Search Results for: how to create system image backup

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…]

Q&A: How do I get my PC to boot up after Windows Update failed?

Posted on February 17, 2015

Question from Sierra F.: Rick, I’m in trouble and I need your help!

My computer was installing Windows Updates when the power flickered off and back on. It happened so quickly that the computer didn’t even shut down, but it somehow aborted the update process and an error on the screen said the update wasn’t successful.

I tried to install the updates again, but it said no updates were available. I then tried to restart the PC, but it hangs up about half way through the boot process. Please, please, please tell me how to fix this without reinstalling Windows 7? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I get the ‘Power’ icon back onto my Start Screen?

Posted on September 29, 2014

Question from Aaron: I need your help Rick. I’ve been installing a bunch of free software and it appears that something I’ve installed has removed the “Power” icon from the Windows 8.1 Start Screen on my computer.

I tried using System Restore to get the “Power” icon back onto the Start Screen, but that didn’t work. Can you tell me how to do it?

Rick’s answer: Yes Aaron, I can tell tell you how to restore your Start Screen’s Power icon, but I must first give you my semi-standard RicksDailyTips Disclaimer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to reset a PC back to its factory state without using Recovery Discs?

Posted on September 26, 2014

Question from Anthony: I have no discs for windows 8.1, so is going back to factory mode a safe and easy way to restore my computer without the use of discs, and then just download the programs I had back on to my computer?

Rick’s answer: Anthony, you can certainly restore your Windows 8.1 computer back to its factory state using the Recovery Partition on the hard drive. [Read more…]