Ask Leo! #375 - UNsending email, late night slowdowns, the registry as the source of all evil and more... - Confident Computing

The Ask Leo! Newsletter

*** Featured

Can I stop or 'un-send' an email I sent by mistake?

I wrote an email from my Yahoo email account and sent to the wrong email address in Europe. Is it any way that I can retrieve the email I sent from the wrong email address and delete it before the wrong recipient can read my email?

No.

There are a couple of exceptions – one of which isn't really an exception at all, but the answer you need to keep in mind and always remember is simply no.

Once email has been sent, it has been sent.

I'll describe why that is and what those so-called "exceptions" are all about.

Continue reading: Can I stop or 'un-send' an email I sent by mistake?
http://ask-leo.com/C2149

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*** Answercast

Answercast #38 - Hanging logos, keyboard passwords, Windows registry, annoying popups, midnight slowdowns and more...

Does Windows registry cause malware? Ever have strange slow-downs in the middle of the night? Have you seen popups that won't close; hanging logos; or a programmable keyboard? All that and more in this Answercast from Ask Leo!

Continue reading: Answercast #38 - Hanging logos, keyboard passwords, Windows registry, annoying popups, midnight slowdowns and more...
http://ask-leo.com/C5621

My machine sometimes hangs on boot during the Windows Logo, what do I do?
A machine that fails on boot is hard to diagnose long distance. There are two typical problem areas to look at first.
Continue reading: My machine sometimes hangs on boot during the Windows Logo, what do I do?
http://ask-leo.com/C5622

How do I get rid of this pop-up ad?
Pop-up ads show on webpages using a variety of technologies and may obscure the link that turns it off. There are a few immediate things to look for.
Continue reading: How do I get rid of this pop-up ad?
http://ask-leo.com/C5623

Is the registry the root cause of Windows malware issues?
Windows registry certainly has its issues... but causing malware is not one of them.
Continue reading: Is the registry the root cause of Windows malware issues?
http://ask-leo.com/C5624

When does a download stop if I close my browser?
Closing a browser will certainly stop a download, as long as you close it completely.
Continue reading: When does a download stop if I close my browser?
http://ask-leo.com/C5625

Can I use a programmable keyboard to store my passwords?
Using a programmable keyboard to store passwords is a pretty good idea, but there are a few hidden issues to think about.
Continue reading: Can I use a programmable keyboard to store my passwords?
http://ask-leo.com/C5626

Why does my computer slow down dramatically between midnight and 2am?
Mysterious CPU usage in the middle of the night isn't all that mysterious. There are a number of things that are automatically configured to run when you might be sleeping.
Continue reading: Why does my computer slow down dramatically between midnight and 2am?
http://ask-leo.com/C5627

Will Windows 8 overwrite my system restore partition, and if so, how do I restore?
Speculating about Windows 8 and how it might handle partitions is still a guess. Whatever it may do, backup software is still the best way to manage your restore partition.
Continue reading: Will Windows 8 overwrite my system restore partition, and if so how do I restore?
http://ask-leo.com/C5628

Are mini-tower machines more prone to overheating?
As with all computers, keeping them well ventilated and clean helps with heating problems. Do that and the mini tower should be just fine.
Continue reading: Are mini-tower machines more prone to overheating?
http://ask-leo.com/C5629

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*** Last Issue's Articles

*** Comments

How do I get my wireless to run faster?

Ken writes:

Hi Leo, you forgot to mention one thing: Changing the channel that the wireless router broadcasts on can make a huge difference. When I first set up to stream video from my computer to my multimedia player (attached to TV) I found that depending on what channel I set on the wireless router, the speed would vary from 450 kbps to 9000 kbps. I made note of the fastest two or three channels and if I ever have interference on one, I switch to one of the other, takes only a few seconds (but have really only had to that once every 6 months or so). Hope this helps.

Are Password Managers like Roboform and Lastpass safe?

PC Resolver writes:

I totally agree! I used Roboform but I find LastPass to be superior in many ways. Not least of which is that is easily available to me on any platform. I am so reliant on it that it now contains all the info required In Case of Emergency (ICE). My dependants have half the password each so that should anything happen to me they can gain access to my LastPass account in which they will see not only my passwords but instructions on how to deal with other matters. I highly recommend this. The free version of LastPass is all you really need but please consider supporting them by upgrading to the Pro version for $1 a month. I do.

Who do I talk to to get Windows Mail re-released?

Dan writes:

I am an old geezer that does not always enjoy being forced to change the way I work with programs, but usually find out that once I get used to the new ways of doing things, I am better off. I understand the anger and confusion, but one way of keeping your mind sharp is keeping it active by learning new things. Like Leo said - there are many email aps out there - if you don't like the one you are stuck with, then find another one you would like. That is how the market works! Software companies don't owe you anything. It is too expensive to keep up old versions of software AND develop new versions. I admit that sometimes they get it wrong (Edsel, Windows ME, Vista), but a lot of times they get it right - if you just give it a chance and work with it! It took me a little time to figure out the new way Office 2007 worked (after using 97 for so many years) ? I was slow at finding what I wanted ? but once I got used to the new way, I wondered why they didn't do it like that from the start ? much more productive with the newer look!

My printer stopped printing, what do I do?

Mark J writes:

That clear the printer queue suggestion is definitely a magic bullet, and the first thing I do when people have problems printing. In 89-90% of the cases I've cleared it, the problem was solved. So I'd say, try that before doing anything else. It might save you a lot of time.

*** Leo Recommends

ScamBusters.org - Keep Yourself Safe from Internet Scams and More

Anyone who's been a reader of Ask Leo! for some time knows that in addition to technical topics I often cover many issues related to the non-technical side of keeping yourself safe on the internet. Things like account theft, phishing, privacy and more are all common themes that show up in my inbox as people ask me questions every day.

ScamBusters is a site run by my friends Jim and Audri Lanford who are dedicated to providing education and information to educate and protect folks like you and me from the vast array of schemes and scams that are out on the internet.

At ScamBusters.org you'll find tons of free resources on how to avoid scams, identity theft threats, and urban legends that are making the rounds.

Continue reading: ScamBusters.org - Keep Yourself Safe from Internet Scams and More
http://ask-leo.com/C3438

Each week I recommend a specific product or resource that I've found valuable and that I think you may as well. What does my recommendation mean?

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