--- title: Northampton Computer Repair | Q&A | Windows Tips description: Windows Tips | Ask-A-Techi will answer all of your PC or Computer questions. Our aim is to demystify and simplify computer technology for the lay person… --- ## [Northampton Computer Repair](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/) 413-341-3571 12 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060 # Ask-A-Techie, Where you can have all of your questions answered. ## [Did Someone Bug My Computer?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/302737/Did-Someone-Bug-My-Computer) Posted by [Chris Allard](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/chris-allard) on Sat, Jul 06, 2013 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-218163444-jpg/images/137.jpg) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/302737/Did-Someone-Bug-My-Computer) *I went on vacation with my boyfriend last year and we both took our laptops. At one point, my boyfriend wanted to use my laptop because he said his didn't have online connection. I said sorry but I have personal stuff on my laptop and I wouldn't let him use it. I went out for a while and when I came back, my laptop was stacked right on top of his laptop on the table. When I asked why my laptop was sitting on top of his laptop, he said he didn't know, it could have been the hotel housekeeping that put it there.* [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/302737/Did-Someone-Bug-My-Computer) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/302737/Did-Someone-Bug-My-Computer#comments-listing) Tags: [Dirty little tech secrets](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/dirty-little-tech-secrets), [spyware](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/spyware), [key logger](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/key-logger), [key logging](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/key-logging), [Viruses](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/viruses), [Strong passwords](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/strong-passwords), [PC Tips & Tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips-tricks), [Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/protection), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [password protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/password-protection), [password security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/password-security), [Computer Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/computer-protection), [Safe Practices](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/safe-practices), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [computer keyboards](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/computer-keyboards), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/security) ## [What is Carbonite and do I need it?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/224419/what-is-carbonite-and-do-i-need-it) Posted by [Edward Drummond](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/edward-drummond) on Wed, Sep 26, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/224419/what-is-carbonite-and-do-i-need-it) Dear Techie, Being bored and an insomniac, I happened to come across a late-night commercial for a service called Carbonite. It claims to automatically back up all my data so if something happens (or as they say "Before disaster strikes") my data is all protected. I just can't really get my mind around what the service is. I have a few gigabytes of photos and documents stored on my PC and I am worried that it will die on me one day and I will be left without copies. Should I use this service?  Will disaster strike me?  Did I leave the oven on?  Why is the number 42 important?  The suspense is killing me! — Freaked out non-geek [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/224419/what-is-carbonite-and-do-i-need-it) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/224419/what-is-carbonite-and-do-i-need-it#comments-listing) Tags: [Keeping your PC working](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/keeping-your-pc-working), [online safety](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/online-safety), [PC Tips & Tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips-tricks), [Hard drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/hard-drives), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips), [PC Tips'n'tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips39n39tricks), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/security), [Data Backup](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/data-backup) ## [What does "Delayed Write Failed" mean?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/171187/What-does-Delayed-Write-Failed-mean) Posted by [Edward Drummond](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/edward-drummond) on Mon, Jun 18, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/171187/What-does-Delayed-Write-Failed-mean) Hi Techie, A message popped up on my screen that said "Delayed Write Failed" to my USB drive. What does that mean and what should I do? [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/171187/What-does-Delayed-Write-Failed-mean) 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/171187/What-does-Delayed-Write-Failed-mean#comments-listing) Tags: [flash drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/flash-drives), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips), [PC Tips'n'tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips39n39tricks), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips) ## [Which is better, Cable or DSL?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140804/Which-is-better-Cable-or-DSL) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140804/Which-is-better-Cable-or-DSL) Techie, I’ve been searching around for a new internet service provider since I moved into the Pioneer Valley.  What is going to be a good choice for getting high-speed internet?  [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140804/Which-is-better-Cable-or-DSL) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140804/Which-is-better-Cable-or-DSL#comments-listing) Tags: [dsl](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/dsl), [online safety](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/online-safety), [cable](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/cable), [ISP](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/isp), [internet service provider](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/internet-service-provider), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips), [PC Tips'n'tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips39n39tricks), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Speed up my computer](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/speed-up-my-computer) ## [Pros and Cons of External Hard Drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140839/pros-and-cons-of-external-hard-drives) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Tue, Apr 03, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140839/pros-and-cons-of-external-hard-drives) Dear Techie, What are the main upside and downsides to using an external hard drive versus a hard drive installed in your computer? —Driven   [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140839/pros-and-cons-of-external-hard-drives) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140839/pros-and-cons-of-external-hard-drives#comments-listing) Tags: [HDD](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/hdd), [external hard drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/external-hard-drives), [flash drives](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/flash-drives), [SSD](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ssd), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [PC Tips'n'tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips39n39tricks), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips) ## [Is Windows 8 a good thing?](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140845/Is-Windows-8-a-good-thing) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140845/Is-Windows-8-a-good-thing) Dear Techie, I have been hearing about Windows 8 being the next big thing from Microsoft.  From what has been said so far, it sounds like Windows 8 has a lot of change in store.  I remember how difficult some things were when I upgraded from Windows XP to Windows Vista.  What things are changing? Sincerely. User who wishes Windows was “pane-free” [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140845/Is-Windows-8-a-good-thing) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140845/Is-Windows-8-a-good-thing#comments-listing) Tags: [OS reviews](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/os-reviews), [Windows 8 good or bad](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-8-good-or-bad), [Operating System](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/operating-system), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Windows 8](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-8) ## [Disk Cleanup](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140852/Disk-Cleanup) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Sat, Feb 11, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140852/Disk-Cleanup) Dear Techie I have an older computer that keeps saying my disk space is low.  I haven’t installed anything on my computer that takes up space.  What should I do?Thanks,   Spaced Out [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140852/Disk-Cleanup) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140852/Disk-Cleanup#comments-listing) Tags: [Low Disk Space](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/low-disk-space), [temporary Files](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/temporary-files), [PC Fix](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-fix), [Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/protection), [privacy](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/privacy), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/security), [Speed up my computer](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/speed-up-my-computer) ## [Ask-a-Techie: Autoplay](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140856/Ask-a-Techie-Autoplay) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Heya Techie, Every time I put a CD or DVD into my media player program pops up.  How can I stop this from happening?  I want to be able to select what program opens what file. Thanks, Otto-matically Annoyed [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140856/Ask-a-Techie-Autoplay) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140856/Ask-a-Techie-Autoplay#comments-listing) Tags: [Disable Autoplay](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/disable-autoplay), [Operating System](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/operating-system), [PC Tips & Tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips-tricks), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/security), [Windows Tweaks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tweaks) ## [Ask-A-Techie: Gmail Backups](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140858/Ask-A-Techie-Gmail-Backups) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140858/Ask-A-Techie-Gmail-Backups) Hi Techie, I use [Gmail](http://mail.google.com) for all my email for both home and business.  I know they have backups of everything I write and send but I know that I should have backups myself just in case.  Looking around Gmail, I can’t seem to find any way I can save and backup my years of email, what can I do? GoogleWorrier [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140858/Ask-A-Techie-Gmail-Backups) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140858/Ask-A-Techie-Gmail-Backups#comments-listing) Tags: [Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/protection), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [PC tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips), [email](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/email), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Data Backup](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/data-backup) ## [Ask-A-Techie: New Browsers and Toolbars](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140862/Ask-A-Techie-New-Browsers-and-Toolbars) Posted by [Serges LaRiviere](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/author/serges-lariviere) on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/hs-fs/file-18376551-png/images/askatechieicon-150x150.png) ](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140862/Ask-A-Techie-New-Browsers-and-Toolbars) Dear Techie, The last time I updated Firefox (to the newest version, 8.0), it took out my list of bookmarks, and the top bar.. ie; (File, Edit, View, Tools, Help), All that was left after this was this the Bing toolbar and Ask.com bar which I do not remember installing. Ask.com was also installed on Internet Explorer.  I didn’t want either Bing or Ask.com in either browser but they appeared one day.  What can I do? Thanks. [Read More](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140862/Ask-A-Techie-New-Browsers-and-Toolbars) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/bid/140862/Ask-A-Techie-New-Browsers-and-Toolbars#comments-listing) Tags: [Toolbar Removal](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/toolbar-removal), [Firefox tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/firefox-tips), [PC Tips & Tricks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-tips-tricks), [PC Fix](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/pc-fix), [Protection](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/protection), [Ask-a-techie](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/ask-a-techie), [Windows Tips](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tips), [Web Browser](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/web-browser), [Security](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/security), [Windows Tweaks](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/topic/windows-tweaks) [All posts](https://www.northamptoncomputerrepair.com/ask-a-techie/all) # Ask-A-Techie ## your question here ## Our Most Popular Posts © 2016 Northampton Computer Repair