My computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?

 

 

Tip: This page only covers an overall slow computer and not a computer that has a slow boot up or slow Internet.

Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that can help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.

Reboot

If your computer has not been rebooted recently, make sure to reboot it before following any of the steps below.

Background programs

One of the most common reasons for a slow computer are programs running in the background. Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots.

Tip: To see what programs are running in the background and how much memory and CPU they are using, open Task Manager. If you are running Windows 7 or higher, run Resmon to get a better understanding of how your computer is being used.

If you have an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or another security utility, make sure it is not scanning your computer in the background. If a scan is in progress, it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.

Delete temp files

As a computer runs programs, accesses web pages, and is being used in general, temporary files are being stored on the hard drive. Deleting these temp files can help improve computer performance.

First, we suggest using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files and other files no longer needed on the computer.

Unfortunately, the Disk Cleanup may not delete all of the files in the temp directory. Therefore, we also suggest deleting temporary files manually by opening the Start menu and enter %temp% in the Search field (in Windows XP and prior, click the Run option in the Start menu and enter %temp% in the Run field). Press Enter and a Temp folder should open. You can delete all files found in this folder and if any files are in use they can be skipped.

Free hard drive space

Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size, as well as room for temporary files.

• Determining available hard drive space.
• Regaining computer hard drive space.

Bad, corrupted or fragmented hard drive

• Run ScanDisk, chkdsk, or something equivalent to verify there is nothing physically wrong with the computer's hard drive.
• Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
• Use other software tools to test the hard drive for any errors by looking at the SMART of the drive.

Scan for malware

Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems, including a slow computer. Even if an antivirus scanner is installed on the computer, we recommend running a malware scan on the computer. Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware.

Scan for viruses

If your computer is infected with one or more viruses, this can cause your computer to run slow. If your computer does not have an antivirus program installed, you can run Trend Micro's free Housecall online utility to check for viruses on your computer, as well as remove them. It is also recommended that you install an antivirus program for active protection against viruses.

Hardware conflicts

• Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem.

Update Windows

• Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed on the computer.
• If you are on the Internet when your computer is slow, make sure all browser plugins are up-to-date.

Update your drivers

Make sure you have got the latest drivers for your computer, especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues, including slow performance.

Reboot computer again

If you have done any of the above steps but your computer is still acting slow try rebooting the computer again at this point.

Memory upgrade

If you have had your computer for more than two years, you may need more memory. Today, we suggest computers have a minimum of 1GB of memory (RAM) for 32-bit system and 2GB for a 64-bit system. By having enough memory for programs to run within memory, your computer will not need to swap information stored within memory to the swap file. If your computer hard drive light is constantly active, its a good indication that your computer is swapping information between your memory and hard drive because of the lack of space in memory.

• Determining how much RAM is installed and available.
• How much memory or RAM should my computer have?
• What type of computer memory to use in a memory upgrade?
  

Hard drive upgrade

One of the biggest bottlenecks of a computer is the hard disk drive. For anyone with a slow computer or just looking for something to upgrade in the computer to improve overall system performance, upgrading from a traditional hard drive to a Solid State Drive (SSD) will significantly improve the overall system performance.

Run registry cleaner

We normally do not recommend registry cleaners. However, if you have followed all of the above steps and your computer is still slow, try running a registry cleaner on the computer.

Computer or processor is overheating

Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating. Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance because most processors automatically reduce the speed of the processor to help compensate for the heat related issues.

• What temperature should my processor be running at?

Dust, dirt, and hair can also constrict proper air flow inside your computer, which can cause a computer to overheat. Make sure your computer case is clean and fans are not obstructed.

• Steps on cleaning your computer.

Erase computer and start over

If none of the above solutions resolve your issues, another option is to either reinstall Windows or erase everything and then start over.

Erasing everything and starting over can increase performance by getting rid of old software or drivers that may be on the computer and causing the computer to be slow. Installing a fresh copy of Windows, software programs, and the latest drivers help verify there is no software related issues causing your computer to be slow.

Hardware issues

Finally, if your computer continues to be slower than normal after going over each of the above recommendations (including erasing and starting over), it's possible that your computer is experiencing a more serious hardware related issue such as a failing component in the computer. This could be a failing or bad hard drive, CPU, RAM, motherboard, or other component.

Old computer

If your computer is older than five years, the age of the computer could be the cause of the slow performance. Computers advance in technology and capabilities and newer, more advanced software programs come out to run properly on the new computers. Older computers are not able to run the new programs as well, which can cause them to slow down. If your computer is older than five years, we suggest purchasing a new computer or accept that, if all the above options do not work to speed up your computer, it will just run slower than a newer computer.

Microsoft DOS diskpart command

About diskpart

Syntax

Windows Vista and 7 diskpart command syntax
Recovery Console diskpart command syntax

Windows Vista and 7 diskpart command syntax

Microsoft DiskPart version 6.1.7601
Copyright (C) 1999-2008 Microsoft Corporation.
On computer: COMPUTERHOPE

Microsoft DiskPart syntax:
diskpart [/s <script>] [/?]

/s <script>	Use a DiskPart script.
/?	Show this help screen.

Typing diskpart from an elevated command prompt will enter the "DISKPART>" prompt. From this prompt, the below commands are available. These commands are also available from a DiskPart script.

ACTIVE	Mark the selected partition as active.
ADD	Add a mirror to a simple volume.
ASSIGN	Assign a drive letter or mount point to the selected volume.
ATTRIBUTES	Manipulate volume or disk attributes.
ATTACH	Attaches a virtual disk file.
AUTOMOUNT	Enable and disable automatic mounting of basic volumes.
BREAK	Break a mirror set.
CLEAN	Clear the configuration information, or all information, off the disk.
COMPACT	Attempts to reduce the physical size of the file.
CONVERT	Convert between different disk formats.
CREATE	Create a volume, partition, or virtual disk.
DELETE	Delete an object.
DETAIL	Provide details about an object.
DETACH	Detaches a virtual disk file.
EXIT	Exit DiskPart.
EXTEND	Extend a volume.
EXPAND	Expands the maximum size available on a virtual disk.
FILESYSTEMS	Display current and supported file systems on the volume.
FORMAT	Format the volume or partition.
GPT	Assign attributes to the selected GPT partition.
HELP	Display a list of commands.
IMPORT	Import a disk group.
INACTIVE	Mark the selected partition as inactive.
LIST	Display a list of objects.
MERGE	Merges a child disk with its parents.
ONLINE	Online an object that is currently marked as offline.
OFFLINE	Offline an object that is currently marked as online.
RECOVER	Refreshes the state of all disks in the selected pack. Attempts recovery on disks in the invalid pack, and resynchronizes mirrored volumes and RAID5 volumes that have stale plex or parity data.
REM	Does nothing. This is used to comment scripts.
REMOVE	Remove a drive letter or mount point assignment.
REPAIR	Repair a RAID-5 volume with a failed member.
RESCAN	Rescan the computer looking for disks and volumes.
RETAIN	Place a retained partition under a simple volume.
SAN	Display or set the SAN policy for the currently booted OS.
SELECT	Shift the focus to an object.
SETID	Change the partition type.
SHRINK	Reduce the size of the selected volume.
UNIQUEID	Displays or sets the GUID partition table (GPT) identifier or master boot record (MBR) signature of a disk.

Recovery Console diskpart command syntax

Creates and deletes partitions on a hard drive. The below diskpart command information is only available when you are using the Recovery Console.

diskpart [/add | /delete] [device_name | drive_name | partition_name] [size]

/add	Creates a new partition.
/delete	Deletes an existing partition.
device_name	The device you want to create or delete a partition. The name can be obtained from the output of the map command.
drive_name	The partition you want to delete, by drive letter. Used only with /delete.
partition_name	The partition you want to delete, by partition name. Can be used in place of the drive_name. Used only with /delete.
size	The size, in megabytes (MB), of the partition you want to create. Used only with /add.

Examples

Diskpart

Typing diskpart without any additional switches or options opens a new DISKPART> prompt and allow all the above commands to be entered. For example, while at the DISKPART> prompt you can type: LIST DISK and get an output similar to the example below.

Disk ### -------------- Disk 0 Disk 1 Disk 2 Disk 3 Disk 4 Disk 5

Status -------------- Online Online No Media No Media No Media No Media

Size -------------- 119 GB 2047 GB 0 B 0 B 0 B 0 B

Free -------------- 0 B 0 B 0 B 0 B 0 B 0 B

Dyn --------------

Gpt --------------

Note: When entering the diskpart command in some versions of Windows you may receive a UAC warning. You must accept this warning before diskpart can open.

Tip: To exit the DISKPART> prompt type exit and press enter.

diskpart /delete D:

In the above example, the D: partition would be deleted.

diskpart /add \Device\HardDisk0 20

In the above example, a 20MB would be created on the HardDisk0 device. This name is obtained from the map command.

My laptop mouse touchpad is not working

When the touchpad stops working, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it or work around the issue.

Tip: Since some of the settings do require you to navigate the mouse cursor for troubleshooting purposes use the Trackpoint, PS/2, or USB mouse a temporary fix. If you cannot get the mouse to work see our navigating Windows with the keyboard page for tips on how to use the keyboard to navigate in Windows.

Other USB device

Some USB and PS/2 devices, especially any USB input device (including a computer mouse), can disable the touchpad. As a troubleshooting step, turn off the computer, disconnect all USB devices, then start the computer again to make sure no other device is disabling the touchpad. If this fixes your problem, but the touchpad is disabled again, the next time you connect the device, check your touchpad software settings for a setting that can prevent this from happening.

Check mouse settings

First, in the Windows Control Panel, access the mouse settings and verify the touchpad is enabled. Also, you can adjust the sensitivity of the touchpad to work best for your fingers. Check these settings to make sure something was not disabled or adjusted to cause the touchpad to not work.

Check Device Manager

Second, open the Device Manager and check through the device list and find the touchpad. Check to see that it is enabled. If disabled, re-enable it and test the touchpad. If it is already enabled, change it to disabled, then re-enable it again. Sometimes toggling this setting can kick-start the touchpad into working again.

If there are any yellow exclamation marks, red X's or "Other devices" in Device Manager, any of these errors can indicate there is a problem with hardware in your computer that may be causing the touchpad problems.

• Identifying problems in Windows Device Manager.

Check CMOS (BIOS) setup

Make sure the touchpad has not been disabled in the CMOS (BIOS) setup. In the setup, check the hardware device settings and see if the touchpad is enabled or disabled. If disabled, re-enable it, restart the laptop, and test the touchpad.

• How to enter the BIOS or CMOS setup.

Software driver issues

If the above options do not fix the problem, the software driver for the touchpad may be corrupted or not updated enough to work correctly. Visit the laptop manufacturer's website and download the most current touchpad driver for your specific laptop model. Install the driver, restart the laptop, and test the touchpad to see if it works.

Hardware defect

Lastly, if the touchpad still is not working correctly or at all, you may need to take it to a computer repair shop and have it fixed. It could require replacement of the touchpad itself or another component in the laptop. If you cannot repair the touchpad, connect and use an external mouse as a workaround.

Getting into Windows Safe Mode

Microsoft Windows 8 users

To get into the Windows 8 Safe Mode, follow these steps:

1. When the computer is booting, press and hold the Shift key, and tap the F8 key repeatedly until the Recovery screen appears.
2. Click the See advanced repair options option on the Recovery screen.
3. On the "Choose an option" screen, click the Troubleshoot option.
4. On the "Troubleshoot" screen, click the Advanced options option.
5. On the "Advanced options" screen, click the Windows Startup Settings option.
6. On the "Windows Start Settings" screen, click the Restart option.

Note: If you have trouble getting to the Recovery screen in step 1 above, you may have to try it several times, with several reboots of your computer.

When the computer restarts, you should see the standard "Choose Advanced Options" screen, similar to the example below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

Choose Advanced Options for: Microsoft Windows 8 (Use the arrow keys to highlight your choice.) Repair Your Computer Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable low-resolution video Debugging Mode Disable automatic restart on system failure Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Driver Start Windows Normally Description: Start Windows with only the core drivers and services. Use when you cannot boot after installing a new device or driver.

Another option for accessing Safe Mode in Windows 8 is to do the following:

1. Press the Windows key and the R key together to access the "Run" option.
2. Type msconfig in the "Open" field.
3. In the "System Configuration" window, click on the Boot tab.
4. On the bottom left, in the "Boot options" section, check the box for Safe boot.
5. Select the Minimal option and click the OK button.
6. Restart the computer and it should load into Safe Mode automatically.

Note: If you use the above option to access Safe Mode, you need to follow the same steps once in Safe Mode and uncheck the Safe boot option. Otherwise, your computer will continue to automatically boot into Safe Mode each time you restart the computer.

Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Vista users

Tip: If you are running Safe Mode because you cannot get into Windows, you may want to first try loading the last known good configuration.

To get into the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Safe Mode, as the computer is booting, press and hold your "F8 Key", which should bring up the "Choose Advanced Options" screen as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting, you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.

Trouble Getting into Safe mode - If after several attempts you are unable to get the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen to come up by pressing F8, turn off your computer while it is loading into Windows. When the computer is turned on the next time, Windows should notice that the computer did not successfully boot and give you the Safe Mode screen.

Choose Advanced Options for: Microsoft Windows Vista Please select an option: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable low-resolution video (640x480) Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) Directory Services Restore Mode Debugging Mode Disable automatic restart on system failure Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Start Windows Normally Description: Start Windows with only the core drivers and services. Use when you cannot boot after installing a new device or driver.

Once you're done in Safe Mode, if you want to get back into normal Windows, restart the computer like you normally would and let it start up normally. Click here to get additional information about getting out of Safe mode.

Another option for accessing Safe Mode in Windows 7 or Windows Vista is to do the following:

1. Press the Windows key and the R key together to access the "Run" option.
2. Type msconfig in the "Open" field.
3. In the "System Configuration" window, click on the Boot tab.
4. On the bottom left, in the "Boot options" section, check the box for Safe boot.
5. Select the Minimal option and click the OK button.
6. Restart the computer and it should load into Safe Mode automatically.

Note: If you use the above option to access Safe Mode, you need to follow the same steps once in Safe Mode and uncheck the Safe boot option. Otherwise, your computer will continue to automatically boot into Safe Mode each time you restart the computer.

Windows XP and Windows 2000 users

Tip: If you are running Safe Mode because you cannot get into Windows, you may want to first try loading the last known good configuration.

To get into the Windows 2000 and XP Safe mode, as the computer is booting, press and hold your "F8 Key", which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" screen as shown below. Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting, you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.

Trouble Getting into Windows 2000 or Windows XP Safe mode - If after several attempts you are unable to get the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen to come up by pressing F8, turn off your computer while it is loading into Windows. When the computer is turned on the next time, Windows should notice that the computer did not successfully boot and give you the Safe Mode screen.

Windows Advanced Options Menu Please select an option: Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable VGA mode Last Known Good Configuration (your most recent settings that worked) Directory Services Restore Mode (Windows domain controllers only) Debugging Mode Start Windows Normally Reboot Return to OS Choices Menu Use the up and down arrow keys to move the highlight to your choice.

Once you're done in Safe Mode, if you want to get back into normal Windows, restart the computer like you normally would and let it start up normally. Click here to get additional information about getting out of Safe Mode.

Windows 98 and Windows ME users

To get into Windows 98 and ME Safe Mode, as the computer is booting, press and hold your "F8 key" on the top of your keyboard or press and hold the left or right Ctrl key as the computer is booting. If done properly, you should see the "Windows 98 Startup Menu" or "Windows ME Startup Menu" screen, similar to the example below. In this menu, choose option 3 by pressing the 3 key and press Enter.

Note: With some computers, if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting, you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.

Microsoft Windows 98 Startup Menu ============================= 1. Normal 2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) 3. Safe mode 4. Step-by-step confirmation 5. Command prompt only 6. Safe mode command prompt only Enter a choice: 1 F5=Safe Mode Shift+F5=Command prompt Shift+F8= Step-by-step confirmation [N]

Once you're done in Safe Mode, if you want to get back into normal Windows, restart the computer like you normally would and let it boot normally. Click here to get additional information about getting out of Safe mode.

Windows 95 users

To get into Windows 95 Safe Mode, as the computer is booting, when you either hear a beep or when you see the message "Starting Windows 95", press your F8 key on the top of your keyboard. If done properly, you should see the "Windows 95 Startup Menu" screen, similar to the example below. In this menu, choose option 3 by pressing the 3 key and press Enter.

Microsoft Windows 95 Startup Menu ============================= 1. Normal 2. Logged (\BOOTLOG.TXT) 3. Safe mode 4. Step-by-step confirmation 5. Command prompt only 6. Safe mode command prompt only Enter a choice: 1 F5=Safe Mode Shift+F5=Command prompt Shift+F8= Step-by-step confirmation [N]

Once you're done in Safe Mode, if you want to get back into normal Windows, restart the computer like you normally would and let it boot normally. Click here to get additional information about getting out of Safe mode.

How do I get out of Safe Mode?

From Windows Safe Mode, click Start, Shutdown, and restart the computer. This will start the computer automatically back into Normal Mode.

Note: Many users believe that they are still in Safe Mode because the colors or video may not look correct. Unless in the corners of the screen it says "Safe Mode", you are not in Safe Mode. For information on how to setup your video card resolution, see document CH000190.

If you are rebooting the computer and it is rebooting back into Safe Mode (it does say "Safe Mode" in each of the corners), it is likely another problem exists with Windows preventing it from loading into Normal Windows. We recommend you see the basic troubleshooting section for additional ideas that may help to resolve your issue.

Which Safe Mode option should I choose?

Users who are running later versions of Windows will get different options for different versions of Safe Mode. For example, you may have options for "Safe Mode", "Safe Mode with Networking", and "Safe Mode with Command Prompt." Below is a brief description of each of these different modes.

Safe Mode

The basic Safe Mode option is usually what most users will want to choose when troubleshooting their computer. This is the most basic Safe Mode option and has no additional support.

Safe Mode with Networking

For users needing access to the Internet or the network they're connected to while in Safe Mode, users may want to choose this option. This mode is helpful for when you need to be in Safe Mode to troubleshoot, but also need access to the Internet so you can get updates, drivers, or other files to help troubleshoot your issue.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt

This Safe Mode allows you to have access to the command line (MS-DOS prompt).

How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows?

Tip: Before password protecting any document, you may want to create a backup of the non-password protected files and folder in case you forget the password in the future.

 

 

The majority of Microsoft Windows operating systems do not come with a method of password protecting your sensitive files and folders. If you're using Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows 95, or Windows 98, you need to download or purchase a third-party program to password protect your files and folders in Windows; skip down to the other security solutions section if you're using one of these operating systems.

Microsoft Windows XP professional users
Microsoft Windows XP home users
Microsoft Windows Vista/7/8 users
Other security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windows
Things to remember when encrypting or password protecting files and folders

Microsoft Windows XP professional users

The steps below for encrypting the files on Windows XP Professional applies to users who are using a computer that has different accounts. If you are using a single account, see the other security solutions section.

1. Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.
2. Right-click the file or folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Check "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.
5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Encrypt contents to secure data is grayed out

This will be grayed out if you're using the home edition of Microsoft Windows XP. See the steps below for securing the contents of your folders in Windows XP home.

Show "Encrypt" on the context menu

The newest version of TweakUI also enables you to show the Encrypt option in the context menu. To do this, follow the steps below.

1. Open TweakUI.
2. In the TweakUI window, select Explorer
3. In the right side of the window under Settings, locate Show 'Encrypt' on context menu and check the box. This option should be below Prefix 'shortcut to' on new shortcuts and above Show 'View workgroup computers' in NetPlaces.

• I'm missing Show "Encrypt" on the context menu in TweakUI.

Microsoft Windows XP home users

1. Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.
2. Right-click the file or folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Sharing tab.
4. Check the box Make this folder private
5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Make this folder private is grayed out

In order for this option to work in Microsoft Windows XP home you must meet the below requirements.

1. The hard drive must be formatted in NTFS and not FAT32 File System.
2. The folder you're attempting to encrypt must be in your own personal folder. For example, if your name is bob, you must be encrypting a folder that is or that is contained within the below folder:
   
   C:\Documents and Settings\Bob\
   
   You cannot encrypt any folders outside of this folder. If you want to encrypt outside this folder, see the below other security solutions.

Microsoft Windows Vista/7/8 users

Unfortunately, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8 do not provide any features for password protecting files or folders. You need to use a third-party software program to accomplish this.

If you want to encrypt a file or folder, this can be done by following these steps:

1. Select the file or folder you want to encrypt.
2. Right-click the file or folder and click Properties.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Check "Encrypt contents to secure data" option.
5. Click Apply and then Ok.

Other security solutions for protecting your files and folders in Windows

File and folders not frequently used

If you need to password protect files or folders that you do not frequently use, one of the simplest ways is to compress the folder and files with a compression utility and password protect the compressed file. However, each time you want to work with or modify the files, you need to uncompress the files using the password.

Windows ME and Windows XP users - Windows ME and Windows XP come with their own compression utility. This utility can also be used to compress and password protect files.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 users - Windows Vista and Windows 7 also include a compression utility. However, password protection for the compressed files is not possible without the use of a third-party software program.

Tip: When a file is compressed, users can still view a listing of the files in the compressed file. If you want both your file names and the contents to be hidden, move all the files into a single folder and password protect that folder.  

File and folders frequently used or accessed

If you need to password protect or encrypt data you frequently use, you need to install a third-party program that allows you to protect your files and folders. Below are some free and commercial solutions.

• 7-Zip - A free file and folder zipping utility, which also includes the ability to password protect zipped files and folders.
• AxCrypt - An excellent free encryption utility that enables users to encrypt all files within a folder and not allow those files to be viewed unless a passphrase (password) is known.
• Folder Guard - A commercial version of a password protection software that enables you to password protect files, folders, and other Windows resources.
• Protected Folder - For a small fee, it's an excellent software program that enables you to password protect folders.

Click here to search for more solutions to password protect files and folders in Windows.

Things to remember when encrypting or password protecting files and folders

1. There is no such thing as a 100% protected file. There are numerous tools, utilities, and instructions for how to break encryption and passwords on files. However, the protection methods listed above will protect your files from the majority of users who may encounter them. If you are working with really sensitive data, we suggest a commercial product for protecting your files and data.
2. Even though a file or folder may be password protected, it still can be deleted (unless the program supports the ability to protect files from being deleted). Always remember to backup all your files, even those protected by passwords.
3. If you forget the password, unless you're willing to spend the time attempting to break it or pay someone else to break the password, all the data in the file or folder will be lost. Thus, it is important to backup a copy of the non-password protected files or folders, just in case.

GOOGLE DORK

A Google dork is an employee who unknowingly exposes sensitive corporate information on the Internet. The word dork is slang for a slow-witted or in-ept person.
Google dorks put corporate information at risk because they unwittingly create back doors that allow an attacker to enter a network without permission and/or gain access to unauthorized information. To locate sensitive information, attackers use advanced search strings called Google dork queries.
Google dork queries are built with the advanced search operators that IT administrators, researchers and other professionals use in their daily work to narrow down search engine results. Commonly used search operators include:

site: restricts query results to a certain site or domain.
filetype: restricts query results to PDF files or other specific file types.
intext: resticts results to those content records that contain specific words or phrases.

Because search operators can be strung together, an attacker can use complex queries to find information that was published on the Internet but was not meant to be found. The use of advanced search operators to find information that is not easily accessed through simple searches is sometimes called Google dorking or Google hacking.

Top 10 Internet tips and tricks

You don't need the http:// portion of a web page

When entering an Internet address you do not need to type http:// or even www. in the address. For example, if you wanted to visit google you could just type  google.com and press enter. To make things even quicker, if you are visiting a .com address you can typegoogle and then press Ctrl + Enter to type out the full http://www.google.com address.

Quickly move between the fields of a web page

If you are filling out an online form, e-mail, or other text field you can quickly move between each of the fields by pressing the Tab key or Shift + Tab to move back a field. For example, in the example form below you can click in the "First Name" field type anything and press tab to switch to the next field.

Example Form

First Name:
Last Name:
E-mail:

•  Tip: This tip also applies to the buttons, if you press tab and the web developer has designed correctly the button should be selected and allows you to press the space bar or enter to push the button.

• Tip: With a drop-down box that lists dozens of options you can press the first letter to scroll down to that letter. For example, click the drop down box below and then press "u" to quickly scroll to Utah.

Know your Internet browser shortcuts

There are dozens of different shortcut keys that can be used with Internet browsers. Below are a few of our top suggested Internet browser shortcuts.

• Press Alt + D to move the cursor into the address bar.
• Hold down the Ctrl key and press the + or - to increase and decrease the size of text. Ctrl + 0 will reset the text.
  
• Press the backspace key or press Alt key + left arrow to go back a page.
  
• Press F5 to refresh or reload a web page.
  
• Press F11 to make the Internet browser screen full screen. Press F11 again to return to the normal view.
  
• Press Ctrl + B to open your Internet bookmarks.
  
• Press Ctrl + F to open the find box to search for text within the web page you are reading.