Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Problem solve
Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.
Reduce update-related downtime after a Windows 10 OS upgrade
Windows 10 updates are a necessary evil, as they add new features and improve security, but also cause downtime for users. IT can downplay the negative effects of updates. Continue Reading
4 tips for handling the upgrade process to Windows 10
To ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 10, IT should take advantage of helpful tools such as the Microsoft Management Console to test Windows 10 application compatibility. Continue Reading
Macrium Patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 Bug
Macrium patches Skipahead Preview Reflect Win10 bug in under 24 hours (on a weekend, no less). This is first-rate customer service that goes way beyond the ordinary call of duty. Continue Reading
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How to get the Windows 10 upgrade process right
To install Windows 10 correctly, IT pros should alter the disk layout for a fresh installation of the OS to match Microsoft's recommended order rather than its default order. Continue Reading
How to solve Windows 10 updates problems
Nothing is more annoying than an OS update that breaks something or won't load right. Windows admins may need some tips and tools to manage Windows 10 updates now that they're automatic. Continue Reading
How can IT fix Windows Update issues?
Microsoft offers some built-in troubleshooting methods to resolve Windows Update problems. There are also some third-party options IT should be aware of.Continue Reading
About Logitech Driver Interface Drivers
As I dig into and learn more about Logitech Driver Interface Drivers, I quickly realize that they're essentially no-ops (not needed, not loaded, and not used). 'Nuff said!Continue Reading
How to stop Windows 10 updates temporarily
A poorly timed Windows 10 update can cause a major headache for an end user. Fortunately, users can pause updates or IT can take steps to halt updates using Group Policy.Continue Reading
Fast Ring Win10 Builds 17728 and 17730 May Require Clean Install
When numerous attempts with Windows Update, WUMT, and even an upgrade install from a mounted ISO all fail, I realize that Fast Ring Win10 Builds 17728 and 17730 may require clean install. To my ...Continue Reading
Latest GeForce Driver 398.82 Bluescreens PC
When the latest GeForce Driver 398.82 bluescreens PC this morning, I find myself on an unwanted nostalgia trip. Been here before, not eager to go back. Even so, I'm waiting to see if it happens one ...Continue Reading
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Surface Pro Boot Requires Minimum Charge
When a tablet connected to A/C power absolutely, positively refuses to boot, I learn that Surface Pro boot requires minimum charge levels to succeed.Continue Reading
Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 Strange Upgrade Issues
When Dell Venue Pro 11 7130 strange upgrade issues manifest for recent Insider Preview builds, my usual troubleshooting ritual sets things right. No clean install this time, as I'd feared might be ...Continue Reading
How can IT turn off Windows 10 automatic updates?
In some cases, IT pros should disable Windows 10 updates to gain control over the process. They can use methods such as editing group policies and setting a metered connection.Continue Reading
Why would IT manually upgrade to Windows 10?
There are some instances where IT should manually upgrade to Windows 10, including when the desktop runs older software for which IT does not have the installation media.Continue Reading
Get to know your Windows 10 security options
Protecting Windows 10 takes a lot of juggling. IT must be sure to use all the tools at its disposal to create the strongest security approach possible.Continue Reading
How to create a Windows 10 security program
IT can get ahead of Windows 10 security problems by understanding its organizational needs and focusing on a few key areas, including patching and domain password policies.Continue Reading
MS Answers Offers 1803 Networking Resolution
MS Answers offers 1803 networking resolution for those seeking to make nodes or network resources visible or available using File Explorer and other tools.Continue Reading
What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?
If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily.Continue Reading
Fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers Issue
Evidence I compiled helped me with fixing Win10 Restart PC to Finish Installing Drivers issue by leading me to the device involved, and possible fixes.Continue Reading
HID Woes Cause Overkill Win10 Repair
When HID woes cause overkill Win10 repair, it's because I try a software fix for what turns out to be a purely hardware problem. Sigh.Continue Reading
How can you change Windows 10 update settings?
Windows 10 updates can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration. With the right settings, however, you can minimize the risk of an update getting in the way of productivity.Continue Reading
Create an effective email phishing test in 7 steps
The best way for IT to improve email phishing security is through comprehensive testing, which helps identify which users are susceptible and what type of fake email is most effective.Continue Reading
Bring Back PING in Win10 1803
As I troubleshoot an inexplicable inability to remote into one of my office PCs, I figure out how to bring back PING in Win10 1803. In short, my recent spate of networking issues continue!Continue Reading
Why Windows Machine Names Are Case-Sensitive in RDP
When the certificate warning shows up, I finally figure out why Windows machine names are case-sensitive in RDP. The machine name isn't case-sensitive, but the certificate name most certainly is!Continue Reading
1803 May Drop Spectre Patches on Some PCs
According to some usually reliable observers and experts, Windows 10 Version 1803 may drop Spectre Patches on some PCs. Here's how to check if any of your PCs are affected.Continue Reading
How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?
Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support.Continue Reading
Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities show haste makes waste
When the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities came to light, everyone scrambled to find a fix. As a result, the patching process has been anything but smooth.Continue Reading
God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail
If God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail and pasting URLs causes Word, Excel and so forth to crash, delete the God Mode parent folder to fix this problem.Continue Reading
When USB Hub Gets Weird Win-RAID Provides Fix
When USB hub gets weird Win-RAID provides fix for MIA Asmedia device. It's got modded drivers for Intel, and most other USB hubs and controllers, too. Worth checking out!Continue Reading
Macrium Reflect Upgrade Cancels Backup Schedules
As I follow my twice-monthly drive cleanup routine, I realize that Macrium Reflect upgrade cancels backup schedules. Can't have that!Continue Reading
How to transition to Windows 10 without the headaches
IT pros should take a step back and decide if an upgrade to Windows 10 is right for their organizations, or they may encounter problems during the process.Continue Reading
Post Build 17115 Driver Fix Routine Still Works
Even post Build 17115 Driver Fix routine still works to fix most common driver issues and difficulties. Try this 3-step sequence and see!Continue Reading
Top six Windows 10 migration problems and how to avoid them
Users and IT professionals sometimes have issues after a Windows 10 migration. Careful planning can mitigate these issues before IT undertakes a full-scale migration.Continue Reading
Fixing Missing Mouse or Keyboard
When it comes to fixing missing mouse or keyboard in Win10 you can either try different hardware, or boot from a different Windows, to effect repairs.Continue Reading
Win10 Upgrade Repair Install Tips
When it comes to fixing misbehaving or flaky Windows PCs, here are some hopefully useful Win10 upgrade repair install tips.Continue Reading
Win10 Safe Mode Breakout Technique
If you get stuck in a boot loop while in safe mode, you'll need a Win10 Safe Mode breakout technique. Here's one that works from the command line.Continue Reading
Bootrec Fixes Win10 Boot Problems
When boot-up goes wonky, remember this: Bootrec fixes Win10 boot problems! Here, you'll learn how to launch and run this boot repair tool, and what it can do to help.Continue Reading
Can IT make the transition to Windows 10 smooth for users?
IT can take a few steps to make the move to Windows 10 easier on users, including considering an in-place upgrade and holding off on any other major changes.Continue Reading
Update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW
Because of some recently-discovered and somewhat nasty vulnerabilities, you really, really want to update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW!!Continue Reading
KB4058258 Install Fail Fix
Those who try, and fail, to install KB4058258 should try this simple recipe for a KB4058258 install fail fix. It takes a little while but works pretty well.Continue Reading
Three PC lifecycle management options IT should consider
IT pros can use PCs and laptops until they stop working, or they can set up a lifecycle management plan that retires them after a certain period of time.Continue Reading
Timely Firmware Update Rescues Surface Pro 3
After my PC gets caught in an ongoing crash loop, a timely firmware update rescues Surface Pro 3, thanks in large part to the Windows Update MiniTool.Continue Reading
MS Issues Spectre Reversal Update (Catalog Only)
Because Intel is taking its sweet time fixing microcode, and reboot and stability problems continue, MS issues Spectre reversal update (Catalog Only).Continue Reading
Can IT save user settings, files in the move to Windows 10?
IT can help users maintain their personal settings and files when moving to Windows 10 through an in-place upgrade or through manual or automated processes during a clean upgrade.Continue Reading
A Windows vulnerability scan should leave no stones unturned
When it comes to scanning for vulnerabilities in Windows, IT pros need to run both authenticated and unauthenticated scans so they can see the deployment from every angle.Continue Reading
17074.1002 Introduces Involuntary Upgrade Repair Install
The latest Win10 Insider Preview build 17074.1002 introduces involuntary upgrade repair install. What looks like an update is a major version upgrade!Continue Reading
Operator Error Explains 4TB Drive Mystery
When I compared the PSU (brick) I'd been using on my dual drive dock to the one I'd just purchased, I realized that operator error explains 4TB drive mystery. Sheesh!Continue Reading
More Details on KB4056892 Wintel Vulnerabilities
More details on KB4056892 Wintel vulnerabilities tell us their names, and reveal that vendor hardware support is needed to fix one of this pair of critical items.Continue Reading
RegHack Fixes Unwanted Win10 Thumbnail Deletions
A simple RegHack fixes unwanted Win10 thumbnail deletions that make preview images disappear from File Explorer.Continue Reading
Can you create a dynamically expanding virtual hard disk?
If you build a dynamically expanding VHD it is important to remember to set the size to match the maximum possible storage space it will use.Continue Reading
How to create a snapshot of your custom Windows 10 image
Once you finish creating your custom Windows 10 image, the time is right to take a snapshot of it so you can deliver it to your users.Continue Reading
Top Windows 10 backup and restore utilities
The key to a good backup and restore tool is reliability. Look into third-party utilities such as Reflect or OneKey for Windows 10 restore and backup.Continue Reading
KB4057291 Fixes Win10 AMD GPU Issues
To address widely-reported issues with black screens, multiple monitors, and resolution settings, KB4057291 fixes Win10 AMD GPU issues.Continue Reading
Five Windows 10 2018 resolutions to follow
IT pros who emphasize these resolutions in 2018, including a focus on the easy-to-overlook security holes in Windows 10, will have a great year ahead.Continue Reading
When should IT consider an outsourced help desk?
Help desk services can be a drain on IT. Organizations that need new options can partially or completely outsource help desk services to make life easier.Continue Reading
Mosquito Rescues GPU Upgrade
As my son and I swap an old Nvidia card for a new one, I observe that a mosquito rescues GPU upgrade.Continue Reading
Relaxed security lets email phishing sink an organization
Email phishing attacks are often the result of incomplete security. IT pros must follow a strict security protocol to protect organizations from these types of vulnerabilities.Continue Reading
HomeGroup Trick Fixes Win10 Public Network Reset
When recent updates switch networks from Private to Public, a HomeGroup trick fixes Win10 Public network reset more quickly than Network settings.Continue Reading
Failing WiFi Gets Driver Fix
When I switch a desktop PC from wired GbE to wireless following the Win10 Fall Creators Upgrade, failing WiFi gets driver fix as a consequence.Continue Reading
Restore Win10 Private Network Status
Be forewarned: After upgrading or clean installing Fall Creators Update, admins may need to sestore Win10 Private Network status, too.Continue Reading
Realtek HD Audio Driver Tips
In figuring out why an ostensibly proper driver won't install in Device Manager, I compile a list of Realtek HD Audio Driver Tips.Continue Reading
Targeted attacks make desktop browser security a must
IT can fight browser-based attacks by separating browsers from the OS itself. Get to know tools such as Citrix Secure Browser Service and Windows Defender Application Guard.Continue Reading
Can you use Sysprep to install a custom Windows 10 image?
With the right know-how, IT can create and install a custom Windows 10 image using Microsoft's System Preparation tool.Continue Reading
Bad RAM Nixes 1709 Upgrade
When bad RAM nixes 1709 upgrade, finding and removing the failed memory module sets things back to rights.Continue Reading
Fixing Win10 Volsnap.sys Issues
With the right ingredients, fixing Win10 Volsnap.sys issues turns out to be both quick and simple.Continue Reading
How can IT create the most efficient help desk possible?
When users run into issues that make them turn to the IT help desk, they expect quick, efficient service that gets them back to work. That starts with easy access to IT resources.Continue Reading
Wonky Win10 Colors Require Registry Edits
When wonky Win10 colors require registry edits, a set of handy .reg files to restore normal defaults comes in handy.Continue Reading
End-user computing strategy bears these top challenges
With a great end-user computing strategy comes great responsibility. IT pros must deal with app delivery challenges, user expectations and plenty more.Continue Reading
Why IT needs a standard application install package
IT pros lose time delivering apps differently to users based on the OS and OS versions they use. A standard app format would go a long way toward fixing this problem.Continue Reading
Windows 10 VDI, third-party tools help boost the OS
Not everything IT needs is necessarily built into Windows 10. IT pros share the technologies and third-party tools they use to make their deployments run smoothly.Continue Reading
Unravel the truth with end-user experience monitoring tools
User experience monitoring helps IT pros be more precise and accurate when they work to resolve users' day-to-day and long-term problems.Continue Reading
Put problems to bed with end-user experience monitoring tools
There is plenty of data available for IT pros to use to get to the bottom of problems. With user experience monitoring tools they can harness that data for deeper insight.Continue Reading
MS Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset (DaRT) 10
The Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset, aka DaRT, is an invaluable toolset for admins seeking remedies for Windows 10 boot or startup issues.Continue Reading
Clear cached credentials with the cmdkey and PowerShell
Cached credentials make users' lives easier, but they can be a security issue in Windows if a device falls into the wrong hands. IT can manage them on a large scale with PowerShell.Continue Reading
Win10 Post-Repair-Install Issues Appear
When Win10 post-repair-install issues appear on a recently-fixed PC, I start to understand what leaving the prior install "mostly intact" means.Continue Reading
KB4032188 Causes Win10 Confusion
When the latest cumulate update KB4032188 causes Win10 confusion, I turn to my bin full of USB flash drives for a solution. Problem solved!Continue Reading
WUMT Rescues Win10 Release Preview 15063.483
When Windows Update not only hangs but resists repair, WUMT rescues Win10 Release Preview (and other) installations.Continue Reading
Top five Windows 10 problems and how to solve them
Windows 10 problems persist, despite all the updates Microsoft sends out. Make sure you know the common issues for IT and end users, as well as how to solve them.Continue Reading
How to approach and resolve Windows 10 update problems
When users run into Windows 10 update problems, admins must identify the causes, which can include connectivity disruptions and mishaps with the System Reserved partition.Continue Reading
How can you access Windows 10 advanced repair options?
To resolve Windows 10 boot problems you can access a few repair options by entering the OS through the back door. Here's how to do it.Continue Reading
Pondering Build 16215 Plus Good Backup
Recent gotchas, three failed installs and a wounded clean install leave me pondering Build 16215 plus good backup.Continue Reading
Windows 10 security tools to have handy
Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen.Continue Reading
How to diagnose and resolve Windows 10 Wi-Fi connectivity problems
Wi-Fi connectivity in Windows 10 is a persistent problem for IT. Use the network troubleshooter or reset the device configuration to solve this issue fast.Continue Reading
Hyper-V vSwitch Set-up Snafu
For four months I thought I was fighting a Hyper-V vSwitch set-up snafu. But the joke's on me: I was actually fighting my own mistake!Continue Reading
The go-to Windows PowerShell guide
Solidify a strong foundation with this PowerShell guide that includes tips on automating tasks, using WMI and CMI standards and handling security threats.Continue Reading
MiniTool Power Data Recovery Rocks
In the wake of the accidental repartitioning and formatting of a vital data drive, I learn that MiniTool Power Data Recovery rocks!Continue Reading
Study up on Windows 10 performance issues
When it comes to Windows 10 performance issues, there is a lot to cover. Use this quiz to refresh your knowledge on the top problems and how to solve them.Continue Reading
Fix CCleaner Install Hang
A locked-up install sends me searching for solutions, but it turns out that the best way to fix CCleaner install hang is simple and easy.Continue Reading
Troubleshooting Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
Troubleshooting Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) issues can be vexing, but a couple of useful references can help provide useful fixes.Continue Reading
Balky Mobo Caused Insider Boot Woes
When faced with frequent upgrades trashing a dual-boot setup, I learn that my balky Mobo caused Insider boot woes by replacing it with a new one.Continue Reading
Build 15063 DISM Fix Available
Some Win10 Current Branch installs will manifest spurious health-related issues, but with a Build 15063 DISM fix available, there's no need to live with them.Continue Reading
Creators Update Image Integrity Gotcha
In checking on Win10 1703, I find a Creators Update image integrity gotcha. Fortunately, it's a driver issue and up to Microsoft and Nvidia to solve.Continue Reading
Harness the power behind Microsoft's PowerShell framework
IT admins can use PowerShell cmdlets in addition to other Windows features to simplify administrative tasks, as well as to discover, install and manage software.Continue Reading
Apparent Win10 Defender Update Issues Illusory
Recent cumulative updates have led to reports of Windows Defender update errors. Fortunately, these apparent Win10 Defender Update issues are illusory.Continue Reading
Are you up on the latest Windows OS security measures?
Windows 10 combines the old and the new with security. Lock down a good grade in this quiz covering Windows security, including how to use two-factor authentication.Continue Reading
Powering Thru Windows 10 Dual Boot Mishaps
After installing 15063 Insider Preview, I found myself powering through Windows 10 dual boot mishaps after using EasyBCD to restore boot menu entries.Continue Reading
Workspace management hype vs. reality
Workspaces promise to make users' lives easier by bringing all of their corporate resources into one place. For IT, new workspace management tools from large vendors aim to ease the administrative burden as well -- allowing management of physical ...Continue Reading
Windows 10 Wi-Fi class is in session
Windows 10 upgrades come with some new adjustments IT has to make around Wi-Fi connectivity. Learn about the new tools and tricks to the trade.Continue Reading
Taskkill Terminates Hung Processes
When Windows processes go south, remember that Taskkill terminates hung processes at the command line. Very handy!Continue Reading
How to fix Windows 10 update problems with the DISM command tool
With a few tricks in the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management command utility, admins can solve some of the most common Windows 10 update problems plaguing their users.Continue Reading