Rick's Daily Tips

How (and when) to boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 into Safe Mode

Posted on February 7, 2026

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If you’ve been a Windows user for any length of time you probably know that there are times when it helps to boot Windows into Safe Mode.

In a nutshell, booting into Safe Mode forces Windows to load just the most basic Windows files and hardware drivers.

This helps a great deal when trying to remove stubborn viruses, track down faulty hardware drivers and resolve a wide range of software issues.

[Read more…]

Q&A? How do you pin a folder to the Taskbar in Windows 11?

Posted on February 6, 2026

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Question from Bob: Is there a way to put a folder on the Taskbar? I know I could in Windows 10 but I haven’t figured it out for Windows 11.

I like my desktop to be clean, but I like the ease of opening things with one click and I tend to add things to the Taskbar, and a folder would be handy. [Read more…]

Beginner’s guide to flipping abandoned properties: tools, tips, and first steps

Posted on February 6, 2026

Flipping abandoned properties can offer a unique opportunity for investors and renovators looking to enter the real estate market. This process involves purchasing neglected properties, renovating them, and selling them for profit.

For beginners, the endeavor can be as exciting as it is daunting. It requires a solid understanding of the real estate market, a keen eye for potential, and an array of skills from negotiation to renovation.

In this article, we’ll explore some essential tools, tips, and the first steps needed to successfully flip abandoned properties.

[Read more…]

How to make your sluggish Windows PC run like new again

Posted on February 5, 2026

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I frequently receive questions about speeding up computers that have become sluggish over time or fixing problems that prevent Windows from working as it should.

There are a number of different responses that I usually have for those questions, and the one I give depends on the actual issues they are experiencing with their machines.

[Read more…]

A simple family system for storing seasonal stuff

Posted on February 5, 2026

Seasonal stuff seems to accumulate more quickly than families anticipate. Coats and sports gear, decorations and school gear come and go through the year, while the places where these items are supposed to go seldom adjust accordingly.

Gradually closets and garage collect the overflow until daily life feels too crowded. The problem is not disposal but creating a system that works through the changing seasons and the rush of life.

In this post, I discuss how families can manage seasonal things without continual clean outs or prescriptive rules. You’ll learn to decide what must stay at home, how rotation supports storage, and how to include everyone so the system actually functions. The aim is less clutter, more free time, and a home that flows year after year.

[Read more…]