Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Will the guy that fixes my computer be able to see my personal files?

Posted on July 18, 2019

Question from Kristen A.: The hard drive in my laptop has stopped working and I need to take it somewhere to have it fixed.

I’ve been taking your advice about creating regular System Image backups and I have a fairly recent backup they can use to restore everything one the bad hard drive is replaced.

What worries me is I have a lot of really personal photos that were backed up along with everything else.

I believe I could restore the files from the backup myself, but I don’t know how to replace the hard drive (or even how to choose a drive that will work with my laptop).

I need to know if the computer guy will be able to see my personal files? I don’t have a password on my computer.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my laptop screen go black when I open it all the way?

Posted on July 12, 2019

Question from Amanda: I need your advice, Rick.

My 14 month old laptop has started acting really weird and the warranty expired two months ago.

If I open the lid past half way the screen goes black just like I had turned it off. The computer is still running though.

The really odd thing is the screen doesn’t come back on until the lid is almost completely closed again.

I have three questions for you.

1 – Do you think this is a problem that can be fixed?

2 – If it can, do you think it’ll be worth the expense?

3 – Do you think I can fix it myself? I’ll be honest – I have absolutely no technical or mechanical skills but I’m willing to give it a try if you tell me it’s safe to do it.

Rick’s answers: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I disable the ‘Settings’ app and Control Panel in Windows 10?

Posted on July 11, 2019

Question from Kandida P.: I bought my 9 year old son a new laptop for his birthday last month. He loves it and uses it every day.

The problem is I have already had to take it to the Geek Squad twice to fix issues he caused by changing critical system settings.

Is there a way to disable the “Settings” app and “Control Panel” to prevent that from happening again? I really need to preserve my sanity!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]