backup files Archives

Winsage

November 3, 2025

Stop downloading software from websites: Windows has a built-in package manager

Windows 11 users can utilize Winget, or Windows Package Manager, for downloading applications through the command line via Windows Terminal. Winget allows users to search for applications using the command "winget search" and install them using their IDs with "winget install," which is faster and reduces confusion compared to traditional web-based methods. It enhances security by sourcing applications from trusted locations like the Microsoft Store and the Winget repository on GitHub, where submissions undergo a vetting process. Additionally, Winget enables users to create a backup file of installed software, facilitating quick setups on new devices or after system resets by allowing users to import the list and reinstall applications efficiently.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

New Android Spyware Targeting Users by Imitating Signal and ToTok Apps

ESET researchers have identified two Android spyware campaigns targeting users in the UAE, disguised as messaging applications Signal and ToTok. The first spyware family, Android/Spy.ProSpy, poses as upgrades for these apps, while the second, Android/Spy.ToSpy, specifically targets ToTok users. Both malware families were not found on official app stores and were distributed through phishing websites. The ProSpy campaign, active since 2024, uses deceptive sites to offer malicious APK files as enhancements. The ToSpy campaign, identified since mid-2022, targets ToTok backup files and has ongoing operations. Both spyware types collect extensive data, including contacts and SMS messages, and maintain persistent background operations. Google Play Protect offers some defense against these threats, and users are advised to avoid unofficial app installations.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Millennium edition of Windows is 25 years old

On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released Windows ME, the last version of Windows to rely on MS-DOS. It was intended as a successor to Windows 95, 98, and 98 SE, offering discounted updates and compatibility with existing software. Windows ME obscured DOS, making it less accessible for users, and eliminated the ability to create bootable DOS copies from formatted floppy disks. It inherited system file protection from Windows 2000 to prevent "DLL hell," where application software replaced system libraries, causing other programs to fail. Windows ME aimed to bridge the gap between Windows 98 and Windows XP, but users faced compatibility issues with programs not designed for the new version. The control panel adopted a web-like appearance, and documentation transitioned to HTML format. Windows ME had minimal system requirements of a 150 MHz Pentium and 32 MB of RAM, and performance tests showed negligible differences compared to Windows 2000. Windows XP was released a year later, marking the end of DOS's relevance in Microsoft's operating systems.

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2025

Critical PostgreSQL Vulnerabilities Allow Arbitrary Code Injection During Restoration

The PostgreSQL Global Development Group has released emergency security updates for versions 13 through 17 to address three critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code during database restoration processes. The vulnerabilities are tracked as CVE-2025-8714, CVE-2025-8715, and CVE-2025-8713, with CVE-2025-8714 and CVE-2025-8715 both rated with a CVSS score of 8.8. CVE-2025-8714 allows malicious superusers to inject arbitrary code during restoration via the pg_dump utility, while CVE-2025-8715 exploits improper neutralization of newlines in object names to trigger code execution. CVE-2025-8713, with a CVSS score of 3.1, permits unauthorized access to restricted data within optimizer statistics. The fixed PostgreSQL versions are 17.6, 16.10, 15.14, 14.19, and 13.22, released on August 14, 2025. Organizations are advised to upgrade immediately and implement strict access controls.

Tech Optimizer

August 18, 2025

Critical PostgreSQL Flaws Allow Code Injection During Restoration

The PostgreSQL Global Development Group released emergency security updates on August 14, 2025, to address three critical vulnerabilities affecting PostgreSQL versions 13 through 17. The vulnerabilities include: 1. CVE-2025-8714: Allows arbitrary OS code execution via pg_dump meta-commands, with a CVSS score of 8.8. 2. CVE-2025-8715: Facilitates code/SQL injection through improper newline handling in object names, also with a CVSS score of 8.8. 3. CVE-2025-8713: Exposes sensitive data via optimizer statistics, with a CVSS score of 3.1. Organizations are advised to upgrade to PostgreSQL versions 17.6, 16.10, 15.14, 14.19, or 13.22 immediately. Cloud providers have begun emergency fleet updates, and development teams should audit their CI/CD pipelines for pg_dump usage. The vulnerabilities were disclosed responsibly by several individuals, and PostgreSQL 13 will reach its end-of-life on November 13, 2025.

Winsage

June 19, 2025

[Fixed] How to Recover Unsaved Word Document on Windows 10/11

4DDiG Data Recovery is a tool designed to recover unsaved Word documents by scanning the AutoRecover folder and other locations. It can recover corrupted, deleted, unsaved, or formatted MS Office files with a high success rate and offers a free trial. Users can preview files before restoration, and the software is compatible with various storage devices and Windows operating systems (7, 8, 10, and 11) without requiring technical skills. To recover an unsaved Word document using 4DDiG, users should install the tool, select the drive where the documents were lost, scan for unsaved documents, preview, and then recover the desired files. Microsoft Word has built-in features for recovering unsaved documents, including the Document Recovery Pane and manual searches for AutoRecover files with ".asd" and backup files with ".wbk" extensions. Temporary files with a ".tmp" extension may also contain unsaved work and can be retrieved from a specific path. To prevent future losses, users are advised to enable AutoRecover and create backup copies in Word's settings. Common recovery questions include the ability to recover unsaved documents depending on AutoRecover settings and the locations of AutoSave files, which vary by operating system. For Windows, common paths include C:Users[Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWord and C:Users[Username]AppDataLocalMicrosoftOfficeUnsavedFiles.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

5 cool things to do with virtual machines on Windows 11

Windows 11 simplifies the setup of virtual machines (VMs) using Hyper-V or Oracle's VirtualBox, allowing users to quickly establish VMs for various purposes. Users can run legacy applications and games that struggle on modern systems by utilizing older operating systems like Windows XP or Windows 7, or using DOSBox for very old games. VMs enable users to operate multiple operating systems simultaneously, catering to different needs such as programming or graphic design. They can also help maintain privacy against workplace monitoring by isolating personal activities from employer-mandated tracking software. Additionally, VMs allow users to safely explore potentially harmful software for cybersecurity purposes, although caution is advised due to the risk of sophisticated malware escaping the VM. Backing up an entire operating system within a VM is straightforward, involving the management of files like virtual disk images and configuration files, but users should be aware of legal considerations regarding sharing or duplicating VMs.

Winsage

November 3, 2024

This new backup solution natively supports Copilot+ ARM-based Windows devices

Macrium has introduced Reflect X, a backup and recovery software specifically designed for Copilot+ ARM-based Windows devices. It features native bare metal recovery and boot menu recovery options, enhancing performance with image restoration speeds up to five times faster than its predecessor due to improved compression techniques and multithreading optimization. Reflect X aims to address downtime challenges faced by industries like OEM, manufacturing, and energy, allowing for rapid recovery from system failures or cyberattacks. It helps businesses meet their Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO). Additionally, Macrium has made backup files generated with Reflect X open source, allowing for greater specialization in backup, recovery, and image deployment solutions.

Winsage

October 13, 2024

How to reclaim space after upgrading to Windows 10 2024 Update (version 24H2)

During the installation of the Windows 11 2024 Update (version 24H2), a backup of the previous setup is created, stored in the "Windows.old" folder, which can take up over 20GB of space. Users can reclaim this storage using the Settings app or Disk Cleanup. To free up space via Settings, users should navigate to System > Storage > Temporary files, check "Previous Windows installation(s)," and click "Remove files." For Disk Cleanup, users should search for it, click "Clean up system files," check "Previous Windows installation(s)," and click OK. The option to delete these backup files is available only within the first ten days after the upgrade. After deletion, users cannot revert to the previous installation through recovery settings, but they can reinstall version 23H2 if they have the installation media. Some users have faced issues clearing the "Windows Update Cleanup" cache, which is unrelated to deleting previous installation files.