And don't ignore some of the fantastic tools Steve has written over the years. They can be ...]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 12:03:46 -0400 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/steven-gibsons-weekly-security-podcast/#p16066 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/steven-gibsons-weekly-security-podcast/#p16066 Hope I selected the proper place for this posting.  For some time now, I have been receiving this security podcast.  Must admit that over 95% of the information is way over my head, but it opens my mind and keeps ...]]> Tue, 06 May 2025 06:37:37 -0400 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16013 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16013 Hi ritergal,

I am pretty sure this would be down to the "Fast Startup" feature in Windows and nothing to do with the drives. When Fast Startup is enabled the system doesn't go into a full shutdown but rather into a ...]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:49:02 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16012 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16012 Thanks Richard. Your suggestion might help if I hadn't already dismantled things enough that starting them up is no longer an option. His only concern is data security. He seems finally convinced that no tiny hard drive is lurking on ...]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:51:08 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16011 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16011 Hey Ritergal,

By today's standards, even that fast spinner would be a slow boot drive. The SATA would leave it in the dust.

Perhaps Hibernation was enabled? That would account for a nearly instant boot time (<10 seconds). I have that enabled ...]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:24:06 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16010 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/missing-hard-drive/#p16010 I just removed hard drives from two of my husband's old computers  to prepare them for recycling. One is a custom-built unit at least twelve years old. The other is about seven years old. The older one may have still ...]]> Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:57:05 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16009 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16009 Good luck, MB!

Be careful, though. Many sites that offer free manuals are also security risks.

I can't believe you didn't get a manual with your computer. Are you sure there isn't ...]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2025 09:10:42 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16006 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16006 Hi Richard.  Did not know manuals were still issued with new computers.  Purchase my computers from Amazon.  No manuals, no drivers, just hardware.  Guess I am out of luck.  Acer support is almost non existent, though I do love their ...]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2025 05:59:37 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16004 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16004 OK, you will want to find your manual. To reset the BIOS, you need to cross two pins on the motherboard.

You can use a screwdriver to cross those pins or you can use an unused jumper on the motherboard to ...]]> Sat, 08 Feb 2025 10:38:09 -0500 https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16003 Computer Security https://davescomputertips.com/forum/computer-security/forgot-password-to-access-bios/#p16003 Richard. This is a newer computer. I am slightly confused.  Found the exert below. Which method should I use, Mindblower!