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  • Fix : Stop error 0x000000A0 after resuming from hibernate in Windows 8

    Fix : Stop error 0x000000A0 after resuming from hibernate in Windows 8

    After reading this post you will be able to fix an issue with your Windows 8 PC, where, when you resume your computer from hibernate power state you get a Blue screen error ( BSOD ) / Stop error with error code 0x000000A0. The sample of the error generated would look something like this :

    STOP: 0x000000A0 (parameter1, parameter2, parameter3, parameter4)

    Resolution : Method 1

    • If you haven’t updated your computer in a while, it is recommended to run Windows update.
    • To do that:
    • Go to the start screen
    • Type Windows Update
    • Click on settings ( Right pane )
    • Click on Windows Update
    • ( refer screen shots below )

    update1

    • Click on Check for updates

    update2

    • Now, click on the we’ll install xx important update automatically

    update3

    • Click on choose important updates to install, or install optional updates
    • From the listed options select all the recommended updates and choose the optional updates as per your liking.
    • Make sure that you select the 2822241 update package
    • Check this link on Microsoft support site for more information

     

    Method 2

    • Make sure the computer is shutdown
    • Start it and boot into BIOS by pressing the specified keyboard key ( DEL, F2 or F10 ) are some commonly used Keys
    • Locate the Power options
    • Make sure that S4 power state is enabled in your BIOS
    • Press F10 ( save and exit )

     

    Method 3

    • Go to your Computer / motherboard manufacturer’s support website
    • Download and install the latest power management program
    • Laptops and desktops both have different power management programs, so make sure that you download the correct version
    • Also, Download and install the latest SATA / AHCI driver.

     

    Please use the comment section for further help or query

  • Fix : Stop error 0x00000050 PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA in Windows 7 , Vista and XP

    Fix : Stop error 0x00000050 PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA in Windows 7 , Vista and XP

    This post will help you fix an issue with your Windows PC where you get a Blue screen error / BSOD / Stop error with error code 0x00000050 (PAGE_FAULT_IN_NON_PAGED_AREA ). Now, there are quite a few explanations to this error type. This error might occur after you update your computer, or might occur when you install or update an antivirus/security program. Problems with display driver or a third-party search tool can also throw this error.

    Below are a few methods to fix this type of error:

    Method 1

    • If you have just installed an antivirus / security program
    • or
    • You have just updated it and you got a Blue screen error
    • The first thing to do is :
    • Start your computer in Safe Mode ( press F8 at system startup, just after BIOS post display, and select safe mode)
    • Now, keeping your activation information of your Antivirus / security program, simply uninstall the software by going to Control Panel –> ADD or Remove programs ( Windows XP ) or Programs and features ( Windows Vista, 7 )
    • Restart your computer to make sure that Windows starts up normally.
    • Go to Windows Update ( Control Panel )
    • After the computer has been successfully updated,
    • Restart your computer
    • Install the Antivirus / Security program again.

    A hotfix from Microsoft is available : KB976527

     

    Method 2 : Updating the Display Adapter Drivers

    • Follow the steps mentioned above to boot into Safe Mode
    • Now, go to Device Manager ( Control Panel )
    • Expand the Display Adapters section

    display_device

    • Right Click the listed device
    • Click on uninstall.
    • Restart your computer again in Safe Mode.
    • Go to Device Manager and click on the Scan for hardware changes button

    dm

    • The Display driver will install automatically
    • Restart your computer in normal mode
    • Connect to the internet and download / Install the latest available Display drivers from your motherboard manufacturer / System / Graphic Card Manufacturer’s support website.

     

    Method 3 : Hotfix for another issue with same error mode from Microsoft

    • Follow KB951418
    • Use the download option in there to download and install the hotfix
    • You should try this hotfix after reading the cause section within the KB article from Microsoft.

     

    Method 4 : Checking for Faulty RAM modules ( Memory )

    • If you are using Windows 7 or Vista, checking memory is quite easy
    • Just Boot from the Windows Installation CD / DVD
    • After the boot process completes
    • Click on Repair your computer
    • Now, Within the options listed
    • Click on Windows memory Diagnostics
    • This process will run for a while and will check if there is a problem in the installed RAM modules in your system.
    • If a problem is detected, you should change the module to solve the problem

    Method 5 : Updating the BIOS

    Note: Updating the BIOS is a risky procedure, that, if not done correctly could harm your computer hardware. SO, DO this at your own risk. I shall not be liable for any damage to your computer by following the process mentioned below:

    • Go to your system /Motherboard manufacturer’s support website
    • Note down the exact model no. /Version no. / service tag or other necessary information that might be needed to pinpoint the exact BIOS for your system
    • Download the latest BIOS and follow the instructions mentioned on your manufacturer’s support website for Updating the BIOS.
    • Note: Read every safety precaution and steps mentioned in the manufacturer’s support website while updating the BIOS
    • Also, Make sure that do not restart your computer in the middle of the updating procedure, even if, some for time the process might look hanged. Let it run and complete on it’s own. If it’s a desktop computer, make sure it has got a adequate backup power supply, in case the power runs out.

     

    Please use the comment section to report any problems that you might face, I will try my best to help out.

  • Fix : Windows Media Player freezes / hangs in full screen mode in Windows Vista

    Fix : Windows Media Player freezes / hangs in full screen mode in Windows Vista

    This Post will help you fix an issue with your Windows Vista based Computer, where while playing a video with Windows Media Player in full screen mode might result in computer being unresponsive. In this scenario pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL might or might not bring up the Task Manager. This problem might occur due a number of reasons, some of the most probable reasons are listed below:

    • Device Drivers not installed / or not installed properly.
    • Corruption within system files
    • Some other installed program is causing this problem
    • Problem with Installed RAM module

     

    To Fix this issue follow the methods mention below:

    Method 1 : Microsoft Fixit

    fixit

     

    Method 2 : Installing Device drivers

    • Out-dated or missing Device drivers for your display adapter might also cause this problem
    • Simply Run Windows Update
    • Click on check for updates
    • Click on optional updates & select the drivers for your graphic / display adapter
    • Alternatively,
    • You can visit your computer /motherboard / Graphic card manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers

     

    Method 3 : Problem with Installed Ram Module

    • To check your RAM for errors
    • Go to the start menu
    • Type Memory diagnostics tool
    • Open the program that appears in start menu search result
    • Click on Restart now and check for problems

    memory diagnostic tool

    (memory diagnostic tool as in Windows 7)

     

    Method 4 : Disable a Appearance setting

    • Go to Start
    • Click on Control Panel
    • Click on Appearance and Personalization
    • Click on Personalization
    • Click Window Color and Appearance
    • Click on Open classic appearance properties for more color options
    • Click on Effects
    • uncheck the checkbox that says Show shadows under menus
    • Click OK

     

    If the above steps did not help and you need further help, feel free to use the comments section.

  • Fix : Stop Error 0x0000006B Process1_initialization_failed BSOD in Windows 7

    Fix : Stop Error 0x0000006B Process1_initialization_failed BSOD in Windows 7

    This post will help you fix an issue with your Windows 7 computer, where your computer might not start up and crash before the login window appears. You might also get a blue screen error with the error code 0x0000006B. The whole error code would be something like this:

    STOP: 0x0000006B ( parameter1, 2, 3, 4 )
    Process1_INITIALIZATION_FAILED

    According to Microsoft KB article 981933 this error is caused by a corrupted bootcat.cache file in “ %systemroot%\system32\codeintegrity” folder.

    process1_initialization_failed

    Method 1 : Get Service Pack 1 ( If this is not a permanent error )

    • Go to Start Menu & type Windows update
    • Click on Windows update from the search results
    • Click on Check for updates in the left hand side pane
    • Select Service Pack 1 from the recommended updates section
    • It is recommended to set Windows Update to receive all critical updates automatically
    • Fully Update your computer

    Method 2 : Manually remove the bootcat.cache file

    • Boot From the Windows 7 DVD or repair disk
    • Select Repair your computer
    • Click on command prompt
    • Type C: and press Enter
    • Type cd windows\system32\codeintegrity  & press Enter
    • Now, Type del bootcat.cache & press Enter
    • Restart your computer to check if it’s working correctly

     

    If you still face a problem ( even after installing Windows 7 Service Pack 1 ) do let me know by using the comments section and I will be more than happy to help

  • Fix : Media Player Server execution failed in Windows 8 , 7 , Vista, XP

    Fix : Media Player Server execution failed in Windows 8 , 7 , Vista, XP

    This post will help you fix an issue with your Windows PC, where you get an error “Server Execution failed” when trying to play a file in Windows media player. Typically this error occurs when you close Windows media player and immediately try to re-open another file and for some reason even after the Media player UI closes, the main program process is still active. This error might also occur if for reason the Windows media player network service is stopped or if there is a problem with your User account. Below mentioned are a few methods that should work for you according to the reason behind your error.

    Troubleshoot Method 1

    • Go to the Task Manager ( Right Click on Taskbar & click Task Manager) or go to run by pressing Windows logo key + R and type taskmgr

    taskmanager

    • Now, go to the processes tab ( windows 7 and earlier )
    • Check for Windows Media Player
    • If found, right click the process
    • Click on End Task

    taskmanager1

    • Check if media player opens correctly

     

    Troubleshoot Method 2

    • Open CMD ( Administrator )
    • If you are using Windows 7:
    • Open start menu and type CMD
    • Right Click CMD & click on Run as Administrator
    • If you are using Windows 8
    • Press Windows Logo key + X
    • Click on Command Prompt (admin)
    • Now,
    • type regsvr32 jscript.dll  and press enter
    • press OK
    • Type regsvr32 vbscript.dll and press enter
    • Press OK on the dialog box

    taskmanager2

    • Check if you Windows Media player is opening correctly

     

    Troubleshoot Method 3 : Start / Correct the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

    • Open CMD ( Administrator ) ( Follow the procedure as provided in Method 2 )
    • Type Services.msc
    • Locate the service Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

    taskmanager3

    • Right Click the service and Click properties
    • Now, Make sure the services is started
    • Else, click on Start and set the startup type to Automatic ( delayed start )

    taskmanager4

    • Click Apply and OK
    • Check if your problem is solved

     

    Troubleshoot Method 4 : Change User Account

    • Make sure you are logged in as Administrator
    • Type netplwiz in run ( windows logo key + r )
    • Click on Add
    • Follow the steps to create a new user account
    • Log off & log on using the new account
    • Check if the Media player is working correctly or not
    • If it is working correctly with a new user account, you can either shift to the new account
    • or
    • Try Running:
    • SFC /SCANNOW ( in run – Windows Logo key + R )
    • Remember, that this process will take some time to complete

    Troubleshoot Method 5

    • Open CMD ( Administrator )
    • If you are using Windows 7:
    • Open start menu and type CMD
    • Right Click CMD & click on Run as Administrator
    • If you are using Windows 8
    • Press Windows Logo key + X
    • Click on Command Prompt (admin)
    • Now, type:

    • net localgroup “Administrators” “NT Authority\Local Service” /add
    • Press Enter
    • Now, Restart your computer to check if the problem is solved

     

    Miscellaneous Tips

    • If this is problem does not gets solved by step one and this is the first time you are facing this issue, the most advisable step is to use System Restore to restore your computer to an earlier time
    • You can also try to uninstall and reinstall the Windows Media player:
    • To do that:
    • Go to Programs and Features in Control Panel
    • Click on Turn Windows Features on or off
    • Locate and uncheck Windows Media Player
    • Click OK
    • Restart your Computer and again go to the same screen to check Windows Media player to reinstall it

     

    If you still face an issue, please use the comment section to tell me about the issue and I will try my best to help you out.

  • Enable Automatic sign-in with Microsoft Account in Windows 8

    Enable Automatic sign-in with Microsoft Account in Windows 8

    After reading this post you will be able to configure your Windows 8 PC to login without using a password for your Microsoft Account. This guide applies to the situation where you do not wish to enter your password every time that you login to your Windows 8 PC. Remember this guide is intended just to automate the login process and does not remove your password. Note: It is always advisable not to automate this process as this can cause privacy issues.

    To do this:

    • Press Windows logo key + R to open run
    • Type control userpasswords2 & press Enter

    post2

    • Now, From the list given there select your Microsoft Account
    • Uncheck the checkbox “ Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
    • Click Apply

    post3

    • As soon as you click Apply, a new Window will open up asking you for your password
    • Enter your Microsoft Account Password here & click ok

    post4

    • Now, your Windows 8 PC will not ask you for your password the next time you login.

    Note: In case you wish to disable this feature and enable that Windows 8 asks you for your password, just re-check the checkbox “ Users must enter a username and password to use this computer” & Click Apply.

  • Fix : Windows 8 upgrade / clean installation fails

    Fix : Windows 8 upgrade / clean installation fails

    This post will help you fix an issue where the upgrade to Windows 8 or even a clean installation of Windows 8 fails with or without error.Your Windows 8 installation might fail with error : Windows 8 Installation has failed. This can happen due to a number of reasons. Some of the possible solutions are mentioned herein that might help you solve this issue.

    Scenario 1

    Windows 8 Upgrade from previous Windows versions

    Method 1 : Update Readiness Tool

    • The first step should be to run the Windows 8 Update readiness tool. Click here to download . This will check if there are any update errors in your system and will fix them. This is one of the pre-installation steps that ensure a cleaner and stable windows 8 installation.

    Method 2 : Security Software

    • If you have any antivirus software installed in your system, if it advisable to either uninstall it or disable it for the time being. Note: make sure you save your Antivirus ( security software) activation information for future installation.

    Method 3 : Clear your Temp folder:

    • To do this, Go to run ( Windows logo key + R)
    • Type in %temp% and press Enter
    • Select all the files and folder inside the temp folder ( CTRL + A ) & Press Delete

    Method 4: Hardware clean boot

    • Go to the Device Manager ( Control Panel )
    • Expand Display
    • Right Click on your display adapter and click on disable

    display_device

    • Now, Do the same with your sound adapter & any network adapter installed in your system.

    display_device1

    • Restart your computer and try installing Windows 8.

    Method 5 : If the installation still fails:

    • Perform a Software clean boot Click here to read the guide

    Random Tips:

    • Make sure you are using only one user account and no other account is logged on.
    • You can also choose to delete other user accounts that you might not be using.
    • Make sure your Computer updated fully. Run Windows Update to check.
    • Remove any non-essential hardware devices attached to your computer ( Printer, scanner, external hard disk etc.)
    • Make sure you have adequate hard disk space to upgrade to Windows 8
    • Make sure you have enough RAM.

    Scenario 2 : Clean Install of Windows

    Check the Minimum requirements for Installing Windows 8

    • Processor: 1 GHz or faster processor
    • RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) |  2 GB (64-bit)
    • Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) | 20 GB (64-bit)
    • Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

    Check if your computer is Windows 8 Compatible

    • Go to your Computer Manufacturer’s support website and check if the computer your are installing Windows 8 on is Windows 8 compatible or not.

    Random Tips:

    • Make sure the Media ( DVD / USB ) is working correctly
    • Check your Hard disk drive for errors ( if this is a old hard disk drive and has partitions, it is advisable that you backup your data and delete all current partitions and creates new ones for Installing Windows 8 )
    • If this is a laptop, Check and make sure you install Windows with Power Adapter plugged in
    • If this is a desktop, check your SMPS ( PSU ) unit.

    If the Windows 8 Installation still fails, you can use the comment section to notify me & I’ll try to solve your problem.

  • How to setup & sync a Microsoft Account in Windows 8

    How to setup & sync a Microsoft Account in Windows 8

    [Video Tip Inside] This post will help you in setting up a Microsoft Account in your Windows 8 PC. Microsoft account has a lot of benefits over the conventional local account. With Microsoft Account you can download and use applications from Microsoft store, you can also sync your settings across windows 8 based devices that have the same Microsoft account setup in them. By syncing your devices you can have the same look & feel of all your Windows 8 based devices whether it is a Desktop PC at home, work, your laptop or even a tablet.

    Let’s checkout this video and then learn more about this:

    Setup and sync a Microsoft Account

     

    Hope you liked the video, below is the step by step process that shows how to setup and sync a Microsoft account in Windows 8:

    • Make sure that you are connected to the Internet
    • Go to the start screen & type user account
    • Click on settings from the right pane
    • Click on create an account

    user1

    • Now,
    • Click on Add a user account

    user2

    • Enter your Microsoft based email account here ( Hotmail, live. msn , outlook.com )
    • Click on next
    • If, You do not have a Microsoft Account,
    • You can click on Sign up for a new account and enter you current email address to make that email address your Microsoft Account

    user3

    • After entering the required information click on Next
    • This process might take a few minutes to complete
    • Click on Finish
    • Now,
    • Go to the start menu
    • Click on your user name from the Top right corner
    • Click on Sign out
    • Sign in with your Microsoft Account

    user5

    • After signing in,
    • Go to the start screen
    • Type users
    • Select users from the listed options
    • Here, Turn on Sync settings on this PC
    • Change the other options according to your like and feel.

    user7

  • Video Cast : How to use the Settings Charm in Windows 8

    Video Cast : How to use the Settings Charm in Windows 8

    This post is a continuation of the video tip series on this website. Previously I explained the four other charms in Windows 8, i.e. Search, Share, Start & Devices Charm. Today this video tip explains the settings charm in Windows 8. Check out the video tip below and the continue reading the post:

    Using Settings charm in Windows 8

    The settings charm in Windows 8 helps you easily find & change the settings / options of the application that you are using. To explain a bit further I will compare this feature with the previous version of Windows. Previously you had to either look for settings within the application that you are using or you had to reach out to control panel to change settings.

    Now, you just have to swipe in from right ( on a touch based device) or if you are using a keyboard  / mouse setup, you can mouse your mouse to the right hand side, click on settings charm & change the settings of the application on your screen without having to leave the current window.

    These settings differ according to the application that you are using. It could be any application, it could be mail app, or music app or any other app. So start using this great feature.

  • Video Tip : How to use start & Devices Charm in Windows 8

    Video Tip : How to use start & Devices Charm in Windows 8

    This Video tip explains the Start & Devices charms in Windows 8. Charms in Windows 8 are a new & intelligent way to interact with your PC. Whether you are using a touch based devices or a conventional keyboard / mouse setup, Charms are always useful. I have already explained the search & share charm in my previous videos. Watch the video & then read the detailed explanation that follows:

    Using Start and devices charm in Windows 8

     

    Start Charm

    The start charm can be used to get to the start screen from anywhere. Or if you are already at the start screen, pressing the start charm will take you to any opened app or desktop. A great tool for multitasking.

    Devices Charm

    The devices charm can be used to access your installed devices from any opened application. These devices are displayed according the application and it’s compatibility with the device.