Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 37 of 258

Q&A: Can I have Windows start up with one specific folder already open?

Posted on July 12, 2024

Question from Alma: I have a computer with Windows 11 on it and I’m hoping you can answer a question for me.

Every time I use my computer I start by accessing the files in one specific folder and I keep that folder open at all times.

It’s a hassle having to open File Explorer and navigate to that folder every time I turn on the computer.

It would be wonderful if I could have Windows start up every time with that folder already open so I can get right to work.

Is that possible? If it is, how do I set it up? [Read more…]

Q&A: I have solar power. How can I make the battery charge last longer?

Posted on July 9, 2024

Question from Kelly: After reading your articles about taking part of a house off-grid and going solar, I took the plunge and converted the game room in my basement to solar.

I installed several new lights and outlets and connected them to my inverter and everything works great, but the 12V 100Ah LifePo4 battery runs out of juice before morning.

The only things I have running off the battery at night are a refrigerator and a dehumidifier, both of which keep shutting off at some point during the night.

What can I do to make the battery charge last until the sun comes up the next morning and starts charging the battery again? [Read more…]

Q&A: What is a GaN charger?

Posted on July 8, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Darla: I went online to search for a new wall charger for my phone and iPad and I noticed that some of them were labeled as GaN chargers.

I had never seen that before (but it’s been years since I bought a new charger).

What does the GaN mean? [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does my new computer keep the wrong time?

Posted on July 8, 2024

Question from Kevin: Hi, Rick. I recently bought a HP laptop running Windows 11, and ever since I first brought it home it’s been keeping the wrong time.

It’s always 1 hour behind, and if I change the time to the correct time it just reverts back to the wrong time all on its own. It’s about to drive me bonkers!

Do you think it might be a bad CMOS battery or maybe a bad motherboard? [Read more…]