Dell CRASHED Laptop - How to Fix

Dell Laptop Stuck in a Repair Loop? What to Try Before Reinstalling Windows

This blog post was contributed by Roger Bennett, who shared his experience with a new Dell laptop that crashed after only a few months. In his opinion, the problem was not caused by Dell hardware, but by corrupted Microsoft Windows updates.

My Dell Laptop Went Into a Repair Loop

I bought a new Dell laptop in April. I spent hours setting it up and installing the needed updates. A few days later, when I tried to use it, the laptop went into the dreaded repair loop during startup.

I ran the diagnostic tool, but it said it could not fix the problem. Since the laptop was still under warranty, I called Dell Tech Support. After entering the Service Tag or Express Service Code from the back of the laptop, someone answered within a few minutes.

The technician asked several questions before starting the repair. I was already thinking, “We are probably going to have to reinstall Windows.” Luckily, I did not have anything important saved on the hard drive yet.

We first performed a hard reset by holding down the power button. Then we checked the hardware and BIOS. All the hardware tests passed, but the laptop still went back into the repair loop.

After about 30 minutes, the technician said we would need to reinstall Windows. The reinstall took about 20 minutes, and the technician stayed on the phone the entire time.

He also gave me an important reminder: always back up your computer, because Windows updates can sometimes cause startup problems.

After about an hour, he said he would keep the work order open for 10 days in case I had more problems. I updated Windows, software, and drivers again, which took about two hours. The laptop is working great now. Dell Tech Support also contacted me twice afterward to make sure it was still working.

The Most Important Lesson

The biggest lesson I learned is simple:

Back up your files often.

Even a new computer can have problems. A bad update, corrupted file, failed drive, or startup error can leave you unable to access Windows. If your documents, photos, passwords, or personal files are only stored on that laptop, you could lose them.

At a minimum, consider backing up important files to:

• An external USB drive

• OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox

• A second computer

• A reliable cloud backup service

Before You Reset or Reinstall Windows

Important: A factory reset or Windows reinstall can erase your personal files, photos, documents, installed programs, and saved settings.

If the laptop is still under warranty, contact Dell Support before doing anything major. If you have important files on the computer, try to back them up before resetting or reinstalling Windows.

If you are not comfortable doing these steps yourself, ask someone experienced to help you.

Step 1: Disconnect External Devices

Sometimes a laptop can have trouble starting because of something connected to it.

Before doing anything complicated, unplug:

• USB drives

• External hard drives

• Printers

• Docking stations

• Memory cards

• External keyboards or mice

• Any other unnecessary devices

After everything is disconnected, restart the laptop and see if Windows starts normally.

Step 2: Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset can sometimes clear temporary electrical problems that keep a computer from starting correctly.

To perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the laptop.

2. Unplug the charger.

3. If the battery is removable, remove it.

4. Press and hold the power button for 15 to 30 seconds.

5. Reconnect the charger.

6. Turn the laptop back on.

If the laptop starts normally, update Windows, Dell drivers, and your important software after you are back inside Windows.

Step 3: Run Dell Diagnostics

Dell laptops include built-in hardware diagnostics. This can help determine whether the problem is caused by the hard drive, memory, battery, screen, or another hardware component.

To run Dell diagnostics:

1. Turn off or restart the laptop.

2. When the Dell logo appears, repeatedly tap the F12 key.

3. The One-Time Boot Menu should appear.

4. Use the arrow keys to select Diagnostics.

5. Press Enter.

6. Allow the test to run.

If the test finds a problem, write down the error code, validation code, and Service Tag. You may need this information when contacting Dell Support.

If all tests pass, the problem may be related to Windows instead of the laptop hardware.

Step 4: Check the BIOS

The BIOS or UEFI settings help the laptop know what hardware is installed and where to find Windows during startup.

To enter the BIOS:

1. Restart the laptop.

2. When the Dell logo appears, repeatedly tap the F2 key.

3. Wait for the BIOS or System Setup screen to open.

Inside the BIOS, you can check whether the hard drive or SSD is detected. You can also check whether the Windows Boot Manager appears in the boot order.

Be careful when changing BIOS settings. If you are unsure, do not change anything. Look for an option such as Load Defaults, Restore Settings, or Reset to Defaults if you need to return the BIOS to its original settings.

Step 5: Try Windows Startup Repair

If the hardware appears to be working, Windows Startup Repair may be able to fix missing or damaged startup files.

To access Startup Repair:

1. Turn off the laptop.

2. Turn it back on.

3. When Windows begins to load, hold the power button until the laptop shuts off.

4. Repeat this process two or three times.

5. Windows should enter the recovery screen.

6. Select Troubleshoot.

7. Select Advanced Options.

8. Select Startup Repair.

9. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If Startup Repair works, restart the laptop and check for Windows updates and Dell driver updates.

Step 6: Use Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery

Some Dell computers include SupportAssist OS Recovery. This tool can help repair startup problems, recover files, or reset Windows.

To try SupportAssist OS Recovery:

1. Turn off or restart the laptop.

2. When the Dell logo appears, repeatedly tap F12.

3. From the One-Time Boot Menu, select SupportAssist OS Recovery if it appears.

4. Choose the repair or recovery option that best fits your situation.

5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If you are not sure which option to choose, contact Dell Support before continuing.

Step 7: Reset or Reinstall Windows Only as a Last Resort

If the laptop still will not boot, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows.

This should usually be a last resort because it may erase your files and installed programs.

If you can still get into Windows:

1. Click Start.

2. Open Settings.

3. Go to System.

4. Select Recovery.

5. Choose Reset this PC.

6. Follow the instructions carefully.

If you cannot log into Windows:

1. Go to the Windows login screen.

2. Click the Power icon.

3. Hold the Shift key.

4. While holding Shift, click Restart.

5. Choose Troubleshoot.

6. Select Reset this PC.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Before choosing Remove everything, understand that this option can erase your personal files.

After the Laptop Is Working Again

Once your laptop is working, do not stop there. Take a few minutes to reduce the chance of the same problem happening again.

Recommended steps:

1. Back up your important files.

2. Run Windows Update.

3. Open Dell SupportAssist and check for driver updates.

4. Update the BIOS only if Dell recommends it for your model.

5. Restart the laptop after updates are complete.

6. Make sure your files are still backed up.

Final Thoughts

A laptop stuck in a repair loop can be frustrating, especially when the computer is new. In my case, Dell Tech Support was helpful and stayed on the phone through the repair process.

The most important thing I learned is that every computer user needs a backup plan. A laptop can fail, Windows can become corrupted, and updates can sometimes cause problems.

If your Dell laptop goes into a repair loop, start with the simple steps first. Disconnect external devices, perform a hard reset, run Dell diagnostics, and try Startup Repair. If those steps do not work, then consider SupportAssist OS Recovery or reinstalling Windows.

And most importantly, back up your files before you need them.

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Buying a New Laptop? Understanding i3, i5, i7, RAM, SSDs, and What You Really Need

 

Buying a New Laptop? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know

Buying a new laptop can feel overwhelming. One model says i3. Another says i5 or i7. Then you see things like “13th Generation,” “16GB RAM,” “SSD,” and suddenly it feels like you need an engineering degree just to check email.

The truth is, most people buy either:

• far more computer than they need, or
• a cheap computer that becomes frustrating within a year or two.

The key is understanding what YOU actually need the laptop to do.

---

Start With One Simple Question

What Will You Actually Use the Laptop For?

This matters more than almost anything else.

A person who:

• checks email,
• watches YouTube,
• pays bills online,
• and uses Facebook

does NOT need the same laptop as someone who:

• edits videos,
• plays games,
• creates music,
• or runs business software.

Buying based on your real needs can save hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars.

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Understanding Intel i3, i5, i7, and i9 Processors

The processor (CPU) is basically the “brain” of the computer.

The higher the number, the more powerful the processor generally is.

Intel Core i3

Best for:

• web browsing
• email
• Facebook
• YouTube
• office documents
• light everyday use

An i3 laptop can actually work very well for many people.  However, keep in mind that in another 3-5 years, you will likely need to replace it for something more modern.  An i3 is already old technology, but if you're on a really tight budget and don't need a fast computer, an i3 will work for now.

If you mainly:

• browse the internet,
• watch videos,
• or use basic programs,

you may never notice a difference between an i3 and something more expensive.

---

Intel Core i5

Best overall choice for most people.

Good for:

• multitasking
• many browser tabs
• business use
• light photo editing
• moderate gaming
• faster overall performance

If you’re unsure what to buy, an i5 is usually the safest balance between:

• price
• speed
• longevity

For most users, this is the “sweet spot.” but personally, I wouldn't settle for anything less than an i5.

---

Intel Core i7

Best for:

• video editing
• gaming
• professional software
• heavy multitasking
• large spreadsheets
• creative work

An i7 is significantly more powerful, but many average users will never fully use that power.

A lot of people pay extra for an i7 and only use it to browse Facebook and watch Netflix. I think of an i7 as something that's gonna last a while and I will not waste money replacing an i3 or i5 later.  I recommend this based on you having the budget to afford it now.

---

Intel Core i9

High-end performance.

Usually intended for:

• professional creators
• engineers
• advanced gaming
• 3D rendering
• AI workloads
• serious power users

Most average users do NOT need this.

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What Do “Generations” Mean?

You may see something like:

• Intel i5 8th Gen
• Intel i7 12th Gen
• Intel Ultra 7 Series 2

The “generation” refers to how new the processor design is.

Generally:

• newer generations are faster,
• more power efficient,
• and better optimized.

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Why Generation Matters

A newer i5 can sometimes outperform an older i7.

For example:

• a modern 13th Gen i5 may feel faster than an older 8th Gen i7.

That’s why you should NEVER look only at:

• i3
• i5
• i7

The generation matters too.

---

How to Read Intel Processor Names

Example:

Intel Core i5-13420H

Here’s what it means:

• i5 = processor family
• 13 = 13th generation
• 420 = model level
• H = high performance laptop chip

Another example:

Intel Core i3-1215U

• i3 family
• 12th generation
• U = lower power, better battery life

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AMD Ryzen Processors

AMD laptops are also excellent now.

Comparable examples:

• Ryzen 3 ≈ Intel i3
• Ryzen 5 ≈ Intel i5
• Ryzen 7 ≈ Intel i7
• Ryzen 9 ≈ Intel i9

Modern AMD laptops are often:

• cheaper,
• cooler running,
• and very competitive in performance.

---

RAM: One of the Most Important Things

RAM affects how smoothly your computer multitasks.

4GB RAM

Avoid if possible in 2026.

Too limiting for modern Windows.

---

8GB RAM

Minimum recommended today.

Good for:

• normal internet use
• office work
• streaming
• general use

---

16GB RAM

Best choice for many people.  While 8GB RAM is the minimum, I wouldn't go with less than 16GB RAM.  Many of the newer laptops have the RAM soidered on so they can't be easily replaced.  For this reason, if you can afford it, I would even go with 32GB RAM to cover your future needs.

Better for:

• multitasking
• future-proofing
• speed
• heavier programs

---

32GB+

Usually only needed for:

• video editing
• advanced gaming
• professional workloads

---

SSD vs Traditional Hard Drive

This is HUGE.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

ALWAYS recommended.

Benefits:

• dramatically faster startup
• faster programs
• more reliable
• silent
• less heat

An SSD can make even a cheaper laptop feel much faster.

---

Traditional Hard Drives (HDD)

Older technology.

They are:

• slower,
• noisier,
• and more failure-prone.

Avoid them unless absolutely necessary.

---

Storage Size Recommendations

256GB SSD

Good for:

• basic users
• web use
• documents
• light storage

---

512GB SSD

Best overall choice for most people.

Provides room for:

• photos
• downloads
• programs
• videos

---

1TB+

Best for:

• gamers
• photographers
• video creators
• large file storage

---

What Type of User Are You?

Basic User

You probably only need:

• Intel i3 or Ryzen 3
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB SSD

Save your money.

---

Average Everyday User

Best balance:

• Intel i5 or Ryzen 5
• 8GB–16GB RAM
• 512GB SSD

This fits most people.

---

Heavy User / Gamer / Creator

Recommended:

• Intel i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9
• 16GB–32GB RAM
• dedicated graphics card
• larger SSD

---

Don’t Ignore Screen Quality

A cheap low-quality screen can make a laptop miserable to use.

Look for:

• Full HD (1920x1080)
• IPS display
• good brightness

Avoid:

• low-resolution screens
• dim displays
• washed-out colors

---

Battery Life Matters More Than You Think

A powerful laptop with terrible battery life can become annoying quickly.

If portability matters:

• thinner laptops,
• efficient processors,
• and SSDs

usually improve battery life.

---

One Common Mistake

Many people buy based ONLY on price. Remember that cheap isn't always cheap.  If you buy the cheapes thing out there thinking you're getting a great deal, guess again.  It will probably not last long before you need to shell out more money for a replacement.

A cheap laptop may become:

• slow,
• frustrating,
• outdated,
• and nearly unusable

much sooner than expected.

Sometimes spending slightly more upfront saves money long-term.

---

Final Advice

When buying a laptop:

1. Decide what you actually need it for.
2. Buy enough power for the next few years.
3. Prioritize SSD storage.
4. Don’t ignore RAM.
5. Don’t assume “i7” automatically means better.
6. Avoid buying the absolute cheapest model available.

The best laptop isn’t the most expensive one.

It’s the one that properly fits your needs without wasting money.

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How Scammers Hack Your Email Account — And How to Stop Them

While this information may be confusing or even overwelming to some of you, I will explain all of it and much more with time.  So I encourage you to check back often or better yet, sign up to get notified by E-Mail when I post new content.  Rest assured that I will never share your information with anyone in no way, shape or form.

Most email accounts are not “hacked” like you see in the movies. In reality, most passwords are simply given to the scammers.  That's right, scammers are masters at tricking you, steal passwords, or exploit weak security settings. Here are the most common ways they gain access:

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1. Phishing Emails (Most Common)

This is the #1 method.

You receive an email that looks REAL:

• “Your account will be suspended”
• “Unusual login detected”
• “Invoice attached”
• “Reset your password now”

The email contains a fake login page that looks identical to:

• Google Gmail
• Microsoft Outlook
• Yahoo Mail
• Banks
• Social media sites

You enter your password…
The scammer immediately captures it.

Sometimes the fake page even asks for:

• recovery phone number
• backup codes
• two-factor authentication code

That allows them to bypass security.

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2. Fake Tech Support Scams

A scammer pretends to be:

• “Windows Support”
• “Google Security”
• “Bank Fraud Department”

They convince the victim to:

• install remote access software
• reveal passwords
• read security codes aloud

Once inside the computer, they often:

• open the browser password manager
• steal saved email passwords
• add forwarding rules to email accounts

This is extremely common among older or non-technical users.

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3. Password Reuse

Many people use the same password everywhere.

Example:

• Facebook password = Gmail password
• Shopping site password = bank password

If one small website gets hacked and leaks passwords, criminals try the same password on:

• Gmail
• Outlook
• Yahoo
• PayPal
• banking websites

This is called “credential stuffing.”

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4. Malware / Keyloggers

Malicious software can secretly:

• record every keystroke
• capture screenshots
• steal browser cookies
• extract saved passwords

Common infection methods:

• fake software downloads
• pirated software
• fake CAPTCHA scams
• malicious email attachments
• infected browser extensions

Some malware specifically targets browsers like:

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox

because users often save passwords there.

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5. Fake CAPTCHA Scams

These are becoming very common.

A website shows:

“Verify you are human”

Then instructs the user to:

• press Windows + R
• paste a command
• press Enter

The pasted command secretly downloads malware.

The victim thinks they are completing CAPTCHA verification, but they are actually infecting their own computer.

You asked about this scam previously — it’s one of the fastest-growing attack methods right now.

---

6. SIM Swap Attacks

The scammer convinces the phone company to transfer your number to their SIM card.

Once they control your phone number, they can:

• receive password reset texts
• bypass SMS two-factor authentication
• reset email passwords

This is why SMS-only security is weaker than authenticator apps.

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7. Data Breaches

Major companies sometimes get hacked.

Millions of usernames/passwords may leak onto the dark web.

Criminals buy huge password databases and automatically test them against email providers.

Even old leaked passwords are dangerous if reused.

---

8. Browser Cookie Theft

Modern attackers often steal login cookies instead of passwords.

If malware steals your browser session cookie:

• the attacker may access your email without knowing the password
• sometimes even without needing 2FA

This is increasingly common.

---

9. Public Wi-Fi Attacks

Less common today due to encryption, but still possible.

On fake or compromised Wi-Fi networks:

• attackers may intercept traffic
• redirect users to fake login pages
• inject malicious downloads

Especially dangerous on:

• airports
• hotels
• cafes

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10. Social Engineering

Sometimes no hacking is involved at all.

The attacker simply manipulates the victim psychologically.

Examples:

• pretending to be family
• pretending to be the bank
• pretending to be government
• creating panic and urgency

Humans are often the weakest security point.

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Warning Signs Your Email May Be Compromised

Common indicators:

• password suddenly stops working
• unexpected password reset emails
• login alerts from unfamiliar locations
• sent emails you didn’t write
• contacts receiving spam from you
• inbox rules forwarding mail elsewhere
• deleted emails reappearing
• recovery phone/email changed

---

What Hackers Usually Do After Accessing Email

Email accounts are extremely valuable because they can reset access to almost everything else.

Once inside, attackers often:

• reset banking passwords
• steal cryptocurrency
• access social media
• impersonate the victim
• scam contacts
• search for financial records
• steal identity documents
• search for tax records and passwords

Your email account is essentially the “master key” to your digital life.

---

Best Protection Methods

The strongest practical protections are:

Use a unique password for every site

Use a password manager.

Popular examples:

• Bitwarden
• 1Password
• KeePass

---

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Best option:

• authenticator app

Better than:

• SMS text codes

Examples:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Authy

---

Never trust links in emails

Instead:

• manually type the website address
• or use bookmarks

---

Be suspicious of urgency

Scammers create panic to bypass rational thinking.

---

Keep devices updated

Security updates matter.

---

Don’t save important passwords in browsers

Especially on shared or insecure computers.

---

Check email forwarding rules periodically

Attackers often create hidden forwarding rules.

---

Use security keys for maximum protection

Physical security keys are extremely strong.

Examples:

• YubiKey
• Google Titan Security Key

These can stop most phishing attacks entirely.

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Fake CAPTCHA Scam Warning: Why Scammers Tell You to Press Windows + R

 

Fake CAPTCHA Scam Warning: Why Scammers Tell You to Press Windows + R

You’ve seen it a hundred times.

“Click here to prove you’re not a robot.”

Maybe it’s a checkbox. Maybe it’s a little puzzle. Maybe it looks exactly like something from Google. You click it without thinking—because that’s the whole point of CAPTCHA. It’s supposed to be routine.

Now scammers are using that habit against you.

---

What Is the Fake CAPTCHA Scam?

A growing number of malicious websites are using fake CAPTCHA pages as bait. At first glance, everything looks normal. The page loads, you get the familiar “verify you are human” message, and you’re told to click a button to continue.

But instead of simply verifying you, the page gives you instructions.

Sometimes it says:

• “Click Allow to continue”
• “Enable notifications to prove you’re human”
• “Press Windows + R and paste the code below”

That last one is where things get dangerous.

---

What’s really happening

A real CAPTCHA does one thing: it verifies that you’re human. That’s it.

It does not:

• Ask you to enable browser notifications
• Ask you to run commands on your computer
• Ask you to install anything

When a page asks you to do those things, it’s not security—it’s manipulation.

Here’s what the scam is actually trying to do:

1. Get permission to spam you

When you click “Allow,” you’re giving that site permission to send notifications through your browser. Those notifications can look like system warnings, virus alerts, or urgent messages. They’re designed to scare you into clicking again—and going deeper into the scam.

2. Trick you into running a command

If the page tells you to press Windows + R and paste something, stop immediately.

That “something” is often a command that downloads and runs malicious software. You’re essentially letting the attacker into your system yourself.

3. Steal your login information

Some fake CAPTCHA pages lead to login screens that look legitimate. Enter your email and password there, and you’ve just handed over your account.

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Why people fall for it

Because it doesn’t feel like a scam.

There’s no obvious red flag like a broken website or bad grammar. It uses familiar visuals and steps you’ve done hundreds of times. You’re not being rushed—you’re just being nudged.

And that’s enough.

Most people don’t expect a simple “I’m not a robot” check to turn into anything risky.

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The simple rule that protects you

If a CAPTCHA asks you to do anything beyond clicking a box or solving a puzzle, close the page.

No exceptions.

Especially if it involves:

• Clicking “Allow”
• Downloading something
• Pressing keyboard shortcuts
• Copying and pasting commands

That’s not verification. That’s the scam.

---

What to do if you already clicked “Allow”

If you’ve allowed notifications from a suspicious site, don’t panic—but do fix it.

Open your browser settings (whether you’re using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge), find the Notifications section, and remove any sites you don’t recognize.

If you ran a command or installed something, it’s worth doing a full antivirus scan and checking your installed programs.

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The bigger picture

There’s no secret keyboard shortcut that hackers use to break into your computer. There’s no hidden CAPTCHA exploit that bypasses security.

What there is, and what keeps working, is getting people to trust the wrong thing for just a few seconds.

That’s all it takes.

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Bottom line

The CAPTCHA scam works because it looks normal. Afterall, CAPTCHA is supposed to be more SECURE, Right?

That’s the entire strategy.

So the next time a page asks you to “prove you’re human,” take one extra second and look at what it’s really asking you to do.

If it’s anything more than a simple check, you already have your answer.

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How to Fix Login Problems (Beginner Guide)

 

Passwords & Account Confusion: Why It Happens—and How to Finally Get It Under Control

If you’ve ever sat staring at a login screen thinking “I know this password… why isn’t it working?”—you’re not alone.

Passwords are one of the biggest frustration points for everyday computer users. It’s not because people aren’t smart—it’s because the system itself is messy. Every website wants something different. Rules change. Password resets feel like a maze. And before long, everything blends together.

Let’s break this down in plain English—and fix it for good.

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Why Passwords Feel So Confusing

Here’s what most people are dealing with:

• Dozens (or hundreds) of accounts
• Different password rules (symbols, numbers, uppercase, etc.)
• Password reset loops that never seem to work
• Browsers saving some passwords—but not all
• Fear of getting locked out

So what do people naturally do?

• Use the same password everywhere
• Pick easy-to-remember passwords
• Write passwords down on paper or notes

It feels like a solution—but it actually creates bigger problems.

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The Problem with Easy Passwords

Using passwords like:

• 123456
• password
• qwerty
• Your name + birthday

…is like locking your front door but leaving the key in it.

Hackers don’t guess randomly—they use automated tools that try thousands of common passwords in seconds. If your password is simple, it can be cracked almost instantly.

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The Problem with Writing Passwords Down

Writing passwords on paper or in a notebook feels safe—but it has risks:

• Anyone who finds it has full access to your accounts
• It’s easy to lose
• It quickly becomes outdated and confusing
• People often reuse the same password across accounts

Even worse—many people keep password lists near their computer, which defeats the purpose entirely.

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The Bigger Danger: Reusing Passwords

Here’s where things get serious.

If you use the same password for multiple accounts, and just one of those sites gets hacked…

👉 Hackers will try that same password on:

• Your email
• Your bank
• Your social media
• Your shopping accounts

This is called credential stuffing, and it works far more often than people realize.

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The Simple Fix: Use a Password Manager

Instead of trying to remember everything yourself, let a tool do the work.

A password manager:

• Stores all your passwords securely
• Creates strong, unique passwords for every account
• Automatically fills in login details
• Works across your phone, tablet, and computer

You only need to remember one master password.

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Recommended Password Managers

Here are some reliable options:

Paid (Best Overall Experience)

• 1Password
  Easy to use, very secure, works on all devices, great for beginners

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Free Options (Still Very Good)

• Bitwarden
  One of the best free options available—secure and trusted
• KeePass
  Free and powerful, but a bit more technical
• Google Password Manager
  Built into Chrome and Android—simple and convenient

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Why Password Managers Are Better

Instead of this:

“Was it my dog’s name with a 1… or a 2… or an exclamation point?”

You get this:

✔ One strong master password
✔ Every account has a different, secure password
✔ No more guessing or resetting
✔ No more writing things down

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What Makes a Strong Password?

A strong password is:

• Long (at least 12–16 characters)
• Random
• Unique for each account

Example of a strong password:

T9#kL2!vPq7@zX1

You don’t need to remember it—that’s the password manager’s job.

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One Simple Habit That Changes Everything

If you do nothing else, do this:

👉 Stop reusing passwords

Even before you get a password manager, start making passwords different for important accounts like:

• Email
• Banking
• Facebook
• Shopping sites

Then, when you're ready, switch to a password manager and clean everything up.

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Final Thought

Passwords feel overwhelming because you’ve been trying to manage them manually in a world that no longer works that way.

This isn’t a failure on your part—it’s a system problem.

The good news?

Once you switch to a password manager, this entire issue goes from stressful… to almost invisible.

And that’s exactly how it should be.

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How to Find Lost Files on Windows: Beginner Step-by-Step Guide

 

How to Find a File You Created Yesterday

One of the most common problems people run into with computers is losing a file they just created.

If you saved a file and cannot find it, this guide shows you how to check Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Recent Files, and Windows Search.

Maybe you worked on something yesterday and today it seems to have completely disappeared.

Don’t worry. Most of the time the file is still there. You just need to know how to find it.

Let’s walk through a few simple ways to locate it.

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Step 1 – Check the Obvious Places First

Before doing anything complicated, check the most common places where files are saved.

Look in these folders:

• Documents
• Downloads
• Desktop

These are the locations where most programs save files by default.

To check them:

1. Open File Explorer (the folder icon on the taskbar).

2. Click Documents on the left side.

3. Look for the file name you remember.

If you don’t see it, check Downloads and Desktop as well.

Many people accidentally save files to Downloads without realizing it.

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Step 2 – Sort Files by Date

If you created the file yesterday, sorting files by date can help you find it quickly.

Here’s how:

1. Open the folder where you think the file might be.

2. Right-click in an empty area of the folder.

3. Select Sort by → Date modified.

Now the newest files will appear at the top.

If you worked on the file yesterday, it should be near the top of the list.

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Step 3 – Use the Search Box

Windows has a built-in search tool that can scan your computer.

To use it:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Click on This PC on the left side.

3. In the search box (top right) type part of the file name.

For example, if the document was called:

budget2026.docx

You could search for:

budget

Windows will search the entire computer for matching files.

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Step 4 – Search by Date

If you can’t remember the file name, you can search by when the file was created.

In the search box type:

datemodified:yesterday

Windows will show all files that were modified yesterday.

Look through the results to find your file.

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Step 5 – Check the Program You Used

Some programs keep a list of recent files.

For example:

• Microsoft Word
• Excel
• Google Docs
• Many photo programs

Open the program you used and look for a section called:

Recent Files

Your document may appear in the list.

Clicking it will open the file instantly.

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A Final Tip

When you create a file, it helps to save it in a place you can easily remember.

A good habit is saving important files in:

Documents → Work
or
Documents → Personal

Creating simple folders can save you a lot of frustration later.

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The Good News

Most of the time, a lost file is not actually lost.

It’s usually just saved in a place you didn’t expect.

Learning how to search for files is one of the most useful computer skills you can develop.

And once you know how to do it, finding things becomes much easier.

Read More

Fear of Breaking Something

Top 5 Problems Novice Computer Users Face

1. Fear of Breaking Something

Most computer users — whether new to technology or simply unsure about how things work — share a common fear:

“What if I break something?”

You’ve probably seen people say, “Don’t worry. You can’t break your computer.”

That’s partially true.

Modern computers are designed with safeguards. You’re not going to destroy your system by clicking the wrong icon or opening the wrong menu. However, there are certain actions that can create serious problems if you don’t understand what’s happening.

Not permanent destruction — but avoidable headaches.

The key is understanding which processes should never be interrupted.

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Example: BIOS Updates

If you're learning computers because you want to run a small business or work independently, I explain the practical basics in my guide to what hardware and software is and introduced  BIOS upgrades, this is one of the rare situations where interruption can cause major issues.

In case you've forgotten, BIOS is Basic Input and Output System.  It's what loads first on your computer. If you’re still nervous about making mistakes, read the POST titled BIOS and ask questions if you need clarification.  You can also watch my video Introduction to Computer for Business Entreprenours again.

If you turn off your computer during a BIOS update, you can corrupt the firmware that allows your system to start properly. In that case, the computer may not boot at all and may require professional repair.

This doesn’t mean BIOS updates are dangerous.  In fact, it may be more dangerous to ignore the update altogether.

It means they must be allowed to finish.

If you are performing a BIOS upgrade:

• Follow the instructions exactly as shown on the screen.

• Make sure a laptop is fully charged and plugged into power.

• If using a desktop, consider a battery backup (UPS) to protect against power outages.

In short:

If your computer is updating firmware, installing the operating system, or performing a system reset — do not turn it off.

Let it finish.

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What This Really Means

Outside of rare situations like firmware updates, most everyday actions are safe. You can explore menus, adjust settings, and even make mistakes without permanently damaging your system.

Understanding the difference between:

• Routine activity

• And critical system processes

removes nearly all of the fear.

Technology becomes much less intimidating once you know where the real risks actually are.

And they are far fewer than most people think.

The full list of the Top 5 Problems Novice Computer Users Face is listed below.  Now that I've addressed Problem #1, I will create future blog posts to address the other 4 reasons as well. 

1. Fear of breaking something
   Worry that one wrong click will ruin the computer. Emphasis: reassurance and safe explanations.

2. File confusion
   Not understanding save vs download, where files go, or how to find them later.

3. Passwords & account confusion
   Mixing up emails, usernames, passwords, reset loops, and login anxiety.

4. Updates, pop-ups, and scary messages
   Not knowing what’s normal vs what’s a scam; fear-driven paralysis.

5. Basic hardware confusion

6. Ports, cables, printers, Wi-Fi, and “what plugs into what."

Read More