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andre

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Blog Entries posted by andre

  1. andre
    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 growth of Windows and Office, there had to be change to make feedback represent the billions of users who use both. Since Windows 10 launched in October of 2014, Microsoft has made submitting suggestions and problem reports about Windows open to the general public and not just a controlled group. Instead of just getting an acknowledgement your bug has been received, there is tremendous opportunity to actually have engineers act on your problem and to engage with them intimately. This results in timely fixes not just in the next release but also the interim.
     
    Submit a Bug Report About a Problem in Windows 10
    In this article, we show you the basic steps to submit a bug and get it acknowledged and potentially fixed in a cumulative update. Included with Windows 10 is an app called Feedback Hub. You can launch it by opening Start, type: feedback or scroll down to ‘F’ then click Feedback hub.

    After launching Feedback hub, click the Feedback tab. Choose the kind of report you want to send to the Windows Engineers. This is important, because there is a difference between tweeking something versus fixing a bug.
     
    A suggestion could be add the option to have different mouse pointer colors. A bug could be, every time you click the Start button, it does not open or the Microsoft Store app presents an error every time you launch it. Error codes and the ability to reproduce the error you are experiencing is important. Some issues you might experience in Windows 10 could be attributed to anomalies or network problems. So, make sure you have exhausted all the troubleshooting options before you submit a report. For instance, if you are unable to connect to the Internet, make sure your drivers updated; you have ran the built in troubleshooters (Start > Setting > Update & security > Troubleshooter) and even Restart the device.
    When you have decided which one you would like to submit, choose the appropriate radio box. For this article, I am going to submit a ‘Problem’.
    Below that, enter a descriptive title for your problem.

    Next, click in the details box and enter some details of the problem. Be clear about the problem, what happens when you click XYZ. Include the error code if there is one. Along with that, include details about the system you are using, such as the make and model. Here is a basic run down of what you can provide to help engineers diagnose the problem:
     
    What is the exact make and model of your computer? Open Start, type: system information
    Hit Enter
    Click System summary
    Look in the right pane
     
    What have you done so far to troubleshoot the problem? How long has this been happening? Have you installed any new software or hardware drivers since you started experiencing this problem? If so, what are they and are they designed for Windows 10? Have you checked the manufacturers website or contact support to find out about compatibility, updates or support for Windows 10? Do you have a system restore point created you could go back to? Does the problem occur in other user accounts on the computer? Which version of Windows did you upgrade from: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709? Please avoid rants, off topic discussion, profanity and insults – be respectful. Engineers are reading your feedback and instead of telling them about your history in computing and personal problems, they would rather know about the problem concerning Windows 10 at hand. You will also have the opportunity to provide follow up replies.

    Choose the category the problem relates to. Since my problem affects the desktop, I will choose the ‘Desktop environment’, specifically ‘Windows Spotlight’. If your issue relates to Microsoft Edge, choose that and the area of Edge affected.

    Next, add evidence of the problem. The Feedback Hub makes it easy to add examples of the problem you are experiencing. This is especially great for reproducible bugs. You can attach a screen capture, file or recording. For my bug, I will go with with Recreate my problem. When you are ready, click Start capture button, then go through the steps to reproduce the problem. When complete, click Stop capture.

    The information will be attached automatically. You can still remove or review the recorded screenshots used in your recording. You can also keep a copy of the feedback if you want or go ahead and immediately Submit it for review.

    If you want to review your report, click the ‘Continue using Feedback Hub button’.

    Click the My feedback tab, then click on the report, which should be at the top of the list.

    Get Your Bug Report Some Attention
    Here is how you can make some noise and give your report the attention it deserves. You can share the report with family and friends or even key folks on the Windows Engineering team. Click the Share menu at the top right hand corner of the Feedback hub screen; a Short Link will be generated.

    Click Copy Link, which you can send in an email or instant message; or click Share for more options.

    If you have Twitter installed, you can launch that app.

    You can tweet the problem to key folks on the Windows Engineering team or find folks who work on specific parts or apps bundled with Windows such as Photos. Not everyone is on social media, so this is completely optional on your part.
     
    https://twitter.com/donasarkar https://twitter.com/brandonleblanc https://twitter.com/jenmsft https://twitter.com/northfacehiker https://twitter.com/windowsinsider Enter a short description, a few hash tags and Tweet it out.

    Get a Windows Insider MVP on Your Side
    If you know a Windows Insider MVP, you can share your feedback with them and let them vote on it for you too. Windows Insider MVP’s are considered as customer advocates and represents a small group of enthusiastic Windows 10 users who love helping fellow users get the most out of Windows.

    There you have it, an easy way to get your Windows 10 problems acknowledged and potentially fixed.
     
  2. andre
    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 Creators Update (Version 1703)
    Once you have your system backed up, you can download the ISOs by heading to the following URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
    Scroll down, then click in the Select edition list box.

    Choose the edition that currently matches your currently installed edition.
    Windows 10 - contains both Windows 10 Home and Pro Windows 10 N - contains both Windows 10 Home and Pro N - for customers in Europe (lacks Media Player). Windows 10 Single Language - contains install files for Windows 10 Home Single Language The ISO downloaded containing your corresponding edition, will detect and install the correct edition during setup.
    Click Confirm
    Choose your language then click Confirm again

    Choose your architecture - 32 or 64 bit.

    If you are not sure which edition to download and install, press Windows key + X, then click System; this will tell you which architecture is currently installed. Computers running Windows 8 or Windows 10, can double click the ISO to mount it then begin the installation. If you are running Windows 7, you will need to initialize the ISO. See how you can do that in the following article:
    Create a Windows 10 USB Bootable Flash Drive (Updated) - groovyPost
    Review instructions how you can upgrade using the ISO:
    How You Can Upgrade to Windows 10 Creators Update Right Now
    There are lot more exciting features in Windows 10 Creators Update such as wider support for mixed reality gear, game mode and improvements to features like the Windows 10 Subsystem for Linux.






  3. andre
    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 Assistant will not work because those applications are executables. Previously, Microsoft provided the Techbench website for such as scenarios. The web page has now been redirected to the Software Download page. So if you are looking for it, that's where you will now find it.
    Go to: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO/

    Scroll down, click in the list box and choose your edition. Make sure you choose the right version. Click Confirm then wait while the page is verified.
    Windows 10 - contains Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home
    Windows 10 N - only for customers in Europe, contains Windows 10 Pro N and Windows 10 Home N
    Windows 10 Single Language - for users running Windows 10 Single Language, Windows 8 Core Single Language, Windows 8.1 Core Single Language or Windows 8.1 with Bing.

     
    Choose your language then click Confirm. Wait while the page is verified.

    Choose the architecture you wish to download. Remember, you only have 24 hours to download the ISO before it expires. When you are done, use your favorite DVD burning utility or mount it in a Virtual Machine.

     
  4. andre
    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 such as a knife, scissor or even a coin to remove protective seal. See below:

    Credit: Microsoft
    Sometimes, if too much pressure is applied or liquid comes in contact with the sticker, this can damage the product key characters. When this happens, your best course of action is to return it to the reseller for a replacement or refund; since it might be a defective product. Contacting Microsoft might be an option, although the software firm has no responsibility for damaged product keys; since production is handled by a third party source. If vendor is able to provide a replacement, ask them to remove the protective seal for you, so you are not liable for damage if it happens again.

    If you are unable to get any assistance from the vendor, contact Microsoft support and they might be able to replace it for you.
    http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support#tab0
    What if Microsoft can't help either?
    Your options are limited, you might have to cut your losses, or try salvaging the key yourself. The first option you can try using is a magnifying glass to enlarge the characters. If you don't have a magnifying glass, you can use digital camera or your smart phone to take a picture then blow it up on your computer. Below is a list of characters used and not used in Microsoft product keys:
    Characters and numbers used:
    2346789BCDFGHJKMPQRTVWXY

    Characters and numbers not used:
    015AEILNOSUZ
    Sometimes a 6 could be easily mistaken for a G or a B for an 8, so look carefully. If the product key sticker is smudged, you could try using a damp Q-Tip to gently scrub the smudge covering the letters.
  5. andre
    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 Update. Its not that different from previous versions, but users will note how much faster and stable the process is. Anyway, lets dig in.
    Step 1: Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update then click 'Check for Updates'

    Step 2:  Windows Update will scan for a new version then begin downloading the feature update.

    Step 3:  The download can take some time, so be patient. If you don't see any progress after an hour, try disconnecting from the Internet temporarily, then reconnect to see if it progresses. If not, restart your computer then try again.

    Step 4: After the update is finished downloading, it will begin installing.

    Step 5: When the installation is ready, Windows Update will notify you and ask if you would like to install now, choose a time or set a reminder.

    If you are not ready to install yet, click 'Pick a time'. This will open the Restart options setting in Windows Update. Proceed to choose an appropriate time and day that is suitable for you.
    Check out the following article to learn more about how to use Active Hours and Restart Options to manage how and when updates are installed:
     

    Step 6: When you are finally ready to install the feature update the update will begin automatically or you can open Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Update then click Restart now:

    After the restart, this will be your screen for a while:

    When complete, you can sign into your account and check Windows Update. Thats it, you don't even see the old installing apps screen anymore.

    Backup Before Upgrading
    Please be advised some devices might experience issues upgrading to Windows 10 1803. Here are a list of things you can do to ensure your upgrade is successful or you can return to your previous version.
    Make sure you backup before attempting to upgrade: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/create-windows-10-system-image-best-free-alternatives/
    How to block it if you don't want to upgrade: https://www.groovypost.com/howto/block-windows-10-feature-update-why/
    What is the make and model of your computer? Have you checked the manufacturers website to determine compatibility? Check this List to Determine if Your Computer is Compatible with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update 1803
     
       Perform the following tasks:     12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 Creators Update (Version 1803)
        
    Let us know in the comment how your upgrade goes.
     
  6. andre
    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:
    Media Feature Pack for N versions of Windows 10
    Version 1703:
    Download the x86-based version of Media Feature Pack update package now.
    Download the x64-based version of Media Feature Pack update package now.
    Users can find older versions here
  7. andre
    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 update but already installed the Creators Update, should remove the software or install the latest version. One of the important steps we recommend in our 12 step prep guide for the Windows 10 Creators Update is removing the Antivirus utility completely before upgrading.
  8. andre
    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 Update Troubleshooter
    The first troubleshooting option you can try is Microsoft's own Windows 10 Troubleshooter for Windows Update. In the Windows 10 Creators Update, you can find it in Start > Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot, click Windows Update then click Run the troubleshooter.
    If you are running Windows 10 Anniversary Update or an earlier version of Windows, click Start, type: troubleshooting, hit Enter then launch the Windows Update troubleshooter.
    You can run the troubleshooter a couple times to see if it helps.

    2. Media Creation Tool or Windows 10 Setup Media
    If the troubleshooter does not resolve the problem, then, the next option you can try is using the the Media Creation Tool or Windows 10 Setup install media to check for and install updates. Simply download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or if you have a Windows 10 ISO, double click it to mount it, then start up. Choose the Download and Install Updates (recommended). If setup successfully completes this step, close the wizard then restart your computer.

    3. Deployment Image Servicing and Management
    The Deployment Image Servicing and Management can be used to resolve issues with the integrity of your Windows 10 installation, this includes: corrupt or damaged system files.
    Press Windows key + X
    Click Command Prompt (Admin)
    Type in at the prompt OR Copy and Paste these one at a time : (Hit enter after each)

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    Exit the command prompt, restart your computer then try running Windows Update again.
     
    4. Delete the Software Distribution Folder
    If you have reached this far and Windows Update is still not working, then this likely calls for some advanced tinkering. Before carrying out this procedure, disconnect from the Internet. That means turning off Wi-Fi and disconnecting from a wired connection. If you don't, Windows 10 will indicate some files are in use and cannot be modified or the command will be non-responsive. Also, you should restart your computer after disconnecting from the Internet. The easiest way to do it is to enable Aeroplan mode from the Action Center.

    1. Press Windows Key + X on the keyboard and then select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
    2. Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. To do this, type the following commands at a command prompt. Press the “ENTER” key after you type each command.
                               net stop wuauserv
                               net stop cryptSvc
                               net stop bits
                               net stop msiserver
    3. Now rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder. You can do this by typing the following commands in the Command Prompt. Press the “ENTER” key after you type each command.
                              ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
                              ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    4. Now, let’s restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. Typethe following commands in the Command Prompt for this. Press the ENTER key after you type each command.
                            net start wuauserv
                            net start cryptSvc
                            net start bits
                            net start msiserver
    5. Type Exit in the Command Prompt to close it and then restart the computer.
    5. Perform a Repair Upgrade
    If you have carried all the above but Windows 10 Update remains stubborn, then a repair upgrade is the best option. For this step, you should reconnect to the Internet. During installation, before reaching the desktop, Windows 10 will perform some post installation tasks such as downloading the latest Windows Updates.
    A repair upgrade can be done by downloading the latest ISO file for Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool.
    Mount the ISO file by double clicking it, start the installation then install over your current installation on the drive. Your personal files, applications and settings will be preserved.
    Bonus. Download Stubborn Cumulative Updates Using Microsoft Update Catalog.
    Sometimes a stubborn cumulative update can be problem, it sits there for hours and won't budge. If none of the above helps, you can try downloading the update directly using the Microsoft Update Catalog then install it manually. Learn more about how to install Cumulative Updates manually at the following link:
    Manually Install Standalone and Cumulative Updates ... - groovyPost
    If this still does not work, I recommend you try performing a repair upgrade. Learn how at the following link:
    How to Perform a Repair Upgrade in Windows 10 - groovyPost
     
     
  9. andre
    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 will know this. The best thing you can do right now, is prepare reinstall media for your current version. Users running older releases such as Windows 10 1507 and 1511 will need to use the Recovery Drive option in current versions. Microsoft no longer host install files for those versions. If you are currently running the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, version 1607, you have time.
    Volume License Customers and active MSDN subscribers need not worry about this; you can still download older versions if needed from those respective services at anytime.
    Create Recovery Drive - versions 1507, 1511 and 1607
    Windows 10 includes a Recovery Drive Creator, which copies install files for your current version to a USB thumb drive. This thumb drive can be used to perform a clean install only.
    What you will need?
    USB thumbdrive with 8 GBs of space or more Your computer running Windows 10 Click Start and type: create recovery then Enter on your keyboard

    You can also find the Recovery drive creator by opening Control Panel (Windows key + X)
    Open Recovery
    Click Create Recovery drive
    Make sure your thumb drive is connected then click Next.

    Use the Media Creation Tool to Create Reinstall Media for Windows 10 Anniversary Update (1607).
    Since the Windows 10 Anniversary Update is the current commercial release of Windows 10, users can download and create a backup copy using the Media Creation Tool; or download ISO media from the Software Download page. Remember, on the day Microsoft officially launches the Windows 10 Creators Update (1703), you won't be able to download older versions. Microsoft recently refreshed the install files for Windows 10 Anniversary Update, so, your install media will need to be a dual layer DVD or a USB thumb drive with 8 GBs of space.
    Download the Media Creation Tool Now
    Right click the MediaCreationTool.exe file then click Run as administrator.

    Choose Create installation media for another PC then click Next

  10. andre
    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 Microsoft Community; including Comodo Antivirus as another cause for graphical issues some users have been experiencing.
     

    Comodo recently published an advisory informing users to remove or update their Antivirus utility before upgrading to the Windows 10 Creators Update. Version 1703 has not been smooth sailing for everyone. Microsoft also advised Toshiba users were advised to remove the Display utility software; computers with the Broadcom 440x series LAN adapters should also remove the adapter before upgrading. Some apps have also been affected by the Creators Update, Quark Inc, released an update to fix compatibility problems with version 2015 and 2016. Mac users were also advised to first upgrade to the Anniversary Update (1607), before updating to 1703.
    Before upgrading, users should take the time to backup and check the manufacturers website to find out about support. Check the following links for resources:
    Lenovo, Acer and Samsung List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update
    Dell, HP and Toshiba List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update
    Check this List to Determine if Your Computer is Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update or Anniversary Update or Not 
    12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 Creators Update (Version 1703) 
  11. andre
    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 looks like:

    If you are upgrading using Windows Update or the Upgrade Assistant, after the download reaches 100%, disconnect immediately if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi. There are multiple ways to do this, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable if you are connected to a wireless network. If you are connected to a wireless network, you can manually disable Wi-Fi by turning off the Wireless switch on your laptop. See the following article for more details:
    How to Ensure a Smooth Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update
    Use the Media Creation Tool
    If the Upgrade Assistant still does not upgrade, another option available on the Get Windows 10 page is the Media Creation Tool, which is a small application with more detailed options for upgrading. In addition to supporting direct upgrades, if you have multiple computers running Windows 10 or earlier versions; you can use it to create custom bootable media with a mix of Home, Pro, 32 and 64-bit versions.

    The Media Creation Tool can create an ISO file containing all editions and architectures of Windows 10 Anniversary Update. An ISO file is a digital replica of a CD or DVD. The ISO file also supports offline upgrades. I recommend this method for upgrades. Select the option, Upgrade this PC now then follow the on-screen instructions. If you choose the option, Create installation media for another PC, you will be prompted to select your language, edition, and architecture.

    Learn more: http://www.groovypost.com/howto/3-ways-to-upgrade-to-windows-10-anniversary-update/
  12. andre
    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 during installation, we recommend you setup a Local Account instead, then connect to a Microsoft Account after setup in Start > Settings > Accounts > Your info. Users will need to perform a cold reboot in order get Windows 10 responsive again.
     
    https://www.groovypost.com/howto/setup-configure-new-windows-10-pc-clean-installation/
  13. andre
    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 Linking and Embedding, which made it easy to incorporate content from different applications. Today, Microsoft announced you can now download updates from the Update Catalog using popular third party web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Also, Microsoft Edge users access the site too.
     

     
  14. andre
    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 to an updated Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant, which lets you upgrade for free. It is no different from the regular Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant. Microsoft's official stance remains, the free upgrade offer has ended.
    The new Upgrade Assistant found here:
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade
    It is version 1.4.9200.17343 opposed to 1.4.9200.17332
    The website Dell Windows Reinstallation Guide, provides more information regarding Windows 10 availability.
     
    Phillip Yip goes on further to say:
    So, it looks like the cat is out of the bag, Windows 10 is still available for free, its now an open secret. Is Microsoft likely to close this loophole? They sure can, but for users who missed the fantasy deadline, they can grab the upgrade for free while they can.
     
  15. andre
    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 remove the software.

    A number of OEM's, Toshiba among them have published lists of systems tested for the Creators Update. Users should periodically check the manufacturers website to find out about Windows 10 support.
    Dell, HP and Toshiba List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update
     
  16. andre
    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 received a new build, 15205, which is still on the Redstone 2 branch.
     
    Its a long road ahead, but we should get a clearer picture about Windows 10 RS3 at Microsoft's developer conference, next month.
  17. andre
    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
    - AVG
    - Trend Micro
    - Bitdefender
    - Webroot Secure Anywhere
    - F-Secure
    - Panda
    - Comodo
    Make sure your machine name is simple no periods or hyphens or dashes. Avoid using names such as "System" or Account or Administrator for your Machine. How to Rename Your Windows 10 Computer - groovyPost
    Restart a few times then try again. Click Start > Power Options > Restart
    Disable General USB Devices (example - Smart Card Reader).  Press Windows key + X > click Device Manager > expand Memory technology devices. Right click SD Controllers, then click uninstall. If there is more than one, right click each, then click Uninstall.

    Perform a clean boot, restart then try again. Learn how to do it in Windows 10: How to Disable Startup Programs in Windows 10 - groovyPost
    If you are using a SCSI hard disk, make sure you have drivers available for your storage device on a thumb drive and it is connected. During Windows 10 setup, click the Custom Advanced Option and use the Load Driver command to load the appropriate driver for the SCSI drive. If this does not work and setup still fails, consider switching to a IDE based hard disk.  
    If you are upgrading using the .ISO file, disconnect from the Internet during setup, if you are connected by LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi, disable both then attempt setup again.  There are multiple ways to do this, you can disconnect the Ethernet cable if you are connected to a wireless network. If you are connected to a wireless network, you can manually disable Wi-Fi by turning off the Wireless switch on your laptop.

    Another way that is even easier, is to open Action Center - press Windows key + A then click Airplane Mode. This will disable all network technologies. Proceed with the upgrade.

    If you are updating through Windows Update, when the download reaches 100% disconnect from the Internet LAN (Ethernet) or Wi-Fi then proceed with the installation. See previous steps.
    If that does not work, try using the .ISO file to upgrade if possible. How To Download Windows 10 ISO for a Clean Install ... - groovyPost
    then mount the ISO and start the upgrade: How to Mount and Burn ISO Images in Windows 10 - groovyPost
    If you are connected to a domain, switch to a local account. See section of the following article Leave a Domain: How to Join a Windows 10 PC to a Domain - groovyPost
    If you have any external devices attached to the machine, disconnect them (example, gaming controllers, USB keys, external hard disk, printers, non-essential devices).
  18. andre
    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 this evening, thanks to serial leaker walkingcat on Twitter. Below are some pictures of the new device.
    Update: You can now pre-order the new Surface Laptops here.

    The new Surface laptop comes in several colors: graphite gold, burgundy, colbalt blue and platinum.

     
    Using a tapered design, the Surface laptop features a standard USB A (no USB-C unfortunately), mini-display port, audio jack and SD card reader.

     
    Rumors suggest the Surface laptop has a 13.5 inch pixel sense display. It's likely Microsoft will include support for standard Windows 10 hero features such as Windows Hello, Touch Support and inking. Its a part of the family, so, users shouldn't expect anything less.

     
    Sparking of Windows 10, the new Surface laptop is expected to come preinstalled with a special edition of Windows 10 based on the Creators Update called Windows 10 Cloud. This release is engineered to compete with Chrome OS in several areas such as fast boot, long battery life and easier management for school administrators. Yes, the Surface laptop is expected to target the education market, where Google Chromebooks have made significant inroads since their launch in 2010. Unique to Windows 10 Cloud is its inability to run classic desktop apps out of the box. Instead, users will be directed to the Windows Store to download apps only. Users not receptive to the change will be able to perform an Easy Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for more functionality.

     
    There still some unknowns, yes, it will likely come standard with flash storage, but how much? Price is always an issue and Chromebooks have been very attractive due to their pricing.

     
    Microsoft will live stream tomorrows education event revealing all the details. The laptops look good and it further shows Microsoft’s commitment to hardware and I don’t blame them in an industry where once loyal OEMs now produce Chromebooks. This is Microsoft showing that Windows 10 laptops can look just as good, include innovative features and offer more value in comparison to a MacBook.



  19. andre
    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:
     
  20. andre
    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 applying these changes.
  21. andre
    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, Travis [MSFT], confirms the bug in the Creators Update affecting the Broadcom 440x driver. Here is what he had to say:
    As with every release since build 1507, Windows 10 has not been smooth sailing for everyone. One way users can ensure their system is ready for the Windows 10 Creators Update is by checking the hardware vendors support pages. Review the following links for popular OEM vendors:
    Lenovo, Acer and Samsung List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update
    Dell, HP and Toshiba List Systems Compatible with the Windows 10 Creators Update
    Microsoft has also published information about unsupported processor models from Intel and Display Adapters from Toshiba.
    Intel Clover Trail processors are not supported on Windows 10 Creators Update
    Mac Users who need to run Windows 10 will need to take some extra steps too, in order to get the Creators Update installed:
    Microsoft Informs Mac Users to install Windows 10 Anniversary Update Before Installing Creators Update
    Users planning to upgrade, should check out our 12 step guide, which ensures your device is backed up in addition to conflicting software and hardware disabled:
    12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 Creators Update (Version 1703)
  22. andre
    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 Subsystem for Linux.
     
    Windows 10 Mobile devices also received an update. The device support list for the Creators Update in particular has been shortened.
    Its all relative though. Apple's iOS 10 for instance supports only seven models of iPhone; six if you take into account iOS 10.2's requirement for a 64 bit device. As for Redstone 3, I recently installed the first build, as expected, there really isn't anything new; it's basically the Creators Update at this point. Going forward, I might just limit it to a partition on one of my devices and occasionally install builds. These updates take bandwidth, which I have very little of, so, I would rather spend that 4 GBs downloading cumulative updates and app updates for commercial releases and my other devices.
  23. andre
    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 have been exhausted. Even if this is the case, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't install the Windows 10 Creators Update. In fact, users have been able to upgrade or perform a clean install without issue on systems no longer supported by the manufacturer. What I have witnessed in support forums where users experience problems upgrading, the upgrade routine doesn't work at all, but a clean install works just fine. That said, instead of burning your bridges, users should ensure they create a backup of their current installation before attempting to install Windows 10 1703.
    Below are links to systems supported by each vendor:
    Dell Inc Hewlett Packard (HP)/Compaq Toshiba Other manufacturers such as Lenovo haven't posted any updates yet, but a search revealed information regarding required updates to chipset driver software in order to use the Windows 10 Creators Update.

    Users should check the manufacturers website for their particular model periodically to find out about support. As with previous releases, Microsoft will use a staggered approach to rollout the Windows 10 Creators Update over time. Don't be surprised if it takes a few months for the update to show up in Windows Update on your system. High priority systems include those supporting hero features in Windows 10 such as Hello biometric recognition, UEFI firmware and TPM 1.2. Remember to check out the following guide for a list of things you should do before upgrading:
    12 Things You Should Do Before Installing Windows 10 Creators Update (Version 1703)
    Microsoft will be giving earl adopters access to the Windows 10 Creators Update today; here is how you can get it now:
    Windows 10 Creators Update Version 1703 ISO Files Now Available for Download
  24. andre
    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 this is the case, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't install the Windows 10 Creators Update. In fact, users have been able to upgrade or perform a clean install without issue on systems no longer supported by the manufacturer. What I have witnessed in support forums where users experience problems upgrading, the upgrade routine doesn't work at all, but a clean install works just fine. That said, instead of burning your bridges, users should ensure they create a backup of their current installation before attempting to install Windows 10 1703.
    Below are links to systems supported by each vendor:
    Lenovo
    Acer
    Samsung
    Vendors such as Packard Bell, MSI and ASUS are yet to publish any list. Sony does not have a list with specific version compatibility, users will just have to search their database find out about general support.
  25. andre
    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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