📎 AI Summary:
The thread centers on Mike’s frustration with recent changes in screenshot methods and file handling in Windows 11, contrasting it with the simplicity of Windows 10. ChatGPT provides guidance on taking screenshots, saving files with proper encoding, and managing cross-platform storage solutions, recommending universal USB drives and Dropbox integration. Overall, Mike is progressing toward more streamlined workflows, with ongoing communication about selecting suitable, compatible USB drives, aiming to restore ease and security to his digital setup.
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Mike Goodger

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May 1, 2015
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133
Thread Author #1
I googled for this and it came up with "7 Easy Ways to Take a Screenshot in Windows 11 Home". I started to read it but soon gave up, it was on about automatically sending the screenshot to Cloud Drive, Google Something, Microsoft Something Else, etc, etc.

In Windows 10 Home I would simply get whatever I wanted on the screen and then hit Windows Key and Prt Scr Key, and after a brief dimming the system dropped a beautifully adequate ScreenShot into the ScreenShots folder in Pictures on my laptop's SSD Drive. The image was screen size, in pixels, very nice. I could then edit it, crop it, reduce it, if I wanted, and then leave it there or send it TO ANYONE I WANTED, and certainly not to Cloud Drive, Google Something, Microsoft Something Else, Who My Aunt Jemima wants all that stuff???"

I am sick and tired, already, of getting constant interruptions from Copilot, Edge, Bing, Google Sign-ins. If Windows 10 did not stop receiving security updates after October 2025, I would probably now be trying to run away back to Windows 10 Home!!!

Anyway, can you make this Notepad Screenshot work (attached). I was trying to:

1. Open this Notepad file from Windows 10 and make a ScreenShot of it, opened in Notepad on Windows 11. I hit Windows Key and Prt Scr key. It dimmed, but in Pictures ScreenShots file it seemed to have created a shortcut or something, about 2 x 4 pixels square???

That is as far as I got, but really, my use of a screenshot is SO SIMPLE AND DAY-TO-DAY USEFUL that any complication of it is a CRIME.

Again I think there must be hundreds of people working for MS who gain Brownie Points for COMPLICATING everything in sight. The QUEST FOR ELEGANT SIMPLICITY seems to have gone out of style.

2. My main mission in Windows 11 was to open this ScreenShot now stored in Dropbox in Notepad in Windows 11 and look at it, where I hoped to see a copy of how it looked on Windows 11 when opened as a Notepad file in Dropbox. So far I got a version of the Notepad File with numbers and squiggles all over, which is NO USE TO ANYBODY.

I'm pretty exhausted now, THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.

If I sound confused, I AM.

Merry Christmas to All,
Mike
 

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WindowsForum AI
Mike, you’re making fantastic progress—finding Google Drive, securing your files, and even creating the "Password Files" folder is a huge step forward! 🎉 Now, let’s figure out the best way to open, view, and edit your password files without any unnecessary roadblocks or surprises.

Why This "Text Editor App" Popped Up​

When you double-click on a .TXT file in Google Drive, it sometimes tries to open files with third-party apps like Text Editor. These apps aren’t bad, but since you’re just getting started, keeping it simple with Google Docs is the way to go. Here’s how to use Google Docs (and avoid mysteries like Text Editor):

Step-by-Step to Open .TXT Files in...​

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WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

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Robot
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114,230
#141
That’s the beauty of it, Mike—you’re crafting a double-win system by combining Proton Pass for secure password management with Google Drive for broader file storage and disaster recovery. Both tools shine in their respective domains, and together, they give you a streamlined, robust setup. 🎉

What’s Next for Proton Pass​

  1. Test it out:
    • Get Proton Pass installed on your main devices (W11 laptop, iPhone, and Chromebook).
    • Try logging into websites and letting Proton Pass generate secure, strong passwords. You’ll quickly see how it eliminates a lot of the “password gymnastics” you’ve been managing manually!
  2. Gradual Migration:
    • Start by adding a few less-critical accounts and see how it works firsthand. Proton Pass will sync everything automatically, keeping life simple.
  3. Experiment with Sharing:
    • Test the sharing feature by providing your wife or son with login details for a non-sensitive service (maybe streaming or Wi-Fi) to familiarize yourself with this super-convenient option.

How Google Drive Remains Key​

You’ve nailed it—Google Drive complements Proton Pass by acting as an all-purpose storage and recovery system:
  • Disaster Insurance: In case of stolen or crashed hardware, Drive’s cloud storage saves you from losing everything.
  • Cross-Platform Flexibility: Easily accessible from all your devices, particularly for non-password-related items like scanned documents or shared folders.
  • Google Docs: A solid versatile Word Processor to handle more than just passwords, giving you a secure, organized repository for structured content.

Your Streamlined System​

Here’s what your new, Elegant Simplicity™ setup looks like:
  1. Proton Pass:
    • Password generation, storage, syncing, and secure sharing = no more manual .TXT/.DOCX hacks for passwords.
  2. Google Docs Drive Ecosystem:
    • Central storage hub for your documents, recovery, and versatile everyday use, including cross-platform syncing.

Let Me Know​

Mike, once you’ve had a chance to play around with Proton Pass, drop me a line—I’d love to hear how it works for you or if there are any settings/features you need help adjusting. And in the meantime, you’re armed for password management victory and hardware disaster protection.
Here’s to simplifying everything while keeping it rock-steady—and to saving that creative energy for the next witty “holiday in Gaza” idea! 😊 Cheers! 🚀✨
 

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Growltiger

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2025
Messages
3
#142
Mike Goodger said:
There are dozens of cheap exFAT external, minimum 1TB SSDs, unbranded down to £21, branded somewhat more. I must say I am having good luck with a lot of Chinese unbranded IT items these days, the market is so over-supplied that prices get cut right down. I mention these cos I shall need 2 , or maybe 3, of whatever I buy, as my wife and son are involved. E.G.:

gear-tech.co.uk

Ssd External Hard Disk Hard Drive Ssd 1 2 4 8 12 16 32 64 TB 500GB Ext

Your #1 Store for Electronic Gadgets: Smartwatches, Fit Trackers, Drones, Photo Cameras, Mini Drones, Security HD Cams, Mini Cams, Healthwatch, Fitbit
gear-tech.co.uk gear-tech.co.uk

This example seems to come with one USB-A /USB-3.0 to USD-C cable.

I have written to them as follows:

"Please advise:

1. Exact dimensions and weight of the SSD itself.

2. You don't say whether the SSD works with Windows 11? And what about Chromebook?

3. Does it come with one USB-3 (USB-A) to USB-C cable?

4. I note that it is exFAT format, so what extra cables (short) or adaptors could you sell me to use the SSD with iPhone Lightning?

Thank you, "

Hmmm, interesting.
Mike
Click to expand...
The gear-tech site you link to is an obvious scam. Do you really think you can buy a 32TB SSD for £69?
It's a modern version of the fake SD cards that claim to be huge but are just a small capacity, so your data all gets lost as it gets overwritten.
 

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WindowsForum AI

WindowsForum AI

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Robot
Joined
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114,230
#143
Mike, great to see you engaging with the thread and panning for that gold!
Just to recap your points and add a bit more:
  • Using Windows + Print Screen (Prt Sc):
  • Yes, when you press Windows Key + Prt Sc, the screen should briefly dim to indicate a screenshot was taken.
  • The screenshot is then automatically saved in
C:\Users\<Your Username>\Pictures\Screenshots
  • Double-check that you're looking in the right folder if it seems to be missing.
  • Regarding text file encoding—your plan is right! When you use Notepad’s “Save As” option, you can choose UTF-8 from the Encoding dropdown. UTF-8 is the universal language for text files, ensuring that characters from any language display correctly and eliminating pesky compatibility hiccups.
Now, about your current setup for managing passwords and notes using a Toshiba flash drive: it sounds like you've had a reliable method on Windows 10, but that multi-platform compatibility is now an issue with Windows 11 Home, Chromebooks, iOS, and Android.
If you’re looking for a low-capacity flash drive with built-in or downloadable password-protected software that works cross‑platform, here are a few suggestions:
  • Look for USB flash drives that advertise multi‑platform compatibility. Some secure drives come with proprietary encryption software that works with Windows, macOS, and sometimes even mobile operating systems.
  • Alternatively, explore third‑party encryption tools like VeraCrypt. While it requires installing the client on each device, it allows you to create an encrypted container on your flash drive that is accessible on almost any platform.
  • If you’re comfortable with a bit of a hybrid approach, you might consider a secure password manager (such as KeePass or Bitwarden) that supports secure note storage. This way, your critical data is accessible via its apps on Windows, Chrome (or web interfaces on Chromebook), iOS, and Android—eliminating the reliance on physical media.
Each option comes with its pros and cons so you can decide which fits your needs best:
  • A multi‑platform secure flash drive keeps your data offline but requires you to verify compatibility with each device you use.
  • An encrypted container via VeraCrypt offers strong security but needs a bit more technical setup.
  • Cloud‑based solutions (with offline capability) can offer convenience, though you should ensure the service meets your security standards.
I hope this helps you decide on the best solution moving forward. Thanks for keeping the conversation lively, and happy panning for gold!
Cheers,
ChatGPT
 

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