Solved: The Set of Folders Cannot be Opened in Outlook

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

The set of folders cannot be open is one of those errors, and it will prevent you from starting Outlook.

This suggests you might deal with corrupt files, and it can also happen after a Windows update. Whatever the case may be, it’s fixable. Here’s what our team found to be working:

How do I fix Outlook: The set of folders cannot be opened?

1. Start Outlook in safe mode

  1. Press Windows key + R and enter Outlook /safe. Press Enter or click OK.
    outlook run dialog The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. If Outlook starts in safe mode, you need to disable your add-ins. To do that, click on File > Options > Add-ins.
  3. Now click on the Go button next to Manage: Com-in Add.
  4. Disable all available add-ins and click OK to save the changes.

After disabling add-ins, try to start Outlook again and check if the problem still appears. Some readers reported that the LABBYY FineReader add-in was the cause for this problem, so if you have it, be sure to disable it and check if that solves the issue.

Most Windows users don’t know how easy it is to add Safe Mode to the boot menu. Find out how you can do it in just a couple of steps.

2. Run Outlook as administrator and turn off the Compatibility mode

  1. Locate Outlook’s shortcut, right-click it, and choose Properties from the menu.
    properties context menu The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab and uncheck Run this program in compatibility mode for option. Now check Run this program as an administrator option and click on Apply and OK to save the changes.
    run this program in compatibility mode The set of folders cannot be opened

Is some of our tests, we simply cleared this error by starting Outlook as an administrator. Disabling the Compatibility mode also worked.

After making these changes, try to start Outlook again and check if the error message appears again.

Does nothing happen when you click on Run as administrator? Don’t worry, we’ve got the right fix for you.

3. Use the /resetnavpane parameter

  1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. When the Run dialog opens, enter Outlook.exe /resetnavpane command. Press Enter or click OK to run it.
    outlook.exe /resetnavpane run window The set of folders cannot be opened

It seems that the problem was caused by the navigation pane in Outlook, and that caused this problem to occur. Once you run this command your navigation pane will reset to default and hopefully, the problem will be fixed.

4. Use scanpst.exe to fix your .ost file

  1. Open your Office Installation directory. By default, it should be C:\Program Files(x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16
  2. Now locate scanpst.exe and run it.
  3. When Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool starts, click on Browse.
  4. Now you need to select your .ost or .pst file. You can find the .ost file in this directory: C:\Users\your_username\MyDocuments\OutlookFiles
  5. As for .pst file, it is located in C:\Users\your_username\AppData\Local\MicrosoftOutlook. You can use any of these files for the repair process.
  6. Once you select the desired file click the Start button to scan it.
  7. When the scan is completed, you’ll be asked whether you want to repair the file. Click the Repair button. Keep in mind that you might need to run the repair process a couple of times if you want to completely fix all errors.

Some of our readers reported that The set of folders cannot be opened error can appear if your .ost file is corrupted. To fix the problem, you need to use Microsoft Outlook Inbox Repair Tool also known as scanpst.exe, as shown above.

After you repair your .ost file, the error message should disappear and you’ll be able to use Outlook without any problems.

5. Check iCloud

iCloud could cause the The set of folders cannot be opened error in Outlook because of add-in conflicts, integration issues, or corrupt data files. Try to:

Sign out and back into iCloud

  1. Be sure to completely close Outlook.
  2. Now start iCloud. You can do that by opening the Start Menu and typing iCloud. Choose the iCloud Desktop app from the list of results.
  3. When iCloud opens, click on the Sign out button.
  4. You’ll be asked whether you want to keep your contacts, calendar, and tasks. Choose Delete from computer option.
  5. After deleting your contacts wait for a few minutes for changes to take effect.
  6. Now sign in to iCloud again.
  7. Once you sign in, choose the option to sync Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks.

If the issue persists:

Reinstall iCloud

  1. Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > Data Files.
  2. Locate the iCloud data file and click on Remove. You can easily recognize iCloud data file by its .aplzod extension. When the confirmation message appears, confirm that you want to delete the data file.
  3. After doing that, close Outlook.
  4. Now open iCloud Control Panel and uncheck Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks with Outlook options.
  5. Download and install the latest version of iCloud. During the installation be sure to select the Repair option.
  6. After you install iCloud again, restart your PC.
  7. Once your PC restarts, start iCloud Control Panel and select Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks with Outlook, and start the sync process.

After doing that, start Outlook again and check if the error message still appears.

6. Create a new Outlook profile

  1. Press the Windows key + S, type control panel and choose Control Panel from the list of results.
  2. Navigate to the Mail section. If you can’t find it, go to User Accounts > Mail.
  3. Now click the Show Profiles button.
  4. Select your profile and click on Remove.
  5. In Mail Profiles window click the Add button and enter the name of your new Outlook profile. Click OK to save changes.
  6. Now choose Auto Account Setup or Manual Setup and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

7. Repair Office installation

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs and Features.
    programs and features control panel The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. When Programs and Features window opens, select Microsoft Office from the list of applications and click the Change button at the top.
    change programs and features
  3. Now select Quick Repair option.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the repair.

After you repair your Office installation, the problem should be resolved and everything should work normally.

8. Make sure that your .pst file is on the C drive

This error can occur if the .pst file from Outlook is located on a drive other than C. Moving it to the C drive fixed the problem for us, so be sure to try that as well.

If interested, read this quick guide to know how to find the folder that you accidentally moved or deleted.

9. Make sure that the path to the .pst file is correct

Many readers reported this problem because the path to their .pst file isn’t correct. Some users prefer to save this file in a different location, and that can cause the problem to appear.

To fix the issue, you need to navigate to Mail settings in Control Panel and set the correct path to your .pst files. After doing that, the problem should be resolved and you’ll be able to use Outlook without any problems.

10. Remove .xml files from the Outlook directory

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter appdata. Press Enter or click OK.
    appdata run window The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. When AppData directory opens, navigate to LocalMicrosoftOutlook16*.
  3. Now locate and remove all .xml files.

This error may occur due to corrupted XML files in Outlook’s directory. To fix the issue, you need to delete those files manually. Removing these files won’t cause any problems since Outlook will recreate them, so there’s no need to worry.

In our solution, we showed you how to fix the problem in Outlook 2016, but the approach should be the same for older versions of Outlook.

11. Clean Microsoft Office credentials

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter credential. Select Credential Manager from the list of results.
  2. Now, click on Windows Credentials.
    windows credentials The set of folders cannot be opened
  3. Locate Outlook or Microsoft Office in the list of credentials and click it.
  4. Now choose Remove to remove credentials from your PC.
    remove credentials The set of folders cannot be opened
  5. Confirmation message will now appear. Click on Yes to remove the credentials.
    delete generic credential The set of folders cannot be opened

Credentials Manager holds all your local passwords, and to fix the problem, you need to remove credentials for Microsoft Office as shown above.

After you remove the credentials, the problem should be resolved and you’ll be able to use Outlook without any problems.

12. Use Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant

This error message can be quite annoying and it can prevent you from starting Outlook. However, you might be able to fix the problem by downloading Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.

According to Microsoft, this tool can fix various Outlook problems, and several users claim that it fixed this issue for them. The tool is completely free and simple to use, so be sure to try it.

13. Remove the user from delegates and add them back again

This error message can sometimes appear while using a shared mailbox. To fix the issue, users are suggesting removing users from delegates or permission-level access and adding them back again.

After doing that you just have to restart Outlook and the problem should be resolved completely.

14. Delete your account from the Mail app

  1. Open the Mail app.
  2. Now navigate to the Accounts section in the left pane.
    mail app accounts The set of folders cannot be opened error in Windows 10
  3. Manage Account pane will now appear. Select your email account from it.
    account email The set of folders cannot be opened
  4. When the Account settings window appears, click on Delete account.
    delete account The set of folders cannot be opened
  5. The confirmation message will now appear. Click on Delete to remove your account.
    delete this account The set of folders cannot be opened

This error can appear if you have added your email account to the Mail app prior to adding it to Outlook.

After you remove your email account from the Mail app, you should be able to start Outlook without any problems. We don’t know why this problem occurs, but if you’re using the Mail app, remove your email account from it and check if that solves the issue.

15. Export your profile from the registry

  1. Press Windows Key + R and enter regedit. Press Enter or click OK.
    regedit run window The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. In the left pane, navigate to the  key: 
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftOffice15.0OutlookProfiles
    export registry The set of folders cannot be opened

    Right-click the Profiles key and choose Export from the menu.

  3. Choose a safe location for your file, set profile.reg as the name, and click on Save.
    save name export
  4. Now locate profile.reg file, right-click it and choose Edit from the menu.
    edit context menu The set of folders cannot be opened
  5. When Notepad opens, replace 15.0 with 16.0 everywhere in the file. To do this automatically, just press Ctrl + H and enter 15.0 in Find what and 16.0 in Replace with field. Now click the Replace All button.
  6. After doing that, save changes.
  7. Now locate profile.reg and run it.
  8. The confirmation message will now appear. Click Yes to proceed.
    confirmation dialog The set of folders cannot be opened

Several readers reported The set of Outlook folders cannot be opened error message after upgrading from Office 2013 to Office 2016. According to them, they were unable to set their profile in Outlook due to this error.

After doing that, your profile will be added to Outlook and you should be able to use it without any problems. Keep in mind that this is an advanced solution, so if you’re not comfortable editing your registry, you might want to skip this solution entirely.

If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read this handy guide and find the quickest solutions to the issue.

16. Use Google’s DNS

  1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
    network and sharing center control panel The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. In the left pane, click on Change adapter settings.
    chance adapter settings The set of folders cannot be opened
  3. Network Connections window will now appear. Locate your connection, right-click it, and choose Properties from the menu.
    adapter properties The set of folders cannot be opened
  4. When the Properties window opens, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
    internet protocol version 4 The set of folders cannot be opened
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses option and set Preferred DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server to 8.8.4.4. Click OK to save changes.
    use the following dns server The set of folders cannot be opened in Outlook

The set of folders cannot be opened error can sometimes appear due to your DNS configuration.

If the DNS server is not responding in Windows 10, you can fix it by following the simple steps from this article.

After you set your DNS, you just need to flush it to complete the process. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin). If Command Prompt isn’t available, you can also use PowerShell instead.
    command prompt admin The set of folders cannot be opened
  2. When Command Prompt starts, enter ipconfig /flushdns command and press Enter to run it.

After doing that, your DNS will be changed and any problems with Outlook should be resolved completely.

If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

17. Reinstall Outlook and remove its values from the registry

  1. Open Registry Editor. For more instructions on how to do that, check Solution 13.
  2. When Registry Editor opens, In the left pane navigate to 
    HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftOffice
    delete registry The set of folders cannot be opened

    Right-click the Office key and choose Delete from the menu.

  3. When the confirmation dialog appears, click on Yes.
    confirm key delete The set of folders cannot be opened
  4. After doing that, restart your PC.

When your PC restarts, Outlook should be completely removed. Now you just have to reinstall Microsoft Office and the problem should be fixed.

If you want to completely and safely uninstall an app on Windows 10, we recommend you try a dedicated uninstaller tool.

18. Delete the Outlook key from your registry

  1. Open Registry Editor.
  2. In the left pane, navigate to this key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office15.0\Outlook\Profiles\Outlook

    Keep in mind that this key can sometimes be called Default Outlook Profile instead.

  3. Right-click the Outlook key and choose Delete from the menu. When the confirmation message appears, click on Yes.
  4. Now right-click the Profiles key and choose New > Key from the menu. Enter Outlook as the name of the new key.
    new key registry The set of folders cannot be opened

This error can appear if your Outlook Registry key is damaged. To fix the problem, you need to open Registry Editor and delete the problematic key, as shown above.

After doing that, you just need to start Outlook again and the problem should be resolved completely.

Why the set of folders cannot be opened in shared calendar?

File corruption is a common problem in Outlook, and many reported that The folder cannot be expanded. This happens if your profile or installation is damaged.

In some instances, new folders aren’t visible in Outlook, and if that happens, you might want to try recreating them.

This problem can also appear if one or more folders in your mailbox are named incorrectly, so be sure to check that as well.

The set of folders cannot be opened error can prevent you from using Outlook, but you should be able to fix this problem by using one of our solutions.

If any of the emails are damaged in Outlook, you can just fix them quickly using Repair Toolbox for Outlook. It’s a great tool that repairs all your emails together with all their contents.

For any other suggestions or questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.

How to Install a Network Adapter Driver on Windows 7

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

A network adapter driver is a program that allows communication between your network connections and your PC. Thus, installing and updating it must be necessary to avoid digital conflicts.

You can perform these actions using several alternatives on all Windows versions. Here, in this guide, we will show you some of the best options to quickly install your network adapter driver on Windows 7.

How to install the network adapter driver on Windows 7?

1. Use Device Manager

  1. Press the Windows key and open the Start menu.
  2. Type Device Manager and open it.
  3. Expand the Network adapters section.
  4. Right-click the adapter and select Update driver software.
  5. Click on Browse my computer for driver software.
  6. Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
  7. Highlight Show All Devices and click on Next.
  8. Click on Have Disk.
  9. Click on Browse, point to the inf file in the driver folder, and click on Open.
  10. Select Next, and follow the instructions until the installation is complete.

After installing the driver, you may also need to set up your wireless connection. See our step-by-step guide on how to connect Windows 7 to WiFi to complete the process.

2. Go to the manufacturer’s website

  1. Open any web browser.
  2. Search for the manufacturer’s official support website.
  3. Search for the exact model of your network adapter driver.
  4. If available, download and follow the indicated steps to install the driver.

3. Try third-party software

We also recommend you use the support of third-party software. Thus, we can talk about driver updater software, which seems to be a precious option.

Once you let it run on your computer, it will automatically install the drivers. Also, it is easy to forget about it, and you’ll probably never use it again until the next PC update appears. 

Moreover, with its help, you can set third-party software to run on your system startup and perform periodic PC scans.

Installing and using specialized software can save you time and be a long-term ally. Thus, you’ll not have to bother yourself again with the manual installation process.

4. Use the support website

  1. Visit the Acer support website. Similarly, you can visit the support website for your laptop’s brand.
  2. Enter your device’s serial number, SNID, or model number, and press Enter.
  3. Locate the network adapter.
  4. Select your network adapter driver and hit the Download button.

We have shown the above steps for an Acer laptop. Similarly, you can visit the Dell website, HP website, etc., and download the standard network adapter driver for your Windows 7 laptop or PC.

5. Use Intel Driver & Support Assistant

  1. Visit this website.
  2. Download the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
  3. Install the program.
  4. Launch it.
  5. It will open a web page and automatically scan your PC for updated or missing drivers.
  6. If it detects a missing network adapter driver, it will prompt you to install it.
  7. Install the latest network adapter driver.
  8. Reboot your PC.

These were our recommended suggestions; you can try to install your network adapter driver on Windows 7. Again, we made sure we selected the best you could find.

If you’re also wondering if you can make Windows 10 drivers work on Windows 7, then feel free to check a complete guide. In addition, our guide on the best browsers you can install on your Windows 7 PC lists some tested and tried browsers you can check out.

In addition, let us know which of the listed options suits you the best. So, don’t hesitate to leave your opinion in the comment section below.

SOLVED: Event ID 1001 StoreAgentScanForUpdatesFailure0

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The storeagentscanforupdatesfailure0 error, tracked as Event ID 1001, shows that Windows ran into an issue when trying to scan for updates. Let’s see what causes this error and how to fix it.

As Windows users explain, this error often causes the system to freeze, needing a restart to recover. Common causes include low memory, antivirus conflicts, or corrupted system files that interrupt the update scan process.

Let’s see how you can fix it:

How do I fix the Windows error reporting 1001?

1. Run an SFC scan

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator for the search result.run as administrator
  2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.yes
  3. Input this command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
    deployment image command Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  4. To scan system files, paste this command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
    The sfc command Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  5. Wait until the Command Prompt displays a scan outcome.

This command should identify and fix file corruption issues. If the problem persists, you can instead use a third party tool that has the same aim, or continue reading as we have more fixes for you.

2. Scan for malware

  1. First, double-click the Windows Security icon in your system tray.
    Windows Security icon Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  2. Select Virus & threat protection to open the scan tab.
    Windows Security window Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  3. Click Scan options to view more settings.
    Scan options Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  4. Select the Full scan option, and then click on Scan now.
    Scan now button Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001

Windows Security should be able to fix the Event ID 1001 Windows Error Reporting CbsPackageServicingFailure0 if it was caused by malware. However, if it can’t locate any problems, try using an effective third-party antivirus.

3. Close superfluous background apps

  1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete hotkey, and select the Task Manager option.
    Task Manager option Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  2. Select all the programs listed under the Apps section individually, and click the End task button.end task to fix error reporting event id 1001
  3. Similarly, terminate all superfluous background apps and services listed under Background processes.
  4. Next, navigate to the Startup tab, select the programs configured to launch when you turn on the computer individually and click Disable.disable startup apps

After making these changes, you shouldn’t see The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck Event ID 1001 in the Event Viewer anymore. But, in case you do, head to the following method.

4. Free up hard drive space

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Disk Cleanup in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.disk cleanup to fix error reporting event id 1001
  2. Choose the drive you want to clean from the dropdown menu, and click OK.select drive
  3. Select all the checkboxes under Files to delete, and click on OK.delete files to fix error reporting event id 1001
  4. Click Delete Files in the prompt to confirm.delete files

There are also many other ways to free up disk space in Windows. Once you are done with these, verify that the Event ID 1001 bugcheck doesn’t reappear in Windows 10.

5. Turn off Cloud-delivered protection

  1. Press Windows + S, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.window security
  2. Click Virus & threat protection tab within the utility’s window.
    Virus & threat protection tab Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  3. Then click the Manage settings option.
  4. Turn off the Cloud-delivered protection option.
  5. Disable the Automatic sample submission setting.

6. Extend virtual memory allocation

  1. Press Windows + S, search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and click on the relevant result.Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows search result Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  2. Click the Advanced tab in the Performance Options window.
    Advanced tab Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  3. Press the Change button on that tab.
    Change button Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  4. Uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives checkbox in the Virtual Memory window.
  5. Click the Custom size radio button to select it.
    Custom size Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  6. Enter values in the Initial Size and Maximum Size boxes to increase virtual memory allocation on your PC. Then, look at the details provided under Total paging file size for all drives to check current values.
  7. Press the OK button to save the changes.
    The Ok button Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001

Virtual Memory is a part of the storage drive used as RAM to store inactive programs. Increasing the virtual memory should do the trick if you encounter Error Reporting Event ID 1001 due to memory issues.

7. Reinstall software that throws Error 1001

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.
  2. Now, select the app leading to the error, and click the Uninstall button.
    Uninstall option Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstall process.
  4. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

After that, reinstall the software you just uninstalled. Again, you should download the latest version from the publisher’s website.

And as with any error or issue, there’s always the option to perform a system restore, or factory reset Windows 11.

How can I check if error 1001 occurred on my PC in Event Viewer?

If you suspect error 1001 has occurred on your PC, but haven’t checked, look through the events log. Event Viewer is a Windows utility that includes records to help users identify and troubleshoot issues.

You can check for an error 1001 log with that utility as follows:

  1. Press Windows + S to open the Search menu, enter Event Viewer in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
    Event Viewer search result Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  2. Double-click Windows logs in the left pane.
  3. Then select Application.
    Application log category Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  4. Look for and double-click recent error logs to view them. All those logs include the event IDs; the one you’re looking for is 1001.
    Event ID number Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  5. Alternatively, click Find on the right of Event Viewer.
    Find tool Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001
  6. Input 1001 in the Find what box.
  7. Then click Find next to find error 1001 with the search tool.
    The Find window Windows Error Reporting Event ID 1001

If you find an error 1001 log, have a look through the details for it on the General tab. Look for a faulting application path specified there, which can help you identify the software the issue occurs for.

There isn’t any specific guaranteed resolution for error 1001. However, applying all the potential solutions above could feasibly resolve that issue on your PC.

If those fixes aren’t enough, consider contacting Microsoft’s Windows support service via the Contact Microsoft Page for further fixes. Enter an error description, click Get help, and select Contact Support from there. You can then discuss the error in live chat with a support agent.

Also, find out how to effectively check error logs in Windows 11 to identify what’s causing the problem. We also have a guide on Service Control Manager event ID 7034, so don’t miss it.

You can also chat about the Event ID 1001 error in the comments below. Have you discovered any other way to fix this issue? If so, let us know about it below.

How to Change or Remove the Primary Account from Outlook

Posted on by Elena Constantinescu

If you’re looking for a new Outlook guide to help you change or remove your primary account, you’ve come to the right place. Any user enjoys the freedom to add two or more accounts to the Outlook e-mail application.

It makes perfect sense to get all your emails in a single application, right? However, the first account added remains the primary account. So, you’ve got a problem on your hands when migrating from one Exchange service to another.

Outlook informs you that The primary Account cannot be removed unless it is the only account in profile. You must remove all other Exchange account before removing primary account. Ideally, a new data file should override the old primary account preference, but this doesn’t happen.

If you are wondering how to change or remove the primary account from Outlook, just follow the procedure below to understand how it works.

How can I change or remove the primary account from Outlook?

1. Change the primary account by adding a PST file

  1. Close Outlook.
  2. Go to Start.
  3. Here, click on Control Panel.
  4. Click on the Mail icon.
  5. In Account Settings, remove all secondary accounts.Remove secondary accounts
  6. Then, delete the primary account. This one can be easily identified via the checkmark in the left-hand section of the screen.
  7. With all the accounts now removed, click the Data Files tab.
  8. Tap on Add and browse to your PST location.
  9. After you load it, click on Set as Default.
  10. Add the new account that you want to serve as primary by clicking the New button.Click the New button
  11. Up next, close this window.
  12. Restart Outlook and go to Account Settings > Account settings.
  13. Here, click on the Data files tab.
  14. Make sure the OST file is set as the default. If it isn’t, then select it and click the Set as default button.
  15. Restart Outlook again. Your new account should be now shown as primary.

First of all, you can simply change your primary account and keep it along with any profile-specific settings. Do so by adding a PST file to the profile and setting it as the default data file.

If you want to convert a Microsoft Outlook PST file to OST, check out this detailed guide and learn how you can do it with ease.

2. Remove the primary account by making a new one

  1. Close Outlook and any associated dialogs.
  2. Press Windows key + R and type control mlcfg32.cpl.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Click on Show Profiles.
  5. Click the Add button to create a new profile.
  6. Also insert a profile name.insert profile name
  7. Use auto Email Account setup to insert your email credentials and configure the new account.auto Email Account setup
  8. Go back to the initial Mail window.
  9. You can now make it the default choice by clicking on Always use this profile and selecting your new profile from the list.
  10. Don’t forget to click Apply to save your preferences.
  11. Finally, just select your old profile and click Remove.

If the first procedure is time-consuming and not totally safe (it includes chances of data loss and might affect other Exchange accounts), this one is faster and more stable.

However, you won’t get to retain any profile settings. Your email account from the new profile will become the new primary account this time.

These are the methods by which you can change or remove the primary account from Outlook. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to write them down in the comments area.

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Fix: Browser Not Connecting to The Internet

Posted on by Sagar Naresh

Many users have posted on forums about their browsers not connecting to the internet. When a browser doesn’t connect to the internet, it doesn’t load any web pages even though its PC’s connection is seemingly acceptable. That’s a common connectivity issue that perplexes many users.

Also, being unable to surf the internet could be pretty annoying as we accomplish most of our tasks using web browsers. This guide will give you some troubleshooting solutions to apply and quickly fix the browser not connecting to the internet issue. Let us check them out.

Why doesn’t my browser connect to the internet?

Various potential factors can be behind a browser not connecting to the internet. Those factors can be network or browser issues. These are some of the more likely reasons for a browser not loading webpages:

  • Antivirus software and firewall blocks: A firewall or your antivirus tool might be blocking your browser from connecting to the internet.
  • DNS (Domain Name Server): There could be a discrepancy between IP address assignments on your PC and the DNS server. Or your DNS server might be somewhat overloaded.
  • Browser: The issue might arise because you’re utilizing an old browser version or how some of your browser’s settings have been configured.
  • Malware: Some malware might be preventing pages from loading in your browsers.
  • Network issues: Network issues arise from incorrect Winsock catalog settings and TCP/IP configurations.

How can I fix a browser not connecting to the internet problem?

1. Try utilizing a different browser

You might find alternative browsers that can connect to the internet and load pages without issues. For example, if you’re not already utilizing Opera, try browsing with that browser instead of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and co. That’s a reliable Chromium browser with unique features and an excellent UI design.

When browsing with Opera, you might not miss Chrome that much. It includes a built-in VPN, messenger, music player, battery saver, and screenshot features you don’t get in Google Chrome. Opera users also have access to Chrome Web Store extensions much the same.

Other Opera features

  • Opera’s start page incorporates customizable speed dials and a sidebar
  • Users can utilize Opera with mouse gesture movements
  • The tab search box is a handy addition to Opera
  • Its built-in ad blocker removes ads from webpages

⇒ Get Opera

2. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

  1. Press the Win + I buttons to open Windows Settings.
  2. Select Troubleshoot.
  3. Click Other troubleshooters.
  4. Scroll down and click Network Adapter.
  5. Press the Run button next to Network Adapter.
  6. Follow the onscreen steps to initiate the troubleshooting.

3. Turn off firewalls and third-party antivirus software

  1. Press the Win button to open the Start menu.
  2. Type Windows Defender Firewall and open it.
  3. Next, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  4. Check the boxes for Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Private and Public network settings.
  5. Click OK to apply the options.

Disable that software if you have a third-party antivirus utility installed, which might incorporate a firewall. To do so, look for and right-click the system tray icon for the antivirus software. Then select the option for disabling the antivirus utility’s on its context menu.

Note icon NOTE
Note: If turning off Windows Defender Firewall or disabling antivirus software resolves the issue, the disabled security utility was likely blocking the browser connecting. However, it’s not recommended you leave your PC’s antivirus shield and firewall permanently disabled.

4. Flush the DNS cache

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Search for the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and press Enter after each one:
    ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
    ipconfig command browser not connecting to internet
  4. Restart your PC after inputting those commands.

5. Reset the network adapter and TCP/IP stack

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Search for the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
  3. Type the below command and hit Enter: netsh winsock reset catalog
    netsch winsock reset command can't set opera as default browser
  4. Input this reset TCP/IP command and press Enter: netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
  5. Restart your desktop or laptop.

6. Reset the browser

  1. Click the 3-dot menu icon.
  2. Select Settings on the menu.
  3. Click on Reset and clean up.
  4. Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
  5. Press the Reset settings button to restore Chrome to its default settings.

The above procedure is shown for the Google Chrome browser. You can follow the steps for your browser appropriately.

7. Switch to a Google DNS

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Type Control Panel and open it.
  3. Select Network and Sharing Center.
  4. Click Change adapter settings to open Network Connections.
  5. Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
  6. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4.
  7. Select the Use the following DNS server addresses.
  8. Enter 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server.
  9. Then input 8.8.4.4 within the Alternate DNS server.
  10. Click the OK button.

8. Reinstall your browser

  1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Win key.
  2. Open the Control Panel.
  3. Click Programs and Features.
  4. Select your browser, and click the Uninstall option.
  5. Restart your desktop or laptop after uninstalling the browser.
  6. Download the latest version of your browser.
  7. Install the browser and check if this resolves the issue or not.

You can also utilize a third-party uninstaller to uninstall your browser. In addition, some third-party uninstallers will erase leftover residual files along with the software. 

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

Note icon NOTE
Note:  This resolution is recommended if you can still open websites in alternative browsers. If you can’t open websites in any browsers, try updating the browser you need to fix with its built-in update option. 

Get in touch with the affected browser’s support service. So long as you can still view websites in other browsers, you can find support contact details on browser help pages. You can also post on the browser’s support forum. 

Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) might also be able to assist with this issue. There could be an issue with your ISP that’s stopping your browser from connecting to the internet. So, consider contacting your ISP’s support service for further guidance. 

Those resolutions many users have confirmed can fix browsers not connecting to the internet. Although there isn’t a guaranteed resolution for this issue, those potential fixes are worth a shot.

In the comments below, let us know which solutions helped you resolve the browser not connecting to the internet or Wi-Fi connection. Still, the browser is not working, doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, or will not connect to internet issues.

Windows 10 Join Domain Missing: Diagnose & Fix in 4 Steps

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions support the Windows Domain feature. This option allows users to add their computer to the corporate environment, but what if Windows 10 Join Domain is missing?

Before we dig in, it might be useful to know exactly which Windows versions can join a domain. From the beginning, you should know that not all editions are eligible for this feature, but only Pro, Enterprise, and Education.

So, here’s the big question: can we join Windows 10 Home Edition to domain? Not by default.

However, there is a Windows 10 Home join domain workaround that will allow you to do so even if at first it seems that you’re unable to join a domain on Windows 10.

Using the Domain, you can access the resources for which you have permission within the network perimeter. Unfortunately, some users have reported that Domain Join is greyed out even after meeting all the requirements.

Why can’t I join a domain in Windows 10?

Here’s what one of them had to say.

I upgraded from windows 10 home to pro.  I wish to add this computer to my work domain but even though I have pro the add to domain choice is missing.

Others simply see this message without further instructions: you cannot join a computer running this edition of Windows 10 to a domain.

Aside from the above, there are more issues that users reported in connection to Windows 10 Join Domain missing, as follows:

  • Member of domain is disabled in Windows 10 – In this case, it might be useful to enable Active Directory users and computers in Windows
  • Join a domain not showing Windows 10
  • You cannot join a domain with this version of Windows 10
  • Join this device to a local Active Directory domain missing
  • Domain option is disabled in Windows 11
  • To use a wizard to join a domain is disabled
  • Domain Join greyed out, Windows 10 join domain not available
  • Cannot complete this function join domain
  • The following error occurred attempting to join the domain
  • Windows 10 Enterprise Join Domain button missing

Learn how to retrieve the missing Domain option with the instructions below and easily join a domain on Windows 10.

How do I add Windows 10 to a domain?

1. Join Domain From Settings

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Go to Accounts.
    Windows 10 Access Work or School join domain option missing windows 10
  3. Click on Access work or School from the left pane.
  4. Next, hit the Connect button.
  5. Click on Join this device to a local Active Directory Domain.
  6. Now enter the Domain name and click Next.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to join the Domain.

2. Join Domain from This PC Properties

  1. Open the File Explorer from the taskbar.
  2. Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
  3. Under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings, click on Change.
    System and Security - Join Domain - Change Settings join domain option missing windows 10
  4. In the System Properties window, click on the Computer Name tab.
    System Properties - This PC join domain option missing windows 10
  5. Next, click on the Network ID button to join a domain or Workgroup.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to Join the domain.

3.  Join a Domain using Command Prompt

    1. Type cmd in the search bar.

  2. 2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

    CMD run as administrator

  3. 3. In the Command Prompt, enter the following command and hit enter.
    netdom /domain:Techmaniac /user:tashre1 /password:addyourown member <computer name> /joindomain

  4. 4. In the above command replace Domain with your domain name and the user with your username. Add the password and make sure to change the computer name with your PC name.

    Join a Domain through Command Prompt

  5. 5. This should add your computer to the Domain.

4. Adding Other Users to Domain

  1. Open the Command Prompt as Admin.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit enter.
    netdom /domain:techmaniac /user:tashref1 /password:addyourown member <computer name> /add
  3. To run the above command you need to be the Administrator of the domain. And it is necessary that you run this command to add the new user to the domain before the user can join that domain.
  4. Now on the user front, enter the following command and hit enter.
  5. netdom /domain:Techmaniac /user:tashre1 /password:addyourown member <computer name> /joindomain
  6. Here also make necessary changes to the above command to join the domain.

if you were wondering which command is used to join a computer to domain, you’re in luck. In the above command, Netdom is a command line tool that is built-into Windows Server 2008 and above.

It can be used to not only join a domain but create an account and trust relationships. So if you deal with the Domains frequently, this can be a really handy utility to learn.

Joining a domain is a fairly simple process for anyone who has worked with the servers. To join a domain you need a User Account on the Domain, the name of the Domain, a computer running Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise version OS and a Domain Controller running Windows Server 2003.

Excel Date Showing as Number? 4 Ways to Stop It

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

If Excel date showing as number your formulas might not work, and maintaining your data can become more complex.

This can be a big problem and negatively impact your workflow, so in today’s guide, we will show you ways to fix this issue.

Why are my dates showing as numbers in Excel?

  • Excel has rules and directives that can automatically convert your input into numbers.
  • An outdated Excel app can sometimes cause formatting issues such as these.

How do I stop Excel from formatting dates into numbers?

We recommend you follow these preliminary checks before proceeding with any steps:

  • Fix network issues on your PC.
  • Ensure you update the Excel app to the latest version.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode and launch Microsoft Excel to see if the problem persists.

1. Convert the cell formatting

  1. Launch Microsoft Excel.
  2. Hold the left-click button on the mouse and drag the cursor over cells to select the range of cells that will include the dates.
  3. Right-click on the selected cell range and select Format Cells from the drop-down options.
  4. Select Date on the Number tab, then click the OK button to change the format for the selected range of cells.
  5. To change the cell format for a whole spreadsheet, click the box in the top-left corner of the sheet.
  6. Right-click on any cell and select Format Cells from the drop-down options.
  7. Select Date on the Number tab, then click the OK button to change the format for all cells.

Changing the cell format allows you to type dates in the cells without them appearing as numbers. It changes the Excel converting rules. If the spreadsheet arrow is not working in Excel, check l our guide for some fixes.

2. Insert a sign

  1. Open Microsoft Excel and go to your sheet.
  2. Click on any empty cell, press Ctrl + ; (semicolon), and then press Enter.

The above combination will quickly enter the current date in your worksheet without converting it to a number.

3. Use Find & Replace

  1. Launch the Microsoft Excel app and open the sheet.
  2. Select all the dates converted to text that you want to fix.
  3. Press Ctrl + H to open the Find & Replace dialog box.
  4. Enter a decimal sign in the Find what box and a forward slash in the Replace with field section.
  5. Click the Replace All button to allow Excel to detect your texts and format them automatically as dates.

Using the Find and Replace function allows you to replace the decimal point with a slash, prompting Excel to reevaluate the value as a date.

4. Hide the formulas

  1. Navigate to the Ribbon.
  2. Next, click on Formulas and uncheck Show formulas.
  3. You can also do this quickly by pressing Alt + M and then H on the keyboard.

Alternatively, our readers can read through our guide on how to Stop Excel from changing numbers to dates when using it. Likewise, you can check how to fix not being able to access files on Excel.

If you have more questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

How to Forward a Meeting Invite in Outlook [Simplified]

Posted on by Matthew Adams

Have you (or your meeting organizer) forgotten to include somebody in a meeting? If so, you can forward a meeting invite in Outlook to somebody even when you’re not the original meeting organizer.

The meeting organizer can also add a new person to the attendees’ list and send a meeting update in Outlook. This is how you can forward meeting invites in Outlook.

How do I forward a meeting invite in Outlook?

1. Forward a meeting invite and inform the organizer

  1. If you haven’t organized a meeting or declined a meeting request, you can still forward an invitation for it; and the original organizer will also receive a notification that you forwarded an invite. First, open the Calendar in Outlook.
  2. Double-click the meeting you need to forward an invite for.
  3. If it’s a recurring meeting, you’ll need to select either Just this one (for a single meeting invite) or The entire series (for a whole meeting series invite).
  4. Click the Forward button with the envelope icon, and then select Forward on its menu.The Forward button outlook how to forward meeting invite
  5. Next, input the email address of the new attendee to forward the invite to in the To box.
  6. Press the Send button.forwarded meeting email outlook how to forward meeting invite

2. Forward a meeting invite without informing the organizer

  1. You can also forward meeting invites without notifying the original organizer. To do that, open the Calendar view in Outlook.
  2. Select the meeting you need to forward.
  3. Drag and drop the selected meeting onto the mail icon at the bottom of Outlook’s Navigation Pane. That copies the selected meeting into a new email.
  4. In the email window, add a recipient to the To field.
  5. Then you can enter a few extra details in the message, and click the Send button.

3. Forwarding meeting invites as an organizer

  1. You don’t need to select the Forward option if you’re the original meeting organizer. Instead, double-click the meeting on the calendar.
  2. Then add attendee email address to the To field.
  3. Press the Send Updates button.
  4. Thereafter, select the Send updates only to the added or deleted attendees option.Send Update to Attendees window outlook how to forward meeting invite
  5. Alternatively, you can select the Send updates to all attendees option to update all those invited.
  6. Click the OK button.

So, there are three ways that you can forward a meeting invite to a new attendee. Select whichever method you prefer.

To learn more about invites, we have a great guide on how to send an Outlook invite multiple times, so be sure to visit it. And for those who received an invite, you can always set the meeting as tentative when unsure of your participation.

If you didn’t know, you may also copy the attendees from an Outlook meeting, and the highlighted guide will help you with that.

If you have any other questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach for the comments section below.

9 Best Tab Manager Extensions for Chrome [Better Performance]

Posted on by Madalina Dinita

However, it is easy to have one-too-many tabs opened at once. In such cases, having a means of intuitively managing or closing those tabs could be great.

A tab manager is your best bet, and we love to explore some of the best options available. You may explore using any of the best Password managers to get additional utility from your browsers.

Does Chrome have a tab manager?

Yes, Chrome has a tab manager and works to label, organize, and color-code tabs for easy management.

By right-clicking a tab and selecting the Add tab to new group option, the tab will get a colored dot that you can right-click on to give it a name and modify its color.

How do I change the tab layout in Chrome?

  1. Launch the Chrome browser.
  2. Right-click on a tab and select the Add tab to new group option.
    best tab manager chrome
  3. Name the tab group and select a color.
    best tab manager chrome

You can, however, get additional flexibility using any of the best tab manager options for Chrome in our list.

Quick Tip:

Before tweaking Chrome, we recommend switching to Opera One, which has a perfect tab management system.

You can find the Workspaces feature on the browser’s sidebar, and managing the tabs is child’s play. Add more workspaces, rename them, and add icons so that you can easily find them.

Opera One

Opera One’s Workspaces is the best tab organizer solution out there. It’s free and built-in so try it now.
Free Visit Website

What are the best new tab extensions for Chrome?

TooManyTabs – Great domain sorting

best tab managers TooManyTabs

The name of this extension says it all, as its primary purpose is the management of more tabs that you could typically handle by yourself. It is about the best tab management extension for Chrome.

Once installed, you can glimpse the contents of a tab just by hovering your mouse over it. This spares you the time wasted cycling through them manually.

The most iconic feature of TooManyTabs is that it can automatically backup/restore active tabs to your Google Drive account.

If you need a Chrome tab manager, this extension might be what you need.

Important features:

  • Automatically backup and restore active tabs
  • Bird’s eye view of opened tabs
  • Sorts by domain, title, and creation time

⇒ Get TooManyTabs

The Great Suspender – Best tab suspender

best tab manager tools for Chrome The Great Suspender

If you are looking for the best Chrome tab suspender that can suspend tabs after a set period, then The Great Suspender is the tool for you.

This extension lets you program a tab to shut down by itself after between 20 seconds and three days. It also allows you automatically suspend tabs if they meet specific criteria after a certain period.

More so, you can even whitelist certain websites so that they never get suspended.

Pros:

  • Tab tracking
  • URL and domain whitelist
  • Chrome performance boosting

⇒ Get The Great Suspender

BrainTool – Great topic manager

If you’re tired of having tabs all over the place in Chrome, BrainTool is a great management tool that organizes your tabs according to your topics.

When you find a page that fits a certain topic, just add it to that topic with a click and close it away.

This way, you will be able to open and close groups of tabs for a certain topic with a single click.

All the data about your tabs are stored and synced continuously in a plain text file, there are no servers so everything is private.

Moreover, the file can be edited, backed up, and shared with anyone. But the best part is that you won’t ever be afraid of closing tabs.

Take a look at its most important features:

  • Import and export to and from bookmarks or org-mode files
  • Topics within topics and searchable notes
  • Structured org-mode syntax
  • Complete privacy and plain text access.

⇒ Get BrainTool

Tabli – Most minimalistic

best tab manager tools for Chrome Tabli

Tabli is incredibly simplistic in terms of how it is designed. The UI is intuitive and minimalistic, making switching tabs enjoyable.

Additionally, Tabli can manage the tabs in different Chrome windows, which is something most of our other entries cannot. It does this by showing the tabs grouped up based on the windows they are opened in.

If you’re looking for the best tab organizer for Chrome, Tabli might be the right choice.

Pros:

  • Multiple tab control
  • Dark Mode
  • Save and restore windows

⇒ Get Tabli

Tab Manager Plus – Best for tab tracking

best tab manager tools for Chrome Tab Manager Plus

Tab Manager Plus has all of the essential elements that you could find in a tab management extension. This includes tools to close, rearrange, and switch between tabs more easily.

However, one feature that makes it stand apart is that the extension shows you the number of open tabs right on the icon.

This feature becomes most helpful when you reach several tabs that neither your eye nor your PC’s RAM can track.

Pros:

  • Tab rearranging
  • Duplicate tabs highlighting
  • Open tabs limiter

⇒ Get Tab Manager Plus

Cluster – Least impact on system resources

Managing many windows and tabs is simple using a window and tab manager like Cluster.

Cluster is a Chrome plugin that manages several open tabs while using the least amount of system resources.

Additionally, Cluster includes tools for speedy tab and window opening and a tab project manager that makes it simple to save or restore tab and window sessions as active projects.

When opening several tabs at once, Restored Windows opens them all in a suspended mode to save load time.

Pros:

  • Undo removed tab or window
  • Real tab URL display
  • Tab sorting

⇒ Get Cluster

Toby – Best for distraction-free focus

best tab manager tools for Chrome Toby

Toby’s functionality is somewhat similar to Cluster regarding tab displaying. While the extension lets you view all of your open tabs, it also enables you to group them into custom clusters called Collections.

Additionally, you can save these Collections for later use, and you can launch all of the tabs that belong to a Collection with a single click.

This allows excellent work flexibility, especially if you are the type that gets engaged in different projects simultaneously.

Overall, this is one of the best tab organizer options in Chrome, so it’s worth checking out.

Pros:

  • Group tabs by category
  • Web page extension access
  • Drag and drop functionality

⇒ Get Toby

Fruumo – Most user friendly

best tab manager tools for Chrome Fruumo

Fruumo is pretty much the most straightforward extension in the list as far as the interface goes, and it can show you how many tabs are open right on the icon.

It also features a search bar that lets you search through your history and bookmarks, not just the open tabs.

If you need a tab manager Chrome extension that is simple to use, be sure to consider Fruumo.

Pros:

  • Incredibly simple interface
  • History and bookmark management
  • Web search

⇒ Get Fruumo

Session Buddy – Steepest learning curve

best tab manager tools for Chrome Session Buddy

Session Buddy prides itself on being one of the best tab organizer extensions for Chrome on our list since it includes several extensive tweaking options.

You can configure anything from session names to maximum session counts that can be saved. Session information can be saved in many formats, such as JSON, HTML, and CSV.

However, this utility comes at the cost of simplicity, as it is a bit harder to use than other tab managers.

Pros:

  • Browsing session memory
  • Collections
  • Multiple customizations

⇒ Get Session Buddy

OneTab – Best for privacy

Onetab

OneTab is another Chrome tab manager with a unique twist: it converts all of your tabs into an easy and accessible list.

This makes the extension especially desirable if you are in the habit of losing count of tabs. You can even dismiss and restore them from the list all at once.

We love it because none of your user info is ever transferred to the developers. So your privacy is maintained at all times.

OneTab is the best way to manage tabs in Chrome and it’s also available on Firefox.

Pros:

  • Converts your tabs into a list
  • Saves up memory
  • Speed boosts

⇒ Get OneTab

Many of you are asking: What extensions should I have on Chrome? This is a difficult question because there are many great options, and it depends on what you expect to accomplish. However, here are a few of our favorite Chrome extensions:

  • Grammarly – Great for editing and proofreading
  • Loom – For screen video and audio capture and sharing
  • Hubspot Sales – Great for managing customer relations effectively
  • LastPass – Excellent for password management
  • Tab Manager Plus – While it did not make our list, it is a great option for tab management

In our opinion, if you’re the type of person who loves doing a lot of work but frequently gets lost in all the open tabs, then you definitely need a tab management extension.

This applies even more to anyone who uses Google Chrome but lacks the hardware to open too many tabs before issues occur.

You should also check our list of the best browsers with tab management you can use right now.

That said, try all the extensions listed above and pick the one that suits your work style best. Of course, we are curious to know which one you lean towards.

How to Fix Outlook Search not Showing Recent Emails

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Outlook is an email client used frequently across the world, especially by businesses and other corporate entities, and like any other frequently used program, it can develop issues over time that require fixing and maintenance so it can continue working properly.

When using Outlook, there are times when you want to find some old mail from your folders, whether it is the Inbox or Sent folder.

However, if the search doesn’t yield the results you’re expecting, it could be that your Outlook data file isn’t checked for indexing, so you need to check that the search index works correctly.

Why is Outlook search not showing recent emails?

One of the most common reasons Outlook is not searching all emails is the indexing function in Windows operating system.

This is a common issue across all Outlook versions as each version uses a similar base to function called the Outlook Search Index.

The solutions presented above should also apply in these scenarios:

  • Outlook not searching recent emails – Setting the correct search scope might do the trick here.
  • Outlook search not finding recent emails – Make sure to check if the indexing operation is complete as instructed. Then try any of the other options available.

This and other issues can be resolved through a few solutions outlined below.

How do I fix Outlook search not showing recent emails?

1. Repair the PST file

  1. Open File Explorer by using the Windows key + E shortcut from your keyboard.
  2. Click on This PC.
  3. Type scanpst.exe in the address bar and press Enter or click the blue arrow to search for the file.
  4. Double-click the file to run the app.
  5. Now enter the PST file name. If you don’t know it, just click on the Browse button and locate it. You will usually find it in the Users folder under Office or just search for *.PST by using the File Explorer app.
  6. After you locate the file and click the Start button and the app will start recovering your data.

You should know that you will need to run the Inbox Repair Tool several times to fully repair your personal folder (.PST) file.

Also, the Inbox Repair Tool cannot repair every problem that is detected. In some cases, it will not be able to recover the files if they were permanently deleted or damaged beyond repair.

At the same time, if you need to recover all your email on the Outlook platform really easily, you have to choose the best Outlook email recovery software and save your work.

Sometimes Outlook’s search issue is related to file corruption, especially the .PST file which is the program’s database file.

However, we have an excellent guide on how to repair corrupted files on Windows 10 that may help you with that really fast! If the scanpst.exe could perform the operation, it’s time to take out the big guns.

Stellar Repair for Outlook will effectively solve .pst file corruption or damage. With a repaired .pst file you will not only have access to all the emails and contacts that may have been lost, but the indexing process will be complete successfully.

This means that future email searches will return the correct results. Basically, Outlook search will work once again as it should.

2. Perform an SFC scan

  1. Click Start and type cmd in the search box, then select Run as Administrator.
  2. Type this command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  3. The process will take a bit of time and the tool will try to recover any corrupted files.

3. Run Outlook in Safe Mode

  1. Click on Start and select Settings.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Select Recovery from the left pane and select Restart now under Advanced startup.
  4. Select Troubleshoot from the Choose an option screen.
  5. Then, click Advanced options.
  6. Go to Startup Settings.
  7. Now, click Restart.
  8. Choose 4 or F4 to start your computer in Safe Mode.

If Outlook not search emails doesn’t happen in Safe Mode, then the issue isn’t with your basic drivers, but if it does, then check your drivers and/or update or reinstall them.

4. Perform a System Restore

  1. Click Start and type system restore in the search box, then click on Create a restore point.
  2. Enter your administrator account password or grant permissions if prompted to.
  3. Hit the System restore button.
  4. Now select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
  5. Click a restore point created before you experienced the problem and select Next.

Hopefully, the system will restore to the point in time before the Outlook problem started manifesting, and now it works fine again.

5. Rebuild the Index

  1. Go to File and select Options.
  2. Click on Search from the left pane, then select Indexing Options.
  3. In the new window, click on Advanced.
  4. Go to Troubleshooting and click Rebuild. This will set off the indexing process, it may take time depending on the size of your system files.

Rebuilding the index of Outlook should also repair the Search function and after this process, the app should work smoothly again.

6. Repair or reset Microsoft Office

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps.
  3. Look for Office or Microsoft Office in the list of aps, click on it to expand, and select Advanced options.
  4. Now scroll down and click on the Repair button. Check if Outlook is working well again. If not, come back to the window and click the Reset button.

7. Check the search scope in Outlook

  1. Click File, and then select Options.
  2. Click Search, then select All mailboxes from the Results section and click OK in the end.

By default, Outlook is set up to look in its current folder but by performing the steps above, you will make it look into all your mailboxes when searching for an email.

8. Check if the indexing is complete

  1. Open Outlook and select Search, then click on Search Tools, and pick Indexing status.
  2. When the dialog appears, check if it shows: Outlook has finished indexing all your items; 0 items remaining to be indexed.

If the indexing isn’t complete, check the remaining items and wait for about five minutes and check again. Assuming they don’t reduce, try the next solution.

9. Configure indexing options

  1. Click the Start button, type indexing options, and click on the app from the results.
  2. Under the Indexing Options, select Advanced.
  3. Select the File Types tab.
  4. Scroll down until you find msg in the Extension column, select it and make sure that the Index Properties and File Contents option is enabled. If not, click on its box to do so.

Make sure the Filter Description column shows Office Outlook MSG IFilter. If not, either the Windows Search service is not working correctly, or Outlook could not install the filters correctly. Check with Microsoft support for this issue.

If interested, read this guide to know how to find emails with empty subject lines on Outlook.

10. Rebuild the search catalog

  1. Click Start, type indexing options, and click on the app from the results.
  2. Ensure that Microsoft Outlook is listed in the included locations.
  3. If not, select Modify.
  4. Then, click to enable the checkbox next to Outlook.
  5. Next, click OK to get back to the previous window and click on Advanced.
  6. In the next window, select Rebuild.
  7. Select OK and close the window.

If indexing finishes without including Outlook data files or doesn’t finish, contact Microsoft support for help.

With this solution, we also conclude our guide on what to do if Outlook is not searching all emails, and we hope that our tips help you fix this annoying problem.

Another recommendation would be to delete the old emails you don’t need occasionally.

Sometimes, just that alone can make Outlook run faster and better and prevent such problems. Even more, don’t hesitate to take a closer look at our guide on how to use Search Folders in Outlook.

In the unlikely case that none of these fixes help, you should consider our selection, including the best Windows 10/11 email clients, and choose a better one.

In case you want to look for emails with special characters in Outlook, we have mentioned the steps in a separate guide; have a look!

Did any of these solutions help resolve Outlook not searching all emails? Let us know in the comments section below.

How to Make Outlook Calendar Private – Hide Appointments & More

Posted on by Matthew Adams

If you want to make your Outlook Calendar information private, you’ll have to tweak some settings. This will come in handy if you use it at work and use a shared calendar. Just follow the steps below.

How can I make the Outlook calendar private?

1. Select the Private option for appointments

  1. With the Private option, you can hide calendar appointments, events, and task details from other users. To do that, open Outlook’s calendar view.
  2. Select the meeting appointment on the calendar.
  3. Click the Private button on the Appointment tab. Then, users you share the calendar with (without Read permissions) can’t see the details for the padlocked appointment.Private option outlook how to hide calendar details from others
  4. Click the Private button again to remove the padlock from the appointment.

2. Adjust the permissions for shared calendars

  1. If you need to hide all appointment details on Outlook’s calendar, changing its permissions is better. To do so, click Outlook’s Calendar button.
  2. Select a calendar under My Calendars.
  3. Click the Change Permissions button to open the window shown directly below.Calendar Properties window outlook how to hide calendar details from others
  4. Choose a user you’re sharing the calendar with to adjust permissions for.
  5. Select the Reviewer option on the Permission Level drop-down menu.
  6. Select the Free/Busy time option.
  7. Click the Apply option.
  8. Click the OK button to exit the window.

3. Hide appointments in calendars shared via email

  1. Some Outlook users might need to share calendars via email. To remove appointment details from calendars shared by emails, right-click the calendar to share (under My Calendars) and select Share.
  2. Then select the Share Calendar option. That option will open the Share tab.
  3. Click the Limited details option in the Details drop-down menu.
  4. Select the Yes option.

So, that’s how you can ensure appointments, events, and task details aren’t visible to other users on shared Outlook calendars. Doing so will keep your calendar appointments more confidential.

If you have several calendars, you can view multiple calendars in Outlook to ensure you’re not missing out on any event that needs to be kept private.

You may also take a closer look at our detailed guide on how to keep Outlook’s calendars selected.

We also have a complete guide on how to add a holiday to your Outlook calendar if you’re interested in doing that.

If you have any more questions or suggestions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll check them out.

System Shock remake to launch in March according to latest developer update

Posted on by Robert Collins

After a long and apparently arduous development path, it looks like the System Shock remake is finally about to arrive in 2023. The team at Nightdive Studios shared a new developer update on January 2nd, in which was announced a new release window of March, 2023.

This isn’t the first time a launch window has been announced for System Shock, as the developer themselves pointed out in the update post. The game was first announced back in 2015 as a remaster of the 1994 cult-classic System Shock, which was a spiritual predecessor of the Bioshock franchise. The team took a hiatus from development of the game in 2018. The developers now consider the new System Shock “a faithful reboot” rather than a mere remaster, as it has been reworked with more “modern design principles.”

System Shock was showcased at Gamescom last year, and now appears to be finally in the last stretch of development. Preorders are currently available on Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.

 

7 Solutions to Why Your GoPro Videos Won’t Play on Your Computer

Posted on by Matthew Adams

GoPro is a high-resolution camera that can record 4K video. After recording footage, many GoPro users will transfer videos to their desktops or laptops so they can play the clips with Windows media players. But sometimes, GoPro videos won’t play on PC no matter what you do.

Don’t worry, we will show you how to play GoPro videos on PC or laptop even if they are reluctant at first. And speaking about firsts, we should definitely have a look at the causes for which GoPro video not playing on PC issues appear, to begin with.

Why won’t my GoPro videos play on my computer?

Let’s assume you already checked the official system requirements and that it’s a match. Even so, you might be struggling with different kinds of incompatibilities.

The media player or program you’re using might not fully support the needed formats or HEVC encoding and if such is the case, reliable software to watch GoPro videos will definitely come in handy.

If you can’t open GoPro files on PC, resolution differences can also be blamed, or even a shortage of memory. Finally, file corruption is a regular suspect when it comes to playing videos, so you mustn’t rule that out.

Let’s quickly go through some of the most common issues reported by users:

  • Can’t play GoPro video on computer
  • GoPro MP4 files not playing
  • How to play GoPro 4K video on PC
  • GoPro video won’t play on Windows 10, Windows 11
  • Can’t open GoPro files on PC
  • GoPro player not working

Without further ado, here are some quick and easy methods to help you fix GoPro video not playing on PC issues in no time.

How do I watch my GoPro videos on my computer?

1. Use a video-focused program

Adobe Premiere Pro takes center stage for many video editors these days and not only. Believe it or not, it does much more than high-quality audio and video editing.

If Windows 10 simply refuses to play GoPro videos, Adobe Premiere Pro can be a lifesaver. Downloading the free version is incredibly easy, and then all you have to do is to open the video file in it.

Don’t hesitate to export it to another popular format on your computer and open it in a player of your choice.

And if you’re still not convinced, remember that it integrates with other Adobe products that you already use daily.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is world’s best video editing software that can easily open and edit GoPro videos.
Free trialVisit website

2. Check your system specifications

  1. Click the Type here to search button on the Windows 10 taskbar to open the search box.
  2. Enter system info in the search box and click System Information to open the window shown directly below.
    system information why won't my gopro videos play on my computer

GoPro users record their videos at the highest 4K resolution, which is exactly why GoPro videos are not playing on computers for some users.

GoPro users need higher specification laptops and desktops to play their 4K videos in Windows. Media software doesn’t play 4K videos for users with PCs that don’t meet these minimum system requirements for 4K:

  • Video RAM: One GB
  • RAM: Eight GB
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 quad-core or Intel Xeon E5 at minimum
  • GPU: Any GPU higher than GeForce GTX 650 Ti, AMD A10-7800 APU, Intel HD Graphics 5000, and AMD Radeon HD 7000.

Some users will probably need to upgrade their laptops and desktops to play 4K GoPro videos. Users can check their system specs via the System Info window.

3. Play GoPro Videos with a Media Player that supports HEVC

If you’re wondering how to play GoPro 4K video on a PC, you will need a media player that supports HEVC.

Windows Media Player doesn’t play 4K videos without the Media Player Codec Pack. 5K Player, KMPlayer, and VLC are three of the best media players for 4K clips. So, install one of those media players.

4. Open the Video Playback Troubleshooter

  1. Open Cortana by clicking the Type here to search button on the taskbar.
  2. Input troubleshoot in the search box.
  3. Select Troubleshoot to open the Settings app as in the shot below.
  4. Select Video Playback and click Run the troubleshooter.
  5. Then go through the troubleshooter’s suggested resolutions if it provides any.

The Video Playback troubleshooter in Windows 10 can fix video playback issues. Therefore, that troubleshooter might come in handy if GoPro videos are not playing on the computer.

5. Convert the GoPro Video to a lower-resolution format

  1. Click the Download Handbrake 1.2.0 button on Handbrake’s website to save the setup wizard to a folder.
  2. Open Handbrake’s installer to add the video optimizer to Windows 10.
  3. Press the Open Source button.
  4. Click File to select a 4K GoPro clip to convert to an alternative 1080p resolution.
  5. Click General on the Presets sidebar on the right of the Handbrake’s window.
  6. Then select the Fast 1080p30 preset to convert the video to an MP4 clip with 1080 resolution.
  7. Press the Browse button to choose an output folder to save the video.
  8. Then press the Start Encode button.

Those users who can’t play 4K GoPro videos in Windows 10 can convert them to 1080p clips with Handbrake.

That will probably ensure the videos’ resolutions aren’t too high for a desktop or laptop, but users can also convert their GoPro clips to ones with resolutions lower than 720p.

If you want to know how to play a GoPro 4K video on PC, converting it to a lower resolution with Handbrake might be the best option, especially if you’re using a lower-end PC.

6. Fix corrupted GoPro video files

If GoPro videos are not playing on your computer, it’s possible that the videos got corrupted during the recording process.

GoPro video files can get corrupted when the camera unexpectedly shuts down. Thus, some users might need to fix a corrupted GoPro video.

GoPro cameras display SOS repair icons that highlight corrupted files. Place the SD card that includes the video which doesn’t play within the camera.

Then the camera might display an SOS signal on its LCD display when switched on. If so, press any button when you see the Repair icon to fix a corrupted file.

7. Free up RAM and disk storage

  1. To close third-party software, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
  2. Then select superfluous third-party software listed under Apps on the Process tab.
  3. Click the End task button to close the selected software.
  4. To free up disk space, enter disk cleaner in Cortana’s search box. Then click Disk Clean-up to open the window shown below.
  5. Select the C: drive, and click the OK button.
  6. Select the Temporary files and Recycle Bin checkboxes. Users can also select some of the other checkboxes to free up more HDD space.
  7. Then press the OK button.

Windows 10 media players usually don’t play GoPro clips because their 4K resolutions are too high. Converting the videos to lower-resolution formats will usually ensure playback.

However, some users might need to free up RAM and hard drive storage (for 4K playback) or repair corrupted GoPro videos.

4K GoPro videos also hog a lot of system resources in Windows 10. Thus, some users might need to free up RAM and hard drive space (for virtual memory) to ensure there is sufficient space to play their 4K footage.

Power BI: How to Add Column from Another Table

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Power BI has many great functions that make this Microsoft product one of the most desired tools for organizing and visualizing various sets of data, but Power BI is not so intuitive in some cases.

This issue was described by a user on the official Microsoft forum:

I have 2 tables: Table [A] and TimeZone. How do I add another colum in [A] that will use a column a vlaue in the TimeZone table without using a Merge Query? The Timezone table only contains one value which is the number of hours to offset. Ideally I would like to use this value as a parameter but have not figured out how to do it.

So, the OP wants to use the number of hours as a parameter but didn’t figure out how to do that.

If you find yourself in the same situation, here are some solutions that will work for you.

Steps to add a column from another table in Power BI

1. Add a column from another table when there is a relationship between tables

Add a calculated column on Table [A] using the syntax: New Column = RELATED(TimeZone[Value])

2. Add a column from another table when there is not a relationship between tables

If you don’t use relationships, here is an alternative:

New Column =
var JoinCol = ‘TableA'[ID]
var NewCol = CALCULATE(MAX(‘TimeZone'[Value]),’TimeZone'[ID]=JoinCol)
return NewCol

3. Add a column using Power Query

  1. Select Edit Queries. This will open a new window in Power BI.power b edit queries button
  2. Go to the Add Column tab.
  3. Add an Index Column and name it Index.power bi add index column
  4. Add a Custom Column with this expression: Table2[ColumnName]{[Index]}

Conclusion

The solutions seem a little bit technical, especially the first two. Still, the option of adding a column from another table is for advanced users.

Fortunately, there is more than one way to approach this issue, each one being adapted to the needs of every user.

Did you find our solutions useful? Do let us know in the comments section below!

Fix An Error Occurred While Connecting to Epic Servers on Xbox

Posted on by Hasibul Kabir

Is An error occurred while connecting to epic servers message bugging you on Xbox? We have the solution to get rid of this problem. Some multiplayer games connect to the Epic servers to give you the best experience. However, for some gamers, it may fail by showing you some error messages.

This error is not like the Disconnected from the server on Xbox we have discussed in another article. Whatever it is, the good thing is you can quickly get rid of such errors.

Why is an error occurring while connecting to the Epic servers?

  • Network problem: If there is a problem with your network connection, you may encounter this error.
  • Proxy or VPN usage: Often using poor quality proxy or VPN triggers server connectivity issues in multiplay games.
  • Problematic DNS server: If you are using a very low-quality DNS, it can be the root of the problem.
  • Epic’s internal problem: If an error occurs while connecting to the Epic servers, it also can be because of an internal problem from Epic’s end rather than yours.
  • A problem with the Xbox console: Usually, it doesn’t happen. But, sometimes, problems or bugs with the console may trigger such connectivity errors.

How can I fix an error occurred while connecting to Epic servers on Xbox?

Before trying out the suggested methods, we recommend you do the following things to avoid unnecessary hassles:

  • Check the Epic Game status to know if there is an outage or not.
  • Make sure your internet connection is OK.
  • Use Ethernet, if possible, instead of Wi-Fi. If you are interested, learn the ways to fix Xbox won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Update the problematic game to the latest version and see if it works.

After doing these things, you can go through these methods to solve Epic Game server connectivity errors while playing games like Fortnite on Xbox.

1. Change DNS

  1. Press the Xbox button.
  2. Open Settings.going settings xbox
  3. Navigate to General.general settings xbox
  4. Go to the Network settings.going network settings xbox
  5. Go to Advanced settings.going advanced settings xbox
  6. Tap on DNS settings.choose dns settings xbox
  7. Click on Manual.choosing manual dns xbox
  8. Set the primary and secondary DNS servers.set primary dns xbox

You can use Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) if you don’t know a quality DNS address. However, if you want, learn how to find the fastest DNS servers near you.

Using a better DNS server is a good way to solve an error occurred while connecting to the Epic servers in Xbox.

2. Go offline & online

  1. Go to Network settings, as shown in the previous method.
  2. Tap on Go offline.going offline xbox
  3. After that, tap on Go online.going online xbox

Doing this will automatically reconnect your internet connection. Now, try to play the problematic game and see if it helps or not.

3. Reset the Xbox cache

3.1 Clear persistent cache

  1. Go to Settings like before.
  2. Tap on Devices & streaming and then on Blu-ray.going blue-ray xbox
  3. Go to Persistent Storage.
  4. Tap on Clear Persistent Storage.clearing persistent storage xbox

Some users may not find the Blu-Ray option. If it happens to you, too, use the physical button method as an alternative one.

3.2 Clear using the physical button

  1. Press and hold the Xbox button on your console for 10 seconds to turn it off.xbox button
  2. Unplug the power cable.
  3. Press and hold that button again. Repeat it several times.
  4. Wait one minute and plug in the power cable again.
  5. Wait another minute.
  6. At last, press the Xbox button again to turn on the console.

Clearing cache often comes in handy in fixing problems like an error occurred while connecting to the Epic game servers.

4. Clear alternate MAC address

  1. Navigate to Settings and go to the General tab.
  2. Go to Network Settings.going network settings xbox
  3. Tap on Advanced Settings.going advanced network settings xbox
  4. Go to Alternate Mac Address.going alternate mac address
  5. Tap on Clear.
  6. Restart your console.

5. Use an Xbox VPN

If you still encounter the problem, but Epic Game has no outages, it may be your internet connection that has some issues. In this case, a gaming VPN can help. We suggest you use Private Internet Access (PIA). If necessary, learn how to use a VPN on Xbox.

If the problem still persists, we suggest you update the Xbox firmware to the latest version and see if it helps. Are you also encountering login problems? Learn how to solve there was an error logging in to Epic Games.

This article has featured the most effective ways to fix an error occurred while connecting to Epic servers on Xbox game consoles like Xbox One, Series S, X, or 360. If you have any suggestions or opinions, you can let us know in the comment box.

How to Access ChatGPT If It’s Not Available in Your Region [6 Ways]

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

If ChatGPT is not available in your region, you can gain access if you circumvent your location. The AI chatbot identifies your location, but if you use a virtual IP from a different country, you can get past this and use it.

Belo,w we’ll show you a few tried and tested ways in which you can do just that.

How to use ChatGPT if it’s not available in your country?

Table of contents

1. Try using Chat GPT in private mode

Another fix that did the trick for many was coupling VPN with a private browsing mode (Incognito mode in Chrome).

Try using a server based in USA or France when configuring the VPN and a number from the same region to sign in, all while using Chrome’s Incognito Mode or a similar mode in another browser.

2. Contact the support team

If you are based in a country where Chat GPT is available, but the screen still reads, Open AI’s services are not available in your country, contact the OpenAI’s support team.

They should be able to help identify the underlying cause and provide a resolution. Until then, you can use a friend’s Open AI account and Chat GPT in your country, even if it’s unavailable. Just remember to use a VPN.

Once you have managed to access the AI-powered chatbot, increase the Internet speed on your PC for a better experience or you may experience other related issues like the error validating credentials.

We also have great guides on what to do if ChatGPT is not working or how to use ChatGPT without a phone, so don’t miss them.

3. Use a VPN

You can always use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions, but with Chat GPT, things are now trickier.

Earlier, users could access it through a server based in a country where the chatbot was available, but it now asks for a phone number. Unfortunately, the worst part is that it doesn’t seem to accept VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) numbers.

While some users managed to get things running with effective VoIP software and a reliable VPN, we will still recommend the latter coupled with an actual phone from a country where Chat GPT is available, if possible.

Our top recommendation for a VPN is ExpressVPN, known for its fast speeds and wide network of servers, making it popular for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities. It also offers additional security features, such as a kill switch and split tunneling.

⇒ Get ExpressVPN

4. Mobile Apps

Sometimes the official ChatGPT app is available even if the website isn’t:

  • iOS or Android app stores – Check if the OpenAI ChatGPT app is listed in your regional store.
  • Mobile apps may bypass some regional web restrictions and give full access.

5. Use API or Code Access

If you can code or use scripts:

  • OpenAI API – Sign up (if allowed) to use GPT models in your own applications.
  • Platforms like Replit or Hugging Face Spaces host GPT-based apps, which may be accessible globally.

6. Embedded in Other Services

Some mainstream apps integrate GPT models internally:

  • Notion AI – Writing assistant built into Notion.
  • Microsoft Bing Chat / Copilot – Often accessible in regions where ChatGPT isn’t.
  • Slack GPT / Discord bots – Many servers host GPT-powered bots.

Where is ChatGPT not supported?

The list of countries where ChatGPT is available can be found on Open AI’s official website. If you reside in any of these, ChatGPT should open right away. And if it doesn’t, it’s likely a network issue to blame.

ChatGPT is not available in the following countries:

  • Belarus,
  • China,
  • Cuba,
  • Iran,
  • North Korea,
  • Palestine State,
  • Russia,
  • Syria,
  • Ukraine,
  • Venezuela.

Do not forget to share your review of Chat GPT and any other solutions that helped you bypass geo-restrictions in the comments below.

And if you’re having trouble using the AI, check out our ChatGPT not working troubleshooting guide as well as our ChatGPT network error article.

ChatGPT Network Error: 3 Quick Ways to Fix it

Posted on by Kazim Ali Alvi

Below, we’ll explain why you get a ChatGPT error on long responses and show you a few ways in which you can fix it.

While the message signals a problem with your connection, that’s misleading and not always the case. Nevertheless, we’ll also show you some network tweaks.

Let’s get started. 

How do I fix the ChatGPT network error?

1. Limit the output from Chat GPT

  1. Open ChatGPT.
  2. Now enter your question, but be sure to set a limit. You can do that by asking ChatGPT to ask you for confirmation after every 100 words for example.
  3. Check if the problem is still there.

2. Try again in some time

If the network error doesn’t seem to disappear, your last option is to wait! The AI-powered chatbot is a massive hit and is witnessing high traffic. As such, issues like error validating credentials may appear. So, try using it in a few hours or so.

In some cases, you might also encounter the ChatGPT route error 400, which happens when invalid requests block the platform from responding correctly.

3. Use a VPN

  1. On your PC, start a VPN client (if you have one. If not, you can check our list of best VPN with a trial period while you can get your money back).
  2. Next, log in and select the desired server.
  3. Once you connect, try using ChatGPT again.

A VPN we use is ExpressVPN, which is a virtual private network service that encrypts internet connections and hides user IP addresses for online privacy and security. It’ll also help if ChatGPT is not available in your country.

ExpressVPN

It offers fast speeds, a wide network of servers, and additional security features.
Check price Visit Website

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported that ChatGPT is not working at all, but we covered that one in one of our previous guides.

Another common issue users reported is the Chat GPT error in message stream, which can interrupt responses unexpectedly. We created a full guide to help you fix it.

Speaking of errors, many also experienced error 1015 in ChatGPT, and we already covered that one in the past, so don’t miss our guide on it.

If you know of other solutions to fix the network error in Chat GPT, drop them in the comments section below and help our readers.

DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage [Fix]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If you notice high CPU usage triggered by the DCOM server process, your computer might run slow. The issue is more common than you think and can be fixed easily.

Here, we will discuss the DCOM server process launcher, the reasons for high CPU usage due to the service, and the solutions to fix the issue.

What is the service host DCOM server process launcher?

DCOM server process launcher is a Win32 service that starts COM (Component Object Model) and DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) servers along with activating remote COM objects. It is installed with Windows and launches as soon as your OS starts.

The DCOM Server Process Launcher service is essential for proper functioning COM and DCOM servers and applications that depend on them.

What causes DOCM server process launcher high CPU usage?

There can be several reasons for high CPU usage by the DCOM server process launcher. Some of the popular ones are mentioned here: 

  • COM/DCOM server using high CPU resources – If COM and DCOM servers use many system resources, then the DCOM server process launcher can use a high CPU. To fix it, end the process for COM or DCOM server,
  • Problem with DCOM server process launcher – If the DCOM server process launcher service has a problem, it could cause an issue. Try restarting the service.
  • System files are corrupt – If your Windows is missing some files or has damaged files, then you might have to face the issue. Try running your computer in a clean boot environment or resetting your Windows to solve it.

How can I fix the DOCM server process launcher’s high CPU usage?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

  • First, make sure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Restart your PC and check your Windows for updates. Here’s what to do if your computer is stuck on restarting.
  • Remove all unnecessary external devices.
  • Ensure your hard drive is not complete.
  • Remove temporary files.
  • Update BIOS.
  • Disable third-party security apps and background apps.

If you are still facing the issue, move on to the below-mentioned troubleshooting methods.

1. Make a new user account with admin rights

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings. 
  2. Click Accounts, then click Other users.Apps - Other users -DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage
  3. Next to Add other user, click Add account button.Add other user
  4. On the next page, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. Microsoft Sign -in
  5. Click Add a user without a Microsoft account.Add a user without Microsoft account
  6. Next, on Create a user for this PC page, fill in the User name and other details, then click Next.Create a user
  7. The account will be created. Click on the drop-down menu for the newly created account and select Change account type.Change account type
  8. Change it to Administrator and click OK.
  9. Sign out from the current account and sign in using the new one to check if the problem persists.

2. Run the Process Explorer

Tip icon Tip
Ensure you have signed in using the user account with administrator privileges.
  1. Download Process Explorer.
  2. Open the zip file and extract it. Double-click the .exe file to run. 
  3. Go to File, then click Show Details for All Processes.Process Explorer -DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage
  4. Right-click svchost.exe and select Properties.SVC host
  5. Go to the Image tab and check which service is using it. SVC properties
  6. Now press Windows + R to open the Run window.
  7. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  8. Locate, and double-click the service. Now under Service status, click the Stop button. Click Apply and OK.Stop service

3. Run the DISM command

  1. Press the Windows key, type CMD and click Run as administrator.CMD elevated
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc/scannow
  3. Once the scan is complete and if it comes up with an error. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after every command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  4. Restart your PC.

4. Adjust your PC to best performance

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
  2. Go to System, then About.System about DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usag
  3. Click Advanced system settings.Advanced system settings -DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage
  4. On the next window, on the Advanced tab, under Performance, select Settings.Advanced
  5. Now click on the radio button next to Adjust for best performance.Performance
  6. Click Apply and OK.

5. Clean boot your PC

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.CLEAN BOOT 1
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration.
  3. Go to the Services tab, and click on Hide all Microsoft Services. Click Disable All.Clean BOOT 2
  4. Next, switch to the Startup tab, and click Open Task Manager.CLEAN BOOT 3 - DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage
  5. Now go to all the enabled items, right-click them, and select Disable.Clean BOOT 4
  6. Click Apply and OK to close the System configuration window.CLEAN BOOT 5
  7. Now, click Restart. Upon restart, check all the recently installed apps to know which is causing the issue.

6. Disable Live Tiles

Tip icon Tip
The method below only works for Windows 10, as Live Tiles was available until Windows 10. However, if you are using any software to get Live Tiles on Windows 11, you can proceed with the steps.
  1. Go to the Start menu to get all apps.
  2. Right-click on Tiles and select Unpin from Start.Unpin -DCOM Server Process Launcher High CPU Usage
  3. Do this for every tile.

So, these are methods that you need to follow to reduce CPU usage due to the DCOM server process launcher. If nothing has worked for you, try resetting your PC settings to resolve the problem.

If you think we have missed any solutions that worked for you, feel free to let, us know in the comments section below.

Apex Legends Is Not Using the GPU: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Cesar Cadenas

Players have been noticing Apex Legends suddenly not using the graphics card to its fullest extent after a recent update. As a result of this error, gamers experience performance issues similar to packet loss.

Because this is a graphical error, solutions for this require you to go into the computer’s settings and make necessary adjustments. Don’t fret as this is all pretty easy to do.

What causes Apex Legends to not use my GPU?

There are a handful of reasons why Apex Legends has a compatibility problem with your graphics card:

  • Your GPU drivers are out of date: Always make sure you download the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer to stay up to date.
  • The computer lacks RAM: Having too little RAM available can cause performance problems for video games. It’s important to increase virtual memory, in particular, to improve performance.
  • Apex Legends hasn’t verified: Verifying game files can clear up corrupt game files; however, there have been reports of this function not working right on Steam.
  • Computer configurations aren’t correctly set up: Your machine’s settings may not be conducive to Apex Legends causing the compatibility problem.

How can I address Apex Legends not using my graphics card?

We recommend trying the more simple solutions first:

  • The first thing that you should do is restart your computer. Rebooting is far and away the best fix to any software problem. It works the majority of the time.
  • Update your computer’s drivers. That should be the number one you do to fix any gaming performance problem. Manufacturers roll these out pretty frequently.
  • Close any extra apps or windows you have open. Too many pages can cause games to lag or not use the graphics card properly.

1. Manage 3D settings in NVIDIA Control Panel and AMD Radeon Settings

  1. Open the NVIDIA Control Panel and click Manage 3D settings under 3D Settings on the left-hand side.
  2. Go to the Program Settings tab and expand the menu under Select a program to customize.
  3. Choose Apex Legends in this drop-down list.
  4. Under Specify the settings for this program, scroll down until you locate OpenGL rendering GPU.
  5. Expand the settings next to it and choose the graphics card you want to use.

2. Manage settings in AMD Radeon Settings

  1. If you have a Radeon GPU, open the AMD Radeon Settings app, then go to the System tab.
  2. Now select Switchable Graphics.
  3. Click the arrow next to Apex Legends and choose a preferred graphical configuration for the title. The game isn’t available here so heaven.exe is chosen as an example.
  4. For Apex Legends, it’s recommended that you choose High Performance.
  5. If the game isn’t available, click Browse in the upper right-hand corner and locate Apex Legends so it can be added.

3. Change Windows Power Plan

  1. Open the Settings menu, stay on the System tab, and locate Power & battery.
  2. Select Power & battery to enter that section.
  3. Expand the menu next to Power mode and select Best performance.
  4. Alternatively, you can go into the Control Panel and select Power Options.
  5. Choose High performance in the power plan section. Selecting Change plan settings lets you adjust how your computer goes to sleep.

4. Tweak in-game settings

  1. In the Apex Legends main menu, click the gear icon in the bottom right corner. Select the Settings option.
  2. Go to the Video tab and located V-Sync under the Advanced section.
  3. Click the left arrows on V-Sync twice to disable it.
  4. Click Apply in the bottom right corner.
  5. If disabling V-Sync doesn’t work, you should also try lowering the resolution.
  6. Scroll further down Advanced and adjust the various textures and effects settings for Apex Legends to a lower quality. You can even disable some of them.

5. Reinstall Apex Legends

  1. Right-click Apex Legends, hover over Manage and click Uninstall. Give Steam enough time to complete uninstalling the game.
  2. Now click Install to add the game back.

Gamers on the internet have complained about their computer not recognizing the graphics card. It could be a hardware problem, and if it is, be sure to contact the manufacturer. See if you can get a new card.

There are multiple ways to fix software problems depending on which brand of GPU you have. If it’s an AMD card, we recommend installing the latest driver in Compatibility mode.

Nvidia cards are trickier to fix. You may have to update your computer’s BIOS or uninstall those updates; depending on the situation. Companies don’t always roll out updates that are 100 percent free of glitches.

But if all else fails, contact your GPU’s manufacturer. You may have faulty hardware.

For Apex Legends players also experiencing crashes due to memory problems, our comprehensive guide on how to fix Apex Legends crashes with memory issues offers targeted solutions to tackle these specific inconveniences.

Feel free to comment below if you have any questions on addressing GPU problems. Also, leave comments about guides you want or information on other video games.

IGCCTray.exe Entry Point Not Found: 4 Confirmed Fixes

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

With the help of the software entry point refers your operating system can, for example, launch a video game, making it an essential part of the entire process.

It appears as though one of the most common errors related to DLL files is the igcctray.exe entry point not found, and a faulty DLL file can cause the issue.

Why is the IGCCTray.exe Entry Point Not Found showing up?

The whole error message usually appears when you’re booting the system, and it reads Windows cannot find ‘C:/Program Files/WindowsApps/AppUp.IntelGraphicsExperience_1.100.2727.0_x64_8j3eq9…/IGCCTray.exe’ Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.

As IGCCTray.exe is connected directly to Intel’s Graphics Control Panel or Intel Graphics Command Center apps, it’s not a system file so you shouldn’t worry too much about it. You should also consider these causes:

  • Intell app – This issue is most commonly caused by a problem with the Intel app itself so reinstalling it should fix it.
  • Malfunctions related to a system error, file corruption, or the result of another system failure.

That being said, let’s fix this problem quickly with the solutions below.

How can I fix the igcctray.exe entry point not found?

1. Repair and reset the Intel app

  1. Click the Start button and go to Settings.
  2. Select Apps from the menu.
  3. Select Intel Graphics Control Panel or Intel Graphics Command Center and click on Advanced options.
  4. Scroll down and hit the Repair button. After the procedure, reboot your PC and if the error persists, repeat the process and click on the Reset button this time.

2. Reinstall the Intel app

  1. Click the Start button and go to Settings.
  2. Select Apps from the menu.
  3. Select Intel Graphics Control Panel or Intel Graphics Command Center and click on Uninstall.
  4. After the process is finished, download the app from Microsoft Store: Intel Graphics Control Panel and Intel Graphics Command Center.
  5. Install the app, reboot your PC and see if the error shows up again.

3. Run a System File Checker and DISM scans

  1. In the Search bar type cmd and click on Run as administrator to launch Command Prompt with full privileges.
  2. Type the following command in the Prompt and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  3. Next, write this SFC command and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
  4. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your device.

4. Restore your PC to a previous restore point

Note icon NOTE
This solution will only work if you have created a system restore point prior to the moment this error started occurring.
  1. Press the Windows Start button, type in system restore, and click on Create a restore point.
  2. Next, in the System Properties click on System Restore.
  3. Click next and select a previous restore point from the displayed list and hit Next.
  4. Click Finish to confirm your reset point and allow for the process to begin.

Restoring your system to a previous point in time is the last resort you can take to fix this problem.

We remind you that the IGCCTray.exe entry point not found error is not critical for the proper functioning of your PC.

With this last recommendation, we will conclude our list of the steps you need to take in order to solve this error.

If the problem extends to graphics malfunctioning, refer to our guide on how to fix the Intel graphics driver if it keeps failing.

Which one of the solutions presented in this article helped you solve the issue? Don’t hesitate to drop us a message in the dedicated section below.

iCloud Drive Not Showing Thumbnails Fixed: 4 Easy Methods

Posted on by Radu Tyrsina

A number of users online have reported that their iCloud drive is not showing thumbnails. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you have a huge selection of files.

Should you be worried if iCloud Drive is not displaying thumbnails? It’s a very annoying issue, but there are no reasons to worry.

Why isn’t iCloud Drive showing thumbnails?

Apple’s iCloud is an immensely popular and efficient way to store your data. But storing data is not enough. We also must be able to access that data.

This is where thumbnails come in. Instead of having to open each file individually, thumbnails provide us with a more efficient way of filtering necessary information.

Most of the time, the problem is caused either by an incorrect setup, wrong view option settings for your folders, or even problems on the provider’s part.

But don’t worry! As thumbnails are meant to help and guide, so will this article get you through the necessary steps to resolve this issue.

How do I fix thumbnails not showing for Windows and Mac?

Granted, this is just a preliminary step, but it’s one worth taking, regardless of your operating system. Try uploading different sizes and format files to see if the error occurs regardless of the value.

Upload jpeg. as well png. files, and set their size to vary between 100px and 2000px, for example. If only the larger files are missing the thumbnail, then chances are you are experiencing some issues with your internet connection.

The problem thus is not that iCloud drive is not displaying thumbnails, but that your Internet speed isn’t allowing it.

Remember that all files have to download and sync. The speed at which this happens is entirely dependent on your connection strength.

If this isn’t the case, and the issue appears regardless of size and format, then let’s move on to some more concrete solutions.

First, we will look at some troubleshooting methods for Windows, and then we will follow up with their macOS counterparts. By the end, you’ll get your thumbnails back in their place.

How do I restore iCloud Drive thumbnails on Windows?

1. Make sure iCloud Drive was set up correctly for Windows 10

  1. Download iCloud for Windows on your device.
  2. Install the app and restart your PC in order for iCloud to properly initialize.
  3. Open iCloud and log in with your Apple ID.
  4. Select from the list of features the ones most important to you that you want to keep up to date.
    icloud drive setup for windows
  5. Click Apply.

By selecting Photos from the list, iCloud Drive will automatically create a folder in your File Explorer.

To check if everything went right, try taking some photos. Every new photo that you take should automatically download to your iCloud Photos folder.

2. Change the folder View settings

  1. Access your iCloud folder, select View, and click Options.
  2. Under Folder Options, select View again.
  3. Under Advanced Settings check if the Always show icons, never thumbnails option is checked.
    windows folder view settings not showing thumbnails
  4. Un-check it and click Apply.
    folder view options set to show thumbnails

For one reason or another, it’s possible that iCloud Drive is not showing thumbnails because of your View Settings.

3. Delete the thumbnail cache

  1. Press Start, type disk cleanup, and select the app.
  2. Select your drive, then click OK or press Enter.
  3. Check the Thumbnails option and click OK.

Sometimes thumbnail cache can become corrupted, which in turn results to display problems. A simple deletion process can help you clear out this issue.

Windows keeps a copy of all your pictures, videos, document thumbnails, and so on. This action will force Windows to recreate thumbnails for all the files on the selected drive.

How do I restore iCloud Drive thumbnails on Mac?

1. Force sync your iCloud drive

Another reason why iCloud Drive is not displaying thumbnails is that you have the same file open on two or many different devices.

This syncing process should be automatic, but if this isn’t the case, you should try some different methods to manually sync iCloud with your Mac.

2. Try the dedicated Photos app

  1. Start iCloud and sign in with your Apple ID.
  2. From the list of features select Photos and click Options.
  3. Select iCloud Photos and click on Done.

You might also be interested in our guide on what to do if the iCloud Drive is not showing any files on Mac.

3. Restart your iCloud photo library

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Access your account (under your name or Apple ID).
  3. Then go to iCloud and select Photos.
  4. Turn off iCloud Photo Library and turn it back on.
  5. Give it a few minutes to properly complete the process.

The process above will force iCloud to resync your files, automatically generating new thumbnails.

4. Make sure all your devices are properly synced

If you host multiple devices under the same Apple ID, you must ensure they are all properly synced.

Say, for instance, you have an iPhone and an iMac. The photos you take with your phone should automatically sync and be transferred to iCloud, so you can access them from your iMac.

To make sure, however, that this sync was performed completely. To do that, connect your device to your Mac. Then, locate and select your device from the Finder sidebar and select Photos.

If the Photos option doesn’t appear in the bar, that means iCloud Photos is turned on. To continue the process, toggle the Photos app off.

The last thing you need to do is to select Sync Photos to your device from the checkbox and make sure to tick All photos and albums.

How do I upload my pictures in the iCloud Photos app?

  1. Open the folder containing your photos.
  2. Open a separate window for iCloud Photos.
  3. Select the photos you want to add.
  4. Drag & drop them into the iCloud Photos folder.
Tip icon Tip
Another option you could try is going for an alternative for iCloud Photos. One such alternative comes in the form of Google Photos.
You may find that Google Photos is somewhat more consistent in terms of thumbnails, while at the same time also being easy to use in Windows 10.

iCloud Drive not showing thumbnails isn’t the end of the world, but it is highly annoying. One of the above solutions is guaranteed to solve this issue for you.

If you come to the conclusion that iCloud Drive is not the one for you, check our list of the best cloud storage services.

The only thing that remains is, which solution worked for you? Feel free to leave us a comment and tell us!

Avast Stuck on Installing Additional Definitions: Fixed in 3 Ways

Posted on by Henderson Jayden Harper

Avast is one of the best antivirus software in the tech world. It has many users who enjoy its latest updates and features. However, users complain about getting stuck when Avast is installing additional definitions, causing problems for them.

Moreso, users report that Avast is not updating the virus definitions, resulting in issues with the antivirus.

Why is Avast stuck on installing additional definitions?

Avast stuck on installing additional definitions indicates that the software can’t install update virus definitions for some reason. It can cause security breaches and other issues on your PC because the software can’t access the definitions needed.

However, some factors can cause the Avast antivirus software to be stuck on installing additional definitions. Some are:

  • Outdated Avast software – When the Avast software is outdated, it prevents it from accessing the necessary definitions for its performance. So, you can encounter Avast stuck on installing additional definitions due to bugs affecting the current version.
  • Windows Defender Firewall interference – Users can experience difficulties using the Avast antivirus software if the Windows Defender Firewall is running on their PC. It can block the activities of the Avast software, causing it to run into problems with the definition installation process.
  • Corrupt Avast installation files – A corrupt Avast installation file can affect the antivirus software on your PC. It can cause it to malfunction or not respond to its normal functions and can result in problems when installing additional definitions.
  • Avast antivirus compatibility issues – When the version of Avast antivirus you have on your PC is not compatible with your computer, it may not work, seeming like it was blocked. So, you can run into issues with Avast not running on your PC or not installing definitions if you don’t install a usable version.

There are lots of other factors that may cause the problem on Avast. Fortunately, there are some general fixes to help you get the issue resolved.

What can I do if Avast is stuck on installing additional definitions?

Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting, try the following:

If you’re not able to fix the error, proceed with the detailed solutions below.

1. Disable Windows Firewall

  1. Click the Start button and type control panel, then open it.
  2. Click on the Windows Defender Firewall option.
  3. Select the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
  4. Go to the Private and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
  5. Close the Control Panel and restart your computer.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall can resolve any conflict between the service and Avast.

2. Update the Avast app

  1. Click on Start, type control, and click on Control Panel to open it.
  2. Go to Programs and select Programs and Features.
  3. Select Avast from the list of installed apps and click on Remove/Change.
  4. In the Avast Setup windows, click the Update button.
  5. Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to install updates.
  6. Reboot the computer and check for any improvements. 

Running Avast as an administrator will fix any permissions issues preventing it from installing the definitions.

3. Uninstall the Avast antivirus with Utility

  1. Go to Avast’s official website and download the avastclear.exe file.
  2. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box, type msconfig, then press Enter.
  3. Navigate to the Boot tab and check the box for Safe boot. Click Apply, then OK.
  4. Right-click on the downloaded .exe file and select Run as administrator from the drop-down.
  5. Click Uninstall at the bottom of the screen to remove Avast and clear all files.  
  6. Download the latest version of Avast and check if the problem persists.

The uninstall tool will uninstall the Avast app and clear any residue files on your PC. Also, reinstalling the Avast software allows you to install the latest version.

Alternatively, our readers can read our in-depth comparison of Windows Defender and Avast antivirus to know which is the most preferred.

Likewise, you can read our guide on how to fix Avast antivirus not opening on Windows 11.

If you have further questions, kindly drop them in the comments section below.

IPTV Not Working: 4 Ways to Fix When it Won’t Load Anything

Posted on by Vlad Turiceanu

If you’re dealing with IPTV problems like IPTV not working anymore, constant IPTV crashing, or other problems today, you’re not alone.

Common causes include poor internet, app glitches, server issues, or expired subscriptions.

Luckily, many issues can be fixed by checking your connection, updating or reinstalling the app, restarting your device, or contacting your provider. Keep reading to learn quick fixes that can get your IPTV working again.

How do I get IPTV to work?

1. Clear the IPTV cache

  1. Log out and close the IPTV app.
  2. Go to Settings and locate the list of installed apps.
  3. Scroll down until you find your IPTV app.
  4. Look for options that say delete or clear cache or data.
    clear cache firestick app

2. Use a VPN

  1. Subscribe to Express VPN and download the relevant app for your desktop, mobile, IPTV box, or Smart TV.
  2. Launch Express VPN and log in with your credentials.
  3. Use the three dots to open a list of server locations.
  4. Search or scroll to the country where the channel you want to watch is located.
    expressvpn windows
  5. Use the big on/off button and wait to be connected.
  6. Launch your IPTV app.

ExpressVPN will also prevent slowdowns and buffering if your ISP is throttling streaming speeds. And thanks to its vast server network, you’ll be able to access content from anywhere around the globe.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

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3. Change the DNS

  1. On your device, go to Settings and choose My Fire TV. Next, go to About and select Network. Write down all the information.
  2. Go back to Network, locate your network open the options menu, and choose Forget this network.
     forget this network fire tv
  3. Select the network again, enter its password, and go to Advanced.
    advanced connection options fire tv
  4. Enter your IP address, Gateway, and Subnet Mask. They should be the same as the values from Step 1.
  5. Lastly, enter 8.8.8.8 as primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 and secondary DNS.
    dns fire tv
  6. Save changes.

4. Try a different playlist

  1. Search for a new playlist or sign up for a premium IPTV provider.
  2. Copy the M3U URL or download the file locally.
  3. Open your IPTV app and locate the Playlists section.
  4. Add a new playlist and paste the URL or choose the local M3U file.
  5. Your channels should now be updated based on the playlist.

Many are also advising to change the portal link, so be sure to try that as well.

If you managed to fix the IPTV issues, go ahead and check the best IPTV providers in the UK and enjoy your favorite TV channels.

The guidelines above should hep you fix various IPTV issues such as error code 404.

Speaking of IPTV issues, many reported that IPTV is not showing TV guide, but we tackled this issue in a separate guide. We also have a guide on what to do if IPTV not working on AT&T.

If you’re using a different provider, don’t miss our guide on how to stop your ISP from blocking IPTV, or our Orange Blocks IPTV article.

Other common IPTV issues you might want to learn more about include IPTV problems over Wi-Fi, error code 401, and error code 403. Check out detailed guides on these here: IPTV not working on Wi-Fi, IPTV error code 401, and IPTV error code 403.

Of course, this is especially true if content is blocked due to geo-restrictions, which is among the main reasons IPTV is not working.

[Fixed] Keyboard Keeps Connecting & Disconnecting in Windows

Posted on by Tashreef Shareef

External keyboards for Windows PC have always been something many users love. However, some users are complaining that their keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting for some reason.

This can be very unpleasant, as it disrupts your activities. Fortunately, it is an issue that can be fixed easily, as we will show in this guide.

Why does my keyboard keep disconnecting and reconnecting?

Listed below are some of the known reasons your keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting:

  • Wrong power setting: Sometimes, this issue might be because your PC is set to disable your USB ports when it needs to save power. This can cause your keyboard to disconnect for some time and reconnect later.
  • Outdated PC: Windows updates are important for your PC’s smooth running and could be why your keyboard is misbehaving. The solution to this is to update Windows 10.
  • Faulty USB drivers: In some cases, your USB drivers might encounter issues, leading to this problem. Reinstalling or updating your drivers to the latest version should do the trick.

How do I fix keyboard disconnecting and connecting on Windows 10?

1. Turn off the power saving option

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
    devmgmt keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  2. Click the arrow next to the Keyboard option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, select the Properties option.
    properties
  4. Click the Power Management tab at the top.
  5. Finally, uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off the device to save power and click OK to save the changes.
    allow keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting

The power-saving option in Windows allows the computer to disconnect idle devices to conserve power. However, this can also cause the keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting issue. Try disabling the option and check for any improvements.

2. Reinstall Universal Serial Bus controller driver

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select the Device Manager option.
    device keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section and right-click each of the devices there.
  3. Now, select the Uninstall device option.
    uninstall keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  4. Finally, click the Uninstall button to confirm the action and restart your PC.
    uninstall button keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting

If your keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting, you can fix it by reinstalling the USB controller driver from the device manager.

If the manual steps seem difficult, you can always use an automated driver updater to scan your computer for outdated or malfunctioning drivers and immediately pick the latest update for a smooth performance.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and
  2. Select Troubleshoot in the left pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
    additional trouble
  3. Now, select the Keyboard option and click Run the troubleshooter.
    run trouble

Windows 10 comes with a built-in keyboard troubleshooter that can fix issues like when the device keeps connecting & disconnecting. This tool will diagnose the issue and recommend fixes to restore normalcy.

4. Update your PC

  1. Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
    update and
  2. Click the Check for updates button.
    check for keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting
  3. Now, wait for the scan to finish and install any available updates.

Microsoft releases new updates to fix bugs and security issues periodically. If you haven’t updated your computer for a long time now, it may be the right time to do so

The keyboard keeps connecting & disconnecting issue can be frustrating due to the importance of the peripheral. But you should be able to fix it by following the solutions in this guide.

Similarly, if your keyboard light is not working, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

How to Run Trust Wallet on PC [Full Guide]

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Trust Wallet is one of the most secure and trusted crypto wallets that allows you to easily buy, store, collect NFTs and perform many other cryptocurrencies actions.

If you are just now starting to use cryptocurrencies and related applications, don’t worry we will show you exactly how you can run Trust Wallet on your Windows 10 PC in a few easy steps.

Is there a Trust Wallet app for PC?

More than 5 million people are using Trust Wallet and thanks to it being such an easy-to-use mobile application, is expected that the number to keep on growing.

However, right now, there is no dedicated app for PC. However, you can still use it on your computer with a little help.

How can I run Trust Wallet on my PC?

  1. Go to LD Player download page and click on Download.
  2. Once the downloading process has finished, launch the installer.
  3. Next, open LD Player and type TrustWallet in the search bar.
  4. Locate TrustWallet in the list and click on Install.
  5. After the installation process ends, locate TrustWallet on your desktop.
  6. Click on it to open it and simply follow the sign-in steps.

This is about all and by following the steps we have indicated in this article you should be able to run TrustWallet on your PC without a problem.

Trust Wallet is the perfect solution for having an easy and secure way of managing cryptocurrencies and performing several transactions.

You might also be interested in our article on how to make Trust Wallet work on your browser.

We hope that you have also managed to install Trust Wallet on your device effortlessly, so don’t hesitate to leave us a comment in the dedicated section below.

How to Fix Windows 10 Stuck on Spinning Circle [7 Ways]

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If your Windows 10 laptop is stuck on the spinning circle after you’ve upgraded to Windows 10, you have come to the right place.

This error is more common than you might think. It happens when the installation process is completed successfully, but for some reason, the installation cannot continue.

This error occurs on various operating system versions and with a wide range of system configurations. This allows us to conclude that a faulty hardware piece inside your device does not cause the problem.

Some users have allowed Windows 10 to remain in the dreaded ‘spinning circle’ cycle for more than 3 hours. This didn’t change anything. After this result, users are usually forced to perform a hard shutdown (pressing the power button until PC turns off).

Today’s article will explore some of the best methods to fix this issue. Read on to find out more.

Why does the circle keep spinning on my computer?

Listed below are some of the causes of the Windows keeps spinning circle constantly issue:

  • Faulty driver: If Windows 10 is spinning circle and won’t boot, it is likely due to a faulty display driver. The solution is to reinstall or update your driver to the latest version.
  • Issues with USB devices: Many users have found this issue to be down to the USB devices connected to their PC. They could fix this by removing these devices and restarting their PC.

After knowing the causes of this issue, below are some variations you can expect to fix with this guide.

  • Windows 10 spinning circle on boot
  • Windows 10 spinning circle on taskbar
  • Windows 10 spinning circle freeze
  • Windows 10 spinning circle after login
  • Windows 10 spinning circle on startup
  • Windows 10 spinning circle black screen

What to do if Windows 10 laptop is getting stuck on spinning circle

1. Press the Ctrl+Alt+Del keys

keyboard - windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


One simple solution for this issue is to press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys at the same time. This will reload the login screen.

Hopefully, you should be able to boot your PC normally from here.

2. Disconnect all USB devices

Sometimes, the USD dongles you plugged into your PC can cause Windows 10 to keep spinning circle while showing, please wait. This is especially true for wireless mouse and keyboard receivers.

The quick way out of this is to remove these devices and restart your PC.

3. Reinstall drivers in Safe Mode

  1. Press and hold the power button to force shut down your PC. Power it on and shut it down again when your system starts spinning. Repeat this twice or thrice till the Windows Recovery Environment shows up.
  2. Now, select Advanced options > Troubleshoot.
    troubleshoot windows 10 spinning circle
  3. Choose the Advanced options.
    advanced options
  4. Next, select Startup Settings.
    startup settings
  5. Click the Restart button.
    restart windows 10 spinning circle
  6. When your PC restarts, press 5 or F5 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
    safe
  7. Now, press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager when your PC boots.
    device manager windows 10 spinning circle
  8. Double-click the Display adapters option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  9. Select Uninstall device.
    uninstall
  10. Next, check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and click the Uninstall button to confirm the action.
  11. Finally, restart your PC.

In some cases, the Windows 10 spinning circle issue is down to problems with your video card driver. This is more prominent for users with Intel-based drivers. So, you need to uninstall the driver in Safe Mode and let your PC reinstall it automatically after restart.

4. Use Startup Repair

  1. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 in Solution 3 above.
  2. Choose the Startup Repair option.
    startup repair
  3. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

5. Use a Windows 10 Recovery Disk

Cd - Windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


If you own a Windows 10 Recovery Disk, all you need to do in this situation is to insert the disk inside your laptop.

After you’ve done this, Windows will automatically boot to the advanced settings menu and start the recovery process for your PC.

6. Use System Restore to recover your OS

  1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 in Solution 3.
  2. Select the Reset this PC option.
    reset windows 10 spinning circle
  3. Now, click on Keep my files.
    keep or remove
  4. Finally, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

7. Reinstall Windows 10

laptop on desk with coffee - Windows 10 laptop stuck on spinning circle


If all of the above methods fail to solve your Windows 10 spinning circle, you might need to reinstall your OS completely.

For everything you need to reinstall Windows 10, including the requirements, check our detailed guide.

With this, we can conclude this guide on the Windows 10 laptop getting stuck on the spinning circle issue. Hopefully, you can solve the problem by following the steps therein.

If your Windows 10 is stuck on the welcome screen, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Please feel free to let us know if this guide helped you. You can do so by simply using the comments below.

Xbox Error Code 0x87e10bef: How to Fix and What Caused It?

Posted on by Hasibul Kabir

Is the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef bugging you? This article will give you hints about why it may happen and a guide on how to fix this problem.

Usually, when you launch a game on the Xbox console, it should start instantly without any error. But, for some users, an error code 0x87e10bef repeatedly appears for specific titles. It is one of the most common problems, like error 0x87e11838, that prevents Xbox games from opening.

Why does the Xbox error 0x87e10bef?

Usually, the error code 0x87e10bef occurs due to the following reasons:

  • Incompatibility: If the Xbox firmware version is very old, the problem may occur when you try to launch specific titles.
  • Poor network condition: Unstable network condition is one of the most common reasons behind this problem. It also may occurs if Xbox is not connect to WiFi or ethernet.
  • Xbox services status: If the required Xbox services are down, 0x87e10bef may appear.
  • Corrupted cache: If local data or cache becomes corrupted, you may face this problem.
  • Account problem: Sometimes, you may forget to sign in with the correct account to play specific games.
  • Internal issues: Else, some internal configurations can trigger this problem on your game console.

What is error code 0x8000ffff on Xbox One?

The error code 0x8000ffff is similar to the error code 0x87e10bef. Both appear when you try to launch specific games. In fact, both errors may appear at different times for the same game. However, the error 0x8000ffff appears usually when Xbox fails to access the live services while starting a title.

It occurs mostly when the Xbox live services are down, or you are not using the correct account. We already have an article on this error. Check out how to solve Xbox error 0x8000ffff.

How can I fix Xbox error code 0x87e10bef?

There are four different effective methods you can apply to get rid of this Xbox error. However, before trying these ways, we suggest you do the following things:

  • Restart your console and see if it helps.
  • Go and check out this official Xbox Status page and find out if the services are down or not. If yes, wait until the services become operational again.
  • You also can check for Xbox firmware updates and install any available ones. See how to solve Xbox won’t update if necessary.
  • Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
  • The Xbox error 0x87e10bef may appear if the account you are using doesn’t own the game you are trying to launch. So, we suggest you sign in with the correct account. Then, try to play the game again. If necessary, try the previous methods again after changing the account.

After doing the above things, if you still encounter the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef, go through these methods to fix it.

1. Clear persistent storage

  1. Press the Xbox button and then select Settings.
  2. Tap on Devices & streaming and then on Blu-ray.going blue-ray xbox
  3. Go to Persistent Storage.
  4. Tap on Clear Persistent Storage.clearing persistent storage xbox

Restart the console after clearing the persistent storage cache. Now, try to launch the game that was showing the error code 0x87e11838 and see if it has solved the problem or not.

2. Clear alternate Mac address

  1. Go to Settings and go to the General tab.
  2. Tap on Network Settings.going network settings xbox
  3. Go to Advanced Settings.going advanced network settings xbox
  4. Tap on Alternate Mac Address.going alternate mac address
  5. Tap on Clear.
  6. Restart your console.

After clearing the Mac address, try to relaunch the game. It should solve the error code 0x87e10bef on Xbox One/Series X or S.

3. Try in offline mode

  1. Go to Settings and then Network Settings, as shown before.
  2. Now, find and tap on the Offline mode option.going offline xbox
  3. After that, try to launch the problematic game and see if it helps.

Offline mode works for a significant number of users. So, if your situation is similar to theirs, it may work like a magic.

If necessary, you also can try to reset your Xbox game console. But, do it if no other methods solved the error.

This article has featured the methods that fix the Xbox error code 0x87e10bef, and it has also described why it happens. If you have any opinion on this, feel free to let us know in the comment box.

Payday 2 is Crashing on Startup or Not Launching [Fix]

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

Payday 2 is a first-person shooter game, but unlike many other shooters, this game puts you in the shoes of a bank robber.

Although the gameplay sounds fun, Payday 2 has certain issues on Windows 10. Namely, it frequently crashes or displays a black screen, and sometimes it won’t even launch.

So, without further delay, let’s fix these issues.

What can I do if Payday 2 is crashing on startup?

1. Update your drivers

If your graphics card drivers are outdated, you might experience Payday 2 crashes or low fps, and this is why it’s crucial that you always update your drivers.

Users have reported that the game ran smoothly after downloading and installing the latest drivers.

Thus, we recommend the Outbyte driver solution to automatically download all the outdated drivers on your PC. The tool will help with the entire process, ensuring that you get the right drivers.

Besides, once you install it, you can periodically run a system scan to rest assured that your PC’s essential components are in good shape. It will recommend the right driver options and all the available ones from a vast database.

➡️ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Turn off the Steam Overlay

  1. Start Steam.
  2. Open Settings and click on the In-Game tab.
    steam-settings
  3. Find Enable Steam Community In-Game option and uncheck it. Doing this will disable Steam Overlay for all of your games.
    steam-in-game
  4. Click OK to save changes.

If you wish to disable Steam Overlay just for a specific game, in our case, Payday 2, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Steam Library and right-click Payday 2.
  2. From the menu, choose Properties.
  3. Go to the General tab and uncheck Enable Steam Community In-Game.

3. Run Payday 2 in Compatibility Mode

  1. Find the Payday 2 shortcut or go to the game installation directory and locate the Payday 2 .exe file. Right-click the file and choose Properties.
    properties-driver
  2. Next, go to the Compatibility tab.
  3. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for and choose one of the earlier versions of Windows.
    Payday 2 black screen
  4. Click Apply and OK to save changes.

4. Move the render_settings file

  1. Press Windows + R and type %appdata%. Click OK or press Enter.
    appdata-run
  2. Go to the AppData folder.
  3. You should see three folders available. Go to Local folder.
  4. Navigate to PAYDAY 2 folder.
  5. You should see the render_settings file. Move it to your Desktop.
  6. Optional: Verify the integrity of the game cache.
  7. Try running Payday 2.
  8. If the problem still persists, restart your computer and try running the game again.

Payday 2 crashes can be caused if a specific file gets corrupted. And it’s usually the specified file that is affected, and that causes crashing issues.

5. Disable mods

Disabling modes might help, too. Some of the mods might cause compatibility issues and thus crash the game in certain sequences. Because of that, we advise you to disable mods individually until you find out which one is the cause of the problem.

This can be done simply by navigating to the game’s installation folder and accessing the Mods folder. Once there, you can remove them all at once by simply deleting the complete folder or removing them individually and try running Payday 2 again.

6. Enable the Use HQ Weapons option

The most common reason for sudden crashes recently reported on the official Steam forum seems to be related to the Use HQ Weapons in-game option.

Luckily, a lot of users resolved the problem by simply enabling this option from the settings menu.

It seems that this is a common issue: the game crashes or freezes once this option is disabled and other players use new gadgets.

How do I fix Payday 2 not launching?

1. Verify game cache

  1. Start Steam.
  2. Go to your game library and locate Payday 2.
  3. Right-click Payday 2 and choose Properties.
    properties-steam
  4. Navigate to the Local files tab and click on Verify integrity of game cache button.
    Payday 2 not launching
  5. Wait for the process to complete, and try running the game again.

To make sure that the verification process is successful, it might be a good idea to delete a few files from Payday 2 installation directory before you verify the game cache.

2. Change the resolution

  1. Open Run and repeat the first three steps presented in the 4th solution above to get to the Local folder.
  2. Here, locate the Payday 2 folder and open it.
  3. Next, locate the render_settings file and open it with Notepad.
  4. When the render_settings file opens, locate the following line (it might look a bit different on your computer):
    • resolution=”1280 720″
  5. Change the value of quotes to a different resolution. Do not delete the quotation marks. Just change the value between them.
  6. Save changes and try running the game again.
  7. If the issue persists, try changing the resolution value again. You might have to do this a few times before you find the resolution that works for you.

3. Delete IPHLPAPI.dll

If you can’t launch Payday 2 on your computer, you might have to remove IPHLPAPI.dll file. It should be located somewhere in Payday 2 installation directory.

How do I fix Payday 2 black screen?

1. Run Payday 2 in windowed mode

  1. Go to the AppData\ Local folder and open Payday 2 directory. (If you don’t know how to access AppData folder, check the previous solutions.)
  2. Locate the render_settings file and open it with Notepad.
  3. Find the following line:
    • windowed=”false”
      and change it to:
    • windowed=”true”
  4. Save changes and try running the game again.

2. Reinstall the game

In case the game won’t start or/and it stops to a black screen, and after the validity check explained above, we advise you to perform a clean reinstall of Payday 2.

You can do so within the Steam client, but there’s a good chance that this procedure will skip on certain remaining files and registry inputs.

  1. Open the Steam Client.
  2. Navigate to Library.
  3. Right-click on Payday 2 and choose Uninstall.
  4. Navigate to the installation folder and the AppData folder and remove everything.
  5. Navigate to the Registry Editor and type Payday 2 to find the related registry keys. Delete them.

You can remove the files completely much quicker and with less fuss by using a dedicated uninstaller tool that will delete every file related to the game.

Besides, this is the surest way to know that when reinstalling, the old, unnecessary files won’t interfere with the new ones.

Afterward, restart your PC, reopen Steam, and locate Payday 2 to reinstall it.

So these are some of the most common issues and tricks to fix things when Payday 2 is crashing on startup.

There’s also a VR version of Payday 2, and many reported that Payday 2 VR is not working properly, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

And before you leave, check some quick tips to optimize your PC for gaming and get the best experience.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below the issue you are facing and how you were able to fix it.

0x80073d05 Error on Microsoft Store: 5 Ways to Fix It

Posted on by Matthew Adams

The 0x80073d05 error arises when some users try to install or uninstall Microsoft Store apps. Some users have mentioned that the issue occurs when trying to reinstall apps.

That error code’s message states: 0x80073D05, ERROR DELETING EXISTING APPLICATION DATA STORE FAILED, An error occurred while deleting the package’s previously existing application data.

How come the 0x80073d05 Microsoft Store error occurs?

The 0x80073d05 error is a bug that can arise because of Microsoft Store app issues. This error is attributed to the following causes:

  • Left behind app data: Old package data from previously installed versions of the same apps can generate reinstallation issues.
  • Corrupted Microsoft Store cache: If the cache from Microsoft Store is corrupted, error 0x80073d05 may occur.
  • Windows system file corruption: There might be a few corrupted system files causing the 0x80073d05 error.

Now that we know why this happens, let’s try to fix the problem with the solutions below.

How can I fix the 0x80073d05 Microsoft Store error?

We recommend carrying out a few preliminary checks:

  • Restart your PC and try installing/uninstalling the Microsoft Store apps again to check if it’s just a temporary glitch.
  • Check Windows 11 is fully updated. If not, download and install available updates.
  • Run an antivirus scan to check for and purge malware.

If you have cross-checked these simple methods, let’s go to the actual troubleshooting solutions.

1. Run the app troubleshooter

  1. Click the Search button, type control panel, and click on the app from the results.
  2. Then select the Large icons setting on the Control Panel’s View by menu.
    Large icons 0x80073d05
  3. Click Troubleshooting to bring up that applet.
  4. Select View all on the left of the Troubleshooting applet.
    View all option 0x80073d05
  5. Click Windows Store Apps to launch that troubleshooter.
    Windows Store Apps troubleshooter 0x80073d05
  6. Select Advanced and Apply repairs automatically.
    Apply repairs automatically option 0x80073d05
  7. Click Next to initiate the troubleshooting, and select to apply anything suggested.

2. Perform a System File Checker scan

  1. Click the Search button from the taskbar, type cmd, and click Run as administrator for that matching search result to launch Command Prompt as admin.
    Run as administrator option 0x80073d05
  2. Type in this text for the System File Checker command and press Return: sfc /scannow
    sfc scannow command 0x80073d05
  3. Leave the Command Prompt up until the scan has reached 100 percent and shown a completion message.

3. Clear Microsoft Store’s cached data

  1. Click the Search button, and type wsreset.exe to find that Run command.
    wsreset search result 0x80073d05
  2. Right-click wsreset and select Run as administrator on that search result’s context menu.

Resetting Microsoft Store via Settings will also have the same effect as running the wsreset.exe.

4. Edit the affected app’s data folder

  1. Press the Windows key + R to start the Run applet, input %localappdata%, and click the accessory’s OK option.The OK button 0x80073d05
  2. Double-click the Packages folder to open it up.
  3. Right-click the folder that includes the title of the app you can’t reinstall because of the 0x80073d05 error and select Rename.
    Rename option 0x80073d05
  4. Add an underscore (_) at the beginning of the folder’s title. For example, the edited folder for the Spotify app would then be _SpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic_zpdnekdrzrea0.
    A folder with underscore 0x80073d05
  5. Launch the Microsoft Store app.
  6. Click Microsoft Store’s Library tab to view updates and downloads.
    Library tab 0x80073d05
  7. Select the Get updates option there.
    The Get updates button 0x80073d05
  8. Press the Windows key to view your Start menu. Click the Power option there to select Restart.

5. Reinstall Microsoft Store

You can reinstall Microsoft Store by executing a relatively quick PowerShell command. Check out Windows Report’s guide for reinstalling Microsoft Store for further details.

Those potential 0x80073d05 error resolutions are certainly worth a try. The fourth method for renaming leftover app data folders is especially widely confirmed to work by users who’ve needed to fix this issue.

If the app is not working altogether, read our guide on how to fix Microsoft Store in Windows.

Feel free to discuss the 0x80073d05 error in this post’s comments section. That’s a good place to add any questions about the issue or even share other 0x80073d05 error fixes not specified in this guide.

Fix: DisplayLink Not Detecting Monitor / Not Working on PC

Posted on by Milan Stanojevic

DisplayLink is a technology designed to connect two or more displays to your computer using a USB, but users are reporting some issues with DisplayLink and Windows 10, so let’s try to fix these issues.

Although this technology has its advantages, it is far from perfect, and from time to time issues can occur and cause you some inconvenience, but don’t worry, we have a few solutions that might help you.

Here are some of the common problems that users reported:

  • DisplayLink won’t work – Try reinstalling your DisplayLink drivers.
  • DisplayLink only shows one monitor –  Select Extend option from the display settings.
  • DisplayLink HDMI not working – Update all your drivers and check if that solves the problem.
  • DisplayLink video not working – Switch to the USB 3.0 port and check if the problem is still there.
  • DisplayLink black screen – Disable the Nvidia Share feature.

How can I fix DisplayLink not working / not displaying monitor on Windows 10?

1. Remove the DisplayLink driver and reconnect the docking station

In some cases, you might be able to fix the problem simply by uninstalling the DisplayLink driver. To do that, simply go to the Apps section in the Settings app and remove the DisplayLink driver.

After doing that, you need to disconnect your docking station, power it off, wait for a few minutes, and connect it again.

Once your docking station is connected, the required driver will be installed automatically and the issue should be resolved.

2. Reinstall DisplayLink drivers

Users have reported Blue Screen of Death errors while using two or more monitors on their PCs, and in this case, the cause of the problem is usually the DisplayLink driver, so let’s try to reinstall it:

  1. Download DisplayLink Installation Cleaner.
  2. Download the latest DisplayLink drivers.
  3. Run DisplayLink Installation Cleaner software.
  4. After the uninstall process is finished restart your computer.
  5. When your computer restarts install the downloaded DisplayLink drivers.
  6. After you have installed the drivers your computer will restart again.
  7. When Windows 10 boots again go to Settings and select System.
  8. Next, choose Display and configure your monitors.

3. Update your DisplayLink drivers

In some cases, in order to fix this problem, you just have to update your DisplayLink drivers. To do that, just download the latest driver from DisplayLink’s website and install it. Once your drivers are up to date, the issue should be permanently resolved.

Downloading drivers manually can be a bit tedious task, but you can easily update all your drivers automatically by using Outbyte Driver Updater. Simply run this tool and let it download and update all your drivers for you.

Outbyte Driver Updater is portable and very easy to use. The interface is intuitive and all you need to do is launch it and allow it to scan your PC.

After the system scan is finished, Outbyte Driver Updater will compare all the drivers with its built-in database and will make sure to fix the ones that are broken or corrupted.

Once your drivers are up to date, the issue should be completely resolved. In addition to the DisplayLink drivers, some users are also recommending to update your chipset drivers, so be sure to do that as well.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Check Extend these displays option

Users have reported that their display isn’t shown in Display Settings after they disabled it. This is normal behavior when you choose Show only on 1, or any other monitor in Display Settings.

This option is used when you want to work only on your larger display, but you won’t be able to see additional monitors in Display Settings.

To fix this issue you just need to check the Extend these displays option in Display Settings and click Apply to save changes.

5. Use USB 2.0 cable or USB 2.0 port

Users report some issues with DL-3xxx and DL-5xxx USB docking stations, as well. According to them, if you use a USB 3.0 cable you might experience some sound problems.

We have to mention that this issue only affects playback devices, such as headphones, speakers, and monitors, that are attached to your docking station.

As far as we know, this issue is caused by a problematic USB 3.0 driver in Windows 10, and the current workaround is to use a USB 2.0 cable to connect the docking station to your PC, or to use USB 2.0 port instead.

On the other hand, several users had issues with DisplayLink while using a USB 2.0 connection. After connecting their monitor to a USB 3.0 port, the problem was completely resolved and everything started working again.

6. Use Display Settings to change the resolution

In some cases, users cannot change the display mode or resolution of their external monitor using the DisplayLink icon menu.

This isn’t such a big problem, but in Windows 10 in order to change the display resolution of the external monitor, you have to use Display Settings from Windows 10.

7. Mirror the primary display

Users are also complaining that they are unable to enter Tablet Mode while the external monitors are connected, and this is a normal behavior while external monitors are extending the main display.

In order to enter Tablet Mode, your external monitors need to mirror the primary display.

8. Run the troubleshooter

  1. Open the Settings app. You can do that by using Windows Key + I shortcut.
  2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
    DisplayLink video not working
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
  4. Now select Hardware and Devices from the list and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
    DisplayLink only shows one monitor
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooter is finished, check if the problem with the DisplayLink monitor is still there. Keep in mind that this isn’t the most effective solution, but few users reported that it worked for them, so be sure to try it out.

9. Disable Nvidia Share feature

According to users, issues with DisplayLink can occur due to the Nvidia Share feature. In case you’re not familiar, this is Nvidia’s overlay that allows you to create video recordings and screenshots during gameplay sessions.

Although this feature is useful, it can sometimes cause issues with DisplayLink, and the only way to fix the problem is to disable Nvidia Share completely. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Start the GeForce Experience app.
  2. Click the Settings icon in the top right corner.
  3. Go to the General tab and disable the Share feature.

After doing that, the problem should be completely resolved. Keep in mind that you need to keep this feature disabled at all times if you want to avoid any future issues with DisplayLink.

10. Update Universal Serial Bus drivers

  1. Press Windows Key + X to open Win + X menu.
  2. When the menu opens, choose Device Manager from the list.
    DisplayLink black screen
  3. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section, right-click Universal Serial Bus controllers and choose Update driver for the menu.
    DisplayLink only shows one monitor
  4. Now select Search automatically for updated driver software.
    DisplayLink HDMI not working
  5. After the process is finished, your driver will be updated.
  6. Repeat the previous steps for all Universal Serial Bus devices on your PC.

Once all Universal Serial Bus drivers are updated, the problem should be completely resolved.

If the issue with DisplayLink is still there, you might be able to fix the problem simply by reinstalling the Universal Serial Bus controller drivers. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Locate Universal Serial Bus controller driver, right-click it, and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
    DisplayLink HDMI not working
  2. When the confirmation dialog appears, click Uninstall.
    DisplayLink video not working
  3. After removing all drivers, click Scan for hardware changes icon.
    DisplayLink won't work
  4. The missing drivers will now be installed.

This is a simple solution, but it might work for some users, so be sure to try it out.

That would be all, I hope this article helped you to solve the problem with your DisplayLink connector in Windows 10. If you have any comments or questions, just write them down, below.

3 Ways to Disable the HP Support Assistant in Windows

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

HP Support Assistant is a troubleshooting utility that comes preinstalled on HP computers. But, some users have been looking for ways to disable quick access to HP Support Assistant.

It’s usually due to the abundance of effective troubleshooting tools, some of which are free. However, while some users switch to these, others may have their reasoning. If you fall into either of the two categories, here’s how you can disable HP Support Assistant.

Should I disable HP Support Assistant?

Here are a few reasons you may want to disable the HP Support Assistant:

  • Increases boot time – By default, the HP Support Assistant is configured to load at startup, thus increasing the load time of the OS at boot. You may also use the Startup Folder to remove the utility.
  • Consumes high resources – In some cases, users reported that the HP Support Assistant is consuming high resources, which may affect the PC’s performance.
  • Too many notifications – The utility may send far too many notifications to users, which is often a significant reason users uninstall the app.

How can I disable HP Support Assistant?

1. Disable HP Support Assistant from starting automatically

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Task Scheduler in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.task scheduler
  2. From the navigation pane, locate Support Assistant under HP and double-click on a task from the right.support assistant
  3. Navigate to the Triggers tab, select the trigger, and click on Edit.edit to hp support assistant quick access disable
  4. Choose One-time, select a date in the future (say 20 years from now), and click OK to save the changes.one-time
  5. Similarly, reschedule the others triggers and tasks to make sure that HP Support Assistant doesn’t launch automatically.

2. Remove HP Support Assistant from the Taskbar

  1. Open HP Support Assistant, and click on the Settings option near the top-right.
  2. Now, uncheck the Display an icon in your taskbar option, and click on Save at the bottom.hp support assistant quick access disable
  3. Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! This method should be handy if you were wondering how to remove HP Support Assistant from the Taskbar.

3. Uninstall HP Support Assistant

  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.appwiz.cpl
  2. Locate HP Support Assistant, select it, and then click on Uninstall.uninstall to hp support assistant quick access disable
  3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If the previous methods didn’t work out for you or the desired results were not achieved, you can always uninstall the HP Support Assistant from the PC.

Once you have disabled HP Support Assistant from quick access, also make sure to optimize the settings for the best performance on the PC.

If you have any other queries or want us to cover a specific topic, drop a comment in the section below.

How to Download Audio From Facebook Messenger on PC

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

As per statistics available from previous years, Facebook generates 4 Petabytes (4 million GigaBytes) of data per day. A part of it is data shared via Messenger, and a lot of users were wondering how to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC.

Can you download audio from Facebook Messenger?

Yes, you can! Facebook Messenger has a built-in option that allows users to seamlessly download audio files in a few clicks.

Once done, you can listen to the audio anytime and anywhere, no matter whether you are connected to the Internet. Remember, a faster Internet connection can significantly boost the download speed.

How can I download audio from Facebook Messenger on my PC?

1. Use the mobile version of the website

  1. Open a browser that works best with Facebook, head to the mobile version of Facebook, and sign in.facebook
  2. Now, select the Messenger option.messenger to download audio on PC
  3. Locate the audio file, click on the ellipsis next to it, and select Download.download

That’s it! This is the simplest method to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC, and it shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.

2. Use Chrome’s Developer Tools

  1. Open Chrome, and locate the audio you want to download from Facebook Messenger.
  2. Click on the ellipsis near the top-right corner, hover the cursor over More tools, and choose Developer tools.developers tools
  3. Next, click on the arrow to view more options and select the Network tab.network tab
  4. Now, play the audio file.
  5. Finally, double-click on the audio file in the Developers tools, which will have a name that starts with audioclip.download audio from Facebook messenger on PC

3. Use a third-party app

If you want a lot more than simply downloading the file, there are a bunch of third-party tools that come to aid. As such, you can use one that allows users to extract the audio from any video, including the ones from Facebook.

Luckily there are many online services and offline apps that are designed for this specific purpose, so make sure to select the one that works best for you.

There you go! These were the best methods to download audio from Facebook Messenger on a PC. Also, do not forget to check the best antivirus for Facebook to keep both your account and PC secure.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.

Overwatch is Not Using my GPU: How to Fix It in 5 Steps

Posted on by Loredana Harsana

Several gamers have recently reported that they encountered Overwatch not using GPU error and requested to know how to fix it.

For some, this error occurs because Overwatch or other PC games fail to display on the monitor via the GPU; instead, the games run through the CPU.

Why is Overwatch not using GPU?

There can be several reasons you are experiencing the Overwatch not using GPU error. The following are some of the potential reasons reported by some users:

  • Your video card is not connected to the graphics card – This is one of the major reasons Overwatch uses CPU instead of GPU error. When your video output is connected to the motherboard instead of the GPU, it puts all the strain on your CPU and causes performance issues.
  • Your PC’s GPU is overheating – Try installing a resource monitor software to fix overheating issues in Windows 11.
  • Outdated Graphics card driver – You can update your graphics card to newer versions of Windows.
  • Virus infection – When a PC is infected with viruses, it can trigger several computer hardware errors. You can install antivirus programs to get rid of viruses on your computer.
  • Your System Graphics card has insufficient resources – Some readers claim their PC crashes while playing games. If you experience Overwatch using 0% GPU or your system crashes, it could be that your graphics card cannot handle the graphics processing power of your game.

Now that you know some of the possible reasons behind the Overwatch not using GPU error, you can proceed to our next section to know how to fix this problem.

What can I do if Overwatch fails to use GPU?

Before engaging in any troubleshooting or settings tweaks, you should check the following:

  • Confirm the recommended requirement for your game and compare it with what you’re running. Here are the minimum system requirements for the game:
Overwatch minimum requirements
CPUIntel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
RAM4 GB
OSWindows Vista/7/ 8/10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
VIDEO CARDNvidia GeForce GTX 460, ATI Radeon HD 4850, or Intel HD Graphics 4400
PIXEL SHADER4.0
VERTEX SHADER4.0
FREE DISK SPACE30 GB
DEDICATED VIDEO RAM768 MB
  • Confirm that your computer has recognized your graphics card.
  • If you’re experiencing overheating issues on your PC, follow this guide to troubleshoot it.
  • Check your task manager to close any background application that may take up resources.

Having confirmed the above checks, you can explore the advanced solutions below.

1. Update your GPU drivers

  1. Press the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search box, and click on the Open button.
  2. Navigate to Display adapters. Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
  3. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Updating your drivers once a couple of months will enable you to get the best gaming performance.

We have articles on how to use the dedicated software for updating the AMD and NVIDIA drivers:

The articles will explain how to download, install and use the dedicated driver update utilities for these manufacturers.

Besides all, you can manage all your drivers by using an automated tool that will update the GPU drivers instantly and resolve Overwatch issues.

2. Set Overwatch to high performance

  1. Press the Windows key, type Graphics Settings in the search box, and click on it.
  2. Under Graphics performance preference, click on the Browse button.
  3. Locate the game folder. Select High performance and click on Save.

Repeating the steps above for your games will make your computer use the graphics card on a per-app basis in Windows.

3. Run an SFC Scan

  1. Press the Windows, type command prompt, and click Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command line and press Enter: sfc / scannow
  3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Running the SFC scan is one of the simplest fixes for several application errors. You can use the command-line tool to run the SFC scan to thoroughly check for errors.

4. Close startup programs in your Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager.
  2. Navigate to the Startup tab. Click on a program and press Disable. Repeat this for all programs on the list.
  3. Restart your computer.

If you still experience Overwatch 2 not using GPU after removing your startup programs, you can re-enable your startup programs as they’re not the cause.

5. Disable Dynamic Render Scale in Overwatch 2

  1. Launch Overwatch 2.
  2. Go to the Settings menu.
  3. Select Video, then look for Dynamic Render Scale and turn that setting to Off.
  4. Save the changes and try launching the game again.

Make sure you work through any of the above solutions to know which one works for you.

If you’re experiencing high CPU usage but low GPU usage, you can check our detailed guide to fix the issue.

Some readers also claim they experience Overwatch black screen on launch/while playing. We’ve provided potential fixes in our dedicated guide.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Screenshot Not Working in Windows 10? Here are 5 Quick Fixes

Posted on by Ivan Jenic

Since Windows 8, users have been used to taking screenshots with the built-in feature on their PC. Unfortunately, some users are complaining that the screenshot feature is not working on Windows 10.

This can be pretty frustrating, especially if you don’t have a third-party tool for taking screenshots. Knowing the gravity of the issue, we have prepared this detailed guide to help you solve the problem quickly.

Why can’t I take a screenshot on Windows 10?

Below are some of the reasons you can’t take a screenshot on Windows 10:

  • Outdated drivers: One of the major causes of this issue is an outdated keyboard driver. You should be able to fix it quickly by updating your drivers.
  • Wrong key combinations: In some cases, the problem might appear because you used the wrong key combinations to take the screenshot. Knowing the key that works for PC is the only way out of this.
  • Faulty hardware: Sometimes, the screenshot not working on Windows 10 issue can be down to problematic hardware. To know this for sure and fix potential issues, you should run the hardware and devices troubleshooter.

How to fix print screen not working on Windows 10?

 1. Edit Registry

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click OK.
    regedit
  2. Navigate to the path below in the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer
  3. Now in the right pane, you need to find ScreenshotIndex. If you can’t find it, right-click the space there and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
    new dword
  4. Type ScreenshotIndex as the name of the new DWORD and double-click it.
  5. Now, set its Value data to 695 and click OK.
    value data screenshot not working windows 10
  6. Next, navigate to the path below in the left pane: HKEY_CURRENT_USER/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/User Shell Folders
  7. Double-click the {B7BEDE81-DF94-4682-A7D8-57A52620B86F} entry on the right pane.
  8. Set its Value data to %USERPROFILE%PicturesScreenshots and click OK.
  9. Finally, close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

2. Check if you’re using the correct key combination

If you’re using a Windows 10 laptop’s keyboard, the key combination for taking a screenshot is different. In most PCs, you must press the Fn key beside the usual Ctrl +PrtScr.

So, you have to note that. However, you will not need to use the Fn key on some PCs.

3. Update keyboard drivers

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
    device manager
  2. Double-click the Keyboards option to expand it and right-click the device there.
  3. Now, choose the Update driver option.
    update driver
  4. Finally, choose the Search automatically for drivers option.
    search screenshot not working windows 10

We often point to outdated drivers if something’s wrong with your keyboard. Nevertheless, keeping all your drivers up to date is always a good idea.

So, if the screenshot feature is still not working on Windows 10 after tweaking the registry, go and update your keyboard drivers.

If you don’t want the hassle of searching for drivers on your own, you can use a tool in Outbyte Driver Updater that will do this for you automatically. This tool is very easy to use, lightweight, and reported to update and repair any driver without any issues successfully

4. Run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnosticmsdt
  3. Finally, wait for the command to finish running.

If none of the previous solutions resolved the issue, we would use Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooting tool. This tool can be used to address various kinds of issues, including hardware problems.

5. Use a dedicated tool

icecream screenshot not working windows 10

While there are a series of third-party screenshot tools you can use, we recommend using Icecream Screen Recorder. This is because it is a straightforward, simple, yet highly professional tool with enough features to accomplish what you want but not confuse you.

If you plan to capture an image to highlight particular areas or a specific section, this tool will be quite an innovative program. Also, it is the ideal solution if you use multiple browsers during your daily Internet sessions.

Feel free to check out more features on their official website. A fully-functional trial version is available, so you can try it out now.

⇒ Get Icecream Screen Recorder

The screenshot not working on Windows 10 issue can be pretty annoying. Fortunately, it is one that can be fixed, as we have shown in this guide.

If you are looking for ways to fix tinted screenshots on Windows 10, check our detailed guide for the steps you need to follow.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Secure Boot Enabled but Not Active: 3 Windows 11 Fixes

Posted on by Vladimir Popescu

If you see the Secure Boot option enabled in BIOS, but on the system information page, it shows Not Active, then you are not alone. Many users reported that it stopped them from updating on Windows 11, but don’t worry; it can be fixed with the tested solutions below. 

What can I do if Secure Boot is enabled but inactive on Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you need to update BIOS if outdated. Once done, follow these steps in sequence as mentioned below:

1. Disable the Compatibility Support Module (CSM)

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System, then click Recovery.System - Recovery Window -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11s 11
  3. Now click Restart now beside Advanced startup.Advanced Startup
  4. From Choose an option, select Troubleshoot.Choose an option - Troubleshoot-secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  5. Now click Advanced Options.Advanced options
  6. Select UEFI firmware settings, then click Restart. UEFI
  7. Now select the appropriate option to go into BIOS mode. 
  8. Go to the Boot or Security tab, navigate to CSM and select Disabled for it.secure boot enabled but not active windows 11UEFI with Compatibility Support Module
  9. Once done, click Save Changes & Reset.

2. Change the platform

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. Locate the System Mode, and select User instead of Setup.
  3. Go to Secure Boot Mode. If it stays Standard, switch it to Custom. SECURE BOOT MODE -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  4. Now change it back to Standard and accept Factory Defaults.

3. Enable Secure Boot 

  1. Go to BIOS mode by following the steps from method 1.
  2. From the Security or Boot menu, locate Secure Boot.Secure boot -secure boot enabled but not active windows 11
  3. Select Enabled. Now select Save changes and exit to confirm the changes.

Why is Secure Boot enabled but not active?

There could be various reasons why the error occurs on your computer, some of them are mentioned here: 

  • Secure Boot feature disabled –  If the Secure Boot option in UEFI firmware settings is set to Disabled, the feature will not work, even if it is technically enabled.
  • CSM enabled – If CSM is enabled in UEFI settings, you might face the error. You need to disable this setting to fix it.
  • BIOS is outdated – If BIOS is not up to date, it may not support the Secure boot feature. You need to update BIOS to get the feature enabled.

So, these are methods that you need to follow to fix secure boot enabled but not active on Windows 11. It is crucial that Secure Boot is enabled at all times otherwise, you’d be exposing your device to errors like the tpm-wmi 1796 or the SECURE_BOOT_VIOLATION error.

Some modern games now require Secure Boot to be active as part of their anti-cheat systems, for instance, Battlefield 2042 enforces Secure Boot to launch the game properly.

We also have a complete guide on how to deal with Secure boot enabled but not active on Windows 10 and what to do if Secure Boot is grayed out on Windows 11.

Try them and let us know what worked for you in the comments below.