Essex PC Fix

30/07/2025

Virgin Media Email address - can't get your email? Incorrect password error or Authentication error?

Virgin and o2 have merged their email system.
If you get an error using a mail app to read your email, you will need to create an 'App Password'

To do this, you need to login to the Virgin Media account and work your way through a few menus. You Are looking for Identification and Security

Once there - select create an App Password

Write this password down - it will be 4 non conencted words with a - between each word.

Enter this into your Mail App.
If this does not work, consider removing the account and readding it.

Best of luck

15/07/2025

Bitlocker Encryption on your HOME PC - not always a good thing.

I have had a few cases recently where an update from Microsoft has changed the data on the drive enough for the device to request a BitLocker key before it will allow the PC to boot. I thought a warning might save a few people.

BitLocker is used to encrypt your hard drive.
It has upsides and downsides.

The upside is that anyone stealing your PC can not simply remove the hard drive inside your PC and see your data.

The downside is that if you have an issue with the operating system and need to recover your data, unless we can get the BitLocker encryption key - you cant get to your data.

If you do not have a backup - you will most likely lose your data.

I have not heard of anyone having their PC stolen in several years.

I regularly see issues with the O/S that require me to recover data from a hard drive before formatting or replacing the drive and reinstalling the O/S. BitLocker prevents me from restoring your data.

If you want to turn off the encryption, this will leave your data exposed to anyone who can get to your hard drive (including engineers like me trying to save your data)

1. search for Device Encryption from the taskbar search facility
2. select the slider to turn off encryption.

Leave the PC to complete the task.

If you need to find your BitLocker key - login to your Microsoft account and search for Bitlocker.

You will find a long list of numbers. Make a record of this.

03/01/2025

This came from Which? Scam Alert service.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Five scam trends for 2025
From deepfakes and copycat websites to fake QR codes, fraudsters are always utilising the latest trends and technology to make their scams more convincing and reach more people.

To kick off the new year and get ahead of the scammers, watch out for these five trends and see what sophisticated tactics could be used.

2024 was a busy year for scams, so what will 2025 have in store for us?

16/03/2022

Kaspersky AntiVirus

I am receiving enquiries from people concerned about using this AV to protect their computers and data while the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is ongoing.

Many websites say that Kaspersky feeds information to the Russian Government and could act under their orders to do something (like releasing a virus that your antivirus will not stop)

If you have Kasperski installed on your devices and want to change to something else for protection you have a few options.

There are some free Antivirus programs, some of the ISPs will provide security software as part of the service (BT are currently offering Norton 360 for free with most internet packages) and there are paid for packages

BEFORE you install a new antivirus - you should always remove the current Antivirus and reboot your computer.

Please purchase the license for the new software, and download the software before removing your current AV software.

The suggested route to remove the software is to go to the Control Panel, select uninstall a program, select Kasperski from the list.

If you really want to make sure that the software is removed, you can install 'software removal tools' like REVO which you can download for free from the next link
This will not only uninstall the software, it will give you the option to remove all the software that the 'uninstaller' did not remove.

https://www.revouninstaller.com/revo-uninstaller-free-download/
(use the free version)

Or you can use the Kasperski removal tool - from here
https://support.kaspersky.com/common/uninstall/1464

Should you buy paid for or use 'free' antivirus?

Most free antivirus software comes with a 'nag' message enticing you to purchase other software, if you can ignore this, a free solution will most likely be good enough.

Paid for software often comes with more bells and whistles - do you need the extra protection? That is totally up to you.

Free Antivirus includes (but is not limited to)

AVAST - https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index
AVG - https://www.avg.com/en-us/free-antivirus-download
AVIRA - https://www.avira.com/en/free-security-halloween

Paid for Antivirus includes (again this is not limited to)
Bullguard
Norton
ESET NOD
McAfee

If you do not feel technical enough to remove your current Anti-virus and install a new one, please use a person you trust or engage a computer expert.

I am happy to visit anyone who lives in the area I cover around Hornchurch, Essex. Contact me if you would like to arrange a visit

Your privacy and security are under attack. Fight back. This free, all-in-one antivirus protects you from identity theft, financial loss, online threats, and much more. Download now.

28/03/2021

We are available for home visits (socially distanced) if you need us.

We also offer remote support - I will ask you to download Aeroadmin (from www.aeroadmin.com) - this will allow us to see and control your PC or Laptop without the need to visit you, many issues can be resolved this way.

The software once used will not remain active on your computer.

AeroAdmin - zero configuration FREE for business and home remote desktop software

15/12/2020

Windows Mail updated - printing appears tiny in the top left hand corner.

If you are using Windows Mail and have received the update you may find that the printing is not working as usual. The print appear to be forced into a tiny area at the top of the page.

There is nothing you can do about this, it is not possible to rollback or uninstall the update.

You will need to wait for MS to resolve the issue and release a further update.

A work around until then is to use 'WebMail' - the mail from your provider (Hotmail, yahoo, gmail etc) - you can print from these websites.

12/08/2020

Using Windows 10? Have you got the ransomware protection turned on?

Did you know that Windows 10 has a ransomware protection feature? If you answered no, you’re not alone. Most people are not aware that on Windows 10, users have the option of activating “Controlled folder access”, a feature available with the Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard (part of Microsoft...

26/06/2020

Hi all,

As the virus (C19) appears to be slowly coming under control, I am starting to offer more than remote support and phone advice.

I am now collecting, repairing and returning.
I am still offering remote support (where I remote control your device)
i will attend your home and if I believe I can work safely for both is us I will.

I am shielding an elderly person. Please do not be offended if I am unable or unwilling to attend your home. As the restrictions relax, I am making myself available as long as it is safe to do so.

There are many issues I can fix remotely - virus or malware (popup adverts) removal, issues getting to some sites, printing issues, slow PC etc. I will contact you and let you know how to download the correct, safe software, to give me remote access

Printers are often cheaper to replace than repair (yes I hate this waste too, I will repair where I can), I will give you an honest opinion whether to replace or fix.

If you need help - please do not hesitate to call, text email or chat.

Thanks for your continued support - please help me by sharing this.

05/06/2020

Hornchurch Community
Hi people of Hornchurch. As 'adds' are allowed on a Friday I want to let people know that I am a home computer repairer.

I am not doing house calls again (yet) but I can remote control your PC to sort out issues you might be having.

If necessary I can collect, repair, disinfect and return your computer.

Feel free to get in touch.

07/04/2020

This is one for those who has an iPad, iPhone or Apple Mac.

for those who do not want to read all of it - this is about the ability of a fraudster or hacker to gain access to your camera on your device. Hopefully this attack will be closed soon - be wary though

The white-hat hacker who discovered the vulnerabilities received a $75,000 from Apple's bug-bounty program.