Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 2 of 252

Q&A: Why does Windows 10 keep changing my default printer?

Posted on November 30, 2022

Question from Darren: I love your blog Rick, especially the questions and answers section.

I hope you can help me solve a problem I’ve been having ever since I replaced my old computer with one running Windows 10.

I use two printers with my computer. The first one is an Epson inkjet that I use every now and then to print photos. The other is a Brother laser printer that I use to print most everything else.

With Windows 7 I could leave the laser printer as the default printer, then switch to the inkjet manually on the rare occasions when I needed to use it. But with Windows 10, every time I print to either printer, that printer gets set as the default printer.

I really want the laser printer to remain as the default and switch to the inkjet manually when I need it. Is there any way to stop Windows 10 from changing the default printer without my permission? [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I shut my computer down when it’s not being used?

Posted on November 30, 2022

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Milo: I really like your site, Rick. It’s easy to tell that you put a lot of work into it.

I’ve been following you for several months now and I always learn something every time I visit your blog.

I hope you don’t mind but I finally have a question of my own that I need to ask you.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Does a System Image Backup save everything on the hard drive?

Posted on November 28, 2022

Question from Olivene: Rick, I spent a few minutes reading your post that explains how to create a System Image Backup in Windows 10, but I’m a little confused.

I had Carbonite backing up my files for a couple of years and they didn’t back up any of my Windows files.

I learned that the hard way after my hard drive crashed on me.

What exactly is backed up when you create a System Image Backup? [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there an app to override the data cap on my Straight Talk phone?

Posted on November 26, 2022

Question from Erin: I have a Straight Talk phone and I have a question about the amount of data it’s using.

I always buy the $35 card and I often use up my 10GB of data several days before the month is over. I absolutely hate it when they switch my phone to slower speed.

My friend told me there’s an app that will let me bypass the data cap on my Straight Talk plan but he can’t remember the name of it. I searched the Google Play store high and low but couldn’t find it.

I think he might be just trying to pull one over on me. Am I right or is there really an app that will do this? [Read more…]