Free help guides

Fix common problems yourself

Plain-English, step-by-step guides for the computer, WiFi, printer and phone problems I see most. Try these first. If you get stuck, I'm happy to help.

Computer running badly

My computer is slow: 10 safe things to try

30-45 minutes · Easy

Ten safe checks that often bring a sluggish Windows PC back to life. Nothing here deletes your files.

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Windows Update stuck or failing: what to do

15 minutes (plus waiting) · Easy

Stuck on "Working on updates"? How long to wait, and what to try when updates fail.

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No sound on my computer: step-by-step fix

5-15 minutes · Easy

Get sound working again, plus fixes for microphones on video calls.

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Laptop won't charge: simple checks to try

10-15 minutes · Easy

Plugged in but not charging? Safe checks, and how to test your battery's health.

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Internet & WiFi

WiFi not working or no internet: step-by-step fix

10-30 minutes · Easy

Work out whether it's your router or your device, then fix it, one step at a time.

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Staying safe online

How to spot a scam, and what to do if you've been caught

10 minutes to read · Easy

The warning signs, the common UK scams, and exactly who to call if the worst happens.

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Fake virus warnings and pop-ups: how to close and stop them

10-15 minutes · Easy

Close a scary "you're infected" screen safely, and stop the pop-ups coming back.

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Windows 10 support: what it means for you and what to do

15-30 minutes · Easy

Is your computer still safe? How to sign up for extra security updates (to October 2027), or upgrade.

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Printers

Printer says "offline": how to fix it

10-20 minutes · Easy

Get a WiFi or USB printer printing again when Windows says it's offline.

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Photos, files & accounts

How to back up your photos and documents

30-60 minutes (first time) · Easy

Copy your precious photos and documents somewhere safe, in case the worst happens.

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Storage full: OneDrive, Gmail and iCloud explained

15-30 minutes · Easy

Emails stopped arriving or "storage full" warnings? Free up space safely.

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Forgotten your password? How to get back in safely

10-20 minutes · Easy

Reset Microsoft, Gmail and Apple passwords the official way, and a forgotten Windows PIN.

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Easier to use & keeping in touch

Make text bigger and easier to see

5-10 minutes · Easy

Bigger text, a bigger mouse pointer and zooming in on websites, on any device.

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How to video call family: WhatsApp, Zoom and FaceTime

10-20 minutes · Easy

Make and join video calls, and fix "they can't see me" or "they can't hear me".

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Home phone

Digital landlines: what's changing and what to check

10 minutes to read · Easy

Home phones now run through the internet router. What that means for power cuts and care alarms.

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No guides match that yet. Ask me instead and I'll point you in the right direction.

Still stuck? I'm happy to help.

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