AskWoody turns 14 years old

Topic

New Reply

The world was a very different place on July 14, 2004 — the day I finally got the AskWoody.com site cranked up and working. After many years, first o
[See the full post at: AskWoody turns 14 years old]

Total of 32 users thanked author for this post. Here are last 20 listed.

Steve, AlexEiffel, deuce120, bjm, Ascaris, Chris B, AusJohn, abbodi86, Noel Carboni, Mele20, OscarCP, LH, SueW, BobbyB, JohnW, Kirsty, Elly, Fred, Jan K., HiFlyer

Reply | Quote

Replies

An absolute gem of a web-blog / forum..and long may it continue to prosper.

Congratulations AskWoody!

Windows - commercial by definition and now function...

5 users thanked author for this post.

Steve, AusJohn, Noel Carboni, Elly, woody

Reply | Quote

Can’t say it any better than that!

Take a bow, Woody.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni

Reply | Quote

+1!

2 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni

Reply | Quote

Hey Woody, it seems that we are the dinos of the IT circus (hope, the term works in English). I know the day of Compuserve, Mosaic browser (that’s before Netscape came out) and the ‘1st own homepage, brewed in plain HTML using Notepad from 1997’. I got my first domain borncity.de somewhere in 2000/2001 – the first blog was set up 2007. So I know your way.

Happy anniversary from the other side of the world :-).

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

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

11 users thanked author for this post.

Steve, AusJohn, Noel Carboni, SueW, Kirsty, Elly, Jan K., HiFlyer, woody, jburk07, Microfix

Reply | Quote

Many happy returns of the day! That is quite a feat…… not many in your genre!! LT.

“I used to think the years would go by in order, that you get older one year at a time … but it’s not like that. It happens overnight.” Haruki Murakami

9 users thanked author for this post.

AusJohn, Noel Carboni, SueW, Elly, Fred, HiFlyer, woody, jburk07, Microfix

Reply | Quote

I think I picked up Woody in the “Watch” days along with “Office Watch” and “Access Watch.” I followed through Windows Secrets, and commented on AskWoody several years before he rolled out the Lounge.

So here I am. It’s been fun. And the last few years have been a challenge for all of us thanks to Microsoft (or NO thanks). Thanks for keeping my brain alive in my retirement.

And Congratulations on another milestone.

9 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, AusJohn, Noel Carboni, SueW, Elly, Jan K., HiFlyer, woody, jburk07

Reply | Quote

Compuserve now that does take me back. In the UK we had Prestel as well which was a Viewdata system with the rather strange split bits per sec rate of 1200/75 (that was around early to mid 1980’s if memory serves)

Happy 14th hope there are many more to come

4 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, Elly, woody

Reply | Quote

Congratulations.  Many returns of  the day and thanks for all you do.

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Congratulations and Thank You! AskWoody has truly been an invaluable resource that I’ve used for 10-11 years now and I can’t even imagine having to go it alone all this time. LoL

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Do you have any screenshots of early versions of the site?

2 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, woody

Reply | Quote

Here’s an early shot.

First posted page – which wasn’t much! – is here.

4 users thanked author for this post.

Noel Carboni, SueW, Microfix, Elly

Reply | Quote

FOREVER YOUNG!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1TcDHrkQYg

back to fishing for better dreams

Reply | Quote

The site was good even from the start. Most sites like this seem to last about 5 years so very well done, not only for 14 years but for the great site that it is today!

1 user thanked author for this post.

Microfix

Reply | Quote

Woody,

CONGRATULATIONS ! ! ! ! May you have many more years of success. Many thanks for all the help you and others on this site have given me.

Dave

5 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, AusJohn, Noel Carboni, Elly, woody

Reply | Quote

14 years? That’s insane! Congratulations Woody and thank you for all the help you have given us!

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Congratulations and THANKS for the advice from Woody and all the dedicated people on this site. 🙂

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

5 users thanked author for this post.

Noel Carboni, Microfix, Elly, Jan K., woody

Reply | Quote

Well done!

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Woody

I have been a long time reader of Ask Woody.  I started after I bought my computer a few years ago and I bought your book on Windows 7 for dummies and found about the AskWoody  site.

Every morning I start my day with a cup of coffee and I log on to Ask Woody.

Keep up the great work you do and thanks for all the help you give us all.

Sam

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Most evenings I have a glass of red wine and log on to Ask Woody – much more enjoyable :)!

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

Dear Woody.Soon you will become of age, and besides you flying out then, I still hope y’ll be watching over. Hugs from Holland

* _ ... _ *

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni, woody

Reply | Quote

!! 🙂

Edit to insert attachment

4 users thanked author for this post.

Noel Carboni, Elly, woody, Microfix

Reply | Quote

It was in early 2015, after I purchased my current computer, and I was spending 3-4 hours each month trying to figure out what Microsoft’s monthly updates were supposed to do.  (Windows XP never presented that challenge.)

The push for GWX was heating up, and I found myself on AskWoody multiple times a month!  The rest is history: like @Sam above, I start each day with AskWoody, and it’s now a habit!

Mazel Tov, Woody, and here’s to another 14 years 🙂

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

3 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Kirsty, Noel Carboni

Reply | Quote

Many Happy Returns @woody !! 🙂 Got to confess your a better guy than I, A few Ice Cold “Singha’s, a great Tropical view on Koh Phuket, I would definitely be tempted to acquiesce rather than compose the first AskWoody. You however did not, truly dedicated to the cause, and for that I salute you. I haven’t been there since the early 90’s and it was way to much of an idyllic spot to be sat working on a Laptop or in one of those busy Internet cafe’s that were all the rage then. Dedication indeed 🙂

2 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, Noel Carboni

Reply | Quote

Yes, Congrats!!

Fx 52.9 ESR just told me you have an expired security cert…it expired just a few minutes ago.  I was here earlier today and no problems with the cert.  I restarted Fx a bit ago and this tab did not load due to this problem.

Vivaldi says the security cert expired yesterday rather than today…but whatever it needs your attention…the warning on Vivaldi is much stronger than on Fx 52.9 ESR and could scare some folks away.

4 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Microfix, Noel Carboni, Elly

Reply | Quote

Thanks for the heads up!

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

Reply | Quote

Yep, had to use I.E. to get on here – yuk!

Reply | Quote

Same here, on Pale Moon 27.9.3 64-bit (current version)

1 user thanked author for this post.

Elly

Reply | Quote

I think the birthday excitement was too much for the certificate. 😛

3 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Mele20, Elly

Reply | Quote

Ahh… the site just needs some attention… let’s see… kids always act up when they want something, especially 14 year olds… I’m sure Woody didn’t mean for this to happen… but a donation here or there sure wouldn’t hurt, and it would be a nice way to celebrate a birthday!

Just saying… (sorry Woody, if I’m being too bold…)

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

3 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Kirsty, Noel Carboni

Reply | Quote

Happy Birthday!

And Woody, thank you for doing such a fine job, making AskWoody such a good place to come to for information. I’m always happy to refer friends and family here, knowing they’ll get a warm and friendly response, and find what they need.

And thank you, too, for all your help through the years. Personally, I’ve learned a lot… and I’ve been able to keep my computers stable, and help others do the same. I recognize that I couldn’t have done it without you, and all the fine contributors here.

Big hug to all!

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

5 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Microfix, AusJohn, Noel Carboni, Mele20

Reply | Quote

Getting the old certificate on Chrome as well.  And I’m using Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.)

Honestly, this sort of thing is why I’m not a big fan of HTTPS rolling out everywhere.

Reply | Quote

Frustrating, but should be fixed soon.

Sometimes, when logged in all day, such a change might not be noticed!

Thank you for the report.

Non-techy Win 10 Pro and Linux Mint experimenter

Reply | Quote

Congrats!

…aaaaaand your certificate just expired.

-Noel

P.S., I see I’m not the first to report this.

Reply | Quote

Woody ya got a certificate problem.  Your https connection is showing as insecure in the browser.  This is what I get when trying to connect with both Firefox ESR (and it will not let me override period) and IE11, which will let me override)

“www.askwoody.com uses an invalid security certificate. The certificate expired on Saturday, July 14, 2018 3:48 PM. The current time is Saturday, July 14, 2018 6:38 PM.”

Viper

Reply | Quote

From a DOS dinosaur:  congrats on 14!

 

Now fix your newly expired SSL cert!  {grin}

~ Group "Weekend" ~

2 users thanked author for this post.

Microfix, BobbyB

Reply | Quote

Just like your Drivers License if you dont renew it expires on your Birthday lol 😉 and on your Birthday Saturday too when the DMV etc are closed 🙁

1 user thanked author for this post.

Cybertooth

Reply | Quote

Kudos and congratulations, Woody.

Using Windows would be a lot harder and more stressful without yours, Susan’s and all the other Ask Woody MVPs helpful advice..

Thank you, all.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Mele20, BobbyB

Reply | Quote

I was going to report the certificate error, but I see that several folks have done it already.

I could see no way to dismiss the warning in Pale Moon (a Firefox derivative) or in Brave (a Chrome derivative). Only that old, unloved Internet Explorer gave me a clear choice to risk entering Woody’s. (And some people wonder why I keep using IE.)

So, people — maybe a couple of you can step out of the anniversary party to take care of the fire raging out in the yard?   🙂

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

1 user thanked author for this post.

BobbyB

Reply | Quote

I assure you, Woody is on it. I suspect being the weekend may mean it takes a little longer to solve than it did last time 😉

Hang in there – all will be back to normal shortly!

2 users thanked author for this post.

Cybertooth, Elly

Reply | Quote

Cybertooth wrote:

I could see no way to dismiss the warning in Pale Moon (a Firefox derivative) or in Brave (a Chrome derivative).

In Firefox and derivatives, look inside the profile folder and find this file:

SiteSecurityServiceState.txt

Close the browser if it’s open, then edit that file with your favorite text editor, and look for askwoody.com in the listings (on the left side, not as part of firstPartyDomain=askwoody.com).  Delete the line, then save.

Restart the browser, then go to askwoody.com, and it should now allow you to set an exception.

The reason for this “we won’t let you make an exception” behavior is that the HSTS spec specifically says that there should be no option for the user to override the connection lockout (because everyone needs their decisions made for them and one size fits all, of course!), so every HSTS-compliant browser should behave in this way.

My thought is… well, let me turn off HSTS compliance then.  If HSTS compliance and me being able to decide such things for myself are mutually exclusive, then let me make my particular browser non-HSTS compliant for the site in question.  Proponents of HSTS would probably say that would defeat the purpose, to which I would reply, “Precisely!”

Dell XPS 13/9310, i5-1135G7/16GB, KDE Neon 6.2
XPG Xenia 15, i7-9750H/32GB & GTX1660ti, Kubuntu 24.04
Acer Swift Go 14, i5-1335U/16GB, Kubuntu 24.04 (and Win 11)

5 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Noel Carboni, zeuswoz, Elly, Cybertooth

Reply | Quote

Waterfox users should be able to go to “I know the risk section” and click on a “Visit Site” button.

Reply | Quote

I had to use the workaround to connect in Waterfox.  You can only create an exception if the site hasn’t been visited yet (and when you delete the entry in the file I referenced, you’re deleting its memory of having visited the site before).

Dell XPS 13/9310, i5-1135G7/16GB, KDE Neon 6.2
XPG Xenia 15, i7-9750H/32GB & GTX1660ti, Kubuntu 24.04
Acer Swift Go 14, i5-1335U/16GB, Kubuntu 24.04 (and Win 11)

Reply | Quote

Happy Birthday, AskWoody! May your birthday be forever blessed with automatically re-issued certificates!! 😉

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

5 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, bjm, Microfix, John, Elly

Reply | Quote

Steve S. wrote:

May your birthday be forever blessed with automatically re-issued certificates!!

We thought it was already… 😉

1 user thanked author for this post.

Elly

Reply | Quote

Life in Windows would be a much more dangerous place without you Woody.

Congratulations for your great work,may you live long and prosper.

BY THE WAY : NORTON now has made it MORE difficult to access your site.

Very annoying,just thought to let you know.

All the best to you.

Windows 7,Home Premium 64 bit - Lenovo laptop
Group A - Intel (R)Core i7 Processors -

ASUS Chromebook C213 12.5 inch
64GB memory .

iphone 6,need to upgrade soon,bugger !

Reeder M7 Go 2019 Tablet !

Reply | Quote

Joulia.S wrote:

NORTON now has made it MORE difficult to access your site.
Very annoying,just thought to let you know.

Not Norton’s fault this time, friend. As many others have observed, it’s a cert issue.

Life in Windows would be a much more dangerous place without you Woody.
Congratulations for your great work,may you live long and prosper.

+1
Completely agree! Congrats Woody, and much thanks for what you do!

Reply | Quote

Congratulations, Woody.

Your site started just over 3 years after I first went online – about March 2001.

Keep up the good work.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Microfix

Reply | Quote

I started long ago with Woody’s Office Watch, then Woody’s Windows Watch, which transmuted to Windows Secrets and its lounge and then, when that collapsed, I found where everyone else had gone – Askwoody. A bit late, but I got there in the end! Many thanks Woody.

Chris
Win 10 Pro x64 Group A

2 users thanked author for this post.

SueW, Microfix

Reply | Quote

Woody, Firefox wants a new security certificate date:

http://www.askwoody.com uses an invalid security certificate. The certificate expired on 14 July, 2018, 3:48:35 PM. The current time is July 15, 2018, 6:46 AM. Error code: SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE

I clicked the Firefox “Advanced” button, and then gave askwoody.com an exception.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Elly

Reply | Quote

Hello everyone. Not knowing if any of you are seeing this issue, once again there seems to be an issue being flagged in IE11 regarding the site security certificate as having expired 7/14/2018. Wanted to relay that to the community for feedback and response here since I do not seem to be able to create a topic here in the forums.

Cheers

1 user thanked author for this post.

Elly

Reply | Quote

Your site certificate is worn out:

Edit to remove image not properly attached.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Elly

Reply | Quote

I, like many others, have followed you for many years through Windows Secrets and other places. I just wish to you, your site and your contributors for all the great information that I have picked up over those years. Many thanks to you sir.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Microfix

Reply | Quote

I’ve been around since before the beginning, it seems. But these last 14 years sure have flown by. Most vividly I recall desperately trying to reach you after the tsunami in 2004 to make sure you were OK. What a scare! Much continued success Woody.

Mikey Dworkin

Reply | Quote

I think I came to this website after having issues with Windows 10, not so long ago, when I found Windows 10 1511 froze each week when not plugged to the Internet.

Woody suggested to me to post my problem in any thread at the time. Since then, I found many great and smart people that helped me make more sense of a lot of the complexities of Windows and I sent a ton of messages. This is such a good place with so many interesting people.

Thanks for having created and maintaining this community. And thanks for the MVPs for maintaining it relevant and civil in addition to their own contribution to the discussion.

And, yes, I fixed the issue of Windows freezing myself so I don’t know if Microsoft ever fixed it.

1 user thanked author for this post.

BobbyB

Reply | Quote

The IsItDownRightNow.com site claims that the AskWoody.com site is down & not responding:
http://www.isitdownrightnow.com/askwoody.com.html

this has been happening for several days now.

Reply | Quote

Congrats on 14 years, Woody! The world is a better place because of you, certainly a more civil place than it would be without you.

I first encountered your IT contributions soon after I joined the Langa List. The Langa List merged with Windows Secrets; and then Windows Secrets got the old Woody’s Lounge up and running. At some point I started posting there, and I’ve been there ever since. I then made my way to AskWoody after you left Windows Secrets.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

1 user thanked author for this post.

SueW

Reply | Quote