Lost My Cookies Again

[cabinetman]

For the second time this week, it only took a second for a short power interrupt to do its thing. I've got a surge protector with battery back-up. But the brains in our outfit (LOML) says that the battery back-up can go bad and not give any warning of its failure.

Both times I was away from the computer, and noticed the interrupt, got back to the computer, and there is a running message about checking files. Fortunately I didn't lose any data that I can tell, just the cookies to all the forums and some sites that have the "remember me" cookie feature. Since I don't have the same password on everything, it was a while restoring all the settings.

[Ed62]

And I thought this was about something else. Seriously, I wonder why you lost your cookies?? That's never happened to me.

Ed

[Hoover]

Are you using Windows XP? If you are, then you can re-establish a safe date and use that to save your data. I had to do that several times, when the computer had experienced power loss.

[sparkeyjames]

Are you using Windows XP? If you are, then you can re-establish a safe date and use that to save your data. I had to do that several times, when the computer had experienced power loss.

I have found that with Windows restore points that you had better make darn sure that all malware and virus are removed or you will wind up restoring them too. Also battery backups are only as good as the care with which they are used. It is best to have the type that have some sort of communication with the computer (normaly via usb) and install the software that comes with it. Batteries in them should be replaced in accord with the manufacturers recommendations. I recommend APC battery backup units. I have several at work and they function flawlessly.


sparkeyjames

[scorrpio]

This is weird. A cookie is a small text file. I never lost one to a power interrupt... You might want to check your settings - I think there is a way to configure when cookies get cleaned up. And yeah, good idea to make an autmatic restore point every couple days. Saved me extreme frustration a few times.

[cabinetman]

Thanks for the help so far. Wife just bought a new battery back-up unit. She says they only can take so many spikes. The City has been installing a sewer system in our neighborhood, and for the last 6-8 months we have been getting daily spikes with the different digging and electric pole activity.

As for restore points, that really sends me on a mental loop because I hate going into "settings" to begin with. I would never know what I'm restoring "TO". What I mean is, how would I know what lingers on the restore date?

[Warren]

There are default restore points. It only takes a couple of key strokes to restore and if you are worried about an infection, after restoring, do a scan with whatever protection programs you are using. If I can do it without mucking up the computer, surely you can also.

[gsmittle]

Last time I did that, it was on somebody's shoe....

Sorry I don't have anything useful to contribute, except I feel your pain, brother.

g.

[newood2]

Just curious. Why save cookies anyway? I wash my PC every weekend of cookies, temp files, autocomplete(login, passwords), cache, etc.
I keep all my passwords in a secured folder on the desktop and backup CD. when I re-log on a favorite site like BT3Central I click the 'Remember me' and let it stay until the next wash.
I just like to keep it clean. Helps my slow dialup and other bad fellas who may be lurking around in the cookie jar. And since I,m not that PC savvy I try and keep it safe.
OK, while typing this reply I realized that 'user habits' like on-line frequency may necessitate keeping those cookies. But do you ever clean them out at all?

Howie

[cabinetman]

Just curious. Why save cookies anyway? I wash my PC every weekend of cookies, temp files, autocomplete(login, passwords), cache, etc.
But do you ever clean them out at all?

Howie

I am a frequent user. But in no way very computer literate. I "clear private data" from time to time, check what programs are running when booting, and do weekly spyware, virus scans. I haven't "cleared cookies" in a while. I'm real lucky I haven't blown up my computer, and fortunately haven't had a "blue screen" since upgrading to XP. I used to spend time every day fixing something on ME. I only use IE when absolutely necessary and am a Firefox regular.

[sparkeyjames]

IIRC you can force a restore point. Darned if I can remember how at this point. I have had system restore (in windows) turned off for so long I forget some things about it. Basicly clean your system of all viruses and malware. Make sure everything is running just the way you want it to then force a restore point. When building a computer that runs WinXP one of the first things I do is turn off system restore. It takes up lots of disk space and processing power. The windows system itself also creates a restore point when doing massive important updates (if system restore is turned on).

What system restore does is basicly backs up important data like operating system files and your personal data in the "Documents and Settings" directory.

Comes down to run virus scans regularly and clean out the malware at the same time. Use Firefox to surf and Thunderbird for Email. Stay as far from Outlook Express as you do from IE. Don't install that CUTE free software that enhances IE or gives you great backgrounds and screen savers and new pointers (large amounts of virus and malware are transmited via screen savers).


sparkeyjames

[tedkitch]

Here is the solution that I use and it also works for those that have Mac/Linux/Windows computers.

First you want to use FireFox as your browser. Then you want to get an add-on called Google Sync. This will sync your cookies, passwords, bookmarks, etc on a central Google server. The information is encrypted when it is being sent and retrieved from the Google server and the information can all be encrypted on the server if you so choose. Follow the above links to download them and install them. Google Sync will also periodically ask you for your password to ensure that you are know you say you are. It isn't perfect, but it is by far the best thing out there. I use it on my Mac's & Windows computers at home and at work. I also have one Linux station running at home that I play around with and it work on it too. This way I always have my stuff available to me when I want it.