{"id":31976,"date":"2026-05-02T09:27:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-02T13:27:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/?p=31976"},"modified":"2026-05-02T09:27:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T13:27:01","slug":"saturday-bonus-questions-and-answers-050226","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thundercloud.net\/infoave\/new\/saturday-bonus-questions-and-answers-050226\/","title":{"rendered":"Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers \u2013 050226"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers \u2013 050226<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It’s good to have you with us on this fine first Saturday in May. It’s hard to believe we’re halfway through spring, and summer is approaching quickly. Hey, y’all, it’s time for a new Saturday Bonus Questions & Answers edition.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, as we do every Saturday, 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

\n

Please consider giving us a helping hand!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If our computer support & help, or our tips and tricks have helped you or made your computer life easier or more productive, please help us with a small donation. Your gifts allow us to continue to help you.\u00a0 Take a moment and help us if you can.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Help<\/a><\/span>
\nDonate today and help us to keep helping you!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Satur<\/span>day Bonus Questions and Answers \u2013 050226<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Thomas had a desktop virus cleaned by Microsoft (SCAM)<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nI had a desktop get hacked with a Trojan Virus. Microsoft cleaned it and wanted me to spend $1000 for a complete security package. What do you recommend for three computers?<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Thomas. We are sorry to say you were scammed. Microsoft scams are all over the place on the Web. If you paid them any money at all, make sure you call your bank or credit card company and tell them you were scammed. Also, monitor your bank accounts and credit cards for mysterious withdrawals or charges.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can get a 3-PC Emsisoft antimalware\/antivirus\/anti-Trojan license for $45 here<\/a>. If you let a scammer on your computer you need to make sure they didn\u2019t install any remote tools that would allow them to monitor your activities. and connect to your computer at will.<\/span><\/p>\n

Please see our article here<\/a> about Microsoft telephone and internet scams<\/span><\/p>\n

We are so sorry you were a victim of a scam. Please let us know how we can help you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Bob wants to send large files by email link<\/strong><\/span>
\nHow do I make a link to send large files via email? Thanks, Bob.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nI noticed you already have a Gmail account, so you can send large files via email (links) using your Google account. See our article here<\/a> on how to share large files using Google Drive. You can also use OneDrive, iCloud, and\/or Dropbox, but the only one we use and have a full tutorial for is Google Drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want to use Google, you can use a service like WeTransfer<\/a>. You can send a link to a file up to 2 GB free\u2026 but only use it once in a while (that is what the site says, but does not define what once in a while means). There are several others, but they are free \u201ctrials\u201d or paid solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you, Bob.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Raymond asks about HiBit Uninstaller and Windows Startups<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Guys, I hope you are safe and well. I have been using Starter for ages and ages. However, I now see a relatively new program HiBit Startup Manager. I would like to ask your opinion on both and if one is better than the other. I ask this because even though I uncheck a startup app, it soon comes back even if the startup link is deleted. I am thinking of Edge in particular. Thank You\u2026 Raymond<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Raymond. HiBit Uninstaller is a utility that does many things. One of them is to completely uninstall apps and programs. One of its other functions is as a Startup manager. All startup managers work in the same basic way. See our article about HiBit Uninstaller here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s another start-up manager<\/a> \u2013 this one is from Sysinternals (owned by Microsoft). It\u2019s called Autoruns. It is not the easiest to use, but it is the best, and it\u2019s free.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Edge: You can stop Edge from starting with Windows, but you have to disable not only Edge but also the other Edge entries in Startup. There\u2019s at least one other \u2013 the update service. And there may be more. But even then, if Edge is set as your default browser as soon as you click a link in an email, Edge will open and remain running in the background. Additionally, if you search from the taskbar search and ir isn\u2019t a local search (i.e., not searching your computer), Edge will open regardless of what your default browser is. And finally, Edge is part of Windows 10 and Windows 11, so you cannot uninstall it.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you, Raymond.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

\"CLOUDEIGHT<\/a><\/p>\n

We can fix your Windows computer… check out our low prices here!<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Derek wants to know how to transfer programs and files to his new computer<\/span>
\n<\/strong>Hello Darcy and TC. I recently purchased a laptop with Windows 11. Can you tell me if it is possible to transfer all my programs and information from my old Windows 10 laptop? If so, have you written articles in the past on how to do this? Regards\u2026 Derek.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Derek. It\u2019s possible, but we do not recommend moving programs from one computer to another, let alone moving programs from computers with different operating systems. There are programs like PC Mover<\/a> that claim to move everything from one computer to another, but use it at your own risk. It can create a huge mess on the new PC. It is always best to reinstall the programs you need on the new computer and avoid trying to copy programs from one PC to another.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can easily move documents, pictures, music, videos, and other personal files from one computer to another by using an external hard drive to copy the C:\\Users\\Your username folder from the older computer to the external drive and then plugging the external drive into the newer computer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, on the new computer, open the Documents folder on the external drive, select everything in it, and copy it to the Documents folder on the new computer. Do the same with the Pictures, Music, and other user folders on the external drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you, Derek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Yvonne wonders what password manager we recommend now, after all the negative news reports about LastPass<\/strong><\/span>
\nI am wondering what you are thinking\/recommending on using LastPass since the news media says it has been hacked. I have never used it. I am still relying on my old notebook and creating my own passwords.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Yvonne. Despite the articles, which, in my opinion, are sensationalized and semi-truthful (clickbait), the truth is that LastPass does not store or even know users\u2019 master passwords. Every password that is saved with LastPass has to be decrypted using a user\u2019s master password. So hackers could have 10 billion stolen passwords, but without the corresponding master passwords to decrypt them, they would be holding on to a lot of useless information or else spending a whole lot of time trying to decrypt a single user\u2019s passwords. If you believe LastPass saves your master password, try losing your LastPass master password and getting it back.<\/span><\/p>\n

It amazes me how many clickbait, hyperbolized, half-true articles tech companies publish. I\u2019m still using LastPass on one of my computers and Bitwarden on another. You can use whatever you want\u2026 There are several good password managers you can use if you\u2019re not comfortable with LastPass.<\/span><\/p>\n

You are much less safe keeping passwords in a notebook than you are using a password manager that does not store passwords in plain text. If you don\u2019t trust LastPass, then Bitwarden is an equally good, free password manager. You can learn more about Bitwarden here<\/a>. On that page, click on Plans and Pricing, then choose Personal > Free.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you, Yvonne.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lindsay can\u2019t get a program off the Start menu<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi. Initially installed an app via Edge. This app was later uninstalled and does not appear anywhere on my PC, but the app\u2019s description remains in the Start menu. Any ideas as to how I can remove this leftover description from the start menu? Thank you in advance for any help with this annoying anomaly. Lindsay.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Lindsay. We run into this quite often when we work on computers with our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care<\/a> service. We wrote an article about the same problem you\u2019re having \u2013 a program being removed, but items related to that program remain in the Start menu. You can read that article here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another way to do it (and this will sound rather strange, but it works) is to reinstall the problem-causing program, and then immediately uninstall it.<\/span><\/p>\n

I hope this helps you, Lindsay. If you need anything else, please let us know.<\/span>
\n\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/span>
\nLindsay wrote back: \u201cHi TC. Thanks so much for your prompt reply to my problem. Thanks to you, the problem is solved. I used the reinstall then uninstall method recommended by you, and it was successful. Thank you for all you do for us old guys who use PCs as a hobby. Lindsay\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\"Help<\/a>
\nDonate today and help us keep on helping you!<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\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

\n

Audrey says Microsoft called<\/strong><\/span>
\nI received a phone call this morning, and it was Windows saying that I have had a lot of errors on my account. How do they know? Do they usually call a person? I never said any of my information and just told her I would have the person who looks after my accounts look at it. The lady who called had an accent. Did I do the right thing?<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Audrey. You were almost the victim of a scam. Microsoft NEVER calls Windows users out of the blue. Never. So, yes you did the right thing by not letting her on your computer and by not taking instructions from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is only one way Microsoft will ever call you, and that\u2019s if you contact Microsoft as outlined on this page<\/a> and set up a callback time. Otherwise, if you receive a call saying it\u2019s Microsoft calling and they tell you something\u2019s wrong with your computer, it is ALWAYS a scam.<\/span><\/p>\n

You did the right thing, Audrey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

Dale wants to know how to enable his Windows 10 touchscreen<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi. Can you tell me how to re-enable my touchscreen on my computer? After I did a Windows update, my touchscreen no longer works. Any directions or suggestions would be very much appreciated. Thanks, Dale.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Dale, before you do anything else, power off your computer and wait a few minutes, then restart it and try your touchscreen. If your touchscreen still does not work, try this:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Right-click your Windows 10 Start button (or use the Windows key + X shortcut).<\/span>
\n2. Click on Device Manager.<\/span>
\n3. Select the arrow next to Human Interface Devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cloudeight<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Select HID-compliant touch screen from the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cloudeight<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Select the Action tab at the top of the window (as above).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cloudeight<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Select Enable device from the drop-down menu and confirm.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you, Dale.<\/span>
\n\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/span>
\nDale wrote back: \u201cThanks so much! I was able to follow your instructions, and my touchscreen is now working! Thank you, Dale.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Leslie wants the search box back on her taskbar<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi TC & Darcy. I have Windows 10, and I have the search icon on my taskbar, but I would rather have the search box there instead. I remember that there was a tip on how to make it just an icon, but I want to change it back to the way it was. I hope I have explained it properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our Answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Leslie. Before I tell you how to put the search box back on your taskbar, you\u2019ll need to check the following settings:<\/span><\/p>\n

#1. Small taskbar buttons must be turned off.<\/span><\/p>\n

#2. The taskbar must be at the bottom of your screen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Right-click on the Start button> Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. If you have the \u201cUse small taskbar buttons\u201d switch enabled, you will need to disable it. In the same dialog, make sure the Taskbar location on the screen is set to Bottom. See the screenshot below.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cloudeight<\/span><\/p>\n

After you\u2019ve checked the above, right-click on an empty space on your taskbar. A menu will appear. Find Search on the menu, and click on it, and you\u2019ll see a sub-menu open with 3 choices. The choice you want is \u201cShow search box\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a screenshot to guide you.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cloudeight<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, note that you can access this same menu by right-clicking on the search icon in your taskbar, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\"Reg<\/span><\/p>\n

Now a<\/span>vailable: Reg Organizer 9.88<\/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 9.88. 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

\n
\n

Joyce\u2019s desktop icons have become very large<\/strong><\/span>
\nI don\u2019t know what I did, but now the icons on my desktop have all become very large. The icons I have pinned on the taskbar are normal; it is just the icons on the desktop. Is there any way I can get my icons on the desktop back to normal?<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Joyce. You can resize the icons on your desktop as simple as this:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Press Windows Key + D.<\/span>
\n2. Click on a space on your desktop.<\/span>
\n3. Hold down the CTRL key and move your mouse wheel toward you to make the icons smaller \u2014 or move it away from you to make the icons bigger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using this method, you can make your desktop icons as large or as small as you like. And it only takes a few seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Suzanne wants to know why her login screen picture is hazy<\/strong><\/span>
\nI have a question. When I turn on my computer the Lock screen picture is hazy. How can I fix this? Thank You!<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi Suzanne. The blurry lock screen is something Microsoft calls the acrylic effect. The blurred image is supposed to help you focus on the main purpose of the lock screen \u2013 the sign-in part.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want a blurry or hazy lock screen, you can turn off the acrylic effect. We show you how to do that here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

JP has questions about Google accounts.<\/strong><\/span>
\nGoogle Support doesn\u2019t seem to give me a clear answer to the following question. I hope you can give me a step-by-step solution. When I first created an account with Google many years ago, I had only one Gmail address. Since then, I added another Gmail account, which is the only one I use now. Is this second Gmail address connected to the original Gmail address, or is it in a separate account? I wish to delete the original Gmail address. If I delete it, will my second Gmail address also be deleted? And if not, how do I transfer any data (especially my Google calendar details and contacts) to my second Gmail address? I\u2019m afraid of deleting anything in Google in case I lose all the information I have on my original Google account.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our answer<\/strong><\/span>
\nHi JP. Every Gmail address is a separate account; however, you can link email addresses, and when you do, Google refers to these as \u201cConnected accounts\u201d. If the Gmail address you want to delete is connected to the account you want to keep, you can remove it without losing any data by following the instructions on this Google page<\/a>. If the account you want to delete is not connected to the Gmail account you want to keep, you can delete that Gmail account this way<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re concerned about losing any Google Account data, you can back it up to your PC. Make sure you\u2019re logged into the Google Account you want to back up, and then click https:\/\/takeout.google.com\/<\/a>. You can select what you want to back up (Calendar, Gmail, Contacts, etc.). Google will compile it and send you an email with a link to download a zip file with all the data you selected backed up.<\/span><\/p>\n

We hope this helps you.<\/span><\/p>\n