I Hate Computers

[wmc1000]

My main windows desktop is from 2008 and it runs like a top. The only upgrade in 15 years is a change from HDD to SSD in 2022 because the original hard drive was limiting the performance of the computer.

Also, Windows 10 is still supported for virus protection until 2025.

 

[aaronc879]

This is one reason I do *not* set up my new Microsoft systems with having to use a Microsoft account to log on. Bitlocker is likely set up by default when this is done. I still use a local account (among other things to keep Microsoft from collecting even more of my privacy data), which would require you to manually turn on bitlocker to use it (and allow you to save the key).

One of the problems with bitlocker I see if that it activates whenever it thinks a "substantial" change has been done. The "substantial" change might be something as simple as upgrading another system component. Not unlike Windows requesting you re-validate the OS if you make certain systems changes.

Probably the first time you signed onto the system with your Microsoft account there was an option to say the bitlocker key, which was skipped.

YouTube can be your friend for a lot of "how to" information, a lot of folks record exactly how to do things like backing up your items in various ways.

For your current system you are using that has issues and not anti-virus software, consider installing a free solution like Malwarebytes to do a cleanup. For browser popups try something like uBlock Origin, that does a good job.

Thank you for the free Malware/pop up options, I have downloaded them.

 

[CaptTom]

As a long-time IT support guy, I'm going to go against the grain here, and against my own preferences.

Drink the Kool-Aid. Buy into the vendor's (be it Apple, M$, or Google) ecosystem. Create an account on their servers. Take all the defaults. Look for whatever process they offer for backing up to the cloud.

No, this is not what I do. I hate any solution which requires a subscription, a cloud service account or handing over my personal data to some corporation.

The reason I recommend it here is these vendors all make it easy for the ordinary user, who chooses not to, or can't, manage their own systems and data. It may cost you an annual subscription fee. It may cost you a little autonomy. It may expose you to targeted marketing. But they'll keep your data safe from catastrophic losses like the OP is experiencing.

Next, and this is huge, don't install anything outside their ecosystem (app store, whatever) or a legitimate software purchase. Don't respond to pop-ups of any kind. Don't respond to, or even click on, unsolicited e-mails. Don't install third-party virus protection or anything advertised to "improve" your computer. Don't click on any offer to add functionality to your browser. In all the cases I've seen similar to the OP, this is the rule they violated.

Finally, there's no reason the new machine can't be re-imaged to whatever version of Windows you had. You shouldn't need to buy a new hard drive, and you should be able to use your existing Windows license which came with the machine. There's probably information which came with the machine, and on the manufacturer's web site, explaining how. A simple re-image and re-install, without trying to recover the encrypted date, should be a very easy job for any computer repair shop. Call around and ask for pricing before bringing it in.

 

[ivinsfan]

I'm running a newish computer so I looked at the OS to search bitlocker. Apparently the home use (or basic window) versions do not have a bitlocker function.



But windows support online seems to say that Bitlocker needs to be manually activated.Your computer guy doesn't seem to know much about this and I question his comment about ALL the people that have had this issue. But I agree with Jerry as MS clearly says you can still run the computer but it will revert back to it's in the box new system without containing your personal data.

 

[Jerry1]

As a long-time IT support guy,


Finally, there's no reason the new machine can't be re-imaged to whatever version of Windows you had. You shouldn't need to buy a new hard drive, and you should be able to use your existing Windows license which came with the machine. There's probably information which came with the machine, and on the manufacturer's web site, explaining how. A simple re-image and re-install, without trying to recover the encrypted date, should be a very easy job for any computer repair shop. Call around and ask for pricing before bringing it in.

Thank you for confirming my thoughts. He shouldn’t have to buy anything other than the time of a support person if he can’t do the re-image himself. Yes, he’s lost all his data but not his machine or the ability to get it running again.

 

[tmm99]

Have you ever thought of going to a Chromebook? You can store all your files on Google Drive or OneDrive or on your personal MicroSD card or whatever. When things are not right with your Chromebook, you can just reset it to the factory setting. It only takes one minute to reset it. Nothing is stored in the Chromebook anyway (except for the files you downloaded there but the space for download is rather small as it's not meant to keep a lot of files on a Chromebook.) If you use the Chrome browser, I think this is the way to go. That's what I've been using for so many years although I do own a Windows laptop as well for doing more heavy-duty Excel spreadsheets as Excel on Chromebook is not the same as it's an online app. Also you can't download apps on Chromebooks so you either use the browser (ie. Go to netflix.com for Netflix) or for some other apps, you can get Chrome extensions.

What do you use your laptop for? My DH needs his laptop for different Windows-based apps for 3D printing and his artwork mainly. As I don't need any special Windows-based apps, Chromebook is perfect.

 

[jollystomper]

Next, and this is huge, don't install anything outside their ecosystem (app store, whatever) or a legitimate software purchase. Don't respond to pop-ups of any kind. Don't respond to, or even click on, unsolicited e-mails. Don't install third-party virus protection or anything advertised to "improve" your computer. Don't click on any offer to add functionality to your browser. In all the cases I've seen similar to the OP, this is the rule they violated.

As a retired IT guy this is a HUGE point I agree with. In the business environments and personal situations I have worked to untangle Windows based systems, 99% of the time the above actions have been the root cause of the issue.

I would also add to the above, as a general rule, "don't go to sketchy web sites that promise a thrill and/or something for free", as that is a big source of infections and malware.

In my view, it pays to be paranoid on the internet. Just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you .

 

[easysurfer]

I know this does not help the OP, but it does bolster my case.

I have never used Bitlocker and probably never will. I also never (and I mean Never) set up a PC using Microsoft logins. My current Lenovo X1 Carbon 2023 is completely neutral. Actually, the first thing I do when I get a new PC is wipe it and start again from scratch. Takes only a few minutes or so to do when a PC is new. Then install Macrium Reflect Free, take a backup image and go from there.

I believe Macrium Reflect Free is no longer available for download. But I think old versions still around at some websites.

 

[bloom2708]

OP, if you log into your Microsoft account (microsoft.com/account), you should be able to find the Recovery Key. That information is stored in your Microsoft account. Find your device and view the details. There should be a link for Managing your Bitlocker Recovery Keys. I found my list in my Microsoft account.

The security person must have enabled bitlocker. That should not be necessary for a home/personal computer.

Enter the key and you should be going again. Crisis averted.

 

[ncbill]

Chromebook might work well for the OP.

My spouse teaches & after trying other platforms such as the Surface RT the school finally adopted Chromebooks.

 

[5Miler]

OP is not a techie and most likely never will be. That's OK.

Many of us here can install Windows in our sleep, setup virtual machines, run LINUX, configure Docker Containers and other software contortions without issue. OP is not able to do that.

OP has been operating fine on his PC using Windows and a basic set of safeguard programs with support from his IT guy. He is probably already into the store service department for a few bucks so might as well continue down that path to get a functioning system. Once he is working as he needs to be, a decision can be made whether to continue with support from the storefront he is using or to take the time to locate another local tech for support. Yes, it will probably cost a few extra dollars this way but may prove cheaper in the long run than if he was to attempt to learn how to do the work himself and run into further problems.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

 

[Car-Guy]

But, but, but, backing up files isn't really techie IMO.... IMO, everyone needs to learn to do it and there are so many solutions. Most are super easy.. It's basic computer maintenance to protect yourself. (As I mention in post 26, keeping your files is routine and critical life support for your computing world)

I mean most of us drive cars but very few can rebuild an engine. But I bet most of us can put gas in our cars to keep it going! I'm sure there's an EV joke there. I was going to use the change the tire analogy but unfortunately, I suspect half the folks that drive couldn't change a tire.

At least that's the way I see it.

 

[ivinsfan]

OP is not a techie and most likely never will be. That's OK.

Many of us here can install Windows in our sleep, setup virtual machines, run LINUX, configure Docker Containers and other software contortions without issue. OP is not able to do that.

OP has been operating fine on his PC using Windows and a basic set of safeguard programs with support from his IT guy. He is probably already into the store service department for a few bucks so might as well continue down that path to get a functioning system. Once he is working as he needs to be, a decision can be made whether to continue with support from the storefront he is using or to take the time to locate another local tech for support. Yes, it will probably cost a few extra dollars this way but may prove cheaper in the long run than if he was to attempt to learn how to do the work himself and run into further problems.

Just my thoughts on the subject.

My thoughts are careful what you wish for because somehow Bitlocker got installed and activated on the machine without serious thought about how to inform OP on how to use the bitlocker key...that's pretty basic if you have bitlocker up and running on your machine. Don't assume your friendly IT or computer repair person is looking out for pitfalls. The OP is a bright up to date guy and doesn't have extra money. He would be well served by learning some of this himself. I'm not a computer genius, I have a fairly new computer. First I googled bitlocker to get an idea of what it is. Then I went to the tools on my computer looking for a bitlocker program or bitlocker key. When I didn't find one, I went back to google and found out it's not installed on the plain "home use" or basic window OS. Took me 10 minutes.

 

[easysurfer]

OP should learn some himself or have a good family geek contact .

 

[target2019]

The problem with BitLocker is not rare. For example, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/a...cker-automatically-activated-on-private-windo

I suggest that everyone check the control panel to Manage BitLocker, and if it's on, save the key.

 

[easysurfer]

I have no need for something like bitlocker.

Prefer to use something like Veracrypt and decide for myself what goes in encryption containers .

 

[target2019]

^
That is the way I roll.

 

[Car-Guy]

I have no need for something like bitlocker.

Prefer to use something like Veracrypt and decide for myself what goes in encryption containers .

^
That is the way I roll.

I've always preferred Truecrypt. Haven't used it in years but I still have a copy. Very powerful, easy to use and cheap.

I'm pretty sure Veracrypt is a spin off of Truecrypt. If so, it's probably good stuff.

 

[aaronc879]

What do you use your laptop for? My DH needs his laptop for different Windows-based apps for 3D printing and his artwork mainly. As I don't need any special Windows-based apps, Chromebook is perfect.

I do normal web surfing like this forum as well as a lot of streaming of TV shows, Movies and Sports. Probably stream 50+ hours a week many weeks. I do have documents I use to keep track of spending, income, and net worth but I don't need to have those. I could do those things by hand.

 

[aaronc879]

OP, if you log into your Microsoft account (microsoft.com/account), you should be able to find the Recovery Key. That information is stored in your Microsoft account. Find your device and view the details. There should be a link for Managing your Bitlocker Recovery Keys. I found my list in my Microsoft account.

The security person must have enabled bitlocker. That should not be necessary for a home/personal computer.

Enter the key and you should be going again. Crisis averted.

I logged into my Microsoft account and there is no Bitlocker key listed. My old computer guy said he didn't use Bitlocker so he doesn't know how it got on my computer.

 

[aaronc879]

But, but, but, backing up files isn't really techie IMO.... IMO, everyone needs to learn to do it and there are so many solutions. Most are super easy.. It's basic computer maintenance to protect yourself. (As I mention in post 26, keeping your files is routine and critical life support for your computing world)

I mean most of us drive cars but very few can rebuild an engine. But I bet most of us can put gas in our cars to keep it going! I'm sure there's an EV joke there. I was going to use the change the tire analogy but unfortunately, I suspect half the folks that drive couldn't change a tire.

At least that's the way I see it.

I'm the type that would probably try to put gas into the EV charging hole.

 

[Beldar]

If the OP is not going to migrate to a Mac, perhaps there is a Windows equivalent of Time Machine, the Mac OS backup.

If so, an inexpensive 1 or 2 TB external drive and the Time Machine equivalent SW would be a "set it & forget it" option. Then if your latest & greatest Window SW takes another dump you could just do a wipe & restore and not lose a thing. No need to play with thumb drives & the like.

Just a suggestion.

_B

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

I do normal web surfing like this forum as well as a lot of streaming of TV shows, Movies and Sports. Probably stream 50+ hours a week many weeks. I do have documents I use to keep track of spending, income, and net worth but I don't need to have those. I could do those things by hand.

A Chromebook could handle all that easily.

 

[aaronc879]

A Chromebook could handle all that easily.

There is a good chance a Chromebook with be my next computer purchase. I just have to figure out what specs I need. I know i'll want a 17" screen but don't know much else. I need enough power to run several streaming sites at once with multiple tabs open running TV shows, movies, and/or sporting events. I assume it works with the same internet connection as I have now?

 

[5Miler]

I assume it works with the same internet connection as I have now?

Like I mentioned previously, not a techie.