A changing of the guard at AskWoody.com

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ASKWOODY.COM By Woody Leonhard I’m retiring. But AskWoody marches on — in new but familiar, and highly capable, hands. I was nudged into retirem[See the full post at: A changing of the guard at AskWoody.com]

Total of 93 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 20 listed.

Kathy70, oldfry, jburk07, Steve S., John, rdtroxel, Travasaurus, DrBobSki, magicspeller, dearnold, Endora, lmacri, RockE, mledman, Pim, cybercrone, Steve, PKCano, teuhasn, pandarunnerpt

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Enjoy your retirement!

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jburk07, RedEye9, jk3wl, Nathan Parker, woody

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A huge THANK YOU to you, Woody. You brought an independent voice to the Microsoft down-trodden. No other has been like it, and I fear not even with your replacement.

Take good care and enjoy life to its fullest.

CT

15 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Steve, pandarunnerpt, jk3wl, Nathan Parker, Ulti P. Uzzer, Bill C., wdburt1, SueW, Myst, rc primak, IreneLinda, Wheel_D, Northwest Rick, Cybertooth

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Just wanted to add to the chorus, Thank you for your time, commitment, and memories. I hope you enjoy your retirement and health.
I have been here (in the background) since the beginning, and appreciate all you have done for the community.

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Very sorry to see you go, but if it’s time to do something else I wish you happiness – or at least contentment – while you go about your chosen next stage.
Be well, and thank you for sharing all your knowledge and educating us – those of us who can’t quite figure things out sometimes. And warning us about things to avoid. There have been a lot of them.

"She was not quite what you would call refined. She was not quite what you would call unrefined.
She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot."
--Mark Twain

1 user thanked author for this post.

SueW

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Enjoy your retirement.

Sooo, will it change to AskSusan !?!  🙂

Cheers!!
Willie McClure
“We are trying to build a gentler, kinder society, and if we all pitch in just a little bit, we are going to get there.” Alex Trebek

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Travasaurus, woody

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Wow; sad news for the many Windows Secret members such as myself, Woody.   Susan will be do great things, but you definitely will be missed.  Here’s hoping you do a Fred Langa and come back and participate to some degree here, Woody.   🙂

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jburk07, Travasaurus, cybercrone, Steve, jk3wl, WSTabour, snalmond, rc primak, Wheel_D, CADesertRat, Pagrus, woody, GreatAndPowerfulTech, MrJimPhelps

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Hi from Australia Woody.
Thanks for all your valuable tips and info over the many years that I’ve been following you.  Always been a pleasure to read your posts.
You’ve saved my bacon on several occasions.
And, welcome to Susan.
Kind regards,
Steve

2 users thanked author for this post.

rc primak, woody

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[LH]

Woody,

Good luck in retirement.  And thanks for all the hard work over many years helping us all to manage and cope with our Windows experience!

(Also from Australia)

Dell Precision 3630 w/32 GB RAM, 500 GB (C:), 1 TB (D:)
Window 10 Pro x64
Internet: FTTC (Fibre to the Kerb)

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by LH.

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woody

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Woody, I’m saddened by the news of your (mostly) retirement. It’s not as final as the news of the passing of Alex Trebek (R.I.P), but I will still miss your eager-to-help outlook and the folksy demeanor in which you express it.

May the move to a warmer clime prove a healthful as well as a happy one.

Hope to see you ’round here more often than anyone expects.

Keep Running Windows 7 Safely for Years to Come  
Make Windows 10 look and work like Windows 7

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jburk07, Microfix, rc primak, wavy, Charlie, woody, Myst

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This really is a time heavy with surprising changes!

Woody: Goodby, for now, and all the best to you and your family in this new stage of life that you are now entering. Thanks for keeping this very useful site going. It must have been hard at times and never really too easy, but completely worth doing

Susan: Welcome and looking forward to your doing a star turn in maintaining and improving even further this site while keeping it available for frank, useful, interesting discussions on and beyond computer and Internet/WWW matters.

Ex-Windows user (Win. 98, XP, 7); since mid-2017 using also macOS. Presently on Monterey 12.15 & sometimes running also Linux (Mint).

MacBook Pro circa mid-2015, 15" display, with 16GB 1600 GHz DDR3 RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Haswell architecture Intel CPU with 4 Cores and 8 Threads model i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz.
Intel Iris Pro GPU with Built-in Bus, VRAM 1.5 GB, Display 2880 x 1800 Retina, 24-Bit color.
macOS Monterey; browsers: Waterfox "Current", Vivaldi and (now and then) Chrome; security apps. Intego AV

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jburk07, dbvdb4help, Steve, Fred, snalmond, Charlie, Wheel_D, woody, Myst, abbodi86

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So . . .  you’re coming to visit in Colorado post pandemic where the drinks are on me?

 

(Seriously!)

~ Group "Weekend" ~

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woody, Myst, Kirsty

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Enjoy your retirement Woody, you’ve earned it, and you’ve left the place in more than capable hands

As someone who retired a loooong while back, and came to live a life of leisure in the sun, all I can say is that I wish that I’d retired a long while before that… None of us is getting any younger, carpe diem and all…

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woody

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Woody, thank you so much for your expert insights and advice over the years.  Susan will have big shoes to fill – but I’m sure that she will be more than up to the task.  All best wishes for the next phase, and we will all be looking forward to your occasional ongoing words of wisdom.

Thailand is relatively closer to Australia than to the U.S., so once travel restrictions permit, why not come on down here for a vacation?  We are nice friendly people, and we speak (almost?) the same language.

Windows 10 Pro 64 bit 20H2

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jcp46, Myst, woody, HiFlyer

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After all these years, PC-MOM and CD-MOM remain top contenders for my all-time-favorite computer-related books.

You’ll certainly be missed, and I hope to hear as many cantankerous and/or otherwise-opinionated two-centses from you as you may be moved to give us going forward.

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woody

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I remember the early Woody books, etc. as most helpful publications.  Over the years I’ve been mostly a lurker, but your announcement of retirement draws a post.  What catches my eye is the reference to medical conditions.  My friend, take those warning signs seriously and respond to them fully and whole-heartedly.  Life is too short and you don’t want to be sabotaged by something that deserved your attention and you chose to ignore it for too long.

I wish you and yours the best, and am happy to now be in the hands of the patch Lady.

Ciao–and Stay Safe!

Doug

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Charlie, woody, opti1, amcl

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Wow! So surprised and sad to hear this. Nonetheless, I’m happy for you and your family! Enjoy your retirement! Hope to still see you around in the Lounge on askwoody.com, as you said, to give your two cents on things. It just wont be the same without you.

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woody

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Woody, Thank you, I am glad to have met you in this world where oceans were less big and less deep than thought.
After a while it will feel good that you have chosen for your family and yourself !
When traveling is normalized, I always hoped to meet you, perhaps at the ‘Concertgebouw’.
‘Live Well And Prosper’, Fred

(\_/)
( •_•)
/ >🌹
.

* _ the metaverse is poisonous _ *

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rc primak, woody, Myst

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Enjoy your retirement and thanks for all the years of tips, advise, help…

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woody

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So, you were nudged into retirement by a combination of medical concerns, family obligations … and a screaming desire to turn your attention to interests outside the computer industry.

I encourage you to take your time while visiting family and friends in Thailand. And I envy you for being able to take an extended vacation outside of the United States during this time of the COVID-19 and the coming months of transition in Washington.

When you return to the states and have newfound free time, I encourage you to reflect on the time of your youth, adolescents, University, family, and the blur of years consumed by a career. And, I encourage you to put your feet up and reach out to old friends.

As you do you may recognize the truth in the lyrics of Mary Hopkin’s song Those Were The Days

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they’d never end

We’d sing and dance forever and a day

We’d live the life we choose

We’d fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO9A9u4GyGc&list=RDQO9A9u4GyGc&index=1

All the best.

6 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, dearnold, Steve, wavy, woody, amcl

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Enjoy your retirement, Woody. Thanks for all the info over the years through Ask Woody.

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woody

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It all started back when I was trying to get my Mom’s PC and mine to stop its never ending search for updates mania. Thanks for all your tips, quips and quotes along with your entourage of experts in finding a solution to just about any twisted update released in haste. We can’t forget the Win7 Semper Fi series you passionately wrote about. You shared your own experiences in keeping the best and most stable operating system up and running.

Happy for you and your family. And yes, please stop in from time to time and post your usual fun stuff in reference to some special occasion or current event.

Thank you Woody for bringing one big family of misfits together. Take care, we’ll see ya ‘round the bend.

MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, and SOS at times.

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jburk07, SueW, Microfix, woody

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As one of your many visitors over the years, only here was I always able to find answers to my many silly questions, and I was always thankful for your sage wisdom, advice and understanding. You somehow managed turned a digital website into my personal ‘Nerd Nirvana’. All I can say Woody, is Thank you, Thank you and Thank you! And also that you will be sorely missed. Congratulations on your retirement.

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woody

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Enjoy, but don’t be tempted to not poke your pithy comments in whenever you feel like it.

28 years is a long time, long enough to have learned that in many ways nothing changes, I still keep my access on metered 😉

Best, Barry

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woody

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Hi Woody,

What a surprise!  About to retire, or at least take on something new/different.

All I can say is “thanks”, and I hope you enjoy whatever the future holds.

It’s a long time since I started ‘following’ you, with WOW in 1996, then WOWMM in 2000, and various “things” since then.

Hopefully you’ve had as much enjoyment writing as I’ve had reading.

Cheers,

AusJohn

(Also from Australia)

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rc primak, woody

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Woody,

May you have a VERY happy retirement ! ! ! You have more than earned it! ! ! In your future travels, ou are more than welcome here at the Homestead in Missouri. Please look us up if you are in the area.

Dave

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woody

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Woody, Enjoy your Family, Retirement and your Extended Family, in that Order.

I wish you Only the Best

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woody

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Thank you, Woody, for all the information and wise advice you have given us over the years, particularly with reference to Windows patching. Enjoy your retirement – your expected further occasional contributions will always be read with interest.

Win10 22H2 Pro, MBAM Premium, Firefox, OpenOffice, Sumatra PDF.

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woody

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Thanks for your work Woody – all the best. And welcome to Susan, I’m eager to read new storys (as it was in the past the case).

See also PSA: A new head at askwoody.com a

Ex Microsoft Windows (Insider) MVP, Microsoft Answers Community Moderator, Blogger, Book author

https://www.borncity.com/win/

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jburk07, woody

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Woody – I can’t see it elsewhere, so I shall mention the serious shifting that you did on converting and importing the Windows Secrets archive to AskWoody.  Unseen, but far from insignificant.

Thank you, and enjoy the fish!

Dell E5570 Latitude, Intel Core i5 6440@2.60 GHz, 8.00 GB - Win 10 Pro

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jburk07, rc primak, Wheel_D, woody

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Thanks for everything, Woody. Much respect.

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woody

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Retiring? Say It Ain’t So, Woody! Wait… you said it Is So. As Emily Latella would say… “Never mind!” Enjoy, O Webmaster Emeritus… we’re in Good Hands with the Patch Lady. Susan & all your Bosses will take it from here. Enjoy Phuket, or wherever you’ll be in Thailand. It’ll just feel Strange to go to AskWoody.com… & No Longer be able to Ask Woody. Don’t be a stranger… Talk to us when you have something to say. Well… bye.

Bought a refurbished Windows 10 64-bit, currently updated to 22H2. Have broke the AC adapter cord going to the 8.1 machine, but before that, coaxed it into charging. Need to buy new adapter if wish to continue using it.
Wild Bill Rides Again...

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Steve, Myst, woody

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Really sorry to see you go Woody.  Always bought the Dummies book as soon as a bought a computer with a new operating system and the info on the website has saved my computer and my sanity !

Enjoy your retirement – you’ve certainly earned it.

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woody

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Thank you for all your help navigating us through Windows over the years.

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woody

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Woody Leonhard best wishes in new endeavors. Happy for you, but you will be missed.

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woody

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Will Susan be in charge of the MS-DEFCON system as well?

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woody

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Yep.

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Endora, rc primak

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IMO Susan has been far more hasty than you to pull the trigger on updates. She’s often more verbose and less clear to this idiot as well . Is there a vaccine for this? 😉

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Cybertooth

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Susan has been more business orientated in pulling the trigger, which is probably where the confusion arose.
Susan will now encompass homeusers as well (just as Woody did – so no change to MS-DEFCON system framework)

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created IT- AE

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SueW, rc primak

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I promise to make sure it’s clear when to patch and not patch.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

8 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Travasaurus, Endora, Steve, CADesertRat, Microfix, rc primak, IreneLinda

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Susan

Instead of buying a dictionary think about buying WordPerfect office and its Oxford Concise Dictionary plug-in.

The plug-in contains thousands of words, hundreds of phrases, as well as a huge selection of scientific and specialist words.

My practice, in preparing client related documents and presentations, is to first compose the text using MS Word and then use Word’s review feature to make a first round of corrections/edits.

I then cut and paste the text into WordPerfect and run its grammar checker. I can also look up words in the Oxford Dictionary. The WordPerfect review is more comprehensive than that available in MS Word. After the final draft is complete in WordPerfect it is sent to our editor before release to clients.

I would use WordPerfect full-time but it is not compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking. I am afraid that I have all but given up using a keyboard and simply dictate into a microphone when preparing documents and presentations.

I am not so careful when writing for ask Woody.

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I greet the news with mixed emotions. Being retired myself, I know what great fun that can be, but your weekly advice and wisdom on things Windows will be sorely missed. “Our association” goes back to Mom and Enveloper, and even before. I remember when your software contributions were distributed from a residence in Des Peres, MO, just a half-mile from mine.

Best Wishes!

– Ax Kramer

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woody

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Now that goes waaaaaaaaay back.

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Retirement!? You will still be doing the same stuff, but with more time in between and no deadlines – you can enjoy the sound of them as they go whooshing past.

cheers, Paul

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woody, IreneLinda

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Have a great retirement, Woody!

Enjoy life outside of IT 🙂

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woody

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Your legacy will still be there! Thank you for all your effort and enjoy your well deserved retirement.

Dell Latitude 3420, Intel Core i7 @ 2.8 GHz, 16GB RAM, W10 22H2 Enterprise

HAL3000, AMD Athlon 200GE @ 3,4 GHz, 8GB RAM, Fedora 29

PRUSA i3 MK3S+

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woody, SueW, Microfix, Myst

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[Wayne]

My oldest archived Woody item in my Pegasus email client is:

Woody’s WINDOWS Watch
Woody Leonhard has some Windows time saving tips    …
23 September 2003 – Vol 6 No. 20

I hope you will see AskWoody as the old chat buddy you scribble notes and rants to on occasion and regale us here with occasional tales of beach combing, family fun, and the odd lesson you learn about life beyond computers. Enjoy!

 

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Wayne.

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woody

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I wish you all the very best, good health and a happy and peaceful retirement. Somehow I can’t see you putting your feet up and doing nothing.  I live, and have lived for many years in Sukhumvit Soi 18. It would be a thrill to meet you and say a big thank you for all your guideance over the years.               Khor sadaeng kwarm yin dee.  Khop khun khrap – Chris R.

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woody

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Soi 18? We quarantined in Ratchadamri!

We’re in Sri Racha now…

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Woody, I can’t thank you enough for all of the assistance and insight I have gained by coming to your site. Your help, and that of others on this site, has raised my level of computer consciousness significantly over the past few years. You couldn’t have picked a better successor to head the pack.

If you enjoy your retirement half as much as I do mine you will find yourself a less stressed lifestyle that you never imagined existed. Stay safe.

Peace,

CAS

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jburk07, woody, rc primak

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Woody –

WOW!    (Which, as you must know, has a unique and special second meaning for so many millions of us around the world.)

I didn’t see this coming so soon although maybe I should have. 2020 has been an exceptionally challenging year in so many ways, most of them unpleasant and sad. I’m pretty sure this falls in the sad column for all of us here.

But for sure we also are happy for you and so grateful for all you have done for so long – your hard work and your sacrifices we don’t even know about – to keep us all afloat right side up in this world of Windows (and personal computers in general).

28 years is a long time, and I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t have ‘Woody by my side’ in some form or another as I navigated my way through the world of Windows, both at home and at work. AskWoody, Windows Secrets, Woody on Windows, etc., literally have been as much a part of my life as my daily morning coffee routine where I pulled up your site, wherever you happened to be at the time, to check in.

Thanks for arranging to leave us in the capable hands of Susan Bradley, The Patch Lady, and the many other fine and talented folks who support the AskWoody site and community forums.

Best of luck with your medical concerns, your family obligations, and the pursuit of your screaming desire to turn your attention to interests outside the computer industry (any hints about that???).

May you have many more healthy and happy years ahead of you to relax and enjoy the fruits of your many years of hard work.

Now I will return to my coffee and to navigating through AskWoody, with a bit of a lump in my throat, to see what else is new today.

Thanks, and Congratulations on your retirement!

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woody

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I am very happy that Susan will be taking this over.  Having had the very occasional interaction with her over a long time (SBSDiva, Small Business Susan, Windows Secrets, etc.) I know this site will be in the most capable of hands. Susan, I look forward to your additional work on the site.

That doesn’t mean, however, that I won’t miss your presence, Woody.  My interactions with you have been great as well, and both you and Susan have served to make this site experience positive, with the result that I subscribe for patching information alone (not including the bonus of additional information).

You will be missed.  As someone who has recently lost a spouse, I understand the health issues thing more than many, I believe, and I hope you take care of yourself and your family.  I also hope you won’t be a stranger, and you’ll check in with us.

Best wishes.

We are SysAdmins.
We walk in the wiring closets no others will enter.
We stand on the bridge, and no malware may pass.
We engage in support, we do not retreat.
We live for the LAN.
We die for the LAN.

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Endora, Steve, woody

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Your wild child is all grown up now – into a responsible adult.
I pray Susan, Fred, and the gang emulate your passion and understand the magnitude of thier undertaking. Will they allow an era to pass?
Mostly, I pray your medical concerns become easily manageable, and that you and your family enjoy quality of life for all your days.
I challenge you to live one day a week – transistor free.
I challenge you to attack your bucket list with the same passion invoked when seeing a re-re-re-released botched patch – get it fixed, and get it fixed now!
For a dozen years, you and your work, have been one of my passions. Welcome to MY bucket list.
Good Luck, and Godspeed!

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woody, rc primak

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[JohnW]

Live long and prosper!!! 🙂

\V/,

Windows 10 Pro 22H2

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by JohnW.

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woody

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Well as a long time Neophyte in computer stuff this has been my go to place  Have learned and relearned a lot.  Maybe the site will be easier on the eyes with picture of Woody limited in use going forward LOL

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woody

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Retiring? You don’t look that old
😉

Thanks for a zillion things and all the best to you and yours, Woody!

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dearnold, woody, Wheel_D

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In quarantine with Andy and a special sticky rice and mango cake.

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jburk07, Travasaurus, RockE, SueW, Elly, bassmanzam, Cybertooth, Myst

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My goodness, what a surprise when I got up this morning and checked the site on my phone for any overnight developments! What can I possibly say except “Thank you” and “Good luck” – twice over.

First, thank you Woody for such a lifetime (I’m sure that’s what it feels like to you) of support to so many, and good luck in your retirement.

Second, thank you Susan for taking on the mantle, and good luck in doing so. Those sentiments extend to the support team too.

It seems a very strange thing to say over something like a technical website, but I really feel quite emotional about this announcement, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in that. It feels like we’ve lost an honorary and kindly uncle who’s been watching over this family of computer users all these years. Retirement is certainly earned, Woody, and I wish you all the very best in health and happiness as you move forward with a different part of your life.

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jburk07, woody, Myst, Microfix, Cybertooth, maisy2, opti1

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I feel like I’m not just losing a valuable computer resource who’s been at my side for decades, I’m also losing a friend. We all work hard to get to retirement but it is still a huge change when we finally arrive. I know you’ll enjoy yours and eagerly look forward to those days when you can’t resist visiting us again and sharing more wisdom or simply reporting on how you’re living large in a non-work environment. Thanks for all the magnificent advice and guidance over the past 28 years. None of us would be where we are without you guiding the ship. Best of luck in your new life chapter and thanks for everything, my friend!

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woody, Microfix, Myst

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Woody – thank you for all the good stuff over the years.  You brought a level of comfort to all of us who have and still are battling various Windows weirdness happenings.  Welcome to the ranks of the retired!!!

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woody

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We asked… And Woody answered!

Microsoft brought entropy… And Woody fought it!

Hope you have fun and plenty of time to enjoy things that are actually fun in your retirement, Woody!

-Noel

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jburk07, woody, LoneWolf, Microfix, Myst

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As a long time retiree due to health problems myself, I hope your health concerns aren’t serious in nature. I’m sad to see you go but happy to hear that your doing what you feel is the right thing to do.

Thank you for the time, dedication, and just plain “helpfulness” over the many years Woody. You will be missed for sure.

I’m sure that Susan will do well as Da Boss, as I have been taking her advice for many years also, first with WS and now here. The one big difference will be the “Phraseology” of your columns LOL. Enjoy your retirement 🙂

Don't take yourself so seriously, no one else does 🙂
All W10 Pro at 22H2,(2 Desktops, 1 Laptop).

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KP, woody

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I was thinking the same thing.  No one else writes like Woody.   I need to buy a dictionary for sure 🙂

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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LoneWolf, Bob Hood, Kirsty, rc primak, CADesertRat

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You can always ask Yoda for a bit of wisdom.

And Woody enjoy your time as a retiree Thailand seems to be a wonderful place to do so.

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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woody

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Not to mention a new Thesaurus!

-- rc primak

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Kirsty

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[The Surfing Pensioner]

But Woody would need to write the dictionary! Perhaps an occupation for his retirement? We can’t let him fade away into the sunset.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by The Surfing Pensioner.

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jburk07

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Susan Bradley wrote:

I was thinking the same thing. No one else writes like Woody.

Write like yourself. The torch has been passed.

On permanent hiatus {with backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender
offline▸ Acer TravelMate P215-52 RAM8GB Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1265 x64 i5-10210U SSD Firefox106.0 MicrosoftDefender
online▸ Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1992 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox116.0b3 MicrosoftDefender

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jburk07, woody

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Many Thanks & you’re welcome f0r the fish! flyr956, Laguna Vista, TX

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woody

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Just want to join in wishing you well and thanking you for all the advice and handholding over the years. Have followed you, and of course Susan, for many years now. Retirement’s fun once you get the hang of it.

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woody

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The only thing constant in life is change.  Nonetheless, as happy as I am for you, Woody, I was truly saddened by the news.  You taught me so much, both through AskWoody and the dummies books.  Getting used to you not being at the helm will not be easy, but I will always be grateful for your guidance.

I wish you and yours the very best.  You deserve a great retirement!

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woody

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Opportunity comes disguised as change. Good luck to you in your current and future endeavors.

On permanent hiatus {with backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender
offline▸ Acer TravelMate P215-52 RAM8GB Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1265 x64 i5-10210U SSD Firefox106.0 MicrosoftDefender
online▸ Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1992 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox116.0b3 MicrosoftDefender

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Microfix

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[JCpharm]

Thank you Woody for you and your expert team of professionals always updated advise and recommendations for keeping W10 OS running as smooth as one’s own set up will allow. I look forward to supporting the new leadership and plan to become a Plus member as well. Enjoy your much deserved retirement.  Kind regards.

Win10 Pro

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by JCpharm.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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This message has prompted my first post at AskWoody!

Thank you for the years of really useful, actionable advise as well as just plain entertaining tech reading. I have been following your writing for at least 15 years.

Enjoy spending time on all things non-computer, there are so many interesting things in the world.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for your cameo appearances here at AskWoody 🙂

Windows 10 LTSC 2021 + Google Docs + Firefox

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Happy Retirement, Woody! Thailand sounds like a wonderful place to rest & renew. Enjoy the time with your family and stay safe.

Thank you for your Dummies books and AskWoody. They have helped this novice feel more competent in a technological world.

All the best to you & your family.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Dang Woody!

Retirement is something some of us do everything to accelerate for ourselves, but expect those we depend on to not even think about:  our trusted doctor, our reliable mechanic, our intrepid tech gadfly with a jocular writing style that cracked me up more times than I can remember!

You were sneaky but wise to abscond this way, rather than submit a formal request to the community beforehand.  It would have been roundly rejected and denied, proving once again that it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission!

Now you have an opportunity, like Picard, to gradually reverse whatever Borg alterations were forced on you as you strove to navigate through the muck, always aiming for the light.

Though a relative late-comer to this scene, I saw its value immediately, and have benefited greatly.  Thanks for the insights and the laughs, and may the wind always be at your back.

NR

4 users thanked author for this post.

Steve, woody, Cleotus Bartholomew, wavy

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Woody, I have read your newsletters and columns for a long time now, but I had never replied or posted a comment. Like many others, I’m sure, I silently benefitted from your knowledge and willingness to share it. But I don’t want to lose the chance to say an overdue thank you, so THANK YOU for your years of contributions to the IT community. You will be missed, but I am happy that you’ll be able to take care of yourself and enjoy your family and other interests.

And I think you’ve chosen the perfect successor as I have also followed Susan Bradley’s writing for a long time now and refer to her Master Patch List monthly. I’ll continue to look forward to reading AskWoody, and I hope you keep your promise to check in occasionally as well.

Good luck and happy retirement!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Have a great retirement Woody. Thank you so much for all you’ve done over the years.

Keep safe and have fun

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Wow, 2020 just keeps on giving! It’s not going to be the same without you. Often you were the lone voice of sanity in the Windows wilderness. It’s what makes this site different from the rest.

Best of luck in your new life, Woody, though I hope you won’t necessarily keep your appearances infrequent or strictly related to non-tech stuff. Tech stuff gets in your blood, you know… I mean, I don’t run the site, and I post here all the time!

Dell XPS 13/9310, i5-1135G7/16GB, KDE Neon
XPG Xenia 15, i7-9750H/16GB & GTX1660ti, KDE Neon
Acer Swift Go 14, i5-1335U/16GB, KDE Neon (and Win 11 for maintenance)

4 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, woody, OscarCP, Myst

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[PKCano]

I’ve been reading you since the days of WOPR and Pinecliffe International when you lived “on top of a mountain in Coal Creek Canyon, Colorado.”  Way back when. As a new/returning resident of Colorado I wondered if I would run into you someday. Now that seems increasingly unlikely 🙂
Be well!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by PKCano.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by patrickherbert. Reason: ABE: always be editing
• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by patrickherbert.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Oh, I’ll get back to Colorado one of these days….

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Thanks so much Woody!  So much to say, but it has pretty much all been said by others.  Godspeed in your new endeavors wherever you may be.  Not sure, but I think the weather is a lot better in Thailand than it is in the U.S.  Hopefully things will get worked out here for the better and you will maybe want to return.  Good luck!

Being 20 something in the 70's was much more fun than being 70 something in the 20's.

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, rc primak

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Enjoy your retirement and thanks for everything over the years.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Mere thanks are not adequate to express the appreciation for your years of tireless advice.
May you enjoy all the best features of “retirement!”

 

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Myst

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Enjoy your retirement from IT, Woody, Thailand is a lovely country and friendly. You and the crew have helped this family keep out of trouble with Windows, however hard they try.

Regards, Rex

Win10 Pro 20H2,backups with Macrium Reflect home edition

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you and best wishes!

Never Say Never

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Congratulations on your retirement. And may you be as successful facing any new challenges that may arise in your life as you have been successful in helping all of us navigate through the many issues that have arisen in Windows through the years. And thank you for leaving all of us in the capable hands of Susan!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Congratulations Woody and all the best to you & your family as you embark on this new chapter in your life!  I’ve been retired since Dec. 2017, wasn’t my choice, but it’s been great!!  I once asked a retired friend how he was handling retirement and his response was, “What used to take one hour now takes 3!!! : )”  I’ve found that to be somewhat true.  Hopefully, you will find yourself more productive  – I haven’t been totally UNproductive, just been producing/doing different things than when I was working.

Congratulations to Susan! Looking forward to the same level of quality advice and assistance that this forum has always provided.  My thanks to everyone, this is truly a wonderful community of support.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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[IreneLinda]

Ask Woody will always be Ask Woody for me. For years and years I’ve responded to every technical issue that popped up with “I’ll ask Woody.” Your Lounge and your Windows books have been life savers for me, the non-technically skilled go-to technical person on our small business!

Thank you for being there for all of us for so long. Susan will be a more than able leader, but I’ll miss you. So glad you’ll be popping in now and again.

Enjoy your well earned retirement and stay well.

Your grateful fan,

Linda

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by IreneLinda.

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Cleotus Bartholomew

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I found the AskWoody site back in 2016 and have never needed another computer website since. Truly a unique site and the best one.

May the wind be always at your back, Woody.

6 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Steve, woody, SueW, Microfix, Myst

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Thanks for all your comments over the years. Whenever your name popped up on any comment, I always paused to read it thoroughly. I was never disappointed. Your accomplishments will cause your name to always be remembered. One of the true gurus writers of the internet. Best wishes in your retirement.

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Myst

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As long as the AskWoody site remains and still offers good and timely advice on Windows and other tech stuff, I guess we can let you go, Woody!

Susan has things well in hand, I’m sure, and her guidance and advice will be very useful I’m sure.

Farewell, Woody! Good luck and Godspeed!

-- rc primak

4 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Steve, woody, clutz

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Woody,

If you got a gold watch (maybe it is smart watch these days!) on your retirement, how useful would that be? Considering one does not need a watch when one retires, it seems an odd gift to give a retiree. I got a telescope when I retired and I stargaze a lot more these days than I ever did.

The responses in this thread is your retirement gift from us. The gift of love and respect. That is the ultimate gift of all.

Thank you.

Loki

4 users thanked author for this post.

Steve, woody, clutz, F A Kramer

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Your steady presence will be missed – Have a great retirement!

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, clutz

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Just adding another thanks – a simply huge contribution. I’ve enjoyed it, and you’ve had your fun as well. It oldens me as well – Best Wishes and many thanks from The Land Down Under.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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I don’t know what to say.  Some things are just not supposed to end.  In one sense it makes me sad – like the end of an era.  In another, it makes me happy to see you move on to a new phase in your life.  Please encourage Susan (a very, very capable lady I might add) not to get too technical .  There are still plenty of us “out there” who struggle with all of the technical jargon.  We need to know not only what to do but HOW to do it.  Simple folks we are.

Enjoy your well deserved retirement.  Thanks for everything and you will be missed.  Some things just cannot be replaced.

Bobby

 

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Ascaris

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AskWoody has been my “go-to” site for all things technical (and some not!). It all started on May 15, 2015 — my first visit: as a result, Windows 10 never made it onto my computer. And from then on, I’ve checked in once a day, making sure I was up-to-date on all topics of interest.

Woody, my best wishes on your retirement. You’re leaving us in good hands with Susan . . . the tradition continues!

Win 7 SP1 Home Premium 64-bit; Office 2010; Group B (SaS); Former 'Tech Weenie'

5 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Steve, woody, Myst, Microfix

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Woody, I must join in on the many, many sentiments and well wishes expressed so eloquently already by all the posters above. As for myself, I consider myself very fortunate, indeed, in finding AskWoody.com.  It brought much-needed sanity to this Windows as a Service madness we have found ourselves having to endure; past, present, and for the foreseeable future. We all know that you leave us in the most capable hands with Susan leading this group of very knowledgeable and helpful folks, as well as we “beginners”. Good wishes and prayers to you and yours in your “retirement”. Enjoy! You’ve earned it.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Woody, I remember when you were just a little 1.24 pounds softback book “The Underground Guide to Word for Windows”.
We met at the local public library, when I met you in a book shop, I convinced the store owner to let you come back to my place to sit in my small but sturdy “computer texts shelf” of the bookcase.
Right next to my desk.

Then you grew to be an online resource, and you and your friends dragged me kicking and screaming into the New Way Of Doing Things.

No regrets!

To the best of my knowledge you have never visited the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula.

You know where to find me, but I have to warn you it is home-baked bread, home-bottled fruits, and tasty rabbit and (sometimes) moose stew.

I have already turned up the heater in the guest room.
Cheers
Chris

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Drewster

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Woody,

So sorry to see you go.  You have been a guiding light for my entire computer life.

Very best wishes for your retirement.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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I became familiar with “Ask Woody” a few years ago when I purchased a new computer with Windows 7. Since then, visiting the site has become part of my daily computer routine, as I continue to learn from the plethora of experts on how to maneuver the ever changing Windows platform. As a result of receiving advice from the site, I confidently used the online tool to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. I was so proud I did it myself.

Thanks, Woody. You have enabled countless individuals to become confident in their computer skills. This fan from Western New York salutes you.

All the best for a happy and healthy retirement.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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I join my voice to everyone else for a great retirement. Good things have to end one day or another!  I thank you to bring me to think differently about Windows OS. To questioning myself when it comes to updates. To pause them, to stay informed about issues they can bring. You saved me from a lot of trouble, as I am not so IT…  I’m sure Mrs Bradley will guide us in those Windows journeys… And all other staff who participate to keep those boards so polished. You will be missed, of course, but the site will continue! That is good news!

Thanks Mr. Leonard for your dedication over the years. Enjoy your time with family, friends, Discover the world! Salutations from Quebec Canada. Being a bit active on english sites, like yours,  helped me a lot to be familiar with english language. I hope my sentences make sense!

Thumbs up to you Woody!

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woody

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Was quite a shock to read this this morning but of course one’s health and family do come first so i wish you all the best in your retirement. This has been my go to place daily for a few years now ever since Microsoft really dropped the ball with their update strategy and i love that you saw through the corporate fluff pieces when many sites swallowed it hook, line and sinker so i do hope that continues. I know the place is in good hands but i also hope that the diminishing but still large Win7 userbase still has a place here.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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NOOOOOOOOOOOO!! Come back, Woody!! Didn’t you hear? You didn’t have to leave the country!!
<grin>

Well, seriously …….
Welcome to the world of retirement. And thank you for all the help and all the tips and the lessons and the info over the years. You and your website have been (and I’m sure, with Susan at the helm, will continue to be) an oasis.

When I left the corporate world many years ago, I included in my farewell email a quote from a book by Ram Dass. I’d like to share it with you.

“In India, when we meet and part we often say, ‘Namaste,’ which means I honor that place in you where the entire universe resides, I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace. I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.”

Health and the best of fortune to you and your family, Woody.
Namaste.

3 users thanked author for this post.

woody, wavy, Myst

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Woody:  I’ve relied on your site for over 8 years and found it to be  to be the most useful and easy to understand Windows site around.  As a definite non-techie, you and your staff have saved me from my own naivety on a few occassions!

All the best and enjoy your retirement.

GeoffB

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you Woody for everything!

You’ve left the ship in good hands.

Enjoy your retirement….You’ve earned it!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Just tell me PK Cano is still onboard.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Myst, Cybertooth

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And the beat goes on……….

15 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, L95, Steve, woody, Cijan, OscarCP, Mr. Natural, bassmanzam, jackslate, snalmond, SueW, CADesertRat, opti1, Cee Arr, Myst

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Absolutely! It wouldn’t be the same without PK….

1 user thanked author for this post.

Myst

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I remember walking 5 miles uphill in heavy snow to the local software store to check out all the cool stuff on floppy disk. Rows and rows of software in boxes. I always kept seeing these awesome books from Woody which we all have copies of in some form.

Susan Bradley is/has been without a doubt the person that I have respected and looked first for up to date I.T. information during my career.

Red Ruffnsore

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thanks for everything you’ve shared out to Windows users, Woody.  Back at the beginning with WordBasic, it was clear that you were an exceptional talent and valuable advocate for tech consumers, and the years since then prove it — good job !

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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You will be missed but it will be left in very capable hands.
I hope you enjoyed the repatriation back to Thailand as much as my Thai wife and I did. NOT.

John
Somewhere in Issan

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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So far I’m enjoying the repatriation thoroughly. I miss reliable internet, but you can’t have everything, eh?

Not sure where we’ll end up settling for the next six months or so, then we’ll be back in the US.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Myst

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So long, and thanks…

Good luck!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you for your many years of work helping the community!  Enjoy your retirement!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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I have been following you, and buying your books, since the days of Windows 3.11 and Word 6. You have taught me an immense amount, and helped me out of innumerable scrapes. Very many thanks and enjoy your well deserved retirement.

Chris

Chris
Win 10 Pro x64 Group A

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Best of luck in all your new endeavors, Woody, and welcome to your new position, Susan. I am sure you will do as great a job as you have been doing with your columns during the last… well, I don’t remember how many years ago I started reading you 🙂

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you, Woody. Take care of your health and family and enjoy your retirement. Hope to see you back here from time to time. 🙂

And welcome to your new position, Susan. Keep up the good work. 🙂

César

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Dear Woody,

I am a long-time reader since 1986. You and your articles and books have saved me countless times over the years. I have thanked God numerous times for your help. Have a great retirement. Get your health issues fixed. Enjoy your vacation.

Charles Hillenbrand, M.D.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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? says:

Dear Woody,

Thank you for keeping ’em honest in Redmond and so much more over the years. Thank you for making a comfortable home for anyone who happened to drop by. We will all miss you…

K̄hxbkhuṇ!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thanks for the year of good info about computers and Windows.  Have a safe and happy retirement.  Your input will definitely be missed.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you, Woody.

I could write so many more words…but will just leave it at that: Thank you, from the heart of this grateful Plus member.

(And thank you, Susan, for taking up the reins. Grateful for you too!)

---
Home machines: Windows 10 Pro (21H2), Windows 7 Home (Group B)
Work machines: Windows 10 Enterprise (21H2)

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Woody –

You deserve a break after all these years in the Windows universe.  Thanks for all the help and Susan will do a great job with her new responsibilities!

–  Jack in Minnesota

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Wishing you all the best in a very well deserved retirement. Help you have provided and knowledge you have shared over the years has been greatly appreciated, and your writing style will definitely be missed. Thank you Woody!

Congratulations and a warm welcome to the more than capable Susan in her new role at the helm.

 

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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As someone commented, 2020 keeps on giving. I wonder when this horrible year will end.

Jokes aside, I only have to thank you for all the hard work you and your fellas have done and also have been doing during all this years. I’ve been following this site since around 2016~2017 (I don’t remember the exact year) which has been very helpful to me thanks to its Defcon system and some hints and tricks I’ve learned here.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your retirement and have a good luck out there. Cheers from Brazil.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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…as a wise woman once sang:

You don’t know what you’ve got until its gone.

Thank you.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Travasaurus, woody

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It was this website and your vision that made me decide to say farewell to Windows years ago. Didn’t regret it. Learned that there are perfectly working alternatives. And now, when there is huge shift to online apps going on, the role of any OS will diminish. You saved me many sleepless and stressful nights when yet another Windows 10 crash – mainly after unwanted updates – wrecked havoc. Thanks for opening my and many other people’s eyes. Enjoy your pension, #jealous. Still many, many years ahead for reaching that privilege. If ever, nowadays.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Enjoy your retirement! Come back as often as you want to contribute to the site. Looking forward to seeing Susan at the wheel to see where AskWoody goes next. Glad to be a regular contributor here and help the Apple/Mac folks get the most out of their Apple products.

Nathan Parker

4 users thanked author for this post.

Travasaurus, woody, SueW, Myst

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I still have my copy of “Hacker’s Guide to Word for Windows!” (Been reading you for a while)

Best wishes to  you and yours, enjoy life before time gets away!

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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[tcc089]

You will be missed @Woody !  But I’m very confident that Susan (@sb) will be (already is) a great leader.

All my best wishes for your retirement – “live long and prosper”!

Tony.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by tcc089.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Dear Woody,

Thank you for being a reasonable dissenting voice to the many too positive presentations of Windows 10 and WaaS as an exciting idea. It was good to have a voice for calling things what they are, without going down into the naive Windows bashing either. You have been great at that and those shoes will be hard to fill.

I especially enjoy the pace at which you green lighted a version of Windows. I think you are extremely good at determining when a certain Windows version is now good enough.

You, along with your fabulous team of MVPs, have helped so many people navigate the troubling waters we are in and did so with such a remarkable ability to allow everyone to chime in, including anonymous voices, for free, while keeping the discussion civil.

I appreciate that although you didn’t share the same privacy concerns as many others and that you are a Chromebook user, you always understood and respected that others felt differently and always took their concerns into account.

You were also able to attract so many smart people and experts to contribute. I hope this legacy will continue.

I wish good luck to Susan, whom I have a lot of respect for. Her style is different. I appreciate her more careful stance on security. I find her sometimes a bit too forgiving toward Microsoft, but I am sure others will be happy to add to the discussion if we feel they get a pass too easily. I like that she tries to change things from the inside too and keep a positive view on things. We all need to do our best with what is laid out on the plate.

So, thank you Woody for everything you did. I wish you a great retirement and I hope that even if you are not part of the day to day, you will feel the desire to come back regularly to give us your opinion, like when you move your production machine to a certain version, if you still use one.

6 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Steve, woody, WSDTM, Cybertooth, SueW

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Best of luck in retirement Woody.  Thank you for the many years of advice and humor, have always enjoyed your articles and take on all things Microsoft!

2 users thanked author for this post.

woody, Cybertooth

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Woody, thank you for all your hard work on our behalf. Wishing you a long run of happiness to follow. I know the site will be in good hands with Susan at the helm.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Congratulations,

We will miss you but happy for your retirement.  We know you left us in good hands.

Thank you for your great information, for some of us novices!!

Good Luck

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Enjoy your well-earned retirement, Woody, and thanks for your personal help with my account.

Susan, welcome to the chair. I’ve been following your advice since Windows Secrets days.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Woody:

Thanks so much for your informative insights into the “good, bad, and ugly” associated with MS Windows and other topics.  You will clearly be missed!  Best wishes to you and your family, and avoid Thai mosquitoes at all costs (I speak from experience–not just malaria, but dengue fever, etc.)

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Thank you Woody for all you have done for all of us.  I’m another one who was mostly in the background reading and learning.  I have been reading since I found Windows Secrets when I got my first computer running Windows 95.  I learned a lot and I’m grateful for all the contributors.  Like others have said, I will miss your “turn of phrase”.  It so often made me laugh. Best wishes to you and your family.  Good health and much happiness.

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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I feel like I’m showing up late to your retirement party, Woody, and there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said.  I will say this though…

I stumbled on this site as I was tearing my hair out with a Windows 10 issue that I’d had no luck solving despite many attempts at using fixes found on other sites.   My Dell laptop was on it’s way out the nearest Window (pun intended) until the solutions found here, and the advice given saved it (and me from becoming bald)!

I didn’t catch on right away, that you, Woody, were one-and-the-same as the great Windows book author that I had relied on for past versions!  What a career of helping others – simply can’t be matched!

You will be missed, and as others have said we look forward to further humorous posts periodically.  We know you don’t have to worry about the future of this site, as it is in good hands with Susan, PKCano and all the other experts that continually bail us out of trouble!

All the best to you – stay safe and well, and enjoy your retirement!

2 users thanked author for this post.

Steve, woody

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All the best for your retirement Woody and thanks for all your many years of expertise and wisdom you have contributed to the masses.

Just curious to see what the site will be called going forward, Askwoody.com or Asksusan.com

👍

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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It’s AskWoody… too many references to it from a gazillion sources to change the name.

6 users thanked author for this post.

jburk07, Travasaurus, SueW, Matador, Myst, Elly

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Not to mention asksusan is already parked and I never ever want to give money to anyone who just sits on a domain.  (I actually checked it out a year ago and figured out it was bought up already)

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

1 user thanked author for this post.

jburk07

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First, congratulations, Susan, on being the new Woody!

Next, I agree: buying up domains and sitting on them to make money strikes me a unethical if not dishonest. It’s certainly not community minded. I cannot understand why doing so is considered a legitimate business. Sigh.

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Woody, thank you very much for what you have done here.
I thought I was somewhat ‘intermediate‘ in my knowledge of Windows computing, but I learned valuable information on this World-Wide Web site (and forum).
Enjoy your retirement. As for me, I’m not done yet. 😉

Important links you can use, without the monetization pitch = https://pqrs-ltd.xyz/bookmark4.html

1 user thanked author for this post.

woody

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Dear Woody,
 
enjoy your retirement and may the years to come be full of happiness, good (or at least moderate) health and love. Thank you for steering us through Microsofts murky waters all these years!
 
~Annemarie
The Netherlands

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Dear Woody,

I’m late with responding because of some health issues that I have myself, but I still want to respond. Thank you for all you have done. I have discovered this website a couple of years ago when MS started to mess up the updates. First I read the articles in (then) InfoWorld and then I discovered AskWoody.

I appreciate all your efforts, to mention just a few: the MS-DEFCON system and bringing this website to a higher level. It has saved me from quite some problems!

As someone who knows how difficult it can be struggling with health issues I wish you all the best with your health. Above all I hope that your ventures outside of IT will bring you happiness. Even though I am not an IT professional, nowadays it just takes too much time IMO to manage everything, particularly because MS cannot be relied upon anumore as I could many years ago. I really understand your desire to do others things than IT.

I wish you a good retirement Woody! Thanks again for everything!

Pim – The Netherlands

ASRock Beebox J3160 - Win7 Ultimate x64
Asus VivoPC VC62B - Win7 Ultimate x64
Dell Latitude E6430 - Win7 Ultimate x64, Win10 Pro 22H2 x64 (multiboot)
Dell Latitude XT3 - Win7 Ultimate x86
Asus H170 Pro Gaming - Win10 Pro 22H2 x64

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Thanks for all your contributions Woody over the years. You have helped so many in the PC world by informing and educating. I wish you well in the future.

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Woody, leave it to you to point out I cudda voted for bacon.  Who knew!  Take care of your health and enjoy your retirement.  Hope we see you occasionally wandering about the lounge.

Best wishes

Win 10 home - 22H2
Attitude is a choice...Choose wisely

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Superlatives abound and there are too many to type them all here. Throughout the years I’ve gotten the idea that you must be a great guy to know (even though we’ve never met).
Thanks, Woody. Live long and prosper.

Image or Clone often! Backup, backup, backup, backup......
- - - - -
Home Built: Windows 10 Home 64-bit, AMD Athlon II X3 435 CPU, 16GB RAM, ASUSTeK M4A89GTD-PRO/USB3 (AM3) motherboard, 512GB SanDisk SSD, 3 TB WD HDD, 1024MB ATI AMD RADEON HD 6450 video, ASUS VE278 (1920x1080) display, ATAPI iHAS224 Optical Drive, integrated Realtek HD Audio

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Hi Woody

I just want to wish you good health and happiness in retirement.I am gratefull for the help that you gave me when I first subscribed many years ago!

Best wishes and keep safe

BarryG

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Woody:   I wish you the very best in your retirement,  and thank you so much for all your help to me and to other computer users.   I appreciate the generosity of your time in answering my questions over the past ten years,  and wish you could have continued on in the valuable service you’ve provided,  but I also know what it’s like to long for retirement.  Speaking as one of the “dummies” who have been helped greatly by your “Windows for Dummies” books and your website over many years,  thank you and happy retirement!

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All the way from little New Zealand with the greatest respect and appreciation to you good sir! Thank you very much for your help and support to my family and I over the years Woody, so many tasks I would never have considered if not for your excellent tutorials, guides, and team work, shucks I even feel a teeny bit wiser and confident to try anything suggested on this excellent website to regain momentum on our computers every time Microsoft enter our systems like gangsters to create mayhem!

Microsoft should be ever so grateful for your input and shout you a treat of your choice for all your input Woody.

Best wishes and good health in your retirement. I’ve only just made my pc image after all these years in prep for the inevitable change over to w10 (!)

You are a legend to say the least Woody, you’ve been the shining light in the darkest of tunnels keeping this household on track with our computing, and I am now confident I can keep up with ms platforms now that you’ve taught me enough to carry on. DEFCON forever and ever-absolutely well done Woody,  Cheers from NZ ; > )

If there is magic on this earth ... it's in the water.

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Cybertooth

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Thanks and good luck, Woody!  You’ll be missed, but Susan is a worthy successor and I’m glad she’s taking the reins.

i7-10700k - ASROCK Z590 Pro4 - 1TB 970 EVO Plus M.2 - DDR4 3200 x 32GB - GeForce RTX 3060 Ti FTW - Windows 10 Pro

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Thanks, Woody, for everything over the years. I can’t even remember exactly when I came across you and your colleagues – but it goes back to 1991 at least when I bailed out of corporate America and needed to become my own IT Dept. Your lounge forums and your books were invaluable as I navigated the not-so-wonderful world of Windows and PCs. I have no doubt that the new “Da Boss” will carry on in the fine tradition of irreverent and pithy information for the supplicants who worship at the altar of AskWoody.

All the best to you and your family as you start a new chapter; it’s exhilarating and you deserve all good things.

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On December 26, 2004, the Island of Phuket, Thailand was hit by a tsunami, as was Sri Lanka and Indonesia. 230,000 people died. A few days later, I saw a post by a Colorado Rotary Club that mention one of their former members, Woody Leonhard, had move to Phuket. I instantly recognized the name, as I had a library of his books. They gave me his email address. Soon he responded and described the devastation. He and his wife had a bakery up the hill from the beach and were OK.

I also found out a few days later, a friend of mine’s daughter and husband were honeymooning on Phuket and were in the lobby of a beach hotel checking mail, which delayed getting out to the beach, when they saw the massive wave coming up from the beach. They were next to the stairs and ran up a couple of floors. They were some of the lucky ones.

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Well, to say this came as a shock would be a bit of an understatement. As one who’s been a follower (and subscriber) since the earliest days of Brian Livingston (whom I haven’t seen around these-here parts for quite sometime now) I somehow never thought you’d “relinquish the helm” (or not this early, at any rate) but “A Man’s gotta do what a Man’s gotta do” I suppose. Besides your technical expertise you always had a very unique (and sardonically humorous) way with words (especially where Microsoft was concerned) which I doubt can be replaced here, per se. But carry on as you must, and by all means stay in touch with the great newsletter which will (I presume) always bear your name (or “eponymous factotum”, as you so cleverly put it). Good luck on your future endeavors, by all means…

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Woody,

My wife and I live in Malaysia and when I was having problems logging in to AskWoody, you and your associates solved my problem.  You said at the time how much you loved Thailand.  I would love to invite you and your family for a visit but things are much worse here than in Thailand.  I think that the pandemic is on its third wave now, and things are rather ugly with the Klang valley being under an enhanced movement control order.

We wish you and your family all the best and hope that retirement is everything that you dreamed of.

Steve and Ann,  Klang, Malaysia

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Did I ever tell you about how Woody saved me from myself at Y2K?

You see, I was a doomer. Remember? We had our polyannas and we had our doomers. Well, I was a doomer. And I figured if we were going to go through a mess like that, I wanted to be around people who knew how to survive (turns out we don’t up here, but that’s another story for another day). So Dec 5 ’99 I packed my stuff for the drive from Illinois to Alaska. I drove steady but I took my time a little bit, so I didn’t get here until the 15th (Fairbanks, where I remain to this day).

I visited with a friend for a week or so, and then determined to head up to Central (pop. approx. 18½). Even Fairbanks with her pop. 30,000 was too big for me.

So on the 31st, the big day, I rolled out of bed and started packing my bags to get ready to check out of the Hotel 8 I was holed up in. Figuring “What the heck,” I checked my email one last time. And there was our favorite newsletter, telling us that all was well in time zones that had already passed the mark.

I started checking on websites in locales around the world, and what did I discover—everything was fine! My goodness, what a relief. I wasn’t going to have to live on beetles and birch bark after all.

So naturally I unpacked, ordered a pizza, and laid down to watch TV and movies for the rest of the day.

Yes, Woody most definitely saved me from myself. For that alone, I appreciate him 🙂

 

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Woody, I couldn’t let this event pass without at least expressing my gratitude, as you helped us keep every version of Windows sparkling so we could see through the occasional dust and grime of it’s multiple iterations. All the best to you from a fellow retiree. Take it from a veteran, there’s nothing like it! Yeah, it might take maybe a day to adjust, but you’ll survive. 🙂

Thanks for all the fun and wisdom through the years.

Welcome to Susan at Editor, as well. I’m glad she accepted the position and know she’ll carry on in the best traditions of AskWoody and Windows Secrets.

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rdtroxel

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What a team Woody has assembled to carry on.  All seem like old friends!  Woody>>Best to you but Dang!

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Woody, congratulations on your retirement!  I’m not far behind!  I remember our fond exchanges while I was stationed in Korea testing something for Word original stuff back in the late eighties!  I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your contributions over the years.  I’ll be retiring in AZ in less than two years! Maybe then we can really meet!  Thanks for the memories!

John Collins

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I admit this was something of a surprise, visiting AskWoody, and seeing this. I’m saddened to see you go, Woody, but I certainly understand. (Your health and family are important elements, too, of course.)

Thank you for all your hard work over the years. You brought much-needed clarity to the process of patching our Windows machines, and I know that both my wife and I have benefited greatly from that — as well as from your advice on other aspects of the process.

I’m glad that we will still have this wonderful community to guide us, going forward, that you helped create.

I hope you enjoy your retirement, and your time with family. (And stay active! It’s good for you!)

Thanks Woody. And thank you Susan for taking the role!

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Thanks for all your work and best wishes in your retirement.

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Life is a series of changes and passages.  Some sweet and some bittersweet. This one is a little bittersweet for me but I trust it will be genuinely sweet for you and your family and close friends!

As a previous subscriber to Windows Secrets for many years before following you here, I’ve valued and trusted both you, Woody, and you, Susan. You’ve both been central in nurturing my understanding and skill set in ‘wrangling’ Windows over the years. 😉

Thanks to both of you and all the others who’ve contributed so much here.

Wishing you, Woody, the greatest of health and happiness in your new adventures! Skol!

Win10 Pro x64 22H2, Win10 Home 22H2, Linux Mint + a cat with 'tortitude'.

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As many others have said, you will definitely be missed. Also, as others have said, I hope you will make some “cameo appearances” from time to time. Thank you very much for all the advice you have given. Enjoy your retirement.

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Welcome, Susan and thank you to Woody for all the hard work you’ve done helping Windows users over all these years.

(Sorry I’m so late here, I’ve had to attend hospital 5 days a week since October 19th. Finished for now).

PC1: Gigabyte B560M D2V Motherboard, Intel i5 11400 CPU, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Graphics Card, 1x Samsung 870 EVO 250GB SSD, 1x Samsung 860 EVO 250GB SSD, Windows 10 Professional 22H2 64bit.
PC2: Asus H81M-PLUS Motherboard, Intel i3-4160 CPU, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Graphics Card, 1x Samsung 870 EVO 250GB SSD, 1x Samsung 860 EVO 250GB SSD, Windows 10 Home 22H2 64bit.

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geekdom

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