• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Computer help please 2025

Morturn said:
Hi Pete

Thanks for the system information. Unfortunately, now I have checked online, it cannot be updated to Windows. The two reasons are the CPU is Incompatible; you have an Intel Core i3-3240. Microsoft's Requirement: 8th Generation Intel Core or newer.

TPM Version is Likely Insufficient, the Microsoft's Requirement: TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot Enabled. So, both are showstoppers.

In your case you can an unofficial workarounds to bypass the CPU and TPM checks. However, I would strongly advise against this because:

It involves modifying system files or the Windows installer.

It can be unstable and may not receive future updates.

If something goes wrong, it can be difficult to troubleshoot.

One cost effective way would be to think about a refurbished model that is 3-4 years old) would easily meet the Windows 11 requirements and provide a significant performance and efficiency boost. Look for a model with an 8th Gen Intel i3 or i5 (e.g., i5-8500) or newer.

There are some Linux options but there is also the associated learning curve with them
Click to expand...
Great advise!
 
wam said:
Just because Microsoft no longer provides updates to an operating system doesn't mean the computer will stop working. It will be exposed to more internet threats but, if you're reasonably careful, these don't mean so much.
Most people think Linux is something obscure that no-one has ever seen apart from a few techies. If you've got a phone or a tablet that isn't Apple, you've probably used one version of it (Android). So all you're dealing with is something like that for a PC.
Click to expand...
Good point! If you are not an avid user or use for business most would never miss any updates at least for a couple of yours. I would not sweat it.
 
Morturn said:
Microsoft are trying to make people do this and have just done an update that removed the registry features that enable running a windows 11 on a local account. There are ways to circumnavigate this but it’s a matter of choice. Without an account you do lose some security features, so I prefer to go down the route of having an account but do some serious debloating of the Microsoft spyware and apps. It’s what works for you in the end.
Click to expand...
Microsoft is trying to get you to use their search engine Bing which leads to their shopping etc. I use Microsoft mainly for Outlook although they are changing the look of that which is scary to me. It also seems that updates are becoming mor3 and more frequent. Been on Microsoft since about 1992 and it’s not much different other than the look!
 
I remember two things about computers that were drummed into me.

1. Don't worry you can't break it, (not true if you have a hammer).
2. Never forget you are in charge and the computer will do your bidding, (not true well maybe eventually).

The amount of time we probably all spend trying to get our devices to do something we want is unbelievable.

But, the more time you spend on it the better you will become at a good many tasks it can perform.
 
Keith R said:
So I have purchased a Win 11 PC and am about to chuck it on a bonfire.........nothing familiar with Win 10...and I put questions in asking where has my downloaded photos gone and may as well have said explain nuclear Physics.Most popular thing the PC is telling me is to restart....not close down but restart and no where to do it...again no one seems to know either.
Click to expand...
I use windows 11 and find it is OK - there are differences but you can get used to them.

You asked about restart
On your tool bar you should have an icon with 4 blue squares - right click and a menu will come up. Towards the bottom you will see "shut down or sign out". If you go to that line and hover over it a second menu will appear. One of the choices is "restart". You can also switch off your PC on that menu.

At least that's how it works on my laptop
 

Attachments

  • 20251018_134224.jpg
    20251018_134224.jpg
    416 KB · Views: 3
Last edited:
Richard Dye said:
Great cartoon! The only thing I would change is to add another hammer…unfortunately that is how I get/ feel with computers. I take a few deep breaths, then sit down calmly and fix it, I might add that I have come very close at times to doing some serious damage but am getting much better at it! :cool:. Sorry off topic!
Click to expand...

I broke the screen of my last laptop in a fit of temper. It was quite old/slow and that was part of the reason for my frustration but still no excuse.
 
Urgent help needed please. Computer OK yesterday but this morning when I open a new page in Google Chrome all I get is a page full of adverts. Can't even get into G mail. Only got on this site because it is bookmarked
 
johnny082 said:
Urgent help needed please. Computer OK yesterday but this morning when I open a new page in Google Chrome all I get is a page full of adverts. Can't even get into G mail. Only got on this site because it is bookmarked
Click to expand...
see details below. Hope it helps.

You can also download a trial version of Malwarebytes for free without subscription. You can use it for about a month and then uninstall it.

The issue might be caused by adware or a malicious Chrome extension that has hijacked your browser settings. This is a form of malware that redirects your new tabs to ad-filled pages and prevents normal browsing, such as accessing Gmail.
Here are the steps to resolve this problem:
1. Run a Malware Scan
First, scan your computer for unwanted programs. Google Chrome has a built-in tool for Windows, and using a dedicated anti-malware program is also recommended.
Using Chrome's tool (Windows only):
Open Chrome.
At the top right, click the three-dots menu (More) > Settings.
Select Reset settings in the left sidebar.
Under "Reset and clean up," click Clean up computer.
Click Find to start a scan for harmful software.
Using dedicated anti-malware software:
Download and run a reputable free anti-malware program like Malwarebytes. This is often more effective at finding and removing adware than standard antivirus software.
2. Remove Unwanted Extensions
Malicious extensions are a common cause of this issue.
Open Chrome.
At the top right, click the three-dots menu (More) > Extensions > Manage Extensions (or type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar and press Enter).
Review the list for any extensions you didn't install, don't recognize, or seem suspicious.
For any suspicious extension, click Remove.
3. Reset Chrome Settings
Resetting Chrome to its default settings will disable all extensions and revert hijacked settings like your homepage and new tab page.
Open Chrome.
At the top right, click the three-dots menu (More) > Settings.
Select Reset settings in the left sidebar.
Under "Reset and clean up," click Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm by clicking Reset settings in the pop-up window.
Note: This will clear your temporary data like cookies and cache, but your bookmarks and saved passwords will remain.
4. Adjust Pop-up and Ad Permissions
Ensure Chrome's built-in blockers are active.
Open Chrome.
At the top right, click the three-dots menu (More) > Settings.
Go to Privacy and security > Site settings.
Scroll down and click on Pop-ups and redirects.
Select the option Don't allow sites to send pop-ups or use redirects.
Go back to Site settings, scroll down, and click on Intrusive ads.
Select the option Block sites from showing intrusive or misleading ads.
5. Reinstall Chrome (If necessary)
If the problem persists, a complete fresh installation might be required.
Uninstall Google Chrome from your computer's "Add or Remove Programs" (Windows) or "Applications" (Mac) settings, ensuring you check the box to delete your browsing data when prompted.
Restart your computer.
Download and install a fresh copy of Chrome from the official Google website.
 
It sounds like your browser might be infected with adware or a potentially unwanted program (PUP), which can cause unwanted pop-ups, redirection to ad sites, and problems with accessing websites like Gmail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue:


Run an Antivirus Scan: If you have antivirus software installed, run a full system scan. Many antivirus programs can detect and remove adware or other malicious software.​

  • Use Malwarebytes: If you don’t have a dedicated malware scanner, download and run Malwarebytes (it’s free for basic scans). It can often find and remove adware that other programs miss.

​

try another browser
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top