How to Fix A Specified Logon Session Does not Exist [3 Ways]

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Some users have reported having issues when trying to connect their Windows 10 devices to any other PC, or NAS (network-attached storage) server or service.

They see an error message saying: A specified logon session does not exist. It may have been terminated error on Windows 10.

Here’s how one user reported the issue on Microsoft TechNet:

I am running Win 10 Insider Preview for the last couple of months, but after a major automatic update to build 10074, I can no longer access any other devices on the local network.

This issue seems to have been caused by the update to Windows 10 versions 10074 and 10240.

A temporary fix for this problem would be to create and use a local account to sign into Windows. This works but doesn’t fix the issue at its base.

For these reasons, in this article, we will explore some of the proven troubleshooting methods for fixing this error once and for all.

Please follow the steps described in this guide carefully to avoid causing any other issues.

How can I fix A specified logon session does not exist error?

1. Change the Windows sign-in method to PIN

Press Win+X keys on your keyboard -> select Settings.
Select Accounts option.
Select Sign in options –> and follow the on-screen instructions for setting up a new PIN number.
Check to see if the issue persists after using the PIN to log in.

2. Change network access settings

Press Win+R keys on your keyboard -> type gpedit.msc -> hit Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options.
Inside the Policy tab -> right-click Network access: Do not allow storage of passwords and credentials for network authentication -> select Properties -> click Disabled -> click Ok.
Restart your PC and check to see if this fixes the issue.

3. Use the Credential Manager

Click on Cortana search bar -> type in credential manager -> select Credential Manager Control Panel.
Select Windows Credentials.
Find the NAS device that you’ve had issues connecting to, and delete the entry. (In my case there are no NAS devices set up but you will be able to find it in the indicated space below)
Create a new Windows Credential value, and insert your credentials in as follows:

Internet or Network Address: \servername (replace with the Netbios-name of your cloudstation, or use IP) ;
User name: servernameusername (replace with netbios-name and the username you are connecting with)
Password: leave blank

In this article, we explored the possible causes for the error message A specified logon session does not exist.

We also explored the best troubleshooting methods for this error.

Please feel free to let us know if this guide helped you solve your issue by using the comment section found below this article.

Fix: Credential Manager Not Working / Not Saving Passwords

Posted on January 20, 2023October 10, 2023 by Andrew Wafer

Credential Manager represents an inbuilt feature located within the Windows 10 internal system. This feature is used by Internet Explorer and by other web browsing clients to store your user names and passwords for various websites and accounts.

Now, during the lines from below, we will be checking how to fix the problems that are related to the Credential Manager feature; thus, if you are dealing with malfunctions, don’t hesitate and read the following guidelines.

But why is it so important to use the Credential Manager after all? Well, basically, your web browser app is using this default feature for storing your personal data and accounts.

Then, this information allows the Windows 10 system to automatically log you on to websites or other computers.

Therefore, if Credential Manager isn’t working properly, your Windows 10 device will not be able to save your credentials, and you will not be able to automatically log into your various accounts – thus, a manual operation will be required each time you want to access a website or a different computer.

Addressing the issues that are related to your credentials is easy though you can fix these problems in two ways: manually by using in-built options and by accessing Registry on your computer; both methods will be explained below, choose the troubleshooting solution you prefer the most.

Credential Manager is an important part of Windows, but users reported various issues with it, and speaking of issues, today we’re going to cover the following problems:

Windows 10 Credential Manager not saving password
- This is one of the most common problems, but you should be able to solve it by entering your credentials manually or by removing and adding them again.
Credential manager error 0x80070425
- This is a relatively common issue with Credential Manager, and if you’re having this problem, be sure to try one of our solutions.
Cannot open Credential Manager
- One of the more serious problems with Credential Manager is the inability to open it.
- This can be a big problem since you won’t be able to access your saved passwords at all.
Credential Manager Access denied
- This error message can sometimes appear while trying to access Credential Manager.
- This is usually caused by the lack of certain privileges, but you can easily fix this issue.
Credential Manager keeps crashing
- If your Credential Manager is crashing, this can be a big problem.
- However, you should be able to fix it using one of our solutions.

How do I fix the Credential Manager in Windows 10?

1. Change your Internet Options

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
In the Run box type inetcpl.cpl and press Enter or click OK.
From the Internet Properties window press on the Content tab and within Auto Complete section select Settings.
Now uncheck all options and click on OK button to save changes.
Click the Settings button again, enable all options and click on OK to save changes.
Go back to the General tab and from Browsing history section click on Delete.
Now cache will be cleared so in the end you should reboot your machine as the problem should be solved.

According to users, you might be able to fix the problems with Credential Manager by changing your Internet Options. After making these changes, check if Credential Manager is working.

2. Use Registry Editor

Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
From Registry Editor go to the following path:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain.
Head your attention towards the right panel of the Registry Editor.
From there select the FormSuggest PW string.
Right-click on the same, select Edit String and within the Value data field enter Yes.
If you can’t find FormSuggest PW string, you can manually create it by right-clicking the right pane and choosing New > String Value from the menu.
- Enter FormSuggest PW as the name, and repeat the instructions from Step 4.
Close Registry Editor and reboot your Windows 10 device.

Few users claim that you can fix the problems with Credential Manager simply by using Registry Editor. After making these changes to the registry, check if the problem is resolved.

3. Change ownership for Vault directory

Open File Explorer.
Now navigate to C:ProgramData directory.
Note: This directory is hidden by default, and in order to reveal it you need to go to View tab and check Hidden items.
Alternatively, you can just paste the C:ProgramData in the address bar to access the folder directly.
Navigate to Microsoft directory.
Locate the Vault directory and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
Navigate to the Security tab and click on Advanced.
Click the Change permissions button in the bottom left.
Now check Replace all child object permissions entries and click on Apply and OK.

Credential Manager holds its information in a certain Vault directory. However, sometimes, Credential Manage is not working because the Vault directory is missing certain permissions.

After doing that, you need to locate the AC658CB4-9126-49BD-B877-31EEDAB3F204 folder. You should be able to find it inside the Vault directory. Once you locate this folder, you need to do the following:

Right-click the AC658CB4-9126-49BD-B877-31EEDAB3F204 directory and choose Properties from the menu.
Go to the Security tab and click on the Advanced button.
In the Owner section, click on the Change button.
In Enter the object name to select field enter Administrators.
Now click Check Names. If everything is in order, click on OK.
Now check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects.
In the bottom left corner click on Replace all child object permission entries and click on Apply and OK to save changes.

Many users reported that these directories didn’t have any permissions assigned to them, and that caused Access Denied error message to appear when trying to run Credential Manager.

After changing the permissions, this problem should be resolved, and you’ll be able to use Credential Manager again.

4. Set the Credential Manager service to Automatic

Press Windows Key + R and enter services.msc. Now press Enter or click on OK.
A list of services will now appear.
Locate the Credential Manager service and double click it.
Set the Startup type to Automatic and click on Apply and OK to save changes.

If you’re having problems with Credential Manager, you might be able to fix those problems simply by changing the Startup type of its service.

Many users reported that Credential Manager was forgetting saved passwords. After changing the Startup type of service, your Credential Manager should start working again without any problems.

A few users reported that restarting the Credential Manager service fixed the problem, so feel free to do that as well. To restart this service, simply click the Stop button, wait for a few seconds, and then click on the Start button to start the service again.

5. Enter the credentials manually in Credential Manager

Press Windows Key + S and enter credential manager. Select Credential Manager from the list of results.
When Credential Manager starts, make sure that Windows Credentials is selected. Now click on Add a generic credential.
Enter the required information and click on OK to save changes.

If the Credential Manager isn’t working properly, you might be able to fix the problem by entering your credentials manually. Keep in mind that you might have to repeat this solution few times to fix this problem, so feel free to try it out.

6. Use Microsoft Edge to change saved passwords in Credential Manager

Open Microsoft Edge.
Click the Menu button in the top right corner and choose Settings from the menu.
Scroll all the way down and in the Advanced settings section click on View advanced settings.
Scroll down to the Privacy and services section and click on Manage passwords.
A list of saved passwords will now appear.
Click on any saved password to change it.
Change the username or password and click on Save.

According to users, you can fix problems with Credential Manager simply by changing saved passwords in Microsoft Edge.

After doing that, your Credential Manager should start working again. If everything is working properly, be sure to revert any changes you made to your saved passwords in Edge.

Several users suggested removing all your saved passwords from Edge in order to fix the problem. Before you remove your passwords, be sure to export them or write them down since you might not be able to restore them.

A few users reported that removing saved passwords from Edge fixed the problem, so be sure to try that.

7. Use the IP address of the device

If you can’t access the network drive, you might have to make a few changes in Credential Manager. To fix the issue, users suggest finding the problematic credential and removing it.

Now, create a new credential, but be sure to use the device’s IP address in the credential creation process. Now enter your username and password, and the issue should be resolved.

8. Delete the Protect directory

Press Windows Key + R and enter %appdata%. Now press Enter or click OK.
Now navigate to MicrosoftProtect directory.
Once you enter Protect directory, select all files and choose Delete.

Few users reported that they fixed the problem with Credential Manager simply by removing all files from Protect directory. Keep in mind that this process will delete all login credentials on your PC, so you might want to export and save your passwords.

After deleting the contents of the Protect directory, the problem should be completely resolved.

So that’s how you can anytime fix your Credential Manager problems. You may also encounter the CredentiaUIBroker.exe error so be sure to check out our detailed article for quick fixes.

Try both methods if the first one isn’t working for you; also, if after completing this step-by-step guide you are still experiencing problems with your Windows 10 device, don’t hesitate to share your issues with us by using the comments field below. We will try to assist you as soon as possible.

A Problem Has Been Detected And Windows Shutdown: Fix

Posted on January 20, 2023October 8, 2025 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Are you having problems with A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer message? This can be a serious problem, and in today’s article, we’ll try to help you fix it.

There are Windows errors and there it is, on a whole different level, the Blue Screen of Death as an ultimate horror for every Windows user.

One of the most common errors that result in BSoD is followed by A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down.

As you’re probably aware, the dreaded Blue Screen of Death is here since Windows 95. Now, even though a lot of things have changed in the period of 20 years, it’s still present and it still bothers a lot of users from time to time.

There are various reasons why something as bad as the BSoD will occur and in this case, our main suspect is the HDD.

On the other hand, due to a myriad of possible instigators, make sure to check all the provided steps in order to resolve the problem.

Read the next section and choose one of our recommendations to fix the a problem has been detected blue screen error.

How do I fix a problem was detected and Windows was shutdown to prevent damage?

1. Use dedicated software

A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down is a critical error. We recommend you dedicated software to make your computer perform like new.

2. Check HDD health

Plug in USB or DVD with the Windows installation, and then restart your PC.
Press F11 (function key might vary depending on your motherboard) and enter the Boot menu.
Select Windows installation media and press Enter.
Press any key to boot Windows installation media, and wait for the loading of the system files to end.
Click Next, choose Repair your computer and open Troubleshoot.
Pick Advanced Options, and then open Command Prompt.
In the elevated command line, type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f C:
Wait for the procedure to finish (it can take some time).
Restart your PC.

The BSoD error is mostly followed by the ”NTFS.sys” error. This, obviously, points towards the HDD.

Namely, it seems that Windows is trying to access the part of the system partition, but for some reason, it’s unable to do so.

Most of the time this happens due to the corruption of system files or corruption (bad sectors) of the HDD itself and results in, none other than the BSoD.

Therefore, what you’ll be addressing firstly is the HDD. If the issue is physical in nature and your HDD is unrepairable, we’re sad to inform you that you’ll need to replace it.

Luckily, that’s not always the case and maybe you can address it with the procedure above. Make sure to try it out and hope for the best.

However, you’ll be needing the installation media for this procedure with the Windows 10 setup.

If the problem is still persistent and you can confirm with certainty that the HDD isn’t the problem, make sure to move to additional steps.

3. Inspect hardware changes

Besides the HDD, almost every other replaceable PC component can be forcing Windows to shut down in order to prevent further damage. Now, this doesn’t always mean that something is malfunctioning.

In case your one of the essential components is ‘dead’, you won’t be able to boot in the first place. Meaning that compatibility is the problem here, rather than a defect. The focus here is, of course, on the CPU.

So, what’s the problem then? Well, if you installed the CPU or GPU which isn’t supported by your motherboard, the system will crash.

The disturbance of homogeneous system configuration will most certainly result in BSoD. So, what you’ll need to do is check whether your motherboard supports certain component.

Maybe your motherboard is indeed supporting the troubling component but it’s not up-to-date. This will require you to update your BIOS/UEFI.

Furthermore, make sure that everything is in its place. Shutdown the PC, and inspect the RAM placement. Sometimes you can change the socket and look for changes.

Moreover, make sure that your PSU (Power Supply) isn’t faulty and that PC isn’t constantly overheating.

Once you’re positive that everything is as it supposed to be, and system crashes keep reoccurring, move with the steps below.

4. Reset Windows 10

If you keep getting this error message, perhaps the problem is related to your Windows 10 installation. Your installation can get corrupted, and that can lead to this and many other problems.

To fix the issue, users are suggesting to perform a Windows 10 reset.

Bear in mind that this process can delete all your files from the system drive, so be sure to back them up beforehand.

5. Update drivers

Download Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter for Windows 10.
Restart your PC and press F8 rapidly to enter the Advanced Startup options menu.
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Networking mode.
Navigate to Device Manager and install proper drivers or perform the roll-back action.
Run Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter and prevent Windows 10 from updating drivers.
Restart your PC and look for changes.

Once we’re past the grave instigators of the problem at hand, let’s focus on lesser evil, or in this case, drivers.

The incompatible drivers or the drivers that aren’t properly installed can cause a variety of issues. Including the BSoD.

Now, most of the time the focus is on major devices and their drivers, but occasionally, even the peripheral device, like a printer, can cause the system crash.

So, we advise you to boot into Safe mode, navigate to Device Manager, and install proper drivers.

Moreover, if you’re using Windows 10, this procedure should be accompanied by blocking of drivers-related Windows Updates.

Windows 10 tends to install drivers on its own, and the generic drivers are not always the best-suited ones.

Updating your drivers can become a fast, simple and pleasant task if you use the right tool. After installation, this software will scan your computer and show you all missing, damaged or old drivers.

You will have access to a detailed report of your drivers, and you can also choose to download and install the newest ones. This is possible thanks to this tool’s huge daily updated database.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

6. Perform a clean reinstallation

Finally, if none of the previous steps proved fruitful, the only software-related solution that crosses our mind is a clean reinstallation.

Issues as large as this need a thorough approach and what’s more thorough than starting from a scratch.

If you’re not sure how to reinstall your system, we provided a detailed explanation so make sure to follow it closely.

We certainly hope that this was a helpful read and that, you’ll solve the A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down error. Even more, we encourage troubleshooting shutdown errors caused by apps in Windows, so take a closer look at our dedicated guide.

Furthermore, make sure to tell us about your experience with this error and share alternative solutions we haven’t provided. You can do so in the comments below.

How to Search Attachment File Type in Outlook

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Outlook users often need to search for attachments in emails. The application includes flexible search options that enable users to search for attachments in various ways. You can use its search box and built-in filters to search for files attached to Outlook emails.

Read on to find out how to search attachment file type in Outlook using various methods, depending on your wants and needs.

How do I search attachment file type in Outlook?

1. Search for file formats

You can search for specific attachment file formats by entering the extension command in the search box. Click inside Outlook’s search box, and then input the following command: ext:<extension>.

Thereafter, Outlook will list emails with attachments that match the file type included in the command. These are some examples of the ext: <extension> command:

ext:pdf
ext:jpeg
ext:docx
ext:zip

2. Search for keywords in attachments

You can search for an email that includes a specific keyword or phrase with the attachment command. Enter this command in Outlook’s email search box: attachment:<keyword>. Outlook will list emails with attachments that include the keyword. Below are a few examples of the attachment command:

attachment:December 5
attachment:summer
attachment:Christmas
attachment:anniversary

3. Search for large attachments

To search for large email attachments in Outlook, try utilizing the Has Attachments filter. Click in the search box to switch to the Search tab.
Click the Has Attachments button. That option will display all messages with attachments sorted by date.
Click By Date at the top of the search results.
Select Size on the menu to sort the emails with attachments by size. Then you can find the emails with the largest attachments listed at the top.

4. Search Outlook’s calendar for large attachments

To search for Outlook calendar attachments, switch to the Calendar view.
Open the calendar folder to search attachments for.
Select the View tab.
Click the Change View button.
Then select the List option.
Click within the Instant Search box.
Click the Has Attachment button on the Search tab. That will display all calendar items with attachments for the opened calendar folder.

So, you can utilize Outlook’s search tools in various ways to find email and calendar attachments. The ext and attachment search operators and the Has Attachments filters are efficient search methods for finding attachments in Outlook.

Also, don’t hesitate to learn how to open EML files in Outlook in case of using an older version.

If you have any other questions or suggestions regarding the topic of Outlook search attachment file type, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll surely check them out.

[Fixed] Photoshop Error: Scratch Disks are Full on Windows 10

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Turiceanu

Photoshop is one of the most powerful graphic editors out there. With lots of features and an incredibly intuitive interface, it quickly became a go-to for the PROs and the amateurs alike.

Despite its amazing popularity, Photoshop is not without its flaws and errors. One of the most common issues reported in Windows 10 by users is Scratch Disk is full.

Because Photoshop uses your hard drive as a temporary storage space whenever it runs out of RAM, it becomes the Scratch disk. The number of temporary files can trigger the Scratch disk is full error.

The quickest way to solve the problem is to change the Scratch disk allocation. In most cases, the error gets triggered by insufficient storage space.

After that, you can delete Photoshop Temp files and increase the RAM limit. Let’s find out how to do all that from the solutions below.

How do I fix Scratch Disks are full errors in Photoshop?

1. Change the Scratch disk allocation

Download Photoshop for free.
Launch Photoshop.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Scratch Disks.
Now choose your preferred drive or the one with the most space available.
If you cannot open the app, launch Photoshop, and as soon as the launching process begins, hold Ctrl + Alt.
A Scratch Disks Preferences window will appear.
Now choose your preferred drive or the one with the most space available.

This is the first thing you should do because it’s rather simple and has been confirmed as working by the majority of users.

Remember that Photoshop needs a lot of swap space, and by default, it will use the operating system or (C:) drive. If that’s not enough, be sure to change it to another one that has a lot more space.

2. Delete Temp files

Go to C:UsersYour userAppDataLocalTemp
Find all the *PST or Photoshop Temp files and delete them.
You can do the same thing by pressing Windows key + R, type %appdata% and hit enter, then go to the Local>Temp folder.

As we already explained, a large number of temp files can trigger this error. A quick fix could be deleting them to create room for new ones.

3. Increase the RAM limit in Photoshop

Launch Photoshop.
Go to Edit > Preferences > Performance.
Under Memory Usage section, you will see Let Photoshop Use option. Move the cursor to adjust the amount of RAM desired or type the number in the box.

By default, Photoshop is only using 60% of the total amount of RAM. If your RAM limit is the default one or you have lowered it even more, it’s just a matter of time until you will bump into the error.

Photoshop will give you the Available RAM and the Ideal Range. You should take into consideration the Ideal Range and increase your RAM usage to about 70% or 80%.

Note that if you go above these numbers, your Windows 10 PC performance will take a noticeable hit and it is not recommended.

That’s about it. Hope that one of these solutions helped you get rid of the Scratch Disks are full error and you can move on with your amazing projects.

Remember to leave any other questions and suggestions in the comments section below, and we’ll be sure to take a look.

Fix: You Must Enable System Protection on This Drive

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

System restore is an invaluable utility for fixing Windows issues. Users turn to it when Windows doesn’t boot up. However, some users have posted on support forums about a You must enable system protection on this drive error.

When they try to select a restore point, the listed restore points have a You must enable system protection on this drive status error. Consequently, users can’t utilize System Restore.

How do I fix the enable system protection error?

1. Enable system protection from the Command Prompt

Try enabling system protection from the Command Prompt.

Users can open the Command Prompt from within Windows by entering cmd in the platform’s search utility and right-clicking Command Prompt to select Run as administrator.
If Windows doesn’t boot up, however, you can still open the Command Prompt from Windows Recovery Environment.
Select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and Command Prompt from within Windows Recovery Environment.
Next, enter net start vss in the Command Prompt; and press the Return key.
Then enter rstrui.exe /offline:C:windows=active in the Command Prompt, and remember to press Return.
Restart your desktop and laptop.

2. Rename registry files

If the above fix doesn’t do the trick, try renaming two registry files, which you can do from Command Prompt.

Open the Command Prompt as outlined for the first resolution.
Type cd %systemroot%system32config in the Prompt’s window and press Enter to open that directory.
Input the ren SYSTEM system.001 command, and press the Enter key.
Then enter ren SOFTWARE software.001 in the Command Prompt, and press the Return key.

3. Check the Turn on system protection setting in Windows

To check if System Restore is enabled in Windows, press the Windows key + X hotkey.
Then click Run to open that accessory.
Input sysdm.cpl in Run’s Open box and click OK to open the window shown directly below.
Click the System Protection tab.
Press the Configure button.
Select the Turn on system protection option if that setting isn’t selected.
Click the Apply option, and press the OK button to exit.

4. Restart the System Protection Service

Restarting the System Protection Service might also fix the enable system protection error.

To do that, open the Command Prompt.
Enter net stop vss in the Prompt’s window, and press the Return button.
Then input net start vss and press Enter to restart the service.

Those resolutions might fix the enable system protection error so that you can utilize System Restore again. In addition to those, the Reset this PC option, which is available within the Windows Recovery Environment, might be worth a shot.

Let us know which one of the steps helped you most, or if you had to reset your PC. Do so by leaving us a message in the components section below.

[wl_navigator]

How to Fix Windows Fax and Scan Not Detecting Scanner

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Sending faxes with Windows PC is usually done by Windows Fax and Scan application. You can use it to fax files over with a few simple steps. However, some users’ experience is a rather negative one, as they were met with the “No scanners were detected” prompt while trying to scan files. This especially occurs if they set multiple recipients.

We made sure to conduct research and provide you with some typical solutions for the problem at hand.

What to do if Windows Fax and Scan can’t detect scanners

1. Run hardware troubleshooter

Let’s start with running the hardware troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooting tool should check for possible driver and configuration errors on your fax modem.

Whether it will resolve it or not, it depends on the gravity of the problem. However, by running it, you’ll at least get a better insight into the problem background.

Here’s how to run Windows Hardware troubleshooter:

Open Control Panel.
Choose Hardware and Sound and then Devices and Printers.
Right-click on Fax and open Troubleshoot.

You can also remove the device and add it again. This addressed the issue for some users.

2. Reinstall drivers

Drivers are, more times than not, the reason why users run into errors while trying to scan and send faxes. Some more knowledgeable users went as far as to suggest updating all and not only associated drivers. This includes BIOS as well. Of course, the main focus is on the modem driver while the close second is the fax machine/printer itself.

Even if the driver is up-to-date and seemingly functional, it still can get corrupted. For that reason, we suggest downloading the latest iteration from the official support site.

Some older modems require legacy drivers, so bear that in mind when looking for the proper driver. In addition, deleting the current driver is also recommended, as the system might try re-establishing it on its own.

Other than searching for your drivers manually, you should try using third-party software that can find the latest versions automatically.

3. Disable and re-enable Fax and Scan

Windows Fax and Scan is a built-in feature; thus, it can’t be reinstalled. What can be done, on the other hand, is a simple reset of the feature. You can disable it and re-enable it within the Windows Features menu. Once you’ve disabled it, restart your PC and re-enable it again.

Here’s how to access the Windows Features menu and reset Windows Fax and Scan:

In the Windows Search bar, type Windows Features and open “Turn Windows features on or off” from the results list.
Scroll down and expand Print and Document Services.
Uncheck the “Windows Fax and Scan” box and confirm changes.
Restart your PC and re-enable Windows Fax and Scan.

4. Check modem compatibility

Finally, if none of the previous solutions helped you resolve the problem, consider checking the modem compatibility if you’re using Windows Server. It needs to be on the Windows Server HCL list. The ones which are not on the list might or might not work.

Also, if the error started appearing after a system update, you can always roll back to a previous version and look for improvements. In addition, some users managed to send scanned files via the Photos app to multiple recipients.

With that in mind, we can conclude this article. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to tell us in the comments section below. We look forward to hearing from you.

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0x80a40026 Error Code: How to Fix this Xbox Issue In No Time

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Hasibul Kabir

Are you getting the error code 0x80a40026 while trying to play a game on Xbox? If yes, don’t worry. This article contains the solutions you need.

This error is not like other random Xbox errors like code 0x87e10bef. Unlike other issues, it may appear right after launching a specific game. Or, it may appear when a gamer needs to ask for permission from his/her parents for the gameplay. Thankfully, you can fix this problem easily.

Why does the error code 0x80a40026 occur?

Why this Xbox error happens is still a mystery. However, after digging deeper, we have found these possible reasons:

Improper account: If you are not using the account with which the game was purchased, it may show the error.
Age restriction: Some games are not appropriate for everyone. If you are underage, the problem may appear.
Xbox service is down: If the Xbox service is down, you may get the error code 0x80a40026.
Internal Xbox issue: Some temporary or critical bugs with your gaming console may trigger this problem as well.
Connectivity problem: If the internet connection you are using is not stable, you may get various error codes while playing some specific titles.

How can I fix the error 0x80a40026 on Xbox?

We have found the exact solutions to solve this problem. However, you must ensure the following things before trying them:

Make sure the internet connection is OK.
The account you are using owns the game, or your family admin account owns the game. If needed, learn how to solve purchased games not appearing on Xbox.
Check the Xbox Live Status and make sure everything is up.
Powercycle your Xbox game console and try again.
Sign out and sign in.
Ensure that you are not using a VPN or a bad-quality proxy.

After doing the above things, follow these methods to fix the Xbox error 0x80a40026 that appears while playing a specific game.

1. Go offline & online

Press the Xbox button and open Settings.
Go to General.
Navigate to the Network settings.
Tap on Go offline.
After that, tap on Go online.
Now, try to play the game again.

2. Remove from the family account and add again

Go to the Microsoft Family page using a desktop web browser.
Click on the three vertical dots for the account you want to remove and choose Remove from family group.
Click on Add a family member button and add that account again.

This method is applicable if your family member or child is having the error code 0x80a40026 while asking for permission to play a specific title.

3. Clear Xbox cache

3.1 Clear cache from the settings

Go to Settings like before.
Tap on Devices & streaming and then tap on Blu-ray.
Next, navigate to the Persistent Storage.
Tap on Clear Persistent Storage.

If you do not find a similar option on your Xbox One/Series S or X game console, follow the alternative method mentioned below.

3.2 Clear using the physical button

Press and hold the Xbox button on your console for 10 seconds to turn it off.
Unplug the power cable.
Press and hold that button again and repeat it multiple times.
Wait a minute and plug in the power cable again.
Then, wait another minute.
Next, press the Xbox button again to turn on the console.

If the above solutions failed, go to the Xbox contact page. Choose your preferred method to contact, for example, Web chat. Explain your problem and get the proper solution.

Usually, the error 0x80a40026 mostly appears on the Xbox Series X or S. Previous Xbox console users did not encounter this error that much. So, if no method works, contacting support is the best idea.

If you are interested, learn how to solve an error occurred while connecting to the Epic server on Xbox.

You have learned how to solve the Xbox error code 0x80a40026 while trying to play a specific game. If you have any better ideas or helpful suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

Spotify Is Not Working on Xbox: 3 Quick Ways to Fix It

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Kazim Ali Alvi

Spotify has, of late, become one of the most popular audio streaming platforms, with millions registering for it. And while the app runs seamlessly across devices, some Xbox users have reported that Spotify is not working.

For many, Spotify was not working on Xbox one, but the issue is prevalent across different console versions, and even for a few users, Spotify stopped working on Windows. So, if you were looking for a concrete fix, this is the right page.

Why is Spotify not working on Xbox?

Here are a few reasons Spotify is not working on Xbox:

Issues with the Spotify servers: If the Spotify servers are down, you will encounter issues accessing the app or streaming content over it.
Spotify was not installed properly: Some users reported that an improper installation of Spotify triggered the problem in their case.
A buggy update: In case the problem started after updating the Xbox or Spotify, it could be a bug in the update that’s to be blamed. Usually, the developers release a patch for it in the subsequent versions.

What can I do if Spotify is not working on Xbox?

Before we head to the slightly longer solutions, try these quick ones:

Check if the Spotify servers are down. For that, you can use a service like Downdetector or head to Spotify’s social media handles for updates.
Check if you have reached the maximum device limit because, in some cases, users were unable to run Spotify due to this. To fix things, remove a few devices from the Microsoft account.
A simple yet effective fix when Spotify is not working on Xbox is to perform a hard reset. All you have to do is press the Xbox button on the console for 10 seconds and wait for it to turn off. Next, unplug it from the power source for another 10 seconds. All that’s left is reconnecting the Xbox console to the power source and turning it on. Now, check whether Spotify works.
Update both the Xbox console and the Spotify app.
If Spotify is not working, switch to another app on Xbox where there’s some background music, go back to Spotify from the menu, and increase its volume. Once Spotify starts working, you can navigate back to the app, and it should continue to function normally.

In case none of these work, the ones listed next surely would.

1. Use Spotify Connect

NOTE

You could use both a mobile device and a computer to stream music to the Xbox via Spotify Connect. The steps here are for the latter, though they remain similar for both.

Download Spotify from the Microsoft Store if you don’t already have the app, and then run it.
Now, play any track or podcast, and click on the Connect to a device option.
Finally, select your Xbox from the list of devices.

Spotify should now start working on Xbox, but again, it’s more of a workaround. If you insist on fixing the problem at hand, the solutions below should help.

2. Test the Internet speed

On your controller, press the Xbox button and then open Settings.
Now, in the General tab, choose Network settings.
Select Test network speed & statistics.
Your Xbox will now test the network and should display the results in a few seconds.

If the Internet speed is slow, try connecting to a different network or bringing the router closer to the Xbox console. Also, check the plan that you are subscribed to and make sure it offers a decent speed. In case this, too, fails to work, move to the last solution.

3. Reinstall Spotify on Xbox

If nothing else works, it’s likely the app itself to blame when Spotify is not working on Xbox. As stated earlier, problems during the installation process can affect the functioning of any app.

And the easiest solution here is to reinstall Spotify. Just make sure you are connected to a stable Internet when installing Spotify on Xbox.

That’s it! If Spotify was not working on Xbox earlier, it should now, and that, too, seamlessly, just the way it was intended.

Also, if you are looking for an alternative, check the best Xbox One background audio apps.

For any other queries or to share a solution that’s not listed here, drop a comment below.

VLC Pixelated Video [MKV, AVI, MP4]: 5 Quick Fixes

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

VLC pixelation issues are coming when using the popular media player.

The video plays perfectly at first, but if you switch to full-screen mode, the video becomes pixelated or gets pixels flashing. This issue occurs even if your video card drivers are up to date.

You’d have thought that the VLC pixelated MP4/MKV is from the video, but it’s not. This is because the video plays fine in full screen on other players, such as Windows Media Player.

The following solutions have fixed the VLC pixelation issues for other users.

How can I fix the VLC pixelated video issue?

1. Fast forward or backward the playback

fastforward-or-backward-playback-fix-vlc-pixelated-mp4

You can fix VLC pixelation issues by simply jumping a few seconds back or forward.

This solution will not fix the issue permanently, but it will clear the VLC pixelated gray screen for the moment.

To jump front or back, simply click on the progress bar and dragging the indicator back or front a couple of seconds.

You can also click on the time you want to jump to instead of dragging the indicator to that point.

Alternatively, you can use the Shift + directional keys combination to fast forward or fast backward the playback.

2. Disable hardware-accelerated decoding

Launch VLC media player.
Click on the Tools menu and select Preferences.
Next, click on Reset Preferences and hit OK in the dialog box to confirm the action.
Now, close VLC Media Player and re-open the application.
Again, click on the Tools menu and go to Preferences.
Click on Input / Codecs.
Click on the dropdown beside Hardware-accelerated decoding and disable the option.
Finally, click Save and close the application.

3. Change the VLC buffer settings

Open VLC Media Player.
Go to the Tools menu and click on Preferences.
At the bottom of the screen, select All to reveal additional options.
Click on Stream Output from the left-hand menu.
Finally, change the value of the Stream output muxer caching (ms) to 1500 milliseconds.
Hit the Save button.

4. Enable OpenGL video output

Launch VPL Media Player.
Next, open the Tools menu and choose Preferences.
Click on the All switch at the bottom of the screen to reveal more menu options.
From the menu, click on Video to expand the options, and select Output modules.
Change the Video output module option to OpenGL video output.
Click Save to confirm your changes.

5. Use a different player

If you didn’t manage to fix the pixelation problem in VLC, try reinstalling the app or installing a better video codec pack.

There is also the option of using a different video player altogether and enjoying the video for the time being.

Apart from the VLC pixelation issues, another common problem with this media player is when your videos lag on Windows 10.

There’s no official fix for VLC pixelated videos, but the solutions in this guide will resolve the problem quickly.

New PC Not Displaying On Monitor: 6 Quick Fixes

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

There might be times when your PC is turned on but the display isn’t showing anything.

One user on Tom’s Hardware forum described the issue like this:

I just built my kids their first gaming pc, but I can’t get anything to display on the monitor. I have an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 CPU, MSI B450M Pro-VDH motherboard, XFX Radeon HD 6850 gpu and 8gb Patriot Viper RAM. I’m at a complete loss as to what the problem is.

However, before we begin, here is a warning, many of the steps mentioned here are quite advanced. Seek professional help if you aren’t comfortable doing any of those yourself.

How can I fix my new PC not displaying on monitor?

1. Check the monitor

Try connecting the monitor to another PC and to test if it’s working.
Alternatively, disconnect the monitor from the PC while keeping it connected to the power source.

2. Check video cable connection

check monitor cables pc won't display anything

Shut your PC down and unplug cables that connect to the power source and the PC.
Reconnect the cables again, making sure those have been secured firmly.
Turn the PC on and see if the issue is still there.

3. Clear BIOS memory

Try clearing the BIOS memory in order to fix this problem.
To do that, disconnect the PC from the power outlet, open the computer case, and remove the motherboard battery.
Wait for 10 minutes and insert the battery again and start your PC.
Note: Removing the motherboard battery might violate your PC‘s warranty. If you don’t know how to safely remove the battery, it might be better to contact an expert.

4. Check RAM placement

check your ram pc won't display anything

See if the RAM is placed in the correct manner.
Preferably, disconnect the RAM memory from its slot and switch on the PC.
If there is a beep sound coming from the motherboard, it’s a sign of the motherboard being in perfect condition. In that case, wipe the RAM connections with a clean wiper and reinsert it.
If there is no beep sound, there could be something wrong with the motherboard. Consult an expert to confirm the same.

5. Check CPU heat sink

cpu heatsink examine pc won't display anything

Open your PC case.
Remove the CPU fan and check if the heat sink is in perfect working order.
If not, you might be required to apply a fresh coat of thermal paste to ensure the CPU remains cool.

6. Check the graphics card

Test your graphics card by connecting it to a different PC.
If your graphics card works on another PC, connect it to your PC but make sure it’s properly connected.

The above steps should help you if your monitor isn’t showing anything. However, if the problem still persists then you might need to have your motherboard or even the processor checked.

Sometimes, reseating the CPU might also solve the issue. Perform these only after you are done with the above steps and seek professional help if needed.

Fix The Current Profile is not Allowed to Play on Xbox Live

Posted on January 20, 2023October 25, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Many gamers reported The current profile is not allowed message that prevents them from accessing online multiplayer on their console.

Before applying the solutions below, make sure that you have a Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate account and that your subscription is still active.

How can I fix The current profile is not allowed Xbox error?

1. Delete and download your profile again

For Xbox 360:

Go to Settings and select System.
Navigate to Storage.
If you don’t have external storage devices attached select Hard Drive. If you have additional devices connected, select All Devices.
Select Profiles and choose the profile that you want to delete.
Choose Delete.
Select the Delete Profile Only option to delete your profile. This option will delete the profile while keeping all your saved games and achievements.

After deleting the profile, you need to add it again by following these steps:

Press the Guide button on your controller.
Select the Download Profile option. If you don’t see this option it means that you’re signed in with a different profile currently, so be sure to sign out.
Choose Download Profile.
Enter your Microsoft account login information.
Select the storage location for your profile.

After doing this, check if The current profile is not allowed message is gone.

For Xbox One:

On the Home screen scroll left to open the Guide.
Select Settings and then choose All Settings.
In the Account section select Remove accounts and choose your account.

To add download your account again, follow these steps:

Open the Guide and choose Sign in and choose Add & manage.
Select Add new and enter your login information.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

These steps may also come in handy when you encounter your profile was not completely downloaded error.

2. Clear the Persistent storage

Open the Guide and select Settings.
Select All Settings and then Blu-ray.
Select Blu-ray and navigate to Persistent Storage. Lastly, select Clear Persistent Storage.

Once the cache is cleared, The current profile is not allowed message should disappear.

3. Clear the MAC address

Navigate to Settings.
Select Network settings and go to Advanced settings.
Now choose Alternative MAC address.
Choose the Clear option.
After clearing the MAC address, turn off your Xbox. Disconnect the power cable and wait for a few minutes.
Connect the power cable and turn on your Xbox again.

After doing that, check if the problem is resolved.

4. Test the Xbox Live connection

Go to Settings and choose Network Settings.
Select your network and choose Test network connection option.
After that go to Test multiplayer connection.
After the process is completed, check if the problem is resolved.

Your network connection is the common cause for The current profile is not allowed error, so be sure to check it.

5. Clear the system cache

Press the Guide button on your controller.
Go to Settings and select System Settings.
Select Storage.
Highlight any storage device, and then press Y on your controller (you can select any storage device because the system will clear the cache for all of them).
Select Clear System Cache.
Confirm the action.
Restart your console

6. Perform factory reset

Open the guide by scrolling left on the Home screen.
Select Settings and go to All Settings.
Choose System and then select Console info & updates.
Select Reset console.
You should see two options available: Reset and keep my games & apps and Reset and remove everything.
We suggest that you use the first option since this option will only reset your console and delete potentially corrupted data without deleting games and other large files.
If that option doesn’t work and the problem still persists, be sure to use Reset and remove everything option.

The current profile is not allowed error can prevent you from playing Xbox games online, but we hope that you managed to fix the problem after using one of our solutions.

How can I fix The current profile is not allowed in Warzone?

In most cases, this issue is caused by a server glitch. The issue appears if the game can’t detect an Xbox Live Gold subscription. However, the game is completely free, and it should work without a Gold subscription.

One way to potentially fix the problem is to do the following:

Go back to the game’s main menu.
Now close the game completely, and start it again.
If that doesn’t work, restart your console.

This is just a workaround and most likely this server issue will be resolved by Microsoft.

Sometimes your multiplayer can get blocked by your Xbox Live settings, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

If the issue is still there, visit our multiplayer is not working on Xbox One guide for more solutions.

Did you find a solution to this problem on your own? Share it with us in the comments section below.

Windows Defender Firewall is Preventing Connections: Fix

Posted on January 20, 2023October 23, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Some users have posted on forums about an HSS DNS Leak error message that blocks their Internet connections.

The full error reads Contact your network administrator the Windows Defender Firewall rule HSS DNS leak is blocking your internet connection.

Another similar issue reads Failure: unable to access network data. this may be due to Windows Defender Firewall blocking act.

Thus, users can’t connect to the Internet when that error arises. Of course, at this point, Windows Defender Firewall is also preventing connections to your computer.

How do I stop the Windows Defender Firewall from blocking internet?

1. Uncheck the HSS DNS leak rule’s firewall permission

Type control panel in Windows search and click on Control Panel from the results.
Click on Windows Defender Firewall to open that Control Panel applet.
Then click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall to open the setting.
Press the Change settings button.
Deselect the Private and Public check boxes for HSS DSS leak rule.
Click the OK button.

Users have confirmed that unchecking HSS DNS Leak’s Private and Public checkboxes can fix the Windows Defender Firewall rule error so make sure you try the steps above.

2. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall

Open Windows Defender Firewall as shown in the step above.
Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off to open the WDF options.
Select the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall radio buttons there.
Select the OK option.

Alternatively, you can turn off Windows Defender Firewall completely to fix its HSS leak rule blocking the connection so try doing that by performing the steps above.

3. Reinstall Hotspot Shield

Launch Run by pressing the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Input appwiz.cpl in the Open box and click OK to open the Windows uninstaller.
Select the Hotspot Shield software, and then select the Uninstall option.
Click Yes to provide further confirmation to uninstall the software.
Restart Windows after uninstalling Hotspot.
Click Get Hotspot Shield on the software’s homepage to reinstall the latest version of the software.

HSS is the Hotspot Shield VPN software, and users have said they’ve fixed the Windows Defender Firewall rule error by reinstalling Hotspot Shield.

4. Try another antivirus software

All these problems caused by Windows Defender Firewall can be avoided by installing a third-party antivirus because as soon as it’s on your system it will deactivate the built-in solution.

And not only that you will no longer have a blocked connection, but you will also have a lot better protection, at least with the security software recommended below.

This tool is focused on privacy and online protection and its multi-layered security solutions will ensure safe online payments and banking transactions wherever you are.

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That concludes our step-by-step guide to fix this Windows Defender issue with blocking the Internet connection and Wi-Fi and we hope that you can now use it freely.

However, if you’re tired of Windows Defender issues and errors, you can always look at our top antiviruses with unlimited licenses and get a better solution.

Often Windows Defender Firewall can give you Allow Chrome to access the network in your firewall or antivirus settings, but we have a guide that addresses this issue.

If you happen to know any other feasible solutions, don’t hesitate to write them in a comment in the section below.

Fix: Open With Menu Option is Missing in Windows 10

Posted on January 20, 2023September 28, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

If you want to open a certain file with a different program, usually you’ll right-click that file and choose the Open with from the menu.

Many users use the Open with menu on their PC, but sometimes this menu can become missing.

Why is the Open with menu missing?

There are plenty of reasons why the Open with menu is not showing, but we will take into consideration the most important of them:

Registry problem – The Open With registration key is probably missing in Registry Editor, or its data value has changed.
Windows 10 problematic update – If you performed any updates prior to this issue appearing, this might be the cause of the registry corruption.
Third-party software modified the registry – Did you install any file management software lately? If so, that tool may have overridden the right-click menu from Windows.

This bug has a lot of iterations. Our readers have complained that Open with is disabled in Windows 10, that Windows 10 Open with is grayed out, or that Open with is missing from the right-click context menu.

However, the solutions we provided below will help you fix this problem in no time.

How can I fix the Open with menu missing in Windows 10?

Before getting to more complicated solutions, you should try bringing back the Open with menu with the following simple methods:

Pressing the Shift + F10 key combination is the shortcut to the context menu. For other systems, you may also try AltGr + PrtSc + CtrlR. It’s worth trying.
Restart your system. If you’ve had any pending updates, they might get installed and solve this issue.
Disable the antivirus temporarily because it may be responsible for this issue. If disabling it fixed the problem, you probably need a better antivirus for your system.
Install any missing updates for your OS. You can check in Settings, Update & Security for new ones.

If this issue persists, let’s go through the following solutions to fix it permanently.

1. Create a .reg file and change registry values

Click the Start button, type notepad, and open the app from the results.
When Notepad opens, paste the following into it:
- Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
- [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\Open With]@="{09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}"
Click File and Save as.
In the Save as type section, choose All Files.
In the File name section enter OpenWith.reg and click Save.
Find the OpenWith.reg file and double-click it to add its content to the registry.

2. Change the registry manually

Press Windows key + R and type regedit.
Press Enter or click OK to start Registry Editor.
When Registry Editor starts, in the left pane navigate to the following key:
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
If you see Open With key available, click it.
If it’s not available, right-click ContextMenuHandlers and choose New and select Key.
Enter OpenWith as the name and click the OpenWith key.
In the right pane, you should see Default.
Double-click it to open its properties.
In Value data enter: {09799AFB-AD67-11d1-ABCD-00C04FC30936}
Click OK to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.

3. Use third-party software to disable shell extensions

Sometimes programs add their functionality to the right-click menu in Windows, and this can sometimes cause the Open with menu to be missing.

To fix this issue, you need to find the problematic software and to do that, you’ll need CCleaner or ShellExView.

Regardless of which one you use, make sure to disable shell extensions and turn them back on, one by one, to see which one is causing the problem. Once finished, make sure to restart Windows.

4. Copy all files from the WinX folder

Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer.
Go to the following path: C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX
Select all files in WinX folder and copy them to the following location: C:\Users\[user.account.name]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Window\sWinX
Restart Windows Explorer.

5. Create new values in the registry

Open Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key: Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
Now right-click shell key and choose New and select Key from the menu.
Enter Open With as the name of the new key.
Now right-click Open With key, choose New, and select Key.
Set its name as Command.
Select Command key and in the right pane double click on it.
Set the value data to the following line and click OK to save the changes.: rundll32.exe shell32.dll,OpenAs_RunDLL %1

6. Perform SFC and DISM scans

Click the Start menu, type cmd, and click on Run as administrator.
Once the Command Prompt starts, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
The scanning process will now start.
Keep in mind that the SFC scan can take up to 15 minutes, so don’t interrupt it.
Now enter the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
DISM scan will now start.
Keep in mind that this scan can take up to 20 minutes or more, so be sure not to interrupt it.

Once the DISM scan is finished, check if the problem still appears. If the issue is still present or if you were unable to run the SFC scan before, run the SFC scan again and check if that solves your problem.

7. Create a new user profile

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and navigate to the Accounts section.
Click on Family & other people.
Now click on Add someone else to this PC.
Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Now click on Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Enter the desired name and click Next.

That is all. If the Open with menu is missing on Windows 10, in most cases, the cause lies in your registry, and the issue can be easily resolved after performing a few registry changes that we mentioned in our solutions.

You might be also interested in our selection of the best universal all file opener software for your PC.

Let us know in the comments section below if you have other suggestions or recommendations.

Display Screen Bigger Than Monitor on Windows: 4 Easy Fixes

Posted on January 20, 2023January 4, 2024 by Tashreef Shareef

Many Windows users may prefer to use an external monitor with their Windows 10 laptop for better productivity, as a large screen allows you to do more if you multitask. However, at times, you may encounter display-related issues. Some users have reported that the display is more prominent than the monitor issue on the Microsoft community forum.

Hi There
I just upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10 and have a graphics problem.The display fits perfectly on my laptop screen but when I display it on my TV the display is bigger then the screen and I can’t fix it by changing the resolution.

Fix it with these steps.

What can I do when my screen is bigger than my monitor?

1. Customize Graphics Properties (Windows 7 only)

Right-click on anywhere on the Desktop.
Select “Graphics Properties”.
Now click on the Display option.
Click on Customize Aspect Ratio
Now drag the slider to make the display fit your screen.
Close the Graphics Properties and reboot the system. Check if the settings are preserved after the restart.

For Windows 10 Users

Type graphics in the search bar.
Click on Intel Graphics Control Panel option.
In the Graphics Control Panel, click on the Display option.
Under the “Select Display” section, click the drop-down menu and select your external display/monitor.
Click on the Custom Resolutions tab.
Enter your monitor’s screen resolutions in the Width and Height field.
Enter the refresh rate a few points lower than the monitor’s refresh rate. So, if it is a 60hz monitor, enter 56-59.
Now drag the slider for “Underscan Percentage” a little and click on the Add button.
Now set the custom resolution as your preferred display setting and check if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists, try to change the Underscan Percentage a little until you find the correct working resolution.

2. Change Screen Resolution

Click on Start and select Settings.
Click on System and select Display from the options.
Open the drop-down menu under Resolution section, and select the Display Resolution that is supported by your system.
Check if the contents on your screen are displayed normally. If the issue persists, try to scale the layout.
Click the drop-down menu under Scale and Layout and select %150. Check if the scaling has resolved the issue. If not, try again with different scaling options until you find the right size.

Windows 10 display scaling is an issue from the start. Learn how to mitigate it on Hi DPI displays now!

3. Update the Display Drivers

Press Windows Key + R to open Run.
Type devmgmt.msc in the Run box and press OK to open the Device Manager.
In the Device Manager, expand Display Adapters.
Right-click on the graphics driver (Intel UHD Graphics ) and select Update Drivers.
Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software“.
Wait for the Windows OS, as it will search and download any pending updates for the driver.
After the update is installed, reboot the system and check for any improvements.

4. Check the Physical Buttons

Most of the monitors come with a physical button at the side or bottom that allows you to control some settings of the display including brightness, orientation, and display resolution.
If your monitor has manual controls, use the physical buttons and try to change the settings. This should allow you to fix display larger-than-screen issue.

You can also customize the scaling on your Windows 11 to ensure the texts and icons are not blurry. Further, if your Samsung monitor is not detecting your HDMI cable, we know what to do.

How to Charge Phone Faster with Your Laptop: 6 Speed Up Tips

Posted on January 20, 2023October 13, 2025 by Aleksandar Ognjanovic

In this piece, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you charge your phone faster with your laptop.

While it’s true that a USB connection won’t match the speed of a wall charger, you can still speed things up with a few simple tweaks.

How can I charge my phone faster with a laptop?

1. Check your USB ports and cables

If your phone and laptop support it, use a USB Type-C. It is the fastest of all USB types, supporting up to 3000 mA (3A) of power, which means it charges your phone much quicker.

On the other hand, USB 3.0 ports deliver up to 900 mA, while USB 2.0 ports are limited to around 500 mA.

Enable USB-C power delivery on your Windows laptop to maximize charging output by following this guide: Enable USB-C Charging.

NOTE

Also, check for a lightning bulb icon next to your laptop port to ensure it supports charging. Some laptops only allow charging from specific ports.

2. Disable USB Selective suspend

Press Windows + I to summon the Settings app.
Open System.
From the left pane, select Power & sleep.
Click on the ”Aditional power settings” in the top right corner.
Click on ”Change plan settings” under the preferred power plan.
Choose ” Change advanced power settings”.
Expand USB settings and then USB selective suspend settings.
Under ”Plugged in”, select Disabled and confirm changes.

That should improve the charging process, at least marginally. In addition, there’s only one more thing you can do to focus power on charging rather than allow your PC to spread it out to various devices.

3. Enable the High-Performance Mode

Go to Control Panel and select Power Options.
Check the box for High-Performance Power plan and save your settings.

This will allow your laptop to allocate more resources to your charging as it won’t focus on preserving battery life.

4. Close unnecessary apps and features

For iOS:

Swipe down from the top-right and open the app switcher.
Close the apps you don’t need by swiping up on them.
Next, head to Settings and select Privacy.
Find Location Services and toggle it off.
Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right.
Tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off.

On Android:

Tap the Recent Apps button (square shape).
Swipe away the apps you want to close or tap Clear All.
Go to Settings and select Location.
Toggle off Use Location.
Then, swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
Finally, tap the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons to turn them off.

5. Put your phone on Airplane mode

On iOS:

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right.
Tap the Airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode.

On Android:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
Tap the Airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode.

6. Unplug other USB devices and peripherals

Finally, the output current from your motherboard depends on how many devices are plugged in. If you have a mouse, keyboard, and phone connected, the power available for charging your phone is reduced.

Unplug any unnecessary peripherals to optimize charging. Keeping your laptop connected to an outlet during this process can also help.

To sum it up:

Good and compatible cable is fundamental.
Your battery health is also a factor.
Some USB ports charge faster, some slower. Try multiple.
Disable USB selective suspend.
Unplug other USB devices and peripherals while charging.
Not USB nor Wireless charging are close to wall socket charging in regards to speed.

That should conclude our article on the topic of how to make a laptop charge a phone faster. Make sure to share your questions or suggestions with our readers. You can do so in the comments section below.

Windows 11 VPN Shortcut: How to Create & Add to Taskbar

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Claire Moraa

A VPN is a tool to help protect you online. Adding it to the taskbar on your Windows 11 is highly convenient. It creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server.

Using a reliable and effective VPN helps in hiding your IP address, location, and activity from the prying eyes of hackers. It, therefore, makes sense to have it on the taskbar for ease of accessibility. So, let’s find out how you can do that.

How can I add a VPN to the taskbar in Windows 11?

1. Add your favorite VPN to the taskbar

Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter the name of your VPN software in the text field, right-click on the app, and select Pin to taskbar.
The VPN will now be available in the taskbar and can be launched in a single click.

Windows 11 allows users to add apps to the taskbar for quick access, and similarly, you can add any VPN software as well. For those unaware, users can also add a website to the taskbar in the latest iteration.

2. Add a VPN to the Quick Settings

Click the Sound icon at the bottom right corner to open the Quick Settings menu.
Select the edit button (pen-looking) icon.
Click Add, and then select VPN.

Besides adding a VPN to the taskbar, you can also add a manually configured one to Quick Settings for easy access. If you feel it is becoming too overwhelming, you can hide the taskbar to allow you to concentrate on your work.

We hope this quick guide was able to help you add a VPN to your taskbar in no time. And while you are at it, find out how to change the icons in Windows 11 and customize each for better visibility and identification.

We also have a great guide on how to manually set up a VPN on Windows 11, so don’t miss it.

Let us know of any other additional tips you may have on customizing the taskbar in the comment section below.

FIX: Excel file could not be accessed

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The Excel file could not be accessed error can arise when users try to save or open a file within that application. Consequently, users can’t save or open spreadsheets when that error arises.

Microsoft has confirmed the issue occurs for Excel spreadsheet files with paths that exceed the maximum of 218 characters.

Check out these resolutions for the file could not be accessed error

1. Edit the Excel file’s title

Click the File Explorer button on Windows 10’s taskbar.
Open the folder that includes the problematic Excel spreadsheet.
Right-click the Excel file and select the Rename option.
Enter a completely different file title that’s shorter and does not include any exclamation marks or brackets.
Press Return after renaming the file.
Try opening the file in Excel again to save it.

2. Edit the Excel file’s folder titles

Open File Explorer.
Right-click the folder that includes the Excel file and select Rename.
Enter a shorter folder title, and press the Return key.

If the path for the file includes more than one folder, repeat the above steps for the other folders in its path.

3. Save the Excel file to a USB drive

Insert the USB drive into your desktop or laptop.
Open File Explorer.
Open the folder that includes the Excel file the error occurs for.
Select the Excel file.
Click the Move to button to open the menu shown directly below.
Click Choose location to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
Select the USB drive to move the spreadsheet to.
Click the Move button.
Then open the Excel spreadsheet from the USB stick.

4. Start Excel in Safe Mode

Open Run with the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Input excel /safe in Run’s text box, and select the OK option.

Run window excel file could not be accessed when saving

If the issue doesn’t arise in Safe Mode, then a third-party add-in is probably generating the save error. You can carry on utilizing Excel in Safe Mode to edit the required file. To fix the issue outside Safe Mode, however, you’ll need to manually deactivate Excel add-ins.

5. Use a third-party tool for Excel errors

Another viable solution would be to use a tool that specializes in repairing corrupt Excel files and performs this protocol automatically.

Losing critical documents can be terrible, and getting them back can be even more difficult. No matter how inconvenient it may appear, it is possible to recover them when you follow the correct steps in a timely manner.

Do you want to learn how to repair an Excel file? Or do you want to retrieve your missing Excel files? Read through this article to discover the best ways to fix your Excel files using automatic solutions that handle all the work.

Those are some of the resolutions that can fix the file could not be accessed error. Note that the above resolutions might also fix similar Filename is not valid and <filename> could not be found Excel error messages.

If you know of any other fixes we may have missed out on, leave us a message in the comments section below and we will update the article accordingly.

FIX: Excel File isn’t Sending & Attaching to Outlook Email

Posted on January 20, 2023September 14, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Microsoft Excel includes a handy Send as Attachment option that enables users to attach Excel spreadsheet files to Outlook emails.

Thus, users can attach spreadsheet files to emails and send them directly from Excel. It’s an option that neatly integrates Outlook with Excel.

However, some users have posted on software support forums about a General mail failure Excel error.

That error message can pop up when users try to attach spreadsheets to Outlook emails from within Excel.

Consequently, they can’t attach Excel files to emails with the application’s Send as Attachment feature. Below are some potential resolutions for fixing the General mail failure issue.

What can I do if my Excel file is not attaching to an email?

1. Send it in a different format

If Outlook rejects attaching the Excel file, you can also disguise it cleverly in another format. The best way to do that is to compress the file by using WinZip.

To do that, find the Excel file on your computer, right-click on it and select the Add to archive option. The newly obtained Zip file will be most likely accepted as an Outlook attachment.

Also, this software includes a file conversion option so you can transform your Excel file into another type and see if it gets accepted by Outlook.

WinZip is the most popular file archiving tool but it’s not only that because it evolved a lot during the last few years.

Now, this excellent tool features many other tools like data encryption, data backup, file management, and even file merging.

⇒ Get WinZip

2. Repair the Excel file

Your Excel file might be rejected by Outlook because it’s probably corrupted. Don’t worry because you can fix it easily by using specialized software like Stellar Repair for Excel.

This tool’s job is to secure Excel workbooks and data from corruption. However, it can also rebuild corrupted Excel files and restore all the datasets and visuals.

Stellar Repair for Excel can recover all Excel file structures including tables, charts, formulas, and even cell comments.

It also works with more files simultaneously and supports even the older Excel versions from 2000 & 2003 to 2019.

3. Disable the third-party antivirus and firewall software

Some users have confirmed they’ve fixed the General mail failure error by removing third-party firewall blocks for MS Excel.

So, try turning off (or uninstalling) any third-party antivirus and firewall software to see if they’re blocking Excel’s email attachment feature.

A lot of antivirus utilities include a disable (turn off) option of some kind you can select by right-clicking their system tray icons.

If you can’t find such an option, however, uninstall the third-party antivirus or firewall software.

You can as well uninstall your antivirus software, but you will have to replace it quickly because you can’t leave the system unprotected for long periods of time.

We recommend you switch to a more effective antivirus, firstly to not interfere with any of your software so you will not be forced to disable or uninstall it.

In order to find the right option, it is recommended to look for the most efficient antivirus software on the market.

4. Check that Outlook is the default email client

Press the Windows key + S keyboard shortcut.
Enter default apps in the search box.
Click Default apps to open the window.
To change the default email software, click the email software.
Select Outlook on the Choose an application window.

5. Delete the MSMAPI32.DLL file

First, make sure that Outlook and Excel aren’t running.
Open File Explorer (press the Windows key + E hotkey).
Open this path in File Explorer: C:Program Files (x86)Common FilessystemMSMAPI1043MSMAPI32.DLL
Select the MSMAPI32.DLL file and press the Delete button.

6. Repair the MS Office suite

Press the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut.
Input appwiz.cpl in the Run box and click OK to open the uninstaller window.
Select the MS Office suite listed there.
Click the Modify (or Change) option.
If it’s an MSI-based MS Office, select the Repair option. Press the Continue button.
Users with click-to-run Office suites will need to select Online Repair, then click on Repair.

7. Uninstall duplicate Office apps

The General mail failure error often arises due to duplicate versions of MS Office apps being installed.

Some users might have older versions of MS Office applications installed alongside newer ones. Thus, removing duplicate MS Office might resolve the issue.

To do that, open the Windows 10 Start menu and click the Microsoft Office folder there to see if there are any duplicate Office applications there.

Right-click duplicate Office software there and click Uninstall to remove app entries that don’t relate to your current Office version.

Start menu's Uninstall option excel file not attaching to email

8. Reinstall Microsoft Office

First, make sure you have the activation code (product key) to reinstall it with.
Click the Download button on the Microsoft official page to get the Office to uninstall the support tool.
Open the Office uninstall support tool, and uninstall the suite.
Restart Windows after uninstalling Microsoft Office.
If you don’t have any installation file for MS Office, you’ll need to click the download link for the suite on your Microsoft account page.
Then enter your MS Office product key.
Click the Install Office option.

Those are some of the confirmed fixes for Excel’s General mail failure error. With that error fixed, you can then attach Excel files to emails with the application’s Send as Attachment option.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.

How to Enable Hibernate Mode in Windows 10

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

If you want to save as much battery power as you can when using your computer, you might want to consider using the Hibernate option.

Many desktop computers come with Hibernate mode enabled by default. However, this is not the case with Windows 10 PCs.

We will show you how to add Hibernate mode to the Start menu in Windows 10, and how to enable it afterward.

If you decide to upgrade your OS, we have a different guide for enabling and disabling Hibernation mode in Windows 11.

Hibernate vs Sleep modes in Windows 10

Using the sleep option, you can turn off most of your computer hardware and store your current information on your RAM.

While using Sleep mode, your computer will still use some power although a lot less. So it’s good to use this option if you’re going to be away from your computer for a short period of time.

One advantage of sleep mode is that your PC wakes up in just a matter of seconds, so you can easily continue where you left off.

The Hibernate option, also known as Hibernation mode, works in a similar way, but it stores your open documents and running applications on your hard drive and shuts down your computer.

In Hibernate mode, your computer uses zero electrical power, so it’s good to use this option if you’re going to be away for a while and you want to continue where you left off when you get back.

The only downside of Hibernation mode is that it takes a bit more to start compared to Sleep mode.

Let’s find out now how to add Hibernation mode to the Start menu and enable it on Windows 10.

How can I turn on Hibernate Mode in Windows 10?

You need to add the Hibernate mode to your Windows 10’s Start menu before you can use it. Enabling this mode is very easy and can be done via Power Settings in a few minutes.

1. To start off, press the Windows key on your keyboard or click on the Start button on the taskbar to open the Search menu.
2. Type control panel in it and click on the result to open the app.
3. Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
4. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
5. Next, click the Change Settings that are currently unavailable link. This will allow you to change shutdown options.
6. Check the Hibernate (Show in Power menu) option.
7. Click on Save changes and close the window. The Hibernate mode is now added to the Power menu.
8. If you want to use the feature, you need to press the Start button on the taskbar once more to bring up the Search menu, then hover the Shut down or sign out setting to open a drop-down menu.

You will now see the following options: Sign Out, Sleep, Hibernate and Restart.
9. Click on Hibernate to put your PC in hibernation mode.

Note: If the hibernate option is missing in step 6, run the following 2 scripts on the command prompt.
powercfg /hibernate on
powercfg /h /type full

Is it dangerous to use Hibernation mode?

Unfortunately, various technical issues may occur after enabling the Hibernation mode on Windows 10. For example, your computer may fail to enter hibernation. In other cases, your computer may take too long to wake up from hibernation.

In case you encounter any of these issues, you can use our troubleshooting guides. Follow the instructions available in the respective guides, and you should be able to fix the problem in just a few minutes.

If your PC won’t exit Sleep Mode, check out our guide to solve the problem. On the other hand, if you’re having trouble keeping your PC in sleep mode, then we recommend you take a look at our other dedicated article to find a solution.

Now you should have Hibernate option available in the Start menu on your Windows 10 PC. If you have any comments or questions, just reach for the comments section below.

FIX: “Cannot be accessed. The file may be corrupted” Excel

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

The error message Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted error in Microsoft Excel will prevent you from accessing your sheets.

This can be a big problem, especially if you’re working on an important project, but today we’ll show you how to fix this issue once and for all.

How can I fix Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted Excel error?

1. Modify your registry

Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
Navigate to the following key
- HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTExcel.Sheet.12shelledit
Locate ddeexec and make sure that its value is set to [open(“%1”,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,0)].
Check the command value and make sure its set to:
- C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficeOffice12Excel.exe” /dde

Note: Bear in mind that this path might be slightly different depending on the version of Office you’re using.

2. Make sure that you’re using the 64-bit version of Office

install 64-bit office microsoft excel cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted

If you’re getting Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted error, perhaps you’re using a 32-bit version of Office on a 64-bit version of Windows.

This can sometimes be a problem, therefore we advise you to reinstall Office and make sure to install the 64-bit version on a 64-bit system.

In addition, make sure that your version of Office is up to date.

3. Check the filename of the Excel file

rename the file microsoft excel cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted

Apparently, the length of the file can cause Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted error to appear.

It seems that this issue appears when your .xls or .xlsx file name exceeds 17 characters. To fix this issue, be sure to rename the file that is giving you this error and give it a shorter name.

Cannot be accessed the file may be corrupted Excel error can be problematic, but you should be able to fix it by modifying your registry or by renaming the problematic file.

If you found our article useful, let us know in the comments section below.

8 Best Timer Apps for Windows to Boost Productivity

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Ivan Jenic

Productivity and good time management are gold in today’s world.

However, it seems that the majority of people still struggle to stay productive constantly. When everything else fails, we usually look for salvation in technology. In this case, apps and services are going to improve our focus and productivity level.

In that manner, we’ve prepared a list of the best apps and programs for Windows 10 that might help you improve your productivity.

Best free timer apps for Windows 10

Orzeszek Timer (Hourglass) – Simple tool
CookTimer – Easy to use
DeskTime – Advanced tool for businesses
SnapTimer – Portable program
MultiTimer – Excellent management options
CoolTimer – Highly customizable
WakeupOnStandBy – Allows automation
Focus Booster – Excellent interface

Orzeszek Timer (Hourglass)

If you have problems pronouncing this program’s name, you definitely won’t have any problems using it.

Orzeszek Timer is an extremely simple timer software for Windows that offers a lot of options at the same time. To set up a timer, you need to enter time, hit Enter, and the clock will start ticking.

The best thing about Orzeszek Timer is its versatility, as it allows you to enter any time format, and the program will automatically recognize it. Here are some examples:

5 – 5 minutes
2.5 – 2 minutes 30 seconds
1d 5h 3m 25s – 1 day 5 hours 3 minutes 25 seconds
1.05:03:25 – 1 day 5 hours 3 minutes 25 seconds
1 5 3 25 – 1 day 5 hours 3 minutes 25 seconds
01/01/2017 – until midnight on 1 January 2017
01/01/2017 5:00 PM – until 5:00 pm on 1 January 2017

The program even accepts time to count down as a command line argument, so you can make batch files for your most frequently used countdown values.

However, we doubt you will need this feature unless you’re serious about setting up a timer, but it won’t hurt you to know.

Orzeszek Timer is free and comes as a portable application. You can download it from the link below.

Update: Orzeszek Timer has been replaced by Hourglass, but it offers the same functionality and more.

⇒ Get Orzeszek Timer

CookTimer

CookTimer is a very simple timer app for Windows. It sets time intervals of 3/5/10/15 minutes, but you can also set up your own time.

When it comes to the user interface, CookTimer is one of the simplest timer apps for Windows you can find.

So, if simplicity matters to you, and you want your clock to tick, CookTimer might be into consideration.

It also offers a few more features, like resetting the timer by itself or ringing forever when the time is up. So if you forget that you’ve set up a timer, it won’t stop until you get reminded.

You can turn on both features from the main window, which also appears to be the only window CookTimer has.

There’s not much more to say about this app because it’s so simple. You set up a timer and get notified when it does its thing. That’s the whole philosophy.

CookTimer is free, and you can download it from the link below.

⇒ Get CookTimer

DeskTime

DeskTime is one of the best timer apps for Windows that is ideal for a corporate organization. It is a real-time tracker that helps to improve a team’s productivity.

One of the interesting features of this software is the offline tracking feature. This allows you or other team members to take note of your time away from your computer.

Also, if you need to track your productivity on the move, DeskTime is probably the best you can use. This is because it has Android and iOS versions that allow you to track your productivity from anywhere.

What’s more, DeskTime can track URLs, document titles, and apps. With this, you can easily track an employee’s workflow.

To make things better, it has a screenshot feature that helps you monitor your team member work behavior and habits.

⇒ Get DeskTime

SnapTimer

When you look at SnapTimer, it would probably appear to be just another extremely simple timer app that doesn’t do much more.

Well, if that’s your first guess, you’re wrong because SnapTimer is much more than that. This tiny program allows you to manage alarms, make an action after the time expires, receive notifications, and more.

Of course, when you open SnapTimer, you can set up a timer and run it, but if you dig deeper, you’ll find more options.

You can set up alarms and even use a customized alarm sound. Additionally, SnapTimer can run a certain program or app after the time expires, which is quite a unique ability.

It also shows you tray notifications when the time is up. As we already mentioned, SnapTimer sports a very simple user interface, so you won’t have any problems getting around.

SnapTimer program is a portable program, so you don’t need to install it. If you’re interested in trying SnapTimer, you can download it free from the link below.

⇒ Get SnapTimer

MultiTimer

MultiTimer is another Windows 10 app that, as its name says, allows you to set up a couple of timers. The app can also run in the background, which can be a huge plus for many users.

The developer made this app available on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile.

MultiTimer offers quite good management options to keep all these timers under control. Timers can be grouped as logical units and combined to run as a sequence.

It also comes with Cortana integration, which makes setting up a timer even easier.

The fact that this app offers many customization options when setting up a timer also tells us that MultiTimer is all about timer management.

For example, you can edit timers’ names, icons, and notification sounds and set up a custom message that will appear when the time is up. All in all, MultiTimer is a simple yet feature-rich app for setting up timers.

So, if you want to experiment with multiple timers, you should try this app. MultiTimer is free on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile; you can download it from the Microsoft Store.

⇒ Get MultiTimer

CoolTimer

CoolTimer is the oldest program on our list and one of the pioneers of timer programs for Windows. So, because of its cult status and useful features, we’ve decided to put it on this list.

Despite its age, CoolTimer is still compatible with Windows 10.

As soon as you open CoolTimer, you’ll see an easily adjustable counter where you can set your desired period. Besides the regular timing option, CoolTimer allows you to set up multiple preset times.

You can even choose a notification sound from its library or upload your custom sound and use it as an alert. CoolTimer also has a stopwatch feature, an alarm clock, and a countdown timer.

If you want CoolTimer to ‘tell’ you something when the timer expires, you can set up a custom notification note to show up when the timer does its thing.

It also comes with changeable skins and themes, which gives this app a special charm. However, the default theme is pink, so we’re unsure how many users will decide to stick to it.

If you’re interested in using this vintage timer, you can download it free from the link below.

⇒ Get CoolTimer

WakeupOnStandBy

No, this program doesn’t help you get up in the morning using some magic formula. It wakes up your computer from standby or hibernation.

The process is simple, you set up the time when you want your computer to wake up from sleep, you put your computer to sleep, and WakeupOnStandBy wakes it up automatically.

WakeupOnStandBy doesn’t only wake up your computer, as you can set different actions for the program to perform after it wakes up the system. For example, you can instruct it to shut down the computer, log off, or do nothing.

There are even more automatization options you can perform with WakeupOnStandBy. For example, you can program it to repeat the process every week, for two weeks, on particular days, and so on.

Besides waking up your computer from sleep, WakeupOnStandBy can also serve as your alarm clock. It supports any custom user’s playlist and even the internet radio.

If you want to download WakeupOnStandBy for free, you can do so from the link below.

⇒ Get WakeupOnStandBy

Focus Booster

Struggling to find focus as your thoughts often wander off your important assignment? Well, a program called Focus Booster might have a solution.

This program is pretty easy to use and has (in our opinion) the most beautiful interface of all programs on our list.

It uses a famous Pomodoro technique for time management (breaks time into 25 minutes intervals, with 5 minutes break).

However, Focus Booster allows you to adjust your session and break length, and work at your own pace.

As we said, the interface is straightforward, so you just set up a timer, toggle a ticking background sound on and off, toggle the main alarm sound on or off, and the countdown will begin.

Focus Booster is beautifully designed to look like a meter. It shows you the time progress and fulfills the bar with green color as the time progresses.

Focus Booster is not entirely free. You can get a free version, but you’ll be only limited to 20 sessions per month.

The Individual option gives you 200 sessions for $3/pm, while the Unlimited version costs $5/pm. You can find out more about the pricing plans in the link below.

⇒ Get Focus Booster

That concludes our list of the best timer apps for Windows 10. What do you think about our picks?

There’s a chance we’ve missed some great apps or programs that you use, so don’t hesitate to tell us about your favorite timer apps for Windows 10 in the comments section below.

How do I Fix “There are one or more circular references” Excel

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

This article will be covering an issue that many users have reported on forums, regarding a particular Microsoft Excel issue:

I keep getting this error upon startup of a spreadsheet i made. I must have made an invalid formula somewhere but can’t seem to find it at all. Is there a way i can easily find the error and prevent this annoying message from popping up every time? Also, I notice this spreadsheet takes WAYYY too long to start up. Not sure if there’s a fix for that too.

For those of you that don’t know, a circular reference means that your formula is trying to calculate itself since you are referring to cells already included in the formula.

The full message reads as follows:

There are one or more circular references where a formula refers to its own cell either directly or indirectly. This might cause them to calculate incorrectly. Try removing or changing these references, or moving the formulas to different cells.

Further research revealed that this is a common error message, so we decided to make a list of the best ways you can overcome the circular reference error in Microsoft Excel.

How do I fix the circular reference error in Microsoft Excel?

1. Enable the iterative calculation feature

If you want a workaround for the circular reference error in Excel, you should enable the iterative calculation feature. By doing so, you will be able to use circular references without encountering any issues. Here is how to do so:

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Select File and go to Options.
3. Select Formulas.
4. Check the box next to Enable iterative calculation.
5. Click Ok to apply and save the changes.

2. Find the cell causing the circular reference error

Launch Microsoft Excel
Trigger the error message
Go to the Formulas tab
Select Errors Checking
Select the Circular Reference entry
This will automatically fix any reference errors

3. Manually move the formula to another cell

If you have a simple calculation, for example, A1 + A2 + A3= A4, but you wanted to put the SUM formula on A1, A2, or A3 instead of A4, this will trigger the reference error.

That being the case, simply choose a different cell for your formula, without overlapping with the cells that already have numerical values inside of them.

By following the steps below, you should be able to fix any circular reference error and resume using Microsoft Excel accordingly.

Which one of the methods worked best for you? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.

An issue with the data model preventing Excel: How Can I Fix it?

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Certain older apps or software might have a few issues when running on Windows 10.

With Office 365 suite, one of these issues is We couldn’t load the data model error that users encounter when trying to open a PowerPivot for Excel 2013 Manage window.

The issue isn’t a serious one and it can be easily resolved by using one of our solutions.

How do I fix “an issue with the data model is preventing” in Excel?

1. Change the office suite

We’re recommending from the very beginning to change the office suite to a lighter alternative.

Office 365 is a very reliable option and one of the most recommended productivity suites for business and educational purposes. However, there are a lot of lighter, cheaper, and more versatile solutions.

There are many alternative office suite options that include apps that allow you to create text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, just as the MS Office suite does.

When it comes to compatibility, these alternatives support all major file formats and you should be able to open and edit an MS Office document with them without any issues.

Alternative options are for the most part cheaper and you can even find completely free tools that will allow you to create and edit documents at a similar level as premium tools.

2. Change Local Group Policy settings

Press Windows Key + R and type gpedit.msc. Press Enter or click OK to run it.
Once Local Group Policy Editor opens, you need to navigate to the following in the left pane:
- Computer Configuration/Windows Settings/Security Settings/Local Policies/User Rights Assignment
Locate Increase a process working set Policy and double click it.
A list will appear in a new window. This list should include Users group, but if for some reason Users group isn’t on the list, click the Add User or Group button.
In Enter the object names to select enter Users and click Check Names and OK.
Users group should be now added. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

3. Turn off SQL Server Analysis Services (Tabular) services

Users reported that We couldn’t load the data model error message also appears when creating new Excel 2013 workbook and adding a table into Data Model.

In order to fix this problem, users advise to turn off SQL Server Analysis Services (Tabular) services.

Some users also suggest removing Analysis Services 2012 completely from your computer, so you might want to try that as well.

To do this, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Under Currently installed programs, select Microsoft SQL Server, and then click Change.
On the Component Selection page, under SQL Server instances, select the instance that includes the instance of Analysis Services that you want to remove.
On the Feature Maintenance page, select Analysis Services to launch the Microsoft SQL Server Installation Wizard.
On the Change or Remove Instance page, click Remove Microsoft SQL Server.
Click Next, and then follow the instructions on subsequent wizard pages.

So, to conclude, the We couldn’t load the data model error message usually affects PowerPivot for Excel 2013, and as you can see, it can be easily fixed by using one of our solutions.

Have you tried one of these or anything else? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Open an OST Data File With & Without Outlook

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Afam Onyimadu

An OST (Offline Storage Table) file is a local copy of an Exchange mailbox stored on a user’s computer. It allows users to access their email, calendar, and contacts even offline or disconnected from the Exchange server.

However, the OST file can become inaccessible if the user’s computer crashes or if the file becomes corrupt. This article will discuss different ways to open an OST file, both with and without Outlook.

What are the benefits of OST files?

OST (Offline Storage Table) files offer several benefits, including:

Offline Access – OST files allow you to access your emails, calendar events, and contacts without a server connection. This can be useful when traveling or working in an area with poor internet connectivity.
Improved Performance – On the server, OST files can improve performance by reducing the amount of data for transmission over the network.
Data Backup – OST files can serve as a backup of your emails, calendar events, and contacts, allowing you to restore them if something happens to the original data on the server.
Data Accessibility – OST files allow you to access your data even if the server is down or you lose your internet connection.
Security of data – OST files keep a local copy of your data which can be encrypted for added security.
Data Management – OST files give you more control over how your data is organized, allowing you to easily sort, filter, and search your emails, calendar events, and contacts.

It’s important to note that OST files are specific to Microsoft Outlook and are used in conjunction with Microsoft Exchange Server.

So, let us now explore the opening of OST files on Windows 11.

How can I open an OST Data File?

1. Open OST data files with Outlook

Open Outlook and go to the File menu.
Select Open & Export, then click on Open Outlook Data File.
Navigate to the location of the OST file on your computer and select it.
Click OK.

The OST file should now be opened, and its contents will be displayed in the Outlook folder hierarchy.

2. Open an OST file without Outlook

2.1 View the OST file online

Launch your browser.
Navigate to the Group Docs app website.
Click the upload icon and upload your file.
Wait for the viewer to open, and use the navigation options to scroll through your file.

2.2 Use an offline OST viewer

Navigate to the Recovery Toolbox OST viewer website.
Click on Download OST viewer.
Install and launch the downloaded tool.
Click on File, then open the OST file you want to view.

2.2 Use a specialized OST file viewer

A specialized OST file viewer or converter software does not require Outlook to be installed. These tools include OST Viewer Pro, SysTools OST Recovery, and Stellar OST to PST Converter.

They work similarly to the Recovery Toolbox OST viewer but are more robust and offer more functionality.

In conclusion, OST files are a valuable tool for accessing Exchange mailbox data offline, but they can become inaccessible if the user’s computer crashes or the file becomes corrupt.

By understanding these different methods of retrieving them, you can ensure that you can access your essential email, calendar, and contacts even if your OST file becomes inaccessible.

CBS All Access Streaming Problems: 3 Fixes That Will Help

Posted on January 20, 2023October 2, 2025 by Vlad Constantinescu

CBS All Access, now Paramount +, is an American streaming service offering a broad variety of content. Though many reported streaming problems on CBS All Access.

This is primarily because CBS All Access was available only in the USA, and those in other regions couldn’t access the streaming service.

With the transition to Paramount Plus, though the available countries now include the US, Latin America, Canada, the UK, Ireland, the Middle East, and Australia, it still doesn’t cover a large part of the globe.

But with users even in these countries facing streaming problems on CBS All Acess, it’s time we address things. So if you are facing the problem, read the following sections to find out all about it.

Why does CBS streaming keep buffering?

Here are a few reasons you might be encountering streaming problems on CBS All Access:

Slow Internet speed: In most cases, it’s slow Internet speed to blame for buffering and streaming issues on CBS All Access.
Issues with the CBS servers: If the CBS servers are down, there are bound to be problems while streaming content.
Problems with the device: Oftentimes, it’s the device used to stream content that is the issue.

How do I fix CBS All Access streaming problems?

Before we head to the slightly intricate sets of fixes, we recommend you try these quick ones:

If you have multiple Wi-Fi networks, switch to another one and verify whether the problem is resolved. In case there’s just one, disconnect all other devices with only the one used for streaming content from CBS All Access connected.
In case the device offers support, switch to Ethernet. Wired connections are proven to be more reliable than their wireless counterparts.
Re-login to your CBS All Access account.
Clear all the shows in the Continue watching queue before streaming new ones.
Though not an actual solution, many found that streaming CBS All Access on a mobile phone delivers a far superior experience.

If none of these work, head to the solutions listed next.

1. Clear all cookies and cache

NOTE

The steps here are for Google Chrome, though these remain similar for all browsers.

Launch Chrome, and press Ctrl + Shift + Del to open the Clear browsing data tab.
Now, choose All time from the Time range dropdown menu, tick the checkboxes for Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files, and then click on Clear data.

Once done, verify whether the streaming problems on CBS All Access are resolved. If not, the next solution should get things going.

2. Watch the content via Amazon

Many users reported that watching CBS All Access via the Amazon channel helped them eliminate streaming problems. The reason, Amazon offers a much more advanced setup than CBS.

Even the dedicated channel on Apple TV for CBS would do. So, try one of these and check if the streaming quality improves.

3. Use a VPN

A VPN helps reroute the connection through a network in another region and is beneficial for two reasons. It helps bypass country-specific restrictions and boosts security on the web.

To circumvent network congestion, you might want to try using a VPN for a change. Private Internet Access, for instance, is one of the most stable and efficient all-around VPNs on the market that can get rid of this issue in no time.

Private Internet Access

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However, before you invest in a VPN such as PIA, make sure that the issue occurs due to network congestion (ISP-related).

What can I do if CBS All Access not working on Roku?

Although it appears that there’s no magical fix for this situation, here are some potential solutions:

Restart your Roku device.
Try using a wired connection instead of wireless one.
Restart your router and/or modem.
Contact CBS and see if there’s something wrong on their side.
Make sure you’re using the latest CBS All Access app version.
Update your Roku device’s firmware to its latest version.

It seems that a lot of users enjoy this streaming service on Roku. However, quite a lot of them complain about compatibility issues. Here’s another possible solution that helped many users fix CBS All Access streaming problems on Roku:

How to remove and then re-add the CBS All Access channel on Roku?

Press * on your Roku remote, and choose Remove channel.
Go to Settings.
Navigate to the System category, and choose the System restart option.
Wait for the device to reboot, and then add the CBS All Access channel back.

That’s it! By the time you reach this part, there’s shouldn’t be any more streaming problems on CBS All Access, be it on Windows, mobile, or Roku.

Also, find out what to do if Paramount Plus keeps buffering, and eliminate the problem in no time.

Do not forget to tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below. Besides, we request you share any additional solutions that we may have missed.

KB5019275 for Windows 10 is rolling out today, packed with fixes

Posted on January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

You should know that not only Windows 11 Insiders got their hands on new cumulative updates today, as it seems that Microsoft hasn’t forgotten about Windows 10 users.

Speaking of Windows 11, make sure you check out build 25281 (Dev), and KB5022363 (Beta), to get a better understanding of what is happening with this OS.

Also, circling back to Windows 10, keep in mind that this is the last month in which you can buy an official Windows 10 license from Microsoft.

The company stated that it will stop selling them after January 2023, which means you can only get licensed copies from retailers that still have them in stock.

Now, let’s finally have a look at this new update, KB5019275 for Windows 10, and what it brings to the table.

What should I know about Windows 10 KB5019275?

Earlier today, Microsoft released the latest cumulative update for Windows 10 (KB5019275) with builds 19042.2546, 19043.2546, 19044.2546, and 19045.2546.

This new update fixes an annoying bug that can cause the News and Interests feature on the Taskbar to flicker or cause File Explorer to be unresponsive.

Please note that Microsoft has stated that there will be no more optional non-security updates for Windows 10, versions 20H2 and 21H2 after March 2023.

After March 2023, there are no more optional, non-security preview releases for the supported editions of Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows 10, version 21H2. Only cumulative monthly security updates (known as the “B” or Update Tuesday release) will continue for these versions. Windows 10, version 22H2 will continue to receive security and optional releases.

We’re only looking at two significant changes for the popular OS and a lot of fixes that were surely long overdue.

In terms of changes, KB5019275 displays storage alerts for Microsoft OneDrive subscribers on the Systems page in the Settings app.

Furthermore, the alerts appear when you are close to your storage limit. You can also manage your storage and purchase additional storage if needed.

This update also addresses an issue that might affect news and interests. It might flicker on the taskbar and File Explorer might stop responding.

Fixes

This update addresses an issue that affects cached Fast Identity Online 2.0 (FIDO2) authentication data. The first attempt to sign in fails. The second attempt to sign in succeeds.
This update addresses an issue that affects searchindexer.exe. It randomly stops you from signing in or signing out.
This update addresses an issue that affects conhost.exe. It stopsresponding.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Domain Name System (DNS) suffix search list. When you configure it, the parent domain might be missing.
This update adds support for long URL lengths of up to 8196 characters.
This update addresses an issue that might occur when the Input Method Editor (IME) is active. Applications might stop responding when you use the mouse and keyboard at the same time.
This update addresses an issue that occurs when you open Task View. It causes the desktop to stop responding.
This update addresses an issue that damages memory. The issue occurs when you use certain HD audio controller hardware.
This update addresses an issue that affects MSInfo.exe. It reports the wrong enforcement status of the Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) user mode policy.
This update addresses an issue that affects certain systems that have firmware Trusted Platform Modules. (TPM). This issue stops you from using AutoPilot to set up those systems.
This update addresses an issue that affects printing in landscape mode in Microsoft Edge. The print output is incorrect. This issue occurs when you use Microsoft Defender Application Guard.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Resilient File System (ReFS) MSba tag. The issue causes a nonpaged pool leak.
This update addresses an issue that affects the Resilient File System (ReFS). The issue causes high nonpaged pool usage, which depletes system memory.
This update changes how you enable the Windows diagnostic data processor configuration in preparation for EU Data Boundary support. To learn more, see Enable Windows diagnostic data processor configuration.

Known issues

Devices with Windows installations created from custom offline media or custom ISO image might have Microsoft Edge Legacy removed by this update, but not automatically replaced by the new Microsoft Edge. This issue is only encountered when custom offline media or ISO images are created by slipstreaming this update into the image without having first installed the standalone servicing stack update (SSU) released March 29, 2021 or later.

We know you are also probably wondering with versions of Windows 10 will get the update,so we’re going to share that right now.

The new update is available on:

Windows 10 Enterprise Multi-Session, version 20H2
Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, version 20H2
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 20H2
Windows 10 on Surface Hub Windows 10, version 21H1, all editions
Windows 10, version 21H2, all editions
Windows 10, version 22H2, all editions

Leave a comment below if you have discovered any other issues after downloading and installing this recent cumulative update for Windows 10.

3 Best Intel Overclocking Tools to Maximize Your Performance

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Overclocking is the process of making your CPU run faster. Overclocking is perhaps the best way to make the Windows PC run faster by tuning the PC to modify the core, voltage, and memory settings. And an Intel overclocking tool comes to your aid.

Also, experts recommend overclocking testing software to ensure your PC can handle the strain. And once you are confident, find out how you can overclock the Intel CPU and the best overclocking tools.

How do I OC my Intel CPU?

Here are a few ways you can overclock the Intel CPU:

Improve the RAM performance – Of the many components, overclocking the RAM significantly affects the PC’s performance.
Overclock the CPU cache – Another vital component to overclock is the CPU, which amazingly boosts the computer’s performance.
Boost the motherboard – While motherboards manufactured earlier and cheaper models don’t support overclocking, the new ones offer the option, thus allowing users to boost speed.

Some of the benefits of overclocking are:

Boosts performance – One of the primary benefits of overclocking is improving the PC’s performance.
Allows running resource-intensive apps – Several apps require computing power the computer might be unable to deliver, but with overclocking, you can quickly run these.
Saves money – Overclocking saves a ton of money since users don’t have to purchase a high-end component but can get the same performance from a cheaper option.

What is the best Intel overclocking tool to use?

NOTE

All the tools listed here can be used to overclock the Intel processors and work well, as per reviews and our research. In case you are looking for other options, we have a dedicated guide on the best GPU overclocking tools.

Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU) – Best in the market

This is a simple Windows-based performance-tuning software for newbies and pros alike, especially overclocking enthusiasts.

Intel XTU helps you overclock, monitor, and stress a system with a software interface that exposes its robust capabilities standard in most platforms, plus you get special new features for net Intel application processors and Intel motherboards.

It is powerful and worth the installation, with features like real-time graphs and charts about CPU utilization, temperature, and frequency of the process.

The manual tuning tab lets you tweak your processor, graphics, voltage, and memory, and the Stress Test modules allow you exercise your CPU, memory, and graphics to determine if the system is still stable.

Also, with Intel XTU, you can perform changes and setups without restarting your computers. The software also comes with the option to save specific profiles. This is of great use if you want to keep track and reuse some overclocking settings.

The latest Intel Extreme Tuning Utility version adds support for the next-generation Intel Core processors. So, even if you own an old computer or the latest 8th or 9th-generation Intel CPU, this software can help you optimize your overclocking settings.

Other key features of Intel Extreme Tuning Utility Include:

System information tab with details about the motherboard, processor, and BIOS
You can overclock specific controls from within the platform without the need to access the BIOS

Remember that using the Intel XTU for overclocking is not advisable unless you know what you are doing. Some risks come with overclocking, so make sure you are prepared. It is, nevertheless, one of the best overclocking software for Intel CPUs.

⇒ Get Intel Extreme Tuning Utility

Intel Performance Maximizer – Offers a simple interface

Intel Performance Maximizer is meant to help users with unlocked 9th or 10th Generation Intel processors manage the performance of their devices.

The software has an advanced system analysis feature that provides recommendations regarding the optimal settings to overclock the CPU. In addition, it lets you know the safe parameters that shouldn’t be surpassed for an optimal overclocking process.

Similar to Intel XTU, Intel Performance Maximizer provides an easy-to-navigate interface, with automatic overclocking included. In addition, there is no need to access BIOS settings.

On top of that, Intel provides a step-by-step guide on how to overclock with this software. In addition, they give tips and tricks regarding safety measurements and backup suggestions.

Other key features of Intel Performance Optimizer include:

Built-in tests
Monitors overclocking stability
Monitors the ability to reset

The software is free and compatible with Windows 10 64-bit RS5 or newer operating systems. In addition, it works for most Intel CPUs.

⇒ Get Intel Performance Maximizer

CPU-Z – Quick and seamless

CPU-Z is another CPU overclocking software that you could use with Intel. Also, it’s compatible with other CPUs, making it the perfect companion.

Though not as user-friendly and intuitive as the other options, CPU-Z is highly effective at its job. It allows overclocking of the CPU, Memory, Motherboard, and Graphics, amongst others.

Some of the key features include:

Provides detailed information about the hardware
Offer real-time data on each core’s frequency
Free to use

These were some of the best Intel overclocking tools you can download on the computer. But remember, excessive overclocking can damage the components and lead to severe issues with the PC. So, be careful and tread with caution.

While at it, check the best RAM cleaners for Windows to improve the PC’s performance further.

Tell us your favorite pick from the list in the comments below.

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headphones vs SteelSeries Arctis 9X: Which is better?

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

Microsoft just released a great wireless headphone set for their Xbox console. They are the latest rage in the gaming community, thanks to their affordable price, large range of connectivity options, and compatibility with the latest Xbox consoles.

Of course, you can’t just go and buy the product without knowing how well it performs, and the best way to do so is to compare it with another top Xbox headphones set already on the market.

Because we were looking to compare the newest Microsoft product with the best of the best, we’ve decided to look over how well it fairs compared to the SteelSeries Arctis 9X, a current favorite in the Xbox gaming industry.

Which are the better wireless Xbox gaming headphones?

Connectivity and compatibility

As far as connectivity goes, both headsets are compatible with the Xbox Wireless protocol, so they are easy to pair with any Xbox One or Xbox Series X / S console,

Additionally, they are both Bluetooth–compatible, which is not where the string of common features ends since they both support both protocols simultaneously.

Microphone quality

This next criterion goes straight to the SteelSeries Arctis 9X since it’s superior to the Microsoft headphones in every single way.

This is mostly because of the noise-canceling technology which derives from the bidirectional design of the microphone, the same used by aircraft carrier deck crews.

Admittedly, the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Microphone does come with an equalizer from where you can mute the effects of environmental noises. Still, you need to use the Xbox Accessories app for Windows 10 or Xbox, and the software isn’t yet tweaked.

While it does work effectively during calls, let’s face it, calls are the last thing on your mind if you’re buying them for gaming.

Sound quality

Sound quality is probably the first thing you want to hear about when you consider investing in a new pair of headphones, and in the case of our two entries, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X takes the cake.

While both headphone sets support Surround Sound, the sound clarity of the SteelSeries headphones is greatly superior.

Those of you that like listening to crystal-clear music will easily find flaws in the Microsoft Headphones’ quality, especially during moments when music may sound mixed up.

This may not sound like much of a deal-breaker, especially if you’re talking about gaming headphones, but if you’re the type of person that likes muting their game to listen to YouTube or Spotify in the background, you’ll start noticing the kinks in sound quality.

Battery life

The SteelSeries Arctis 9X is a winner yet again, boasting an impressive 20+ hours of battery life on a full charge, and Microsoft’s headphones aren’t that far behind this time, with 15h of free-roaming from a single charge.

Whether this difference is important or not is debatable, although you have to admit that if you’re on the road, 5 extra hours of your favorite tunes do come in handy.

Design

Whether or not one pair of headphones looks better is clearly a matter of personal preference.

However, one must admit that Microsoft’s headphones do give away their intended purpose with a more game-oriented design, while the 9X looks more like a well-rounded pair of wireless headphones that you can wear to listen to music on the streets.

Build and comfort

In terms of how they felt, both sets came with enough padding to make them feel very comfortable, although the SteelSeries did feel a lot softer.

Another thing to consider is the fact that these two headphone sets are built from totally different materials:

The Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headphones are focused on being flexible and lightweight design with an adjustable headband for extra comfort during extended play sessions.

The SteelSeries Artis 9X are made similarly, although the headband is made of high-quality steel, so they feel more durable and reliable.

Price tag

During this entire article, it seems that pretty much every single criterion favored the Arctis 9X, but there’s one last thing you need to take into consideration, and that is the price tag.

While the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headphones are worth just $99, their counterparts are worth twice that much, so the difference in performance and quality is almost justified.

We say almost because from a price/performance point of view, the scales tip in favor of Microsoft’s headphones, as they may not be top-dollar in every department, but they come in at a close second for just half the price.

Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headphones

15h battery life
Lightweight and flexible design
Easy connectivity via Bluetooth and Xbox protocol
Easy sound controls via the Xbox Accessories app
Boasts Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone:X

Music may seem muffled at times

Check price

If you’re looking for a pair of gaming headphones that won’t break the bank, go for the Microsoft Xbox Wireless Headphones.

SteelSeries Arctis 9X

Superior sound quality thanks to the award-winning soundscape
Microphone with a bidirectional design for superior noise cancellation
Integrated Xbox Wireless connectivity
Up to 20h of battery life
Compatible with Xbox One via Xbox Wireless, PC, and Mobile via Bluetooth

The price tag

Check price

If peak performance, a long battery life, and crystal-clear sound are what you need, and you don’t care what it costs, the SteelSeries Arctis 9X is for you.

Bottom line is, choosing between these two pairs of headphones is simply a matter of choosing what you value most:

Affordability
Peak-performance

Both are solid choices for any would-be gamer, but despite being the underdog in terms of sheer specs, Xbox’s headphones win just because of how well-rounded and affordable they are.

Microsoft Excel cannot access the file? Use These Solutions

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

Microsoft Excel is a major component of the Microsoft Office Suite and acts as the official spreadsheet software.

Because of this, there isn’t a person alive that hasn’t used or at least heard of Microsoft Excel. However, it is just a program after all, and no program is safe from the occasional issues and bugs.

Such would be the case with an error message some users have been reporting, where Microsoft Excel states that it cannot access a file.

I have a large Excel 2013 file that I’m modifying. When I open the workbook I receive errors […]
Microsoft Excel cannot access the file…

What can I do if Microsoft Excel cannot access any file?

1. Make sure all the external links in the workbook are valid.

This error usually occurs when you press an external link within a workbook, but the name or the file path of the linked item has been changed.

This leads to the error message described above. Because of this, there are only a couple of things that you can do to remedy this problem:

Make sure that the linked items are not moved or renamed
Make sure the linked items are updated within the workbook if modified
Delete the linked items if they cannot be found anymore

Finding all the external links within a workbook can be a daunting task, especially if the workbook spans several pages and hundreds of cells.

Because of this, one simple solution to finding them is to find links used in formulas:

Open Microsoft Excel
Press Ctrl + F
Click Options
Enter .xl In the Find what box
In the Within box, click Workbook
In the Look in box, click Formulas
Click Find All

microsoft excel cannot access the file find links

This will bring all the external links to other workbooks together, and from here you can update them all.

2. Install the latest updates for Microsoft Excel

Open Microsoft Excel
Click on File
Click Account
Select Update Options
Select Update Now
Let the updates run their course

3. Disable add-ins

Open the Excel sheet
Go to the File menu
Click on Options
Click on Add-ins
Select Excel add-ins and click on the Go button
Uncheck all boxes and click OK

By following these steps, you should be able to get rid of the error message in Microsoft Excel.

Know of any other solutions to this common Microsoft Excel problem? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Fix: Command Prompt Keeps Crashing in Windows 11

Posted on January 20, 2023September 27, 2025 by Afam Onyimadu

Command Prompt is a powerful tool that allows users to perform various tasks on their Windows 11 operating system.

However, some users have reported that the Command Prompt keeps crashing on their computers. This issue can be caused by various factors, including corrupt system files, outdated drivers, and malware.

This article will explore solutions to help you fix the Command Prompt keeps crashing issue on Windows 11.

Why does my Command Prompt keep crashing in Windows 11?

There are a few reasons why the Command Prompt may keep crashing on your Windows 11 system. Some possible causes include the following:

Corrupt system files – Certain files may be corrupted, causing the Command Prompt to crash.
Outdated drivers – If the drivers for your hardware components need to be updated, they may not be compatible with Windows 11, causing the Command Prompt to crash.
Malware – Malicious software, such as viruses or malware, can cause the Command Prompt to crash.
Conflict with other software – Some third-party software may conflict with the Command Prompt, causing it to crash.
Insufficient memory or storage – If your computer doesn’t have enough memory or storage, it may not be able to run the Command Prompt properly, resulting in crashes.
System errors – Some system errors may cause the Command Prompt to crash.

It’s important to note that this is a partial list, and there may be other reasons why the Command Prompt keeps crashing on your Windows 11. To fix the issue, you should try different troubleshooting methods to identify and resolve the specific cause of the problem.

What should I do if my Command Prompt keeps crashing in Windows 11?

Before you start these fixes, you should:

Do a simple reboot. A reboot will force some problematic processes to end and could repair certain minor PC issues.

1. Update Windows

Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
On the right pane, press Windows Update, then select Check for updates on the right pane.
You may need to restart your computer.

Updating Windows can stop command prompt crashes by installing the latest security updates and bug fixes that Microsoft may have released.

These updates can address known issues causing command prompt crashes, including issues with system files or drivers. Additionally, updates can add new features and improvements that can improve the overall stability and performance of the operating system, which can also help prevent command prompt crashes.

However, it’s worth noting that updates can also introduce new bugs, so it’s important to keep your system updated and a backup in case something goes wrong.

2. Update drivers

Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand a category, right-click on the driver, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.

You may save time by automating this process using third-party driver updater software.

Updating drivers can help prevent random command prompt crashes on Windows 11 because newer drivers may contain bug fixes and compatibility updates that can resolve issues causing the crashes.

Additionally, new drivers may have improved performance and stability that can help prevent crashes from occurring.

One of the most reliable third-party driver updater software is Outbyte Driver Updater because it has the automatic functionality to detect outdated or missing drivers and find the latest updates from its database.

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3. Scan for malware

Press the Windows key, type windows security, and choose the Windows Security app.
Click on Virus & threat protection.
Select Scan options.
Select Full scan and click the Scan now button.

A malware or virus infection can cause the Command Prompt to crash. You should use a reputable antivirus program to scan your computer and remove any malware or viruses that are found.

4. Uninstall conflicting software

Press Windows + R, type control panel, and hit Enter.
Select the Uninstall a program option.
Click on the program you wish to uninstall from the program list and select the Uninstall option.
Finally, follow the prompt to complete the uninstallation.

Uninstalling conflicting software can help stop CMD crashes because software conflicts can cause issues that can lead to crashes. When two or more programs compete for resources or access the same files or settings, it can cause errors or crashes.

Uninstalling one of the conflicting programs can free up resources and resolve the conflict, preventing crashes. Additionally, sometimes software can be outdated and incompatible with the current version of Windows or other installed software; uninstalling it could help remove the problem.

5. Troubleshoot with PowerShell

Press the Windows key, type powershell, and click the Run as administrator option.
Write the script below and hit Enter.
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.WindowsTerminal
Exit the PowerShell and see if the crashes continue.

6. Reset or reinstall Windows

Resetting or reinstalling Windows can stop CMD crashes by replacing any corrupted or missing system files that may be causing the crashes.

Additionally, it can also remove any malware or software conflicts that may be causing the crashes. However, it’s important to note that it may not be the only solution to command prompt crashes, and it’s essential to try to identify the cause of the crashes before resorting to resetting or reinstalling Windows.

In conclusion, if you’re facing this issue on your Windows 11, you can try some of the solutions mentioned in this article.

These solutions include running the System File Checker, updating drivers, and scanning your computer for malware. If the issue persists, you can also try resetting or reinstalling Windows 11.

Remember to always back up your important files before making any changes to your system. If you’re still having trouble, it’s best to seek help from a professional or contact Microsoft support. You’ll be back to using the Command Prompt with the right fix.

How to Fix Ping Destination Host Unreachable [No Packet Loss]

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Vlad Constantinescu

Sometimes, not even the Internet is perfect. Realistically speaking, it fails our expectations many times. And to top it off, sometimes it even throws some confusing errors.

For instance, when you can’t reach a device, so you try pinging it. The ping test shows the host as unreachable and zero packet loss. Even if you’re tech-savvy, this situation might put a huge question mark above your head.

However, we’re here to demystify this issue once and for all.

What does it mean when ping says destination host unreachable?

The destination host unreachable error message denotes that the host you are trying to ping is down. This error might also mean the host is not returning to ICMP echo requests.

Why is the destination host unreachable?

There are many reasons why a host can be or become unreachable. Even if you’re on the same network, the target device (host) might have different connection settings then you, an aggressive firewall, or even some spoofing, so you can’t exactly pinpoint the main cause.

Here’s a list of the most common reasons why the host might be unreachable:

The target computer might be off
An overly-protective firewall that blocks any incoming requests
Improper cable connection
Spoofing
Misconfiguration of Default Gateway on the source PC (yours)

The point is that if you can’t reach a host, it’s mainly because there’s no route from the local device (yours) to the remote one (host). Either that or something blocks your attempts to connect to the hosts.

Nevertheless, your pings never reach their destination, and still, there’s no reported packet loss.

Destination host unreachable but no packet loss

Ping and packet loss are somewhat tied, but they’re entirely different. For once, ping tests the reachability of certain devices (hosts), whereas packet loss is the percentage of packets that didn’t reach the destination.

So why there’s no packet loss even though the ping destination host is unreachable? The answer is quite simple. If there’s no route from the local system (yours), then the packets you sent were never placed on the route.

Therefore, the requests will always have a 0% packet loss since nothing was sent. Trivia fact: on most Linux systems, pinging reports 100% packet loss.

Destination host unreachable routing issue

If you’ve encountered this issue before, you’ve most likely seen one of these two errors:

Destination Host Unreachable – this error occurs whenever there’s no route between the local system and the destination
Reply from x.x.x.x: Destination Host Unreachable – there’s something wrong with a remote router (x.x.x.x is the IP address of the troublesome router)

There’s yet another scenario when your request time out. After sending echo requests, the PC starts listening for echo replies. The default waiting time for an echo reply is one second.

If the device doesn’t receive the reply within 1 second, the request will time out, and you’ll receive a suggestive error message (i.e., Request Timed Out). This situation is mainly caused by network congestion but can also have other causes.

For instance, silent discards, poorly routed networks, or packet filtering can contribute to request timeouts.

How to fix destination host unreachable ping?

If the cause of the error is improper Default Gateway configuration, we’ll show you how to fix it. Perform the following steps:

1. Confirm your default gateway

Launch your browser, access any non-local website (such as google.com), and check if it goes through.
Press the Windows key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Now, type the command below (replace x.x.x.x with the IP address of the unreachable host) and hit Enter to run it: ping -6 x.x.x.x
If you are still getting the destination host unreachable error, run the traceroute command below to trace the remote gateway handling your requests: tracert -6 -d x.x.x.x
If you notice a second IP address (shown with the time of the request) in the traceroute, you need to confirm which addresses are set as the Default Gateway.
To do that, type the commands below and hit Enter after each: netsh interface ipv6 interface ipv6>showconfig
Finally, check if the Default Gateway shown differs from your IP.

If the Default Gateway shown is different from your IP address, you need to proceed to the next stage to change it.

2. Change Default Gateway

Right-click the Internet icon on your taskbar and select Open Network & Internet settings.
Select Change adapter options.
Now, right-click the LAN network you want to change the gateway for and select Properties.
Next, choose the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option and click the Properties button.
Tick the radio button for Use the following IPv6 address.
Type your correct IP address in the Default Gateway box.
Finally, click the OK button and restart your PC.

After restarting your PC, try to ping the host again and check if you still get the Destination host unreachable error.

If you are still getting the error, you should disable your firewall and check if the host device is on and connected. You can also check the network cables to be sure they are fine.

You can get 0% packet loss, even when hosts are unreachable

Long story short, you shouldn’t stress over a simple semantics issue. Even if Windows’ ping tool reports 0% packet loss, it’s because there’s no connection and no packets are being sent.

Just try using the ping tool in Linux, and you’ll probably receive a 100% packet loss. The important thing is to understand why such an error occurs and find ways to fix it.

With this, we can conclude this extensive guide on how to fix the destination host unreachable error.

If you are facing a similar issue in Hyper-V guest cannot ping the host, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Feel free to let us know how you fixed this issue in the comments below.

Check out KB5022363, released now to the Windows 11 Beta Channel

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Alexandru Poloboc

If you are w Windows 11 Insider, then you know that not only your Dev channel friends got their hands on new software today.

In fact, Microsoft has decided to release twin builds for the Beta Channel today as well, so we are going to take a closer look at them.

Before we do, be sure to check the latest Dev Channel (build 25281) and Release Preview Channel (KB5022360) rollouts.

Now, we are going to put the magnifying glass on Beta builds 22623.1180 and 22621.1180, and see what exactly makes them tick.

Remember that this is the last month in which you can officially buy a Windows 10 license from Microsoft, as the company will no longer sell them after.

What new features do builds 22621.1180 and 22623.1180 have?

Today, the Redmond tech giant released builds 22621.1180 and 22623.1180 (KB5022363) to the Beta Channel for Windows Insiders.

To give you just a short sneak peek, the new build brings new Widget improvements, a cloud storage alert, as well as many bug fixes.

First, let’s look at the fact that the Settings app supports new visuals on your Accounts page to provide a visual overview of your cloud storage usage across Microsoft products.

These new visuals include a consolidated cloud storage bar that shows your storage usage for each product and notifies you if you’re running low on storage.

A consolidated storage quota bar shown on Accounts page in Settings app with a banner that will alert you if you’re running low on storage.

The company has also removed the quota bar from our subscriptions card to eliminate duplication on these visuals.

We also have to mention that in the most recent update for Widgets, Microsoft is removing the sign-in requirement for the widgets board and making it available for all users.

Now, you can now get weather updates on the taskbar, pin widgets from your favorite apps, or access personalized dynamic feeds without an account.

The widgets board without being signed into an account.

This week, however, the list of fixes is pretty small, fact that encourages us to believe that important changes are actually being made.

We’ll look at these changes closer right now and see exactly what we are dealing with after downloading and installing this build.

Fixes in Build 22623.1180

[Taskbar & System Tray]

Fixed an issue where right clicking on certain icons in the hidden icons flyout would make the flyout dismiss rather than bringing up the context menu for that icon.
Fixed an explorer.exe crash which could happen when attempting to load certain app icons.
Task view should no longer show behind the taskbar when using tablet-optimized taskbar options.
Fixed an issue that was preventing taskbar from showing in Safe Mode when using the new search box option.

[Task Manager]

When the Task Manager window size is small and the search box collapses to an icon, hovering over the icon will now show a tooltip.
Fixed a few issues with how icons and labels were displayed when a contrast mode is enabled.

[Other]

Fixed an issue where Braille devices were incorrectly saying there was no screen on the latest version of Braille.

What can I do if I can’t install KB5022363?

Press Win+ I to access Settings.
Select the System category and click on Troubleshoot.
Press the Other troubleshooters button.
Press the Run button next to Windows Update.

Also, make sure to report any other issues you might come across, in order for Microsoft to address and improve the overall OS experience for us all.

This is everything you can expect if you are a Windows Insider. Leave a comment below if you found any issues since installing this build.

Netflix Stream on Discord Shows a Black Screen: How to Fix it

Posted on January 20, 2023September 7, 2025 by Sagar Naresh

Are you facing issues on Discord when streaming Netflix? If yes, you aren’t alone, as you will see multiple user reports and queries regarding Discord showing a black screen on the Netflix stream. This could be frustrating as it could ruin the Netflix screen share time you might have planned with your loved ones.

This guide will give you a bunch of solutions, along with why the Discord screen goes black when you stream Netflix. Netflix and Discord teamed up to allow screen share without issues, but nothing is perfect. Thankfully, this guide is here to help you out.

Why the Discord screen goes black during a Netflix stream?

After some research, we have found the most common reasons why the Discord screen could go black during a Netflix stream or Discord not stream Netflix altogether.

The Discord app isn’t updated: You should ensure that you are running the latest version of the Discord app, as the previous version might have a bug related to the issue.
Hardware acceleration is enabled: When you don’t have a GPU supporting hardware acceleration, turning it on will leave your Discord screen black.
Full-screen mode causing issue: It has been reported that switching to the full-screen mode often leads to a black screen when screen sharing.
Extensions are causing conflict: There are chances that the wings on your browser interrupt the service or feature of Discord, causing the screen to go black.
Outdated graphics driver: The graphics driver on your PC might not be running the latest version.
Discord cache files and app data are causing issues: Discord collects data in the background to open your frequently visited channels and save your personalized settings quickly. However, this can lead to a black screen during a Netflix stream on Discord.

How can I fix the Discord black screen issue during a Netflix stream?

1. Disable hardware acceleration

1.1 In the Discord app

Launch the Discord app.
Click on the Gear icon at the top to open Settings next to your profile.
Select Advanced from the left pane.
Toggle OFF Hardware Acceleration.
Click Okay to confirm.

Your Discord app will restart automatically. Now, you can try a Netflix stream and see if this resolves the problem or not.

1.2 In your Windows PC

Press the Win + I keys to open Settings.
Click on Display.
Click on Graphics.
Hit the Change default graphics settings link.
Toggle OFF the Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.

1.3 On your browser

Launch Google Chrome.
Click on the 3-dot icon.
Click on Settings.
Click on System from the left pane.
Toggle OFF Use hardware acceleration when available.

Turning off the hardware acceleration will not force the GPU to enhance the computer’s performance. This often is why the Discord screen goes black when you stream Netflix.

2. Update the graphics driver

Open the Start menu by pressing the Win button.
Open Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
Click on Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the latest graphics driver on your PC.
Restart your PC.

This is the usual way to update the graphics or other drivers on your PC. However, this could be tiring if you update all drivers on your PC because this requires you to follow the same steps for all drivers.

To ease the process, we would recommend you use a third-party tool called Outbyte Driver Updater. Using this tool, not only can you update drivers on your PC, but it can help you schedule driver scans to keep them up to date all the time, create driver backups, and use its efficient download manager.

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3. Clear browser cache

3.1 Google Chrome

Open Google Chrome.
Click on the 3-dot menu icon.
Select Settings.
Click on Privacy and Security.
Select Clear browsing data.
Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files options.
Click on the Clear data button.

3.2 Mozilla Firefox

Click on the 3-line icon.
Select Settings from the drop-down.
Click on the Privacy & Security button from the left.
Under the Cookies and Site Data section, hit the Clear Data button.
Check the boxes for Cookies, Site Data, and Cached Web Content options.
Click on the Clear button.

Cache files store all your personalized settings for the websites or the web apps you use on a browser. If anything happens to these cache files, it can trigger several issues.

That is why it is better to clear the browser cache frequently and check if this resolves the issue. You can also switch to a different browser and see if this fixes the problem, as the error could be associated with a particular browser.

We have a list of some of the best browsers you can install on your PC and enjoy some great features over the browser you are already using.

4. Disable browser extensions

Launch Google Chrome.
Click on the 3-dot icon.
Select Settings.
Click on Extension.
Toggle OFF all the extensions one by one.

There are chances that the third-party extension that you have installed on your browser is causing the issue and might be conflicting with Discord.

5. Disable any VPN

VPN or Virtual Proxy Network allows you to view geo-restricted content or websites. If you are confused about which VPN to use, we suggest you check out our guide, which lists some of the best VPNs you can try on your PC.

However, if you are experiencing a Discord black screen during a Netflix stream, we suggest you disable the VPN and check if this fixes the issue.

6. Change Discord video settings

Open the Discord app.
Click on the Gear icon at the top to open Settings next to your profile.
Click on Voice & Video section on the left pane.
Under the Video Codec section, toggle OFF OpenH264 Video Codec provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. and H.264 Hardware Acceleration options.
Scroll down and under the Screen Share section, toggle ON the Use our latest technology to capture your screen option.
Start a Netflix stream and check if this resolves the issue or not.

7. Switch to Windowed mode

Discord allows you to enter the fullscreen mode by pressing the Ctrl + Shift + F keys. You can press the duplicate keys to get out of the fullscreen mode and put Discord on Windowed mode.

8. Clear the Discord app cache

Press Win + R keys to open the Run dialogue.
Type %appdata% and press Enter.
Locate the discord folder and open it.
Open the Cache folder.
Press Ctrl + A to select all files and press the Delete button.

You should clear the app cache frequently as you tweak the app settings multiple times as per your convenience, and if this gets corrupted, it could cause various issues with your PC if the settings do not match those of the stored cache files.

That is it from us in this guide. If you are getting a robot voice in Discord, you can check out our guide and fix it in no time.

Several users have reported that the Discord member list isn’t loading, so we suggest you check out our guide to fix it. We also have a bunch of solutions that will help you improve game crashes while streaming on Discord, and also some methods to fix the Discord mic not working problem.

Discord can often misbehave and the result of high CPU usage. You can quickly fix it by following the solutions in our guide.

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions helped you resolve the Discord black screen issue during a Netflix stream.

Starfield release date likely to be announced “very soon” at dedicated showcase event

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Robert Collins

It has been the source of much speculation of late, and it looks like we may finally, at long last, “very soon” know when we’ll get our hands on Starfield. At least, that’s according to Bethesda’s Latin America Instagram account, BethesdaLATAM.

As reported by PCGamesN, the account shared a post stating that “very soon we will announce it.” The post was a response from a user inquiring about a release date for the game.

Adding more fuel to the speculation is that fact that the game’s release date on Steam was recently changed from “2023” to “coming soon.” Though this doesn’t give us a whole lot to go on, it would seem to bolster the idea that an official release date is very imminent.

Xbox and Bethesda will livestream a Developer_Direct event next week on January 25th. During this event Minecraft Legends, Forza Motorsport and Redfall will be showcased, with a special Elder Scrolls Online event following. It is likely that release dates for Forza Motorsport and Redfall will be unveiled. A dedicated showcase event for Starfield will follow, though the broadcast date for this is thus far unannounced.

Excel’s File not loaded completely? How Can You Fix This Error

Posted on January 20, 2023October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

The Microsoft Excel File not loaded completely error arises when users try to open an Excel spreadsheet or import a CSV file so big that is not supported by Excel. When that error arises, the File not loaded completely dialog box opens which explains why the error message appears. That dialog box states:

This message can appear due to one of the following : The file contains more than 1,048,576 rows or 16,384 columns… The area that you are trying to paste the tab-delineated data into is too small.

That error often arises when users try to open spreadsheets that eclipse Excel’s maximum worksheet limit specifications for total columns and rows.

Alternatively, you might try to import CSV data into a sheet that eclipses Excel’s maximum limit specs. The Excel specifications and limits page provide full details for all the application’s maximum limits.

How do I fix the File not loaded completely error?

1. Open the spreadsheet with alternative software

Most spreadsheet applications support Excel’s file format. So, try opening the Excel file in an alternative freeware spreadsheet application that might not have the same maximum limits.

If you can open it in alternative spreadsheet software, you can reduce the number of rows and columns in the file so that it opens in Excel.

Alternatively, try opening the spreadsheet with a universal file opener (UFO) software. File Viewer Lite is a freeware UFO software you can add to Windows by clicking Free Download on its page. After installing it, open the Excel spreadsheet in File Viewer Lite.

Note, however, that you can only save modified spreadsheets with File Viewer Plus, which is the full version.

File Viewer Plus microsoft excel file not loaded completely

2. Import the Spreadsheet into Access

Open a blank database file in that application
Click the External Data tab
Click the Excel button
Click Browse to select the Excel spreadsheet
Select the Import the source data into a new table in the current database
Click the OK button
Click the Next and Finish buttons on the Import Spreadsheet Wizard window

Thereafter, you can view the spreadsheet’s content within its database table. You can also remove table rows and export the modified file back to Excel as a spreadsheet.

3. Split a CSV file before importing it

If the File not loaded completely error arises when you try to import a CSV file, try splitting the CSV with the Split CSV File program.

Thereafter, you can import the split CSV file into separate Excel worksheets.

Split CSV File microsoft excel file not loaded completely

4. Repair a corrupted Excel file

The File not loaded completely error can also be due to a corrupted Excel workbook. To fix that, click the File tab in Excel.
Select Open and then the folder that includes the Excel file.
Select the Excel file that doesn’t open.
Click the arrow on the Open button.
Then select Open and Repair on the menu.
Select the Repair option if available.

Those are some of the resolutions that might fix the File not loaded completely error. To ensure that error doesn’t arise, make sure your spreadsheets don’t eclipse Excel’s max limit specifications.

The best way to do that is to utilize multiple sheets within a workbook as the column and row max limits apply more specifically to single worksheets.

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