Problem solve

Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• How to back up, repair and restore the Windows 11 Registry

  The simplest way to fix a broken Windows 11 registry is to restore a backup, but that isn't always possible. Find out different methods to fix a broken registry. Continue Reading

• How do you back up the Windows 11 registry before editing it?

  Without a Windows 11 registry backup, IT risks breaking the OS by making edits. Find out how easy it is to back up the Windows 11 registry. Continue Reading

• 4 ways that I use generative AI as an analyst

  Many use cases for generative AI involve projecting to the future and aren't currently easy to use. However, these four use cases are available currently with generative AI. Continue Reading

• How Windows 11 Print Management can fix printer issues

  With the Print Management utility in Windows 11, IT administrators can perform all sorts of tasks, such as troubleshooting user issues, restarting devices and much more. Continue Reading

• 4 steps to troubleshoot Windows 11 network issues

  When IT administrators encounter problems with a Windows 11 network connection, they have plenty of options to fix the issue. Learn the steps to troubleshoot these issues. Continue Reading

• 5 steps to identify and fix Windows 11 performance issues

  Windows 11 administrators may encounter numerous desktops with varying performance issues. Follow these steps to identify the root cause of the performance issues and fix them.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting the most common issues with Windows 11

  When Windows 11 administrators encounter an issue with a desktop without a clear fix, they should perform general troubleshooting steps in a specific order to minimize risk.Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 11 when it keeps restarting

  When a Windows 11 desktop keeps restarting, there are a few factors that may be behind the issue. IT administrators should understand all the possible causes and how to solve them.Continue Reading

• How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop

  A factory reset may be necessary when a device has performance issues or is set to go to a new user. IT can execute this process in Windows 11 while avoiding unwanted data loss.Continue Reading

• How to create a custom ISO for Windows 10

  A custom ISO for Windows 10 can make desktop deployment and installation much simpler. IT allows admins to including applications and themes pre-installed on business desktops.Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot remote printing via VPN

  While each organization's printing infrastructure is different, IT administrators should follow these six general steps to determine the cause of remote printing issues over a VPN.Continue Reading

• How to configure proxy settings using Group Policy

  IT pros can use this labor-saving tip to manage proxy settings calls for properly configured Group Policy settings. Here are the steps to take.Continue Reading

• 11 tips to improve Windows 10 performance

  With a few minor tweaks, such as maximizing RAM, disabling visual effects and getting rid of unnecessary services, you can increase Windows 10 performance.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 updates to avoid and how to address them

  While Windows administrators can never ignore Microsoft's updates, it may make sense to delay or even avoid Windows updates until they are stable for enterprise users.Continue Reading

• Using Task Manager to monitor memory usage in Windows 10

  With the Windows 10 Task Manager, desktop admins can monitor memory usage across the desktop to identify the source of any performance issues and terminate it.Continue Reading

• How to fix a Windows 10 boot loop

  A Windows reboot loop is a vicious and frustrating cycle, but there are ways you can fix a Windows 10 boot loop problem, including booting in Safe Mode.Continue Reading

• Learn native Windows 10 virtual memory management methods

  With the variety of local techniques for managing Windows 10 virtual memory, desktop administrators can address numerous performance issues on end-user machines.Continue Reading

• How to safely stop unnecessary Windows 10 services

  Windows 10 comes with a lot of services, but not all of them are necessary. Consider stopping unnecessary Windows 10 services to boost performance and security.Continue Reading

• How to change UEFI and BIOS password on Windows 10

  Admins may need to open the BIOS or UEFI interface to change BIOS passwords on Windows 10. This process isn't too complex, but IT pros should follow these steps to accomplish this.Continue Reading

• Why isn't Adobe Reader working on Windows 10?

  When Adobe Reader isn't working with Windows 10, admins can take a few troubleshooting steps to rectify the issue. Begin with Adobe's AcroMonitor tool.Continue Reading

• Combat Windows update issues with a consistent testing plan

  When it comes to deploying Windows updates, there is one key step that IT must take to ensure users' productivity isn't hindered: a comprehensive plan for testing the updates.Continue Reading

• MS Assistant Addresses Office Issues

  A downloadable MS Assistant Addresses Office Issues of all kinds, including my weird Internet Calendar Subscriptions issue. Worth downloading for admins and power users tasked with Office upkeep.Continue Reading

• What IT needs to know about Chrome extension security issues

  Google Chrome extensions can improve user experience, but they could access a lot of user data. Admins should take control over users' extensions for security and privacy reasons.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 Blank Search Bites Production PC

  When Windows 10 blank search bites production PC, I recognize this as a widely-reported and common issue. Fortunately, it's also quite easy to fix. Here's how...Continue Reading

• Win10 Outlook 365 Pro Crashes Prompt Timely Update

  When my rock-solid production PC Reliability Index drops dramatically, discovering a Win10 Outlook 365 Pro crashes prompt timely update. Hope it's fixed!Continue Reading

• Cloud Download Reset Reappears in Build 19555.1001

  When I check, I learn that Cloud Download Reset reappears in Build 19555.1001. This lets users reset Win10 PCs using direct download from MS servers. Good stuff!Continue Reading

• Firefox Tightens Web Security Clamps

  When my usual browser refuses to take me to a couple of sites I visit daily, I realize that Firefox tightens web security clamps by insisting on a valid certificate before it will connect. Interesting!Continue Reading

• Reboot Clears Defender Error 0x80070643

  I learn that a reboot clears Defender error 0x80070643 when an antimalware engine update fails to install. I also learn about the great new Microsoft Error Lookup Tool. Good stuff!Continue Reading

• Odd KB4528760 Error 0X80073712 Gets Easy Fix

  On Patch Tuesday, 5 of 6 machines get through without issue. On machine 6, it turns out happily that KB4528760 error 0X80073712 gets easy fix.Continue Reading

• NirSoft ShellExView Pinpoints Explorer Context Menu Problems

  After 8 days away, I find my production PC beset with 17 BEX64 faulting application events. I recall that NirSoft ShellExView pinpoints Explorer Context Menu problems. A quick fix ensues.Continue Reading

• Nirsoft USBLogView Monitors USB Events

  In trying to track down a mysterious USB plug/unplug problem, I learn that Nirsoft USBLogView Monitors USB Events. Good stuff!Continue Reading

• How to shut down and restart a remote computer

  Shutting down or restarting a computer remotely is often a necessary process. Explore the multiple ways to do so, using methods such as GUI and CLI commands.Continue Reading

• Windows Graphics Card Reset Key Sequence

  If all you see on your Windows PC is a black screen, possibly with a white cursor, it's always a good idea to try the Windows graphics card reset key sequence Ctrl+Shift+Win+B.Continue Reading

• How to fix printer problems after a Windows 10 update

  Windows 10 updates, especially an update to Windows 10 version 1809, can sometimes cause printer issues. You can fix these problems with these tips.Continue Reading

• 4 ways to fix Windows 10 boot problems

  If users are experiencing Windows 10 boot problems, IT can turn to the Master Boot Record or Startup Repair to diagnose and resolve the issues.Continue Reading

• When not to convert basic disks to dynamic disks

  Converting basic disks to dynamic disks can help achieve improved performance in your Windows OS. However, there are compatibility restrictions you should be aware of before diving into this conversion process.Continue Reading

• USB iPhone Link-Up Causes BSOD

  On a desktop running 18363.476, a USB iPhone link-up causes BSOD each time I try to plug it in. Basic diagnosis indicates a driver problem of some kind, so I switch to another PC for the time being.Continue Reading

• More Odd USB-C Symptoms

  More odd USB-C symptoms manifest for a hinky device on a test PC: dwm.exe (Windows Desktop Windows Manager) crashes 9 times for each incident.Continue Reading

• How to create an Windows 10 unattended installation

  A Windows 10 unattended installation can help IT immensely. One of the key steps along the way is creating an answer file, which includes understanding the Windows Setup workflow.Continue Reading

• Multiple ISO Mount Strategies Prove Helpful

  When an ISO on my brand-new, high-speed USB-C NVMe SSD-based external drive refuses to mount, I understand that multiple ISO mount strategies prove helpful -- downright essential, in fact.Continue Reading

• Insider Preview 19002 Poses Peculiar Problems

  The latest Insider Preview 19002 poses peculiar problems when it causes both of my test machines to hang at the first reboot. Removing the SDXC card fixes the newer PC, but I have to resort to ...Continue Reading

• 5 ways to speed up Windows 10 performance

  Windows 10 performance can slow down over time. Fortunately, you can do a few things to speed up performance, including freeing up storage space and removing bloatware.Continue Reading

• Fixing Surface Pro 3 USB Drive Drop

  Weird behavior has me fixing Surface Pro 3 USB drive drop behavior. Turns out a single registry key knocks out a bunch of common Power Options, one of which fixes my problem.Continue Reading

• Chasing Thunderbolt Drivers Down

  Chasing Thunderbolt drivers down proves frustrating, until I remember that "Show hidden devices" shows drivers for removables that aren't physically connected to a PC. Doh!Continue Reading

• Mystery Error Code 0x80242016 Follows KB4524147

  When a mystery error code 0x80242016 follows KB4524147 -- it means unexpected state after reboot following update -- a second try succeeds. Thank goodness! Unexpected states can be surprisingly ...Continue Reading

• How to fix 5 common printing problems in Windows 10

  Printing problems in Windows 10 are fairly common and can be a nuisance for IT admins. Here are five issues you may run into and how to troubleshoot them.Continue Reading

• Two New Known Issues Already Resolved Sept 19

  In what's looking increasingly like a weekly update schedule, two New Known Issues already resolved Sept 19 show up today. One is resolved, but I'm not so sure about the other.Continue Reading

• Cycling Power Fixes Wireless Weirdness

  It takes me a phone call to ASUS tech support to figure it out, but cycling power fixes wireless weirdness on my new ASUS wireless access device. Go figure!Continue Reading

• 2 methods to tackle Windows Autopilot troubleshooting

  Windows Autopilot isn't perfect, and you can run into errors during its deployment. Explore two ways to troubleshoot Windows Autopilot issues, using event logs and registry keys.Continue Reading

• Wonky Wi-Fi Forces Public Network Status

  When a wonky Wi-Fi forces Public network status on what had been a private 5 GHz Wi-Fi channel, I finally recognize I need a new Wi-Fi router. It's on order. Sigh.Continue Reading

• 5 steps to enroll Windows 10 devices in Windows Analytics

  Windows Analytics can provide some helpful information, but you must enroll your organization's devices before you can start using it. Here are five steps to get started.Continue Reading

• Lenovo X380 Ethernet Extension Follies

  Instead of building RJ-45 ports into its newest ThinkPads, Lenovo has opted to use proprietary Ethernet extension ports. Alas for my 8th-gen laptop, this has led to Lenovo X380 Ethernet extension ...Continue Reading

• Partially Disconnected USB Cable Puts Mouse MIA

  Takes me a while to figure this out, but a partially disconnected USB cable puts Mouse MIA -- at least until I shove the two extension cables fully together.Continue Reading

• 1903 Hyper-V Networking Interference?

  After installing KB4512508 on my local Win10 PCs, I notice some 1903 Hyper-V networking interference (no Internet!). A quick uninstall/reinstall fixes the issue.Continue Reading

• Which options does IT have for Windows 10 bloatware removal?

  Bloatware isn't just annoying -- it can negatively affect OS security, for example. Find out ways to get rid of Windows 10 bloatware once and for all with these tips.Continue Reading

• Post BIOS Upgrade Beeping Means Trouble

  Anybody who works regularly with PCs knows post BIOS Upgrade beeping means trouble. I achieve a miraculous recovery, but explain what to do if a second reboot doesn't fix things by itself.Continue Reading

• Insider Preview 20H1 Upgrade Follies

  With the release of Build 18950 on July 31, I work through some Insider Preview 20H1 upgrade follies. The TLDR version is: watch out for cycling, and WiFi hijinks.Continue Reading

• Intel RST Stymies 1903 Upgrade

  Sometimes, Intel RST Stymies 1903 Upgrade. This can continue even after obsolete drivers get updated. If that happens to you, here's an easy fix.Continue Reading

• Protecting Backup Card Proves Essential

  Upon inspection, I learn that Surface Pro 3 backups have been failing since May. To fix the problem, I learn that protecting backup card proves essential.Continue Reading

• How to create an answer file, skip OOBE in Windows 10 install image

  One part of the Windows 10 installation process you must know how to automate is the out-of-box experience. It starts with creating an answer file.Continue Reading

• Upgrade Win10 Repair Install Saves Mangled T520 PC

  When Windows 10 gets weird, drastic measures may be called for. This weekend, upgrade Win10 repair install aaves mangled T520 PC, and sets things back to rights.Continue Reading

• 3 Windows 10 known issues and how to fix them

  There are a few issues that accompanied the Windows 10 1903 update. Before deploying the latest update, IT admins should familiarize themselves with the most common problems.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot the blue screen of death for Windows 10

  The blue screen of death is never a pretty sight. Learn how to troubleshoot and fix this dreaded issue in Windows 10, using a variety of different methods and tools.Continue Reading

• 4 Windows 10 management tools to troubleshoot desktops

  Windows 10 administrators can take up a lot of time setting up desktop deployments and troubleshooting applications. Consider these four Windows 10 management tools to ease that process.Continue Reading

• IT pros discuss challenges of a workspace platform deployment

  The benefits of workspace platforms are well established, but the process of deploying a workspace can lead to logistical issues and more work for IT professionals.Continue Reading

• Reliability Monitor Error Info Propels Fixes

  When you know how to read what you see, and what you see makes any kind of sense, Reliability Monitor error info propels fixes. An APPCRASH on a UPS monitor immediately suggested a software ...Continue Reading

• Win10 Sleep Issues Make Sleepstudy Worthwhile

  Looking for information about system power states on a PC to resolve Win10 sleep issues make Sleepstudy worthwhile. The Powercfg command uses this option to produce an info-packed report.Continue Reading

• Stuck Rocker Switch Means New Drive Dock

  A backup drive goes missing after a recent feature upgrade. I decide a stuck rocker switch means new drive dock is needed for reliable backup.Continue Reading

• Win10 May 2019 Update Features Recommended Troubleshooting

  The Win10 May 2019 Update features Recommended Troubleshooting. This lets the OS automate troubleshooting, and promises to increase Win10 stability and reliability.Continue Reading

• Recent Windows 10 Updates Kill Built-in Restore Facility

  If you get caught in a recent WU snafu, certain recent Windows 10 Updates kill built-in restore facility that makes use of restore points. MS offers a workaround, but it's classified as a "known ...Continue Reading

• Windows 10 Workaround Versus Fix

  When I can't complete an RDP login on a Skip ahead Insider Preview PC I find myself pondering this dilemma: Windows 10 Workaround versus fix. For me, a workaround will do.Continue Reading

• How can IT use Windows Autopilot to manage Windows 10 PCs?

  Deploying Windows 10 devices can be a pain, especially when pre-installed PCs don't have the right applications or policies. Learn how Windows Autopilot can solve those issues.Continue Reading

• 19H1 Release Preview Bug Bites

  You'll know when the Windows 10 19H1 Release Preview bug bites, when you see an error message from Windows Update that reads "What needs your attention. . ." Turns out removing the SD card usually ...Continue Reading

• Dude, Where Is My SDXC Drive?

  When I lose a device after a Release Preview upgrade, I raise the question "Dude, Where is my SDXC Drive?" A quick rollback leads me to suspect a driver issue, and a follow-up report to the MS ...Continue Reading

• Top Windows 10 issues facing IT

  Windows 10 can be a challenging OS for both end users and IT admins. Here, IT pros discuss the biggest challenges they've experienced with Windows 10 management.Continue Reading

• How to navigate Windows 10 update problems

  It's often a hassle for IT admins to manage and control Windows 10 updates. Follow these tips to make the Windows update process as smooth as possible.Continue Reading

• How to create Windows 10 toast notifications with PowerShell

  IT can send pop-up notifications to a Windows 10 user's taskbar with a PowerShell module called BurntToast. Here's how to get started creating toast notifications.Continue Reading

• When LinkedIn Posts Fail

  When LinkedIn posts fail I turn to Twitter for help and find someone to communicate with immediately. Nothing seems to work, but I log in this morning and it's all fixed.Continue Reading

• Reboot Still Solves Simple Win10 Problems

  As I observe that a reboot still solves simple Win10 problems, I'm reminded that trying easy and obvious fixes early in the troubleshooting process remains a good idea.Continue Reading

• Nvidia LiveKernelEvent 141 Error Returns

  When Nvidia LiveKernelEvent 141 error returns to Reliability Monitor, I start troubleshooting my Nvidia drivers. I eliminate GeForce and the driver installer as the cause, but not the error.Continue Reading

• 5 Windows 10 security settings to tweak

  Desktop security is crucial, and the default settings of Windows 10 can leave organizations vulnerable. Here are a few changes to ensure that Windows 10 is as secure as possible.Continue Reading

• What IT needs to know about Windows 10 update troubleshooting

  The Windows update process can cause a whole slew of problems for users and IT. Get acquainted with these Windows 10 update troubleshooting tips and make the process a lot easier.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 customizations for enterprise desktops

  Microsoft offers different services that IT can use to adjust its users' desktop experience. These Windows 10 customizations are a must in an admin's toolbox.Continue Reading

• How to access Windows 10 troubleshooting tools step by step

  Running into problems with Windows 10 booting, starting or other performance issues? Get to know the menus and options for Windows troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• How can IT keep pace with the Windows update process?

  Staying current with the latest Windows updates is a difficult task, but IT can accomplish this without harming the UX with Group Policy, disk capacity planning and more.Continue Reading

• Win10 Safemode Trap Defeated

  If you only use an MS account to log in to Windows 10, you might get caught in a trap. Here, I show the Win10 Safemode trap defeated and disarmed.Continue Reading

• Win10 1809 Update Unknown Device Works

  To my surprise and delight, I find that Win10 1809 update Unknown Device works in Device Manager. At least it did for a couple of UART system devices yesterday. Cool!Continue Reading

• Driver Setting Explains Venue Pro Restart Fail

  After a clean install shows the problem is software -- not BIOS -- related, changing an Intel Management Engine driver setting explains Venue Pro Restart fail.Continue Reading

• Kari Script Builds Win10 Bootable Install UFD

  When repeated attempts to upgrade to recent Insider Preview releases fail, I use Kari's script to build myself a Win10 bootable install UFD. A clean install does the trick!Continue Reading

• How to find Wi-Fi settings in Windows 10

  In Windows 10, the Wi-Fi -- and wired -- connectivity settings are in a new spot, but they're as easy to access and configure as ever. You just have to know where to look.Continue Reading

• CU KB4480116 Hiccup Offers Easy Fix

  CU KB4480116 Hiccup Offers Easy Fix: if you apply the update and lose the Start Menu and/or UWP apps, a quick restart/reboot may set things right.Continue Reading

• How can you perform a full Windows Update reset?

  When Windows Update malfunctions, IT must follow this four-step process to fix the problems. Be sure to have admin privileges before getting started.Continue Reading

• How to address endpoint security issues caused by users

  Certain behaviors, such as ignoring patches, create security issues on the endpoints users work with. IT should enforce policies that prevent users from taking these damaging actions.Continue Reading

• iCloud Issue Hampers 1809 User Proffer

  Because of synchronization problems in the latest Windows 10 release, an iCloud issue hampers 1809 user proffer. Once a PC is updated to the latest iCloud, it's safe to upgrade to 1809.Continue Reading

• Default Screen Res Kills Event Viewer Log Filtering

  Although default Screen Res kills Event Viewer log filtering in Win10 versions 1803, 1809, and Insider Preview, it's easily worked around by temporarily resetting Scale and Layout to 100%.Continue Reading

• RDP Win10 Black Screen Fixes

  After a recent Insider Preview upgrade I lose the ability to see the desktop in inbound RDP sessions. Along the way, I uncover some RDP Win10 Black Screen fixes.Continue Reading

• MS Activation Server Issues Temporarily Negate Win10 Licenses

  When MS Activation Server issues temporarily negate Win10 licenses, consternation reigns for a few hours. A couple of simple fixes will set affected PCs straight, though. No biggie!Continue Reading

• How can you pause Windows Update with Group Policy?

  Mistimed updates in Windows 10 can drive users crazy and cost organizations in terms of productivity. There are steps you can take to pause these updates, however.Continue Reading

• Win10 Registry Backup Task Broken

  A Win10 Registry Backup task broken: it's named RegIdleBackup and it reports successful completion in Task Manager even though it writes no backup files.Continue Reading

• Operator Error Makes Insider Preview Reflect Bug Persist

  When operator error makes Insider Preview Reflect bug persist, my colleagues at TenForums guide me back to the solution I'd already tried, using the proper patch this time instead.Continue Reading