Recent Comments
Comment by Dave M. on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 11, 2025 11:40 PM)
I couldn't get this to work for me. Digging a little deeper, I discovered that I am signed in with my Microsoft account. I don't really understand thi...
Comment by BDD on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 11, 2025 03:03 AM)
I just reset my password it was pretty fast, time spent less than 5 min. Two emails with codes then I made up a new account. Eazzy pizzy...
Comment by R. Smith on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 10, 2025 11:27 AM)
I hate the PW entry process. MS OS without a password would be best for me. How does one do that?...
Comment by John W Seager on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 10, 2025 03:25 AM)
Many thanks for the information about recovering my Microsoft account it, worked a miracle after many months of failures. cheers, John....
Comment by howard on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 9, 2025 05:26 AM)
this happened 3 or 4 years ago, not sure exactly what or why it happened, not sure if windows 7 or 10 pro, no password had been set up, went to do som...
Comment by chris on Forgot Your Windows Password? Do This Now... (April 8, 2025 06:26 PM)
I use a rolodex card file and write down all of my passwords....
Comment by Ken D on Geekly Update - 03 April 2025 (April 6, 2025 05:08 PM)
How about using 0Patch to keep Win 10 updated? https://0patch.com/index.html...
Comment by Wolf on Erase Your Hard Drive - The Nuclear Option? (April 5, 2025 10:47 PM)
This is a fantastic and informative article, Bob. I use PrivaZer to secure erase individual files. There is also a feature to wipe the "free space" on...
Comment by D Wms on Erase Your Hard Drive - The Nuclear Option? (April 5, 2025 04:18 PM)
Between your excellent article and the comments section so far, have learned a LOT and offer much thanks! ...
Comment by bb on Erase Your Hard Drive - The Nuclear Option? (April 5, 2025 03:42 PM)
The free parted magic Linux boot disk has a Secure Erase included. Can do the regular or enhanced SE. Much easier interface than the CMRR program. ...
Personal Articles
Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Doctor, My Eyes!
Hi All! Today I’m taking a break from my usual job as Translator for the Technology Impaired, to share an “eye opening” story with my AskBob readers. If you’ve noticed I haven’t been publishing as regularly as usual lately, read on to see the reason for that. I think you’ll be glad you did...
...Can You Spare a Few Electrons?
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Hey, It's My (digital) Birthday!
Today I'm celebrating a birthday. It was 24 years ago, in July 1995, that The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace. And ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on, with my continuing guaranteed to make you better looking and 146% smarter. Read on!
...A Big Milestone + Geekly Update
Today I'm celebrating an anniversary -- 20 years of online publishing! The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace in July 1995, and ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on. Today's Geekly Update is an expanded version, with twenty items that are guaranteed to make you 146% smarter. Read, think and comment!
...Announcing... The Rankin File!
I've started a new website, and what better day to officially announce it than on my birthday? The Rankin File offers 'small business tech and tips' for those who run their own business. If you have a home-based business, a small business with employees, or you're even thinking about starting your own business, The Rankin File is for you! And as the name suggests, it's not just for business owners. If you're a secretary, office manager, or wannabe techie, my tips will help you score points with the boss. Read on to learn more about what you'll find in the Rankin File...
...Tourbus - The Final Bus Stop
In case you haven't heard, The Internet Tourbus is rolling up to its final stop. After 16 years of online publishing, Tourbus is one of the longest-running email newsletters. But two things have happened this year, prompting me to hit the brakes. Here's the full story...
...Who is Bob Rankin?
Every so often, people ask about my background, and how I got started with computers and the Internet. I've published bits and pieces of my bio before, but never a detailed account of my professional life. So here it is, with a few interesting personal asides...
...My Cholesterol Level is Too High!
After a routine physical, I got the news from my doctor that my cholesterol is too high. My diet is pretty healthy, and I'm not in bad shape for a 48-year-old guy. But this LDL and HDL stuff is a wakeup call for me. Clearly I need to exercise more and be aware of foods to avoid high cholesterol. So here's my 4-month plan to knock 40 or 50 points off that cholesterol number, without using any prescription drugs...
...Bonzai - It's a New Puppy!
I know I'm supposed to write about computers, the Internet and nifty gadgets, but life is more than all that electronic stuff. I'm so happy with my new puppy that I've just got to show him off...
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