About Gadget Mouse
Gadget Mouse is a collection of practical guides for Windows and Microsoft Office users at home or in small offices, written by a working IT administrator.
Who I Am
My name is Pat. I am an IT service management specialist, and at a university I administer Microsoft 365, Windows Enterprise, and Zoom.
That job puts me in the middle of the same problems you are probably searching for right now: a file that vanished, a drive that stopped responding, a new PC that needs everything moved over, or a remote connection that has to be secure. I started Gadget Mouse to write those fixes down in plain language.
My Mission
To help you recover, back up, move, and protect your files and PCs with calm, step by step instructions. I always start with the free options built into Windows, and I only point to paid tools when the built-in ones are not enough.
What You'll Find Here
Data Recovery
Getting deleted, lost, or formatted files back on Windows PCs and external drives.
Backup and Storage
Simple backup routines with external drives and the cloud, including Outlook email.
New PC and Office
Moving files, programs, and Microsoft Office to a new computer without losing anything.
VPN for Remote Work
Setting up and using a VPN on Windows laptops for home and public networks.
How This Site Is Funded
Some guides include affiliate links. If you buy through one, Gadget Mouse may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Every affiliate link is labeled where it appears.
Start With the Free Playbook
The Windows File Rescue Playbook walks you through getting deleted files back and setting up a backup routine.
Get the Free Playbook