Last year, I introduced a Techspert column called TechBytes, where I answer multiple questions from multiple readers. From iPhones to PCs, this column has it all. If you’d like your question answered in the next TechBytes column, submit it on this form. Now, let’s get started, shall we?

Why the extra data in URLs?

Q1. What does the extra data after the question mark mean when I forward a URL from an email? Example: https://seniorplanet.org/ask-the-techspert-techbytes-episode-2/?utm_source=Senior+Planet+List&utm_medium=Email

A1. Generally, the data after the question mark (?) in a URL are query parameters, which are a defined set of parameters (key-value pair) attached to the end of a URL to provide additional information to a web server when making requests. These query parameters have different uses.

For instance, in the example you provided, they are campaign parameters. We added them so that we can differentiate the same link shared via email from the same link shared via social media or anywhere else. So, if you used the same link forwarded from a Twitter post in your example, the extra data would have been ?utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter.

Email attachments

Q2. How do you attach any file to an email?

A2. Nowadays, most, if not all, email providers allow you to attach a file to an email by drag-and-drop. Therefore, if you have a window where a file you’d like to share is, you can drag that file from that window to the section where you are composing your email, and voila!

When drafting an email, you can also click on the attachment icon (it often looks like a paper clip 📎). Doing so will open a window where you can browse through your computer files to locate the file to attach.

On smartphones, the easiest way to attach a file to an email is to use the sharing feature. 

• Open the file you’d like to share.
• Locate and tap on the share button on your screen. Sometimes, it might be behind the 3-dots option. 
• Smartphones offer multiple ways to share a file. For your case, choose email. 
• A screen allowing you to draft your email will appear with the selected file attached. Then, finish your email and send it. 

What to do with defunct PCs?

Q3. How do I safely dispose of my defunct laptop? It was previously connected to PayPal, Amazon, etc., and I don’t want to “share” those accounts or other information. A friend of mine suggested that I put it in a baggy and run over it with my car. Thanks for your help with this.

A3. Since your device cannot turn on, the first step is to seek help at a reputable electronic store to find a way to turn it on so that you can factory reset it. If no one can turn it on, recycling is the way to go. Apple will take any Apple products and recycle them in stores and online. Walmart and Best Buy also accept electronic devices for recycling. 

However, if you don’t feel comfortable having anyone else accessing your inoperable device, then, by all means, run it over or hammer it down. But be careful! 

Here are some resources on how to factory reset your computer before selling or gifting it:

• Microsoft instruction for Windows
• Apple instructions for a MacBook

Error installing MS Word 2003

Q4. I am a luddite trying to install MS Word 2003 on an HP laptop running Windows 11. I got the following error message: 

Installing ODBC components. Error 1919. Error configuring ODBC data source: Visual Foxpro database, ODBC error 6: component not found in the registry. Verify that the Visual Foxpro database exists and that you can access it. 

I clicked on “ignore,” and the program was installed, but it won’t save my files. When I click on save or try to click on the link under options where file locations are, the program hangs, and I have to exit. I would appreciate any suggestions you can make on how to solve this problem. Thank you.

A4. According to Microsoft, this error may occur during the installation setup of new Microsoft software if the Windows Registry is missing some registry keys. This Microsoft support page provides detailed instructions on troubleshooting, resolving, or working around this error.

Digital Legacy

Q5. Husband bought a new laptop before he died. When turned on his username shows, but I have no idea what his password is. Is there a way to get into this computer?

A5. I am sorry to hear about your husband. It can be challenging to gain access to a deceased loved one’s computer without knowing their credentials. For privacy and legal reasons, the process can be lengthy for both Apple and Microsoft and usually requires some legal guidance. You can find below the instructions provided by Microsoft and Apple for solving your problem. These resources also include steps you can take today for your digital legacy.

• Accessing Microsoft services when someone has died.
• How to request access to a deceased family member’s Apple account.

However, if you are okay with losing all the documents and files on the computer and the laptop has Windows 8.1 and below, you can still factory reset it without knowing the password. Doing so will also reset all the passwords and settings on the computer. For MacBooks and Windows 10 and above laptops, even factory resetting without a password can be difficult.

Also, keep an eye out for Senior Planet’s next Digital Legacy at a Glance online lecture by visiting our online class schedule here.

Got a tech question that just cannot wait? Ask them directly to Senior Planet Technology Trainers and Verizon Experts by joining the Senior Planet Community group, Ask a Tech Expert , or call our free Senior Planet Tech Hotline at 888-713-3495.

Leave a comment below with any questions or input that you might have!

Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.

Have a tech question that’s got you stumped? Send your tech questions to Techspert Jonathan using THIS FORM. He’ll be tackling one question a month from readers.