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How to manage your full autofill in Chrome

Data 15/06/2022
Autor Iulian gheorghe
-4
236

Web browsers have changed significantly over the years, with a constant accumulation of new features and functionality as each new generation arrives. At the same time, many of us spend an increasing amount of our personal and professional lives online, which means automation and adaptive features are always in demand.

What are the drawbacks to autofill?

A tool like autofill is generally regarded as an incredibly useful addition to the standard browser suite because it helps save time and trouble when you don’t want to type the same thing over and over. But there are times when autofill can become a bit of a headache, popping up when you don’t need it or getting in the way of what you may actually be trying to do. The busier you are, the more likely it is that you’ve run into these types of problems.

Your risk only goes up when you have to use a different address for certain purchases, accidentally confuse one form with another, or let a coworker or loved one use your computer to do some important online paperwork.

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to clear autofill in Chrome and manage your settings directly. In this article, we’ll give you two easy methods you can use to quickly delete entries, reset the tool, or turn off autofill completely. Before we do, let’s get started with a brief introduction on the basics of autofill and how it works in Google Chrome.

What is autofill and how does it work?

Autofill remembers and fills in specific information and form fields as part of the web browser on your computer. In a perfect world, autofill should save time in a variety of situations, and in most cases, that’s exactly how it works. Autofill is great when you need to fill out an address for online shopping or filing paperwork. It’s also useful when you’re frequently searching for similar things, and when you want to save non-sensitive login or payment information.

Without systems like autofill and predictive text, your life online can slow down a lot more than you’d expect. Mobile platforms like your smartphone or tablet would also become substantially less usable because they would force you to repeatedly input information into their cramped and somewhat tedious interfaces.

How to manage your full autofill features with Chrome

To make sure your settings aren’t causing you unnecessary trouble, we’ll start by highlighting the two quickest methods for getting rid of unwanted autofill entries. Both methods may appear the same, but they give you two ways to gain access and manage your information.

Use the first method if you only want to delete autofill Chrome entries or some combination of accumulated browser data. This is great for when you want to clear out your browser’s saved autofill entries and then get back to work as fast as possible.

If you have a little extra time or want more control over how you manage your settings, you can also access them using the complete autofill interface under your main Chrome settings. This method allows you to visualize more of your options for both autofill and your browser’s overall data settings.

1. Delete ALL autofill entries directly via Chrome settings in your toolbar

This is your quick method for clearing saved autofill entries in particular or in combination with other browser data. As opposed to your own unique arrangement of bookmarks and app icons, the Chrome browser interface is consistent from user to user.

Open your Chrome browser
Look to the top right corner of your browser and click the three dot symbol just below the close option. If you’re having trouble finding the symbol, it should be located next to your Chrome profile picture and to the far right of the search bar where you can type in search terms and web addresses
Hover over the More tools… option until the dropdown appears
Select Clear browsing data… from the dropdown. You can also skip steps 2 and 3 by using a keyboard shortcut (Control + Shift + Delete) from within your Chrome browser. This should load your Chrome Settings in a new tab, with several Basic options ready for use
Click the Advanced tab from the new window. This will load a more detailed list that includes a comprehensive autofill removal option
Check the box next to Autofill form data. Below this option, you should see a brief summary of what will be deleted. If you don’t want to delete anything else, adjust the selections to your preference
Click the Clear data button near the lower right corner

Once that’s done, your Chrome autofill settings should be cleared. That means your problem is gone, but you may have to re-enter a lot of your routine autofill entries. If you want to avoid that, the next method gives you some extra leeway. Using it, you can get rid of what you don’t need while preserving the parts of your autofill data that you’d like to keep.

2. Access the autofill tab under Chrome settings to delete SOME autofill entries

This method guides you through your standard Chrome settings menu so that you can choose between individually managing your autofill categories or deleting everything at once.

Open your Chrome browser
Look for the three dot symbol to find a complete list of options to navigate. This menu icon is located to the far right of the search bar and just below the browser’s close button
Click the Settings option from the dropdown to open a new window with all of your Google Chrome settings options
Either click the Autofill tab on the left sidebar or navigate to the Autofill heading directly in the main feed. You should see three options
You can individually edit or delete different autofill categories: passwords, payment methods, or addresses and more
If you want to delete everything in one go, scroll past the Autofill section and click on the Advanced tab at the bottom of the page.
Scroll down to Privacy and security, which should be the first new category available under Advanced settings options. You can also select it from the left sidebar
At the bottom of Privacy and security, you should see Clear browser data. This will load the same interface described above
Click the Advanced tab from the new window
Check the box next to Autofill form data
Click the Clear data button near the lower right corner

How you delete all your autofill data is essentially the same, but this method gives you the option to micromanage your autofill setup. It may add a few steps to your routine, but you’ll be less likely to encounter unexpected issues down the line.

How to make specific changes to what Autofill saves

Do you want to turn off autofill altogether? You have that option from the Chrome Settings menu as well. Since our second method provides access to the full suite of settings options, we’ll also discuss each of the three categories that make up the Google Chrome autofill feature. Within each category you’ll find a convenient toggle to turn off autofill for that category. They are as follows:

1. Passwords

To turn this feature off, look for the words “Offer to save passwords” and set the toggle to the off position. Look for “Auto sign-in” to turn off storage of your saved login credentials. To manage saved entries individually, you can find a complete index of saved passwords below your saved password and sign-in options.

2. Payment methods

If you want to turn off this feature, look for the words “Save and fill payment methods” and set the toggle to the off position. Below this, you’ll find a link to your Google account’s saved payment information, which is where you can manage your account, and an index of different payment methods.

3. Addresses and more

This category is a catchall for location autofill entries related to your physical and digital contact information, including your email address, billing addresses, and shipping locations. To turn this off, look for “Save and fill addresses” and set the toggle to the off position. Below this, you’ll find a complete list of address information saved by your browser.

Other data settings to keep in mind

To clear your saved autofill entries en masse, use the “Clear browser data” option. As part of this process, your browser prompt already includes several categories of saved information checked off for deletion. Most of your browser data isn’t worth worrying about, but here’s a quick guide to what you’re deleting if you leave these categories checked when you clear out auto fill entries.

1. Browsing history

This encompasses a basic record of your browsing, but it also includes some additional information beyond a list of websites. It provides a rundown of your saved auto-complete entries, which is the predictive text that helps finish familiar URLs in the Chrome search bar.

If your issue stems from auto-complete issues, the most direct solution is to delete your browsing history through the Clear browsing data procedure.

2. Cookies and other site data

Under this category, your browser accumulates the credentials that allow you to freely navigate your most frequently visited websites. If you include this option when you clear browsing data, you’ll be logged out of most of the services and websites that you have used to date. To avoid that, simply uncheck the corresponding box and move on.

3. Cached images and files

Here you’ll find saved images and site resources that your browser archives to more quickly load websites. You can clear a pretty big chunk of space out if you leave this category checked, but you may notice a slight slowdown the next time you visit one of your favorite sites.

4. Advanced settings

From the Clear browsing data window, you can also switch between Basic and Advanced options. Under the Advanced heading you’ll find a more detailed breakdown of options, including a pre-selected field for download history. In these expanded options you can turn off autofill form data, in addition to passwords and sign-in data, site settings, and hosted app data.

Reasons why autofill may not be working correctly

Some usage situations may present their own unique obstacles, but most problems with autofill are relatively easy to understand. For example, there’s always a risk of confusion or small input mistakes when you let a friend or family member use your computer to fill out a form for online paperwork or to make a purchase. You run the same risk when any user adds a new app to their loadout or a new website to their routine.

To combat these issues, it helps to periodically clear out your autofill log. This guarantees that you won’t stumble over redundant information or accidentally ship a gift to the wrong address. But if you find yourself having constant issues, it can also be helpful to manage your autofill settings directly and to periodically check in on each category in your Chrome settings.

If you need extra support with Chrome

For most users, your routine use of Chrome can lead to occasional autofill-related issues. So if you are experiencing an issue that seems more persistent or especially difficult, it may be something larger than just the stored data and browser settings.

If you think you may be dealing with something different or bigger, don’t hesitate to look for help at the main Google Chrome Help page or through your IT support team (either in your workplace or via your internet service provider).

The most important things to remember about autofill

When you have difficulty getting autofill to work correctly, it’s important to remember that you can easily control this feature in a variety of ways. The choice is yours whether or not to turn off autofill altogether, shuffle things around on a category basis, or even to just clear out your saved entries periodically.

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How to Enter BIOS Setup

Data 15/06/2022
Autor Iulian gheorghe
-5
199

What is BIOS?

As your PC’s most important startup program, BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is the built-in core processor software responsible for booting up your system. Typically embedded into your computer as a motherboard chip, the BIOS functions as a catalyst for PC functionality action.

Programmed on an erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EPROM) chip, BIOS is stored on this memory chip which retains data when the power source is switched off. When the PC is powered back on, BIOS retrieves that same stored data. The BIOS system is also responsible for managing data flow between your computer’s operating system and any attached devices including a hard drive, keyboard, video adapter, printer, or mouse.

Each time you power your PC on, BIOS runs through a process called Power-On Self Test, or POST, that determines whether your attached devices are operating correctly and are in their proper place. Once all attachments are allocated and given the OK, your computer startup continues as usual and takes you to your load screen in a matter of seconds. If BIOS detects any problems, an error screen will appear or a series of beep codes will sound, effectively indicating to you that something has gone wrong.

1. POST

As we mentioned before, POST is an acronym for the Power-On Self Test that your PC runs through the moment you turn it on. POST tests the hardware of your PC and ensures that there is nothing out of order and no errors present with your operating system. POST goes through everything from your keyboard and disk drive to your RAM speed in a computer and integrated ports. Should everything be in order, POST will continue as usual and allow your PC to boot normally.

If there is a detected error, BIOS will issue an error message that may come in the form of displayed text or a series of error-indicating beeps. These beeps are always signals to certain messages, so if you happen to get this result, you will need to check out what it means for your computer’s hardware [1].

2. CMOS setup

Your PC stores all low-level settings like system time and hardware configuration within its CMOS. This means that every change you make to your BIOS structure is saved on this special memory chip called the Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, or CMOS. The CMOS setup is responsible for setting your password, time, and date.

3. Bootstrap loader

The program that lives within your computer’s EPROM or ROM, the bootstrap loader is tasked with reading your PC’s hard drive boot sector to move along the complete operating system load. When you restart your PC, the bootstrap loader activates the POST, then loads Windows 10 into memory. Newer PCs have replaced the bootstrap loader with an EFI, or Extensible Firmware Interface.

4. BIOS drivers

BIOS drivers are the many programs stored in your computer’s many memory chips. These low-level drivers are used to boot your system and prompt basic operational controls on your PC.

How to enter BIOS in Windows 10

When you’ve run into an annoying computer bug or need to modify CPU hardware for a newly upgraded processor, you will need access to your computer BIOS. Laptops with Windows 10 and PCs make accessing, checking, and updating your BIOS a breeze by offering two easy methods to achieve the results you’re aiming for. Let’s break down both methods.

Method #1: Use hotkey during boot-up

It may be too quick for you to have ever noticed, but your PC goes through a rapid POST process to get your startup screen loaded up as fast as it can. It is also within this tightly timed window that you can access your BIOS by clicking your PC’s designated hotkey. Unfortunately, different PC brands were all on different pages when designating a definitive BIOS key. HP laptops generally use F10 or the escape key.

DEL and F2 tend to be the most popular hotkeys for PCs, but if you’re unsure of what your brand’s hotkey is, this list of common BIOS keys by brand may help.

Acer: F2 or DEL
ASUS: F2 for all PCs, F2 or DEL for motherboards
Dell: F2 or F12
HP: ESC or F10
Lenovo: F2 or Fn + F2
Lenovo (Desktops): F1
Lenovo (ThinkPads): Enter + F1.
MSI: DEL for motherboards and PCs
Microsoft Surface Tablets: Press and hold volume up button.
Origin PC: F2
Samsung: F2
Sony: F1, F2, or F3
Toshiba: F2

Pressing your assigned BIOS hotkey while your computer boots up should retrieve the BIOS setup utility screen you’re looking for. For example, on an HP Pavilion, HP EliteBook, HP Stream, HP OMEN, HP ENVY and more, pressing the F10 key just as your PC status comes up will lead you to the BIOS setup screen. Some manufacturers require repeated hotkey presses, and some require another button to be pressed in addition to the hotkey. To best equip yourself with the most accurate information, check with your PC’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Method #2: Use Windows 10’s start menu

As computers have become more technologically advanced than ever, they boot up in seconds before our eyes. This leaves little room for pressing any hotkeys and can leave those looking to get into their BIOS settings puzzled.For PC users who aren’t able to catch that tiny window to use their hotkey, this method of entering BIOS can be completed through your computer settings.

Step 1. Access your Windows settings

Navigate to your Windows start menu and select “Settings” located on the left panel. You can also access your Windows setting by using Windows shortcut keys Windows + I.

Step 2. Select “Update & security”

Within this window, you may need to scroll down to find the “Update & security” button.

Step 3. Select “Recovery”

Step 4. Click “Restart now”

Under “Advanced startup” you will see a “Restart now” button that allows you to reboot your PC for configuration or restoration.

After your PC boots back up, you will be met with a special menu that gives you the option to “Use a device,” “Continue,” “Turn off your PC,” or “Troubleshoot.”

Step 5. Select “Troubleshoot”

Within this window, select “Advanced options” then select “UEFI Firmware Settings.” This will allow you to enter BIOS on your Windows 10 PC.

Step 6. Confirm your restart

If your PC is running Windows 8.1 or Windows 8, these methods will also work for your older operating system.

How to access Windows 7, Vista, and XP BIOS

The same method of pressing your designated hotkey during boot-up should be able to gain you access into your BIOS. Be sure to press that button as soon as you see your manufacturer’s brand logo.

Older operating systems tend to load more slowly, so your window of time to press your designated hotkey should be wide enough for prompt BIOS access. Follow this three-step method to enter BIOS on Windows 7 or later.

Step 1. Turn off your computer

On older operating systems, you can only access BIOS just before the Microsoft Windows logo appears on your computer screen.

Step 2. Power your PC on

Step 3. Press the BIOS hotkey

The single keystroke or combination of pressed keys will open BIOS on your PC. Oftentimes your computer will indicate on the startup screen which key or keys need to be pressed in order to enter BIOS.

I can’t access BIOS, what do I do?

If you’re still struggling to figure out how to enter BIOS on your Windows 10 desktop computer, you may find yourself in somewhat of a pickle.

Whether your startup is too fast or you suspect a virus has attacked your hardware, you need access into your BIOS as soon as possible. Fortunately, we’ve got what you need. Try these two troubleshooting methods to gain access into your BIOS.

Troubleshoot method #1: Disable fast startup

If your PC is powering on too quickly for you to know when to press your BIOS hotkey, your timing may be keeping you from accessing your PC’s BIOS. To slow down your boot time and open your window for hotkey pressing, you will need to disable fast startup.

To do this:

1. Locate “Power options” in your control panel

2. Press “Choose what the power button does” in the left panel (you’ll note that the shutdown settings are all greyed out and unavailable for modification)

3. Press “Change settings that are currently available” located above the power button and lid settings (this will allow you to uncheck or check boxes to modify your shutdown settings)

4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup”

5. Try restarting your PC and entering BIOS with your hotkey again

Troubleshoot method #2: Use an emergency boot disk

In the case that your PC refuses to enter BIOS or gives you the dreaded blue screen of death, you could be faced with boot failure. In order to access BIOS, you can try utilizing an emergency boot disk to bring your PC back to life via USB drive.

Once the USB drive boots up, you should be able to select a boot device at the startup.

1. Click “Repair your computer” instead of the centered “Install now” button

2. Click “Troubleshoot”

3. Click “UEFI Firmware Settings”

4. Click “Restart”

If nothing works, you may need to resort to finding a computer repair specialist in your area to help solve your issues.