Troubleshoot Windows

Category: Windows 8

Review : Ultimate Windows Tweaker 3.0 for Windows 8 , 8.1
Tweaking or Customizing Windows is something that a lot of us want to do. Changing some setting or doing something different with your Computer has it’s own kicks. But, Customizing Windows safely & getting the most out of it is no easy task. Any day to day user of Windows will have to endure a lot of time to achieve any customization they wish to do with Windows. But, what if there is an application, built specifically for your Windows 8 PC, that could let you do almost every possible tweak or customization safely & easily ? The Windows Club, one of the Authority Web portals on Windows has rolled out a new version of their famous Ultimate Windows Tweaker & this time it adds support for Windows 8 | 8.1 .Ultimate Windows Tweaker 3.0 by The Windows Club is a freeware program that allow the Windows 8 / 8.1 users to easily & efficiently tweak Windows features to personalize the look and feel of your Windows.

To download UWT follow this link.

Review : Ultimate Windows Tweaker 3.0 for Windows 8, 8.1

5/ 5stars

UWT 3.0 offers a lot of features, some of them are :
- System information
- User Account Control
- Security Tweaks
- UI Customization
- Performance Tweaks
- Internet Explorer Customization
- Some Additional Customizations
To open the program, Right Click in and click on Run as Administrator ( Remember to read the Read me file in your downloaded package )

On the main screen itself, System Information is displayed. What I liked the most about this start screen is that it offers the most used recovery options in Windows. In a single click, you can open the Advanced recovery menu ( Windows 8 / 8.1 ) & you can also use SFC /SCANNOW ( system file checker utility ) to check for any File related corruption.

The Second option on the left hand options bar gets you to the Customization menu.

Within this option, you can :
- Customize the Taskbar
- Customize File Explorer
- Customize the Modern UI in Windows 8 | 8.1
- Use Some additional Customization Options
The Third Option is User Accounts. Here you can :
- Change User Account Control Settings
- Change all User Specific settings
The fourth option lets you do Performance tweaks, Some of them are :
- Reduce the time taken by Windows to force shutdown your system
- Reduce the waiting time to kill the unresponsive applications & services
- You can even check the option to Auto Kill non responsive programs
- If you are using an SSD, the first option to choose here would be to Turn off Search indexer
The Security Tweak bar is the next option. This is basically a Control Panel of all the security related tweaks that can be done on Windows. This is something all the IT professionals look for. Getting all of them in a single click is much appreciated:

Some of the tweaks that i played here are :

With Ultimate Window Tweaker 3.0 you can also Tweak your Internet Explorer, you can :
- Control the Overall IE options
- You can change the look & feel of your IE
- You can Disable Active Scripting
- Use between GPU and Software Rendering
- & a lot more
But, that’s not all. You can use the Additional Tweaks Section :

Another Amazing feature of this tool is the ability to Restore Defaults. This option is available under every Tweak menu, if you think you did something wrong, just click on Restore Defaults & you will go back to the stock Windows Settings.

Before Using the Ultimate Windows Tweaker 3.0 for Windows 8 | 8.1, make sure to create a Restore Point
January 9, 2014
Fix : Broken libraries in Windows 8.1 | Restore Default Libraries
This post will help you fix broken libraries in Windows 8 , 8.1 & Windows 7 | Restore Default Libraries. This post also shows you the steps to show & restore your libraries in Windows operating system. Sometimes the library folders get corrupted & the whole functionality of the libraries is affected. This post will also fix the issue when you cannot find your files stored in the libraries or open the library folders at all.

Below are the steps to fix Windows Libraries :

Step 1 : Show the Libraries
- Go to This PC ( Computer )
- Click on View
- Click on Navigation Pane
- Check “show all folders”
- Check “Show Libraries”
- Do not uncheck anything that is already checked
Step 2 : Restore Default Libraries
- Now,
- Locate your libraries in the left hand pane
- Right Click
- Click on Restore Default Libraries
- That’s it.
If you still face an issue with your libraries, please use the comment section & i will try to help.
November 24, 2013
How to : Enable Local Administrator Account in Windows 8.1
This post is a collection of steps on How to enable local administrator account in Windows 8.1 . The same steps can be followed in Windows 8 as well. Windows 8 / 8.1 by default has the local Administrator account disabled. Follow the steps below to enable the local ( built-in) administrator account in Windows 8.
- Follow this article to List Local users MMC
- Now, Right Click the User Account that says Administrator
- Click on Properties
- Now, here, Uncheck the box that says Account is disabled
- Click on Apply
- Click on Ok
- Your Built-in ( Local ) administrator account is now active
- You can choose to set a password for the same by:
- Right Clicking the Administrator account
- Click on Set password
If you face a problem with the steps mentioned above or need assistance with a certain step, please use comments section to post your query
October 31, 2013
How to : List Local users MMC in Windows 8, 8.1
This post is a step by step on How to list local users MMC in Windows 8 | 8.1 .Microsoft Management Console (MMC), is a built-in extensible common presentation service for management applications. MMC snap-ins are commonly used by Microsoft or other third party programs to interact with host integration services within the operating system. MMC can be used to add /remove snap-ins according to the need of the administrator. Some of the most common management consoles in Windows Operating system are gpedit.msc & rsop.msc ( Resultant Set of Policy )

Below are the steps to List Local users & Groups in Microsoft Management Console (MMC):
- Press Windows Logo Key + X
- Press A ( This will open command prompt with elevated privileges | Administrator mode )
- Now, within the command prompt type MMC & press enter
- Now, within the File Menu on the top left corner
- Click on Add/Remove Snap-in…
- Locate & select Local Users and Groups
- Click on Add
- Click OK
- A New Windows will pop open
- Here, Select Local Computer
- Click on Finish
- Press OK
- Now, a new entry named Local Users and Groups (Local) Can be seen
- Here, if you notice are listed all the users in your system.
- Now, Click on File
- Click on Save
- Give a name to this management console, so that you can use it later
If you need further help or face an issue implementing any of the above mentioned steps, feel free to drop a line to me & I will try to help out.
September 17, 2013
How to Install Windows Live mail / essentials in Windows 8 | POP Support
This post is a How to Install Windows live mail desktop ( essentials ) in Windows 8 |POP support. Many of you have written to me saying that they are really sad that Windows 8 mail app does not support POP ( Post office Protocol ) & you wish to use POP as your email settings. And many email providers does not support / charge extra for IMAP.In Windows 7 days, I used to install Windows Live Essentials for Windows Live mail, messenger, photo gallery, live writer and some other sets of essentials programs. This post helps you do exactly that. Just follow the steps mentioned below :
- Go to http://get.live.com
- Click on Download Now
- After the Download Completes, Run the program
- Click on Choose the programs you want to Install
- Select Windows Live Mail & uncheck every other box ( Unless you need those extra applications )
- Click on Install
- Let the process Finish
- It might take a while, depending on your Internet connection speed.
- Now,
- You can use the POP3 type email settings with Windows Live Mail in Windows 8, Without using the Default Windows 8 mail app.
If you have any queries or comments, please feel free to use the comment section
September 9, 2013
Fix : Windows 8 Installation error : Product key not verified : Check installation Media
Fix : Windows 8 couldn’t verify the product key , Check installation media. This post fixes the Windows 8 Installation error where setup says “ We couldn’t verify the product key,. Please check your installation media” . Below is the screenshot of the error i received while trying to install Windows 8. This post applies to Windows 8.1 as well. This guide will help you when you are sure that you are using correct product key for your Windows 8 | 8.1 installation, and you are receiving an unexpected error. Below are a few fixes that helped me and should help you :

Tip 1 : Check Installation Media
- If it’s a DVD, make sure it is not scratched and inserted properly
- If its a USB drive and you used the Microsoft USB DVD Tool to make it:
  
  Check the ISO file you used to make this installation media
  
  Try to remake the media using the USB tool
  
  or
  
  Try using the same tool to burn a DVD if you can
  
  Make sure that you have enough space on the USB drive that you are using to Install Windows.
  
  Also, make sure that the USB drive is inserted properly into the USB port.
  
  Make sure that you insert your USB drive directly into the system and not through a external USB hub
Tip 2 :USB 3.0
- If your system supports USB 3.0, it is possible that for some reason the setup is not able to read it properly.
- Try Inserting your USB drive into a USB 2.0 port.
Tip 3 : Change BIOS settings for USB
- At the time of system start up
- Press DEL, F2, F10 or refer your system documentation for the key binding assigned to boot into the BIOS
- Locate the options for USB and make sure USB Legacy support is turned on
- Secondly, if there is an emulation setting for USB, set it to CD/DVD
- and,
- Make sure it is not set to hard disk
If you still face an issue, please use the comment section and I will try and help you further
September 7, 2013
How to create Shutdown & Restart buttons on Desktop / Start Screen | Windows 8
Step by step tutorial on how to create shutdown & restart buttons on desktop / start screen in Windows 8. Windows 8.1 is on it’s way & it will be introducing some new features that will help the user make the most of this new operating system from Microsoft. But, till the time it is made available to the general public, performing shutdown & restart operations can be made more easy by following the steps below to create the power buttons on desktop and start screen in Windows 8.
- Go to the Desktop
- Right Click
- Click on New
- Click on Shortcut
- Now, for Shutdown button
  
  type shutdown.exe -s -t 00
- for Restart button
  
  type shutdown.exe -r -t 00
- Click Next
- Type in Shutdown or Restart for your button type
- Click on Finish
- Now,
- To add your button to the start screen :
- Right Click the shortcut on your desktop
- Click on Pin to Start
You can also give it a Nice Icon to match a Power button
- Right Click the Shortcut button you created on desktop
- Click on Properties
- Click on Change ICON
- Select the Icon that resembles a power button
- Click OK
That’ it.

Have a question that comes to mind ? use the comments section to ask.
September 5, 2013
Fix : Stop 0x0000009F: Driver power state failure in Windows 8 | 7
This post will help you fix stop error : Driver_power_state_failure in Windows 8 | 7. This particular Blue screen error is also known with a bug check code 9for 0x0000009f, below are the steps to fix it. The most common cause of this error is out of date driver software of your installed hardware. Another cause is out of date BIOS or a recent change in hardware | Software. DRIVER_STATE_POWER_FAILURE is a blue screen error that occurs when there is a change in power state, i.e. when you shutdown, restart or put your computer to sleep, hibernation etc. So, while this process is running all of the hardware installed in your computer are directed to change their power state to lose power ( to shutdown ), but when there is a fault in a particular device driver, the corresponding device does not respond as Windows wants it to and hence you face this STOP error.

Here are a few ways that you can fix this BSOD:

Method 1 : Updating Driver Software
- Go to Windows update ( type Update in start screen or Start menu )
- Open the Update application
- Now, Click on check for updates
- Click on optional updates section & select any and all hardware device driver updates
- After the installation is complete, restart your computer.
Alternatively,
- You can go to your Motherboard / System / Independent Hardware manufacturer’s support website
- Search for any driver updates that they might be offering and install them.
Method 2 : Using Driver Verifier

Before starting this procedure, it is recommended that you create a system restore point, so that you can fall back on it if something goes wrong.

This process will help you pin point the exact driver that might be causing this blue screen error. Remember, if the Driver verifier find an issue your computer might throw a BSOD again. That is why we made a system restore point, so that we can simply run system repair and get the computer to it’s previous state.
- Go to the start menu ( Windows 7 ) & Start screen ( Windows 8)
- Type Verifier and press Enter
- Click on Create custom settings (for code developers)
- Click Next
- Select individual settings from a full list
- Next
- Check these boxes from the list
  
  Special Pool
  
  Pool Tracking
  
  Force IRQL Checking
  
  Deadlock Detection
  
  Security Checks (Windows 7)
  
  Concurrency Stress Test (Windows 8)
  
  DDI compliance checking (Windows 8)
  
  Miscellaneous Checks
- Click on Select driver names from a list
- Click on Provider tab.
- Check every driver that is not by Microsoft
- Click on Finish
- Restart your computer
- It is highly recommended that you run this verifier for at least 24-36 hours
For more information on Driver Verifier you can look at this support article by Microsoft

Method 3 : Updating BIOS

Updating your Computer’s BIOS is a critical process and need a fair bit of understanding on your part. It is always recommended that your only update your BIOS if highly necessary. Over the years motherboard / Computer manufacturers have made it easier for any user to update the BIOS, but still, it is a difficult process and if not done correctly, can brick your system and make it unusable. So, if you choose to update your BIOS, please do it at your own risk.
- To Update your BIOS
- Go to your Motherboard / Computer Manufacturer’s support website
- Carefully locate your Motherboard / Computer make model and ver. and when 100% sure that you are at the right place, download the latest BIOS files
- Carefully read the documentation associated / provided by the manufacturer on how to update BIOS
- Before updating your BIOS, make sure that your computer, if a laptop / portable computer is at least 75% charged and if its a desktop computer, make sure that you have a stable backup power supply in case of a power loss.
- Use the updater / or the software / options provided by your Motherboard / Computer manufacturer
If you still face an issue, please write to us using the comments section.
August 31, 2013
Fix : Open with submenu missing from Right Click options in Windows 7 , 8
After reading this post, you will be able to fix an issue with your Windows computer, where when you right click on a file, the “Open with” sub menu is missing. This can happen dues a malfunction in Windows Registry settings, or due to a security program restricting your file opening permissions. It can also happen due to some corruption in system files.

Below are a few methods that should help you out:

Method 1 : Adding Registry Values
- Click here to download a registry patch that will enable your Open with submenu.
- After downloading, Extract the file
- Right Click the file and click on Merge
- Make sure you are logged in as administrator
Method 2 : Using System Repair Options
- System Restore : Click here for Guide on using System Restore
  System Restore will restore you computer to an earlier time. You can choose the restore point from the available checkpoints. Just make sure you select the date on which the problem was not there.
Alternatively,
- You can run System File Checker
- Go to Start menu and type CMD
  Right Click & click on Run as Administrator ( Windows 7 )
- Press Windows Logo Key + X
- Click on Command Prompt (Admin) ( Windows 8 )
- Type SFC /SCANNOW
- Press Enter
- Let the process finish. This process will check for faulty system files and replace them if necessary
Method 3 : Checking Security programs
- If you are in a Domain or Workgroup in a corporate environment, it is suggested that you first check with your system administrator and make sure that the open with submenu is not locked out by a security software
- Make sure you are logged in as Administrator
- Disable your security software and restart your computer to check if the Open with submenu appears.
July 9, 2013
Guide : Installing / upgrading Windows 8.1 preview
This post is a recommended read if you are about to install Windows 8.1 preview on your pc. Windows 8.1 preview is a pre-release software from Microsoft which is publicly available to download. Being a pre-release software, only advanced computer users and people willing to get their hands on something new and exciting from Microsoft should get the Windows 8.1 preview.

Things to know before proceeding:
- Currently 13 base languages are supported. This means that if you are upgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 preview via Windows store, your current Windows 8 installation should be installed with one of the 13 supported base languages. The supported languages are :
- Arabic
- English (US)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- French
- German
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swedish
- Turkish
- If you have installed your current operating system with some other language. You should not continue, else you will be presented with an error message “The update is not applicable to your computer”
- If you are installing the Windows 8.1 preview by booting from a bootable DVD / USB drive, make sure to select the language from the above mentioned thirteen languages.
- Windows 8.1 Preview requires the same configuration as Windows 8
- Your current hardware and Windows 8 device drivers should work with Windows 8.1
- If you uninstall Windows 8.1 in future and return back to Windows 8, you will have to reinstall your apps.
- If it highly recommended that your take a proper backup of your computer before proceeding.
Things to do before installing Windows 8.1 Preview:
- Make sure to disable or uninstall any Antivirus program ( but retain licensing information of your product for future installation )
- Create a custom refresh image for your current Windows 8 operating system. This will help you in future when you might want to uninstall the 8.1 preview and return to Windows 8
- Do a clean boot before installing Windows 8.1 preview from Windows Store
- Detach any peripheral device that is not needed at the time of installation and plug these devices back after the installation is complete
- Download the Windows 8.1 preview product guide from here
Hope you have a great experience trying this preview version of Windows 8.1. If you face any problems with this pre-release software, please use the comment section to start a discussion and express your views.
June 30, 2013