Tips, guides, and things I've learned fixing computers in St Helens since 2008.
September's Windows update (KB5124008) has broken File History backup for some users, and Windows 11 24H2 loses support on 13 October. What's happening and what to do.
Microsoft's September 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 974 vulnerabilities including 113 Critical and 2 actively exploited zero-days. The biggest patch day ever.
Seven scams: fake PayPal account-closure emails, a Halifax copycat site, fake Three cut-off calls, Nationwide spoofed texts, O2 passcode theft, spyware apps impersonating 65+ brands, and DVLA vehicle tax threats.
PC restarting by itself? The usual causes: overheating, dodgy PSU, failing RAM, driver crashes, and Windows Update doing its thing. How to work out which one it is.
Laptop still running but the screen is black? Brightness keys, external monitor test, graphics driver restart, sleep mode faults, and when it means the backlight or cable has failed.
Back to school laptop guide for 2026: what specs actually matter, which models are worth buying in UK shops right now, and the mistakes I see parents and students make every August.