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Tips

Critical Error: You Start Menu isn't Working. 

I recently had a serious problem with my Windows 10. Every time I clicked on the Start buton, I received a small error window pop-up that stated:

"Critical Error: Your Start Menu isn't working. We'll try to fix it the next time you sign in."

 

No matter how many times I signed out and signed back in, the problem still existed. It took a couple of days of research and countless attempts of trying various solutions that I finally determined that the only way I was going to recover from this problem was to perform a System Restore. I did the version of System Restore where it preserved all of my data files. The only thing I wasn't able to recover were the browser Favorites that I had added since the last time I had save them into an exported file. I was confident about the system restore and not worried about all of my data because I routinely perform backsups onto two different storage devices (just in case one of them fails, I still have the other). 

You never know when something like this is going to happen, so please make sure you are backing up your data regularly. A note here about your programs: You can't really back them up. You must reinstall them everything something happens to your computer. They won't work by simply copying the files over.

 

Safe Mode is Missing from Windows 10! What?!?!

That's right. Microsoft has taken away the ability to press F8 on startup to go into Safe Mode.  Fortunately I found instructions on the Ineternet on how to bring it back. It is a legacy option that you have to turn on. I have followed the instructions and tested it and it works great!

To add the ability to start in Safe Mode feature to Windows 10, click on the link and scroll down to Step 4 and follow the instructions for the F8 Start Safe Mode.

 

 
Own a Laptop/Notebook Computer?

 

If you own a laptop or notebook computer, even when you have it at home, you should keep it locked up. Here is a cable locking device with a combination lock on it that I use to keep my laptop from being stolen when I'm traveling or when someone has burlarized my home or office. Targus Defcon Combination Notebook Cable Lock (No, I'm am not getting compensated for endorsing this product, it works and I like it.

 
How to Create a Windows 8 Shutdown tile

 

If you have Windows 8, it may be difficult to figure out how to turn off your new computer. You can easily do this by creating a new tile to shutdown your computer. Click this link to see the instructions.

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Tip: Did you know that you can rearrange the tiles in Windows 8 by clicking on one and dragging it to the desired location?

 

 

Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

 

If you are having difficulties adjusting to Windows 8, here are some keyboard shortcuts to help you.

Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

 

 Backing up the data on your computer

 

If you aren't backing up the data on your computer regularly, you need to, especially if the data is important to you or critical to your business.

I prefer to copy my data to an external hard drive. I also copy the most important files to my cloud storage (a web site that allows you to store files for free or for a fee, depending on the storage host or the service plan you choose).

If you use an email program such as Microsoft Outlook, the data file containing all of your contacts, emails and appointments is stored in a hidden location and is often missed when people backup their data.

Critical data should be backed up and stored off-site.

Let me know if you need help on preparing your backup plan.

Helpful Mobile Apps
October 2015

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Many people use Smartphones today. Here are some Apps I use on my Android phone that help me:

  • ICE Emergency App: An APP that works even when your phone is locked, allows emergency responders to view any medical history you want them to know if you are not able to respond to them. It also will share your medications with them (important for them so they won't give you a medication that could cause a reaction due to medications you are already using). It also allows you to send an emergency text message to designated family members or friends, telling them you need help and giving them your location. A must have for everyone!

  • GotYa!: A purchased product, if someone unsuccessfully attempts to enter a pin into your locked phone, the App takes the picture of the person holding the phone then sends an email with that picture and a Google Maps link showing where the phone is currently located.

  • Where's My Android: An APP that allows you to locate your Android device (I can track both my Android Phone and my Android Tablet) by going to the web site and selecting the device you need to track. It then shows you on Google Maps where the device is located. You can also send a signal to your Android device to have the device emit a soung to help you locate it.

  • Lookout: Anti-Virus and anti-Malware program that will scan the files on your Android device for harmful viruses and malware.

  • Earthquake: Alerts you when there has been an earthquake in any of the areas you are monitoring.

  • AHA Hands-Only CPR: Gives you step-by-step instructions on how to perform CPR on someone and can place a call to 9-1-1 for you.

  • Microsoft OneNote: This is a program that I use on my computer at home. I have also installed the Android version on both my Smartphone and my Nexus tablet. Enter the information on any of the devices and it will synchronize to the others automatically. The best way to describe this program is that you can add notes, pictures, video, audio, etc. Microsoft describes it as a "note taking" program. But it is so much more. You  can check it out at www.onenote.com.

  • Google Drive: Google's Drive is free if you sign up for a Gmail account and is an online storage system, also known as Cloud Storage. I use this to store files, images, documents that I need to access remotely and those files which I deem are critical to my business. I can also use Google Drive to share individual files or whole folders with other collaborators.

  • OneDrive: Microsoft's OneDrive is free, just like Google's Drive. Click here to sign up for your FREE OneDrive online (Cloud) storage service. Just like Google's Drive you can sync files between multiple computers and divices such as your iPhone, Android Phone, Android Tablet and iPad.

  • Square Register: Install the App, insert the free credit card reader from SquareUp.com and start accepting credit cards using your Android or iPhone. Current fee per swiped transaction is 2.75 % (or $2.75 on each $100.00 transaction. There are no additional fees. The card reader is free.

  • PayPal Here: Do you have a PayPal account? PayPal has a credit card reader that allows you to accept credit cards. Go to PayPal.com for more information on the reader for your Android devices, iPhone and iPad. PayPals web site shows a simple 2.7% fee per transaction. The card reader is free.

  • Dwolla: An electronic direct billing system that has a maximum flat transaction fee of just $0.25 (twenty five cents)! That's right. If you open a commercial account with Dwolla the flat fee of $0.25 cents is all you pay for the maximum allowed $10,000.00 transaction. Any transaction below $10.00 is FREE! Go to Dwolla.com to learn more.

  • Skype: Use this video conference to have video chats with friends or family. I use this program to have a video chat with someone using the App on their cell phone so they can show me computer equipment when we are troubleshooting issues.
    Get a premium account if you wish to chat with more than one person at a time, up to 8 connections. It should be noted that when I used this feature there were a lot of problems with the multi-connection feature. To see more on this free product, check out Skype.com.

  • Google Hangouts: Google Hangouts  is also a video conference system that works well with multiple people on the same call and is free with a Gmail/Google+ account. For more information go to www.google.com/hangouts/

  • QR Barcode: Using your Smartphone's camera, scan those QR Barcodes to get more information about the product.

  • ScanLife: Using your Smartphone's camera, scan in the barcode on a product and get more information about the product.

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Tip: These are just a few of the Apps I use on my Android Smartphone and Tablet. You should be able to find one or more of them available for your Apple iPhone, iPad, etc by visiting the Apple.com web site or by using iTunes to shop for them.

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