Backup, backup, and backup again. We can't stress enough how important it is to make backups of important documents, photos, and music. With that said...

It is possible to recover the data, but I'm afraid that you may need to seek professional advice to do this. The process typically involves taking the existing hard drive out of the laptop and adding it as an additional drive in a working machine. We then copy the data to a CD or other portable media (USB, DVD, etc.) and then return it to you ready for a rebuild. We can even rebuild it for you if you'd like.

One important thing to know - most manufacturers do build a restore system that will allow you to restore Windows AND not lose data. But if you click the wrong option, then the data gets destroyed and it's highly unlikely that it will be recoverable at that point.

Please let me know if you'd like help backing up the data. Either we can do it or we can direct you to a local provider that is close to where you live that can do so for a nominal fee.

Thx., Jay

This is a common question. And there isn't one answer that will fix everything for everyone, but here are the first steps I would suggest you follow:

1) Backup your critical data (pictures, documents, music, etc.) to a USB flash drive or a DVD or CD if that is an option.

2) Open Internet Explorer >> then choose TOOLS >> Internet Options --> where a new window will open that has several tabs across the top. Go to the Advanced tab and then click the button for RESET. This will reset the Internet Explorer settings to their default condition. Then reboot.

3) If that didn't solve the problem, then I would re-run the Malwarebytes and the Avast scanners and see if they find anything else. I would also make sure that you have all Windows / Microsoft updates installed.

4) If they don't find anything, and you are still having issues, then I would seek professional advice. Feel free to call me and either we'll help or I'll help you find a reputable service provider close to where you live.

* This isn't a step for everyone - but if you'd like to try to rebuild the machine yourself and you have backed up your important data, most manufacturers provide a "restore" option during the boot of a PC. This is especially true with netbooks since they don't usually have a CD/DVD drive. Watch while you are booting up for an option like "Click F12 to Restore" the machine. Then follow the wizard to complete the process.

 While these recommendations will certainly speed up your system, they are not a miracle cure for a seriously out-of-date computer. Here are some things you can do to buy some time:

1. Add Memory. One of the most inexpensive and effective ways to improve a computer's performance is to install more RAM (random access memory). This will speed up the applications installed on your computer and allow you to open and run more programs simultaneously.
2. Upgrade The Processor Or Add A Graphics Accelerator. If you are just looking for a little more "zoom," upgrading the processor or installing a graphics accelerator will give your computer the ability to process information faster and improve its overall speed.
3. Perform Regular Maintenance On Your Desktops (and Servers). Computers, like cars, need regular maintenance to perform at top speed and reliability. At a minimum, you should run ScanDisk and the Disk Defrag Utility on your machines once a month. This will make your applications and files load and run faster.
4. Run A Spyware Scan Once A Week. One telltale sign that your computer is infected with spyware is slow, unstable performance. Spyware sucks up your system's resources to carry out its evil intent, slowing down your computer and even causing it to freeze and crash.
5. Disable Or Remove Unnecessary Programs Running In The Background. Many computers have pre-installed software programs that use up system resources and slow down your computer. Remember to use the "Add / Remove Programs" option in the Control Panel to uninstall software correctly.

Whatever you do, don't just throw it into a dumpster!

Not only is it an environmental hazard you could be fined for, but you also don't want complete strangers getting access to your old files, passwords, financial information, and emails.

First, we recommend to keep your old PC around for a few months until you are absolutely certain that you transferred all of the files and programs you needed to your new PC.

Next, you need to make sure the hard drive is wiped clean of any data you had stored on it - and simply deleting the files is not enough. We recommend you seek professional help in clearing the hard drive from any old PCs you are disposing of.

Finally, you may consider donating your old PCs to a charity such as Youth for Technology (youthfortechnology.org) or Computers With Causes (www.computerswithcauses.org). Locally, you can contact

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful at (770) 205-4573 to find out when the next recycling event will be at the Fairgrounds parking lot.

Many of these organizations will clean your hard drive to prevent identity theft, and you may be able to write off the donation on your taxes!

Let's keep this simple - you're not alone! We talk to computer users daily who complain about the pure volume of email they receive on a daily basis.

Some people are even declaring "email bankruptcy" - they dump every email in their inbox and start over. If that is not an option for you, then here are 10 tips to reduce email overload.

1. Get a good spam filter. Even if it saves you just 10 minutes a day, that can add up to over 59 hours a year.

2. Cancel subscriptions to unwanted mailing lists, and opt-out of LEGITIMATE ezines. But be careful! Trying to opt-out of spam emails will only alert the sender that they have a LIVE address. Also, make sure you are careful to check the "unsubscribe" or "opt-out" box when purchasing items online.

3. Ask your friends to remove you from joke groups or chain messages. Simply explain your situation and, if they are good friends, they will take you out of their message group.

4. Don't post or publish your email on websites. Spammers will steal it and put it on their lists.

5. Don't respond to every email you receive. Yes, it is okay NOT to respond to some emails. If it is a group email, don't respond with "okay" or ":)" - it's not necessary unless the sender is specifically asking you a question or requesting a response. And don't "REPLY ALL" unless absolutely necessary.

6. Be succinct. Restrict your messages to a few sentences. If you can't, pick up the phone or talk in person. This will avoid the back-and-forth of email conversation.

7. Take advantage of subject lines. If possible, put your question in the subject line, or your message. If that's not possible, make your subject line very descriptive so the recipient knows what your message is about. Here's another tip; create a set of codes with your coworkers and place them in the subject line to help them process and prioritize messages. For example, use "FYI" for informational messages. Use "AR" for action required and "URG" for urgent messages.

8. Block time to answer your email and fight the temptation to check your email every few minutes. You will save yourself a lot of time and be far more productive.

9. Respond to messages when you open them so you only read them once. If the email requires an action step, schedule the action step and delete it from your inbox.

10. Set time aside in the morning and the evening to process your inbox. Shoot for a completely empty inbox. File messages you need to keep and set reminders for messages that require you to follow up.