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11:47 AM

A computer virus can come from just about anywhere — even removable storage devices. When an infected USB flash drive finds its way to your PC, it will be activated thanks to a built-in Windows function called AutoRun.
Fortunately, there is a way to disable the feature.
In this article, we’ll show you how you can remove the shortcut virus using the command prompt and safeguard your computer from future attacks.


What Is AutoRun?

To understand what a shortcut virus is, you need to know what AutoRun does and why it does it.
Windows launches a file called autorun.inf when external devices (USB, memory card, CDs, DVDs, SD cards) are plugged into the computer. Features like AutoRun are designed to improve the PC experience.
In most cases, they aid non-technical users by automatically launching applications found on external devices like pen drives instead of having them manually navigate important files and folders.
The best example would be the installation CDs that come with the programs you purchase. Each CD would likely have an autorun.inf file so the installer would launch as soon as you insert the CD in your computer.

How Does a Shortcut Virus Work?

Unfortunately, the Auto Run feature had been abused by some malicious people. A virus from USB flash can now be attached to autorun.inf so both would launch at the same time. This means you’re essentially installing a virus the second you plug in your USB.
What the virus does would depend on what it’s been programmed to do. Some are known to add what’s called a key-logger to your system. This would allow hackers to track your keystrokes to steal personal information like passwords and banking information.

Disabling AutoRun

While AutoRun is a great feature, disabling it might be the best way to prevent infected autorun.inf files from doing damage.
Here are the steps you should follow to disable Windows AutoRun:
Go to Settings (Windows + I) > Devices > AutoPlay.


Disable AutoPlay by switching the toggle to the Off position.


Note: You can also use the drop-down menu to select the default action whenever you insert an external device.

Deleting the Autorun.inf File

If you suspect that your USB drive has a virus, deleting the autorun.inf file will prevent the virus from launching.

Delete Using CMD

Here’s how to delete the autorun.inf file by running CMD otherwise known as the command prompt:
Open Run and type CMD to open the Command Prompt.

Enter the USB drive letter (example: “G:” or “F:” without the quotation marks) and press Enter.
Type ATTRIBUTE -H -R -S AUTORUN.INF in the command line then press Enter.

Type DEL AUTORUN.INF and press Enter.

Delete Using Windows Explorer

Here’s how to delete the autorun.inf file using Windows Explorer:
Launch Windows Explorer (Windows + E).
Open the USB drive found on the left-hand side panel. This action will show you the content of the USB.
Select autorun.inf from the list and press Delete.

Note: Autorun.inf is usually a hidden file. Make sure you have Show Hidden Files enabled by going to View and ticking Hidden Items.
Deleting the autorun.inf file through either method should help keep your computer safe from malicious virus. However, you should use an antivirus software to scan your USB drive for malware immediately after as an added security measure.
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11:44 AM
We’re all thankful that it’s no longer the days where it seemed like you had to re-install Windows every six months. There are still times, though, where we must go to the last resort. Sometimes, you just have to scrap it all and start all over again.

When Should I Re-install Windows?

There are several things you can do to fix minor and major Windows problems. The Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility is great for fixing issues with the file system due to bad sectors on hard drives.
The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command line tools can find and fix a host of Windows issues.
SFC is great for finding and repairing system files in Windows, whereas DISM can do a more thorough check and repair Windows using resources from Microsoft’s Windows Update service. Try these things first.
If that doesn’t do it, and you’re certain that the issue isn’t a hardware issue, then it might be time to start again. WARNING: we’re talking about wiping away all your files and programs and starting again. Make sure to back up your files to an external drive or to a cloud storage service.

Three Ways to Do a Clean Reinstall of Windows

There are three ways you can do a clean reinstall of Windows. We’ll be focusing on Windows 10. If you’re using Windows 8.1 or earlier, the first two are for you.
  1. Perform a Reset from Windows Settings.
  2. Reinstall by rebooting with installation media like a DVD or bootable USB drive.
  3. Reinstall from inside of Windows with installation media.

Reset this PC for a Clean Install

This should be your first option when trying to completely wipe your computer and re-install Windows 10. It’s simple, doesn’t require a DVD or USB drive, and doesn’t even require you to enter your Windows license key.
In the Type here to search bar, start typing Settings. When the Settings utility is shown, click on that to start it.


In the Settings window, scroll down and click on Update & Security.


In the Update & Settings window, on the left-side, click on Recovery. Once it’s in the Recovery window, click on the Get Started button.

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To wipe everything from your computer, click on the Remove everything option.


It may take a few minutes to get things ready. Then, it will tell you that the current setting is to Just remove your files. This is quicker but less secure. We’re going for a complete wipe, so this isn’t enough. Click on Change settings.


In this window, click on the Off button to get to the data erasure option. Click Confirm.


After a few seconds, you’ll see the Ready to reset this PC window. If you’re certain you want to do this, click on Reset.


It will prepare to do the reset. This part can take several minutes. During our test, it took about 15 minutes. Then the computer restarts.
When the computer restarts, you’ll see the Windows logo and Please wait. Then the screen may go black for a few minutes. Be patient.


The Windows logo will come back and under it will read Resetting this PC. It will start to count in percentage of completion. This can take several minutes to an hour or more depending on your PC. When it is complete, you can begin your Windows set up again.


Reinstall Windows from DVD or Bootable USB Drive

You’ll need to have either the Windows DVD that came with your computer or you bought on its own, or a bootable USB drive with Windows on it. Many laptop and computer makers have utilities built into their Windows installs to help you create these recovery drives.
If you didn’t make one when you got your computer, now’s the time to do that. Using the manufacturer’s official Windows installation is the best way to go, as it will have all the hardware drivers specific to the make and model of your computer.
If that’s not an option, you can download an official ISO of Windows 10 using the Windows Media Creation Tool or just your web browser. We can also show you where to get Windows 8.1 or 7 ISOs. You’ll need to find your Windows Product Key.
The Windows Media Creation tool will guide you through the creation of a bootable USB drive or DVD. It’s surprisingly simple, but it can take a while.
Next, you’ll need to boot your computer from the DVD or USB drive. You may need to access your computer’s BIOS and change the boot order. It’s likely set to boot from your hard drive first. Reboot your PC and follow the steps below.
When your computer starts, you’ll be presented with the Windows installation wizard, which will walk you through the process.


To do this in a way that wipes the drive, go until you get to the point where you’ll be asked, Which type of installation do you want? At this point choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).


You may be asked where you would like to install Windows. Typically, it will be the Primary drive. Select that and click Next.


The installation will continue. First, you’ll see a screen like the one below for several minutes. Then your computer will restart, and you’ll see a black screen with a blue Windows icon. It will go through several stages not requiring any input from you.


Eventually, you’ll see the blue install screen with a rotating circle and the words Just a moment… You’re almost there. This will take several minutes and go through some more text.


Now, you’ll be at the Windows set up stage. Continue through this to get Windows set up and you’re ready to go.


Reinstall Windows from Your Install Media, from Inside of Windows

This method is a last resort. The Reset this PC method is easier and quicker. That might not be an option for you, so let’s go over how-to re-install Windows from inside of your current Windows installation. The one upside to this method is that you should not have to enter your Windows product key for it to work.
Insert your Windows installation media. Navigate to it in File Explorer and open it. Then look for your Windows installation media. Open it and look for the setupapplication and double-click on it.


The User Account Control (UAC) window will open asking if you want to all this app to make changes to this device. Click Yes.


A small window will open showing the Windows logo and will proceed to say that it is preparing. It will count percentage of readiness.


Next, the Windows 10 Setup window will open. It reads Install Windows 10 and that it will go online to get updates. If you wanted, you could click on Change how Windows Setup downloads updates. For our purposes, click on the Next button.


It may quickly go through a few screens, like Getting updates, Restarting Windows 10 Setup, Checking your PC, We’re getting a few things ready, and then stop on the Applicable notices and license terms screen. Feel free to read it and click on Accept.


It may quickly go through a few more screens such as Choose what to keep, Making sure you’re ready to install, and then it will stay on Getting updates for several minutes counting the percentage done. This can take a while.


It will then start Making sure your PC has enough space, and then arrive at the Ready to install screen. It may say that it will Keep personal files and apps. Just click on Change what to keep under that.


There will be three choices: Keep personal files and apps, Keep personal files only, and Nothing. If you want a clean wipe, click on Nothing then click Next.


It will then quickly go through some of the screens like before, and then you’ll see the big blue Installing Windows 10 screen. It warns that your PC will restart several times and that it will take a while. After some time, your computer will restart.


You’ll see your login screen and the message Getting Windows ready. Don’t turn off your computer. That will go on for several minutes. Your screen may go black. Be patient.


Eventually, you’ll get to a full blue screen reading Installing Windows 0% Don’t turn off your PC. This will take a while. Your PC will restart several times. Yes, it does take a while. Our test run took well over an hour.


Finally, the computer will restart, and you should be at your login window again. Log in and proceed to set up Windows.

Welcome to Your Fresh Windows Install

Those are the three ways that you can install Windows in a way that completely wipes out everything on your computer. This is a new start. Just remember, if you wanted to access any of your old files you better have them backed up to a cloud service or on an external hard drive. Enjoy your fresh install of Windows.
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11:36 AM
Windows would normally have zero problems installing an update on its own. But there are times when user settings or other underlying issues prevent Windows from doing its job. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the things you can do to make Windows install updates again.

Restart your PC

A simple system restart can sometimes resolve update errors. So before you try anything else, reboot your PC and see if that will take care of the problem.

If not, you can try the other solutions below.

Check Your Settings

Some Windows settings can stop it from installing necessary updates. Here are some of the things you should check.

Metered Connection

Windows have features that prevent it from downloading updates over a metered connection. You should go over your Wi-Fi settings and see if this is what’s causing the problem.
Go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Click the Wi-Fi you’re currently connected to. Look under Metered Connection and see if Set As Metered Connection turned on.

There are plenty of reasons why you’d want to leave this on, especially if you are on a limited internet plan and don’t want to incur extra charges. But turning it off will make sure you get Windows updates as soon as they’re ready.

Windows Update

If you’d like to receive updates regardless of whether your connection is set as a metered one or not, you need to over your Windows Update settings.
Go to Windows Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options.

Under Update Options, turn on Automatically Download Updates, Even Over Metered Data Connections. Be aware that turning this on might lead to charges depending on your network provider.

Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has created a program that deals with update issues. It’s called Windows Update Troubleshooter and it will go through your PC and look for bugs that are preventing Windows Update from working as it should.
Download Windows Update Troubleshooter and run the application after it’s installed. Once finished, restart your computer. Next, go to Windows Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update.

Click Check for Updates to see if there are any. Windows should start downloading and installing updates.

Add Disk Space

Windows won’t be able to install updates if your computer does not have enough disk space. Consider adding more space if there’s no more room in your hard drive for a system update. As an alternative, you can also perform disk cleanup.

Search for the Disk Cleanup utility and run the program. Choose which drive you’d like to clean up. Select a drive and hit OK.

Disk Cleanup will calculate how much disk space can be freed. Select which files you’d like to delete and hit OK to continue.

Look for Malware

There’s a small possibility that what you’re experiencing is being caused by malware. To check, run your antivirus software. Quarantine malware if detected to prevent more damage.

Restart Windows Update

If the Windows Update service is not installing updates as it should, try manually restarting the program.
Launch Search and type Command Prompt. Right-click and select Run as Administrator. Type the following command then press Enter:
NET STOP WUAUSERV

The Command Prompt will run the command. Once finished, it will display a message saying Windows Update had been stopped. Enter the following command:
NET START WUAUSERV

This command would restart Windows Update. Go to Windows Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update and see if the updates can be installed now. 
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11:35 AM
In this article, I’ll be covering 10 Excel tips that you can use to boost productivity and make your work life easier. Make sure you read through the entire list so that you can find the tips that will be most useful to you.
I’ll be jumping straight into the action below. Make sure you bookmark this page so that you can come back here in case you forget any of the useful tips I’ll be sharing.

Make Use of the Status Bar


Whenever you highlight a range of numbers, the status bar at the bottom of Excel will feed you some useful information. You can find information about the sum, the average, and the total count of numbers.
Many people know about the status bar, but did you know that you can right click it to add more features? For example, you can add the minimum and maximum values in a range.

Use Shortcuts for Quick Navigation



If you need to navigate through a sheet quickly, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts.
  • Ctrl+End – navigate to the furthest right cell you’ve entered data in.
  • Ctrl+home – navigate to the start.
  • Ctrl+right arrow – navigate to the furthest right of the Excel sheet.
  • Ctrl+left arrow – navigate to the furthest left of the Excel sheet.
  • Ctrl+up arrow – navigate to the top of the Excel sheet.
  • Ctrl+down arrow – navigate to the bottom of the Excel sheet.

Sticky Rows


If you’d like some rows to stay at the top of the Excel sheet as you scroll through it, select the row by clicking on its letter on the left side, then click View at the top. Next, click Freeze Panes to be given the following options:
  • Freeze Panes – Sticky all, based on current view.
  • Freeze Top Row – Sticky only the top row.
  • Freeze First Column – Stick only the first column.

Quick Select Formulas


This tip can save a lot of time if you are constantly entering formulas. As you begin to type a formula, you can use the up/down arrow keys to go through suggested formulas and the tab key to automatically select that formula. This method is often much faster than typing out a formula in full each time.

Auto Fill Information


If you are filling out a range of data, you can highlight that range, then drag downward to autofill more cells with the following information. There are many ways you can use this to be more productive. For example, it can be used to automatically enter consecutive dates.
Excel is smart at guessing what information you’d like to auto fill. For example, if you have a column that shows every third day, it can follow that pattern with the auto fill feature.

Create a Macro to Automate a Task


If there are any tasks you repeatedly perform in Excel, you can create a macro to automate the process. To do this, follow the steps below.
  • Click File.
  • Click Options.
  • Click Customize Ribbon.
  • Under the Main tab, select to activate the Developer box.
  • Click OK.

  • Now, click the new Developer tab at the top of the Excel ribbon.
  • After that, click the Record Macro button.
  • Now, name the macro and choose a shortcut for it.
  • You can also add a description to make things easier for you in the future.

  • Next, simply perform any task just like you’d normally do on Excel.
  • Once you’ve done, click Stop Recording.
  • You can now use the shortcut you’ve created to instantly perform the task you recorded.

Create a Beautiful Table in Seconds


You can create visually appealing tables in seconds by following the steps below.
  • First, highlight the data you’d like in the table.
  • Go to the Insert tab.
  • Click Table.
  • The highlighted area will now have a border around it.
  • Click OK to create the table.

You can use the table icons at the top right to change the colors, and use the checkboxes under the design tab to change up the layout.

You can also click the small icon underneath the table once your cursor is hovering over the table. This will open a small menu for creating charts, tables, formatting rules, and more.

Use Go To to Find Specific Cells


If your Excel sheet has an overwhelming amount of data, it becomes difficult to track everything down. You can use the Go To tool to find specific cells easier. It works similarly to the Find tool in Microsoft Word.
  • First, select the range of data you’d like to find information in.
  • Alternatively, just press Ctrl+A to select everything.
  • Look for the Edit section on the Home tab at the top right.
  • Click Go To.
  • You can then enter a value, word, or use the ‘special’ tab to find more specific elements.
Quick tip: You can create a comment on any cells you’d like to find easily later on and then use the Comment selection in the Special tab when using Go To.

Change How ‘Enter’ Works


By default, pressing Enter will move you a cell down, but there is a method to change how Enter works in Excel. To change this, go to File, then Options, then click on theAdvanced tab.
From here, you can choose whether the Enter key will move you up, down, right, or left. Alternatively, you can just turn off the functionality completely. This is useful if you’d like to keep enter as a simple way to confirm data and would prefer to navigate cells manually.

Copy the Same Data into Multiple Cells at Once


You can quickly copy the data of one cell into as many cells as you’d like. To do this, first press Ctrl+C on the cell you’d like to copy. Next, highlight the cells you’d like to copy to, then press Ctrl+V.

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