Articles in Category: Administration
Items related to Leo, Ask Leo! and overall website and related operations and administrivia.
How do I remove the sender's address before forwarding an email?
Removing information from an email you forward is as simple as editing the message prior to hitting send. And yet, sometimes not quite that easy.
How do I create a disk image using DriveImage XML?
DriveImage XML is a free (for home use) backup and imaging program. I’ll walk through the steps of creating a complete hard drive backup image.
How do I get rid of toolbars in my browser?
It’s all too easy for browser toolbars to accumulate to an almost unusable collection. We’ll look at how to prevent, and remove, browser toolbars.
Does locking my computer keep it safe?
The lock function in Windows is convenient and fast, but it’s not quite as secure as you might think. We’ll look at why.
2010 – It's About Helping People
As the new year begins, I’ve taken some time to reflect on what Ask Leo! is
about, where it’s been and where it’s headed.
2009 Most Popular Questions
A breakdown of the 10 most popular questions in 2009 as measured by visits to Ask Leo!
How long does Hotmail keep email?
Hotmail will keep your email for quite a while as long as you access it periodically. And if nothing goes wrong. Then you may have problems.
Why are there limits to attachment sizes in some places and not others?
Email providers often place limits on the size of emails and attachments you can send. We’ll look at why, and where those limitations are placed.
Should I Compress and Encrypt my backups?
Most backup programs offer the options to compress and/or encrypt the data being backed up. I’ll look at the pros and cons.
Can someone I'm IM'ing with see my machine or hard disk?
Instant messaging programs connect two machines, but typically not directly, and even then normal precautions prevent additional technical risk.
Does a BIOS password protect the contents of my laptop?
BIOS and boot menu passwords can help establish a certain level of security, but they’re not a reliable way to protect your data.
Why am I repeatedly locked out of my Hotmail account, and what can I do about it?
Hotmail will lock your account, preventing login, if it detects potential abuse or breakin attempts. Unfortunately, that’s about all we can know.
Should I use Google's new DNS services?
Google has begun offering DNS services. I’ll look at what that is, why that is, and whether or not it’s worth your looking into.
Someone I met in chat is threatening me – am I safe on my computer?
Being harassed or bullied online is frighteningly common. While threats are rarely carried out by these cowards, it can still be very unsettling.
Why is there an email block against my IP address?
One approach to prevent spam is blocking email from the IP address of known spammers. Like any spam fighting technique, there are false positives.
How do I delete cookies?
Cookies can be used to save your password, or your logged in state, when you visit some web sites. I’ll walk through clearing them.
If I move a hard disk from my old machine to my new one, can I just run my old applications from it?
Moving data from an old machine to a new is relatively easy. Moving programs to your new machine typically requires a reinstall of the application.
Can clicking "Cancel" still mean "Accept" when I get a popup?
Spyware uses almost every trick in the book to get onto your machine. Making a web page pop-up that *looks* like it has a Cancel button is just one.
Can I, or should I, use TrueCrypt for my backups?
Backup and encryption can go together depending on your needs. There are options, beginning with which comes first: the backup or the encryption?
What is Windows 7's "Windows XP Mode"? (And can I use it to get Outlook Express back?)
Windows 7 Professional and above include “Windows XP” mode. If you have programs that don’t work or aren’t available in Windows 7, XP Mode may help.
Why does IE7 still seem to be around after installing IE8?
After updating IE7 to IE8 some folders and setting may be left that make it appear that IE7 has not been completely uninstalled. We’ll speculate why.
Why do file timestamps compare differently every time change?
Twice a year when daylight saving time or summertime begins and ends, file time comparisons can be off if you’re using differing file systems.
SimpleURL – Inexpensive Domain Registration … with Service
SimpleURL is a domain registrar that I’ve used for many years that provides low prices and excellent support.
Does forwarding email introduce risk?
Forwarding email from one account doesn’t add major technical risk, but there are issues that doing so can introduce, and cause IT admins concern.
If all I do is web browsing, email and video, do I still need to back up?
Even if you use your computer as nothing more than a gateway to the internet it’s likely that you still need to take care to back up important data.
What do I do if my machine didn't include installation or driver disks?
Manufacturers sometimes skimp on including installation or driver discs when a system comes preinstalled. I’ll review options, and what you should do.
How can I sign a digital document without needing to print it?
If you get a digital document requiring your actual signature you can avoid paper, but signing a digital document electronically may have issues.
How many copies are made when I email a picture?
Computers are great at making copies of data, and that’s very true when you send a message. Two, three or even more copies, some temporary, may result.
Why is Outlook Express sending multiple copies of my email?
Occasionally Outlook Express may try to send a message repeatedly. We’ll look into a couple of causes, and solutions, to sending multiple copies.
My Windows Live Hotmail account won't close, what do I do?
People often find themselves in a position where they cannot close their Hotmail account. I’ll look at why this might be, and why I’m confused.
How do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64?
Determining whether or not your process or operating system is 32 or 64 bit is very easy with the aid of a tiny tool, and knowing where to look.
How do I get rid of boot choices in Windows 7?
It can be confusing to remove multi-boot choices for operating systems that have been removed. We’ll walk through the simple process for Windows 7.
Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?
Virtual machines are powerful tools that used properly can provide a safe and secure sandbox – used improperly they’re as vulnerable as anything else.
If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?
Harddrives often contain more than you think. Replacing or losing one may also cause system recovery information to be lost as well.
How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?
Allowing others to use your computer is risky, at best, but as this story shows, can lead to some serious and potentially expensive ramifications.
How do I move installed applications from Windows XP to Windows 7 when I don't have installation media?
When upgrading or moving to a new PC you’ll probably need the installation media for your applications. Without it, things can get difficult.
Can you have too much RAM? Is 64bit just a marketing ploy?
64 bit machines and 64 bit support are becoming more common, which begs the question: is it hype, or is it worth it? And how much RAM is enough?
The Volume Indicator Has Disappeared from My System Tray. How Do I Get It Back?
The volume indicator allows you to control the sound output by your computer. It can disappear, and the option to enable it has moved around a little.
Is it safe to buy software on EBay?
Software on EBay is often deeply discounted and very lucrative. The problem is that those deep discounts sometimes indicate issues to be wary of.
Why is my "generic volume in use" when removing my external hard drive?
Before you can remove a removable device, Windows needs to make sure no programs are still accessing it. If one or more are, you can’t “safely remove”.
My anti-spyware tool is reporting errors in my hosts file. What is that, and why?
The hosts file can be used to send you to or prevent you from reaching malicious sites. Different anti-spyware tools can bump into each other checking on this.
Is keeping an image backup of my cleanly installed machine a good idea?
An image backup can serve as a great checkpoint to restore to in the event of failure, and can even help avoid needing to reformat and reinstall.
How Do I Type in Characters and Symbols that Aren’t on My Keyboard?
There are literally thousands of different characters; many more than would fit on a keyboard. There’s an approach to type the less common ones.
Why is downloaded email disappearing immediately?
Anti-malware software can interfere with email such that email disappears immediately, or other features of the email program stop working or worse.
What's the difference between anti-virus, anti-spyware and internet security software?
Malware terminology has become more confusing over time. Definitions for anti-virus, anti-spyware and internet security are unclear and inconsistent.
Why did my email apparently get delivered to the wrong person?
Email addresses are by definition, fairly specific. It’s unlikely but malware, misconfiguration or other interference could cause misdeliveries.
What are Root Certificates, and why do I need to update them?
Root certificates are a critical part of how encrypted connections like https validate the site you’re connecting to. Updates happen periodically.
How do I send you files that clarify the problem I'm having?
I encourage people to be as complete as possible in the questions submitted, and typically do not accept supporting files.
Restoring An Image Using Acronis TrueImage Home
Your machine has crashed, and the hard disk reformatted or replaced – it’s time to restore your entire machine from an image.
Can I repartition my hard disk to remove CRC errors?
Repartitioning is not an effective way to deal with CRC errors or bad sectors. At best repartitioning will only hide or delay the error.
