More Boot Up Woes

[SuperTRev 3]

So I had to reinstall Windows 10.  Locked myself out.  Apparently after a windows update, you need to use your password instead of your pin to login, if it's a local account.  If you don't know your password, you need a pre made security key that only the same computer can make.  But you have to login to make the key.  ... I've used a pin for years.  Never had this info brought to my attention in the whole time using windows, but ok.  Thanks microsoft.

Now that I have a new windows copy, my new download copy of the Evernote app wouldn't let me login.  Ok fine.  Go to reset password.  It won't send the email.  Tried four times, checked the spam folder, disabled ad blockers.  Nothing worked.  There is no contact info for Evernote anywhere.  Unless you're logged in.  Ok but what if I can't login?  How can you help me login if I have to login to get help to login?  Unbelievable.

So apparently the automatic 'reset password' button doesn't send the email, but the manual 'forgot password' does.  Wow.  

So I logged in, reset my password, swept the computer with ccleaner and restarted the computer.  Evernote kicked me out again and won't let me login.  Again.  So I reset my password for the second time in ten minutes.  That's how I'm here on the forum.  Uninstalled and reinstalled the Evernote app.  Works like a charm, for now.

(EDIT*** It actually isn't working.  The stand alone windows 10 app won't let me login at all (It's the web browser version that's working; interesting that it "disabled login" for this account" but only for the app, not the web page.  ... So I got screwed out of Evernote for getting screwed out of windows.  *Sigh)

I'm guessing it's going to keep rejecting my login every time I reboot the computer because it's a new computer.  If I don't respond to this thread, it's because Evernote won't let me login, and won't let me contact Evernote because I'm not logged into Evernote, asking about how to log into Evernote.  Because it doesn't understand that if I can login to my email address, then I can login to Evernote, no matter what device is used.  So when resetting the password, it's pretty hard to take issue with the user when it needs to be the legitimate user to login to their OWN EMAIL ADDRESS!

Another hour of my life lost fighting with Evernote.  A program I use so I can save time.  Cherry.

[agsteele 1,635]

Thanks for the info. That removes the issue of you having been locked out because you're a Free user.

It is remarkably easy to create a new account. If you're certain that you are using the correct credentials then you have two options.

FFirs completely uninstall Evernote and reinstall. Be absolutely certain to remove all data and program directories. On Windows I recommend an uninstaller such as Revo Uninstall to clean out the rubbish. Then reinstall and try to login again.

If that fails you should open a support ticket.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Here are 2 options:

Evernote Support Ticket:

 

https://help.evernote.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

 

Support as guest:

 

https://help.evernote.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=254668&guest=true&guest=true

The first requires a working login, the second not. Ticket types account and billing should work in any case.

[agsteele 1,635]

As you surmise, this appears to be a bigger issue than just getting into Evernote. Because of this I am reluctant to delve into advising much more. If I lived near to you then I'd offer my professional services to resolve all this. But I'm probably not anywhere near to you so my advice would be to get a competent advisor to work alongside you or get someone to handle the PC rebuild for you if you aren't being successful.

As for setting up a second Evernote account, you would be surprised at how easy it is to do that without realising. There are MANY cases reported in the forums where just that has been the cause of the type of issues you are reporting.

I wish you well in your search for a peaceful online life

EDIT: Here's another thought... You mentioned that your more general woes included not having internet options. Your problems might be caused by continued challenges. No Internet would mean no log-in to Evernote for example.

Working with a friend recently I found that his Internet provider had a firewall running to protect customers from suspicious software. It wasn't very sophisticated and blocked quite a lot of stuff without his knowledge.  We turned off the protection and suddenly everything came to life. You could have something like this in Windows, in an anti-virus package, in your router or at your ISP. Might be worth exploring.

Edited May 8, 2022 by agsteele

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Hard to advise remotely.

Some years ago if a computer was behaving strangely, it was resetted and Windows installed fresh. 

In a business the computers today would be replaced. Reason is there is malware that installs to the computer firmware itself, below the level of Windows.

Did you protect your firmware with an UEFI password ? Not many users do or even know about it.

When going for a new machine, think about switching to a Mac. The thread level probably is 1:1000, or even better.

What irritates me is that you say things are not working properly on your smartphone either. Is this when on WiFi, or on mobile data as well ?

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Yeah, it is a permanent struggle between attackers and defenses. Windows is really not bad on defenses, but it is the main target as well.

Wish you luck in getting it resolved. What IS good: By keeping your master copy in the cloud, your EN data is as secure as it can be. However don’t store critical information there - use a password manager for the high security storage needs.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Since I am on a Mac, no idea about Windows startup and login.

EN tells in all places about "Google Authenticator" - which is sort of misleading. You can use any authenticator app that produces time based ciphers. I use Authy, for example, that installs better on several devices. It is a risk if the 2FA runs on one device only. If stolen or broken, you can't log in.

Not sure if EN supports hardware keys like Fido or Yubikey. If they get a chance, there needs to be a standard. We will see a new standard soon - using a phone or other second device as key. Maybe a better solution than yet another piece of hardware.

 

[PinkElephant 5,133]

It needs to store your login somewhere. Maybe a question to be asked at support.

Personally I think these „optimizing“ tools are blessing and damnation at the same time. It is not unheard that they destroy settings that are there to support and speed up the use of programs.

In the end they have a prime goal, and this is to be purchased and used permanently. I had stopped using them on my Windows PC, and have no use for them at all on my Mac.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Don't want to pour water into your wine.

But you may search for "ccleaner avast privacy" to get a picture about the last years. Until it was acquired by Avast, it was for me OK to use it. I am not so sure these days. On an iPhone or a mac stuff like that is simply not needed. On Windows it sometimes helps, but especially free versions always come for price in privacy.

BTW I said search, not "google". I avoid Google services whenever it is possible - for searching try DuckDuckGo, a powerful search engine that has a zero tracking policy. It does show ads (clearly marked as such), but based on your current search only, not by building a profile and tracking you.

[agsteele 1,635]

5 hours ago, SuperTRev said:

Ok, well anyway do you know if my feature requests are getting across to the company?

 

No. These forums are largely user-to-user. We know that staff do come around but we don't know how often and how much attention is given. Better to use the feedback option in the apps or submit a support ticket. One for each suggestion.

[Dean Woody 0]

On 5/8/2022 at 5:21 AM, SuperTRev said:

So I had to reinstall Windows 10.  Locked myself out.  Apparently after a windows update, you need to use your password instead of your pin to login, if it's a local account.  If you don't know your password, you need a pre made security key that only the same computer can make.  But you have to login to make the key.  ... I've used a pin for years.  Never had this info brought to my attention in the whole time using windows, but ok.  Thanks microsoft.

Now that I have a new windows copy, my new download copy of the Evernote app wouldn't let me login.  Ok fine.  Go to reset password.  It won't send the email.  Tried four times, checked the spam folder, disabled ad blockers.  Nothing worked.  There is no contact info for Evernote anywhere.  Unless you're logged in.  Ok but what if I can't login?  How can you help me login if I have to login to get help to login?  Unbelievable.

So apparently the automatic 'reset password' button doesn't send the email, but the manual 'forgot password' does.  Wow.  

So I logged in, reset my password, swept the computer with ccleaner and restarted the computer.  Evernote kicked me out again and won't let me login.  Again.  So I reset my password for the second time in ten minutes.  That's how I'm here on the forum.  Uninstalled and reinstalled the Evernote app.  Works like a charm, for now.

(EDIT*** It actually isn't working.  The stand alone windows 10 app won't let me login at all (It's the web browser version that's working; interesting that it "disabled login" for this account" but only for the app, not the web page.  ... So I got screwed out of Evernote for getting screwed out of windows.  *Sigh)

I'm guessing it's going to keep rejecting my login every time I reboot the computer because it's a new computer.  If I don't respond to this thread, it's because Evernote won't let me login, and won't let me contact Evernote because I'm not logged into Evernote, asking about how to log into Evernote.  Because it doesn't understand that if I can login to my email address, then I can login to Evernote, no matter what device is used.  So when resetting the password, it's pretty hard to take issue with the user when it needs to be the legitimate user to login to their OWN EMAIL ADDRESS!

Another hour of my life lost fighting with Evernote.  A program I use so I can save time.  Cherry.

Hi SuperTRev

You can forgot password or username and try again.

 

[PinkElephant 5,133]

You don’t write on which type of plan you are. Free ? Subscription ?

[SuperTRev 3]

12 minutes ago, PinkElephant said:

You don’t write on which type of plan you are. Free ? Subscription ?

My forum avatar description describes that.

[agsteele 1,635]

The forum avatars subscription status are only visible to the user themselves.

We can only see your contribution level in the forums.

[SuperTRev 3]

8 minutes ago, agsteele said:

The forum avatars subscription status are only visible to the user themselves.

We can only see your contribution level in the forums.

Ok, I'm 'premium'.  I bought the subscription a few days ago.

I'm still unable to login successfully to the app on this new windows os.  It starts with 'authentication failed' and then putting in the credentials doesn't let me in.

Evernote on the web and on my google phone still works fine.

[SuperTRev 3]

2 minutes ago, agsteele said:

Thanks for the info. That removes the issue of you having been locked out because you're a Free user.

It is remarkably easy to create a new account. If you're certain that you are using the correct credentials then you have two options.

FFirs completely uninstall Evernote and reinstall. Be absolutely certain to remove all data and program directories. On Windows I recommend an uninstaller such as Revo Uninstall to clean out the rubbish. Then reinstall and try to login again.

If that fails you should open a support ticket.

Ya, I probably should have just opened a support ticket when I regained login access.  I probably just need them to unlock me from this frozen state due to the unrecognized computer.

I know that my credentials are correct because the I get the message, "We have disabled login for this account", as per the picture above.

I've already reinstalled the app.  Cleaned up carefully with Ccleaner and restarted the computer.  If Ccleaner didn't clean well enough, then I'll be on their forum asking about that too.  I'm paying for things and not getting the services I'm paying for.  I'll open an Evernote support ticket, if I'm able.

[SuperTRev 3]

Nope I can't submit a support ticket.

That tells me I got kicked out of the web version of Evernote too.  But I'm logged into the forum.  And opening the smart phone app works without an issue.

This makes no sense.  It's not even a new computer, just a windows reinstall.  I didn't invade a country or something.  

 

[SuperTRev 3]

Very good.  The submit ticket as guest worked.  Weird I couldn't find that webpage myself.

Thank you very much for the help guys.  I'm sure the devs will just reset my account; something got glitchy there.  If not I'll be back here to rant some more.

[agsteele 1,635]

This all points to you having opened a second Evernote account at a Free level. That would prevent you raising a ticket. Check inside the account settings and see what subscription level you are working at.

[SuperTRev 3]

11 minutes ago, agsteele said:

This all points to you having opened a second Evernote account at a Free level. That would prevent you raising a ticket. Check inside the account settings and see what subscription level you are working at.

I just tried.  It kicked me off my smart phone and the web app.  I'm only still here because I've left this tab running.

I didn't set up another account, so the only way there is another account is if my account was hacked; there would be another party at work here.  I wouldn't discount that happening, as my computer was and still is entirely remotely overrun by someone else.  I caught it because of the 'your browser is managed by your organization' on the side of the chrome browser.  I don't have an organization.  I've been researching this thing, and it's definitely not normal.  Been resetting passwords and doing malware removal tasks for a week now.  Still working on it.  But the windows reinstall was an accident.  Although it probably did help remove whatever intruder software is lurking in the system files.

My windows update was bricked.  I didn't have internet options.  There are settings I can't change because your computer being 'managed' disallows it.  My windows notifications didn't work.  Group policies didn't exist (but that's a microsoft thing).  Lots of little clues that I'm not alone on this device.

A while back my bank account was emptied.  Recently got my money back from the bank, but still have no idea how they got my info.  Been taking as many security steps as possible; I will even be getting a physical security key.  Whatever passwords I'm changing, if someone can watch my screen, they can see what I'm up to.  But most password change boxes are visually covered, if that helps.  Unless they have a keylogger running, then all my password changes have meant nothing.  It's strange that there hasn't been any manevolent actions against me, except the bank account.  I didn't even know about it until researching the chrome 'managed' setting.

Either way, most of my computer functionality is restored but I think that I'm still carrying some kind of spyware that I've yet been unable to remove, even with a windows reinstall.  My browser is hijacked, that's for sure.

[SuperTRev 3]

21 minutes ago, PinkElephant said:

What irritates me is that you say things are not working properly on your smartphone either. Is this when on WiFi, or on mobile data as well ?

I dunno, closed all apps, restarted the phone, and relogged in manually, adding the password one character at a time, reading off of my hard copy password backup, without using google autofill.  It logged me in no problem, with no error messages.  Didn't even give any error messages about my account.  Closed it out, stopped the background process, then opened it again and it just opened with me logged in, no problem.  But an hour ago, the same app was very concerned about my account status.

Ok, so I decided to try it on the windows app.  Logged in using my email address instead of my username, and manually entered the password (although I've had to manually enter it every time anyway).  Worked no problem (Except for being very slow again). I don't get it.

This login issue is starting to look closer to bad programming on Evernote's side, rather than foul play elsewhere.  But it's also inconsistent, which could be a virus or third party tampering.  I'm not skilled enough with computers to find the cause myself.  I'm scared to log out though, since I don't know if I can ever log back in.

30 minutes ago, PinkElephant said:

Did you protect your firmware with an UEFI password ? Not many users do or even know about it.

Ya I've never heard of that either.  Never heard of security keys either until recently.

Been following along with spybot malware removal guides and using farbar scanner.  I'm about to try the tron script, but read reports of blue screens from that.

I can't afford another computer right now; nowhere near the quality of this one.  

Haven't been overly concerned, because thought that I had the matter under control (under the providence of the educated professionals who do this for a living; Safer Networking, etc. another service that dare I say I'm paying for but not getting the service I'm paying for (Manevolent software being injected into my computer right under the nose of their product that is designed to seek and destroy that very thing).  But this potential malware seems to be more difficult than I first assumed.  I'm not even sure that I'm currently infected.  But as Mr. Holmes once said, "Remove the impossible.  Whatever is left over, however improbable, is your solution."

I'm sad to hear a new computer purchase might be the only solution.  That's definitely the last case scenario.  

Maybe the local computer store did this because they know where I would shop for a repair.  Ha.  Or google so I would buy their security key.  ... you know what I'm saying.

Cause the problem, then provide the solution. ... for a fee.  The lord of war was more than happy to sell guns to both sides of a conflict for the profit.  ...

 

[SuperTRev 3]

Ok, the support ticket person looked at it.  But I'm already logging in again, so that seems to be working.  Except the auto-login on windows boot up keeps failing.  I'm making sure to scan, sweep and eradicate all temp things regularly, for now.  So do you know if there are Evernote cookies or something I have to whitelist so it auto-logs me in?

The forum doesn't log me in either, which is fine.  I don't want it to 'remember me for 30 days.'  I'm not within a security shelter bubble right now.  Seem to be vulnerable until I know for sure my computer is clean.

The smart phone app and the webpage auto logged me in, which is ideal.  Think I still have to do something to config the windows app too.

The Google authenticator app is really nice.  Less work than standard 2fa, as well.  I'm happy with that.  Also learning more about computers through this.  Will be getting some physical security keys too.  Not sure which brand is a right fit though.  Yubikey seems to be too popular for my liking.  I'm under the impression that the more hackers stand to gain from a hack, the more work they are willing to put into it.  That if they hack the tech for that company's key, they can potentially hack them all.  Dunno, this is probably a question for spybot; just thinking out loud.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[SuperTRev 3]

So the windows app is still slow.

Even though I have it running in the background, with the taskbar icon going, I counted how long it takes to load the stand alone desktop app (It's not just an initial boot up either.  Closing it and trying this test three times with the same result).

15 - 20 seconds from clicking on the icon to having it ready to go on screen.  To compare the Google Chrome browser again, it's 3 seconds to load it and another 3 seconds to log me in and load Calender, Gmail and YouTube.  Logs me in, loads graphics, loads objects, elements etc. etc.  I've been pampered with quick programs for so long, that sitting there staring at an animated 'working' mouse cursor for twenty seconds is torture.  Reminds me of internet images loading one line at a time in like 1997.

Evernote already has me logged in and has its process running.  When I click the icon, all it's loading is a wrapper with text on it.  Meanwhile Chrome loads a hundred times more data than that.  Especially when considering Chrome doesn't have anything preloaded in a running process at the time of clicking.

This is no good.  I've already reinstalled it twice before, because of those login issues, so that act isn't going to solve it.  It's just too slow.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

A plain reinstall will not replace the already existing database. And from your description it is probably corrupted.

You can try this:

1. Go to File > Sign Out [name] from the menu bar.
2. Select the "Remove my Evernote data from this device" option, then click Sign out.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Sign back in to Evernote

It will download now a fresh copy of your cloud database.

 

If uninstalling you need to use an uninstaller app, like Revo Uninstaller.

[SuperTRev 3]

Ok, well that knocked it down to 12 seconds.  ...  About 12 seconds longer than windows notepad.  😶

The 'new quick note' taskbar feature is nice and quick, mind you.  

My macro for the default shortcut was wrong, and made me post this prematurely.  I had 'alt' key held down continually.  oops

I hope that I don't have to keep refreshing the app data, as I had to do that already before.

I noticed that I didn't get an 'authentication failed' error this time.  I also didn't run Ccleaner this time.  That tells me Ccleaner is removing something that Evernote needs to log me in; one of my previous questions.

I assume it's one of these options:

I will be unchecking many of these, sometime later when I am confident my computer is nice and clean.  But would be nice to know what is going to interfere with Evernote.  Unless it's an internet cookie; in that case it's in a different list.

Edited May 10, 2022 by SuperTRev
Accidentally posted early

[SuperTRev 3]

Ya, I hear you.  Lots of people have reported serious issues with that manner of tools.  Especially with the malware removal tools that can ruin your entire os.

But what I dislike more than overactive tools, is the big name companies that act like they own your personal property.  Where they use 'community guidelines' and EULA's to override laws of the land, constitutional rights, common sense and morality.  They have no business creeping around on my computer when I'm not using their product.  And what I ate for breakfast is none of their damn business.  Period dot.

So I need more computer knowledge about the how and why with products like Ccleaner.  So I know which settings are right for me.

It also has a driver updater, which found and auto-updated 85 or so drivers for me, in minutes.  Also has like five other tools that I find handy.  And I like having another set of eyes on the fidelity of my system, especially right now, when I currently have outstanding malware suspicions.

I also run it on my smarphone periodically.  I dunno, seems to clean things up for me.  Their company logo is a cute little broom after all. 

[SuperTRev 3]

I didn't know Avast bought Ccleaner.  Ugh.  I read the wiki and Avast extensions were caught taking data.  I stress the word 'caught'.  Yikes.

Well, thanks for that heads up.  I'll have to look into that some more.  My to do list just grows the more things I check off.  What's with that?  Good thing I have Evernote to keep me organized. 

...

The android Evernote app is just as laggy as the pc app.  Don't know why Evernote struggles so much.

Can I make feature requests here?  I would like that if you accidently add a new bullet point, or new task, but didn't mean to and back out of it; that it should auto-delete out that newly made thing.  Even with entire notes.  I have some notes and tasks that are completely empty because of this.  Another annoying task to have to clean them up because Evernote didn't do it for you.

Also the back button on my Android phone exits out of Evernote instead of using it as an internal back button within the app.  That's disappointing.  The android back button is big and chunky and easily found and pressed, so it's a shame that it isn't utilized as an internal back button.

...

I would like to stick with privacy respecting products, but that's unreasonable:

1. - The data has to run through an ISP anyway.  ISP's are all big names that are all ultimately owned and operated by the same people anyway.  (Black Rock etc.).  So no matter the software choices, someone out there has my data.

2. - The family of services Google offers are hard to deny.  I hate wasting my time on mundane repetitive tasks, and Google helps me save time in many ways.  The tradeoff for the convenience is having to accept the electric eye always casting its pale glow upon me.  Ever present, ever watching, ever manevolent.

3. - I'm heavily dug in with my current set up.  The amount of time and work it will be to move over to a linux system running third party apps... I just don't have the time.  Not to mention the learning curve and compatibility issues.  I just have to live with it.  And tell them "No." where I can.

Anyway, thanks for all the help.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

Well, you can't have connectivity and not disclose anything.

1) No, they don't. Data flows are (nearly) all end to end encrypted these days (TLS/SSL). What they can still see is which pages you call. Get an encrypted DNS and resolve your DNS through a third party service, and they won't even see this. Or connect through a VPN, or if using Apple devices through Private Relay. There by design even Apple can't read the traffic.

2) IMHO there are alternatives for everything Google has, except YouTube. And the alternatives are available. The only devices you can't un-Google are those running on Google OS: Android phones and Chromebooks. These are first class data traps, as is the Chrome browser.

3) Nobody is talking about Linux (although it may be the best alternative for privacy). But it isn't that hard either. I run some Linux devices. The more serious part is that a lot of stuff is simply not available for Linux.

[SuperTRev 3]

Ok, well anyway do you know if my feature requests are getting across to the company?

 

[SuperTRev 3]

Oh ok, I'll use that feedback thing to make suggestions, thanks.

[PinkElephant 5,133]

11 hours ago, SuperTRev said:

Ok, well anyway do you know if my feature requests are getting across to the company?

 

Nope - as posted I am a user as you are. No insight, no specific knowledge. I can just read the grapevine as anybody else.

[SuperTRev 3]

9 hours ago, Dean Woody said:

Hi SuperTRev

You can forgot password or username and try again.

 

No, I'm good now.  Thanks anyway.