Windows

To free up space on your Windows 10 hard disk, you can follow these updated steps:

1. Using External Storage Devices

External storage devices provide an easy way to free up space on your computer’s hard disk. Follow these steps to move files to an external device:

1. Connect the Device: Plug in your USB drive or SD card to your PC.
2. Open File Explorer: Click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
3. Select Files: Navigate to the folder containing the files you wish to move.
4. Transfer Files:
   1. Select the files you want to move.
   2. Right-click and choose ‘Cut’ from the context menu.
   3. Navigate to your external device in File Explorer.
   4. Right-click and select ‘Paste’ to move the files.
   Verify Transfer: Ensure all files have been successfully transferred to the external device.

   2. Changing Default Save Locations

   To prevent your primary drive from filling up, you can set new files to automatically save to another drive with more free space:

   1. Access Storage Settings: Click on Start, then go to Settings > System > Storage.
   2. Advanced Storage Settings: Select ‘Advanced storage settings’ and then ‘Where new content is saved’.
   3. Set New Locations: For each type of content (apps, documents, music, photos, etc.), choose a different drive from the drop-down menu.
   4. Confirm Changes: Make sure the changes are saved correctly.

   3. Enabling OneDrive Files On-Demand

   OneDrive Files On-Demand helps save space on your hard disk by keeping smaller placeholder files on your PC and storing the full-size files in the cloud: read more

If your Internet works on a WiFi router but not on an Ethernet modem, or if your Internet works with Ethernet but not wireless, this patch will help you run the Internet on your Windows 10/8/7 PC in both cases.

1. Check and Reset Winsock and IP Stacks

Resetting Winsock and IP stacks can resolve various network connectivity issues. This process involves using the Command Prompt in Windows. Follow these steps:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the command netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
• To reset the IPv4 stack, type netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log and press Enter.
• For the IPv6 stack, type netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log and press Enter.
• Restart your computer to apply these changes.

These commands help reset the network software to its original state, potentially fixing connectivity issues​​.

2. Switch Frequency Bands

Many modern routers support dual-band technology, allowing you to choose between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. Each band has its advantages and disadvantages: read more

To address the issue of “Startup Repair Cannot Repair This Computer Automatically” on Windows, various updated solutions can be implemented. The problem usually arises due to boot sector corruption or compromised system files.

Using the Bootrec Utility

The Bootrec utility is a powerful tool for repairing boot issues in Windows. Here’s how to use it:

1. Access Command Prompt:
   • Restart your PC. If it fails to boot twice consecutively, Windows will automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
   • In WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
2. Execute Bootrec Commands:
   • At the Command Prompt, type bootrec /FixMBR and press Enter to repair the Master Boot Record.
   • Type bootrec /FixBoot and press Enter to repair the boot sector.
   • Enter bootrec /ScanOs to scan for existing OS installations not reflected in the boot configuration.
   • Type bootrec /RebuildBcd to rebuild the Boot Configuration Data.

EFI Partition Repair (for GPT-partitioned drives)

For systems using GPT-partitioned drives, repairing the EFI System Partition (ESP) is necessary:

1. Run Diskpart Utility:
   • Open Command Prompt in WinRE.
   • Type diskpart and then list disk to display all disks.
   • Select your boot drive using sel disk [number].
2. Identify and Select ESP:
   • Use list vol to display all volumes.
   • Look for the ESP, typically a FAT32 volume around 100MB, and select it using sel vol [number].
   • Assign it a drive letter (e.g., R:) using assign letter=R:, then exit Diskpart with exit.
3. Backup and Recreate BCD:
   • Navigate to the ESP’s Boot directory using cd /d R:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\.
   • Rename the BCD file for backup with ren BCD BCD.bak.
   • Recreate the BCD store by executing bcdboot C:\Windows /s R: /f ALL.
4. Finalize with Bootrec:
   • Run bootrec /rebuildbcd, then restart your PC.

Additional WinRE Advanced Options

Windows Recovery Environment provides several advanced options for troubleshooting: read more

Outlook Customer Manager, an integrated add-on for Office 365 Business Premium subscribers, is designed to enhance customer relationship management within Outlook. However, users may occasionally encounter an error message stating, “We found an error. Something unexpected has happened and we cannot move on now. Please close this section and try again later.”

If you’re facing this issue, here are some steps to resolve it:

Verify Your Subscription and Outlook Version

Before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps, it’s crucial to ensure that your subscription includes Outlook Customer Manager. Additionally, your Outlook should be updated to meet the minimum version requirement. read more

To restart Windows 10 in Safe Mode, there are several methods you can use. Each method is suited to different scenarios, depending on whether you can access Windows normally, only reach the sign-in screen, or if you’re dealing with a black or blank screen.

1. From the Sign-In Screen

If you cannot open Settings but can reach the sign-in screen:

1. Press and Hold Shift: While holding down the Shift key, select Power > Restart.
2. Navigate the Options:
   1. After the PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot.
   2. Select Advanced options.
   3. Choose Startup Settings.
   4. Click Restart.
   Choose Safe Mode:
   • Select option 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.
   • Or select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet access.

   2. From a Black or Blank Screen

   If your screen is black or blank:

   1. Power Cycle:
      1. Turn off your device by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
      2. Turn it on and off again twice more, allowing it to start and then turning it off as soon as the Windows logo appears.
      3. On the third restart, let the device boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
      Access Safe Mode:
      1. In WinRE, choose Troubleshoot.
      2. Select Advanced options.
      3. Choose Startup Settings.
      4. Click Restart.
      5. Select option 5 or press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

      3. From Settings

      If you can access Windows:

      1. Open Settings:
         • Press Windows logo key + I.
         • Alternatively, go to Start > Settings.
      2. Navigate to Recovery:
         1. Select Update & Security.
         2. Click on Recovery.
         Advanced Startup:
         • Click on Restart now under Advanced startup.
         Choose Safe Mode:
         1. After the restart, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
         2. Select option 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.
         3. For internet access, choose 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

         4. Using Windows Setup

         If you have a Windows 10 setup DVD or USB:

         1. Boot from Setup Media:
            • Insert the DVD or USB and boot your PC from it.
            • Select your language and keyboard layout.
            • Click “Repair your computer” at the bottom left of the screen.
         2. Command Prompt Method:
            1. On the “Advanced options” screen, choose Command Prompt.
            2. Type bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal and press Enter.
            3. Restart your PC, and it will boot into Safe Mode.

            5. Using a Recovery Drive

            If you can create a system recovery USB drive:

            1. Boot from the Recovery Drive:
               • Insert the USB drive and boot from it.
               • Choose your keyboard layout when prompted.
            2. Access Safe Mode:
               1. On the “Choose an option” screen, select Troubleshoot.
               2. Go to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
               3. Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

               6. System Configuration (msconfig.exe)

               If you can log into Windows:

               1. Open System Configuration:
                  • Search for “system configuration” in the taskbar search.
                  • Click or tap the System Configuration shortcut.
               2. Safe Boot Option:
                  • In the Boot tab, check the “Safe boot” option.
                  • Click OK.
               3. Restart:
                  • Select “Restart” to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

               7. Shift + Restart on Start Menu

               Another simple method: read more

Explorer.exe, the process responsible for the Windows graphical interface, including the taskbar and desktop, can sometimes experience issues such as freezing, crashing, or not responding. This guide provides updated methods for managing these problems effectively.

1. Restarting ‘Explorer.exe’ via Task Manager

In both Windows 11 and Windows 10, one of the quickest ways to resolve issues with ‘Explorer.exe’ is to restart it using the Task Manager. This method can be useful when the explorer is not responding, or you’re experiencing issues with the taskbar or desktop icons. read more

To remove the shadow effect from desktop icons in Windows 10, here are updated and comprehensive methods

Method 1: Disable Drop Shadows Via Performance Options

This method involves adjusting the visual effects settings in the System Properties.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run command window.
2. Type sysdm.cpl in the Run command search field and press Enter. This opens the System Properties window.
3. In the System Properties dialog box, select the Advanced tab.
   • Under the Performance section, click on the Settings button. This opens the Performance Options dialog box.
4. Under the Visual Effects tab, look for Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop and uncheck the option.
5. Press Apply and then Save to apply the changes and exit.
6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
   • If shadows still appear, repeat steps 1-3 and uncheck Animate controls and elements inside windows.

Method 2: Disable Shadows Via Registry Editor

For users without administrator rights, the Registry Editor can be used to disable drop shadows.

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Run from the context menu.
2. Type regedit in the Run command search box and press Enter. This opens the Registry Editor window.
3. Copy and paste HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced into the Registry Editor address bar and press Enter.
   • On the right side of the window, look for the DWORD (32-bit) Value – ListViewShadow and double-click on it.
4. In the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialog box, set the Value data field to 0 to disable the drop shadow effect.
   • Press OK to save the changes and exit.
5. To re-enable shadows, change the Value data to 1.
6. Ensure you create a backup of the registry settings before making changes.

Method 3: Disable Transparent Start, Taskbar, and Action Center

If adjusting icon labels doesn’t remove the shadow effect, try disabling transparency effects in Windows settings.

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings window, click on Personalisation on the left side.
3. Select Colours on the right side.
4. Scroll down to Transparency effects and turn it off.
5. Close the Settings app and restart your PC for the changes to be effective.

Method 4: Via Task Manager

Restarting Windows Explorer through Task Manager can help remove the shadow effect, especially if it’s caused by system glitches. read more

The .NET Framework is an essential component of the Windows operating system, crucial for running a wide range of applications. However, users may encounter installation issues due to various system inconsistencies or corrupted elements. This guide provides detailed steps and tools to troubleshoot and effectively resolve .NET Framework installation problems on Windows computers.

2. Using System Update Readiness Tool

The System Update Readiness Tool is a Microsoft utility designed to check and repair system inconsistencies that might impact the installation of the .NET Framework. This tool plays a vital role in maintaining system integrity and ensuring successful installations. read more

Viewing hidden files and folders in the Windows operating system, including the latest versions, is essential for various administrative and troubleshooting tasks. These files and folders are usually hidden by default to prevent accidental deletion or modification by users, as they are critical for system functionality​​.

Viewing Hidden Files and Folders

In Windows 10 and later versions, including the latest updates, you can view hidden files and folders using the following methods:

• Via File Explorer:
  1. Open File Explorer from the taskbar.
  2. Navigate to the menu:
     • Select View > Show > Hidden items to immediately show hidden files and folders.
     • Alternatively:
       1. Select View > Options > Change folder and search options.
       2. In the View tab, under Advanced settings, choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
       3. Click OK to apply the changes.
     For Older Windows Versions (Windows 8/7):
     1. Type File Explorer Options (or Folder Options in older versions) in the start search and hit Enter.
     2. Under the View tab:
        • Check the Hidden files, folders and drives checkbox.
        • To also show system-protected hidden files and folders, uncheck the Hide protected operating system files option.
     3. Click Apply and exit to make hidden files and folders visible.

     Troubleshooting Missing Hidden Files and Folders Option

     If you’re unable to view hidden files and folders because the option is missing in the settings, you can try the following steps: read more

Updating your Windows 10 settings is essential for ensuring your PC runs smoothly and securely. Here’s an updated guide on how to navigate and adjust your Windows 10 Update and Security settings:

1. Accessing Update Settings

To access Windows Update settings in Windows 10:

1. Click on the Start menu.
2. Navigate to Settings (the gear icon).
3. Select Update & Security.
4. Click on Windows Update to open the update settings.

This section allows you to view the current status of your PC, whether it’s updated or not, and manually check for the latest updates.

2. Checking for Updates

To check for and install updates:

1. In the Windows Update section, click on Check for updates.
2. If updates are available, you can choose to install them.
3. To verify your current Windows version:
   1. Select View update history on the Windows Update settings page.
   2. This shows if you’re running the latest version, such as Windows 10 2022 Update (version 22H2).

   Note: The system checks for available updates and downloads them automatically. You can schedule a restart at a convenient time to complete the update process. read more