// IT ADVICE HUB
IT advice that actually helps
Helpful, jargon-free guides on getting the most from your technology — monthly support, home computers, business IT, Microsoft 365, cybersecurity and Windows. Tools, checklists and buyer’s guides live in the resources hub.
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Monthly Support
Why Monthly IT Support Beats Paying Per Repair
Paying per repair feels cheaper — until something breaks at the worst possible moment. Here is why a monthly IT support plan usually works out better value, and far less stressful.
Read article →Monthly Support
Break-Fix vs Monthly vs In-House IT Support
Should you pay per problem, take out a monthly plan, or hire someone in-house? Here is a plain-English comparison of the three ways to get IT support — and who each one suits.
Read article →Home Users
Home Users
Are Refurbished Laptops Any Good?
Yes — a professionally refurbished business-grade laptop can be genuinely excellent value, and it often outlasts a brand-new budget machine. Here's the honest guide.
Read article →Home Users
Refurbished vs New Laptop: Which Should You Buy?
Should you save money with a refurbished laptop, or pay more for new? Here is an honest, plain-English comparison — on price, reliability, warranty and even the planet — to help you decide.
Read article →Home Users
Is It Safe to Buy a Refurbished Laptop?
Worried a refurbished laptop might be a risk? It is a fair question. Here is the honest answer — the real risks to avoid, and how to buy one safely with complete peace of mind.
Read article →Home Users
Why Is My Computer Running Slowly?
A slow computer is one of the most common frustrations we fix. Here are the usual causes — and what you can do about them.
Read article →Home Users
How to Stay Safe From Online Scams
Online scams are more convincing than ever. Here is how to spot them and protect yourself, your money and your accounts.
Read article →Home Users
How to Know If Your Computer Has a Virus
Worried your computer might be infected? Here are the tell-tale signs of a virus or malware, and what to do next.
Read article →Home Users
Why Does My Printer Keep Disconnecting?
Few things are as annoying as a printer that drops offline just when you need it. Here is why it happens and how to fix it for good.
Read article →Home Users
How to Keep Your Home Computer Secure
You do not need to be a tech expert to keep your home computer safe. These simple habits cover the vast majority of risks.
Read article →Home Users
How to Speed Up a Slow Computer
A slow computer is a real frustration — and it is usually fixable without spending a penny. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough you can follow yourself.
Read article →Home Users
How to Back Up Your Photos
Your photos are irreplaceable — and the most common thing people lose when a phone or computer dies. Here is a simple, step-by-step way to keep them safe, for good.
Read article →Home Users
How to Use a Password Manager
If you reuse passwords or keep them in a notebook, a password manager is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your online safety. Here is how to start, simply.
Read article →Home Users
How to Stop Spam and Junk Emails
Drowning in junk email? You will never stop it completely, but you can cut it dramatically — and learn to tell harmless spam from a dangerous scam. Here is how.
Read article →Home Users
How to Recover Deleted Files
Deleted something important by accident? Don’t panic — there are several places to look, and acting quickly gives you the best chance of getting it back. Here is what to do.
Read article →Home Users
How to Set Up a Printer
New printer? Setting it up is usually quicker than you expect. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to getting it printing from your Windows computer.
Read article →Home Users
How to Spot a Fake Website
Fake shopping and ‘login’ websites are everywhere, and some are very convincing. Here is how to tell a genuine site from a scam before you hand over any details.
Read article →Home Users
How to Set Up Email on Your Phone
Getting your email on your phone means you’re never caught out away from the computer. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide that works for most phones and email accounts.
Read article →Home Users
How to Scan a Document
Need to scan and send a form, letter or receipt? You can do it with a printer-scanner or simply with your phone. Here is how, step by step.
Read article →Home Users
How to Block Nuisance Calls and Texts
Plagued by nuisance calls and spam texts? You can cut them right down and report the worst offenders. Here is how to take back your peace and quiet.
Read article →Home Users
PS5 Emulator Downloads: Real or Fake?
PS5 games are starting to run on PCs, and fake emulator downloads are cashing in. What is real, how to spot a fake, and what to do if you ran one.
Read article →Business IT
Business IT
How to Protect Your Business Email
Email is the front door to your business — and the number one target for attackers. Here is how to lock it down.
Read article →Business IT
What to Do When an Employee Leaves Your Business
When someone leaves, their access does not switch itself off. The leaver checklist we work through, in the order that keeps the business secure without losing their email or files.
Read article →Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365
Common Outlook Problems and How to Fix Them
Outlook is brilliant when it works — and maddening when it does not. Here are the most common Outlook problems and how to fix them.
Read article →Microsoft 365
How to Secure Your Microsoft 365 Account
Microsoft 365 holds your email, files and contacts, so one stolen password exposes the lot. The settings that actually stop account takeovers, in order.
Read article →Microsoft 365
OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams Explained
OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams overlap enough to be confusing. Here is a plain-English guide to what each is for.
Read article →Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 Backup: Do You Need It?
Microsoft keeps the service running. Keeping your data is your job. What Microsoft 365 holds by default, for how long, and when you need a separate backup.
Read article →Microsoft 365
How to Use Microsoft Teams (Beginner’s Guide)
Microsoft Teams is where a lot of work chats, calls and meetings now happen — and it’s friendlier than it first looks. Here is a plain-English guide to finding your way around.
Read article →Windows
Windows
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
Wondering whether to move to Windows 11? Here is a straightforward look at who should upgrade, who should wait, and how to do it safely.
Read article →Windows
How to Prepare Your Business for Windows 11
Moving a whole team to Windows 11 needs a little planning. Here is how to do it smoothly, with no nasty surprises.
Read article →Windows
Why Windows Updates Sometimes Break Things
Updates are essential for security — but occasionally one causes trouble. Here is why it happens and how to stay safe without the headaches.
Read article →Windows
How to Set Up a New Windows Computer Properly
A new PC is a fresh start — if you set it up right. Here is how to get a new Windows computer ready the proper way.
Read article →Windows
What to Do Before Replacing Your Old Computer
Before you retire an old computer, a few steps protect your data and your privacy. Here is your pre-replacement checklist.
Read article →Windows
How to Free Up Storage Space on a Full Computer
A ‘disk full’ warning — or that nagging OneDrive message — is a headache we are glad to sort. Here is how to reclaim space safely, using only the tools already built into Windows.
Read article →Windows
How to Transfer Files to a New Computer
Got a new computer? The first worry is always ‘how do I get everything across?’ Here is a calm, step-by-step guide to moving your files from the old PC to the new one.
Read article →Windows
How to Update Windows Safely
Windows updates keep you secure and fix bugs — but nobody wants one restarting mid-task. Here is how to install updates safely, on your terms, with no nasty surprises.
Read article →Windows
How to Make Your Laptop Battery Last Longer
If your laptop doesn’t last as long as it used to, a few simple changes can stretch each charge — and help the battery last for years. Here is how.
Read article →Windows
How to Take a Screenshot on Windows
A screenshot — a picture of what’s on your screen — is the quickest way to show someone an error or a problem. Here is how to take one on a Windows computer.
Read article →Windows
How to Set Up a Second Monitor
A second screen is one of the cheapest ways to make working at a computer easier and more comfortable. Here is how to set one up on Windows, step by step.
Read article →// EVERY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
All 293 step-by-step guides, by topic
Something not working, or not sure what to do? Find the closest one and follow the steps on that page.
Email (88)
- Add Gmail to Outlook
- Android sign-in loop
- Appointments Disappearing
- BT email won't add to new Outlook
- BTinternet won't send
- Calendar Not Syncing
- Can send but not receive
- Can't add account (new Outlook)
- Can't Open Attachments in Outlook
- Change Your Email Address Everywhere
- Comcast email moving to Yahoo
- eircom email price rise
- Email After Acquisition
- Email down after domain expired
- Email When Closing a Company
- Emails Not on Phone
- Gmail and your other email
- Go Back to Classic Outlook
- Greenby Email Login
- Hacked-email scam
- Make a Google App Password
- Modern auth not working
- Move Plusnet Email to Gmail
- Move Virgin Media Email to Gmail
- New Outlook Blank Screen
- New Outlook Missing Features
- New Outlook missing old emails
- New Outlook not syncing
- New Outlook Rules
- New Outlook Search Not Working
- New Outlook Won't Open
- New Outlook: No Send/Receive Button
- Not Responding
- OneDrive Full
- Out of Office Not Working
- Outlook Add-in Not Loading
- Outlook Autocomplete Not Working
- Outlook can't sign you in
- Outlook Contacts Missing
- Outlook Crashing on Android
- Outlook Data File 0x8004010f
- Outlook Error 0x8004010b
- Outlook Error 0x8004060c
- Outlook Error 0x80040610
- Outlook Error 0x80042108
- Outlook Error 0x80042109
- Outlook Error 0x800ccc0e
- Outlook Error 0x800CCC1A
- Outlook Error 0x800ccc78
- Outlook Error 0x800ccc90
- Outlook Indexing Stuck
- Outlook Not Sending
- Outlook not showing new emails
- Outlook Not Syncing
- Outlook Opens Then Closes
- Outlook OST File Corrupt
- Outlook Password Not Working
- Outlook Password Prompt
- Outlook Problems
- Outlook PST 0x80040116
- Outlook Rules Not Working
- Outlook Search Missing Old Emails
- Outlook Sign-In Loop
- Outlook Signature Not Showing
- Outlook Stuck in Outbox
- Outlook Stuck on Loading Profile
- Outlook Won't Open
- Outlook Won't Open in Safe Mode
- Outlook Won't Sync (Android)
- Outlook.com not syncing
- Plusnet email won't add to Outlook
- Recreate Outlook profile
- Running Slow
- Sage 50 Won't Email in Outlook
- ScanPST Not Working
- Search Greyed Out
- Search Not Returning All Results
- Set of Folders Won't Open
- Shared Mailbox Not Showing
- Shared Mailbox Sent Items
- Sky Email Won't Add to New Outlook
- Stuck in Drafts (new Outlook)
- TalkTalk Email on Android
- Virgin Media & New Outlook
- Virgin Media Email and Junara
- Windows Live Mail Not Working
- Won't Open After Update
- Working Offline Won't Turn Off
Printers & scanners (16)
- Document Stuck in Print Queue
- EE Smart Hub printer fix
- Printer & WiFi password
- Printer Admin Password
- Printer After Broadband Switch
- Printer Disappeared After Update
- Printer Offline
- Printer says password incorrect
- Printer vs Mesh WiFi
- Printer Won't Connect After Moving
- Printer won't connect to BT Smart Hub
- Printer won't connect to Sky router
- Printer Won't Scan (Win 11)
- Prints but Won't Scan
- Sage 50 Won't Print to PDF
- Scan to Folder Stopped
Scams, viruses & security (11)
- Business Hacked — Emergency Help
- Chrome Managed by Your Organization
- Fake “I’m Not a Robot” Scam
- Gave a Scammer Remote Access
- Is Someone Remotely Accessing My Computer?
- McAfee or Norton Expired?
- Scam Recovery
- Virus & Threat Protection Managed by Your Organization
- Website Hacked
- Website Held Hostage
- Worried About a Parent
Wi-Fi, internet & networks (30)
- 24H2 Shared Folders
- Broadband Down
- Broadband Emergency Plan
- Broadband to a Boat Mooring
- Can't See Network PCs
- CCTV After Broadband Change
- CCTV from a Detached Garage
- Desktop PC as a Server
- Emergency Internet
- Error 0x80004005
- Granny Annexe Wifi
- Killer Wi-Fi Problems
- Mapped Drive Keeps Disconnecting
- Mesh WiFi Buying Guide
- Mesh WiFi Setup Guide
- NAS Not Showing
- Network Credentials Prompt
- Off-Grid Internet
- Office File Sharing
- Office WiFi Dropping Out
- Restrict Folder Access
- Share Internet Between Buildings
- Shared Folder Read-Only
- UK Buildings & Hot Weather
- Who has a file open?
- Wi-Fi for a Shepherd's Hut
- WiFi Analyzer for Windows
- WiFi Heatmap Online
- WiFi Troubleshooting
- Win 11 to Win 10 Share
Dell computers (40)
- Are Dell Latitude Laptops Good?
- Charging a Latitude on the move
- Dell Caps Lock Light Blinking
- Dell Latitude 3510 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude 5300 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude 5410 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude 5420 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude 5420 vs 5430
- Dell Latitude 5440 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude 7420 - Worth It?
- Dell Latitude Series Explained
- Dell OptiPlex Fan Error (F1)
- Dell OptiPlex vs Inspiron
- Dell Precision vs Latitude
- Dell SupportAssist Pop-ups
- Dock Not Working
- G15 Overheating
- How Long Do Dell Latitudes Last?
- Inspiron 15 3000 & Windows 11
- Inspiron 15 5000 & Windows 11
- Inspiron Desktop & Windows 11
- Latitude 5000 Series Guide
- Latitude 7000 Series Guide
- Latitude E5540 Upgrade
- Latitude E5550 Upgrade
- OptiPlex 7020 (2014) Upgrade
- OptiPlex 790 Upgrade
- OptiPlex 9020 Upgrade
- OptiPlex 990 Upgrade
- OptiPlex Micro vs SFF vs Tower
- Refurbished Latitude 3000 Series
- Refurbished Latitude 5000 Series
- Refurbished Latitude 7000 Series
- Refurbished OptiPlex 3000 Tier
- Refurbished OptiPlex 5000 Tier
- Refurbished OptiPlex 7000 Tier
- This PC Cannot Run Windows 11
- Update a Dell BIOS Safely
- Windows 10 ESU or Upgrade?
- XPS Swollen Battery
Victron, off-grid & on the road (15)
- Boat GPS Tracking
- Cerbo GX GPS
- Cerbo GX MQTT Dashboard
- Cerbo GX Not Connecting to VRM
- Customise VRM Dashboard
- Embed VRM on a Website
- Glamping Power Monitoring
- Holiday-Let & Cabin Monitoring
- Home Assistant + Victron
- Motorhome Hire Fleet Monitoring
- Victron GPS Tracking
- VRM API Dashboard
- VRM on TV / Kiosk
- White-Label Victron Monitoring
- Working From a Campervan
Older users & accessibility (7)
Parents & children (7)
Microsoft 365, Office & business software (28)
- Basic PAYE Tools Database Error
- Couldn’t Merge Changes
- Excel Spreadsheet Rescue
- Excel Sync Conflicts
- File Locked by Another User
- Files Missing From OneDrive
- IT Provider Gone Bust
- Locked Out of Microsoft 365 Admin
- M365 Owner Handover
- Office 2021 end of support
- Office Windows 11 Cost
- OneDrive Files Disappeared
- OneDrive Moved My Files
- OneDrive Problems
- OneDrive sign-in loop
- OneDrive Two Computers
- QuickBooks & Sage Slow
- Reclaim Your Microsoft 365
- Sage 50 multi-user connection
- Sage Instant on Windows 11
- SharePoint Not Syncing
- Stop Using OneDrive Safely
- Stop Word Saving to OneDrive
- Teams Chat Files Gone
- Teams Wrong Account
- Two OneDrive Accounts
- Unlicensed Product Error
- Word Won’t Open
Windows & PC problems (39)
- Asking for a BitLocker Recovery Key
- Bluetooth Headphones Sound Muffled
- CNC Machines on Windows XP
- Employee Left, No Password
- Ferrari SD2 & SD3 Laptops
- Forgot Windows Password or PIN
- Gaming PC slow
- HEIC Photos Won’t Open on Windows
- How to Check Laptop Battery Health
- How to Check SSD Health
- Laptop clicking noise
- Laptop Overheating
- Laptop Plugged In But Not Charging
- Laptop Touchpad Not Working
- Laptop Turns Off When Unplugged
- Laptop Won’t Turn On
- Listen to the Radio on Your Computer
- Monitor Stuck at 60Hz
- Music Visualiser for Windows
- New Employee Laptop Setup
- Old Program on Windows 11
- Play a CD on Windows 11
- Power Cuts & Your PC
- Reliability Monitor
- Screen Flickers Then Black
- Screen Upside Down or Sideways
- Set an Alarm on Your Computer
- Shuts Down at 30%
- Shuts Off When Moved
- Stop Programs Starting With Windows
- Stuck on Logo
- System Reserved Partition Error
- What a PC Costs to Run
- Why Computer Prices Have Gone Up
- Why Does My PC Keep Crashing?
- Will I lose my files?
- Windows 10 ESU Enrolment Help
- Windows Update Stuck
- Worth Repairing an Old Laptop?
Websites (7)
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