them via mistyped URLs or redirects caused by rogue webpages, intrusive ads, or installed PUAs (Potentially Unwanted Applications).\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I have installed:- Ublock Adblock plus As extensions to Chrome and Microsoft Edge. I also installed Combo Cleaner on a 7-day trial. However, I still get the popups. It looks like I will have in the future have to rebuild my PC, unless anyone has any further ideas. Regards Bil<\/span><\/p>\n Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Here\u2019s our tutorial<\/a> on how to reset and clear the cache for Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.<\/span><\/p>\n After you reset your browser and clear its cache, it\u2019s a good idea to restart your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind also, that this is not a PUA or malware per se, it was something you clicked on \u2014 most likely in an email. It resides in your browser\u2019s history or cache.<\/span><\/p>\n Not sure what UBlock Adblock is, but I think you mean uBlock Origin. If that\u2019s right you should keep that. But you definitely do not need Combo Cleaner\u2026 so we recommend you remove that.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Bil.<\/span><\/p>\n THANK YOU FOR HELPING US! 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Thanks to your gifts, we do more than provide this free newsletter. We help you recognize online threats, fight for your online privacy, help you navigate the Web safely, provide suggestions for safe, free software and websites, and help you get more out of your PC.<\/span><\/p>\n Please help us keep up the good fight with a small gift.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Would you be interested in making an automatic monthly gift?\u00a0Visit this page<\/a>. Please help us keep on helping you\u2026 and help us keep you safe on the Web.<\/span><\/p>\n Susan has trouble with Firefox<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Good luck, Susan.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nDonate today and help us keep on helping you!<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nI know you have posted things in your daily and weekly newsletters concerning a replacement for Microsoft Money. But as I was searching your website etc., I couldn\u2019t find anything concerning it. My Microsoft Money is going down the drain, boohoo. I loved it, but I really need to get something new to replace it. I don\u2019t know if I could live without some type of money software. Would you give me some ideas on what I can use and make it easy for this old lady? Thanks, and may God bless you both, Bonnie.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Bonnie. We\u2019re Sorry to say neither of us has ever used Microsoft Money, nor do we use any kind of financial software. Since we don\u2019t like to recommend something without trying it first, and since financial software is not something we could quickly and easily test, I\u2019m going to defer to one of our previous Cloudeight site picks \u201cAlternativeTo\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI\u2019m curious about the advertisement for Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019. It seems like an offer too good to be true. Is it? You guys have been an important part of my 20 years of computer experience and I trust your judgment. Keep it up, PLEASE! Jim<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Jim. Thanks so much for your long-time support and your kind words.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nWhy is it that when I right-click on the taskbar bar there is no option to lock or unlock the taskbar? I need to lock it open for something, and cannot find where to do that. Thanks, Judie.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Judie. Windows 11 does not have a lock the taskbar option. The lock the taskbar option in previous versions of Windows allowed you to lock the taskbar to prevent it from being resized. But since we\u2019re not sure what you\u2019re attempting to do, all we can tell you for sure is that Windows 11 does not allow resizing the taskbar so the lock the taskbar option is not available.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi again and thanks in advance. I really want to stop Microsoft or whoever, however, my photos are being put into a new folder every day. I want to organize them in families, etc. I imagine it is a setting I don\u2019t know about and need help with. Thank you again, Blessings, IL<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Imogene. Windows stores photos by default in the Pictures directory which is a system folder, not a Microsoft folder. You can create folders and save photos anywhere you want them, but if you let Windows automatically save photos it will put them in the pictures directory.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Concerning Irfanview: I would like to download this program that you recommended in your newsletter. It has been such a long time since I downloaded a new program that I don\u2019t remember which download I should use to download just the correct program for my 64-bit computer. Can you please help me? I guess I am just getting too old and afraid to do these things anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Joyce. Go to the following page:<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHello from Indianapolis. I read your take on VPNs and sure got my eyes opened, thanks for that. I am curious about your take on TOTALAV security software. Are they any good? do they measure up to Emsisoft? Please let me know what you think before I make a mistake and buy it. Regards, Michael\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Michael. Thanks for your nice comments.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"TotalAV](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2020\/tav.png\")
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\nHi TC and EB. I would like to know what is the best or a good way to transfer files from a pc to a laptop.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Rose. The best way to do it is to back up the files on an external hard drive. Then you can transfer the files to a new (or another) computer. If you don\u2019t have an external drive, you can buy an external hard drive (1 terabyte) for $50 or less.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI have a couple of USB items plugged into my USB ports. One is an external hard drive that I use to store my files. I have a couple of USB drives that I take my work back and forth with me as I work Hybrid, part in my office, and part at home. I will be working and all of a sudden the File Explorer will pop up for one of the USB drives, sometimes both. Sometimes the external hard drive pops up in File Explorer. It pops up on top of my work while I\u2019m typing away. What makes those drives just suddenly pop up with the contents of that drive in File Explorer?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Sandy. The reason File Explorer keeps popping up whenever you have removable drives plugged in is most likely because you have auto-play turned on.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n2.\u00a0 In the left pane, click on Bluetooth & Devices.<\/span>
\n3.\u00a0 In the right pane, scroll down and click on AutoPlay.<\/span>
\n4.\u00a0 Turn the switch to \u201cUse AutoPlay for all media and devices\u201d Off. <\/span>
\n5.\u00a0 Close the Settings app.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI am sure I\u2019m not your only reader that is getting fake McAfee messages. When googled I get the answer<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Bil. You\u2019ll be glad to know you\u2019re one of many who have had this problem and even more glad to know you won\u2019t have to rebuild your PC to fix it. There is a simple fix that works 100% of the time: Reset your browser and clear your cache.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nWhen 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.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi TC & Darcy\u2026 My current problem has to do with Firefox. When I get an email with a link I want to click on, instead of opening a new tab in my current Firefox, it opens a new browser and closes the current one. It never used to do that. What can I do to stop that and go back to the way it was? I sure don\u2019t want to close my current browser and open a new one. I usually have several tabs open on my current browser and don\u2019t want to close them. Thank you for your help. You always have a solution. Cheers, Susan.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Susan. I\u2019m not aware of any changes in Firefox that would cause this. It may have been an extension you installed, one you installed that was bundled with a freeware program, or one you installed that auto-updated and changed your settings. If you reset Firefox it will return Firefox to its default settings. If you want to try resetting Firefox, read our instructions on resetting Firefox here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n