Search Results for: create system image

Q&A: Can I upgrade my PC from Windows 8.1/32 bit to Windows 10/64 bit?

Posted on July 24, 2015

Question from Kelly T.: Rick, I have a question that I need for you to clarify for me if you don’t mind.

I bought a used computer from a guy off of Craigslist. It’s running Windows 8.1/32 bit. I checked, and this PC has a 64 bit CPU.

I know that this computer is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10, but I’d like to know if I’ll be able to upgrade to the 64 bit version of Windows 10 or if I’ll be stuck with the 32 bit version because the Windows 8.1 that’s on it now is 32 bit?

I have asked several people about this and they gave me conflicting answers.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Planning to upgrade to Windows 10? Back up your current Windows installation first!

Posted on July 23, 2015

Millions of people around the world are planning to upgrade their computers to Windows 10 after it’s released to the public on July 29.

Personally, I think that’s a good thing. After using the Windows 10 Preview for several months I honestly believe Windows 10 will be the best version of Windows ever.

That being said, I plan to make full backups of the current Windows installation on every PC that I plan to upgrade before installing Windows 10. I strongly recommend that you do the same. Here’s why: [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…]

Scam Alert: Beware the nasty new PolloCrypt Ransomeware Virus

Posted on May 22, 2015

scam A new virus called PolloCrypt is making the rounds, and it’s a bad one.

PolloCrypt silently encrypts all the data on your hard drive, then demands that you pay a “ransom” of several hundred dollars to a group of hackers before they will decrypt your files so you can regain access to them.

“Ransomware” of this type certainly isn’t new, but this one is the latest strain of it to hit the streets so you need to be especially wary of it.

It has been reported that the hackers often fail to decrypt a victim’s files even after the ransom has been paid, so it’s wise to avoid getting the virus in the first place if at all possible.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself against the nasty PolloCrypt Ransomware Virus: [Read more…]

3DP Chip inventories your PC’s hardware and helps you back up and install the proper drivers

Posted on March 26, 2015

Sometimes when we re-install Windows one or more hardware drivers will simply fail to be installed. Who know’s why this happens, but when it does we’re often left with the task of tracking the driver(s) down and installing them manually.

Depending on the device in question, finding a suitable driver can be difficult, if not impossible, especially if you can’t even identify the device in question.

A handy free tool called 3DP Chip can help you identify and track down the correct drivers for every hardware component in your computer. No more guesswork! It can also back up your computer’s current drivers and restore them at a later date and time. [Read more…]