Tips for Labeling Photos

One of the questions I get asked a lot has to do with photos ... more specifically, "how do I keep in them in the order I want?"

The problem is that after scanning them into the computer, and arranging them in the order we want, the computer rearranges them in a different order.  The problem is the same for folders and actual images.   Many of my clients want to know how to fix this problem.

The first step in fixing the problem is understanding what causes it.  And the problem is caused by the name (or label) attached the photo.  For example, look at the image on the right.

It shows for folders (each containing photos).  If you look closely, you'll notice that all but the first folder are in alphabetical order.  The computer typically does this for me, but I can also arrange folders (and photos) alphabetically if I wish.

What this means, is that when you label a photo or scanned image, it doesn't matter how you arrange it in your computer, it will typically get rearranged alphabetically automatically.   So the first thing you can do to help combat the problem is to use care when naming your scanned images.  When you scan a group of images that are related to one another, make sure the name of the scanned image starts the same (e.g., family1, family2, family3, etc.).

But this only solves part of the problem.  It will keep all the "family" photos together, photos can still get out of order chronologically.   So for example, the photo named "family1" might have been taken in 1932, while the photo named "family2" might have been taken in 1925.  Yet, because of the name convention, the photo named "family1" will get placed before the photo named "family2".

So the next step in combating the rearrangement of photos problem, is to assign a number prefix to the folder or photo.  If you look at the image above again, you'll noticed that the first folder is named (or labeled), "1_Lehmans" .... and that even though "L" comes before "B", the "1_Lehmans" folder appears BEFORE the "Byers" folder.  Why?

The answer is in the "1_" prefix. By placing a number followed by an underscore before the actual filename, I force that folder into a specific position on my computer.  So in general, you rename your folders or photos using this naming convention to help force (and keep) them organized in a certain way on your computer.

However, while these two methods of naming files will help a lot in keeping photos organized a certain way, they're not full-proof.  Another thing you can do to help organize photos, is to keep them separated in folders.  For example, put each group of related photos into it's own folder.  This helps to keep them separated and easier to sort through.  You could even create a document to share more detailed information about the group of photos (such as when and where they were taken as well as who's in them).

Following the suggestions above for labeling your photos should help you keep them better organized.

5 Ways to Reset Your Computer Password

Have a password set up to log into Windows and can't remember it?  Perhaps you inherited a computer with a password already set up and have no idea what it is.  These are common problems and can usually be solved pretty easily.

There are generally 5 ways to reset a password on computers running Windows:

1. Remove the CMOS battery on the Motherboard for a few seconds and replace it
2. Use a jumper to clear the CMOS settings
3. Log into the Admin account (if there is one) and rest the password
4. Restore the computer back to Factory Settings.  
5. Use a 3rd party software program (which typically costs money)

The first four methods listed above are free.  The last method is generally a software program you have to buy.  So I would recommend using one of the first four methods if you have to rest a computer password.

If you're comfortable working inside a computer case, then options 1 and 2 are usually pretty easy and quick (though you may need to refer to a manual to use option #2).  Working inside a computer case can be hazardous to the computer  though, so if you've never done it, or aren't comfortable, I would recommend not doing it yourself.   The biggest danger when working inside a computer case is discharging static to critical parts which can render the computer inoperable. 

Option #3 is a safer method of resetting the computer password.  Most computers today create a Admin account and hide it - this way it's there if needed later but doesn't interfere with the normal day to day operation of the computer for the user.  The best way to get into the Admin account is to boot the computer to SAFEMODE.  And the to do this, you need to restart the computer.  Follow the instructions below to boot the computer to Safemode:

1. Make sure the computer is powered down (hold the power button in until it shuts off it's running)
2. Turn the computer on, than hit the F8 key on the keyboard repeatedly until you get to a menu
3. Chose the SAFEMODE option using the arrows on the keyboard and hit ENTER

If there is a hidden admin account, you should see it when Windows boot.  If there is one, click it to log in. If you don't see an Admin account, then you will have to use options 1, 2 or 4 to reset the computer password.

Assuming you can log into the Admin account (option #3), then resetting the computer password is easy.  Just open the CONTROL PANEL and then USER ACCOUNTS.   Then select the account name you want to reset the password for.  Once on that account, click CHANGE  PASSWORD.

The 4th option listed above, is generally a last resort option for resetting your computer password.   This is because Option #4 will erase your hard drive (and any data you had stored on it).

Most computers sold in the last 5 years have a copy of the operating system hidden on a partition of the hard drive.  Getting to can be easy or tricky depending on who made your computer.   If you have the user guide that came with your computer, it should tell you how to restore the computer back to factory settings.  If you don't have the user guide (or can't find it), you may be able to find it online at your manufacturer's web site. 

Be sure to watch the screen too when you first turn your computer on.  You may see a note about hitting certain keys (like F10, F11 or F12) to restore the computer settings.   On some computers, you have to hit the CTRL key in addition to one of the F-keys previously mentioned.  When in doubt, try all of the F-keys listed (with and without the CTRL key.

Hopefully one of the methods listed above will help your reset your computer password.