Category: Uncategorized

Updating village information

If you would like to update any information on your village page, just contact the webmaster. Some village have decided to have additional informational pages beyond the 1 basic page provided by this website. (Examples of this are Inverness, Troon and Princeton Villages). If you are interested in doing this for your village contact the webmaster.

We would also welcome up to 4 pictures of your village that could be used on the website. This could to update the pictures we have or add additional pictures if we have les than 4 at the bottom of the page.

Email to: webmaster@hersheysmill.org

Windows 10 – New Screenshot Tool (Aug 2021)

Technology Tips – Published August 2021 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

New Screenshot Tool in Windows 10

To start the tool, hold down the Windows key and shift key together and press the “s” key.

Using this tool allows you to easily copy a section or the full screen of an open window. When you start the tool you will see a crosshair instead of the usual mouse arrow. You will also see a small toolbar at the top of the screen that shows other shapes that you can choose. Position the crosshair in the upper left portion of the window that includes the part you want to include then hold down the left mouse and drag the crosshair to the lower right section so that the entire section of what you want is covered. When you complete this operation it is automatically saved to the Clipboard. The Clipboard is a special section of memory that can be retreived by opening a word processor program such as MS Word or even WordPad. When you open Word or WordPad hold down the Ctrl key while you press the “v” key. What you previously included, using the Screenshot tool, should appear. Don’t forget to save the file. 

Usage for this tool, for example, could include the issue of seeing an error message on your computer. You could then email this saved error message file, to a support person to help them better understand the error and offer a fix for the problem. Another use could be that you want a person to see something specific without seeing unwanted information.

Windows Update – Update (June 2021)

Technology Tips – Published June 2021 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

The standard configuration for Windows Update works automatically by updating your Windows PC beginning on the second Tuesday of each month and continuing thru the fourth  Tuesday. It corrects known bugs, refines features and most importantly corrects security issues. That sounds easy enough but Microsoft doesn’t fully check these updates for errors which can render your PC inoperable until they offer a patch to fix the offending update. In an effort to provide a work-around, you can delay these updates until the problem is fixed then you can update your PC. It’s very easy to see that Microsoft issues updates starting on the second Tuesday of each month then spends the rest of the month figuring out how to fix them. Let me guide you away from this scenario.

 

Here’s how to configure Windows update to avoid Microsoft’s mistakes. In Settings click Update & Security. If you see Pending downloads press the Downloads button to allow the process to continue until completed. Assuming you get your updates on or just after the second Tuesday of the month, move down to and click Advanced options. Scroll down to Pause updates. Click the down arrow in the field and select the last Friday of the current month (at the earliest) or the first Friday of the following month. Microsoft limits you to a 35 day maximum delay. Whenever you receive your new updates then you can reset a new 35 day delay window.

 

You can see this feature will always delay updates up to 35 days. However, the first time you use it depends on receiving stable updates during the second week of the month that don’t require patching during the third or fourth weeks of the month. Be alert to any system problems that occur after an update. If you see a problem go to Settings click Update & Security and click the Resume updates button and download the fix. It may take a week or longer to download a stable fix. Once an issue has been corrected reset the update delay.

 

Now for a new issue. Although it’s been going on for awhile now, Microsoft seems it can’t offer  an update sequence that is problem free. What I mean is that during the updates it pops up small windows that say Click restart now. They may come in the middle of a download or during an installation of the updates. I figured Microsoft knows what they doing so I clicked Restart which I thought would speed up the process. It didn’t speed up the process but instead created errors that were logged into the Reliability Monitor. You can read my previous article about the Reliability Monitor here: https://hersheysmill.org/?s=reliability+monitor. Furthermore, when checking to see if an update was installed successfully in View Update History of Windows Update, it said it was successfully installed. What to believe? I’m not sure how to answer that except to say when Windows Update starts its process, let it complete the downloads and installations to the point nothing is taking place and it’s quiet. Now you can press the Restart button in the window or in the lower right corner of the screen to complete the update process.

Backing up Your Computer’s Files (Mar 2021)

Technology Tips – Published March 2021 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Backing up your computer’s files is universally recommended. You may never know when your storage drive may decide to fail. Having a backup can get you out of a difficult situation. However, there are different levels of backup that you can consider to meet your needs. You can simply make a copy of an important file and store it on a plug-in USB drive. In Windows 10 you can also use File History, located in the Control Panel, to backup your personal data files such as Documents, Pictures, Music and more. To do this plug in a blank USB drive, open the Control Panel, click File History and click “Run now”. If you don’t find it look in System & Security in the Control Panel and click “Save backup copies of your files with File History”. Use this method if saving your personal files is sufficient for your needs.

 

If you have installed a number of programs (Apps) that you wouldn’t want to reinstall in the event of a problem then you should consider a full backup. This will require you to purchase a plug-in USB hard drive. Yes, you could purchase a large 128GB USB drive or larger but the size may not be large enough for your needs. Costs also increase above 128GB for USB drives where a backup hard drive can be half the cost and it has 5 to 10 times the capacity.

 

A full backup is the safest approach as it captures all your files plus system files and makes an image of them on the backup drive. The Recovery method in Windows 10 can recover these files from the backup drive to restore your computer back to where it was when the backup file was created. This will work BUT your storage drive must be in good condition to receive the files from the backup drive. If drive failure has occurred then the recovery will fail. This will require a replacement of the defective drive. This is best handled by an experienced technician.

 

Before a recovery is attempted try the following repair procedures first.

 

Turn on the computer which should fail to boot normally if it’s corrupted. Windows will then go into a troubleshooting mode offering a method to repair a startup problem using Startup Repair. Allow that to occur as it may fix the problem. If it fails, then click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options and click System Restore. If that fails go back and click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options and click Command Prompt. In the window that opens type chkdsk c: /r  Press the Enter key. If the above fails to correct the problem then proceed to recovery mode in the next paragraph. You can also manually access these repair tools, providing the computer boots, but has other problems during operation. Click the 4 pane Windows icon in the lower left corner, click Power, then hold down the shift key and click Restart.

 

If the original Windows installation is corrupt and the preceding repair attempts fail then you should try to recover it. Performing this task is relatively easy. Connect the backup drive and turn it on. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > See More Recovery Options and finally System Image Recovery. Follow all screen prompts.

HMTC-Community email-Nov_ 23_2020

Hershey’s Mill
The HMTC provides residents with information through HM Emails where subjects may span a variety of topics, not just technology.

**** ALERT****

COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Levels in PA are at All Time Highs – and Rising.
November 23, 2020

As COVID-19 Cases Reach Critical Levels,
Gov Wolf Announces New Mitigation Efforts.
This email includes revised Community Building and Sports Complex Occupancy and Use Limitations. Contents are sourced from several publications.

In addition to recent mandates, the following are highlights of restrictions issued Monday, November 23, 2020:
– New modeling projects 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December. Hospitals expected to be at capacity if mitigation efforts are not utilized.

– “In the past week, the number of COVID-19-attributable deaths has quadrupled, and the average daily case count is seven times higher than it was two months ago.”

– “The IHME’s modeling also projects that if mitigation efforts are not adhered to, Pennsylvania could have more than 32,000 deaths from COVID-19 by Feb. 23, 2021 – that’s in just three months. With universal mask-wearing, those deaths can be reduced by half.”

– As of Nov 20 Chesco’s positivity rate — a measure of how many tests are positive compared with the total number of tests — went up from 7.2% to 8.7% – one week. The World Health Organization has said positivity rates should be under 5%.

What does this mean for Hershey’s Mill Residents on a practical level?

Stay At Home and Other Restrictions:
(These are abbreviated or summarized and not the full text.)

– Only leave home to go out for essential needs, such as seeking medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy, picking up food or exercising.

– When not at home, individuals must wear a face covering and practice physical distancing by staying at least six feet away from others and frequent hand hygiene.

– No individuals in homes who are not part of your household unless necessary for essential care or needs. Throughout such necessary in home visits, all individuals must wear a face covering and practice physical distancing.

– Limit holiday celebrations to members of your immediate household.

– Avoid travel, within and outside of the Commonwealth.

– Telework is mandatory unless impossible.

– Online sales and curbside pickup for all shopping are encouraged.

– Citations and fines enacted with more for repeat offenders.

– If you are returning to Hershey’s Mill from out of State, Self Quarantine for 14 days.

– If family or guests travel to your home, they are to Self Quarantine for 14 days.

PA Government Stay at Home

Gathering Limitations:

All indoor and outdoor events/ gatherings categories size limits are reduced.

For Hershey’s Mill, inside gathering limited to 10% of occupancy and outside gathering limited to 15% of occupancy as per PA Government.

Household Gatherings are also advised against when attendees include non-household members as noted through the Secretary of Health’s Stay at Home Advisory.

Community Buildings: Effective Immediately

Face Masks Update: Face masks are to be worn whenever you leave your home and to wear them in group meetings of any nature, even when six feet apart.

The Community Center is open to HM residents for RESERVED events only.

Room Capacities until further notice:

Ardmore Room 6 people seated, 4 people Table Tennis

Malvern Room 4 people seated, 2 people Table Tennis

Wooldridge (Main) Hall 8 people

Billiards Room 2 people

Paoli Room Closed for use

Warming Room. Closed for use

Patio 4 people

The Cove 6 people

Wood Shop 5 people

Sullivan House TBD

SPORTS COMPLEX:

– Open for Singles and Doubles Play Only.

– No Open or Village or ‘Reserved Group Gatherings’ of any size.

– No Group Gatherings.

PA Governor COVID-19 Updates

REMINDER: Cities, Counties and nearby States all around us have rising COVID-19 rates of infection. Be diligent in protecting yourself. Many people that we come into contact with when we shop, visit the Dry Cleaners, Barber Shop, Hardware Store, Hair Salon, etc. work in the West Chester, Malvern, Frazer, Exton area but reside in Philadelphia and other areas of higher COVID-19 rates. Others travel to see family or friends, traveling to high positivity rate areas and others cross State lines, and then fail to Self Quarantine upon return.

NEIGHBORS:

– Please check on your neighbors regularly. A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today. If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.
-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.
– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

To your health,

Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Stay six feet away, Stay healthy,

Bill & Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee
Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

HMTC-Community email-Nov_ 22_2020

COVID-19 Update

Between Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 the county’s positivity rate — a measure of how many tests are positive compared with the total number of tests — went up from 7.2% to 8.7%.  The World Health Organization has said positivity rates should be under 5%.

REMINDER: Cities, Counties and nearby States all around us have rising COVID-19 rates of infection.  Be diligent in protecting yourself.  Many people that we come into contact with when we shop, visit the Barber Shop, Hardware Store, Hair Salon, etc. work in the West Chester, Malvern, Frazer, Exton area but reside in Philadelphia and other areas of higher COVID-19 rates.  Others travel to see family or friends traveling to high positivity rate areas and others cross State lines and then fail to Self Quarantine upon return.

The advice from the CDC, Federal and State Health officials is not to travel or share your home with any one outside of your immediate live in family this Thanksgiving. Most are heeding this warning and advice.  Grocery stores are stocking up on smaller size turkeys to meet the smaller family Thanksgiving meal size this year.

Last week the States of New York and New Jersey issued travel restrictions on any one traveling to their states from Pennsylvania because of our escalating Positivity rates.

This week Gov Wolf signed several COVID-18 mandates.Travel Ban: One mandate includes a travel ban from anyone outside of Pennsylvania entering the State without a Negative COVID-19 result within 72 hours prior to entering the State. If anyone enter the State and has not had a COVID-19 test, they are to Self Quarantine for 14 days.

What does this mean for Hershey’s Mill residents? Residents: If you are traveling back to Pennsylvania, Self Quarantine for 14 days. Guests: If you are having guests in your home who have travelled from out of State, it is recommended, by government health organizations, that everyone wear a mask even while in your home.  Guests within Hershey’s Mill who have traveled across State lines are to Self Quarantine.

Face Masks: Gov Wolf also issued a Face Mask update.  Everyone is to wear a face mask whenever they leave their homes and to wear them in group meetings of any nature, even when six feet apart.

For more information and current updates:

Click Here for PA Government Updates
Click Here to go to CDC COVID-19 Updates

New York Times Article on “Travel and Coronavirus Testing: Your Questions Answered”Click Here for The NY Times Article


Helping Hands Hershey’s Mill Team

Home Alone for Thanksgiving due to the COVID-19 restrictions?
Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner for one can be fun……or not.

Willing to Share? We have had an offer from several HM residents to make extra Thanksgiving dinner items and share with those who are eating alone this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.  Plates will be picked up and delivered to those not cooking this year.

Have you ordered dinner for 4 and there are only two of you? Prepare a plate to share and it will be picked up and delivered to a HM resident not cooking this year.

Interested in a dish? If you are Home Alone this year and would like a plate, one will be delivered to you.  Don’t be shy.  We have excellent cooks in HM eager to share!  Sign Up right away to be sure you are on the list!

Sign Up Deadline Tuesday, November 24 at 5:00 PM.

The categories are: whole plate, appetizers, entree, sides, desserts. If you are interested in sharing your prepared food or preparing an extra plate or interested in receiving prepared Thanksgiving food, please contact Christie Marshall at helpinghandshmill@gmail.com


Holiday Events Online

This holiday season will be a unique one. Many of our traditions will be re-invented.  There are several opportunities to attend events online this year to enjoy music, song and performances.  Here are a few to get started.  Please feel free to send along any others that you know of and we will publish as the weeks roll on.Trans-Siberian Orchestra will host a Live Stream Watch Party called “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” on December 18 at 8:00 pm.  Get tickets ($30.) at tsolivestream.com

Arden Theater in Philadelphia (a wonderful professional theater for those who don’t know it) will stream their production of “A Year with Frog and Toad” from Nov 30-Dec 13.  Their children’s shows truly are an amazing experience for all ages.  Tickets (by donation) available at ardentheatre.org

The Philadelphia Orchestra is streaming weekly concerts in December.  Digital Tickets (starting at $15.) are available at philorch.org

Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester has an incredible Christmas Concert.
Information for this Years Virtual Christmas Choir Concert:

7pm Sun. Dec. 13 • Live Streamed
Join us for a virtual Christmas concert, Where Peace and Love and Hope Abide this Christmastide, which will include recordings of past Christmas concerts, a virtual choir anthem and a premier telling of a wonderful true story called The Christmas Tablecloth.

The Choir’s Christmas concert will be Live Streamed and hopefully archived for a week or so beyond the 13th.  To watch, one would go to Westminster’s website – westminsterpc.org – scroll down to Live Stream & Video Archive (with picture of robed Pastor with arms raised) and click on that. We welcome all viewers.

Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL.  A one person show adapted by and performed by Anthony Lawton.  We know him as a Philadelphia actor and he is good!  This should be very well done.  Streaming from December 4-27, 2020 by Lantern Theater Company. Tickets start at $20. and are available at lanterntheater.org or by calling 215-829-0395.


Chats: Coffee just the way you like it!

  
Make yourself a cup and Chat with
neighbors without leaving your home!  Join us by Telephone, Computer, Tablet, Smart Phone or Mobile Phone.

WHAT: Hershey’s Mill Meet and Greet is inviting you to a Zoom Session.
Come meet your neighbors and learn a little more about your Hershey’s Mill Community.  Open to All HM Residents.
Conversations will vary depending on what comes up.
WHEN: Every Wednesday morning at 10 AM until we are done talking for the next 4 weeks. Attend any or all Chats.
November 25
December  2
December  9
Mark your calendar, set an alarm – just show up as you are.
Session host: Christine McCormick

To Attend, reply to this email and you will be sent a Zoom link or Phone number the day before or the morning of each Zoom Chat day.

Mark Your Calendar!  The first Coffee Chat was a great conversation!


Lost Dog – Rescue Dog lost from Chatham Village

Tiny mixed terrier, black/gray/brown. The female dog is very skiddish. She was recently adopted from a shelter. The shelter gave the pet the name Skiddles, but she probably doesn’t recognize it. She’ll need some coaxing to approach.
If you see or find the puppy, please contact the Blaustein’s at 232 Chatham Way. They are in the Resident Directory. Please call the second number listed.


SCAM Tips and Alerts Seminar

Keep your own Wi-Fi network secure by changing your Router name from the default to something only you know.

Use strong password protection including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.  Avoid children’s, grandchildren’s, Pets names or birthdays or anniversaries. Capitalize a letter in the middle of a word. Do not capitalize the first letter in a word. Use a symbol in the middle of a phrase, not at the end. Avoid using an exclamation point. It is the most commonly used.  Example: i*loVe*Hamburgers

– Avoid pop-ups, unfamiliar links and emails from unknown senders, which may be phishing attempts.  If you are not certain, don’t click on it!
– Keep your software up-to-date to avoid vulnerabilities and security holes caused by out-of-date software

If you are interested in attending a Seminar on Scams, return this email with a preferred day of the week and time.  We have a good start on folks interested only need five more interested to hold another Scam Seminar.


Rescheduling Postponed PECO Free In Home Assessments

Residents who had a HM Free PECO In Home Assessment scheduled in March, 2020 are eligible to reschedule without attending another PECO Presentation. You will need your Reference Number for the previously scheduled appointment.  The Reference Number is on the appointment card you received when you scheduled the appointment.  If you are not able to locate your Reference Number, reply to this email.

If you have your Reference Number call this number, Monday through Friday,
7 am to 7 pm, and explain that you are rescheduling a postponed appointment: 855-312-5923.


PECO Free In Home Assessment Update

There will be a few more brief Zoom Presentations to register for the HM PECO Free In Home Assessments.  The Free Program was approved for this year. We do not know if the Free Program will be extended for a few months into 2021 or not.
Please reply to this email if you want to be included in one of the next brief Zoom Presentations.  You will be added to a list and sent an email with the remaining brief Zoom Presentations.


Recycling – Registration Deadline Dec 2


Golf Club Members Reminder

To reach your yearly minimum, consider using take out from the club.


NEIGHBORS:

– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.
-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.
– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.COMMUNITY UPDATE
-Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners
-Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.


We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

To your health,

Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Stay six feet away, Stay healthy,

Bill & Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee


Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

FRANKLIN PHOTOS

2023 Franklin Downs Horse Race – Oct 15

2023 Spring Luncheon – May 18

2022 Holiday Party – December 17

2022 Hoagie Pool Party – July 9

2022 Bocce – June 23rd

2022 June Cocktail Party   (PDF Document – click this link to open PDF and scroll thru to view photos)

2021 September Ice Cream Social

2021 June Pool Pizza Party 

2020 Ice Cream Social  

2018 Holiday Party

2018 Bocce

2018 Halloween Party

2017 July Picnic

2017 May Potluck Meet and Greet – no need to sign in  – just click through photos

1984 Early Photos of Franklin Village 

Franklin Village – through the years (large PDF – allow time to open)

FRANKLIN VILLAGE FAQ – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

FAQ/Things You Need to Know

FRANKLIN VILLAGE NEWS

News, Newsletters, and Meeting Minutes (click here for Master Association minutes)

2025

April 10 – Council Meeting Minutes to come

March – no Council meeting

February 20 – Council Meeting Minutes

January 23 – Council Meeting Minutes 

January 20- Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

2024

September 17 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

August 22 – Council Meeting Minutes

July no Council meeting

June 18, 2024 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

June 13, 2024 – Meeting Minutes

May 21, 2024 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

April 4, 2024 – Meeting Minutes

March 19, 2024 Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

March no Council meeting

February 22, 2024 – Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2024 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2024 – Meeting Minutes

January 16, 2024 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

 

2023

December 11, 2023 – Residents Financial/Budget Meeting

November 9, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

September 19, 2023 (approved November 21, 2023) – Architectural Commitee Meeting Minutes

September 19, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

August 28, 2023 – Meeting Minutes 

July 25, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

July 6, 2023 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

June 2023 – Meeting Minutes

May 24, 2023 – ANNUAL MEETING

May 3, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

April – no Council meeting held

April 29, 2023 – Architectural Committee Meeting Minutes

March 16, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

January 18, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

 

2022

December – no meeting held

November 10, 2022 – Residents Financial Meeting

October 27, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

September 22, 2022 – Meeting Minutes 

August – no meeting held

July 21, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

June 15, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

May 25, 2022 – ANNUAL MEETING

May 10, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

April 4, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

March 14, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

February 14, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

January 10, 2022 – Meeting Minutes

 

2021

December 13, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

November 1, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

October 11, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

October 2021 – Project Update

September 13, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

August 9, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

July 19, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

June 24, 2021, ANNUAL MEETING

June 14, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

May 11, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

April 12, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

February 8, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2021 – Meeting Minutes

 

2020

December 14, 2020 – Meeting Minutes

November 18, 2020 – Budget Meeting

November 28, 2020 – Christmas Decorating

November 20, 2020 – Winter Preparation

November 9, 2020 Meeting Minutes

October 12, 2020 Meeting Minutes

September 21, 2020 Meeting Minutes

3rd Quarter Update 2020 Meeting Minutes

Update Through April 2020 Meeting Minutes

 

2019 and earlier

September 2019 Meeting Minutes

July 2019 Newsletter

April 2019 Newsletter

2018 Newsletter

Dec 2017-Jan 2018 Newsletter

2017 Schedule of Events

June 2017 News

2017 Ladies Luncheon

Recap 2016 Meeting Minutes

December 17, 2016 Holiday Luncheon

June/July 2016 Master Association and Council Minutes

July 26, 2016 Summer Picnic/Meeting Minutes

2016 April – May Newsletter

2016 March Newsletter

January 2016 (recap of 2015) Newsletter

June/July 2016 Master Association and Council Minutes

September 2015 Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast Email Issues (Oct 2020)

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Technology Tips – Published October 2020 in the Guide and Digest

Comcast has made changes on the signed-in page for your Comcast Email account. Under “Bill Pay” you may see the message “Your Xfinity services are currently disconnected. Your unpaid account balance is $0.00. You can make a payment to bring your account up to date.” The account still works fine but you can’t make changes to it other than “User” changes. For example, Settings has disappeared from the menu as it’s considered an “Xfinity Service.” As you know when we transitioned from Comcast to Verizon we were told that we could keep our Comcast email account. The $0.00 under “Bill Pay” is accurate but it doesn’t offset the fact that you now have practically no way to make changes to your account. Believe me, I’ve tried.

Some residents have reported the loss of their Comcast Email accounts when trying to sign in. Apparently this has happened with no notice from Comcast or wrong doing by the user. Below are 2 steps to seriously consider if your account is still working. It will provide a way to restore your account in the event the problem is associated with a corrupt User account or something else in the Comcast system that can be corrected. No definitive answer or prevention of account loss is guaranteed but doing the things outlined might help in account recovery.

1. Setting up a Comcast Email Account Recovery with a Xfinity ID

To check your account’s status, concerning recovery, sign in to your Comcast Email account then click Settings at the top of the window. On the left side scroll down to and click Xfinity ID, Passwords and Pins. You should see your Email address, your secondary Email address and your cell phone number. Again on the left side, near the top, click Contact Information and you should see your Account/Mobile phone numbers and Personal email address which is your secondary or recovery Email address. If you see those 3 items your recovery system is set up properly. If any information is missing then go back to the main Comcast page and sign out. On the main Comcast page, click “Sign In” but DON’T actually sign in. Below the blue “Sign In” button, click on Don’t have an Xfinity ID? “Create one”. Follow the procedure to establish your recovery information. Note: This procedure may not recover all missing Comcast Email accounts. There are many variables in play but it will help if the problem lies with the account structure or password. When setting up a new Xfinity ID have your cell phone handy and be prepared to establish your secondary Email address preferably at gmail.com

Note: You need to be a “Primary” user to make changes in your account profile. If necessary this can be done in the Users category.

If your Comcast Email account is presently working, consider the following – #2. It’s a hybrid system in as much as only new Emails that enter the Comcast Inbox after the setup is done will be forwarded to Gmail with a copy saved in the Comcast Inbox. It’s like a file backup procedure. This will work in the event the account is still there but isn’t working due to some issue in the Comcast sign-in architecture. It’s been tested and works well.

2. Forwarding Comcast Emails to Gmail

First, create your secondary Email account at Gmail.com. Next, create your Xfinity ID if you haven’t done so. This is located below the blue “Sign In” button for your Comcast email account. The Xfinity ID procedure will use that secondary email account at Gmail for authentication. The Gmail account will also be used to accept forwarded Comcast Emails.

To forward your Comcast Email to Gmail, sign in to your Comcast Email account and click the Email envelope icon at the top, then click the “gear” at the upper right of the window. Click “Settings” in the drop down menu. On the left click “Auto Forward”. Click “Enable email forwarding”. Use your new Gmail Email address by putting it in the “Forward all emails to:” box. Be sure to check “Save a copy of forwarded emails”. This tells the Comcast server to save a copy of the forwarded email in your Comcast Inbox.