Author Archives: Ryan Hutzel

Defragmenting and Optimizing Hard Drive

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Defragment: Optimize Your Hard Drive

Fragments of data (like building blocks) get scattered across a hard drive over time.  Windows will begin to act sluggish if these blocks of information are not put back in their proper place. It is kind of like kid’s not cleaning up their room. This leads to a dangerous mess of data on a hard drive. Defragging the drive is one of the best and effective things to do first if when a computer is acting slow. This will not change the speed of a system, just the time it takes to find the data on the hard drive. Defragmenter can be found under your start menu, program files, accessories, then system tools folder. (Assuming you are using Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.)

Keep in mind that cleaning up temporary files, programs not longer used, start-up files, and running scandisk are also important in this process.  Alternative Freeware that can be downloaded is Defraggler.

WARNING:  DO NOT USE ANY DEFRAG TOOL ON A SOLID STATE STORAGE DEVICE.

iPad, iPhone, Android Data Recovery

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iPad, iPhone, & Android Data Recovery

An incredible amount of data is stored on portable devices these days.  When one is not able to access the information on the device, you are going to need a qualified iOS company with vast experience (decades.)

Pioneering in data recovery technology, Drive Savers Data Recovery has made possible iOS/Android data recovery through their industry professional services.  They can repair flash chips, hard drives, and logic boards in their Class 5 clean room, and with expedient turnaround times put your data back in your hands within days.

 

Water Damaged Computer Need To Recover Data

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What to Do if Water Damaged Computer Hard Drive

Many times over and over I have received calls from clients panicking that their computer was flooded (submerged) in water and they have no working backup to their precious valuable data.  These clients range from a mom with her baby pictures and iTunes to a government office.  Never the less, time and time again, many of them seem to try the old method of dry it out and maybe it will work.  This is the furthest thing from the truth with hard drives.  Water and impurities that get into the drive can destroy the data when it is dried on the drive’s platter and the drive spins up for the first time with obstructions on the platter.  This will turn your data to dust!

Here is what should be done:

1:  Never attempt to power up potentially wet electronic devices (NEVER!)

2:  Do not attempt to power up potentially wet electronic devices.

3:  Do not attempt to wipe or clean a drive or any storage media of debris, mud, soot, etc. This could cause additional damage to the drive or it’s circuitry.

4:  Do not attempt to dry out the drive or media in any way!  

5:  Place the media in a plastic bag with an airtight zip enclosure. If the drive is wet, we want it to remain wet. Hard drives are not hermetically sealed. Water, mud and debris typically enter the mechanism. Once the drive is dried out, debris and contaminated water may crystallize on the platter surfaces causing corrosion.  

6:  To properly ship a wet drive, place it in a container that will keep it damp and protect shipping material from getting wet. Wet boxes can break apart during transit and cause further damage to the drive.

7:  If the drive is in an external enclosure, do not remove the drive from the enclosure. 

8:  Do not use off-the-shelf utility software programs on water-damaged drives.

9:  Unplug all electronic devices from outlets, surge protectors and battery back up systems before power is restored.

 Getting your data back, safely and the right way:

Not all data can be recovered conventionally (slaving it to another computer to copy data off).  When the drive is mechanically dead, you will want to contact a trusted and experienced recovery service.  Drive Savers Data Recovery is well known for this and many more reasons,  from everyday people, to Hollywood, to highly sensitive data of the Government, they serve very well.

Hard Drive Crash Data Lost

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Hard Drive Crashed? Not Working? Clicking, Grinding, Need your Data?   

Hard drives will fail, whether or not they are conventional or solid state drives.  The question is when, why, and how.  First, if you are here looking for a way to recover your data, then you have come to the right place.  Below you will find what causes a drive to fail, what to do, and great backup tips.

Before we proceed it is very important that you heed to the warnings below:

•  If your drive is clicking, grinding, or making unusual sounds, it is very important that you shut down the computer immediately.  These sounds can very well be the read/write heads physically hitting or scraping the platters of the hard drive.  Severe or complete data loss can result from this.  DON’T RISK IT!  This applies too as well if your drive has been exposed to fire, flood, physical shock (earthquake), etc.

•  Sounds of a physically failing hard drive are:

•  Bad Bearings:  Continuous screeching across a chalk board.

•  Cycle Click:  Sounds like rapid clicks, stops, and does it again.

•  Excessive Click:  Rapid clicking that sounds like tapping a pencil on the table

•  Grind:  Sound of metal being ground away (can squeal loudly)

•  Ray Gun:  Sounds like it is from a cartoon space cadet type gun.

•  Remember that hard drives are very sensitive to static electricity and physical jarring or jolts.  Handle them like a new born baby, gently.  Always unplug the power before removing the hard drive or any component inside a computer.  Discharge yourself by grounding to the metal of the computer chassis or a static strap to a grounded object.

Reasons other than the above why hard drives fail is:

•  Accidental deletion of critical operating system files.

•  Virus’, Spyware, Malware, Greyware, etc.

•  Boot Sector damage, lost.  Can be caused by a virus.

•  Power failure, and/or frequent loss of power.  This also includes shutting your computer down without seating the hard drive (Windows:  Shutdown or Turn Off)

•  Accidental formatting (Clearing the drive)  This can happen under the false guidance of a recovery disk.  RCCS has heard many stories of people using their recovery disks, only to find out that it erased everything and restored the system back to the factory default.  Meaning they lost all their data, pictures, mp3’s, etc.

•  Encrypted data that doesn’t allow you to access the files any longer (Normally do to permissions and user rights that were lost).

Data Backup Tips:

•  Never 100% trust your drive(s).  It will fail eventually, that is a guarantee.  Always back up your data to an offsite medium or a fire/water safe place.  Media that can backup your data are jump drives (flash drives), external hard drives, DVD, CD, tape drives, and online services.  Software can make backing up a hard drive a breeze, we recommend Backblaze Online Backup.  Always have your data in two places, preferably separate or fire/water safe.

•  Avoid loss of data and program failure by completely exiting programs before shutting down your operating system.  Resort only to a cold shut down (pressing the power button to turn off computer) as a last resort.

•  Surge protectors and battery backups are a must for any computer system.  You can find these at Tiger Direct.com.  We recommend APC brand surge and battery backup units.  When selecting a battery backup unit, be sure that it will support the wattage that your system uses, otherwise the backup time will be decreased significantly.

•  Never move the hard drive’s chassis (computer case) while running (desktop computers).  If you must, be gentle and when seating, do so gently.  A hard jar or jolt can spell disaster for your data.

•  Room Temperatures should be kept as constant as possible between 65F and max at 80F.  Inside your case (assuming good air flow) it is much hotter as the room temperature is hotter.  Heat will reduce the life of your drive and the rest of the computer.  The same applies with sub freezing temperatures.  If you must leave your system in the cold (below freezing) allow the components to warm up (naturally) before you turn the computer on.  This will help against stress and remove any condensation that may have occurred when you brought it from a cold environment to a warm one.

•  As mentioned in the beginning of this article, don’t fool around if you hear any strange noises coming from the hard drive as described above.

Do I need A Firewall

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Do I Need a Firewall, Yes!

How many times somebody asks me, what is a firewall, and why do I need one, is countless.  However, I cannot stress enough how important this is and how much of a headache it will save later.  First let’s discuss what a firewall is.

A firewall in a simple way is a bodyguard between your computer and the outside world (Internet or Network.)  Without a firewall anybody could access your computer’s hard drive, then steal data, destroy data, and/or plant virus’.  Firewalls are very important to the safety of your computer.  

You may already have a hardware firewall included in  your broadband router.  This is a great start, however still isn’t enough for the sly practices that virus creators and hackers are using these days.  So, if you want to prevent a hacker from getting into your system, then you will be best to have a software firewall in place on your computer system(s).

With out a firewall, it is like running across a firing range on the Internet, you will eventually get hacked.  This could lead to identity theft, lost data, stolen data, virus’, spyware, ransomware, malware, the list goes on.  We recommend Avast Premium Security to protect your end point from all the above. 

How To Remove A Virus

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How to Remove Virus and Spyware

Removing virus’ can be about as fun as pulling splinters.  Sounds exciting doesn’t it?  That is why preventing from getting a virus is always the best method.  So if your here and you have a virus, first we recommend that you head over to Grisoft and purchase AVG Internet Security (Can be installed on 3 computers in your home) and begin a full system scan to rid your system of any nasties that are lurking.  The same goes for if you are having annoying pop ups or any other form of spyware and adware go over to Malwarebytes.org and purchase Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.  Then come back here and find out how to keep these pests from coming back and stay on the defensive.

How Do Virus and Spyware Get In?

•   No Anti-Virus or Anti-Adware installed or database is out of date

•   Untrusted websites (often third party, pornographic, selling illegal software, fly-by-night  products.)

•  E-Mails:  Attachments, links, photos, files.

•  Instant Messengers, Peer-to-Peer Software (not the software, but the person your downloading from)

•  Infected external media like a floppy, flash drive, CD, hard drive, etc.

•  Pop up or pop under ads that say the your system is infected and needs to be cleaned.

•  Video that request to install an ActiveX plug-in that you are not familiar with.

AVG Internet Security Options:

•  2 Year (3) Computer Internet Security

•  2 Year (5) Computers Internet Security

•  2 Year Network Edition for Businesses (10 Computers)

•  2 Year Network Edition for Businesses (100 Computers)

Prevention:  “The best preventions is user intervention”  – Ryan Hutzel, RCCS

Virus and Spyware prevention is often best combated by the user.  While not nearly all of it can be fought off by the user here are the basic things to do to prevent virus’ and spyware from getting on your computer.

•  If you get an email from a “friend” that says they want you to check something out, click on a link, or open an attached file, think twice before you do.  Check and see if they first address your name in the salutation and if  they signed off personally.  If it seems strange and they send it to many others (forwarded) with the content of the body seeming personal, it may be worth an e-mail back to them to see if they sent it to begin with.  E-mail virus’ work this way.  They get into an address book and send out a general e-mail to everybody.  Then only to continue to spread if your system gets infected reproducing the process on your computer.

•  Stay away from websites that want you to install programs that you are not familiar with.  If you install an ActiveX program on your computer, then you have given full permission for the spyware/virus to be there.  This is most common among the “you computer is infected” ads that pop up on annoying good for just about nothing websites.

•  Instant messengers:  never accept any pictures or files from somebody you don’t know.

•  Peer-2-Peer (like Edonkey, Limewire, BearShare, etc.)  are up and coming with many legal uses, however you are still directly downloading from another computer out there that may be a stand alone personal computer without a working anti-virus.  Be cautious when using these client  softwares.

•  When you see a pop up that says “Your computer is infected” or “Your computer may be infected” just click the “X” in the upper right corner.  Never press cancel or okay.  The buttons can be programmed to do other things than cancel or go away.  If there is no “x”, then alt-control-delete, and end task the window.

•  Never, never, never!!!! let your anti-virus subscription or anti-adware/spyware subscription run out or database be out of date.  It only takes a second to get a virus, and possibly many hours or dollars to rid them.

What harm can Virus’ or Spyware Do?

•  Steal your personal data (Identity Theft)

•  Corrupt your operating system to an unusable state

•  Nag you to buy software to remove itself

•  Allow your computer to be accessed by another with no restrictions.

•  Some virus’ can cause physical harm to a computer such as over heating, and electronic failures.

•  Most importantly they ultimately hurt your wallet and hard earned dollars.

Why do People Create Virus’ and Spyware?

•  Nothing better to do with their talents than be destructive.

•  To infiltrate secure infrastructures like databases, government, and personal computers.  Sort of a challenge high.

•  Spy vs. Spy:  There are virus wars among virus creators.  Neither side is good, but against on another.  Getting Even!

•  Black hat way of selling products.

First Things To Do With New Computer

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First Things To Do With a New Computer

If you just purchased a new computer (PC), it may not be as ready as you think right out of the box.  Many computer users find out that after about 90 days, their system security protection expires its trail based software.  It is also amazing, that these same users allow their systems to continue on expired antivirus, antispam, antispyware, and firewall protection.  This is really bad, because in due time (you can take to the bank) the system will be infected with some form of virus’, spyware(s), adware(s), spam, or just plan hacked into by an outsider.  So should you do when you first buy a computer after you have powered it on?  Check out the list below.

•  Install protection on the computer.  We highly recommend Avast

•  Run all the Windows Updates (Link can be found under the Start Menu)

•  Be sure that all software patches are installed.

•  Don’t forget to register the computer.  You want your warranty to be valid.

•  Start a backup routine now, instead of later to protect your current and future data with BackBlaze.

Why are patches important, because hackers can use these security holes to gain complete access to your computer and do whatsoever they please.  Having a good security suite is equally just as important to keep virus’, spyware, adware, and intruders out.  Stay secure!  Don’t risk not running the updates or being lazy, it isn’t worth the cost you will endure later for damages done or data lost.

Last, but not least we recommend that you get educated in knowing your way around the system.  We suggest all beginners to start with the books for Dummies series found on our How-To Books page of this site.  These books are in plain, clear, easy to understand English to help you learn the basics of your new computer and how to use it effectively.  The truth is, your not going to get any really useful information out of the user manual as to how to effectively use your new computer.

Laptop Not Starting, Booting, Freezing, No Charge

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Laptop Not Starting, Not Booting, Not Charging, or Freezing During Loading  

laptop not startingBefore considering any recommendations below, please remember if you have data on your laptop that is important to you, then you should have a backup copy of that data before attempting to any repair work.  RCCS will not be responsible for any damages or lost of data with any suggestion or recommendation below.  End-User assumes all risk.

Scenario #1:  Laptop is not booting, has a blank screen.

This can be caused by a bad power adapter or internal hardware failure.  Often it is the power adapter or dc jack has been damaged.  Alternatively, if you see a screen but the system will not boot into the operating system, then it could be the hard drive failing.  If there is no screen (blank), but the laptop seems to be going through all the motions, you may have a bad screen and needs to replaced.  If the laptop is blinking lights at you in a pattern like motion, take note of it and look up the manufacturer of the computer and see if they tell you what sequence means.  It could tell you exactly what part is malfunctioning.

Scenario #2:  Battery will not charge, but laptop turns on.

Almost always the power adapter is the reason for a battery not charging.  This can be determined with a volt meter to see if the power adapter provides between 18  and 24 volts (average adapter) while not plugged into the laptop and only into the wall.  If it reads less than 18 volts, replace the adapter.  Battery charging will cease when insufficient voltage is applied.  The system may still run, it just will not be able to charge.

Scenario #3:  I hear strange noises coming from inside the laptop.

Hard drives do fail and will fail.  If your drive is making funny sounds like a click or clicking, grinding, squealing noise, then it is time to replace it before it gives up.  Don’t delay this, because if it fails it could mean you lose all your data.  Data recovery is possible, but the price is much higher than preventative maintenance.  This could also be a fan wearing out.  This is a deadly to laptop as anything else.  Over heating is big laptop killer.  Replacing these are much more inexpensive than purchasing a whole new laptop. If your hard drive has failed and is making these noises, don’t attempt to fix this yourself, please contact Drive Savers Data Recovery.

Scenario #4:  Laptop randomly just turns itself off without warning.

Laptops just turning off can be caused by the processor overheating due to the system fan not working (failed) or the thermal grease between the CPU and heatsink is no longer allowing heat transfer from the CPU to heatsink so the fan can blow the hot air out the vents.  Maybe, the vents simply need cleaned, they may be too full of dust or other foreign objects.  The vents should be cleaned from inside out, don’t blow air into laptop, this could cause further issues.

Scenario #5:  Laptop is running slow and sluggish.

This could be a broad topic, however here’s the simple side of it.  Virus’, spyware, adware, malware, greyware, hard disk needs defragmented, lack of memory or low on disk space, registry errors, failing hardware such as hard drive, memory, and/or motherboard.  It is a weather report as you can see.  Virus and spyware infections are the most common, as with the need to defrag the hard drive.  Below are free system scans for recommended software to help you on your way with fixing this problem if it is software related.

Laptop Battery FAQ

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Laptop, Notebook Battery F.A.Q.’s  

Question:  How long does a laptop battery last and when should I replace it?

Answer: With time and usage, performance of a battery will degrade.  For the average user, battery life will last up-to 2 years, however if your using the laptop heavily, chances are the battery will need replaced before this time. When replacing a battery, it is highly recommend to use manufacturer branded batteries or certified off-brands to avoid incompatibilities.

Question:  What is the difference between 6, 9, & 12 cell laptop batteries?

Answer: Run time.  A 6 cell laptop battery might last under an average load 1 1/2 hours where as a 12 cell may last up-to 3-4 hours.   The larger the cells, the heavier the battery and size is as well as the price.  If you are on the road a lot, going with the largest cell is best when considering run time, however it will add a little weight.  Weight varies from one brand to another.  Cell size also will determine how long it will take to charge a battery.

Question: I don’t unplug my laptop very often, will it overcharge the battery?  Does it harm the laptop?

Answer: Most laptop computer chargers (power supplies) have a built in detection device that knows when a battery has reached a full charge and hence quits charging until the battery drains.  If you notice that your battery is continuously charging and never sits idle on electric, then it may be time for a new battery and/or power supply adapter.

Question:  Does completely draining (discharging) and recharging a Lithium Ion battery prolong its life?

Answer: No, doing this does not increase its life, they are designed to take this kind of abuse, just remember no battery is intended to last forever, and it will eventually hold little to no charge with age and use.

Question:  I notice that when I plug my laptop into the wall sometimes it charges and sometimes it doesn’t, why?

Answer: If the battery is fully charged, then it is just going to run off of AC electricity, however if you notice that the charging icon isn’t activating and you battery completely runs out there could be bigger problem.  Problems that can keep your battery from charging are most often a failing battery,  a bad power supply, and/or a loose DC jack (where you power cord plugs into the laptop.)  If your DC jack is cracked or broken, then you will need to have it repaired by a professional.  A power supply can be checked with a volt meter.  The average voltages for a power supply while plugged into an electric outlet is between 18 and 24 volts (not plugged into the laptop.)  Please seek a professional if you do not know how to use a volt meter, RCCS assumes no responsibility of any electrical shock that could happen resulting from the testing of a power supply.

Question: Are laptop batteries user replaceable parts?

Answer: Yes, normally under the laptop is a latch that disengages the battery that allows it to slide or pop out.  Just remember to turn the computer completely off and unplugged from AC power for a minute or two before taking the battery out.  As stated above, when replacing batteries it is recommended to purchase the same brand of battery or certified battery for your laptop.

Question:  I have more than one battery, I want to keep it in storage, How should I go about this?

Answer: Laptop batteries are not intended to be kept in storage for long periods time in a charger or some other power source other than your laptop.  Batteries should be optimally stored between 32F & 95F Max.  They can be stored in or outside of a laptop.  Always charge them before putting into storage with a charging time of not more than an hour or between 80% and 100% full charge.  A new battery will likely loose its charge by 15% over a four month period (if battery is new) while sitting idle.

Question: What are the regulations for airplane travel with lithium ion laptop batteries?

Answer:  Please consult with the Transportation Security Administration’s to completely understand all rules and regulations of batteries allowed to be carried onto any airplane.

Damaged Laptop Power Cord

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Damaged Laptop Power Cord  

We all love our pets, but they sometimes do things that really want us to do something unspeakable to them like eat right through a laptop power cord.  I get calls all the time regarding this and often just guide a frustrated pet owner to where they can purchase a new  cord.  There are a few things to keep in mind with  getting  a new  power adapter for your notebook PC, but first let’s review some other thoughts.

If the cord’s black (typically black) coating around the wire is torn, but there are no exposed wire beneath it, then you could simply use a little electric tape to remedy the problem.  However if the cord has exposed wire, barely holding together, or completely shredded , then you will need a new  cord.

Some Points to Know:

•  Not all adapters are created equally, be sure if you are purchasing power adapter for your laptop it is rated for your laptop.  If you get a generic brand adapter (saves a lot of money) that is under voltage and wattage requirements, then your systems will either not boot, and/or not supply enough power to run the laptop and charge the battery.

•  While buying a brand name cord (manufacturer original) will most definitely work for your laptop, it will also cost as much as and sometimes more than 50% more than an equally as good off brand or universal power adapter.

•  When buying your next adapter, why not purchase a universal cord?  This will work with your next computer as well as allow you to interchange the tips for car travel and maybe even a cell phone charger.