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About this blog

Andre lives on the beautiful island of Jamaica (yeah, mon). Andre can best be described as friendly, passionate about technology, a lover of nature and enjoys sharing his views on topics he is highly interested in.

His journey into blogging started in 2004 when Microsoft introduced their online blogging service, MSN Spaces. Like many, Andre was enthralled by the excitement surrounding the development of Windows ‘codename’ Longhorn, which eventually became Windows Vista. From then on his enthusiasm for Windows grew into a passion. Throughout those years he was able to expand his reach through the opportunity of writing reviews and articles for ActiveWin.com.

The opportunity for him to start his own blog and share his opinions with readers about technology allows him to help and learn from so many in return. “It has been one of the great aspects of blogging. That’s one of the key things about technology and the essence of the MVP Program itself, the opportunity to share and learn.”

You can often find Andre publishing his latest articles at http://www.groovypost.com

Entries in this blog

How to Submit a Suggestion or Bug Report in Windows 10 Using Feedback Hub

The Internet and Social Media have changed the development process for many of the products we use. Windows 10 in particular has embraced the benefits of these modern day platforms to help improve and bring new releases to market approximately every six months. When I participated in Microsoft Beta Programs (remember Microsoft Betaplace and Connect) more than a decade ago, it was sort of an exclusive club of maybe few thousand or more. Although both had its benefits, with the significant gr

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How to Download the Latest Windows 10 ISO Files Directly Using Your Web Browser

Update: Microsoft is forcing users to download the ISO file using the Media Creation Tool. If you still want to download the ISO file directly, you can do so by changing the User Agent String in your web browser. This will make the browser pretend its on an operating system such as Linux or macOS, which Microsoft permits direct downloads from.   Before you upgrade, make sure you check if your system is compatible:   12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 C

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Download Windows 10 Feature Update ISO Files Directly Using Your Web Browser

Update: Microsoft is forcing users to download the ISO file using the Media Creation Tool. If you still want to download the ISO file directly, you can do so by changing the User Agent String in your web browser. This will make the browser pretend its on an operating system such as Linux or macOS, which Microsoft permits direct downloads from. If you need to download Windows 10 on an alternative operating system such as OS X (MacOS) or Linux; the Media Creation Tool or Windows 10 Upgrade As

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What to do if Your Windows 10 OEM Product Key Sticker is Damaged?

A number of users have been reporting issues recently removing the protective seal on Windows 10 OEM System Builder product key stickers. Unlike retail Windows 10 licenses, which come on a business size card in the box; the OEM Windows 10 System Builder product key is located on the certificate of authenticity sticker on the outside or inside of the package. To prevent theft, a protective seal covers the product key. Similar to a pay as you go phone card, users can utilize a sharp instrument suc

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How to Install Windows 10 1803 (Spring Creators Update) Using Windows Update

A new version of Windows 10 is upon us containing exciting new features to make users more productive and secure. The Windows 10 Spring Creators Update version 1803 builds on the Fall Creators Update launched last October. New features include: Time Line for managing apps and activities across devices; redesigned settings app, new user experiences for installing fonts, using Bluetooth, Audio and whole lot more. In this article, we look at how to upgrade from a previous version using Windows Upda

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Media Feature Pack for Windows 10 Fall Creators Update version 1709 Now Available

Customers running the Windows 10 N variant of the Fall Creators Update will need to install the latest version of the Media Feature Pack. The Media Feature Pack adds media related technologies removed due to European anti-competitive laws established years ago between Microsoft and the European Union. Microsoft has released a Media Feature Pack Update for each release of Windows 10 since it was launched in 2015. Users can download the latest version for Windows 10 1709 now. Version 1709:

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Comodo Antivirus Users Advised to Update or Remove Software Before Upgrading to Windows 10 Creators Update

Developers of the Comodo Antivirus utility are advising users to ensure they update before attempting to upgrade to the Windows 10 Creators Update, version 1703. Comodo say's users running the latest version of Windows 10 can experience  severe graphical issues if used with product versions older than those listed above. More details below:     Some users have reported issues with font rendering problems in applications and even the command prompt. Users who didn't apply the upd

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Troubleshoot Windows Update Problems in Windows 10 Using These Five Tips

Windows Update is a key part of maintaining your computer. New operating system versions, application updates, security updates and even firmware updates are released through it. Sometimes, when you are experiencing problems downloading apps from the Windows Store, the Store app might be outdated and needs an update. The only way to get it, is through Windows Update. These five tips can help resolve some of the most common problems associated with Windows Updates in Windows 10. 1. Windows U

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PSA: Create Backup Reinstall Media for Your Current Version of Windows 10 Before Upgrading to Windows 10 Creators Update

With the release of Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft will remove access to previous versions of the operating system from regular channels such as the Media Creation Tool and the Software Download page. In case something goes wrong or it turns out your system is not working well with the Windows 10 Creators Update, you need a sure way to go back to your previous version. Yes, Windows 10 does include the Rollback option, which you must perform within 10 days of upgrading, but not a lot users

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Missing Icon Labels, Text and Icons in Windows 10 Creators Update Due to Comodo Antivirus and Incompatible Intel Atom Processors

If you recently upgraded to the Windows 10 Creators Update, and you are experiencing graphical glitches such as: missing icon labels, corrupted icons or text; this is likely due to compatibility problems associated with a series of Intel Atom processors and the Comodo Antivirus utility. Prior to launch, Microsoft Support had published an advisory letting users know of a compatibility issue with Intel's Clovertrail series of Atom processors. A couple days ago, Microsoft updated their post on the

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Fix: Error 0x80070057 When Installing Windows 10 Anniversary Update

With the Windows 10 Anniversary Update now in full effect, many users are embracing the upgrade. So far though, quite a number of users are experiencing the 0x80070057 error when attempting update or upgrade. The error happens most of the time when using the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant. The Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant is a smaller upgrade wizard used to download and upgrade to Windows 10. It lacks the detailed upgrade options available in the Media Creation Tool. Here is what the error lo

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Microsoft OneDrive Stuck at OOBE During Windows 10 Setup

Earlier today, some users started reporting issues trying complete Windows 10 setup during the Out of Box Experience. If OneDrive is selected as the default location to save files, setup becomes non-responsive. Microsoft said in a tweet they are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it. They recommend users experiencing this problem file a report at the given link: https://t.co/SWI0nIX0Pz   In the mean time, If you are setting up/signing into a Microsoft Account

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Microsoft Update Catalog Now Works with Edge and Other Web Browsers

Until recently, if you wanted to download individual updates, especially if you experienced a problem installing a particular update through Windows Update; you could do it through the Microsoft Update Catalog. One minor issue though, you had to use Internet Explorer in Windows 10. Microsoft's reasoning for requiring Internet Explorer to download updates from the Update Catalog depended on a unique technology called, ActiveX Controls. ActiveX is the descendant of a 90's technology called Object

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Windows 10 Free Upgrade Apparently Still Available

There is some confusion right now about the Windows 10 Free Upgrade. Is it still available or is it not available? Yesterday, came a glimmer of hope for many who were still in limbo. Microsoft found out and immediately clarified; the Microsoft Answer Desk Tech who indicated the free upgrade offer would still be available for two more weeks, made a mistake. The issue is, there is wide open information on Microsoft's website that says otherwise. The Windows 10 Accessibility Page, provides a link t

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Toshiba Display Utility is currently not supported on Windows 10 Creators Update

If you have a Toshiba system, make sure you remove the Toshiba Display Utility before attempting to upgrade. A Microsoft Community Forum posts notes the utility is currently not compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update. How to uninstall the Toshiba Display Utility Press Windows key + X then click Programs and Features Scroll down, then select the Toshiba Display Utility in the app list, then click Change/uninstall on the command bar. Follow the on screen instructions to re

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Microsoft Rolls Out Third Windows 10 Redstone 3 Build 16179 and 15205 for Mobile

Early features and functionality are starting to appear in the latest Windows 10 Redstone 3 builds; the next major revision of Microsoft's client operating system. Microsoft is currently working on the core of the operating system to support new features that will define this release. Two new features focus on performance, mobility and IT-Pro's.   Build 16179 includes the usual assortment of bug fixes users have diligently reported using the Feedback app. Windows 10 Mobile also

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How to Ensure a Smooth Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is fast approaching. To ensure users experience a smooth upgrade, here are some things you can do. Disable your Antivirus utility temporarily before attempting the upgrade. Click the respective link for the Antivirus utility you are running. Please remember to re-enable your Antivirus after successfully upgrade. - Norton - right click Norton in the Notification Area then click Disable Antivirus - McAfee - ESET NOD32 - Kaspersky - Avast - A

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Pictures of Microsoft Surface Laptop for Education Appears Early

Microsoft’s line of computers consist of several form factors: Surface Pro, Surface Book and Surface Studio launched in October of 2016. The company has been pushing the innovation button regularly, introducing major designs, inspiring and encouraging hardware vendors to push the limits of the PC form factor into new experiences. Now it looks like Microsoft is expanding the family by going back to a familiar design. Pictures of the new laptop, which looks almost like a MacBook Air, showed up thi

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Third Cumulative Update Released for Windows 10 Creators Update 15063.250

Microsoft released a new cumulative update for Windows 10 Creators Update, 15063.250. The update includes a list of fixes for apps and components such as Internet Explorer, Virtual Machines, Group Policy Editor and Direct 3D. Users should start seeing some of the performance benefits of the new differential updates mechanism in Windows Update with 15063.250; where only the new fixes contained in this package will be downloaded and installed. Here's a list of whats included:

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Quark Inc Releases Compatibility fix for QuarkXpress Users Upgrading to Windows 10 1703

Last week, Quark Inc, developers of the popular page layout app, QuarkXpress, advised users to delay their upgrade to Windows 10 Creators Update until a fix was released to resolve compatibility issues. The fix is now available and applies primarily to versions 2015 and 2016 of QuarkXpress running on Windows 10; earlier versions are not affected.   If you use QuarkXpress versions 2015 or 2016, leave a comment and let us know if it works. Also remember to backup your registry before appl

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Computers with Broadcom 440x LAN Adapters Should Disable Device Before Upgrading to Windows 10 Creators Update

Users attempting to upgrade computers to the Windows 10 Creators Update with a Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller LAN adapter device installed, should either block the device or refrain from upgrading. It turns out the adapter can be a major blocker or cause stability problems during or after the upgrade. A forum participant on the Microsoft Community forum is recommending fellow users block the device within their BIOS in order guarantee a successful upgrade. A Microsoft employee, Travi

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Microsoft Rolls Out Second Windows 10 Redstone 3 Build 16176 and 15204 for Mobile

The second build for Microsoft's next major update to Windows 10, codenamed, Redstone 3, build 16176 was released today. Similar to the first release, there is not much to see yet; the platform is being setup for the new features to show up. For now, enthusiast can upgrade if they are interested and play with it. Here are some additional details: The Windows Blog notes one feature improvement in the latest RS3 build though, but this is more of interest to users utilizing the Windows 10 Su

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Dell, HP and Toshiba List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update

Update: Lenovo, Acer and Samsung List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update OEM vendors such as Dell, HP and Toshiba have published list of systems compatible with the latest revision of Windows 10 called the Creators Update, version 1703. As with every new version of Windows 10 coming to market, some models are likely to no longer be supported by the manufacturer. This can be due to a number of reasons, including end of life, incompatible components or warranty obligations

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Lenovo, Acer and Samsung List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update

OEM vendors Lenovo, Acer and Samsung have published list of systems compatible with the latest revision of Windows 10 called the Creators Update, version 1703. Dell, HP and Toshiba recently published their list of compatible systems. As with every new version of Windows 10 coming to market, some models are likely to no longer be supported by the manufacturer. This can be due to a number of reasons, including end of life, incompatible components or warranty obligations have ended. Even if th

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Quark Inc Advising Customers Not to Upgrade to Windows 10 Creators Update Yet

Quark Inc, developers of the popular page layout software, QuarkXpress, is advising customers not to upgrade to Windows 10 Creators Update version 1703 yet. In a Facebook post on the company's official support page, Matthias Guenther, Global Director at Quark, warned users running versions 2015 and 2016 of the software about serious issues without any specifics.  Matthias further commented the company is investing problem and is working on a solution.

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