Windows Help & Tips
From fixing update errors to speeding up your computer, these Windows guides cover the most common issues we see at customers' homes every day.
Popular Guides
Keyboard issue
When you type on the keyboard in a program and you only hear a clicking sound and NOTHING types on the screen. The issue has to do with an accessibility setting.
Read Guide →Windows 11 Controlled folder access blocking legit apps
When you try to open a frequently used app, or a legitimate app you have not used in a while, you may get the alert that the .exe is blocked, resulting in the app not opening. This is caused by the a
Read Guide →Quickbooks Update issue
Every once in a while when you open QB it requests an update. You click to do so and at some point during the installation of the updates, the process seems to freeze. It stays at that point for a v
Read Guide →All Windows Help & Tips Guides
QuickBooks Running Slow? 7 Fixes That Actually Work
QuickBooks running slow? Try these 7 proven fixes that work for Connecticut small businesses. Most take less than 10 minutes.
Switching from PC to Mac: What Small Business Owners Should Know
Thinking about switching your small business from PC to Mac? Here's what Connecticut business owners need to know before making the move.
Has Your Computer Been Hacked? A Simple Checklist
Think your computer's been hacked? Follow this simple checklist to identify the warning signs and protect yourself from identity theft.
How to set up your Medical ID
To make your Medical ID available from the Lock screen on your iPhone, turn on Show When Locked. In an emergency, this gives information to people who want to help. To share your Medical ID with emerg
Windows 11 dictation feature
There are filters in place to prevent using bad language, automatic startup and punctuation. When finished you can save the document in the usual way or discard and start again.
What to Do If Your Email Gets Hacked (Step-by-Step Recovery)
Discovered your email was hacked? Follow these clear steps to secure your account and protect your banking, healthcare, and personal information.
Setting Up a Home Office in a Small Space: Tech Essentials Under $500
Whether you're working from your dining room table in Southbury or converting a spare bedroom in Litchfield County, you can set up a productiv...
MacBook Running Hot and Loud? 5 Ways to Fix It
Is your MacBook overheating and sounding like a jet engine? Here are 5 practical fixes you can try at home before calling for help.
Best Printers for Home Offices (And How to Fix Common Problems)
If you work from home in western Connecticut—whether you're in Litchfield County, Fairfield County, or over in New Haven County—you know that a good p...
How to Back Up Your Business Data: A Complete Guide
Here in western Connecticut—whether you're in Litchfield, Fairfield, or New Haven County—we've helped hundreds of small business owners recove...
Microsoft 365 for Small Businesses: Setup and Best Practices
Here in western Connecticut—from Litchfield County down through Fairfield and New Haven counties—we help dozens of small businesses get set up...
Windows 11 Update Stuck or Failing? How to Fix It
Windows 11 update stuck? Learn simple fixes that work, plus when to call a professional for help with older PCs in Connecticut.
Password Managers for Families: Which One Is Best?
Here in western Connecticut—from Litchfield County down through Fairfield and New Haven counties—we help families every day who are tired of r...
Computer Frozen? How to Recover Without Losing Your Work
Your computer froze with unsaved work? Don't panic. These simple steps can help you recover everything before you lose hours of progress.
How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Windows PC
Here at Chapin Business Services, we help folks all over western Connecticut—from Litchfield County down through Fairfield and New Haven count...
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11 in 2026?
Windows 10 support ends October 2025. Here's what Connecticut residents need to know about upgrading to Windows 11 and keeping your computer secure.
Outlook keeps typing in CAPITALS when composing a new email
To resolve this issue open Outlook and go to New Mail. At the bottom of the left corner you will see Options. Click Options, then Mail and finally click the button for Stationary and Fonts. There y
External Hard Drive Not Showing Up? Data Recovery Options
Here in western Connecticut, from Heritage Village in Southbury to homes throughout Litchfield, Fairfield, and New Haven counties, we get call...
QuickBooks Closes Immediately: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
QuickBooks is an essential business accounting software that many companies rely on for daily financial operations. However, when the program suddenly closes immediately after opening or when trying t
QuickBooks Closes Immediately, Part 2: Advanced Solutions for Persistent Issues
While the first part of our QuickBooks troubleshooting guide covered the basic solutions using QuickBooks Tool Hub, some users experience more persistent closing issues that require additional trouble
Outlook vs Gmail: How to Fix Sending Issues and Email Authentication Problems
Email communication is essential for modern business operations, and many users rely on Microsoft Outlook to manage their Gmail accounts. However, when Outlook suddenly stops sending emails while stil
Outlook Errors: How to Fix PST File Access Issues and Email Problems
Microsoft Outlook is a critical business communication tool that many organizations rely on for daily email operations. However, when Outlook encounters errors preventing access to your email data, it
QuickBooks Update Issue: How to Fix Frozen Update Installations
QuickBooks is an essential business accounting software that millions of users rely on for managing their finances, invoicing, and bookkeeping. However, like any software, QuickBooks requires regular
Quicken Sounds Stop: How to Fix Audio Issues in Quicken
Quicken is a popular personal finance management software that helps users track their money, manage budgets, and monitor financial goals. One of the features that many users enjoy is the audio feedba
Windows 11 Controlled Folder Access Blocking Legitimate Apps: Complete Fix Guide
Windows 11’s Controlled Folder Access is a powerful security feature designed to protect your important files from ransomware and other malicious software. However, this security measure can som
How to Stay Incognito When Making Calls: Complete Privacy Guide
In today’s connected world, maintaining privacy when making phone calls has become increasingly important. Whether you’re calling a business contact, making a private call, or simply want
Keyboard Issue: How to Fix When Nothing Types on Screen
Have you ever experienced a frustrating situation where you’re typing on your keyboard, hearing the clicking sounds, but nothing appears on your screen? This is a common accessibility setting is
How to Transfer Photos and Videos Off Your iPhone/Android and Still Keep Full Access: Complete Guide
Want to keep your pictures safe and accessible? Want to create more free space on your iPhone or Android? The best way to protect your pictures and videos and free up space is to use iCloud, OneDrive,
6 Ways to Speed Up Email & Downloads on Your Phone: Complete Performance Guide
Slow email loading and sluggish downloads can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re trying to stay productive on the go. Whether you’re waiting for important emails to load or
Things You Can Do with an iPhone: Hidden Features and Pro Tips
Your iPhone is packed with powerful features that go far beyond making calls and sending texts. From Siri’s advanced capabilities to accessibility features and camera tricks, there are countless
Windows 11 Requirements: Complete System Requirements and Compatibility Guide
Windows 11 represents Microsoft’s most significant operating system update in years, bringing a modern interface, enhanced security features, and improved productivity tools. However, these impr
What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends in 2025? Complete Guide to Your Options
Windows 10 is reaching the end of its official support on October 14, 2025. That means Microsoft will stop releasing new features and routine security updates for the general public. For most users, t
How to Solve Common Jitterbug Phone Issues: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Jitterbug phones are specially designed for seniors, making them user-friendly with large buttons and a simple interface. However, like any technology, they can sometimes face issues that need trouble
Fix Chrome sync issues (iPhone/Android)
If you signed out of a Google service, like Gmail, Chrome will pause sync. To turn sync back on, sign in to your Google Account:
Have the iPhone or Android read aloud to you
Have the iPhone or Android read aloud to you
How to change the display from two pages to one in Microsoft Word
Here you can also change the display of the single page.
How to clear RAM on iPhone with AssistiveTouch
On newer devices with Face ID, namely, iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone XS, XR, and X, you can reset the RAM with AssistiveTouch. Here’s
How to speed up your slow iPhone
Restarting your iPhone helps to free up iPhone RAM, ensuring a smooth user experience.
4 Ways to Protect Yourself Against AI Guessing Your Passwords
The strongest passwords are at least 17 random characters. Use an automated password generator like Norton Password Generator or the Avast Random Password Generator for best results.
How to connect your iPhone & Android to use Bluetooth: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bluetooth technology is a wireless communication protocol that allows devices to communicate with each other in close proximity.
Printing Issue
When you print, scan or copy any document, a line appears at the top of the page, (on the first page only if you print multiple pages), that reads similar to:
Use emoji on your iPhone
With a tap of your finger, you can bring words to life with emoji.
Updated Microsoft Word Tips
You can control access to a document by implementing a password for it. Passwords are case-sensitive and can be a maximum of 15 characters long. Create a strong password, ideally one that you can easi
7 tips and tricks to extend iPhone battery life
Tapping the “Last 10 Days” toggle on the right-hand side gives you a broader look at what’s been eating up your power.
Scanning Tip (Windows)
A great solution to many scanning issues is the Microsoft Scan App. You can download it from the MS Store or search for it online. Once downloaded, click to install the application. Then run it aft
Not getting email
If you are not getting your email as expected, there is a step to take that may resolve the issue. You can send email, but cannot figure out where the new email coming in is located. Passwords and s
Outlook is very slow attaching files to email
This can be one of the most frustrating issues with Microsoft Outlook. Outlook is running fine but when I try to attach a file to an email the process slows to a crawl. Frustrating!
How to Get Rid of Dots Indicating a Space Between Words
It can be extremely annoying when you go to type in Word and after each character there appears a dot.
Quick Assist
Quick Assist allows one person to remotely connect with another. It connects two computers so that one PC will remotely control another PC. To access this Windows 10 feature, type Quick Assist in th
Shake
If you are the type of end user that loves having multiple windows open on the desktop, then Shake is for you. Shake allows the user to click, hold and shake a window to minimize all others, leaving
Pop-Up Ads in Quickbooks
When you open QB a pop-up ad appears asking you to upgrade or purchase a product. It only happens at startup and you can X out. If you are finding these annoying, there is a way to stop all of them.
“Secret” Start Menu in Windows 10
This one is easy. If you are a fan of the “old school” Start menu you can have it back, (almost). Hover your mouse over the start button and
Quick Desktop View (Peek)
If you want to quickly view your desktop without having to minimize the many windows that are open, you can do so. First, click on the Start button and click the gear icon for Settings. Then click P
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
After finally upgrading my computer from Win7 to Win10 the Adobe Reader program opens one file and then will not open any others or create pdf files. The program just does nothing when I click to use
Automatic Date setting in Word
When you receive an attached word document and download it, the date on the document changes to the current date. What if I need the original date to stay?
Quick Tip: Ccleaner
Open Ccleaner and click on Options, (left side column), and then click on Settings, (top of the list). Click the radial button next to Custom Clean under the heading Ccleaner Home Screen. When you n
Ransomware Protection
If this has happened to you then you understand the devastation this can have on your business or home files. Ransomware gets onto your system through seemingly innocent online behavior. The virus c
Maximizing the Minimized
When you open a program it will minimize right away to the start bar and you cannot get the program to show on the screen. It just sits there, minimized!
Facebook Admin privileges gone!
You access you FB account only to find out you cannot make changes to the account. You cannot post or put in new pictures, etc. What happened?!
Windows 10 Update Issue
Windows 10 Update Issue
Metered Windows Updates
Metered Windows Updates
QuickBooks Error and Internet Explorer
QuickBooks Error and Internet Explorer
Removing hyperlinks in Excel (2010 and later)
Excel will automatically add a hyperlink to, for example, an email address you have entered on a spreadsheet for reference. Problem is, the hyperlink is never used and if accidently “rolled over” wil
Why aren’t zeros appearing in Excel?
It seems simple enough. You type a number that starts with a zero, such as a cvv code, zip code or other identifier, and it just does not appear. When we look it up online, the directions to correct
How to get programs to stop loading automatically
You should not need Edge, or other internet browsers, to run during startup. If you want to use an app, simply double click to run. Automatically starting applications can use valuable system resour
Fast Startup
Windows has an option for fast start up. This allows the system to load startup items into the ram, and keeps that information there so the next time you turn on the system, or come out of hibernatio
Chrome: saved passwords and bookmarks
While most backup programs are setup to save profile data, (documents, pictures, desktop, etc), there is vital data that should be included, but may not be part of the profile. If you are like many o
Scan to E-mail issue (HP)
When you try to scan a doc or image and send via e-mail you get an error message that there is a “server connection error. There was a problem connecting to the server. Press Retry or Ok to exit.”
Windows 10 Personalized (Ver 1809)
The default settings in Windows 10 can be altered to reflect your own tastes. For example, the mode for the windows is either light or dark. The default is light, however, dark mode may be better fo
Making labels, (using Office version 2010 or later)
If you have a list of names and addresses compiled in Excel and wish to make labels the process can be confusing and frustrating. There are several steps that need to be taken to print your labels cor
Opening attachments
One of the more frustrating things to happen online is when you try to do something that worked but now does not. A perfect example of this is opening an attachment to an email rather than downloadin
Files, Shortcuts will not open
The issue can be resolved by changing the default security settings on both the computer where the program is housed and on your system.
Fix a corrupted Recycle Bin
When you try to delete or empty the Recycle Bin you receive the error message that it is corrupted. You can not delete files or empty the Trash.
Ransomware
Like the name implies, this type of virus not only encrypts and holds hostage your critical data, but also demands a ransom be paid to decrypt the infected files. Getting this virus, which comes in
Outlook 2016, (Office 365)
When you open Outlook 2016 the program stays minimized and, once it does open, the restore feature, (the middle button in the upper right corner, next to the minimize button), does not work. When clic
Zoom and Screen Resolution
If you have a wide screen monitor then you understand the frustration of changing your screen resolution to get the online resolution to be larger and better able to read or to play games. For exampl
Task Scheduler Corrupt
A scheduled task is a very convenient way to get things done on a computer without having to remember to do them. Many items can be checked off the “to do list” by simply having it listed as a schedu
QuickBooks: Keeping Multi User Active
When you want to have more than one user accessing QuickBooks at the same time you are required to have the program set to Multi User Mode. To use QB in that mode, click on File, then select Switch t
Quickbooks Advertising
I use QuickBooks 2014 and have become annoyed with the up selling that create popups whenever I start the program. Now I am getting script error messages because there is something corrupted within t
QuickBooks Script Errors
Script errors are typically caused by something within Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge. If you are using another browser as your default then you can get rid of the script errors by simply making
Flip and Rotate Video Utility
Have ever created a video or downloaded a video only to find out it is upside down or rotated incorrectly? To make it worse, the video is a clip of something that cannot be replicated, such as a grad
How to save battery power when you really need to
The iPhone comes with a power save feature that extends the battery for times when you are not able to charge the phone. Sporting events, gatherings, camping trips, etc are some examples where you ca
Moving Mac files to a PC
What should be an easy process is made difficult because of the different file types each system uses. PC’s cannot easily read Mac files, so transferring them to a PC is not possible, unless…
Protected View in Word
If your Word program opens reasonably fast but not so when you click on a file to open, either locally or over a network, the issue may have to do with a setting that handles Protected View.
Missing Date: Quick Tip
In the bottom right hand corner of the screen is the date and time. The time shows but not the date. What happened?
Getting rid of the Win10 upgrade reminder
Windows 10 has proven to be a pretty nice upgrade from Windows 7. However, if you do not want to upgrade, how do you get rid of the reminder that continually pops up near the clock? You can, and it
Keyboard Shortcuts: Dual Monitors
Having dual monitors allows you to open programs on different screens. This is a very efficient solution when the user constantly needs to “alt-tab” between programs. Open one program and drag it to
Windows 10 Tips – Start Menu
With over 200 million devices running Win10 it may help to know there are a several tips that can make the OS easier and more convenient. This is the first in a series of Tips that will allow the end
Windows 10 Tips – Privacy
With over 200 million devices running Win10 it may help to know there are a several tips that can make the OS easier and more convenient. This is the second in a series of Tips that will allow the en
Windows 10 Tips – The Look
With over 200 million devices running Win10 it may help to know there are a several tips that can make the OS easier and more convenient. This is the third in a series of Tips that will allow the end
Adding Gmail to Outlook
Many already know you can add your Gmail account to Outlook. Doing so has many advantages that some find helpful. Setting it up can be a frustrating experience if you do not take some preliminary ste
Outlook Fonts and Styles
Choosing the correct font and font style for your email messages is important. It denotes your own personality in a way. However, the font and styles can change due to an upgrade to the Office progr
Windows Directory Statistics
Having a hard drive that is running out of space is frustrating when you do not understand how your drive filled up to begin with. There is a neat utility that is effective at showing where all the s
Google Bookmarks
While it is a good idea to go into the Settings of Chrome,
Windows 10: Where’s my desktop?!
When you boot your system the desktop does not load, however, the tile view is active. Tile view is very similar to Windows 8. In fact, Win10 was built to look more like Win7 and less like the Win8
(Win10) Critical Error: Start Menu and Cortana are not working…
When you start your Windows 10 system, you can sign in and the system gets part way to the desktop when the error message appears: “Critical Error: Start Menu and Cortana failed to load. We will try
Tracking Changes in Word 2010/2013
If you have a document that needs to have comments and/or editing tracked, you can turn on that feature in Word 2010 and 2013 by clicking on the menu option Review. Look and click Track Changes, then
Windows 10 Tweaks
There are a lot of nice things about Windows 10. The interface is better than Win8 and the speed has improved at startup. Here are several items you can tweak to make the new operating system more t
Outlook Data Files
As your Outlook data file increases in size so does the risk of corruption and lost email, contacts and calendar. To see the size of the data file, go to the location of the file,
Outlook PST password recovery
When you need to import data from a backup or copy of your pst file Outlook will, at times, ask for the files password. You enter the correct password, however an error pops up stating it is the inco
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