Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is there any way to do a System Restore when Windows won’t boot at all?

Posted on July 19, 2015

Question from Brenda Y.: I have a BIG problem Rick, and I really need your help. My computer (Lenovo desktop w/ Windows 7) was installing updates last night when it just shut off. It does that sometimes when my heat pump turns on.

Anyway, when I turned it back on it refused to boot up all the way into Windows. It’ll start, then hang up after the Windows logo is displayed. I even tried booting it into Safe Mode but it gets stuck there too.

I’d like to try to do a System Restore, but I can’t because the computer won’t boot up at all. Is there any way to do a System Restore manually without having to actually have Windows loaded?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Review: CleanMyMac 3

Posted on July 18, 2015

cleanmymac3 Windows users have an awesome utility called CCleaner to help keep all the junk cleared out of their PCs and their systems running smoothly. CCleaner is also available for the Mac, but Mac users have another option that I’d like to tell you about.

I’ve been checking out CleanMyMac 3, and it is a fantastic program that does just what its name implies. In a nutshell, it will scan your system and remove tons of junk files that are slowing it down and wasting precious disk space. All of the following are scanned for junk and duplicates: [Read more…]

CVSphoto.com has been hacked, and you might be a victim.

Posted on July 18, 2015

CVS has just announced that the third-party company that runs its CVSphoto.com website has been hacked and millions of customer credit cards have potentially been compromised.

And CVS customers aren’t the only folks who need to be concerned. PNI Digital Media (the company that actually runs the CVSphoto.com website) also provides online photo services for both Costco and Wal-Mart Canada. [Read more…]

Q&A: Which is better, a PC with a faster CPU or one with more memory?

Posted on July 17, 2015

intel-core-i7-cpu Question from Eric B.: Rick, I’m getting ready to buy a new laptop for my son to use for his schoolwork, and I need some advice on a matter that is puzzling me.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to two models: One has a 2.2 Ghz CPU and 8GB of RAM. The other has a 2.4 Ghz CPU but 4 GB of RAM. Which of these laptops do you think will offer more bang for the buck given that the cost is virtually the same?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my USB flash drive cause a “Code 43” error when I plug it into my computer?

Posted on July 17, 2015

Question from Karren: I have a Verbatim 16GB USB flash drive that works fine with my laptop, but when I plug it into my desktop computer it displays the following error message:

“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems.(Code 43)”

Does this mean there’s a problem with my computer or with the flash drive? And how can I fix it? My laptop is running Windows Vista and the desktop is running Windows 7.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]