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.
How to change a Windows device name with Intune
There are several ways that IT administrators and users can change the name of Intune-managed Windows devices, but first they must understand the different types of device names. Continue Reading
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
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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
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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