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This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

701.

Solve : Change User's account Name??

Answer» HELLO! I was CURIOUS how I could change my account's name on my windows 10 HP laptop. If I GO into CMD, I see.. "C:\Users\Micky>". (Micky, Me, is the name I set awhile ago for my laptop.) If I create a html file.. such as.. "file:///C:/Users/Micky/Desktop/Example.html", I then again see, Micky. How do I change it from Micky, to say.. Frank?(example). So when I create a Html file, or open CMD I see Frank, instead of Micky. Thanks for your help! I've tried many THINGS but can't seem to figure this one out.If you are asking about changing your user name, see here:

https://www.isunshare.com/windows-10/3-ways-to-change-user-account-name-in-windows-10.html

702.

Solve : Help with OneDrive?

Answer»

Yes, I'm back with another question.  OKAY, I did not totally understand that OneDrive was sending everything I did on my computer to "the cloud".  Now I GET an email telling me I am over my limit and my computer will be frozen after June 2.  So I tried to contact the OneDrive people and evidently one or more of the people there are giving me different answers.  The very first thing I did was copied everything onto my external hard drive.  Now, should I have done "backup" or was "copy" to my external hard drive okay?  After I did that, I have no icon for OneDrive as the OneDrive people TOLD me how to turn it off (I think) and there is nothing to click on to.  I even right-clicked the OneDrive on the menu on the left and nothing tells me what they are telling me.  I remember I had that icon and some of the things they told me to do until I "copied" everything to the external hard drive.  Should I try to put everything from the external back to the computer then start over again?  If I could get back what I had before, I think I can turn off OneDrive, which is what I want to do.  I do not have anything important on my computer, just pictures and odd things on My Documents and a few videos.  I do not use my computer for financial stuff and I have more than enough room on it that I don't need OneDrive.  I have a Dell Inspirion,  Intel Core i5-4460, CPU 3.20 GHZ, Ram: 8.00 GB, Sys. Type:  IT 64-bit operating system. 

And don't you guys roll your eyes when you see it's me again!

Thanks,

Debby
You can copy the files to your Documents folder from the external. No need to use a backup tool either way.

If you need to access OneDrive again, you can do it via onedrive.live.com. Quote from: debby on April 16, 2017, 02:48:46 PM

And don't you guys roll your eyes when you see it's me again!
No we don't, (at LEAST I don't) because you're always so nice.
Salmon Trout, you are just so sweet!  I wish I could be as brainy as all of you here are.  Seems like some people just "get it" with a computer, and the others like me who don't "get it"!
703.

Solve : Can I run Windows from an external HDD??

Answer»

No, I don't mean the windows to go feature for a CERTIFIED USB stick.
Rather, can I run Windows 10 from a spare external HDD I have. Specifically a USB, not an external SATA type.
A article in PC world has me curious. I wonder if my old hardware could do it. I don't have  USB 3, only USB 2 on this old thing.
Here is the story:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/3185777/windows/how-to-install-windows-on-an-external-drive.html

He claims a new  program will 'fool' Windows into believing you have an internal device.
WinToUSB V3.5
http://www.easyuefi.com/wintousb/

Has anybody here ever used it?   Follow these steps to get Windows running on your external drive.
Download WinToUSB

Quote

WinToUSB serves the same function as Windows To Go, an enterprise-only tool from Microsoft that doesn’t work with most consumer versions of Windows. It’s intended for use with USB sticks, but it will work for other external drives too.

Might not work out for you according to this. 

eSATA might be able to work though SINCE its not USB if you want external drive to have windows. Other thought is that the system have a drive in it with the boot hooks on it for say Windows 10 and Windows 10 is off onto an external drive that is using a symbolic link for C:\windows, so that the contents of Windows 10 are on the USB external but the boot hook and to get symbolic linking to work and USB drive support remaining on the internal drive.Installing Windows on an external hard drive would be a violation of the EULA, wouldn't it?

Quote
2.      Installation and Use Rights.

a.      License. The software is LICENSED, not sold. Under this agreement, we grant you the right to install and run one instance of the software on your device (the licensed device), for use by one person at a time, so LONG as you comply with all the terms of this agreement. Updating or upgrading from non-genuine software with software from Microsoft or authorized sources does not make your original version or the updated/upgraded version genuine, and in that situation, you do not have a license to use the software.

b.      Device. In this agreement, “device” means a hardware system (whether physical or virtual) with an internal STORAGE device capable of running the software. A hardware partition or blade is considered to be a device.
Yes.

And it takes more than the above to do it...but we don't advise on it here...
Geek should know better anyways...

Topic Closed.
704.

Solve : install OS Windows 10?

Answer»

How install OS windows 10 well and configuring BIOS to GET a better PERFORMANCE?
Thanks in ADVANCE..

705.

Solve : Microsoft edge etc vanished.?

Answer»

Each time I get an automatic update, I am UNABLE to open Edge. It just FLASHES on for a very short  split second, then nothing. After each update, I have had to reset the computer to an earlier 'Restore Point' and this normally gets it working again, but this takes time, and I have of COURSE lost any valuable updates. Have just run it after last nights update but it has not restored. Will have to run again with a different restore point. SUGGESTIONS please.See Here...Thank you Sage. I will SPEND some time in going through the pages and see what happens. I think that as the Edge is working since I backdated the computer, will wait to see and should a download upset the apple cart again, I will fall back on your advice. Thanks for you response. Peter.

706.

Solve : Del and rm commands not recognized in windows 10 makefile?

Answer»

I built a makefile using my windows 7 machine, i have tried to build the project using the makefile on my windows 10 machine but run into errors

Code: [Select]Error -- del: No such file or directory
I OPENED up command prompt and the del command works, i deleted a few files using it.

Any IDEAS why i might be facing this issue, i have made sure that the i have included "C:\Windows\System32" file on my visual studioIt says NO SUCH FILE or DIRECTORY ..... Does the Target EXIST that its trying to Delete?Hi 
How did use it ? with a batch file ?
can you post what did tried as code ?del is a command INTERNAL to cmd.exe. If you are specifying del directly as a command attribute for an in a project node for MSBuild, it isn't going to work unless there is a executable or batch file available on the system path named "del". you should either use cmd /c del , or just have it run a batch file.The lack of details is once again slowing down the process.

But hey...that's the DOS section.

707.

Solve : Help with Laptop?

Answer»

So recently I reset my Windows 10 Lenovo Thinkpad laptop due to a virus. On startup, it stated the following:
"An operating system wasn't found. Try disconnecting any drives that don't contain an operating system.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart"

So after searching, I decided to PUT in a flash drive with Windows 10. It looked like it was working just fine now, because the Windows 10 INSTALLATION setup showed up. First was the language-time-keyboard SCREEN, then the install now screen, then the product key window, then it asked me to select pro or home. After the contract, I originally chose "Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings and applications" but this didn't work, because apparently the earlier Windows before the reset was gone. So then I tried "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)", and this seemed to work for a while, until it just stopped midway through installation, rebooted, and opened to the same Windows installation setup.
So then I went to the Install now screen and noticed there was a small option called "Repair your computer", which I selected. I chose troubleshoot, and then advanced OPTIONS. System Restore, Startup Repair, System image recovery, and Go Back to Previous Build didn't work. I tried reset this PC, which at first seemed to be working, but now when I CLICK on "Keep my files", it gives the message "The drive where Windows is installed is locked. Unlock the drive and try again." Clicking on "Remove everything" yields the message "Unable to reset your PC. A required drive partition is missing."
So, there's nothing else I can do after this. I've tried everything I could think of. Please, if someone who actually understands computers reads this, help me.

708.

Solve : WINDOWS 10 ERROR?

Answer»

Error message ---The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0150004). Click OK to close the application
anything i open it gives me this messege

im USING WINDOWS 10

please help

reset is not working, restore option not working, fixtools not working Do you have the system RECOVERY media for this system?No You will need it ...i suggest a Repair Install

For the media See here...

This is providing WIN10 was installed proper and registered with the MotherShip...

709.

Solve : New installation questions?

Answer»

I have tried googling but it's all minefield for me. I have had my laptop wiped and reinstalled with Windows 10 (previously win 7), do I need to create a recovery partition? Boot disk? Or just system imagine recovery? It's a 2nd hand laptop that I never CREATED any recovery disks for.

It's a compaq presario C56 64 bit. With OEM PRODUCT key on bottom of machine.

I've got blank CD-R disks and 32GB flash drive to hand.

Thanks Funny you shouldask. I am trying to do it right now and it is very, very slow.
Here is the most consise ARTICLE from Microsft about "How to make recovery disk for Windows 10."
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/instantanswers/3a747883-b706-43a5-a286-9e98f886d490/create-a-recovery-drive

However, tahtseems to be over simplified.  Here is a tutorial wiht more detail.
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/4200-create-recovery-drive-windows-10-a.html

Let us knowif that helps.  Macrium Reflect Free is a better solution for IMAGE backups.Computer_Commando,
I believe you!
I spent two hours trying to make a recovery in Windows 10 and I have no idea if it is any good.
But Macrium Reflect does the job very well!
Here is a link:
https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
For home use it is free.Thanks Geek and Computer_commando,

I done the recovery partition following geeks 2nd link before I see next reply.  It seems to have worked and it's on flash drive, did leave it working overnight.

My next question is, can I make system imagine copy and put that on same USB drive (32MB).

Also do I need to change BIOS set up as it doesn't have any boot option set.

Then should I ever need to reinstall my laptop I can just use flash drive.

Sorry for all questions, as you can tell I am clueless.

If you use Macrium Reflect, it is all in only package. They have very good documentation and it is a completee backup solution.An yes, you have to lket theBIOS know you want to oot a USB or CD /DVD device. They tell you tghat in the documentaion.

Now aout the Windows Recovery method. It is a DY project with sparse documentaion. You have to look around to get the fill picture of how it works.
1. You have to make a recovery device with your system image on it.
2. You may have to start the recovery from the start screen
- OR -
3. You have to have the Windows install DVD or USB to stgart the recovery precess.

As I metioned, I have uet to get the Windows backup/recovery to WORK for me.

Biut the Macrium Reflect almos talwasy works. Plus it lets you moust and do a  "sneak peek" into a image file tosee if thereis a file you need in there. I have been able to pull out a single file without the need to do actaujlly the whle restore.

I don't knopw it the windows recovery allowsou to slect a singole file to recovery. I doubt it.

710.

Solve : Reset PC without Admin password?

Answer»

Raymond Chen's link in The New Old Thing Tips section (WORTH browsing, IMHO) is subtitled: "What I reboot three times is true".

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/tag/tipssupport

Suppose you found a (Windows) PC in a closet and you want to reset it, but you forgot the administrator password. What can you do?

https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20161206-00/?p=94865

There is an EMERGENCY reset button that you can activate like this:

    Turn off the computer.
    Turn on the computer, but while it is booting, turn off the power.
    Turn on the computer, but while it is booting, turn off the power.
    Turn on the computer, but while it is booting, turn off the power.
    Turn on the computer and wait.

After three failed reboot attempts, Windows goes into recovery mode and one of the options there is to reset the computer. One of the reasons for that option is to address this specific problem of finding an old machine that you forgot the password to, and you want to just reset the PC and start over clean.

Note that doing this requires physical access to the computer, so we're still covered by Law 3 of the Ten Immutable LAWS of SECURITY*.

Update: Clarified that this resets the PC and starts over with a fresh install of Windows, erasing any data that had been on the PC. This is not a password reset.

*The 10 Immutable Laws
Law #1: If a bad guy can persuade you to run his program on your computer, it's not solely your computer anymore.
Law #2: If a bad guy can alter the operating system on your computer, it's not your computer anymore.
Law #3: If a bad guy has unrestricted physical access to your computer, it's not your computer anymore.
Law #4: If you allow a bad guy to run active content in your website, it's not your website any more.
Law #5: WEAK passwords trump strong security.
Law #6: A computer is only as secure as the administrator is trustworthy.
Law #7: Encrypted data is only as secure as its decryption key.
Law #8: An out-of-date antimalware scanner is only marginally better than no scanner at all.
Law #9: Absolute anonymity isn't practically achievable, online or offline.
Law #10: Technology is not a panacea.

More here https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh278941.aspx
If you have anohter PC tahat is working, there are many wyas to reset the password of a forgotten computer. Just search for "'reset Windows pasword."

Havngsaid that, the method you describe is rather novel. 
  Quote from: Geek-9pm on April 08, 2017, 02:09:58 PM

the method you describe is rather novel. 
It applies to Windows 8 and later, I should have made clear.
Good post ST
711.

Solve : i can't get Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems?

Answer»

i can't get Cumulative Update for WINDOWS 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB4015438)Windows 10 Version 1607 for x64-based Systems (KB4015438)

Just wait... they are working on it.
http://windowsreport.com/windows-10-kb4015438/
Did you already read ?
Quote

The March Patch Tuesday edition brought a series of important bug fixes and IMPROVEMENTS that patched a bevy of known Windows vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, the latest Windows 10 updates also brought ISSUES of their own.

As a quick reminder, Windows 10 KB4013418 broke many computers. According to user reports, their DEVICES were severely crippled after installing the update.

Maybe tomorrow - Or next week.
712.

Solve : How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized in Windows 10?

Answer»

USB Device not recognized” when try to access a USB external hard drive. When i am trying to access DATA on an external USB hard drive, i am receiving the FOLLOWING error:
"USB Device not recognized: ONE of the devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned and windows does not recognize it." i have followed this article, USB Device not recognized but it is still not properly solved.
Have you tested this drive on ANOTHER computer with the same RESULT?

713.

Solve : Forwarding received emails?

Answer»

When forwarding a received email, how to SEND it to multiple contacts at one go?  I ask this because when I type more than one email address in the "To" space, the computer will not accept it for TRANSMISSION.  Why is only one address allowed, or is there a solution?

Guzeppi, with many thanks in advance for your help.Try putting a semicolon after each email address.
Are you typing the full address or pulling them in from you Contacts, which is the easier way?Use "BCC"...blind carbon copy...lets you add as many recipients as needed...We don't know how he is using email - whether with an email application such as Microsoft Office Outlook, or Thunderbird for example, or webmail in a browser, or on a PHONE, or what.
 
We may never know...MAYBE we should ask him him in an email?
Use BCC...and forward me a copy...

714.

Solve : Linux > Windows 10?

Answer»

Say what you will about the glories of Linux, but lets face it, it is not for the computer illiterate. You have to know what your doing if you want to game on a Linux machine. I have a friend of mine with an Alienware M17XR3 laptop computer and she for whatever reason put Linux on it. She has learned that Linux isn't the most gamer friendly and wants to SWITCH back to Windows 10. How do we make this happen?
From your description it appears she has a laptop on which she installed Linux. USING Linux, she can reduce the SIZE of one or more PARTITIONS and make room for Windows 10. Windows likes to have a primary partion.
She then needs to boot up Windows 10 install DVD and make a custom installation of Windows 10. It will ask for partition or free space.
Windows 10 should install the boot loader that will fit give her the OPTION of using either system.
 Geek it seems they want Linux gone so your advice may not apply...

See Here...

If she had Win10 already installed prior you are already registered for that PC with MS...

715.

Solve : Windows 10 And Windows Update?

Answer»

This was originally a question but I ended up finding a solution so I DECIDED to post both in here in case others want to do the same thing.

I like to have control over when and if my system(s) perform Update tasks. As a result, I've configured Windows 10 Pro via Group Policy to the option to notify that updates are available, but wait for me to install them.

For the most part, this works exactly as it did with Windows 7 and 8.1. With Win10 I sometimes get a only mildly intrusive notification which doesn't prevent anything and just tells me  there are updates. That's fine by me.

However, it would appear Microsoft is not in any way fine with this. At intervals, My entire screen darkens, and a single, small dialog appears stating that "Important Updates are Available". This dialog presents one option- "Get Updates". Pressing the button or escape has the same effect; it opens the "Windows Update" options in settings. I can only presume it tries to force the update to take place but cannot proceed because of the Group Policy settings.

This notification angers me unreasonably for some reason, though after mentally telling it off I've usually forgotten about it. What spurred me to look into it and try to do something about it was that I had the sheer audacity this evening to watch a movie. Right in the middle of the movie, suddenly I get the "Important updates are available" notification. It's crossed the line and now it must die permanently.

Also, just to cut off any alternate solutions "Just run Windows Update"- Aside from not wanting to wait a good 30 minutes to use my PC again, none of the updates it deems so are even important. There's a flash player update (Security updates are somewhat less important when the product in question is not even installed). There's a Windows Update which addresses a problem when a Windows 8 PC is upgraded to Windows 10, where Manufacturer bloatware is disappointingly removed, and an update to the servicing stack which applies to the creation of ISO media for Win10. "Important"? Hardly.

Anyway- on to the solution.

After some investigation I found that the notification itself is basically just Windows launching "MusNotification.exe" and "musnotificationUI.exe", presumably at times of it's own choosing for wholly undocumented reasons and triggers. Whenever it feels like it I guess, or Maybe once a day. Who knows. Anyway, This suggested to me that replacing those files with a do-nothing stub program might solve the problem. However, I'm sure the issue would be "fixed" in a later update- in that those files would return. So I decided to take a batch file approach. If I update later and Win10 reverts the behaviour, I'll be able to run the batch file to hopefully get it back to the way I want.

I created a do-nothing stub program by basically compiling the Visual Studio default template. The files in C:\Windows\System32 are set as owned by TrustedInstaller, so it was necessary to take ownership of the files, then give full control on the files to administrators. I then renamed the originals and copied the stub into their place. The  batch file I ended up creating to do this looks like this. I was lazy and used absolute paths here so it's hardly a "generic" solution.

Code: [Select]takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\Musnotification.exe
takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\MusnotificationUX.exe
icacls C:\Windows\System32\Musnotification.exe /grant Administrators:(F)
icacls C:\Windows\System32\MusnotificationUX.exe /grant Administrators:(F)
rename C:\Windows\System32\MusNotification.exe musold.exe
rename C:\Windows\System32\MusNotificationUX.exe musoldUX.exe
copy "C:\Users\BC_Programming\Documents\Visual Studio 2015\Stub\Stub\Debug\Stub.exe" C:\Windows\System32\MusNotification.exe
copy "C:\Users\BC_Programming\Documents\Visual Studio 2015\Stub\Stub\Debug\Stub.exe" C:\Windows\System32\MusNotificationUX.exe
pause

Now I wait and see if I ever see the notification again.Nice substitution solution. Surprised that you didnt run into file protection, where it says it has a handle to it and cant be replaced.

 I have used the file substitution method before on other PROGRAMS to control/suppress triggers or add a pause condition prior to the ACTUAL original EXE executing and sometimes have run into situations where there is a service running that has a handle open to the EXE and then you have to kill the service or boot the system in Linux and do the swap where the file handle protection isnt functional and all is fair game, and then boot system normal and now its holding onto the replaced EXE which is your own that points to the other with a pause condition etc; however curious as to how your EXE is able to execute and not have it pop up a window while your in the middle of say watching a movie? Are you doing a window suppress in your code so that if and when it triggers it doesnt steal the focus and stack a window on top of the movie playing? All replacements I have done pop up a shell window and I have never suppressed it to keep it from stealing window focus.I don't know why SFC doesn't "protect" those two files, but I'm glad it doesn't, makes it a lot easier.

Quote

however curious as to how your EXE is able to execute and not have it pop up a window while your in the middle of say watching a movie? Are you doing a window suppress in your code so that if and when it triggers it doesnt steal the focus and stack a window on top of the movie playing?

It's an empty Win32 Application. It doesn't show any Window and just exits. It's not a console application so it doesn't get allocated a console window, either.Just an update on a minor detail- I mentioned:

Quote
There's a flash player update (Security updates are somewhat less important when the product in question is not even installed).

As it turns out, Windows 10 includes Adobe Flash Player. I won't surmise why Microsoft decided to include one of the buggiest piece of insecure crap in the OS ever constructed, but I do not, under any circumstances, want Adobe Flash on my system. Microsoft, once again, has decided that what I want is immaterial. As a result I was forced to once again assert my choice.

I did something similar as I did above with the "C:\Windows\Syswow64\Macromed" folder. I took ownership, changed the security permissions to give Administrators full control, and then deleted the folder outright.

This deleted the included version of Adobe Flash. But it didn't prevent Windows Update from figuring it should update it (possibly due to it now being considered a system COMPONENT) So I hid the update. The ability to hide updates was removed from Windows 10, so in order to hide updates it is necessary to run this troubleshooter instead, and I hid the Flash Update. Hello BC_Programmer!

It would have been much easier had you relied on a Freeware Software Application--- "O&O SHUTUP" from German creators!

It has all the relevant options to enable a Complete control over these & many other intrinsic & surreptitious features of Windows 10."O&O Shutup" does not do either of the the things I discussed here. It does not prevent the full-screen "Updates are available" Notification every day or so, and it certainly doesn't remove Adobe Flash Player.

There is also a bit of irony in the users trying to preserve their privacy by running an arbitrary executable. Which demands admin access, I might add.

I still have no idea what the green and red switches actually mean- I'd assume the red ones are disabled and the green ones are enabled but the captions have idiotic text that makes it unclear. If I make a switch green that is titled "Telemetry Disabled" Does that mean it's disabled? or is it green because it's still actually enabled? It's enough that I wouldn't use it on principle.

It seems like many of the important options were green anyway. (Telemetry and updates were all green, and since I've disabled updates I can only surmise that green is good) Though I don't know if we want red to mean the features are disabled or green to indicate it's "good" from the perspective of the people who would use the application.Hello BC_Programmer!

Yes, the Green indicator suggests that the Privacy is protected (particular feature being enabled/set to most desirable state).

Red indicator on the other hand indicates that default Windows settings are in place.

The "Action" button at the top of the interface allow us to choose either of the 3 options viz. 1) Recommended settings (Minimum Privacy) 2) Some option associated to above -average Privacy settings. 3) Optimized Privacy tweaks.

Thanks to this Software that I have been able to get hold of all hidden/surreptitious/intrinsic characteristics of Windows 10.
716.

Solve : You can still Get Winedows 10 Free and No Risk?

Answer»

Don't put off getting Windows 10 because of fear it will ruin you present Windows install. It is Free and Risk-Free.
No Product Key needed.
Put it on a 32 GB USB flash drive.  Yest it will boot from a USB drive.

For more info, just Google.
Install Windows 10 without product key
Boot Windows 10 from USB drive.

Or, just reply to this post with you question.
Quote

just reply to this post with you question.

Question 1: If you install Windows 10 without a product key don't you get you get an unlicensed version which may or may not continue to work in the future, which will display warnings, and isn't doing that against the terms of the license you agree to when installing?

Question 2: Isn't what you can boot from a flash drive the Windows install disk ISO? Don't you still have to install it on a PC?

Quote from: Salmon Trout on July 29, 2016, 12:18:45 AM
Question 1: If you install Windows 10 without a product key don't you get you get an unlicensed version which may or may not continue to work ....

Question 2: Isn't what you can boot from a flash drive the Windows install disk ISO? ....
Answer 1:
Without the product key some features will not work. It will let you use the Internet and the Browse. Else where one pundit claims the blocked features are not very important to many users. How long you can continue is not known.
Here is a link the claims you can use it with no harm.
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-10-for-free-after-the-july-29-deadline/
Quote
Now let's travel into the future, maybe six months from now. You've decided you want to upgrade to Windows 10 after all, and you don't want to pay for the privilege. You're in luck. Since you already installed Windows 10 once on your PC, the software has been given what Microsoft calls a "digital entitlement." Yep, that's the same piece of text that's listed next to the Product Key ENTRY.
Really? Read the whole story.

Answer 2:
Unlike earlier versions of Windows, the current version of Windows 10 can run from either an external drive or a USB drive it there is enough SPACE available. To do it, at LEAST 20 GB is needed. Here is a link from a reputable source:
http://www.partition-tool.com/resource/windows-10-partition-manager/install-windows-10-on-external-hard-drive.html
Apparently it can install to a USB flash drive and not depend on the hard drive to have any Windows 10 components. This is not new information. Check the link below[/i]
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/create-portable-windows-go-usb-drive/
Written by Jessica Coccimiglio June 3, 2016
Quote
What if I told you that you could carry around your own version of Windows in your pocket, ready to run on any computer you may encounter, with all the PROGRAMS you typically use already installed and set up exactly the way you like?
...
But she was reporting about Windows 8.1 so one might think you could do that in Windows 10. Really?
http://www.easyuefi.com/wintousb/faq/en_US/How-to-use-WinToUSB.html
That link claims Windows 10/8.1/8/7 can be made portable.

And there are many more link links on Google or Bing. 
.Just did a test of Win 10 on an external HHD as per instructions on your link

Guess what...it booted the 1st time...and never since.

Careful what you Post. Quote from: patio on July 29, 2016, 03:30:06 PM
Just did a test of Win 10 on an external HHD as per instructions on your link

Guess what...it booted the 1st time...and never since.

Careful what you Post.
I just now installed it on an old desktop hasn't been used for months. It took two treys to get it up. .And then it gripe about my password. I forgot my password. After going around and around and around in the lost password loop it finally let me in. 

Explanation: My second monitor had gone out. So I had to swap with another PC that has my passwords.  So I could not get to my password list. So I asked Windows 10 to RESET my password by email. My laptop PC did not have the password for my email account. Finally, I used my phone to retrieve the code from my email.

Amway, it is not the fault of Windows 10 that I forgot my password. Part of the problem was that I had to repair the old hard drive I was using.
717.

Solve : Laptop slow and file explorer won't work etc after windows 10 upgrade?

Answer»

Hello!

I recently upgraded my HP EliteBook 8570w to windows 10 using the ISO on a USB but I have multiple problems now. The file explorer doesn't work and the mousepad freezes sometimes. The scroll function on the mousepad doesn't work either and the laptop is a lot slower.
I've installed the latest windows 10 updates as well as windows 10 drivers but that didn't help.
I also ran a sfc /scannow and it found corrupt file(s) but couldn't fix them and told me to see CBS.log. I'll include CBS.log here (I don't really understand it to find the problem myself). This didn't fix my problems though.
Then I ran dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth with no luck.
At this point I created a new LOCAL account and the file explorer did work on that account but the speed and mousead problems were still there.

Then I proceeded with running the following in a powershell: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
I recieved these errors:
Add-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073D02, Det gick inte att installera paketet eftersom resurser so
m ändras av installationen används.
error 0x80004004: Unable to install because the following apps need to be closed Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost_
cw5n1h2txyewy!App.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] 39b23492-e50f-0000-c05b-b2390fe5d101 in the Event Log or use th
e command line Get-AppxLog -ActivityID 39b23492-e50f-0000-c05b-b2390fe5d101
At line:1 char:37
+ ... s| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.I ...
+                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : NotSpecified: (C:\Windows\Syst...ppXManifest.xml:STRING) [Add-AppxPackage], Exception
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.AddAppxPackageCommand

Add-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073D02, Det gick inte att installera paketet eftersom resurser so
m ändras av installationen används.
error 0x80004004: Unable to install because the following apps need to be closed Microsoft.LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy!Window
sDefaultLockScreen.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] 39b23492-e50f-0000-8160-b2390fe5d101 in the Event Log or use th
e command line Get-AppxLog -ActivityID 39b23492-e50f-0000-8160-b2390fe5d101
At line:1 char:37
+ ... s| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.I ...
+                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : NotSpecified: (C:\Windows\Syst...ppXManifest.xml:String) [Add-AppxPackage], Exception
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.AddAppxPackageCommand


At this point my only possible solution would be to do a clean install but I can't do that since I need the availability to downgrade to windows 7 again if I can't get windows 10 to work. I know I usually can use a windows 7 pro swedish ISO and use my product key to REINSTALL windows 7 if needed but I can't do that with this laptop as far as I'm aware. The reason is that I got the laptop through my old school and never got a win 7 pro CD or ISO. On top of that I can't download it through microsofts website since I have an OEM product key used on multiple laptops.

Is there a way to fix this? Or a way to reinstall windows 7 pro later so I can try a clean install?

Thanks in advance!

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]I've now found my product key which was located below my battery and got a Windows 7 pro ISO directly from microsoft through their support chat and I'll try to do a clean install and see if that helps. I'll update you guys here again when I've completed that and know if that helped.Just curious...where are you getting your Win 10 drivers ?

718.

Solve : Win 10 recovery USB - Can i8t be used on different Win 10 computers??

Answer»

If I create a Windows 10 recovery USB on a particular computer can it be used on other Windows 10 computers? Is it particular to a given machine? Is it particular to a given manufacturer? For example, can a Windows 10 recovery USB created on a Dell machine be used on another Dell machine but not an Acer machine? Thanks for your help.Have you already read over the material published by Microsoft?
Here is a Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJcXHZc8-So
That video is old and  it video does not answer your questions.

Be sure and read over the latest posts fro Microsoft.
How to: perform a repair upgrade using the Windows 10 ISO file
Quote

If your Windows 10 installation is demonstrating unusual behavior such as built in apps not working or launching, you can perform a repair upgrade to fix the problem. A repair upgrade is the process of installing Windows 10 over the existing installation of Windows 10 on your hard disk, using your installation DVD or ISO file. Performing this can repair broken operating system FILES while preserving your personal files, settings and installed application

After some quick research, I can not find a specific answer to your question. however, there is an issue with trying to repair a PC that has some unusual hardware features.  It has to do with the BIOS.
You may have to go to the Dell forum and put your question there.
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/f/4997
That is a link for Windows 10 specific issues.  There is no specific answer...it'll either work...or it won't ...
Chances are if it's created on an OEM PC such as an Acer HP etc...it'll likely not...

On that NOTE i'm curious why you need this...if you are looking for a tool to use on multiple PC's just create a bootable Win10 USB STIK...then read up on all you can for procedures for doing a Repair Install of the OS...Just to satisfy your curiosity ... I have 2 Dell laptops running Windows 10. One of them is ailing just a bit but the other is running OK as of this writing. i wanted to know if I could create media on the healthy machine that could be used to get the ailing one bck up to snuff if need be. From what I've seen elsewhere, it looks like creating a bootable Win 10 USB stick is the way to go.
As stated thats the way to go...

A Very Good Guide...[/b]
719.

Solve : Request Help in finding a way to Clean install windows 10 from a USB?

Answer»

I tried to fix a C:\WINDOWS\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt PC Boot error. When that didn't work I tried clean install clean install win 10 from a USB Drive with the windows 10 ISO installed on it. That didn't work either. When I got to the part " Where do you want to install windows" NONE of the 6 drives would allow windows to be installed. Can you help me install the windows 10 ISO? Thank YouSix drives? Or do yu mean six parttions onone drive? Or some COMBINATON of drives and partitions?
Wubdws 10 wants to replace the boot LOADER used by older versions of Windows. 
I have installed Windsows 10 a numbver of tmes just for the expoerince. I noticw taht some combinatons of drive partitions don't work.

You might consieder installin WIndows 10 on aspare hard drive. And let Windows 10 delete and format it. (But taht is not alwasy necesary.)

Also, when you boot the Windows 10 installer from aUSBdrive, avoid having anyother USB drives on the system. That even apploies to the HP promnter that has a USB drive when connected via USB. Drove me crazy!

720.

Solve : Feature update to Windows 10, version 1607 - Error 0x800700c1?

Answer»

Hello
I'm having a problem with Windows 10 pro installing Window updates. Every-time I try to update from Windows 10, 1511 build (OS10586.839), to the latest build, I get this error message "Feature update to Windows 10, version 1607 - Error 0x800700c1".  This HAPPENS when it's at around 33% windows install and it just kicks me back to the DESKTOP with a message telling me that it's failed to install. I really don't want to go through a whole windows reinstall and was hoping SOMEONE here could suggest something that might be wrong. Thanks!No quick ANSWER

Have yu already looked over this:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-info.aspx
That will lead to:
https://technet.microsoft.com/itpro/windows/manage/waas-quick-start
That link  has important information about how and when to update a Windows 10 version you are using. As mentioned in the article, extensive documentation about how it works gets to be just too much. One needs to select just which updates are needed.

Here is what I understand. If you want everything, you need to have the last release of Windows 10.

Look at the video, if you have not already. 


You can use the Windows 10 MEDIA creation tool to create an ISO or USB image of the latest Windows release, then you can upgrade using that. It might workaround the Windows Update Error.

721.

Solve : my computer restarts itself after using it for a good while.?

Answer»

my memory went as high as 42% and after using the internet for a while my COMPUTER restarts itself but when i stop some programs it stopped doing it. but the programs i use aren't bad programs can anyone help me with this?

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/E7XRUOcQsVXnKfobVPDebJ7 Download BlueScreenView:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html
unzip downloaded file and DOUBLE click on BlueScreenView.exe to run the program.
when scanning is done, go to EDIT - Select All
Go to FILE - SAVE Selected Items, and save the REPORT as BSOD.txt
Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, copy all of the content, and paste it into your next replythe screens not blue when this happens thoughPlease follow the INSTRUCTIONS in my previous postit doesn't crash anymore so how does this program help fix the problem like i said it only does it when these programs are on?Okay, don't follow the instructions.huh?
If Helpers request info it's best to provide it if you are LOOKING for solutions....just sayin.it doesn't scanhello?

722.

Solve : Request help in wiping-resetting Asus X551C Laptop Running Windows 10?

Answer»

Hello, I am having trouble LOGGING into my Asus X551C Laptop Running Windows 10. I keep getting a "We can't sign into your account sign out and the sign back in" error. After a few attempts at signing in and rebooting the computer, I tried to wipe and reset the computer. After a few attempts at trying to wipe and reset the computer, I received a "There was a problem resetting your PC. No changes were made" error. I then booted into Safe Mode and tried to make a few attempts wiping and resetting the PC with saving my files and a Full hard drive wipe, I received then a "Start up repair could not repair your PC. Log file C:\WINDOWS\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt" . I also ran 2 anti-virus PROGRAMS and cleaned the PC during and before this whole process. Unfortunately I don't have any backups on the PC. If I get this problem solved the first thing that I am going to do is Back Up the PC. Can anyone help me wipe and reset my PC. Thank You all in advance..Some questions.
Are you  the first owner of this laptop?
If so, you must have read the manual that CAME with it.
Did the ASUS X551C come with windows 8?
Did the laptop have a Windows  recovery partition?
If you did an upgrade to Windows 10, did you keep the Windows 10 install DVD?

Also, have you looked over material on the ASUS forum?
https://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1013404/

Hello Geek-9pm, I am the first owner and it did come with win8 and I upgraded to win 10 on the internet  , I did read the manual and no I didnt make a back up That is what I thought.  The recovery partition on the laptop is for the original Windows 8  that came with the laptop.  windows . So you would have to go back to windows 8 again. This link I gave above says that.
 
Did you make a note for the ID of your Windows 10 installation? It might be needed later on. Maybe not.

So you have another PC that gets Internet?

Did you ever make a Install Media for Windows 10?
If not, these links may help:
Get current Win 10 ISO
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

How to burn Media:
Quote

You may use a USB Flash Drive which is at least 3 GB or you can create an ISO file, which you can burn to a DVD later, if you wish. I chose create a ISO file. In any case, once you click on Next, the downloading of Windows 10 will start. The tool will then soon automatically start creating Windows 10 media
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-media-creation-tool-create-installation-media-upgrade
IMO it is good to have the Windows 10 installer on a DVD. Label it with the VERSION or build number. Right now 1607 is current version number . The build is # 14393.953  released on 8/2/2016 and was updated a few days ago.

The Windows 10 install DVD has the option of doing repair on the same version.

The earlier version was 1511 build 10586.839 and yu can still get the ISO for that version. I think you should use that if it is what your had.
http://softlay.net/operating-system/windows-10-version-1511-build-10586-iso-download-feb-2016-update.html

Also see:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/i-want-to-go-back-to-windows-10-build-1511/f3aea90d-7684-478c-88c8-c11ff3cca03a
The above link claims that 1607 will repair a 1511. I do not know if that is true, but that is what the expert says.
Hope this helps.
723.

Solve : Critical process Died?

Answer»

Stopcode: Critical process died. (Blue screen error)
CANT go to safemode, command prompt sfc /scannow not working.
Pc reinstalling with KEEPING files not working.

I don't know what to do now.I tried everything reinstalling pc through troubleshooting blue screen because I cant go to my windows. IM stuck at the blue screen help options. I can't do anything at all.
Nothing works at the bluescreen troubleshooting help.

What I do now?
Sfc / Scannow doenst work gives me this messages: "Windows Protection could not perform the request oparation.
Keep in mind I can not acces my pc files or anything im stuck at the blue screen trouble shooting.Hook up the drive in a working PC and backup your data...or use an external enclosure if you have one...1) Please don't post the same question more than once. I MERGED both of your threads posts into this thread

2) I moved them to Windows 10. That's a guess because you haven't told us anything about your system - including the OS

3) Please tell us about your computer specs and OS

4) What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)? In other words, what led up to this?

5) You SAY you're stuck at the blue screen help options. Exactly what do you mean by that?

724.

Solve : Keyboard acting up?

Answer»

Good DAY. When i type "you" quickly, my BROWSER goes full screen if i'm browsing, side menu changes if i'm using an Office program. It doesn't happen if i type each letter separately. Both commands have F11 key attached to them. TRIED changing HOTKEYS, but there were no problems there. Help would be appreciated, because idk what's happening -.-Tried another keyboard yet ? ?A different keyboard works, so do i just give up on my laptop keyboard now?

725.

Solve : Device and Drives?

Answer»

I have Windows 10 and in the Device and Drives I have three,  and among them the Floppy Disk Drive (A:).  When I click on it, it tells me to insert a disk, but there is a disk inserted, a Memorex DVD-R.  What can I do so I can read what is in the disk?   Thank you.  Anna Ruth   Look here:
https://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-PA2669U-External-Floppy-Drive/dp/B001158PG4
The Toshiba floppy drive is external.

A DVD-R is not floppy. It is very stiff.
Floppy drives require Floppy disks.   
Geek please re-read before you Post...

She's not looking for a floppy drive...She said:
Quote

n the Device and Drives I have three,  and among them the Floppy Disk Drive (A:).  When I click on it, it tells me to insert a disk, but there is a disk inserted, a Memorex DVD-R.
Quote from: foxygrandma on March 07, 2017, 09:11:55 PM
I have Windows 10 and in the Device and Drives I have three,  and among them the Floppy Disk Drive (A:).  When I click on it, it tells me to insert a disk, but there is a disk inserted, a Memorex DVD-R.  What can I do so I can read what is in the disk?   Thank you.  Anna Ruth
Your post doesn't make sense.  A Memorex DVD-R is an optical DISC, not a floppy disk.  And, you mentioned the Floppy Disk Drive (A:), which does not accommodate DVD, or optical, discs. 

How many drives do you see when you open File Explorer and click in This PC? Quote from: foxygrandma on March 07, 2017, 09:11:55 PM
I have Windows 10 and in the Device and Drives I have three,  and among them the Floppy Disk Drive (A:).  When I click on it, it tells me to insert a disk, but there is a disk inserted, a Memorex DVD-R.  What can I do so I can read what is in the disk?   Thank you.  Anna Ruth   

The disk in left side of my laptop is round and says on it Memorex DVD-Rfoxygrandma

By tradition the A: is reserved for a floppy disc but any other.
The floppy disc is in a square plastic  envelope. Colons may vary.


[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space] Quote from: soybean on March 08, 2017, 12:17:40 PM
How many drives do you see when you open File Explorer and click in This PC?
This remains unanswered. What is on the DVD ? ?...if blank sometimes the drive doesn't show...

Is the DVD drive listed in My Computer ? ?...if so double-clik it and it should open and CD or DVD thats in the drive. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 08, 2017, 09:29:27 AM
She said:
Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 11, 2017, 10:35:30 PM
foxygrandma

By tradition the A: is reserved for a floppy disc but any other.
The floppy disc is in a square plastic  envelope. Colons may vary.


Boy, am I confused!  Now I have a  Memorex high speed in, a CD-RW,  in and it does the same.
In This PC it shows, under Devices and Drives(3):  Local Disk (C:), 3ECOVERY (D:) and DVD RW Drive (E:).  When I bought the envelopes that these were in, they showed Disk.  I no longer have the envelopes.

Quote from: soybean on March 12, 2017, 10:36:46 AM
This remains unanswered.

In This PC it shows, under Devices and Drives(3):  Local Disk (C:), 3ECOVERY (D:) and DVD RW Drive (E:). E: is your DVD drive...so whenever you want to use it you double clik E: to open it...
Quote from: foxygrandma on March 12, 2017, 10:41:32 PM
In This PC it shows, under Devices and Drives(3):  Local Disk (C:), 3ECOVERY (D:) and DVD RW Drive (E:).

I am getting this - This remains unanswered.   And it has been answered. Quote from: soybean on March 12, 2017, 10:36:46 AM
This remains unanswered.

I do not see This PC in File Explorer.  There are a bunch of FREQUENT Folders and Recent Files. Quote from: patio on March 12, 2017, 12:00:34 PM
What is on the DVD ? ?...if blank sometimes the drive doesn't show...

Is the DVD drive listed in My Computer ? ?...if so double-clik it and it should open and CD or DVD thats in the drive.

The DVD has my documents in it from years ago and so does the CD-RW's
726.

Solve : 100% disk usage by "System" process?

Answer»

Hey, i would be glad if someone could help me with this issue i have been having for a while. (Windows 10 x64)

My computer was constant on 100% disk usage all the TIME, caused by "System" process taking about 17MB/s.

After a random while (could be caused because i started up skype) the disk usage went to 0% and instead, my RAM usage went to 80% (from 8 GB ram) with only google chrome and skype running, both together taking about 500MB RAM.

However task manager is telling me my PC is using 6GB RAM. So there is something using RAM thats not listed in task manager.

Can someone point me in the direction of what is wrong with my pc? Someone in chat mentioned to publish a speccy info, here it is http://speccy.piriform.com/results/W5eQmSjXiqrMDOJBIECbBZP

Forget Speccy for now...DLoad install and run Process Explorer...Post a screenshot of whats eatin up resources...
Were Win Updates runnin in the background PERHAPS ? ?...cause i've seen that before.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Tuesday Quote from: patio on March 16, 2017, 10:23:16 AM

Forget Speccy for now...DLoad install and run Process Explorer...Post a screenshot of whats eatin up resources...
Were Win Updates runnin in the background perhaps ? ?...cause i've seen that before.
http://i.imgur.com/XNSRac3.png

thats weird chrome in this process explorer SHOWS way more usage than in task manager  anyways i have just 1 chrome tab open yet there is so many processes Quote from: Computer_Commando on March 16, 2017, 10:35:22 AM
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patch_Tuesday
Quote from: patio on March 16, 2017, 10:23:16 AM
Were Win Updates runnin in the background perhaps ? ?...cause i've seen that before.

Windows was updating after all.. i feel so *censored* stupid im sorry for wasting your time and thanks for your helpDon't feel bad about it at all...it happens...

Welcome Aboard.BTW with Chrome every tab you open starts a new running process...just so you know.For the memory "mismatch" Task Manager shows the "Private Working Set" Memory usage of a Process, Process Explorer by default shows Private Memory Usage.

My understanding is that the difference is largely that Task Manager INDICATES how much Physical Memory is being used, whereas Process Explorer will show how much memory it has allocated, including memory that is in the pagefile.

So for example right now I have Firefox showing 1.1GB usage in Process Explorer, but about 900MB in Task Manager, because about 100MB was swapped to disk.
727.

Solve : Thumbnails in folders and icons on desktop and taskbar are blank/missing. help??

Answer»

My laptop all of a sudden had a problem where when i logged in the icons on the desktop and taskbar are blank/missing. Also when going into file explorer all the files thumbnails are also blank. The names are still there but the thumbnails and icons are missing. IVE TRIED to resolve through google where they say to refresh the "iconcache" by deleteing "iconcache.db" file but the file is also missing after searching for it. Does ANYONE KNOW how to resolve this?

728.

Solve : MEMORY STICK USB LOST?

Answer»

Could not find where it had been answered before.  When I go to CONTROL panel there are two drives listed, the C and E drives.   There should be another one so I can read what is in my USB What does control panel have to do with your disk drives?Right clik My computer...select Manage...then Disk MANAGEMENT...is it listed there ? ? Quote from: patio on February 23, 2017, 04:29:07 PM

Right clik My computer...select Manage...then Disk Management...is it listed there ? ?

After many hours of research, finally got the BD-Rom Drive (D:) back,but when I right click click on it, it says to insert a disk, and it should just let me read what is in the USB.  When I go to Properties, it says it is working properly.   I must be doing something so wrong and do not know what is wrong.  ANNA RuthBD-ROM is a Blu-Ray Drive, not a USB Stick. Quote from: patio on February 23, 2017, 04:29:07 PM
Right clik My computer...select Manage...then Disk Management...is it listed there ? ?

Yes, it is listed.Double clik it from there and it should OPEN and see all your files.Double-clicking in disk management doesn't do anything, though...

It will show what drive letter the device is assigned to.

Ideally, I think we need a screenshot here. There seems to be confusion about drive letters, especialyl since a BD-Rom drive was expected to read from USB (?)

Sorry for the innacurate Post...RITE clik in disk management and selecting Open does it...i was thinking from My Computer...which does the double clik open. Quote from: BC_Programmer on February 24, 2017, 06:33:38 PM
Double-clicking in disk management doesn't do anything, though...

It will show what drive letter the device is assigned to.

Ideally, I think we need a screenshot here. There seems to be confusion about drive letters, especialyl since a BD-Rom drive was expected to read from USB (?)




Thank you, Patio.   I did that and it took me to Services where many were disabled or stopped, so I put them on Manual Start.
Quote from: patio on February 24, 2017, 06:45:12 PM
Sorry for the innacurate Post...rite clik in disk management and selecting Open does it...i was thinking from My Computer...which does the double clik open.

How do I do a screen shot?  Thanks for your help and I am off to bed shortly.  Anna Ruth Quote from: foxygrandma on February 24, 2017, 09:24:21 PM
How do I do a screen shot?  Thanks for your help and I am off to bed shortly.  Anna Ruth

I think I will stay logged in here for a couple of days so I will not have to change passwords.
729.

Solve : Lenovo Ideapad being VERY slow, takes 15 minutes to log in and taskbar is frozen?

Answer»

About a week AGO my computer started taking awhile to log in, after I enter my password it takes about 10-15 minutes to log onto the desktop. Then it takes forever to open anything and I cannot use the taskbar because the blue skinny wheel is over it and it remains frozen. I have tried restarting it MULTIPLE times and have tried deleting the temp files and other files I do not need anymore but nothing has worked. I am at a loss for what to do. If anyone can help that would be great. THANKS!1) What is new or different since the last TIME everything worked properly (ie, new HW, new sw, virus, error, etc)?

2) Please run full scans with BOTH your installed AV and with MalwareBytes

730.

Solve : Battery Meter Doesn't Update?

Answer»

The battery meter in my system tray doesn't update on its own.

For example, it has been showing "1 Hr. 37 min. to full charge" for nearly 43 minutes, and the "bar chart" showing how full the battery is has not shifted.

But when I unplug the PC and plug it right back in, it shows "correct", i.e., UPDATED, information (the battery bar is half-way full, and it shows "55 minutes to full charge").

Drivers and Windows all up-to-date, and I have run scandisk.

Thoughts?

Windows 10 Pro
Surface Pro 4

Thanks! Quote

Thoughts?
No.

EDIT: This is not a new topic. It has beat to death again and again.
What would be amazing is a software algorithm that works.
One of many:
Laptop Battery Meter is Completely Wrong and it says there's a problem with the battery
Geek - knock off the sarcasm & rudeness. If you want to help then help. If not, don't post.I  am sorry for any ofens my post made.
The subject of battery meters has come up many times on other forums. The general consensus is that the methods used to measure battery charge is not reliable.

I forgot to mention, this is about Window 10 on a laptop.
Other mobile devices with other OS have much better battery measurements.
This may be of general interest:
How does a smart phone measure the battery power?
Quote
A SMARTPHONE (assume Android) usually displays the battery percentage from 0 to 100%. I am assuming this is the usable power capacity of the battery. I have several questions:
The responses to that topic show t is not so easy, but the Android devices  good.But far from ideal. An error over  20% is common.
Now, kids. Don't make me turn this board around.

"Inaccurate" is such a vague description. To be specific, It just stays frozen in place. Unless I unplug and plug back in (or restart, for that matter).

Does that make sense?

Dictation. 
Now I will try my best to be accurate and polite. First of all, I don't have a Microsoft surface Pro 4 device. However, the method  generally used to calibrate the battery life on most Windows-based machines is something like the following:
The first step is to completely charge the battery up to its maximum and then wait a little bit longer to make sure it really is at the complete 100% charge.
Next, run your device without the charger plugged in for as long as you like or you can and see when it shuts down by itself. The time from your start until the end will be used later to calibrate the battery meter.
Now one would think that there is some method they have to track r the battery charge at any time. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is extremely difficult to know the exact charge of a lithium ION battery due to a number of factors. There are variations in the manufacturing process even on a batch of batteries all made at the same time. In addition to that, the manufacturers will sometimes make adjustments to the manufacturing process and the next batch of batteries will be slightly different.
Yes, this is getting to be a long-winded explanation. But there's a reason for my doing this. Trying to cite all the information you might need on this would take days of work. Most of the work on rechargeable battery systems actually was started before the Internet came into existence and much of the manuals and books on the subject are probably out of print or have not been digitized. So that means I have to do this as an ad lib. without a lot of specific links to explain these ideas. As I mentioned earlier, it is the amount of time that it takes your laptop to discharge the battery that is used as the basis for calibrating the battery charge. You might expect that it would be the voltage level. That is not a reliable indicator of battery charge. I won't detail all the reasons for that, just say that the battery voltage at any given time is not a correct reflection of the batteries current status When the voltage is below the full charge point but still above the threshold of cut off, all you really know is the battery is not fully charged. In other words, it is not a clean noise free line or curve or even a zigzag of any kind. It's a blurry area. Take tests of say 10 different batteries you could end up getting 12 different charts. That is not a joke. At least a couple of batteries will be inconsistent and will not do the same discharge every time.
Now then, about the time to discharge. This is a predictable measure of your battery status much of the time. If the mean average time to discharge for your particular battery being used in a way that you normally use it is six hours, then we can estimate that after about two hours of use from full charge you would still have maybe four hours of time left.
Now this more. The steady concentrated discharge is not what really happens in the real world. The way you use it and some other factors will cause the discharge current go up or down and not always in a predictable manner. The best we can do is take the average and use that as a way to estimate the discharge cycle of the battery in real world conditions.
By the way, I have to do this by dictation because I cannot type this fast. So be patient with me you see some glaring grammar errors. Now back to topic.
The Microsoft form has some information about how to adjust the time on your device so that it shows an accurate representation of how much time is left on your battery. Please note that it varies not only with what computer you have an what battery you using but also your personal habits as to how you use the computer and whether not you would actually use it in a constant station uncloaked the battery forced the system to shut off.
Another issue that clouds the matter is the way batteries respond to constant discharge and what we call intermittent service discharge. The intermittent service discharge will give you a longer total discharge cycle than the constant discharge scenario. And, as mentioned, even the constant discharge is not really very constant because it goes up and down. Even so the battery discharge life is extended if you turn it off for periods we know you're not going to use it and then turn it back on again. Also, there certain power saving features that can be used, such as some form of hibernation or sleep that are just as good or even better than turning the power off for. Time.
When you plug your laptop back into the AC power, the battery begins to charge immediately and any voltage readings on the battery do not give a clear indication of how rapidly the battery is charging. It's possible to try to estimate that, but the estimation is rather poor. I mean very poor, and I'm not trying to be vague. It is really, really very poor.
Not here's a link to a Microsoft form where some of this is discussed in some detail and it's more specific to the type of computer you are using.

https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/support/hardware-and-drivers/battery-and-power?os=windows-10&=undefined

Surface pro 3
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/surfpro3-surfhardware/surface-pro-3-calibrate-battery/0876958f-7f9f-4f8f-a040-7724ff1fd0ac

Not Microsft.
http://www.windowscentral.com/surface-book-and-surface-pro-4-battery-drivers-out-of-date

http://www.surfaceforums.net/threads/what-is-your-minimum-battery-discharge-rate-while-idling.20612/
IMO the above link is very relevant,but it is about the 3, not the 4 and it does not give a clear answer to the issue.

So is it impossible to have a reasonably accurate battery meter? No, I did not mean to say that it is impossible. But it is just not easy. If Microsoft is strongly motivated they could come up with a better way of demonstrating your expected battery life. It is a challenge to come up with a good algorithm for determining the approximate discharge rate of the battery while it is being used. In my opinion, Microsoft apparently does not think this feature is terribly important at this time.
I hope that this rather drawn out explanation makes it clear that I did not intend to be very harsh or sarcastic. My intent was to say that this issue is not easy to resolve even though the technology behind the thing has been out there somewhere for years and years. It is just hard to estimate the discharge time of a battery that is currently in use and is subject to unpredictable changes in load as well as other factors such as temperature.
In some INDUSTRIAL applications, where things are more predictable, it is possible to estimate the discharge time of rechargeable batteries. In some industries it is vital that the operators know ahead of time how long the batteries are going to last. But a good example of this would be if you're in a submarine. You definitely would want to know how long your batteries you going to last when you're underwater.
However, Microsoft apparently does not think that the surface Pro needs that much attention at this time. So they provide you with an indicator that does not work the way most people would expect it to work.
If you want to continue on the subject, please let me know and I'll come back and do some more research or say some more words that might be of some help.
EDIT: Corrections made.
731.

Solve : Remove or Replace old Certificate at Encrypted files??

Answer»

Hello.
I have reset windows 10 but now when I try to access to my files it says they are encrypted, and I can not REMOVE the encryption because it's needs an old Certificate.

I tried to recover with Bitlocker with my email but it says you dont have any keys with Bitlocker which made me think that files are not encrypted with Bitlocker

Can you help me, please?  Encryption...nor Bit-Locker happens by ACCIDENT...it's a 4 - 6 step process for a reason...

How exactly did you encrypt the drive ? ? Quote from: patio on February 28, 2017, 11:57:51 AM

Encryption...nor Bit-Locker happens by accident...it's a 4 - 6 step process for a reason...

How exactly did you encrypt the drive ? ?

I can't remember, encrypted files in partition C were for about two years, but I did not reset and I could open files, until I reset windows 10 and just after reseting files are not OPENING. I tried to remove encrypted tick in Properties but it wont allow me because of Certificate.. Quote
I reset windows 10

I don't think you can feasibly recover the files. Resetting Windows creates a new USER SID, and it is the user SID that is used as a key to decrypt the files.

Without the old User SID, recovering the file contents is intractable.
732.

Solve : Need to Reconnect My File History Drive but unable to do so HELP?

Answer»

I'm stumped on this one. I created a Restore Drive. Went smooth.
Then I tried to create a Restore Point for future use. After a few minutes I received a message
stating :  RECONNECT My FILE History Drive.
These are the STEPS  I took: 
                        Settings> update and security > Back up>More Options>Back up now
I PLUGGED my external HD in and it wouldn't recognize it.. I'm stumped what shall I do?
any help appreciated............Donnie

733.

Solve : Glary Utilities?

Answer»

I frequently use Glary Utilities and one of the CHOICES is Check Disk.   After scanning, it sometimes SHOWS that no errors were found, and sometimes it shows errors found--which it is now showing-- and to restart, and I have rebooted which shows it as fixing errors.  When I go to Local Disk (C:), click on Properties, and the tab Tools and it scans, I get No Errors Found.

I am not sure which one to believe.  Thanks, ANNA RuthTools like Glary Utilities are generally pretty much useless and tend to cause more problems than they SOLVE.  Even though these tools claim that they will magically fix all of your problems and that you NEED them to keep your PC running fine, the truth is that you don't need them at all.  Windows is capable of taking care of itself on its own.If you want to run a check on your disk go to START - RUN and type: chkdsk c: /r and then press enter. You will be told the drive is in use and asked if you want to schedule a check on the next restart. Type Yes and enter. For other partitions or disks you would replace "c:" with the correct drive letter. As camerongray states, third party "all-in-one" utilities should be avoided. Quote from: Allan on March 09, 2017, 05:31:36 AM

If you want to run a check on your disk go to START - RUN and type: chkdsk c: /r and then press enter. You will be told the drive is in use and asked if you want to schedule a check on the next restart. Type Yes and enter. For other partitions or disks you would replace "c:" with the correct drive letter. As camerongray states, third party "all-in-one" utilities should be avoided.

Thank you very much, Allan!  Anna Ruth Quote from: camerongray on March 09, 2017, 03:25:30 AM
Tools like Glary Utilities are generally pretty much useless and tend to cause more problems than they solve.  Even though these tools claim that they will magically fix all of your problems and that you need them to keep your PC running fine, the truth is that you don't need them at all.  Windows is capable of taking care of itself on its own.

All right.  Thanks much Camerongray.  Anna RuthJust a reminder...there's no need to quote every post you respond to...
734.

Solve : Printer management can't be found?

Answer»

I did a complete search in the proper places that google recommended to look for this program and i could not find it, either in Win 10 or Win 7,as i have dual system. I went to CONTROL panel, admininstration tools and its not there. I went to printermanagement.msc and its not there. I recall in the 'good ole' days', it was so easy to come across, but not today. Quote from: Novel8 on February 17, 2017, 05:05:43 PM

I went to printermanagement.msc and its not there.
Maybe that's because it's actually printmanagement.msc ?





Did you not read my OP? I said I went to printmanagement.msc "AND ITS NOT THERE". Quote from: Novel8 on February 26, 2017, 04:21:21 PM
Did you not read my OP? I said I went to printmanagement.msc "AND ITS NOT THERE".

You said you went to printermanagement.msc, so Salmon Trout suspected perhaps you were trying to start the wrong thing, and that is why it couldn't be found.

However the fact that it is missing from administrative tools I think means you have an edition of Windows that doesn't have it.

It is not PRESENT in the Home versions of Windows 10 or Windows 7. You need the Pro versions or a SUPERSET thereof, as far as I'm able to determine.
735.

Solve : Word 2013?

Answer»
Lately, when I open Word 2013, I get the following warning:

Document 1 WORD (Product Activation Failed)

Why? What's wrong?  I USE WINDOWS 10 and I am a newbie.

My pc is an Acer laptop.

Thank you inadvane for your help.

JoeBDid you purchase this software?  Did you have this edition of MS Office INSTALLED on ANOTHER computer before you installed it on this computer?  When you installed it on this computer, did you successfully complete the product registration/activation PROCEDURE?  You have to activate your windows. Quote from: Mubasshir on September 09, 2016, 12:40:33 PM
You have to activate your windows.
No, Widows is probably activated; if it wasn't, he'd have other issues.  But, he may need to activate Office 2013.
736.

Solve : Windows Can Not Find?

Answer»

When I restart my computer I get the following error message "Windows can not find C:\User\jfair\AppData\Roaming\12ee3\cde46.4e527a Make sure you typed the name correctly and then try again." I can not find this on my computer. I have searched the registry, I have show hidden files and folders checked. I have run CCleaner. Can anyone help



[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]Just to make sure your not up against a malware issue I would download and install and run malwarebytes the FREE edition:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/?referer=lp-malware_lp_form

Creating a new user account on the computer and making it admin privileges if you like and logging in with that acct instead of this one could also fix the issue as a clean profile would be created and this profile you have is damaged.Thanks for your input Dave, I'm a PAID user of Malwarebytes and it found nothing. I did download SpyBot and it found a few cookies and such but nothing related to the problem I am having. I did download and install "WhatsInStart" and it found C:\User\jfair\AppData\Roaming\12ee3\cde46.4e527a and I did have the option to disable it. There SEEMS to be 4 suspicious files in my startup folder, so I am doing more research at the moment.

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]If you look at the properties of the shortcuts it should show what they point to for a path. You then will know what they target maybe.The issue also likely was caused if you ran CCleaners registry cleaner...This all happened way before running CCleanerThen i would do Dave's suggestion above...find out where they lead...if not needed ...delete THEMIF it's in the startup folder you can safely delete it. There is nothing crucial that starts from that location - only processes / programs added to the startup folder by the user.Thanks AlanAlso SINCE they are in the roaming folder it's likely browser DLoads....

737.

Solve : Prepairing for a new computer?

Answer»

After a too short working life my 2-in-1 Tablet now has an unrepairable SSD. The replacement, a Cube iWork Ultimate 10.1, is very SIMILAR to my dead Quantum View as I am sold on the hybrid form factor (excuse the jargon). But despite being at the low end of the market it is an upgrade in a number of respects (except the cameras) so I wondered if someone with experience could comment on what differences in performance, etc. I could experience, along with any dos and donts. I am going to have a lot to do so I want to be at least to some extent prepared.

The new 2-in-1 will be

dual boot with both Windows 10 and Android Lollipop installed --- when I first launch will I find updates installing themselves automatically, in particular Windows Anniversary and Android MARSHMALLOW? I know this will depend on Settings, but is automatic update set as default? Or, has MS paused the update anyway? I have just seen a report saying many users may not get Anniversary until November

64 BIT not 32 bit OS, with 4 GB instead of 2 GB RAM ---- I understand my 32 bit software will still work OK but I will not get the benefit of 64 bit until I start installing 64 bit apps / programs. Or is it correct I would need at least 6 GB before benefiting from 64 bt. What are the benefits? Are there disbenefits?

64 GB storage not 32 GB ---- a major factor in my buying decision, it is one of the few changes I understand quite well, in terms of storage I will no longer have a 'small device'

although it has USB 2 ports there is one micro port which is (claimed to be) USB 3 and USB C, but some users say it only has USB 2 charging power and data transfer performance. Some machines dont have USB C. There has been some confusion about this due partly to changes in specifications. Depending on the specs of the machine am I likely to be needing some different adapters/cables?

I must emphasise that I am not at all 'a power user' (or I would be buying a more highly specified machine) and despite years of experience (starting when the Sinclair Spectrum was launched!) my technical competance is very limited and dependant on the help generously given by this and other forums. Some comments on just one or two of the points above would be appreciated. Quote

dual boot with both Windows 10 and Android Lollipop installed --- when I first launch will I find updates installing themselves automatically, in particular Windows Anniversary and Android Marshmallow? I know this will depend on Settings, but is automatic update set as default? Or, has MS paused the update anyway? I have just seen a report saying many users may not get Anniversary until November

For Windows 10 I have heard of some people having updates trigger when they dont want them to. Usually an update at the boot of a Windows computer is a finishing completion of an update that started at the shutdown in which instead of a restart instruction, they (Microsoft) program it use the next boot as the restart to complete the rest of the update, since no one wants to TELL their computer to shutdown and come back to it REBOOTED when they tell it to shut down.

As far as Android Marshmellow with dual boot, I cant help with this. I use andyroid for playing ARM apps on my x64 CPU systems. http://www.andyroid.net/ and just run my native OS which is Windows 7 64-bit. And when I want to play a game that is ARM processor based that hasnt been ported for x86 or x64 I will just run Andyroid and play it through that.

As far as when Microsoft updates your system, Windows 10 is an odd duck in that if you missed a update opportunity, unlike prior versions of Windows where you can request it to update, they added a timer in the OS that handles updates as a scheduled event ( OR ) at least this is what was happening the last that I played with Windows 10. I took the free upgrade to 10 on one of my hard drives after first cloning my hard drive with 7. Then upgraded to 10, and then left the hard drive in my computer detached so that someday if and when I actually have a need for 10 such as software will only work with 10, I can switch drives and run 10. But other than that I am on Windows 7 for quite a while to come because I dont care for 10 and Windows 7 does everything I need without any issues.Thanks for your response. My new machine has not arrived yet, it is taking a long time but it helps to be gathering information in readiness. I am trying to make up mind whether, if I am presented with the option, I should choose not to download the Anniversary update until later, when I have become more familiar with the new machine I MS has eliminated more of the bugs.
738.

Solve : Location of CMOS battery?

Answer»

Hi GUYS, A short time back I was having a problem with my PC showing the wrong time. You helped me with a number of suggestions and after resetting internet time I thought the problem was solved. But, it's now showing the wrong time each time I log on so I guess it is the CMOS battery. I have bought a CR2032 battery because it was suggested that this is most common type of battery but I cannot see a part of this type in my computer.
My computer is an Acer Aspire AX3300 PC Desktop. Can anyone tell me what type of CMOS battery I need for this PC and where it is located.
You have probably guessed I'm an old so and so who doesn't know much (or anything) about computers, so your HELP is greatly appreciated.Online I found a picture for main board for that system that shows a 2032 battery in a battery holder that has the battery mounted on its edge in the socket. Look for a round metal disc that is mounted into a black plastic holder. I've also seen on some Acer PC's that it's slightly hidden with a video card installed...check that also.

Note: Make sure to remove ALL power to the PC when REPLACING the battery.
Upon re-boot the 1st time you may have to re-set the date and time when finished via the BIOS.Thank you Dave and Patio, I'll check those suggestions.
I'm also thinking I have posted this in the wrong place as I am so used to clicking on Windows 10. Should I perhaps post on Hardware Forum?No problem Bud...let us know how it goes. Quote

I'm also thinking I have posted this in the wrong place as I am so used to clicking on Windows 10. Should I perhaps post on Hardware Forum?

No need to post duplicate locations. We request that only 1 post per subject me made vs having more than 1 going on at the same time. I and many OTHERS here use the Show unread posts since last visit and Show new replies to your posts as a means of finding latest requests for help and getting back to those we are helping. You will see these hyperlinks under your name where it says Hello Mikcor at top left.

We are all volunteers here and so sometimes an answer from a specific person might take a day to get back to you or longer if they get busy irl. Others here also step in and assist as well to help out if there is a question that doesnt need to be specifically answered by the person that you asked the question to. Many educated great people here and us long timers here help each other out. Ive been here 10 years as of November. ( 2006 - 2016 ) and there are others here who have been here longer.
739.

Solve : Windows Movie Maker - Remove Audio?

Answer»

I am running a WINDOWS 10 PC with Windows Movie Maker ( Latest Version, just downloaded it)
I have created a small movie of my wife on the beach in Maui. I have put some titles and effects into the clip and added some music. My question is this how do I remove the sound from the original movie clip. The music I added seems to conflict with the sound from the original movie. The music I added skips and pauses I am sure it is conflicting cause I can see the, music wave FORM on the original. You know the little waving LINES in the clip with the peaks and valleys. I notice the added music skips and or fades at very high peaks or very low valleys ( sorry but this is the best way to DESCRIBE what's going on ). I figured out how to turn the original music off or turn it down but I am thinking I need to remove it !!! Audacity will do this,,,and it's Free...
Note: remove the existing sound 1st...then dub in what you want...The Microsoft Movie Maker has some kind of audio issues.
Here is one of many RELEVANT links.
https://www.iskysoft.com/video-editing/windows-movie-maker-problems.html
It lists four issues with audio and provides solutions.

740.

Solve : windows bluescreen loop?

Answer»

I was playing total war when the game crashed, upon attempting to relaunch it windows gave a BLUE screen,
Since then it's been stuck in an endless loop  of saying your system has run into an error and needs to be restarted.

When contacting microsoft customer service I tried a system restore, system repair, a clean install, and windows tried to automaticly repair itself, which all ended in the same CONCLUSION. A blue screen.
The stop code reads: WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR

If ANYONE has any idea as to why this is and what I can do, that would be great

Would be happy to provide any more info if needed.
Microsoft states a hardware error. So you go to install a clean installation and your still getting this with a clean installation?


“WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR,” it means that a hardware error has occurred. = Something might be cooked. I'd start with removing video card and going back to integrated video if this is an OPTION if the system has this issue after clean build. *I have cooked video cards and they will hardware fail at boot but work enough to display error messages.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/instantanswers/530a7ad8-86ca-a4d8-d846-56c845cfc1d6/how-to-fix-whea-uncorrectable-errorThabks for your advice, I'l get in contact with the manufacturerYes if its new and has a WARRANTY definitely take advantage of warranty.

741.

Solve : Troubleshootingwithout getting a new bujild.?

Answer»

If you are part of the Insider program,you may have ALREADY seen this.
This link  for those who THANE not.

"Not Being Offered a New Build" Troubleshooting

The author explains there are ways to fix Windows 10 bugs without the need to move up to anew build of the system.
Quote

One of the scenarios that come up on occasion is "not being offered a new build".  There has been a LOT of work put into the flighting system to help prevent this from happening, HOWEVER it may be necessary to do some deeper digging to troubleshoot.

742.

Solve : Windows 10 don't read my Sec. CPU?

Answer»

Hello.
my problem is now i was using windows 7, then i checked for windows upgrade and it changed the windows into windows 10 automatically, from then The windows reads only 1 CPU from the 2, which already being read in the BIOS "as shown in the PICs"

So what should i do to make windows 10 read my 2 CPUs, BTW the windows version i use is " Windows 10 Pro "

http://imgur.com/fjcE1ib
http://imgur.com/nuubWWa
http://imgur.com/wT5ik8T
http://imgur.com/RojwJRzAre both CPUs the exact same model? I've found some info where Device manager lists 8 cores/CPUs that are the same, but you only have FOUR accessible if the second Physical CPU is not the same model.

Are there BIOS updates available for your MOTHERBOARD? Check and see if there are release notes indicating changes to multi-CPU OS support.

IKt might even be necessary to do a clean Install of Windows 10 in order for both Processors to be available.
Sometimes one is not seen if they are different steppings.
They are the same  ! :/Good to know motherboard make/model, CPU version and stepping, and BIOS version. Also answers to BC_Programmer's questions.

can u tell me how i got those info PLEASE !You can get more detailed info using some software, I like CPUID software.  CPUz & HWMonitor.  I've linked the downloads to the software names.

In addition, are you sure you are seeing only 1 CPU and not 2 CPU,s with hyper-threading disabled.

Please provide screenshots of all the tabs at once and post it.  Oh, and you can open CPUz SEVERAL times to achieve this.

743.

Solve : Stop Codes?

Answer»

I received 2 stop codes. 1st code said, IRQL not less or equal. The 2nd said, SYSTEM Service Exception. Since then the PC just stops working. All the USB ports stop working. I checked the Event Viewer and there is a long list of CRITICAL Errors DUE to Kernel Power. Would appreciate any help.

744.

Solve : Windows 10 system recovery stuck?

Answer»

So I just got my new ASUS ROG Strix yesterday and today, foolishly enough, I tried to download a video game torrent. It TURNED out to contain some malware, which my anti-virus detected and I asked for my anti-virus to put the malicious files in quarantine-mode (or whatever it's called). Anywho, right as I did that, I went for the system recovery and chose "remove all files and wipe the computer" option. Everything worked fine up until now, the recovery has been stuck at 34% for about an hour. All it says is "recovering this PC 34%", with the DOTS spinning around. So the screen isn't entirely FROZEN (dots are moving around, indicating the machine is working) but it's been stuck on 34%.

Worth mentioning is that my machine has an SSD (128gb) and HDD (1tb) and the game I downloaded was in my D: drive, i.e. on my HDD.

Please, help! I'm afraid I've ruined my machine for good, is that the case? Ancient Proverb:
'Chang say never torrent on New PC." 

You will have to turn off the machine and restart it.Interrupting the process would be bad. A friends HP laptop for example took almost 20 hours to complete. Yes it definitely shouldnt TAKE that long it should take less than an hour but I wouldnt rush powering down the computer.

If its still at 34% the next day then something is messed and its hung. At this point a hard shutdown could be performed. But your system might not boot to Windows. If you dont have or havent made a system recovery set for the computer then you would have to contact ASUS and see if they can mail you the recovery media under warranty. I wouldnt tell them that you got infected with anything as for that puts the fault into you. Id just say that things didnt seem right and so you decided to do a factory reset and then it got hung at 34% and wouldnt go any further. They will either send the recovery media to you or SWAP your computer out for a replacement.

Stay away from torrents... They are bad news when downloading games that should cost money that are cracked.

745.

Solve : How I lost my Product Key. So did you.?

Answer»

Maybe you already know this. I lost my product key. Did you?
A few months ago somebody said Microsoft was getting out of the Product key business. It has taken until now for me to get it. No more product key.

Yeah, they give you something like that if you buy Widows 10 retail. But you use it once and that  is it. The second time it is not needed.

I actually bought a product key off eBay. Now I find that I either don't need it or it does not work. I can not use it to make a fresh install on a new PC if the PC does not have Windows 10. If I do a format of my HDD and install again, the Windows authentication SERVICE will know it is me. It has a record of my details.

Here is a link that makes it simple and clear.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/246040/software/how-to-find-your-windows-or-office-product-key.html

This means that you can not buy a junk PC and re-use the product key to make a new install. It won't work.
What if you motherboard burns up ?

How do you get Windows 10 to work on a replacement  motherboard?
http://windowsreport.com/windows-10-motherboard-replacement-activation/
Is that the right answer? 

Quote

I can not use it to make a fresh install on a new PC if the PC does not have Windows 10.

Then it is not a Retail Windows 10 key. It is either a OEM key, or an upgrade key. I'd be inclined to think that your mistake was using eBay to buy a product key to begin with, just looking now and there are alleged "100% genuine" Windows 10 Pro Keys for 14 dollars. Fat chance!

At any rate, I have 4 Retail Windows 10 Pro keys (via MSDN) and I've had no issues reinstalling the systems from scratch or uninstalling entirely and then installing using that key on another system.

I doubt that keys generated via MSDN are treated differently than "normal" keys. Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 04, 2017, 08:42:43 PM
[1] This means that you can not buy a junk PC and re-use the product key to make a new install. It won't work.
...
[2] What if you motherboard burns up ?
...
[3] How do you get Windows 10 to work on a replacement  motherboard?
http://windowsreport.com/windows-10-motherboard-replacement-activation/
Is that the right answer? 

[1] You never could do this with an OEM license.
[2] Your PC is dead. The hardware that the OEM license is TIED to has joined the choir invisible.
[3]
Quote
Solution 1 – Install Windows 7 or Windows 8 again and upgrade to Windows 10
Solution 2 – Purchase the Windows 10 license key
Yes. see above.
The whole business with people selling product keys from scrapped machines on eBay is extremely dodgy and almost certainly violates the EULA.  Given that Microsoft sets pricing, if someone is selling a product key for a large discount then there is certainly something dodgy going on.  There's no WAY that anyone in their right mind should be buying them and TBH eBay needs to get better at stopping these scammers.

As far as the product key thing being embedded in the UEFI goes - You have never been permitted to transfer OEM licences to a new machine so whether it's paper or embedded it doesn't matter.  The only real downside is if the board fails as the EULA does permit moving the key to replacement hardware to repair a fault.  That said, it's only PCs from big manufacturers that have the key embedded, if you build it yourself with a purchased OEM licence then you'll still have a key you can use on the replacement hardware.  If it's from a manufacturer and still covered by warranty then they will deal with it (When I've had it with Dell, the replacement board won't have a key in the UEFI and instead they will give you a "replacement product key" on a sticker).  I suppose the only concern would be in the event of a motherboard FAILING out of warranty - Not sure what you can do in that case (although you could have potentially thought in advance and extracted the key from the firmware (yes, you can do that, there is still a key, it's just not on a sticker any more).  Alternatively if you are buying replacement boards for an OEM machine, chances are you'll be looking at used ones which probably already have a key embedded.  Of course, I don't actually know how the EULA holds in these cases.

I don't really have a problem with the embedded product key thing, sure it would be nice to get a paper copy as well but in the end, I've seen way more people "lose" their product keys due to stickers getting removed or worn off rather than motherboard failures.My guess those keys are from a Asian merchant who can dodge prison for $14.

A friend of mine years ago bought 2 copies of Windows XP Pro still sealed with booklet for $75 each off ebay thinking he saved $130 combined at $65 saved per OEM OS, pretty much getting 2 copies of XP Pro for the price of one. He installed XP on both systems and entered the key and oddly the system never required going out to Microsoft to authenticate, it was as if the key was instantly activated. Because systems worked fine he used them for about a year and a half. Then one day the Genuine Advantage Tool came down through a Microsoft update and it stated that the Windows XP Pro installations are not genuine and it gave a ability to click on a link to buy an authentic key. He contacted me to check into this. He thought it was a glitch. I checked into this taking one of his systems and when doing a reinstallation of XP Pro, sure enough it skipped the authentication step with Microsoft. I then dug into how XP was authenticating and there was a bundled script on the installation that would satisfy the key activation it was a boot legged XP Pro disc with a key crack built into it. Looking at the manual and Disc, they looked authentic at first glance, but when looking closer the manual/booklet was not as sharp of print and the hologram on the XP disc when you tilt the disc the hologram was missing. They were able to print to the top of the CD to make it look like the real thing, but the hologram appearance was counterfeit. It wasnt a hologram at all it was just printed so it would look like the real disc, but looking at it quick you wouldnt think to tilt the disc to see if its a real hologram or not.

He ended up having to junk both discs an it ended up working out that he bought a 3 license Windows 7 Home Premium from newegg which was REAL and so both systems got upgraded to Windows 7 and the counterfeit XP OS discs junked.

Surprisingly the installation was clean for XP, there was no hidden malware, and XP was complete. It didnt appear to be a evaluation version hacked for long term use.Thank you all for responding.
For sure, I am not going to use a fake key. That thing I got on eBay is, apparently, a fake. I should have known better.

Next time I want windows 10, I will buy a system with Windows 10 included.  Anybody who buys a new system, either assembled or in parts, should get the OS bundled with the system.  Unless money does not matter.

What I  mean is that the retail price is Windows is much higher than  what  the OEM has to pay out. And you can buy a clean refurnished unit without monitor for about the retail price of Windows 10. Of course, that OEM version  is not transferable.
If there was a need for 10 and it was going to be a system that wasnt a gaming rig for newer games, there are used computer businesses out there that get the keys on discount through Microsoft to refurb older computers and issue it a key at far lesser cost than that of a person buying 1 key through Microsoft. this is how you will see Core 2 Duo computers that are sold as refurbs for $89.99 which may have originally been issued Vista or XP when manufactured available with newer OS's. But I wouldnt buy these refurbs on ebay, I'd buy them through Newegg or Tiger Direct or some known and guaranteed to be legal build. They also come with a warranty sometimes a 1 year warranty for a refurb.

I bought 40 HP Business Class SFF computers through Tiger Direct for example back in 2007 at $99.99 each that came with Windows XP Pro and XP Pro was $139.99 back then. So it was an easy sell to my employer that we could get XP Pro on discount + upgrade people away from Pentium 1, 2, and 3 computers and some weak Celerons over to Pentium 4 HT 2.8Ghz computers with XP Pro and away from NT4 and Windows 2000 Pro for free hardware upgrade at that price.

Here is an example here at $70 .... https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883795145&cm_re=refurb_computer-_-83-795-145-_-Product
Dual-Core 2.7Ghz ( Might be an E5400 ) and Windows 10 on a workstation for about $70... and this computer never came originally with 10, it was given one of the keys that a refurb house buys from microsoft cheaply.
746.

Solve : rerstoring windows 10 with a flash drive?

Answer»

I am TRYING to restore my original version of Windows 10, because my computer has a virus. My laptop CPU is too small to do the reset directly on the computer.

I used the website  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/.  I wanted to install Windows 10 on a flash drive, then from there, put it ONTO my computer.

My laptop CPU is too small to do the reset directly on the computer.

As I went through the steps, I got a prompt “Where do you want to install Windows?”  The options were:
•   Partition 1: system
•   Partition 2
•   Partition 3: Windows
•   Partition 4
•   Partition 5: recovery

Can you tell me which option to choose?

Thanks,
Mark
Palpation 3 is Windows. Using that partition should install windows again and save some or most of your programs. But no guarantee.

The article MAY help you understand the issue.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/what-to-do-if-your-windows-10-pc-crashes/

Sad to say. but articles like the above never make it crystal clear about what you can do. They try to make it a shot gun thing and hit several targets at once.
To be specific, if you had Windows 10 and it crashed, yu can install it again on the same partition and it should keep you programs and personal settings and installed programs.

I have done this a number of TIMES and most of the time it does work. But not always. So that is why I have more than  one backup method in place. 

Which underscores the need to have a backup plan in place. Quote from: yulebastrop on February 09, 2017, 06:17:56 PM

...My laptop CPU is too small to do the reset directly on the computer.
...
My laptop CPU is too small to do the reset directly on the computer.
...
You said this twice; don't know what you mean??Computer_Commando - I believe the OP means that he doesn't have enough free disk space to do the upgrade directly on his computer.

OP - As to where you should install Windows on that machine, if it were my machine, I would delete all of the existing partitions and tell Windows to install to the unallocated space on the drive.  Windows would then create and format the partitions it requires during install.  The drawback to this is that you would lose your recovery partition.  If you are doing a clean install of Windows 10 the recovery partition is of no use anyway so you might as well recover that disk space.

However, since you have a recovery partition and you say that you want to "restore my original version of Windows 10", why not use the recovery procedure the mfr built-in to the machine to do the restore?   If you install Windows 10 from the MS site, you will get a vanilla version of Windows 10 with none of the drivers and software supplied by the mfr for that machine.  It may be a good option but you should at least think about that before you proceed.

If you wish to use the mfr's recovery procedure, you'll need to look in the manual for how to invoke it or GO to the mfr's website for that info.  Or, if you provide details as to the make/model of the computer someone here may be able to tell you how to do it.
747.

Solve : Poor ease of use in WIjndows 10?

Answer»

The ease of access options  in Windows 10 are poor. Let me explain that remark.
I have used Linux many years ago and then WENT to Windows 200 and later Windows XP.
In XP adhere are  a number of things one can do to make the careen easy to read.  And make it EASIER to use the mouse and keyboard.
But in Windows 10 I can not find any way to make the mouse pointer very visible. And I can not adjust the font size for menus.
Yes, I know about high contrast. It does not help much. I prefer larger fonts and a larger mouse pointer. So sometimes I use windows XP when I want to do some work. However, there is one research program I have to use in Windows 10 because it does not work in Windows XP. So I would like to make Windows 10 easy to use.

The main issue is the mouse pointer.  How can I make it more visible?
Tasks in advance. Open Settings, and then select Ease of Access.  There, select Mouse and select a larger mouse pointer.  You can change font sizes in Settings->System-> Under Display, "Advanced Display Settings", Then under "related Settings" there is "Advanced sizing of Text and other items". There you can set the font size for Menus here with the drop-down.Thank you both.
I have been using Windos 10 for months and never found the other items.
One of theadvanced features was waydown an the botom of a pans, where it can not be seen if yhou hae themagnifier on.
From nowon I cxan spend moe timeon Windos 10 instead of XP.   Use Cortana's search function to find settings in Windows 10.  Open a Cortana search box and type in "ease of access" (no quotes) and hit Enter.  You will be taken to the Ease of Access Center.  Using the search function can take you to pretty much any setting you can think of.Control PANEL - Mouse - Pointers - Scheme QUOTE from: Allan on December 19, 2016, 09:12:43 AM

Control Panel - Mouse - Pointers - Scheme
Microsoft seems to be moving toward keeping the old Control Panel hidden in the closet and prodding Windows users to use the new Settings screens for the controls we used to access through Control Panel.  I'm typing this post on my desktop PC running the Insider Preview version of Windows 10 and Control Panel no longer appears on the menu displayed by right clicking on the Start button.  But, Control Panel can STILL be found by using the Cortana search box or a voice command if you have your system set for Cortana to hear voice commands. Thanks for the clarification Soybean. I use Classic Shell / Classic Start Menu (http://www.classicshell.net/) which allows you to emulate previous desktops. With it, you can have Control Panel appear just as it did in W7 or W8 (pinned to the right side of the start menu either as a menu or a link). I don't use the tiles desktop so I never even noticed that Control Panel is no longer a visible option.Interestingly, the "Advanced sizing of Text and other items" capability I described is a "normal" control panel feature. I just found it easier to describe how to get there with the Settings Screen since the "Normal" control panel isn't always straightforward to get there on a default Win10 install.I don't think it's either harder of easier... i mean, it could be both, depending on the user... but i think it's just different.
We've been used to having a control panel for so many years, and now that Win10 is almost hiding it, we need to get used to this new philosophy. For old time users it's probably harder, but for newcomers it probably doesn't make too much of a difference.
748.

Solve : can not open some downloads?

Answer»

I have a LENOVO idea pad with WINDOWS 10. I down loaded a some soft ware for a external hard drive WD my passport ultra when I try to download the software first it says will not down load and I try again then a window come up and ask me how do I want to down load.but none of the option I had to chose from would . I really need to  open it. THANKSWHAT software ? ?...and from where ?

749.

Solve : 2 of my icons won't workchrome and email (wildblue.net)?

Answer»

Hi,I've got W-10
my email ICON when I click on it in the desktop goes to TASK bar and when I click on
it there it shows the LITTLE picture of my email(wildblue) but when I click on it it should go
to maximum or full desktop. I've tried unhide.exe and restored my computer to an earlier date
and none of that helped. Also my google chrome did the same thing so I took that out of my
programs & FEATURES. I installed it again but still not working.
I can get my email but I have to go to the website to login and open.
Help would be appreciated

750.

Solve : Dollar sign in excel 10?

Answer»

Hi everybody
Is there a way to remove the  $ dollar sign I the columns in Excel 10

Thank you

slambos2500, please expand your question.
The dollar sign, $, has at least two roles in Excel.

For one, it is meant to specify t VALUES  in  US DOLLARS.
In other parts of the world a different sign is used.

Second, it marks a range of cells in a FORMULA. This allows for a more powerful way to write  a formula that can be used without more editing.

Why would you want to change either?


QUOTE from: slambos2500 on January 28, 2017, 06:32:21 PM

Is there a way to remove the  $ dollar sign I the columns in Excel 10
If you mean you have columns showing money amounts (and your local currency setting is the dollar) then select the column(s) and format them as number not currency.

Quote from: Geek-9pm on January 28, 2017, 07:43:00 PM
Why would you want to change either?
If the columns or cells were accidentally formatted as currency but they contain numbers which are not money amounts you would want to change that.
Quote from: Geek-9pm on January 28, 2017, 07:43:00 PM
Why would you want to change either?
In financial applications of spreadsheet software, the 1st amount a the top of a column is typically formatted to show a $ sign but amounts in rows between that top number and the sum at the bottom are usually not preceded with the $ sign.  Quote from: soybean on January 29, 2017, 01:30:06 PM
In financial applications of spreadsheet software, the 1st amount a the top of a column is typically formatted to show a $ sign but amounts in rows between that top number and the sum at the bottom are usually not preceded with the $ sign. 
I work in a public finance office (in Britain) and our spreadsheets show £ signs in all of the cells in a column formatted as accounting or currency. This is our CONVENTION when producing reports, statements, etc.  Is this a US thing?
Quote from: Salmon Trout on January 29, 2017, 01:36:30 PM
Is this a US thing?
Yes. See the attached image as an example.  Alternatively, the currency may be stated just once at the top of a column; for example, the Balance Sheet shown at http://accounting-simplified.com/financial/statements/statement-of-financial-position.html simply notes "USD" at the top of column. 

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