1245. Sys Retore Cratered me - Reinstall in progress

 On 10/13/26 I was working with AI Gemini to fix a problem. It went down several rabbit holes (as usual) before digging another hole. Since I made a lot of system changes during the process I decided to just kick it out before more damage and do a System Restore.  Guess I should have heeded running in SAFE mode to do that!

System Restore ran through its good Blue screens probably to 100%; I didn't sit and watch it after the first 35 minutes. But later it must have rebooted (Black Screen mode) and hung up apparently. I asked AI from my wife's system what the story was now 15-20 minutes in black screen status and doing nothing that I could tell.  AI told me, too long and I should  to do a forced power on (hold 15 seconds and repower up in SAFE mode). I waited another 10 minutes, then did it. Well, that didn't work! I was left with same blank black blank screen and no way to boot my system. After many more transactions with AI, it told me useless, time to Rebuild my L2019 Lenovo system. Even a Recovery Flash wouldn't boot. Nothing could. Thus, I assumed boot record gone.

Reinstall it was (2nd time doing a System Restore). This time I had to do COMPLETE reinstall that wiped out everything. I had my personal files backed up, but had to reinstall Windows and all my APPs, plus remember all other settings/hacks put on in Windows and all Apps. But first I need a working pc and had to do a PC Reset (pin hole in side) to give it some life. Say goodbye to everything! It went back to the factory system (24H2).

Well, that worked enough to get me into Recovery mode and the ability to Reinstall everything from scratch. I was surprised to find a System Restore beyond the only one that showed up in my previous 25H2 active system that was selected only to see it fail and present the black hung screen.  Lenovo's pc reset and recovery found that other system restore point which I used and it got me back to 25H2; still no apps, personal data, settings as desired.

Next I installed all the maintenance and got quickly back to 25H2 level I was at before crash. The long, hard part of installing all applications and personal data began. I installed the normal and important apps installed: Chrome, CCleaner, Thunderbird, AnyPassword, SyncBackFree, AxCrypt 1.07, Libre Office, Fidelity. But had all kind of issues with the older ones like AxCrypt. For completeness, I'll document  jthe following reminders should I have to do all this again:

1. Anypassword holds all my passwords, but they are encrypted. Initially 2.0 was installed with a Registration Key. I got it up and running, well, with limitations. The new version thought I was in trial mode and limited me to only 15 items. That wasn't going to work! Seems that new 64-bit code didn't like the older 32-bit registration key enough to remember that I already owned it! That key did NOT allow me to register cleanly any more. It also placed had a binary code in the registry that ran. It was that key that was restricting me because it no longer belonged in the registry key path it originally installed to. Something about old 32-bit code locations versus new 64-bit locations. AI told me I needed to add  and allowed access to files I had backed up. However, it choked because AxCrypt could not permanently keep the Key active. AI gave me a fix. I had to change the Key job in the registry to add Wow6432Node to its path and save the .reg file in my Anypassword Pro 107 folder for future use.  The problem that occurred ws that Anypassword would randomly start correctly and when in it a SAVE option would ot work without the trial day error whenever done giving me the nagging error to Register when I had already done so. I also went back to version 1.07, same as wife's system, to be compatible.
2. AxCrypt 1.7.3180.0-Setup.exe needed to be tun to get AxCrypt Free back and running, This is my encryption software managing all my archived files which I MUST have access to, is in my installation file along with its's Registration Key. I also had to reinstall the Hack to allow it to Encrypt/Decrypt without reentering the pass phrase after the first use in a session along with checking the boxes under the Encryption/Decryption dialog box. 
3. Shared Networks is always a problem. Once again, it needed to be set up because it did not have the proper Read/Write permissions. I asked AI again and it said I need to use Mapping. I did get it working to view everything on wife's system, but later I kept getting warning with I started my system when her's was down that Network nodes were not available. I had to remove the Mapped (a drive letter, Y: and Z: in may case). AI HEN told me C: was valid and could not be mapped, to delete only Y: and Z:. Love when AI gives me correct answers and doesn't dig rabbit holes. Also need the PCs network names and passwords.
4. I remembered to reset DISPLAY/Sleep/Hibernate timeouts under Power & Battery settings.
5. I like when Microsoft's Security ICON is permanent in the Notification area (System Tray) on Taskbar. To do so, right-click display > Personalize > Taskbar > Other System Tray ICONs > Toggle Windows Security Notification ICON ON.
6. Redid SyncBackFree jobs to simplify backups. I have only one job using a parameter to create the name I want for the destination onto my external hard disk: "L[computer] Personal...%Date%". My backup scheme is to keep multiple backups periodically on the external disk and then delete older ones off the disk when appropriate. I MIRROR always. That takes time in the front end compare to BCKUP, but maintains complete files should I ever have to recover one deleted. 
7. I need print drivers again! Brother printer Software & Driver selected off their system. Installed it as a Network printer so networks name and PW needed.
8. A new Chrome was installed, meaning it needed the old bookmarks which I save by exporting them via the Bookmarks Manager to create a.html file into my BACKUPS folder (this gets saved every SyncbackFree time on external hard disk). Imports were simple and complete. Well, I might have had to rearrange them and also completely cleaned them up this time to remove many duplicates and placements)
9. AI Gemini had given me a way to get to SAFE mode that wasn't correct. It was close in telling me to Hold the Shift key and then pressing the Restart prompt. BUT what it importantly forgot to tell me was to CONTINUE HOLDING SHIFT key until the Blue Screen comes up.
10. How do yo now get to 26H2? Fortunate a breeze for this systems. It was in System Update as an update feature and it went on simply. However, my wife's system was not offered it in Windows Update. Why? Because in the past I ran some software to NOT offer it. What that program did was set up Registry keys to ignore offering it and installing it. They are in the Registry under the key Windows Update. All restrictive keys under that, 4 of them, particularly the Disable... prevented my system from even seeing it. I deleted them and bingo her system promptly, after a restart, showed it and ran perfectly. We are again compatible (always were of course).
11. My dual displays had to be set up again. RC display > System Display System screen > Power on all displays > Identify the by a number > Set to "Extend these displays" > Check all boxes below that.
12. Now I realize the importance of a System Image on my external hard disk versus system restores and just backups for personal data. or recover disks or repair disks! If you can get to Recovery options somehow, you can recover completely via a system image. Thus, I began regular creations of a System Image which ran even faster than SyncBackFree for backups of system data sets. And, Images can be used to selectively retrieve individual files/folders same was as SyncBackFree backups. Control Panel > System & Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Note if offers to build a Repair Disk but unless you have a CD drive, it is NOT to be used. Instead you need a Recovery Disk which can install Windows and restore factory defaults. It has same to old as Repair Dick BUT again it removes all Apps and personal data.
13. Minor, but cute is getting my Account picture back there. I use a LOCAL account, NOT Microsoft account which continually exposes you to continuous nags and offers. I remember from the past that using MSFT account also restricted something in recovery, so use Local. Back to picrure. Get to Settings > Accounts and click place where picture goes and point to you picture on system to upload.
14. Card games is also minor but the only game I do to pass time , like waiting for SyncBackFree to perform. These are the older and better versions from back in the early days of Windows. I have them in personal folders where I can run them via a shortcut. But, they need a .dll in each folder or in Syste32 folder. It is CARDGAMES.DLL'.
15. Oh, my personal data! Simple copy from hard disk main folder or create a SyncBackFree job to restore. I believe it aleady has function to simply select the file on external disk and specify Restore. Careful though if you have system datasets there too like I do , for example Thunderbird stuff, Bookmarks, Wife's key files, etc. You don't want to replace working things! Hence, copy ONLY what you have to,

I'll probably add to this post or correct continuously to help me remember how to reinstall from the very basic PC Reset, sticking a paperclip into Lenovo pin hole on right side. You don't want to go back this far, but should you be forced to, this is how you get back.

1244. AxCrypt - Decrypt & Launch failed

AxCrypt 1.07 / 1.08 gives you error message "Decrypt & Launch failed. Unable to finish the requested operation because the specified process is not a GUI process". Also subsequent "Error deleting directory %APPDATA%.\Local\Temp\Axcrypt\axx[something]. The directory is not empty. Please check and remove manually". This is glitch that needs to be cleaned as follows:

1. Look in the Tempt]Axcrypt directory for some axx[something] file to verify this condition.
2. Bring up Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), select Sorted List ICON down some on left to give you alphabetical list of processes (this lists all processes, active and in background).
3. End Task AxCrypt (right click action and End Task)
4. Now go delete the axx[Something] file with the date which probably the newest. This cleans up the sub directory folder and file within which is what you want
5. Retry

Note. My Start > "Default Apps" > to set apps and file extensions had inadvertently  .PDF set to AxCrypt! Setting it to proper application Chrome is the permanent fix for this going forward.

1243. Adblock and Adblock Plus running together causes page loading problem

 Adblock and Adblock Plus running together causes page loading problem in Chrome. It also then goes to Report Error screen and hang with blank screen. Go to Chrome extensions and remove Adblock remaining with just Adblock Plus.

1242. Motorola Cell Phone Tips

•  411 for directory assistance: This service now charges a few of $2.99 if called on a real phone. The Motorola cannot call it - gives not available. To get directory assistance just either use the browser from home screen and give business you are looking for. e.g., I needed AT&T and a hard time finding Repair on paper. Browse gave me it plus all kinds of info AT&T... OR call 1-800-FREE411 where you might have to view a video first.
• Sound for Voice Mails: Until now I could play Voice Mail messages, but cold get any sound. What you have to do is temporarily turn off Wi-Fi (Settings>Network>Toggle Wi-Fi OFF (Airplane should also be off) , then go listen to the voicemail, then turn Wi-Fi back on. This all occurred because Motorola uses cell towers that default to Wi-Fi calling unless none available. Sound cannot be heard while on Wi-Fi, only cellular (Need Mobile=ON for this which you also need on to use Browser over cellular)
• Fingerprint unlock: If it doesn't work, just swipe up on screen, maybe twice, to get pin keyboard that can be used. You can always swipe up toa void Fingerprint or Face recognition. Those "Welcome" features can be tuned off permanently.

1241. AI Gemini Use

 AI Gemini has be used for awhile. I just set up a direct activation ICON on desktop to go to https:\\Geminin.Google.com\App. Now gemini converstions will be logged and kept in a list for recall if necessary.

1240. AI Co-Pilot Use, Save conversation/Print

 AI Co-Pilot Use, Save conversation/Print:

AI signed in with MSFT limits use and sometimes ends session before you are finished. This is if I select the Co-Pilot icon in taskbar. If instead I simply ask questions in Chrome browser, it has never cut me off, but doesn't save conversations. So, to Save or Print conversation in entirely do a Ctrl+P and select all and let it Print. To Save, change printer and select Save to PDF and let it rip.

1239. Set Featured Post

 Design mode

Layout, Main (Featured Post Gadget)

Edit

Search for new post and SAVE

1238. AI Lesson 5 - Again Copilot AI takes me down many rabbit holes

 I am simply amazed that Copilot does not have algorithms that can accurately lead you through the right technical options/steps in Microsoft's own operating system. 95+% of all steps give incorrect paths through the current Windows 64 operating system. It seems like the writers use the information in a huge database but always use the OLD articles to base there directions to you. You would think that since it is all Microsoft and it needs to direct you through settings, application steps, etc. that it would gsther the MOST RECENT article that give the correct current paths instead of decade old articles that give the paths through Windows in the dark ages. 

I surely enjoy how AI always apologized for it constant misdirection only to tell you GUARANTEED this fix will work. I'd be filthy rich if I was paid every time it said that and then led me further don a rabbit hole or another one.

Example, all I wanted was an easy Scanner application that could read from the feeder on my Brother printer and gather the pages there into a PDF file. Instead, AI led me thorough a very complicated WIAAMGER application that after days finally somewhat worked if I was looking for a backup to one that really worked. NAPS2 was finally recommended after the total chaos again and AI apologized again for NOT suggesting it up front instead of burying me in rabbit holes and modifying both the applications, the printer& Scanner settings, Windows settings, Network settings, etc. I installed NAPS2 today and in 5 minutes, not lying, I downloaded it, installed it, and used it exactly as desired to scan from the Brother feeder and saved it in the filename I desired! Where did WIAAMGER process leve me? Workable scanning of feeder pages IF I saved them as a TIF file type which then went into a file called Image.tif which I had to find and print(convert) to a PDF myself using MSFT Save PDF or better CutePDF Writer application! 

AI did clean up the mess it made the previous two days leaving me with a scanner that would scan, but afterwards a printer that would not print! What a mess. I value my time and 5 minutes to use something is far better than 3 days or 6-8 hours correcting CoPilot AI. Beware!

Oh, I finally got tired of AI repeating everything over and over with current status and told it to knock it off and tell me ONLY the next steps and succinctly! Outside technical troubleshooting and fixing, AI is batting just the opposite, 85% useful. It likes looking up things that should be in an operator's manual (just give manufacturer and model) and generally gives goof information. But after 95+% chaos in its own Microsoft tech world, would you ever feel comfortable with anything AI gives you in the Medical world?

CAUTION.

1237. Thunderbird Print Dialog strange - AI spanked again!

 Today I noticed Thunderbird picked up setting for # pages on 1 physical page from setting on System Printer dialog instead of its own. AI had me wet to system printer dialog because it cold not fix other issues pertaining to the printer entries in the Thunderbird Print dialog - basically an old outdated printer named "Brother..."" which at one time was the default. Anyway, scratch AI again for taking me down multiple rabbit holes only to end up stuck in the last hole rendering everything bad. One day I'll clean it all up myself.

Meanwhile, this problem took me to Thunderbird,> Menu> Settings> Config (at very bottom)> Search for print> select print.move-settings open from False to true.

This resolved the Thunderbird  Print Dialog settings to always include the duplex option , etc. that AI said it doesn't! So, I am using it's dialog again and still been to find where it is picking up the erroneous "Brother...." printer entry. It's default is now MY desired printer name.

---------------------------

Update -- corrected AI blunder for last 3 days. I consulted AI to fix the mysterious "Brother..." printer entry in Thunderbird for last 4 days. Each day it told me in one step to "now delete the "Brother..." driver and driver package. WRONG! Today I questioned that since it and my new name used the same driver and package. After challenging AI, it agreed that neither should be deleted (actually said only package, but later agreed that driver should not be deleted to since I had my new name working with it.

Once I abandoned that step and continued on, AI was helpful to let me know the "ghost" printer I needed to remove from the O/S. Reg Editor needed to find the print list (easiest way is to just type in name and let Regedit locate it). Delete it (remember always Export entries to restore if needed). It then went off to WSD Port in registry, but I had no entries (except, if I recall what screwed everything p was a WSD entry that iPrint & Scan put out there to address the scanner on the Brother printer. I need to now retest that! And possible mess up printer again! Hmmmm. iPrint was installed because AI told me ControlCenter4 (CC40 put out by Brother was obsolete and no longer available and had caused problems for me. iPrint installed like a gem and immediately fixed my problem (consolidating all scanned imaged from feeder into a single PDF file). Wish me luck to do it again without other downsides.

1236. AI Disaster Lesson 4

 Why do I keep using AI? To get simple answers, it is fine. To troubleshoot computer/Android problems, do it your self. Otherwise AI will NOT look at the forest before cutting down trees and the tsunami will was away natures animals.

This lesson outlines my attempt to get the Brother Printer's ControlCenter 4 (CC4) to simply scan pages in the feeder and produce a PDF file or insert them all into a Word/Libre Writer document. Dream on! AI neglected to tell me CC4 was discontinued from Brother site and removed from downloading Driver and Full Software. Instead it started chopping at the first tree to fix it. Of course all its instruction were totally wrong, it apologized, and threw more crap at me that was wrong. Always telling me this one will work, guaranteed, absolutely, etc. for an hour before it already cut down 10 trees and then when I said time to do a System Restore, because it invaded the clean forest beside it, it still said "No, don't do that".

I played along for 15 more minutes until it decided to finally tell me CC4 doesn't exist anymore. But, it had another way of resurrecting the old Lite version. See, it first was trying to get me into Advanced mode, but all was unsuccessful. Then after the first 30-40 minutes, it started repeating the same crap. CC4 Lite doesn't have an advanced mode it now claimed. that's when I said goodbye.

I went to my wife's machine to see it I had it there. No. But again asked AI a question stating I know CC4 doen't exist, what else should I use. It told me I was right and iPint & Scan should be installed. Of course its instructions on how to do that didn't work. ne option was to go to Play Store -- NOT there. finally I saw a NOT-AI answer. Look in MSFT Store. Bingo.

Downloaded it, installed, ran, and it emptied the Brother feeder and saved a PDF file with it all assembled just like the original document. Well, 5 minutes doing all that and the job was complete! Thank you iPrint & Scan and the person who put that out there for me. Next challenge will be to explore that App to produce JPEGs. Happy today 😊💖

1235. Libre Writer"s Stupid Default - imbed a JPEG Scanned Page

 Now this was dumb, dumber, dumbest.

I was in a hurry to scan some pages (4) to up load as a single PDF so I could upload it to the VA. Scanning went well and 4 JPEGs created/ Went to LIBRE Writer to put them into a new document. Dragged them in, one after the other, only to find just one showing. Where did the previous 3 go? 

LIBRE has a stupid image default that puts first one in a paragraph, then if you can't find a way to get off that page and do a 2nd, 3rd, 4th they all get stacked on top of previous one. Now, how do you verify they are all there and in order. I gave up and asked my friend AI.

The FIX they claim was to change an image's characteristic via FORMATTING AIDS) to "As Character". Then it will pop into doc similar to a Character. So, I asked how to set this permanently for any future images so I don't have to Mickey Mouse each one. The answer lies within the Hidden Process:

1. Bring up a new or existing Libre Writer File

2. Tools-> Options 

3. Go down to Libre Writer and expand it

4. Click Formatting Aids and scroll to Image section

5. Change ANCHOR to "As Character

6. OK sets it as default

Another option to investigate is WRAP if interested. I didn't care. I was in a hurry.

1234. AI DIsaster Lesson 3

 As I noted in Lesson 2, you can't trust AI to logically resolve your problem. It seems that most of what it does is collects OLD procedures and tries to use them to resolve your newer hardware/software versions of products. Today's lesson is a3-4 hour fiasco where AI destroyed working phones connected to Hearing Aids.

Problem: I have two identical phones I purchased from Tracfone - both Moto g Play phones (2026). I received one, call it A, in early June and activated it 6/4/26, while the other was activated 6/10. I have 2 Hearing Aids from Phonak. Initially, the HAs were BT paired by the audiologist onto an older Moto e phone successfully giving me immediate ability to hear my mobile phone through my HAs. 

All was fine until I configured the TV Connector that allowed the TV sound in the HAs to be controlled, particularly volume assigned to 5 different programs. Well, according to AI after hours of guessing, the glitch that kept it from working on that old phone was old technology. I'm not convince now that AI was ever correct, but I purchased by new Moto g Play, same as my wife's, because I did get it working on her phone. I therefore assumed I could match the installation onto my new phone and have the same success. WRONG. 

My New phone could not pair the hearing aids to produce individual volume for each ear that wife's phone had no trouble doing. 2 hours with AI #1 resulted in AI#1 quitting! Couldn't fix it despite running me through Hell trying. So, I accessed AI a different was - this brough on AI#2. Immediate after describing the issues in detail and incorporating some of the attempts AI#1 tried, AI#2 immediately started his guessing entirely different. It then wasted 2.5 hours running through technical details over and over in circles only to end with Something I suggested in minute 10. AI#2 was insistent in me NOT to hit the Split L/R button on the volume to see 2 volumes, 1 for left ear, 1 for right. It claimed that would mask the problem it was trying to resolve. Well, AI#2 never resolved the problem bur provided a bunch of technical mumbo jumbo no one could remember. Everything tried failed the same was and the steps to get to the error included so many wrong directions it was impossible to remember all the mistakes and corrections. 

I could spend a day trying to document the details. But I'd bore you out of your mind. Suffice it to say that once again AI worked in its own world and I couldn't imagine what it was looking at. My constant WTF comments got it to change its mind up to 5 times for each occurrence until I could perform the correct sequence on MY phone and Phonak rather than his imaginary ones. I did learn my lesson 1 and 2 though and believed only 20% of what it instructed always being careful of its desire to kill my phone, my HAs, or me! The end Go ahead ant hit the Split L/R like I suggested. It surrendered and quit just like AI#1 saying that the Split L/R was the best workaround and recommended. Ha-Ha. 

AI has NOT be helpful for problems not already documented and found by straight Google searches. It seems it takes the worse of the worse and tries to sell you on it! I'm exhausted from this last encounter.

1233. AI Lesson 2

 Since post 1232 AI Lesson 1 I have used Copilot many, many times. Most provided a solution that worked or got me close to working. However, it does have some annoying habits:

1. AI will always attack what it thinks your most recent problem is rather than the reason why you are there. For example, if you jump at its recommendations in first query and hit a snag doing it, AI focuses on that snag, Then if you try fixing that one to proceed and hit another snag (2), AI switches to that, etc. I have gone down a path of over 10-15 snags in a row throwing me way off the initial problem trying to solve each snag instead. Then you get to one that is a monstrous recommendation like download something to execute that you know is not involved with the initial problem. I was told about a .dll missing that never existed on my systems. AI couldn't be convinced that it was never part on my initial installation, granted many years ago in 2010. The application at fault was Any Password. It took AI about 40 minutes before telling me that fact and that it was discontinued and thus the module is gone. Fact though, is Any Password has worked for 15 years now without a hiccup and had its first one AI claimed was an encryption problem within. Not true. Works perfectly again whatever the problem was! AI believes it has to tell you details about why something isn't working. Half of the time it is wrong. This leads to incorrect analysis and recommendations re the major issue which is lost in the process.

Just beware of this annoying habit. Take what you can get from AI, CHALLENGE it if it is wrong. It always apologizes and throw out another THIS ONE WILL work. I had about 15 of those and all failed! Gather what you can and assemble the correct facts it or you find and proceed with those.

It can be a frustrating experience. One must understand that it is using data from man soles, right or wrong, to put its pieces together. I'm not particularly happy with it diagnosing technical computer problems as the "leader". I have found that you take what it offer and proceed with you know is right.

Always more than not the procedures to implement in the Android world are incorrect and something else must be substituted. AI does NOT confirm the starting point, i.e., device, device age, brand, software, etc. first. Instead it jumps into trying to resolve you issue with "hidden assumptions". So, my advice, just like a customer support person, begin with details about you hardware and software before he runs in the wrong direction. I'm still learning. But this AI is NOT a hands off tool that gives you correct answers. It must be told details. Life goes on.

1232. AI Lesson 1

 I have been using AI (Copilot) for over a month now on projects I have. It is time to review AI:

Latest project: Repair improperly installed shower drain

Details or project: Built-in tile shower drain was installed in a 4/14" hole. The strainer (Grate) was not at floor level, but approximately 3/4" below it. A second shower was installed correctly at floor level. So, how do you redesign the installation to get it at floor level instead of the current recessed one that harbors filth and requires you to step around it?

It became apparent that the grate was NOT installed to the upmost part of a drain system (barrel) and instead jerry-rigged to install to the middle part of the system (clamping ring). Why? Because it's barrel was longer than 3/4 inches and no barrels were available from any drain that was 3/4 inches max. Hence, just bugger up the thread on the middle section to disallow a replacement in the first place and use sheet metal screws to hold grate there when its 1/4-40 machine screws (standard) should have been used.

I asked AI and it answered order the original product model number and replace the barrel with the adjustable barrel. Well, first its adjustable barrel might go up and down as desired, but its minimum adjustment was still not satisfactory to meet the requirements I gave it. Not knowing that initially a struck out and asked AI to find it. AI will always take a positive route despite none being available! It could NOT find it and suggested replacing just the barrel from another model for the 2" PVS pipe connection. Well, that was hopeless and AI hovered in a corner sweating. Then indicated model (call it #2) replaces the original (call it model #1) and just order it. Well, Model #2 was not designed the same and NOT compatible with Model #1 design. It obviously ignored that it would fit in a 4 1/4" hole with it's Clamping unit's flange of 5 1/2".  

Now I'm not lying in that I used AI over 4-5 hours already chasing an impossible solution. All it did was repeat what I told him and relisted the requirements and current status and incorrect responses it provided and why they didn't work. After another 4-5 hours playing it's game, I threw up my hands and told it quit leading me on. Note: Leading me own is how it always encouraged me and always apologized and then proceeded in it ridiculous alternatives. At one point it indicated that the grate that was attached 3/4 down the drain was really attached to something like tabs on an adjustable barrel to raise/lower it AND attached with same crews to hold grate. Now how could that happen! The grate was attached to the fixed top of the middle section, thus stuck there 3/4' down. With just two screws (each side of grate) it could be fixed there and moveable upward! I thought I had to prove my innocence as in a court! At one point he said four screw ere required, then backed down to two again. I had completely shot the floor out its idea. Kind of humorous, isn't it? But consider humor if life depended on it!

Well, it wasn't finished yet, but yielded to me and finally indicate nothing out there was available to repair it and proceeded with replacing the entire drain, meaning new hole > 4 1/4" (nothing existed in as small as the 1999 installation) . That's when I told it I wanted the jerry-rig a design to do what I want and considered just cementing a pipe, with now only 1 15/16" outside diameter into the middle clamping right section and cap it with a standoff grate. He "smiled" and said how ingenious I was and of course he could help me. Ha-Ha. Without any help from AI I told him a 1 1/2" PVC pipe had an outside diameter so close it was vey similar to the barrel size from the original product. I would install this into the clamping ring section and stick a standoff grate on it, but needed to know if there were any under 3/4" to 13/16" out there. "Sure, plenty" it wiggled out of the corner and stood up on it's podium again. Well within an hour I disproved that and it concurred! That design wouldn't work. Any other suggestions AI? None! Well how about I fabricate a piece of PVC 1/2" thick to cement onto the middle clamping section and attached the grate onto that.  Now he ONLY pictured a disc cut out of a PVC sheet with a bore hole for the water. The extent of this solution was rejection. That would have allowed only 1 1/2" diameter of the 4" grate from functioning. Whew! I was already into the second day of this nonsense. And I didn't even tell you about using a Heli-Coil kit to plug and recreate 1/4-20 machine screw threads that iit also imbedded into its discussion. By the way, would you not assumed that a Heli-Coil kit was a PLUMBING tool? Wrong. Try automotive. I won't get into that discussion yet. For now just keep in mid that it mentioned cutting from a PVC sheet - expensive unless a scrap. Which it in turn came up with more solutions intelligently suggesting using HDSE plastic instead. What are those. It could have led with plastic cutting boards. I found a $7.50 one 12" x 16" that I could cut 4" off and surrender the other 12 x 12 to my wife for the kitchen. But did I have a design for the piece to raise 3/4"? I put AI to sleep and designed a unit.

Yes. I took the existing grate and traced it onto paper. Then drew a circle just beyond the last grate holes, about 5/16" from it's circumference except for the two screw attachment holes that were more inward to allow a screw hole (Heli-Coil would be used after all to create 1/3-20 threaded holes). Did you ever try to fin those bugger screws somewhere? Forget it. Just get them from a new grate from Lowes and enjoy the sparkle of the new grate too over the cruddy old one that took punishment in it 3/4 recessed hole.

I immediately went to the shop, found a 1/2" piece of particle board and went at it. Took the outcome to the shower, dropped it and grate into hole and patted myself on the back. Perfect fit. Now all I need to do if cut a similar one out of the cutting board piece. The prototype wasn't a "finished" product and I knew I needed smaller jigsaw blade to make the cuts. AI did help me narrow down to them, but initially overbid its hand again and gave me a choice of 7. All but one/two would work in my jigsaw which he relented on. But, they are on order.

My purpose was not to lecture on the design of the unit I and building, but to point out that AI did NOT employ intelligence in designing solution. I only tried, and tried, etc. over and over possibilities that in all cases "now this will definitely work". A waste if you don't recognize its limitations. In other words this AI is NOT going to replace people! It already falls short of helping people! This AI will constantly lead you in circles generating tons of words and repeating itself forever and as I gave you example about stuck to its guns re the 3/4" grate attachment to both a fixed unit and a desired moveable one without realizing truth, facts. physics. This is at least the third project I fought my way through AI conversations to end up disappointed with how it performed. It is way to hung up on its repeating of facts and generation of fact lists the user tells it. I screamed constantly "I already know that, do you?" so often. Yet it ignored and plowed on with its agenda and foolishness. One must know its limitations. I would say they are NOT to provide you with the best solution, only one that may have been correct for someone else in the data it has available to it. If you quest to to design something, you aren't going to fin AI any more helpful in creating the design. It can research materials, similar part, etc which is useful, but, the design will have to one you create from all the smoke and mirrors thrown at you.

This is Lesson 1. I expect to become more focused in following lessons. Ha. I'll probably get AI to evaluate itself and generate a post to put here explaining it's capably, limitations, and warnings. I'd love to chat about other experiences. I started working with AI back in 1974.

1231. Yahoo Calendar Event Title icon/emoji/color indicators

The latest Yahoo Calendar removed the ability to include ICONs relative to Event Type easily. Before, for an event you could select the type, like Doctor, Birthday, etc. I selected a color for many indicating importance. You still can specify the type, but the colors cannot be selected that went along with the type.

A new ay exists. When you type up the Event Title, precede it by Windows Key + period (W+. shortcut) and you'll be able to pick whatever you want to display on your calendar to highlight the event type you use.  E.g., I choose Green circle for garden activities, Red Circle for important events like doctor/dentist appointments or finance/tax information. You many have to locate the icon (emoji) you want, but after the first use it pops up in a recently used table for selection next time, simplifying the new method.

1230. Tracfone Cheapest Refill Order Instructions

 Every year I must refill my Tracfone Service for another year. Finding the refill to order is nearly impossible on its Website.

Basically, I do not need any more minutes, data byes, nor text messages. Simply need just another year service. That $49.99 plan needs a trick to find on the Website and then has misleading description of pricing.

On the Website, chose Refill and then Add On option. It will then present a screen to select some add on, like DB, minutes, text. Text is cheapest at $5. Last year I was told I could the Add-On plan where I could select a year and then add on Text. This year I was told I could just order a year plan. My plan according to Tracfone mobile's dashboard is "Tracfone Paygo for Android" It was called something else when I ordered it though! Anyways, After selecting Add On to get to the screen, you are presented with a box indicating that you can order a refill and even set it up for auto refill. Clicking that "might" get you to correct refill of an additional year only. Because I was told last year I MUST also include another add on, like Text, it can be done by scrolling down to bottom before selecting refill submission. I did so and now a screen came up with pricing. But instead of displaying ONE-TIME price, it said price/mo! This is incorrect.

So, like last year, I called them and got in line for a representative after painful argument with its automated call response dialog until it finally transferred me to a Rep in about 15 minutes. The Rep told me , "NO, you do not have to add on anything except the additional year". Contrary to last year where I paid an additional $5. Fine, do it and I was done.

Conclusion, going to a Rep and indicating you want the same plan but only an additional year worked this year and a breeze. However, as I mentioned above, the same plan clicking the box for the refill "might" work.

Ordering now sems to be clear (I ope next year is the same). And, you can't beat a $49.99 + tax plan for an entire year (about $55.91 or  the equivalent of $4.66/mo). Tracfone service has been flawless, never presenting a problem.

1229. Again. Remove Onedrive from Microsoft WORD and Excel.

Every time you turn around , you find the Onedrive app or a folder on your Windows system! This time it was my wife's PC. The default library went to folder Onedrive which was removed at least once before.  Changing the settings (options) for the default library AND unchecking autosave features and those associated with using the cloud did not work. AI was kind enough to give a last resort oiton using a Registry hack which finally ended the miseries again:

First move everything un folder Onedrive elsewhere and delete Onedrive.

Perform Regedit as follows:

 Go to HKEY_Current_User\SOftware]Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Internet

Create new DWORD-32 key called OnlineStorage and set it to 1.

If you still have Onedrive active you can try to make it disappear under Add or Remove Programs via windows Start. That never cleared every function for me and it embeds itself again. I may have a post that gives other details for making it disappear 

1228. Told to Deregister Kindle HD and now can't Re-register it

 My Old (2013) Kindle Fire HD 7 could not get to the App Store (Network Unreachable) when Network was working fine. Finally called Amazon for assistance. That was a BIG mistake.

After the rep transferred me to the Digital Dept which did not pick up, she decided to "help" herself. First, her accent was so bad and her pronouncement of English words and letters were so poor I knew this was going to be a long day. As a matter of fact, over an hour with her was painful. It took her 6-7 times to understand the serial number I gave her that I spelled out a character/number at a time with an English word to help her comprehend. She never got it and I told her to look it up on in my account!

Repeatably she had me reboot the Kindle (the 40-sec cold start), restart the network, etc. Everything I had already performed several times before calling. She had no clue how to resolve the issue or even diagnose it. I did the hold the power for 40 secs and cold started at least 4-5 times as per her instructions. The last straw was her instruction to Deregister the device and Register it again. This completely cleared it off my account and not ever to be seen because I was unable to Register it again! We spent at lest 20-30 minutes trying to now fix that, all unsuccessful. I appeased her for well over an hour already before I told her it is time for a manager.

A supervisor (Starling) got on the line from the Digital Escalation Dept (1/24/26 ~ 2:55 pm CST). Obviously not her manager, but in a department that handles escalation for the Digital reps. This man spoke clearly in understandable English and raised points that were logical, but incorrect. For example, the device is old is the reason it wouldn't Register and that probably protocols were different inhibiting the register. He followed up with there is no way to Register this device and their were many other incidents like this. He offered me a 15% discount off a NEW Kindle Tablet which would be go to 20% with a return of this device. Before the Deregister, I had a fully functioning Kindle except for getting to the App Store. Now I had a  dead Kindle that I couldn't register and therefor NO functionality! He proceeded to continue his "lack" of technical expertise on me, who by the way, worked in technology for over 25 years in operating system design and support, networking, etc. He finally told me he had no other options than the discount and no other escalation that I could do! It was plain to him that I would never be able to Register this device again. I took the discount and another 5% on my Amazon account and said adios.

But my persistence got the best of me again and my technological skills kicked in in high gear. While talking to him, we did verify that I was at the current operating system (I already had all this written down before calling Amazon). He replied to that with there is a manual way to restore the device, but the operating system downloaded would be the same and provide no solution. It was hopeless!. NOT! I simply did a Factory Reset of the Kindle HD and it restored, granted with any changes in settings needing to be reentered. However, it booted and asked me to Register again (this must have been at least the sixth time I went through this sequence and each time required me to change the Account password (see next problem below re WhatsApp inhibiting this). But for the moment, I was back up and running on the old Kindle HD.

So, now it couldn't get to my Amazon Account with all the password changes made. Turned out that my Account was assigned the new setting defaulting to use the WhatsApp for security between Amazon and my mobile phone that was assigned to get second level CODES for signing in. I had to install the WhatsApp onto my Android mobile phone. Fortunately I didn't need to initialize it and sign in. It was now the way to get a CODE rather than SMS Text. Fortunately, the CODE was presented in the notification message appearing on my phone that was targeted for WhatsApp. Nice security! But I was able to use the CODE to sign in. After which, I disabled WhatsApp security notification (NOY Easy - forget Googling or using AI for help in this area. They sent me to instructions that didn't come close to working. It took some time on Amazon Help to find the proper page to allow me to disable WhatsApp requirement and give me options for 2nd level security via SMS.

Anyway, I change the password one more time to a secure one and tested it successfully. NOW I had a working Amazon account again (wife was ready to shoot me -- highly dependent on downloading books and shopping of course), plus an old Kindle HD that was back to normal. I recall some email years ago re the APP STORE not working or supported on this old device and the need to get to the Store via a Windows Website. I was back to being happy - of course, because the wife was happy. 4-5 hours wasted on the Amazon problems.

What Amazon could have done better? 

1. Could have pointed out that the APP was permanently unreachable form this old device as per a previous email. 

2. Could have put out a proper message when trying to get to the APP -- NOT Network Unreachable, but APP Store no longer available for this old device. 

3. Could have informed the representatives that Deregistering certain Kindle devices would result in Reregistering issues.

4. Could have just told me to try doing a Factory Reset. By the way, the operating system that was loaded WAS the most current on and the one I was on beforehand.

5. Should not have repeatedly forced me to keep changing passwords to Amazon account (part of Register dialog BEFORE it actually works!

6. Do NOT default to WhatsApp for notification security; instead let people know it is a new option, but keep the level of security they had before they select this new option.

7. Make technology experts available

8. Train supervisors on CORRECT solutions rather that their assumed solutions.

9. If an Amazon rep is neglectful, as these two were, and destroyed the device beyond any use as they did before I found the solution myself, then fully replace the device with a like device. The correct replacement would have been a $59.99 Fire Tablet. Don't demand a maximum 15% discount that the representative destroyed!

10. Provide correct WhatsApp Help documentation - it's an OPTION only, how to disable it if becomes enabled, do NOT default to using it, and a very clear way how to get to the documentation without a 15 minute search to find it.

1227: Cannot manage TV Guide from Android/Windows Chrome for Fire TV YouTube TV

 Interesting and frustrating experience trying to find a way to manage (e.g., reorganize TV guide list like selecting channels to See/Hide for YouTube TV App on a Fire TV or Samsung Smart TV. I could install the Android YouTube TV app and Chrome is my Windows browser, both giving me the capability for management. But any change don on Chrome was NOT pushed to the TV. The Android also had it's own problems.

There are two locations (HOME and PLAYBACK) for each device. HOME is the base and should be your ZipCode or General ZipCode. PLAYBACK location is dynamic and "Pushed" from the Android to other Google devices with YouTube TV installed. If the PLAYBACK isn't the same as another, the push will be ignored. In my case, say TV is set to my location, as is the Android, then all should be good. But my Chrome was the Generic location, call it GL for the general city zip Code determine by a Geo-Location method, whereas, the other two used a precise location (my location within the general zip Code which we will call PL). A pair match is required for synchronization. 

If Chrome has GL and TV has PL, this mismatch will prevent synchronization and handshake rejecting changes made on Chrome YouTube TV. In their terms, Chrome can never PUSH it's PLAYBACK to another device. But then, how do you get Chrome to get a PLAYBACK of PL since its geo-location can only recognize GL? 

To change the CHROME PLAYBACK to PL you have to PUSH it from your phone (Android or other) which uses GPS to determine it's precise location PL. The trick is to bring up YouTube TV on both, using the same Google Account ID (an email) on each. Then on Chrome you go to Locations (Profile > Location > find PLAYBACK > Hit the UPDATE (this will get PL from Android via Google and update Chrome Playback from GL to PL. 

Now with PL in Chrome go to your  TV and check its locations on YouTube TV (Profile>Location>Playback and ensure the same as on Chrome, i.e., both PL. A match means you will be able to make changes on Chrome and see the results on TV too.

You do NOT want to troubleshoot the mismatch issue with a YouTube  TV rep that does NOT realize a match is required! After days, I posed the question of mismatch and they were surprised. But they could then tell me how to get PLAYBACK onto Chrome after many issues with Data and Cache errors cluttering up the ball game. The many, many attempts were painful. Should you run into issues, details of my pain list could help. Just respond with a comment here and I'll try to get you on track.

1226. Coplilot Workflow Tips

 

Copilot Workflow Tip for Reliable Archiving and Research

If you're building a robust archive of troubleshooting steps, historical research, or technical workflows, here’s how to make the most of Copilot:

✅ Use the Copilot mobile or desktop app for long sessions

• These platforms offer better chat history visibility, session continuity, and memory features.

• Ideal for multi-hour deep dives or ongoing research threads.

📌 Bookmark key chats or use Copilot Pages

• Pages let you preserve, organize, and edit long-form content side by side with Copilot.

• You can turn any chat into a page by hovering over a message and selecting “Edit in a page”.

• Great for saving solutions, timelines, or structured notes.

🔐 Always sign in before starting major troubleshooting or research

• Signing in ensures your conversations are saved to your account.

• Anonymous sessions are stored locally and cannot be recovered once you sign in or switch devices.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you simply search Google/Bing and get the AI response, do not Dive Down for more becasue you will be Anonymous and conversation will not be kept in Microsoft account. If you forget, you can always do a COPY/PASTE of conversation into your own PC file. But, if you want it to be kept and managed by Microsoft account, use the App as explained above..