5 Questions And Their Answers From August 2021

A keyboard key with a question mark which hints at the 5 Questions And Their Answers.

I want to share 5 questions and their answers from August 2021 which have been brought up by our customers. As you probably know, after 15 years, I stopped writing the Question of the Week email. (See my blog post “2020 Finale.”) Still, we are asked questions that others might be wondering about. With that in mind, let me share five (5) that we’ve been asked so far in August.

Insert Boot Disc

Question #1 – “I started my computer this morning and I got a message which read ‘Insert Boot Disk.’ What is wrong?

Answer #1 – This particular message means the BIOS can’t find the computer’s hard drive which it needs so it can boot to the Operating System (OS). In most cases, this indicates that the computer’s hard drive has failed. The computer would need to come to the shop so the hard drive can be tested. If it is the hard drive, depending on the age of the computer, it might be better to upgrade to a new computer. (Don’t forget, we sell them!)

Replace Desktop With Laptop?

Question #2 – “It’s time for a new computer. Instead of purchasing a tower like I have now, should I get a laptop?”

Answer #2 – This is a question we hear at least once a week. Our answer is always the same – it’s the Microsoft answer – it all depends. Here are some things that need to be considered:

Do you want to be able to easily take your computer with you to other areas of your home or even on a trip? (Get a laptop.)
Will the computer just sit in one place in your home and never be used elsewhere? (Get a new tower or an all-in-one.)
Do you want to be able to add extra hard drives and/or video and sound cards? (Get a new tower.)
Is cost a factor? (In most cases, you get more “stuff” at a lower price in a tower than in a laptop or an all-in-one.)

Fax From Gmail?

Question #3 – “I understand you can send a fax from Gmail. Is this true?”

Answer #3 – This question actually came from my sister. The answer is “Yes, but you need a third-party service to do so.” I recommended two services to her – FAX.PLUS and DropboxSign. I’m not associated with these two companies and I’ve never personally used them but I’ve read good reviews for both of them. They offer some free faxing and then have subscriptions, if you need more.

Sit By Computer?

Question #4 – “I’m logging in to Remote Technical Support (RTS) for a Quarterly Checkup. Do I have to sit by the computer the whole time?”

Answer #4 – Obviously, this question came from one of our RTS customers. (If you’re not a Remote subscriber, you should be!) Here’s the situation: when you log in, we need you to wait until we get past the permission screen. If you walk away before clicking or tapping “Yes” on the screen, we can’t work on your computer. If you use a password or a PIN, we’ll need that for rebooting your computer. Finally, we need a correct phone number to reach you, if needed. Once all that is accomplished, you’re free to roam the world!

Renew Windows License?

Question #5 – “I just received a phone call from Microsoft informing me that my Windows license is expiring and I need to renew it. The cost is $300. Should I go ahead?”

Answer #5 – In a word, “No!” First, as I’ve explained many times in this blog, Microsoft does not call you out of the blue. Second, there is no renewal for a Windows license. You only purchase a valid copy of Windows one time. These types of phone calls are total scams and you just need to hang up.