Ask Leo! #622 – UEFI, System File Checker, Getting Locked Out, Manhole Covers, and more…

Leo's Blog

Why UEFI?

UEFI is a replacement for the original BIOS that's been running computers for almost a quarter of a century. UEFI allows manufacturers to take advantage of the security capabilities of the machines they produce.

Continue Reading: Why UEFI?
https://askleo.com/23705

Featured

So Just Why Are Manhole Covers Round?

So just why are manhole covers round?

Well, I'll tell you, but if all you want is the answer, then you completely missed the point of the question.

Continue Reading: So Just Why Are Manhole Covers Round?
https://askleo.com/1846

What Is the System File Checker, and How Do I Run It?


In order to prevent malware from replacing critical system components with compromised copies, Windows works very hard to maintain the integrity of the system files on your machine. If you try to replace one of the "protected" files, you may get a message that the operating system has put the old approved version back. That's "Windows File Protection", now called "Windows Resource Protection".

Unfortunately, there are occasional ways around system file protection. Sometimes it's as simple as a hard disk error causing a system file to be damaged and become corrupt.

As a result, automated checking is nice, but sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands.

Enter the SFC, the System File Checker.

Continue Reading: What Is the System File Checker, and How Do I Run It?
https://askleo.com/1896

How Not To Get Locked Out of Your Microsoft Account While Travelling


I'm writing this on the last day of a trip taken to the Netherlands to visit relatives. As planned, I decided to play a little with a couple of my Microsoft accounts (aka Hotmail or Outlook.com accounts) to see if I could duplicate what so many people seem to experience: getting locked out while travelling abroad.

I didn't get locked out.

Why I didn't run into problems is pretty simple: I was prepared. (Though I also think something else played a part for at least one of my accounts; more on that in a moment.) But I can see how a lack of preparation can end up with accounts inaccessible until you return home.

Let's review exactly what I mean by "preparation", and how you can avoid getting locked out of your Microsoft account when you hit the road. I'll also touch on why Microsoft takes these additional security steps.

Continue Reading: How Not To Get Locked Out of Your Microsoft Account While Travelling
https://askleo.com/23616

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Glossary Term

UEFI

UEFI is an acronym for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface. It is occasionally, albeit technically incorrectly, referred to as "UEFI BIOS".

The UEFI, like the BIOS it is designed to replace, is software built into PCs, and performs functions such as:

  • Power On Self Test (POST)
  • Loading of the operating system from bootable media, such as the installed hard drive, an inserted bootable CD or DVD, or a bootable USB device
  • Acting as a standard interface layer between operating systems and the installed hardware

A UEFI typically has a user interface of some sort that is accessible (only) at power-on, before any operating system is loaded. This UI, which is typically more extensive than previous BIOS UIs, allows many of the configuration options, diagnostics, and other manufacturer-specific functions to be accessed before any operating system is loaded.

One of the more notable, and occasionally frustrating, features of UEFI is "secure boot". Secure boot allows the boot process to be "locked down" according to the PC manufacturer's specifications, preventing unauthorized operating systems or boot sources from loading.

Like the BIOS, the UEFI is typically stored in re-programmable ROM, allowing it to be updated using special reprogramming software. Unlike the BIOS, additional portions of the UEFI may be stored on reserved areas of a computer's hard disk.

Glossary Terms are featured selections from The Ask Leo! Glossary.
Have a term you'd like defined? Submit it here.

Featured Comments

Dealing with Windows Update and Windows 10

Gary writes:

Thanks Leo for your insight and suggestions.

I respectfully suggest that Microsoft (MS) get it's act together and implement a new function in downloading updates either automatically and/or by personal design. To wit: Before MS updates are downloaded it have a built in an automatic function to implement a system back up file before the update is installed. Then if a problem occurs afterwards we can simply keep going back to an earlier saved backup to fix or await the resolution to a problem in downloading a MS update.

To remember to undertake a daily system back up manually as you suggest is just not feasible to an individual not as astute in such manners as yourself Leo. Thanks for being there & if possible in your tech language, make this recommendation to MS for all of us. It should be very simple for MS to do, automatically. God bless, and have a safe life, it's more important to surfing the web.

Leo writes:

Actually that'd be a great idea, but then they'd have to make sure you had enough disk space, warn you if you did not, and also provide a mechanism for rolling back to that backup. Seriously, I think it'd be great, but it's not trivial or easy.

Anyone can set up a daily backup. I have articles and books on exactly how to do so. That's exceptionally important regardless fo Windows 10 updates - so many things can go wrong.

Phil writes:

Amen Brother! Have had nothing but problems after the latest Win 10 update. Unfortunately I trusted Windows auto update and failed to do a backup prior. Live and learn!

How Long Should I Keep My Backups?

Conrad writes:

Several commenters have mentioned this but I think it needs to be stated explicitly. The article talks about how long you might *want* to keep several types of backups, but its the capacity of your backup media that determines how long you'll *be able* to. Backing up to DVD or tape is a pain, but it can't be beat for long-term retention. When you're out of media you just go to Staples and buy more. But when you're backing up to disk, you have to consider how many full and incremental backups the disk can hold. If your backup device holds ten times as much as the disk(s) you're backing up, that puts an absolute limit of ten on the number of full backups you can keep. Or, depending on your change rate, a smaller number of full backups and some incrementals.

Mark Jacobs (Team Leo) writes:

A 100 GB system which is probably less than many of the people reading this have would take about 20 DVDs at a cost of about $6.00. 10 of those backup sets will get you a 2TB external hard drive which will hold 20 backups. Less time less cost, a more stable backup, and you can reuse any of the disk space when you determine you no longer need any of those backups. I'd go for the extra drives.

Leo's Books

Backing Up 101 Saved! - Backing Up with Macrium Reflect - 2nd Edition Saved! Backing Up With EaseUS Todo
Saved! - Backing Up with Windows 7 Backup Saved! - Backing Up with Windows 8 Backup
Just Do This: Back Up! The Ask Leo! Guide to Internet Safety The Ask Leo! Guide to Routine Maintenance Maintaining Windows XP - A Practical Guide

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