Page 929 • Windows Report

FIX: Driver irql not less or equal (mfewfpk.sys) error

Posted on March 22, 2021March 19, 2024 by Ivan Jenic

As you know, Windows 10 is available as a free upgrade to all genuine Windows 8 and Windows 7 users.

However, the upgrade process to Windows 10 isn’t always smooth and some users report getting driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) error.

Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) is usually followed by a Blue Screen of Death after which your computer restarts.

This error is caused by a file mfewfpk.sys that is related to McAfee Security Software, and usually, the best solution to this is to remove McAfee security software before upgrading to Windows 10.

If you have already upgraded to Windows 10, don’t worry, there’s still a way to fix this issue.

How do I fix Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) error?

1. Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode

While your computer boots keep pressing F8 or F2 or Shift + F8.
- This will sometimes allow you to access Advanced Boot Options.
- If it doesn’t work, after your computer resets several times you’ll get the option to Restart or to enter Advanced Startup.
- When this happens make sure that you choose Advanced Startup.
Then choose Troubleshoot.
Next, you need to go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
When you enter the Startup Option you’ll have the option for Safe Mode with Networking.
Choose it, and download the McAfee removal tool from the link below.
Run the McAfee removal tool to remove McAfee software completely.
Restart your computer.
After you’ve removed McAfee Security Software everything should be working as usual.

If the problem is resolved after removing McAfee, you might want to keep using Windows Defender or switch to a different antivirus solution.

Windows Defender offers solid protection, but if you want full system protection, it might be wise to install third-party antivirus software.

2. Move the problematic file to a different directory

Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
- To see how to do that, be sure to check the previous solution for detailed instructions.
When Safe Mode starts, open File Explorer and go to the following directory: C:WindowsSystem32drivers
Now locate mfewfpk.sys file and move it to a different location, outside of the Windows directory.

After doing that, restart your PC and the problem should be completely resolved. Keep in mind that this isn’t a system file, so you can also remove it if you want.

In most cases, this problem is caused by mfewfpk.sys, and in order to fix this issue, you need to find and move the file to a different location.

This file is located in the Windows directory, but it’s not crucial for Windows, so you can easily move it.

3. Perform a System Restore

Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence to force your PC to boot to start Automatic Repair.
A list of options will appear. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Now select your username and enter your password.
System Restore window should now appear. Click on Next to proceed.
If available, check to Show more restore points option. Now you should see several restore points available. Check the date and time for each entry and select the desired restore point. Now click on Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen to restore your PC.

After performing a System Restore, your PC should be restored to an earlier state, and the problem should be resolved completely.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a perfect solution, and sometimes even the System Restore won’t be able to fix your problem.

Use a third-party system restoration tool

You can also restore your system files using a third-party specialized tool, so you won’t need to use any System Restore and lose your current windows files and settings.

Simply download the tool, run it, and it will automatically scan the system for corrupted, damaged, or missing files, and then it will restore them or replace them accordingly.

4. Use Linux boot drive

Download the Linux ISO.
Create a bootable drive.
Connect the boot drive to your PC and boot from it.
Once you start the PC in the Linux environment, search for the following: C:WindowsSystem32drivers
Remove the mfewfpk.sys inside of it.

If driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) error is preventing you from starting Windows, you might be able to fix the problem simply by booting from a Linux boot drive.

Keep in mind that in a Linux environment your drive might not be labeled as C, so you’ll have to find the Windows directory on your own.

This is a bit advanced solution, so if you don’t know what is an ISO file or Linux, and if you don’t know how to create a bootable drive, you might want to read a tutorial or two or try a different solution.

5. Remove McAfee

Since McAfee is supposedly a cause of this error, removing the program is the safest solution. You can do it from within the device manager, or you can use a third-party app removal tool.

To do this, you will need to download and run a McAfee removal tool. After you’ve downloaded the tool, you just need to run it and it will remove McAfee Security Software completely from your computer.

If you’re getting Blue Screen of Death with driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) error then you probably won’t be able to access your system.

To download the necessary McAfee removal tool, you’ll have to start your Windows 10 in Safe Mode.

⇒ Get IObit Uninstaller

6. Use Command Prompt to remove the file

Right-click the Start Menu button or press Windows Key + X.
Now choose Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
When Command Prompt starts, run the following command: DEL /F /S /Q /A "C: WindowsSystem32driversmfewfpk.sys

This command will force Windows to remove this file. After doing that, just restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

7. Use Windows 10 installation media to perform Automatic Repair

Connect the bootable drive to your PC and boot from it.
In order to boot from the USB drive, you might have to change your boot settings in BIOS.
Once you boot from your boot drive, click on Repair your computer option.
Now choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Automatic Repair.
Let the program run its course.
Once the repair process is finished, check if the problem is solved.

If you aren’t sure how to do it, know that you can learn how to boot from a USB drive with our useful article. Just follow the steps and you’ll know how to do it in no time.

Note: Before you start, you need to download Windows 10 ISO using the Media Creation Tool and create a bootable drive. You can do that from Safe Mode or from a working PC.

A variation of this error can appear on any Windows operating system, and we wrote about the Irql Not Less or Equal error in Windows 11 in another guide, so don’t miss it.

We hope these solutions helped you with Driver_irql_not_less_or_equal (mfewfpk.sys) error, if you have any questions, or comments, just reach for the comment section below.

Fix 0x1000007e bugcheck blue screen error

Posted on March 21, 2021March 19, 2024 by Vlad Turiceanu

Getting an error message immediately after starting your Windows 10 computer is not an uncommon occurrence.

The 0x1000007e BSoD error is caused by a severely outdated Silverlight version, system file corruption, or interference from a third-party service.

A hardware-related issue may also be the reason why this 0x1000007e error is shown, but you shouldn’t imagine the worst scenario yet.

Because of the multiple factors that cause this error, it’s likely that you may have to attempt more than one potential fix to suitably repair it.

With that said, we may only suggest you try the solutions below in the given order.

How can I fix error 0x1000007e on Windows?

1. Install pending updates

Press Windows key + R keyboard hotkey to open up a Run dialog box.
Type wuapp.exe inside the text box and press Enter to open up the Windows Update tab of the Settings app.
Once you’re inside the Windows Update screen, click on Check for updates.
After that, follow the next on-screen instructions to install every pending update.
After each Windows update is installed, restart your computer and you should be good to go.

Windows 10 updates are supposed to be automatically downloaded when available and installed. Make sure you install every pending update that Windows has lined up for you.

Can’t install Windows updates? Just check out this guide to see how easy is to fix that.

2. Use a troubleshooting tool

Since the issue might be deeper than you thought and finding the cause might be difficult, a general troubleshooting BSoD tool can be very useful.

3. Use SFC /Scannow

Click on Start.
Then, you need to search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command and then press Enter:
sfc /scannow
System File Checker will now verify the integrity of all protected operating system files on your computer.
It might take quite a while to finish. Once you start this process, you must not interrupt it until the operation is finished.
Restart your computer if sfc /scannow repaired any files.

System file corruption problems could occur as a result of an issue installing a driver, a system update, or application, or even while making any changes to the installation manually.

Windows 10’s System File Checker (SFC) scannow command can’t fix hardware issues.

But it’s a great place to start if you’re still experiencing the 0x1000007e error and suspect corrupted system files as the culprit.

In the unlikely case that the scannow command stops before the process finishes, we’ve also got an easy fix for you.

4. Use the System Restore utility

Open up a Run dialog box by pressing Windows key + R.
Inside the text box, type rstrui and press Enter to open up the System Restore wizard.
Click Next at the initial prompt.
Select the Restore point you wish to return to and click Next.
Follow the instructions to complete the process.
Lastly, your computer will restart and the new state will be enforced at the next system startup.

Many users reported that the 0x1000007e error was fixed after restoring their PC with the System Restore tool. You may try to do the same.

If System Restore is not working, there is no reason to panic. Just take a look at this useful guide and set things right once again.

Have you attempted to apply one or more of the solutions we have outlined below? Let us know which one worked for you in the comments area below.

How to fix the Invalid game executable error for Halo MCC

Posted on March 20, 2021October 4, 2023 by Matthew Adams

Many players have posted on support forums about an Invalid game executable error.

That issue is widely reported for games with Easy Anti-Cheat, such as Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

When some players try to launch the game, a Launch Error Invalid game executable error message pops up.

How can I fix the Invalid game executable error for Halo: MCC?

1. Run the game with administrator privileges

First, open File Explorer’s window by clicking its folder taskbar button.
Then open the game folder that includes the Halo: Master Chief EXE file.
Right-click the Halo: Master Chief Collection EXE and select Properties.
Then select the Compatibility tab shown directly below.
Select the Run this program as an administrator checkbox.
Select the Apply option.
Click OK to exit.

Note: Players who play Halo: Master Chief via Steam should also run Steam as an administrator. Check out our guide to running Steam as an administrator for further details.

2. Disable Easy Anti Cheat

Open the Master Chief Collection page in your Steam or Xbox app game library and select Play.

A small window pop-up will then open that includes two options. Select the Play Halo: MCC Anti-Cheat disabled option in Steam or Halo: MMC Anti-Cheat Disabled setting in the Xbox app.

The MCC Anti-Cheat Disabled option halo mcc error invalid game executable

Note: You might not be able to play Halo: MMC online with Easy Anti-Cheat disabled. However, Halo might at least start for you to play it single player with Easy Anti-Cheat disabled.

3. Repair Easy Anti-Cheat

Open your Halo: Master Chief Collection folder in File Explorer.
Open the easy anti cheat subfolder within the Halo: Master Chief Collection folder.
Click easyanticheat_setup to open the Easy Anti-Cheat window.
Select Halo: The Master Chief Collection on the drop-down menu.
Then click the Repair Service button.
Click Finish when done.

4. Reinstall Halo

Press the Windows and I keyboard keys at the same time to launch Settings.
Click Apps in Settings.
Select Halo: Master Chief Collection within Apps & features.
Click the Uninstall button.
Thereafter, restart Windows before reinstalling Halo: MCC.
Then reinstall your Halo: MCC game via Steam or MS Store.

You can also uninstall Halo: MCC with third-party uninstaller software, some of which will more thoroughly erase leftover files, folders, and registry entries.

⇒ Get iOBit Uninstaller

5. Verify the integrity of game files (Steam fix)

First, open the Steam client software.
Click Library in Steam.
Right-click Halo: Master Chief Collection to select the Properties option for it.
Then select the Local Files tab shown directly below.
Select the Verify Integrity of Game Files option.

6. Select the Repair option

Click the Type here to search button on the left side of Windows 10’s taskbar.
Input the keyword Halo in the search tool’s text box.
Select App settings for Halo: The Master Chief on the right side of the search tool.
Press the Repair button.
You can also click Reset to clear Halo’s data. However, try the Repair option first.

Note: The above resolution is more specifically for the MS Store Halo: The Master Chief Collection game app.

7. Disable antivirus utilities before launching Halo: MCC

Click the Windows Security system tray icon.
Click the shield button on the Windows Security sidebar.
Then click Manage Settings to open the options in the snapshot directly below.
Toggle the Real-time protection option off.

To disable third-party antivirus software, you’ll need to right-click the antivirus utility’s system tray icon to open a context menu for it.

Then you can usually select some kind of disable option on most antivirus utilities’ context menus. Select to disable the antivirus shield for about an hour if you can.

Note: If disabling antivirus software fixes the issue, it’s most likely that its shield is incorrectly flagging Easy Anti-Cheat or Halo: The Master Chief Collection. In which case, you can add Easy Anti Cheat or Halo: MCC to your antivirus utility’s white list to stop the false positive flagging.

8. Update Windows 10

Open the Settings app (press the Windows + I hotkey).
Click Update & Security to open the options in the shot directly below.
Press the Check for updates button to download and install available patch updates.
If a feature update is available, click Download and Install to update Windows 10 to its latest build version.

Players have confirmed some of the fixes above can resolve the Invalid game executable error for Halo: The Master Chief Collection and other games.

However, players who still need further potential fixes can submit a support ticket at the Halo Support website.

Disable auto-lock Windows 7 [Quick Guide]

Posted on March 20, 2021October 4, 2023 by Loredana Harsana

Since data protection is important, Windows 7 comes with an incorporated feature where the operating system is locked automatically.

Preventing the device from going into Sleep mode or locking can be easily done if you are an administrator with the help of specialized tools.

We will explore in this article the exact steps you need to make in order to disable the auto-lock in Windows 7, so make sure to keep on reading.

How can I disable auto-lock on Windows 7?

1. Change the settings

In the Search box type Control panel and click on the option when displayed.
Go to Appearance and Personalization and click on Change Screen Saver.
Uncheck the option On resume, display logon screen.
Click OK to save these changes.

This is one of the simplest ways to disable auto lock on Windows 7, so be sure to try it out.

2. Disable the password

Click on Start and go to Control Panel.
Click Power Options and select Require Password on Wakeup.
Select the option Don’t require a password.
Click OK to save the changes.

There you go, these are the steps you need to make in order to disable the auto-lock on Windows 7.

Keep in mind though, that by performing these actions, anyone can access the data from your device because it is not locked.

We would love to know in the comments section below if you have additional recommendations or suggestions, so don’t hesitate.

FIX: DRIVER PAGE FAULT IN FREED SPECIAL POOL [Windows 10/11]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 8, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_IN_FREED_SPECIAL_POOL and other Blue Screen of Death errors can cause many problems on your PC.

These errors are usually caused by certain software or by faulty hardware, and since they can cause so many problems, today we’re going to show you how to fix this error on Windows 10.

How do I fix the DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_IN_FREED_SPECIAL_POOL BSoD error?

Update Windows 10 and all your drivers
Run the hardware troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Use a repair tool
Remove problematic software
Update your SSD firmware
Reset Windows 10
Check if your hardware is working properly

1. Update Windows 10 and all your drivers

Many BSoD errors are caused by both hardware and software issues, and in order to fix these issues, it’s important that you update Windows 10.

New patches are being released frequently through Windows Update, and many of these patches offer new features, security improvements, and all sorts of bug fixes related to both hardware and software.

By installing the latest patches, you’ll ensure that your Windows 10 is up to date, safe, and free from BSoD errors.

Although Windows updates are important, it’s just as important to install the latest drivers for your devices.

Windows 10 uses drivers to communicate with your hardware, and if your drivers aren’t working with Windows 10, you won’t be able to use your hardware, or you’ll get a BSoD error.

In order to fix these kinds of problems, it’s advised that you update all your drivers.

Updating drivers is fairly simple, and you can do it by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your hardware. To fix this issue be sure to download the latest drivers for all your devices.

Several users reported that this error was fixed after updating the Wireless adapter driver, so be sure to update this driver first and then update all other drivers.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

We strongly recommend you use a professional tool that will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automated solution, so be sure to try it out now!

⇒ Get Fortect Driver Updater

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

If updating your drivers didn’t resolve the DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_IN_FREED_SPECIAL_POOL error, we’ll try with a troubleshooting tool.

Windows 10 features a handy built-in troubleshooter that can help you with various issues, including BSOD errors. So, we can try it and see if we have any luck.

3. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter:sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The next troubleshooter we’re going to try is the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool that goes through your system searching for potential issues.

Of course, if resolving these issues is possible, the SFC scan will do it automatically.

4. Run DISM

Standard way

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your PC.

And the third troubleshooter we’re going to use is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a powerful tool that reloads the system image. So, it can also resolve potential BSOD errors.

5. Use a repair tool

BSoD errors can affect all Windows operating systems and fixing them is quite a difficult task that requires a lot of patience.

A powerful system repair software can help you streamline the repair process and replace the files that caused the BSoD in just a few moments.

6. Remove problematic software

Many applications can cause Blue Screen of Death errors to appear, and in order to fix this problem, it’s recommended to find and remove the problematic application.

In most cases this error is caused by your antivirus or firewall, therefore you’ll have to remove your antivirus or firewall to fix this error.

Users reported issues with Kaspersky Internet Security and GlassWire firewall, and according to them, updating these tools to the latest version fixed the BSoD error.

Bear in mind that sometimes you might have to completely remove all third-party antivirus programs in order to fix this error.

Uninstalling the antivirus software won’t be enough, and you might have to use a dedicated removal tool to remove all files and registry entries related to your antivirus.

Almost all major security companies have these tools available for download, so be sure to download one for your antivirus software.

Bear in mind that uninstalling third-party antivirus won’t leave your PC completely vulnerable because Windows 10 comes with its own antivirus software called Windows Defender.

If removing the antivirus software fixes the problem, you can now switch to a different antivirus tool, or you can install the same antivirus software again.

Few users also reported that Razer Overlay Support can also cause this error, so be sure to remove this tool and all files associated with it.

7. Update your SSD firmware

If you have Windows 10 installed on your SSD, you might be experiencing DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_IN_FREED_SPECIAL_POOL error due to outdated firmware.

According to users, they managed to fix this error by updating firmware on their SSD, but before you decide to do that we urge you to back up all important files.

Updating SSD firmware is an advanced procedure, and if you’re not careful you can cause irreversible damage to your SSD, therefore be extra cautions and thoroughly check the instruction manual.

8. Reset Windows 10

Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. If you get asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, be sure to do that.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button.
Follow the instructions and wait for the process to finish.

If this error is caused by software, you can fix it by performing Windows 10 reset. To perform Windows 10 reset, follow the above steps.

You should know that Windows 10 reset is quite similar to clean install, so we advise you to back up all important files from your C partition.

To complete Windows 10 reset you might need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 on it, and you can easily create one by using Media Creation Tool.

After the reset process is completed you’ll have a new installation of Windows 10. If the error appears again, it’s most likely that the error is caused by faulty hardware.

9. Check if your hardware is working properly

Hardware issues can also cause Blue Screen of Death errors to appear, therefore we urge you to remove or replace any recently installed hardware and check if that fixes the BSoD error.

If the error isn’t caused by new hardware, be sure to check your RAM. To do that, you need to test RAM modules one by one until you find a faulty module.

Few users reported that after reseating their RAM the issue was resolved, so be sure to try that. If your RAM is working properly, check other hardware components such as your motherboard, graphic card, network adapter, hard drive, etc.

DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_IN_FREED_SPECIAL_POOL BSoD error can be a problem, but you can easily fix this error by removing the problematic applications or by updating the outdated drivers.

We hope that these recommendations from our list were helpful to fix the BSoD error. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

FIX: UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME error in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 19, 2021September 22, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors can cause all sorts of problems on your PC, and therefore it’s important that you know how to fix them.

Many users reported an UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME BSoD error, and today we’re going to show you how to fix it on Windows 10.

How do I fix the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME BSoD error?

Download the latest updates and update your drivers
Run the hardware troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Use chkdsk scan
Change the SATA Mode in BIOS
Check your hardware

1. Download the latest updates and update your drivers

Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by hardware or software issues, and in order to fix those issues, it’s required that you update Windows 10.

Downloading updates is pretty straightforward, and you can download the necessary updates simply by using Windows Update.

New updates are released frequently, and many of them offer security improvements and new features, but they also fix various bugs related to both hardware and software.

If you want your PC to be safe and free from errors, we strongly suggest that you update Windows 10.

Your hardware requires drivers in order to work with your PC, and if your drivers are out of date or buggy, you’ll encounter a BSoD error such as UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME.

To fix these types of errors, it’s important that you keep your drivers up to date, and you can do that simply by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your device.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

Our software recommendations will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your system for faults or missing drivers and generate a report in a matter of seconds. It contains practically all of the drivers and automatically updates them if obsolete or broken ones are found.

You can update drivers manually if you are completely familiar with the drivers your PC requires. The driver updater utility is the best alternative.

Outbyte Driver Updater can assist you in automatically updating drivers and preventing PC harm caused by installing the incorrect driver version. It keeps up with the latest modifications, preventing the system from experiencing latency, system failures, and BSoD issues.

After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automatized solution, so be sure to try it out.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

If updating your drivers didn’t resolve the UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME error, we’ll try with a troubleshooting tool.

Windows 10 features a handy built-in troubleshooter that can help you with various issues, including the BSOD errors. So, we can try it and see if we have any luck.

3. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter:sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

The SFC scan is a command-line tool that basically scans your computer for potential errors, and resolves them if the solution is available.

Among other errors that the SFC scan can help with are the BSOD issues, so be sure to check it out.

4. Run DISM

Standard way

Right-click on Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your PC.

DISM is yet another command-line troubleshooter that we can use if the previous ones failed to resolve the issue.

In fact, DISM might be the most powerful troubleshooter, because it freshly deploys the system image.

5. Use chkdsk scan

Press the Windows Key + X, and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /r c:
Wait for the chkdsk scan to finish.

Some users are also recommending using the bootrec /fixmbr command before chkdsk, so you might want to try that as well.

If you cannot enter Windows 10 due to a UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME error, you can perform the chkdsk scan by following these steps:

Start Automatic Repair by restarting your PC a few times during the boot sequence.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
When Command Prompt starts, type the following command and press Enter the chkdsk /r c:

Sometimes corrupted files on your hard drive can cause these types of errors to appear, but you can fix these errors by performing a chkdsk scan.

Alternatively, you can just connect that hard drive to a different PC and run the chkdsk scan. Just remember to replace C with the letter that matches your hard drive.

6. Change the SATA Mode in BIOS

Sometimes UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME Blue Screen of Death error is caused by the incorrect SATA Mode setting in BIOS, but you can easily change that.

To change the SATA Mode you need to enter BIOS first, and you can do that by pressing F2 or Del while your computer boots.

Certain motherboards use a different key, so you might want to check your motherboard manual and see how to access BIOS.

Once you enter BIOS you need to find SATA Mode setting. There should be several modes available such as IDE, RAID, AHCI, etc. Select any of these modes, save your changes and restart your PC.

If the problem isn’t resolved, enter BIOS again and choose a different mode. If you cannot find SATA Mode setting, check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

7. Check your hardware

This error can be sometimes caused by faulty hardware, therefore we advise you to check if your hard drive and motherboard are working properly.

If you made any changes to your PC and added new hardware, we strongly advise you to remove or replace the new hardware since it might not be fully compatible with your PC.

Also, be sure to check for any loose cables connecting to your hard drive. If a certain cable is loose and not properly connected, that might cause this error to appear.

If everything is connected properly, connect your hard drive to a different SATA port on your motherboard and check if that fixes this error.

UNMOUNTABLE BOOT VOLUME Blue Screen of Death error is one of the more serious errors, and it’s usually caused by a hard drive problem.

In order to fix this annoying BSoD error, be sure to try all solutions from our article. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

Former 20th Century Fox and Netflix exec joins Xbox as Director of Global Partnership

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Kareem Anderson

Perhaps, it isn’t enough that Microsoft’s new Game Pass platform is often made analogous to Netflix by the gaming industry, the company has now gone and hire a former Netflix executive to help solidify that mindshare broadly.

Microsoft’s gaming business welcomes Marcos Waltenberg as its new Director of Xbox Global Partnership this week. Waltenberg, a former Twentieth Century Fox and Netflix alum took to LinkedIn to celebrate his new position with Team Xbox.

After a fantastic 5-year journey with countless stunning colleagues at Netflix, I’m thrilled to share that I am joining Team Xbox to lead the Global Partnerships group. I can’t wait to learn from the teams behind the iconic Xbox brand, products, services and games (so many amazing games!), and I look forward to doing great things together at such an exciting time of change, growth and new opportunities in the world of Gaming.

Waltenberg is bringing his talents to the big green and black for Microsoft where he’ll oversee and build on Xbox’s current stable of high-profile brand partnerships that include Disney (The Mandalorian, Falcon and Winter Soldier), Warner Bros Pictures (Wonder Woman, Space Jam), ZOA Energy, which is co-founded by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, plus partnerships with multi-platinum artist Saweetie, and more.

While Microsoft continues to drum the beat of a gaming-first ethos, at its heart the division is the entertainment wing of the company, regardless of how much Teams wants that title. With that being said, Waltenberg’s hire will be a key one to keep an eye on as Microsoft looks to expand the brand beyond plastic, buttons, silicon, and pixels.

Microsoft releases new build with no changes for Dev Channel Insiders

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has just released the Cumulative Update Build 21337.1010 (KB5001618) for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel, which includes no new features or fixes. This is another update to help the Windows Insider team test its servicing pipeline following the release of the build Build 21337 on Wednesday.

Heads up #WindowsInsiders in the Dev Channel. We've released cumulative update 21337.1010 to continue validating our servicing pipleline. If you haven't checked out the post for Build 21337, be sure you take a look. https://t.co/UNKOTdFp0I #AreYouFlightingYet

— Windows Insider (@windowsinsider) March 19, 2021

If you have yet to install it, the build 21337 is actually packed with new features including Auto HDR Preview for PC, which will bring HDR visuals to over 1,000 DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 games that don’t support HDR natively. This build also introduced new controls for reordering and customizing Virtual Desktops, as well as a new layout for File Explorer.

Today’s cumulative update doesn’t fix any of the known issues in the build 21337 affecting ARM64 devices or users with Realtek network adapters. If you’re on an older build, make sure to check out the full list of known issues on the blog post before installing the new bits.

We hope the team will be back with another flight for the Dev Channel next week. If News and interests in the taskbar has been the main focus in recent Dev Channel builds, things may finally start to change in the coming weeks, and Wednesday’s build 21337 was definitely an exciting change.

5 alternative games like Roblox to play online

Posted on March 19, 2021September 26, 2025 by Matthew Adams

Roblox is a sandbox MMO (massively multiplayer online) game, and it’s one of the most played freely available alternatives to Minecraft. It enables players to build their own 3D worlds or play in ones created by other players.

However, there are numerous other free-to-play games like Roblox in which you can build your own 3D worlds to play in. These are some of the more notable alternative games like Roblox online that are freely available.

Quick tip:

Opera is one of the best browsers to play online browser games with. It’s the only browser that has a special game version, in the form of OperaGX. OperaGX is the first dedicated gaming browser that includes numerous game-orientated features.

OperaGX’s sidebar incorporates most of that browser’s gaming features. There users can access GX Control settings for limiting RAM and network bandwidth usage and view RAM and CPU usage for open tabs. Twitch and Discord are also integrated within OperaGX’s sidebar.

Opera GX

Use Opera GX to get the best lag-free gaming experience in your browser.

Get it freeVisit website

What are the best games like Roblox to play online?

Trove

Trove is an online multiplayer game that mixes sandbox with massively multiplayer online arena gameplay. Players can play with mages, knights, pirates, lancers, and other character classes to explore many in-game worlds via the HUB. Or they can engage in PvP combat in Trove Battleverse.

Players can also build lots and lots in Trove. The game includes cornerstone home bases that players can build up to their hearts’ content. Trove players can also create their own special club worlds for other players to join. So, it incorporates similar sandbox building aspects to Roblox.

⇒ Get Trove

Kogama

Kogama is an open-ended sandbox game that you can play in your web browser. You can play, create, and share your very own 3D multiplayer games at the Kogama online universe without the need to download anything. However, there is a downloadable Android Kogama app available at Google Play.

You can get an idea of the sort of games you can make by playing those on the Kogama website. The website includes a plethora of player-made games you can play without registering on it. However, you’ll need to sign up on Kogama to make and share your own games.

⇒ Get Kogama

Creativerse

Creativerse is a sandbox action-adventure game in which players wield gauntlets to mine materials and build objects. Players must craft items, harvest materials, interact with wildlife, and build their own shelters to survive within a massive 3D world in this survival game.

Creativerse features a Creator Mode to build your own worlds other players can join. This game takes building to a new level as it enables players to fully rotate blocks and provides Blueprint instructions for structures. Creativierse also has a big creative community with regular activities and events.

⇒ Get Creativerse

Minecraft Classic

Minecraft is the best sandbox game ever, but unlike Roblox it isn’t freely available. However, you can still play the original Minecraft game in your browser with Minecraft Classic. Mojang released Minecraft Classic to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the game.

Minecraft Classic is the original 2009 game restored in your browser. It includes the 32 building blocks from the original and even the same bugs. You can also invite up to nine players to join you at your hosted Minecraft Classic game.

⇒ Get Minecraft Classic

Terasology

Terasology is an open-source sandbox game that originated from a Minecraft tech demo. It is now a full-featured Java game with an online multiplayer mode you can play on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Terasology players can craft and build landscapes that resemble Minecraft’s blocky worlds.

Terasology is certainly a visually impressive sandbox title. It features a rendering engine that provides some dazzling shadow and lighting effects. Players will also love some of the atmospheric music within Terasology.

⇒ Get Terasology

Those are five great sandbox creation game alternatives to Roblox that players can unleash their creativity with. You can play those games online with their Internet multiplayer modes and some of them will even run in web browsers.

Microsoft Edge Canary now details new features and more on New Tab page

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

Tracking new features in the Microsoft Edge Insider channels is a bit of a hit-and-miss experience, but the company is making it easier to keep up with what’s new on the docket for Canary users. The Edge Insider team has launched a What’s New page in the Canary channel that details all the new features and more on the New Tab page.

As noted by Missy Quarry, a community manager for Microsoft Edge Insiders, the page includes the build number along with a weekly round-up of all the latest announcements. It also gives an insight into the new features, recent blog posts, top forum posts, and more.

Saw that this morning ???? pic.twitter.com/6EeTDqlTTq

— Rohit Yadav (@rty2423) March 19, 2021

In addition to the new features and blog posts, the page lists a couple of known issues that are reported by Edge Insiders. There is also an Insider Spotlight section that highlights people currently making an impact in the community.

The Microsoft Edge Insider Channels are preview channels for the new Microsoft Edge browser. The Canary and Dev channels get new updates daily and weekly, respectively, and the Beta channel receives major updates every four weeks. This means that the company is constantly adding new features to these channels, and keeping track of new features can be a bit of a hassle for some users.

The What’s new page is a welcome change for Edge users running the Canary branch of Microsoft Edge, and it’s already available in the Dev channel. Going forward, it will likely help to keep users informed about all the latest changes in the browser. Have you spotted the What’s new page on your PCs? Let us know in the comments down below.

5 best online mastering services to unlock your creativity

Posted on March 19, 2021October 4, 2023 by Tashreef Shareef

Music mastering was and is a complicated process that requires a lot of technical knowledge, but also the use of appropriate tools.

However, with the advent of online mastering services, the process has become much simpler for the individual and professional music producers who don’t want to learn the complex plug-ins.

Online mastering services offer an AI-driven mastering process that is all on the cloud. These platforms are capable of effectively making minor changes to your tracks to enhance the overall quality.

In this article, we explore the best mastering services online to help you find the best mastering service that works for you best.

What is the best online mastering service?

LANDR

LANDR is an algorithm-based online mastering service that has been designed with the goal to make the mastering process quick and easy.

Whether you are a pro or getting started with, LANDR makes it easy to master your tracks without compromising on quality. It offers multiple plans, starting from $48/yr with basic functionalities.

All the plans include instant AI mastering tools, and a distribution feature that allows you to partner with LANDR to sell your music on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

Additionally, you also get access to the promotion tool to share your work, collaboration and statistics feature and educational content to make the most out of service.

You can begin by creating a free account that offers 2 free masters per month to see it in action before swiping your credit card.

LANDR

If you need a professional platform where you can create, tweak around with, and then sell your music, then LANDR is for you!

Free trial Visit website

CloudBounce

CloudBounce is another AI-enabled online mastering service that allows you to master your music during or after your creative process.

Using the free version, you can upload your track, master it, and purchase the final master or proceed to make more changes.

Once you have uploaded the file, CloudBounce’s mastering engine analyzes it and applies just the right amount of various audio processing inputs to make it sound clear.

It also provides you with synth and bass instruments for free during the mastering process for free. CloudBounce offers multiple plans beginning with $9.90 per track plan. Or you can choose the monthly/yearly infinity plans.

CloudBounce

Bring out the best in your composition to show off your creativity only with CloudBounce!

Check price Get it now

eMastered

eMastered is a similar online mastering service with its own touches. It is an online mastering engine that is fast, offers an intuitive user interface and excellent output quality.

Unlike CloudBounec and LANDR, eMastered offers a Reference feature. Using the feature, you can upload your original track and a reference track to help the engine determine your expectations.

It uses machine learning to improve with every song it masters. To offer professional sound, it applies the same studio process like EQ, Compression, Saturation, and other bits without human interference.

Using eMastered is easy. Once you have uploaded the file, the mastering engine will analyze the file and apply the necessary changes to make your track loud and clear.

After that you can preview and download the mastered tracks to your computer and enjoy them.

⇒ Get eMastered

Majordecibel

If you are looking for an instant mastering service, Majordecibel is a good company to consider. The powerful algorithms can transform any track into professional-sounding music.

Similar to LANDR, Majordecibel also allows you to master 2 tracks for free every month even if you don’t have an account.

If you choose to upgrade, it starts at $6 a month with the unlimited master for individual music producers. There are more expensive Studio plans if you are a music studio.

⇒ Get Majordecibel

BandLab Mastering

BandLab Mastering is one of the best free online mastering services that offer unlimited free algorithmic mastering to everyone.

It offers the tools to bring out the best in your composition to show off your creativity.

The downside with this service is that the library offered is not as extensive as other mastering programs. However, it is more than just a mastering tool.

BandLab projects it as a complete online DAW tool with over 200+ virtual instruments, advanced features such as guitar and bass amp, and live audio recording.

⇒ Get BandLab Mastering

Mastering is like icing on the cake and is highly recommended even if you are just getting started with your musical journey.

Online mastering tools help you to be consistent with all your tracks in an album. Some services like LANDR even offer free distribution platform to sell your music on streaming platforms like Spotify and iTunes.

All the tools listed in the article will help you to get your tracks mastered with excellent quality without breaking the bank. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

BUGCODE ID DRIVER error in Windows 10/11 [Fixed by Experts]

Posted on March 19, 2021December 4, 2024 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors can appear on almost any version of Windows, and, unfortunately, Windows 10 is no exception from these types of issues.

These errors can be sometimes hard to diagnose and harder to fix, and they tend to cause a lot of problems since they will restart your PC in order to prevent damage.

Since these BSoD errors tend to cause so much trouble for your computer, today we’re going to show you how to fix BUGCODE ID DRIVER error.

How do I fix the BUGCODE ID DRIVER BSoD error?

1. Update all your computer drivers

If you want to prevent BSoD errors from appearing, we strongly suggest that you keep your Windows 10 up to date with the latest drivers.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

1. Update your Windows 10

Windows 10 has a few minor issues with certain hardware and software, and sometimes these issues can cause Blue Screen of Death errors such as BUGCODE_ID_DRIVER to appear.

Microsoft is aware of these issues, and it’s working hard to fix them, and in fact, many of these issues are fixed by using Windows Update.

New patches are being released frequently and many of these patches offer new features, security improvements, and various bug fixes related to both hardware and software.

If the Windows 10 update is not working on your computer, use our comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and solve the issue.

3. Run the hardware troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooter can be used for addressing various issues, including the BSOD errors. So, if updating your drivers didn’t resolve the problem, let’s try this tool.

Windows troubleshooter is a great tool when you want to find the cause of an issue. However, if it has stopped working and does not finish the process, use our dedicated guide to solve the error.

4. Run the SFC scan

Open the Windows search bar and type cmd.
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If Windows 10’s troubleshooter didn’t get the job done, we’re going to try with the SFC scan. This command-line tool resolves various issues within the system, and it might be helpful.

However, if you encounter issues with Sfc /scannow, it stops before finishing the task, you can use our complete guide to diagnose and fix the issue.

5. Run the DISM tool

Follow the first 2 steps from the above solution.
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a powerful tool that freshly deploys the system image. And that process can eliminate potential BSOD issues.

6. Remove / disable problematic applications

Press Windows Key + R to open Run dialog.
Enter msconfig and press Enter or click OK.
When System Configuration window opens, select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
Go to Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Click the Disable all button.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Now start Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
When Task Manager opens go to Startup tab.
Right click each item on the list and select Disable from the menu.
After you disable all startup applications close Task Manager and restart your computer.

Many third-party applications can cause BSoD errors to appear, and in order to fix this error, you’ll have to find and remove the problematic applications.

The simplest way to do that is to perform a Clean boot by following the above steps. When your computer restarts, check if the error appears again.

If there’s no BSoD error, it means that one of the disabled applications or services was causing it. Now, all you have to do is to figure out what is the app causing issues.

To find the problematic service or application you’ll have to repeat the same steps, enable services and applications one by one until you find the one that is causing this problem.

7. Reset your Windows 10

Restart your computer few times while it boots to start Automatic Repair.
. You can also do that by holding the Shift key and clicking the Restart button.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. During this step you might be asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be ready to do that.
Choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
Click Reset to start the Windows 10 reset and follow the instructions.

If this error is caused by certain software, you can fix it by performing Windows 10 reset. To complete Windows 10 reset, be sure to create a bootable USB flash drive by using Media Creation Tool.

Since Windows 10 reset is similar to clean install, it’s highly advised that you back up your important files since this procedure will delete all files from your C drive.

After you’re done, you should have a clean installation of Windows 10, without any third-party software. If the error appears again, it means that it’s caused by your hardware.

8. Check your hardwar

Blue Screen of Death errors such as BUGCODE ID DRIVER are often caused by your hardware, most commonly RAM, so be sure to test your RAM modules one by one until you find the faulty one.

If your RAM is working, be sure to check other hardware components. Few users reported that this issue was caused by overheating, so we advise you to clean your computer case.

Dust can fill your CPU or GPU fan, and that can increase the temperature of your PC and cause your system to crash, so be sure that your computer is clean from dust.

BUGCODE_ID_DRIVER Blue Screen of Death error can be a major problem, but you can usually fix this error by following the above steps provided in this guide.

We also have a new guide on Bugcode Mbbadapter Driver BSOD, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

If you have any other issues with your personal computer or a suggestion that we should include in this guide, please let us know in a comment below.

How to convert .mkv to .mp4 without losing quality

Posted on March 19, 2021November 25, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

MKV format is rather popular, but it doesn’t work on all devices, so sometimes it’s better to use MP4 instead. Speaking of which, in today’s article we’ll show you how to convert MKV to MP4 with ease.

There are several methods that you can use to do this, so be sure to closely follow instructions from this article and you’ll be converting MKV to MP4 in no time.

How to convert a MKV file to MP4?

1. Use WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

If you’re looking for an MKV converter to MP4, then you must try WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe. The software supports a wide array of formats, so it can convert almost any file type.

In addition, the software works with videos from various devices, such as camcorders, DSLR cameras, action cameras, drones, etc.

As for file conversion, you can convert videos and optimize it to work on mobile and other devices, or optimize them for uploading to video sharing websites:

Other great features:

Level-3 hardware acceleration
47x faster
Supports basic video editing
Lossless compression
Ability to download videos

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe

WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe is a powerful file converter that will easily convert MKV files to MP4.

Free trialVisit website

2. Use Wondershare UniConverter

Another software that can work as an MKV converter to MP4 is Wondershare UniConverter. The device supports MP4, AVI, MKV, WMV, MOV, MP3, WMA, ACC, OGG, FLAC, and many other formats.

Speaking of which, the device can optimize your videos for both iOS and Android devices, as well as game consoles.

It’s also worth mentioning that the software supports batch file conversion allowing you to convert multiple videos with ease.

Other great features:

Supports more than 1000 video and audio formats
30X faster conversion speed
Screen recording
Ability to download videos
DVD burning

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a file converter that supports over 1000 different formats, and it can easily convert MKV to MP4 files.

Free trialVisit website

3. Use VLC

Download VLC and install it. You can also use a portable version instead.
Open VLC.
Go to Media > Convert / Save.
Click the Add button and choose the MKV file that you want to convert.
Now click on the arrow next to Convert / Save and choose Convert.
Set Profile to Video – H.265 + MP3 (MP4), choose the destination directory, and click on Start.
Now, wait for the conversion process to finish.

If needed, you can always click the wrench icon in order to customize the conversion settings.

4. Use Handbrake

Download Handbrake software and install it.
Add the file MKV file that you want to convert.
Now select MP4 as the output format and customize the settings.
Start the conversion and wait for the process to finish.

Keep in mind that Handbrake is an advanced MKV converter to MP4 software, so you might have to experiment with different settings until you get the desired results.

5. Use Cloudconvert

Visit the Cloudconvert website.
Now click on Select File and upload the file, or link a file from cloud storage.
Optional: Change the conversion settings. Keep in mind that this is intended only for advanced users.
After the conversion process is finished, download your MP4 file.

You can prepare clean MKV files that convert more reliably by using MakeMKV software, which lets you create high quality MKV videos from your DVDs and Blu rays before turning them into MP4 format.

There are many websites that offer file conversion feature, and you’re free to try any of them.

Converting MKV to MP4 isn’t hard, but you’ll need to use tools such as WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe or Wondershare UniConverter to do it.

If these tools don’t work for you, then feel free to try any other solution from this article.

Solarwinds unexpected error occurred. job failed to execute

Posted on March 19, 2021October 4, 2023 by Vladimir Popescu

When applying a SAM template to a node for network monitoring, it can happen that one or more components are failing.

The central cause for this is that the node applied to a template is using a Linux agent that does not support all the components that SAM can monitor.

Users report getting the following error message when using Solarwinds:

Unexpected error occurred. Exception: Unknown or unsupported probe type SolarWinds.APM.Probes.SmtpProbe

In this article we will explore a few easy ways of solving this Solarwinds issue, so make sure to keep on reading.

How can I fix error message unexpected error occurred in Solarwinds?

1. Use specialized software

A software that is reliable and error-free is one of the best choices when it comes to choosing the best option for monitoring your network.

What recommends PRTG Network Monitor are its great capabilities, and the available features for monitoring the availability of the hardware.

Moreover, with this tool you can set customized alerts to ensure that you’ll receive instant notification if anything happens.

PRTG Network Monitor

Use a specialized and error free software that will help you stay on top of everything that happens in your network.

Free trialVisit website

2. Modify the settings in Solarwinds

Open Slarwinds application and edit the application with the failing component(s).
Next, click on the Advanced section to expand it.
Set the Preferred Polling Method to Agentless (you may need to click OVERRIDE TEMPLATE to be able to change this).
Save the changes.

Solving the solarwinds unexpected error occurred. job failed to execute is easy by following the solutions presented in this guide.

If you have additional recommendations and suggestions, please share them in the comments section below.

MANUALLY INITIATED CRASH1 error in Windows 10 [Full Fix]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1 and many other Blue Screen of Death will cause your system to crash and restart your PC in order to prevent damage.

BSoD issues can appear on every Windows version, and Windows 10 is no exception. However, at times, it can be difficult to investigate the cause of the problem

BSoD error such as this one can be quite problematic, therefore today we’re going to show you how to fix this error on Windows 10.

The error code 0xdeaddead is also known as MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1, thus, if you see this code, you can use the below solutions.

How do I fix MANUALLY INITIATED CRASH1 BSoD error?

1. Use a dedicated tool for BSoD

Discovering the cause and the solutions to fix computer errors such as BSoD can be a complicated task. Fortunately, there are specialized repair tools to help you out.

2. Download the latest Windows 10 updates

Certain hardware and software have issues with Windows 10, and sometimes these issues can lead to MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1 and other Blue Screen of Death errors.

Microsoft is working hard to improve Windows 10, and many of these patches offer both hardware and software related fixes as well as security improvements.

If you want to keep your PC stable, safe and free from errors, we strongly suggest that you download the latest patches through Windows Update.

Windows Update not working in Windows 10? Don’t worry! Check our guide and solve this error with ease.

3. Run the BSOD troubleshooter

Open the Settings app.
Go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

The next thing we’re going to try is running the built-in troubleshooter featured in Windows 10. This troubleshooter can help with all sorts of issues, including the BSOD errors.

If the Windows Troubleshooter has stopped working on your computer, you can find quick solutions for this problem in our dedicated guide.

4. Update your drivers

If your drivers are outdated or buggy, you won’t be able to properly use any hardware that is associated with them. Also, this can be another cause for BSoD errors.

To fix this error it’s advised that you download the latest drivers for your hardware. Bear in mind that almost any hardware can cause this error to appear, thus, update all your drivers.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Run the SFC scan

Open the Windows search bar and type cmd and open Command Prompt as administrator.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The next troubleshooting tool we can try is the SFC scan. The System File Checker is a command-line tool that scans your system for potential corrupt system files.

However, if you encounter errors while running SFC, it stops or does not work at all on Windows 10, use our dedicated guide in order to fix the issue.

6. Run the DISM tool

Follow the first two steps from the above solution to open Command Prompt as admin.
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

And the third troubleshooting option we’re going to try here is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that re-deploys the system image.

DISM failed on Windows 10? Take a look at our complete guide and learn how to solve the error.

7. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it:
- bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
- bootrec.exe /fixmbr
- bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well.
To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions. In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC):
- chkdsk /r c:
- chkdsk /r d:
This is just our example, so keep in mind that you have to perform chkdsk command for every hard drive partition that you have.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If there’s a problem with your hard drive, BSOD issues are quite common. So, we’re going to check the current state of your hard drive, by running the chkdsk command.

8. Remove problematic software

Third-party applications can also cause MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1 and many other Blue Screen of Death errors to appear. It’s recommended that you find and remove the problematic software.

Most common cause for BSoD errors can be your antivirus software, therefore we suggest that you temporarily remove all third-party antivirus programs from your PC.

To completely remove certain antivirus from your PC, you’ll have to uninstall it and use the dedicated removal tool to remove any remaining files associated with your antivirus program.

If the issue is fixed by removing the antivirus software, you can reinstall it, or you can switch to a different antivirus solution.

According to users, this error can be caused by any application on your PC, therefore it’s recommended that you remove all third-party applications that you don’t recognize or don’t use.

It’s worth mentioning that your drivers can also cause this error, and few users reported that they fixed this issue on Dell laptop by uninstalling and reinstalling the wireless driver.

You can’t completely remove software leftovers on Windows 10? Use the solution from our quick guide.

9. Reset Windows 10

Restart your PC few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Remove everything. During this step you might be asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so make sure that you have one ready.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button to start the procedure.
Follow the instructions to complete the reset.

If this error is caused by software, you should be able to fix it by performing a Windows 10 reset. To perform the reset you might need a bootable USB flash drive.

We also have to mention that this process will delete all files from your C drive, so we advise you to back up the important files. To perform the reset, do the following:

Once the reset is completed don’t install any third-party applications or drivers. Test your computer for a while and check if the error appears again.

If the BSoD error appears, this means that it’s being caused by your hardware. Commonly, the hard disk driver or the RAM is the main cause.

If Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your Windows 10 PC, we recommend you to follow the steps from our dedicated guide and easily fix the issue.

10. Check for faulty hardware

If the MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1 error still persists, we suggest that you remove or replace any recently installed hardware since it might not be compatible with your PC.

If new hardware is not the problem, be sure to perform a detailed hardware inspection and remove the faulty hardware.

MANUALLY_INITIATED_CRASH1 BSoD error can be a major problem, but we hope that you managed to fix it by using one of our solutions.

If you have any suggestions for us or dealing with other type of error, please let us know in a comment below.

Microsoft Teams will let meeting organizers set a timer for Virtual Breakout rooms

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft Teams introduced a new Virtual Breakout rooms feature on the desktop last year along with other improvements such as Together mode scenes, custom backgrounds, and more. Now, the company is working on a new set of admin options for managing Breakout rooms in the app.

According to the Microsoft 365 roadmap, Microsoft Teams is adding a timer option in the Breakout Room settings. It will allow the meeting organizers to set the time limit for each room. When the timer duration expires, the breakout room will close automatically, and all the participants will return to the main meeting.

In addition to this, the app is adding room assignment retention settings to retain room configuration and assignment over various brainstorming sessions. Microsoft is also bringing the ability for organizers to move participants across rooms & main meeting when Breakout rooms are open.

Lastly, a new bypass lobby option is coming to Teams meetings. This setting will make it mandatory for all attendees to bypass the meeting lobby rather than directly jumping into the ongoing meeting. However, It will be up to the meeting hosts to apply this meeting policy to people in their organization and exclude external guest users.

The Microsoft 365 roadmap indicates that these updates will start gradually rolling out to users later this month. In case you missed it, other improvements being planned for Teams this year include the ability to pause video recordings, an Out of Office message scheduling option, and a Walkie Talkie feature for iOS.

5 best software to fix music tags [Windows 10/11]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

If you have a large music collection, then you surely know how important is to have correct music tags. In case your tags aren’t correct, you might have problems organizing or finding certain songs.

However, you can easily fix your tags, and in today’s article, we’re going to show you the best software to fix music tags on your PC.

What is the best software to fix music tags?

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a file converter that works with both video and music files. Speaking of music files, the software also allows you to edit your music tags.

The application supports ID3 tags and you can easily enter all the metadata such as Artist name, Album name, etc, with ease. In addition to ID3 editing, the software can also perform file conversion.

Wondershare UniConverter supports over 1,000 different audio and video formats, so you can convert almost any type of file with ease. Of course, you can also optimize files for certain devices.

The software also offers lossless conversion, and optimization for multi-core processors, which results in 30 times faster video conversion.

Wondershare UniConverter is a great file converter, but it also doubles as a music tags editor, so you might want to try it out.

Wondershare UniConverter features:

ID3 tags editing
File conversion for over 1000 audio and video formats
Batch file conversion
Lossless conversion
Multi-core processor optimization

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is a powerful file conversion software that can also be used to fix music tags.

Free trialVisit website

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor is a specialized tool designed for editing your music tags. In addition to editing ID3 tags, the software can also rename files, folders, and export data to various formats.

The software works with ID3v1 and ID3v2 tags, and it even has ID3v1 tags Lyrics3 support. If needed, you can also save pictures inside MP3 and WMA tags.

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor supports both lyrics and picture editing, and it can change multiple tags for multiple files in order to speed up the tag editing process.

Support for FreeDB is also available, allowing you to update your tags from the Internet automatically. The software also supports templates, and you can use them to easily rename files and folders.

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor is a great solution if you’re looking for software to fix music tags, so we strongly encourage you to try it out.

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor features:

Ability to rename files and folders
Support for ID3v1 and ID3v2 tags
Works with WMA, OGG, ASF, and MP3 files
Can change multiple tags in multiple files
FreeDB integration for automatic tag updating

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor

Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor is a software that can fix music tags automatically by using FreeDB service.

Free trialVisit website

MusicBrainz Picard

If you’re looking for free and open-source software to fix music tags, you might want to consider using MusicBrainz Picard. This is a multi-platform software, so it will work on Windows, Mac, as well as Linux.

The software supports all popular audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WMA, WAV, and many others.

The application is easy to use, and it can add tags to your audio files using the data from the MusicBrainz database. In addition, the software can also work with AcoustID fingerprints.

Another great feature is the ability to rename and move files to specific directories using templates. In addition, you can also get album art covers from multiple sources.

MusicBrainz Picard is a great tool that can help you fix music tags, and since it’s completely free and available on multiple platforms, you might want to try it out.

MusicBrainz Picard features:

Free and open source
Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux
Works with MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, WMA, WAV, and many other formats
Ability to rename and move files to specific directories
Can update tags using the MusicBrainz database

⇒ Download MusicBrainz Picard

Mp3tag

Mp3tag is another powerful software that you can use to fix music tags on your computer. As for supported formats, there’s support for ID3v1.1, ID3v2.3, ID3v2.4, MP4, WMA, and APEv2 tags.

To make this process faster, there’s support for batch tag editing so you can change tags on multiple songs with ease. In addition, the software can also download and add album covers.

Support for services such as Discogs, freedb, MusicBrainz is also there, so you can update your tags automatically from the Internet.

If you’re an advanced user, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s support for regular expressions, so you can use them to rename files or tags, and you can even rename files according to your tags.

Mp3tag is rather powerful, and it offers a wide array of features, and since it’s available for free, you might want to try it out.

Mp3tag features:

Supports ID3v1, ID3v2.3, ID3v2.4, iTunes MP4, WMA, Vorbis comments, and APE tags
Batch tag editing
Support for Discogs, MusicBrainz, and freedb service
Support for regular expressions
Free to use

⇒ Download Mp3tag

Metatogger

Another great software that can fix music tags for you is Metatogger. The software supports tag editing for MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, M4A, and WMA files.

The software connects to the MusicBrainz database, so it can automatically get audio tags for you. In addition, there’s archive.org integration for album covers and Acoustid technology support.

Metatogger can edit multiple tags, and if you want, you can use C# scripts to automate the tag update process so you don’t have to do it by hand.

Using this software, you can get tags from the file names or paths, rename, copy, or move audio files according to their tags to better organize your library.

Overall, Metatogger is a great tag editor, and if you want to keep your music library organized, this is a software that you must try.

Metatogger features:

Supports MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, M4A, and WMA files
Integration with MusicBrainz, Acoustid, and archive.org database
Ability to edit multiple tags
Automation with C# scripts
Free to use

⇒ Download Metatogger

Keeping your music tags up to date is important, and with tools such as Wondershare UniConverter and Pistonsoft MP3 Tags Editor, fixing your music tags will be a breeze.

Fix: MSRPC STATE VIOLATION error in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 19, 2021October 7, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors can be quite serious, therefore it’s important to know how to properly fix them. Since BSoD errors can cause many problems, today we’re going to show you how to fix the MSRPC_STATE_VIOLATION error on Windows 10.

How do I fix MSRPC_STATE_VIOLATION BSoD error

Run a third-party BSoD troubleshooter
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Install the latest Windows 10 updates and download the latest drivers
Run a DISM
Remove/reinstall your antivirus software
Perform a clean boot
Reset Windows 10
Check for faulty hardware

1. Run a third-party BSoD troubleshooter

Especially if you don’t know how to tackle blue screen errors, there are a couple of dedicated tools that can do the job for you. You might have to install and run them in Safe Mode.

2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

3. Run a SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The SFC is a command-line scanning tool that scans your computer for potential issues and resolves them along the way. A lot of users have reported that the SFC scan can be useful when dealing with BSOD issues in Windows 10.

4. Install the latest Windows 10 updates and download the latest drivers

Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu and select Device Manager from the list.
When Device Manager opens, locate the driver that you want to update, right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
Click Search automatically for updated driver software and wait for Windows 10 to install the suitable driver.
Repeat these steps for all drivers that you want to update.

Although updating drivers by using Device Manager is fairly simple, many users are complaining that Device Manager doesn’t always download the latest drivers.

If you want to download the latest drivers for your hardware, you’ll have to download them manually. To download your drivers manually just visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your device.

4.1 Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

These tools are software that you can use to detect missing or outdated drivers. With just one click, you will get all the necessary details on the main dashboard.

From there, you have several further actions that you can take: either update one driver or several, depending on your needs.

Additionally, it is easy to set up and use and saves you a lot of trouble with guessing the right drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Run DISM

The standard way

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and as its name says, it reloads the system image, which can lead to solving potential BSOD issues.

6. Remove/reinstall your antivirus software

Antivirus software is important for your online safety, but sometimes antivirus programs can cause the MSRPC_STATE_VIOLATION error to appear.

According to users, AVG is the cause for this error, but bear in mind that almost any other antivirus software can cause these types of errors to appear, so be sure to remove all third-party antivirus software that you have installed.

Uninstalling the antivirus program might not be enough, since many of these programs tend to leave certain files behind even after you remove them, therefore we advise you to use a dedicated removal tool.

Almost all antivirus companies offer dedicated removal tools for their software, so be sure to download one of these tools for your antivirus.

After you remove your antivirus, Windows Defender will automatically turn itself on, thus keeping your computer protected from viruses.

If the problem is fixed by removing your antivirus software, we advise you to install the latest version of the antivirus program that you were using before, or to switch to a different antivirus solution.

7. Perform a clean boot

Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig. Press Enter or click OK.
When System Configuration window opens, select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
Go to Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services. Click the Disable all button.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Now start Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
When Task Manager opens go to Startup tab.
Right-click every item on the list and choose Disable from the menu.
After you’ve disabled all startup applications close Task Manager and restart your PC.

When your computer restarts check if the error still persists. If the error doesn’t manifest, it means that one of the disabled applications or services was causing it.

To find the problematic application you need to repeat the same steps and enable services and applications one by one until you find the one that is causing this problem.

8. Reset Windows 10

Restart your computer a few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. During this step you might get asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be ready to do that.
Choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
Follow the instructions to complete the reset process.

This procedure will delete all files and folders from your C partition, therefore we urge you to back up your important files. To perform Windows 10 reset, you might need a bootable USB flash drive, so be sure to create one. To reset Windows 10, do the following:

After the reset is completed, you should have a clean installation of Windows 10 without any third-party applications. If the error appears again, it means that there’s a hardware problem with your PC.

9. Check for faulty hardware

Hardware components can often cause BSoD errors, especially if they aren’t compatible with your PC, therefore we advise you to remove any recently installed hardware.

If the problem isn’t new hardware, then you should check for faulty components. Many users reported that a faulty hard drive caused this error, so check your hard drive first and then check all other hardware components.

MSRPC_STATE_VIOLATION Blue Screen of Death error isn’t that serious, and we hope that you managed to fix this error by using one of our solutions.

Full Fix: EVENT TRACING FATAL ERROR error in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 19, 2021October 26, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors can be caused by both hardware and software, therefore it’s important to fix these errors as soon as possible. Errors such as EVENT_TRACING_FATAL_ERROR can cause you many problems, so today we’re going to show you how to fix this error on Windows 10.

How do I fix EVENT TRACING FATAL ERROR BSoD error

Use a dedicated BSoD tool
Run the Window BSoD troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Download the latest Windows 10 updates and install the latest drivers
Run a DISM
Check the hard drive
Disable Secure Boot and driver integrity checks
Set English as your default language
Uninstall the problematic software
Reset Windows 10
Check for faulty hardware

1. Use a third-party BSoD tool

If you don’t know how to handle blue screen errors, there are a couple of dedicated tools that can do the job for you. You might have to install and run them in Safe Mode.

2. Run the Windows BSoD troubleshooter

Open the Settings app
Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

3. Run the SFC scan

Go to Search, type cmd, and open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process finishes (it’s a longer one).
If the tool finds a corrupt system file, it will automatically repair it.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The system file checker is a command-line tool that basically scans through your system searching for potential issues.

If a corrupted system file is a problem, this tool will automatically repair it, and the problem will be resolved.

4. Download the latest Windows 10 updates and install the latest drivers

As we previously mentioned, these types of errors can be caused by hardware or software issues, and in order to prevent these errors from appearing, it’s strongly recommended that you download the latest Windows 10 updates.

New updates are released frequently, and while some of them offer new features and security improvements, many of them bring various bug fixes related to both hardware and software. To download the latest updates and keep your PC safe and stable, be sure to use Windows Update.

Downloading drivers is fairly simple, and you can download all the latest drivers right from your hardware manufacturer’s website. We have to mention that you might have to update all your drivers before you find the one that is causing this issue.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically. Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Run a DISM

The standard way

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

6. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it:
- bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
- bootrec.exe /fixmbr
- bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well. To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions. In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC):
- chkdsk /r c:
- chkdsk /r d:
  This is just our example, so keep in mind that you have to perform chkdsk command for every hard drive partition that you have.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

7. Disable Secure Boot and driver integrity checks

Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open Power User Menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.
When Command Prompt opens, enter bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks on and press Enter to run it.

After doing this, driver signature checking should be disabled, and hopefully, the BSoD error will be fixed.

Since there are so many different versions of BIOS, we strongly suggest that you check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions on how to enter BIOS and disable Secure Boot.

8. Set English as your default language

Open the Settings app and go to Time & Language > Region & Language.
Click Add a language and select English (United States).
Select English (United States) and click the Set as default button.

Next time you sign in to Windows 10, English will be set as your default language, and hopefully the BSoD error will be fixed.

9. Uninstall the problematic software

Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by incompatible software, and in order to fix this error, you need to find and remove the problematic software.

These types of errors are often caused by your antivirus or firewall, therefore we advise you to temporarily remove all third-party antivirus programs.

To completely remove certain antivirus from your PC, we suggest that you use a dedicated removal tool that will remove all files and registry entries associated with your antivirus.

Bear in mind that Windows 10 comes with its default antivirus, Windows Defender, so even if you remove your antivirus program your PC won’t be completely defenseless. If removing the antivirus software fixes the error, we suggest that you reinstall it again, or to switch to a different antivirus solution.

10. Reset Windows 10

Restart your computer a few times to start Automatic Repair.
Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. Be prepared to insert Windows 10 installation media if you’re asked to.
Choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the reset.

A Windows 10 reset will delete all files from your C drive, so we advise you to create a backup. In addition to creating a backup, you might also need to create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 on it in order to complete the reset process.

11. Check for faulty hardware

If the problem still appears, even after Windows 10 reset, it means that it is caused by your hardware. To fix this error it’s important that you remove any recently installed hardware since it might not be fully compatible with your PC.

If new hardware is not the issue, we suggest that you perform a detailed inspection of your computer and replace the faulty hardware.

We also wrote about Efs Fatal Error in our latest guide, so don’t miss it.

EVENT_TRACING_FATAL_ERROR BSoD error can cause certain problems on your PC, but we hope that you managed to fix this error by using one of our solutions.

FIX: DRIVER VIOLATION error in Windows 10 [Full Guide]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 26, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Computer errors are relatively common, and while certain errors are harmless, some of them, such as DRIVER VIOLATION BSoD error, can cause many problems on Windows 10.

Blue Screen of Death errors are somewhat rare, but they can be troublesome, therefore it’s important to know how to deal with them. Most of the causes for such errors include hardware and software issues.

Rid yourself of these pesky crashes that can ruin a day’s work or a school project, by following our awesome list of solutions thoroughly.

How do I fix the DRIVER VIOLATION BSOD error?

Run the BSOD Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Make sure that your drivers are up to date
Check the hard drive
Download the latest Windows 10 updates
Remove problematic software
Update your BIOS
Check your hardware

1. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

If updating your drivers didn’t get the job done, let’s try with Windows 10’s troubleshooting app. You can use this tool to resolve various system issues, including BSOD issues like the DRIVER VIOLATION error.

2. Run the SFC scan

Right-click the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The next troubleshooting tool we’re going to try is the SFC scan. This is a command-line tool that searches for potential problems and corrupt files in your system and resolves them (if possible).

So, it could also resolve the DRIVER VIOLATION. Make sure you type in the command correctly, because typing the wrong command might result in other problems.

3. Run DISM

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that re-deploys the system image. This could lead to resolving some system problems, including the BSOD issues.

We’ll walk you through both the standard way, which we gladly demonstrated above, and the other procedure that utilizes the installation media below:

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1/LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

4. Make sure that your drivers are up to date

Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open Power User Menu.
Select Device Manager from the list of options.
When Device Manager starts, locate the driver you want to update, right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
Windows 10 will now download and install the appropriate driver.
Repeat these steps for all drivers that you want to update.

Updating drivers is crucial for system stability, and if your drivers are out of date, buggy, or simply not compatible with Windows 10, that can cause instability issues and BSoD errors such as DRIVER VIOLATION.

To fix this and other BSoD errors, it’s important that you keep your drivers up to date. You can easily download the necessary drivers simply by following these steps:

Updating drivers with Device Manager is pretty simple, but bear in mind that Device Manager doesn’t always download the latest drivers.

To ensure that you have the latest drivers installed, we strongly suggest that you download your drivers manually.

Downloading drivers manually isn’t hard, and all that you have to do is to visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device.

To fix this and many other BSoD errors, you might have to update all drivers on your PC.

4.1 Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it: bootrec.exe /rebuildbcdbootrec.exe /fixmbrbootrec.exe /fixboot
- Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well.
- To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions.
In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC): chkdsk /r c:chkdsk /r d:
- This is just our example, so keep in mind that you have to perform chkdsk command for every hard drive partition that you have.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

According to users, you might be able to fix DRIVER VIOLATION error on your PC simply by running a chkdsk scan.

This error can occur due to corrupted files on your hard drive, but you should be able to fix it by doing the following:

6. Download the latest Windows 10 updates

Press Windows Key + S and go into Settings.
Next, select Update & Security.
Choose Windows Update.
Then, select Check for updates.
Just let Windows install all the necessary updates now.

Many operating systems have some issues with certain hardware or software, and Windows 10 is no exception.

Fortunately, Microsoft is working hard to fix these issues, and it’s frequently releasing new patches through Windows Update.

These patches contain new features, security improvements, and many bug fixes related to both hardware and software, therefore in order to avoid errors, we strongly suggest that you keep your Windows 10 up to date.

7. Remove problematic software

Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig.
Press Enter.
When System Configuration window opens select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
Go to Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services and then click the Disable all button.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.
If you’re asked to restart your computer, choose not to.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
When Task Manager opens go to Startup tab and right click each item on the list and choose Disable from the menu.
Once you disable all startup applications restart your computer.

Third-party applications can cause errors such as DRIVER VIOLATION to appear, and if you’re having these errors we suggest that you remove any recently installed or updated applications.

Most common cause for these types of errors can be your antivirus, therefore we advise you to remove all third-party antivirus programs that you have installed.

To completely remove an antivirus program from your PC, we advise you to use a dedicated uninstaller tool. Many antivirus companies offer these tools for their software, therefore we strongly advise that you download them.

It’s worth mentioning that almost any application can cause this error to appear, therefore you might want to perform a clean boot in order to find the problematic application. To perform clean boot, do the following:

When your computer restarts, check if the issue is resolved. If the BSoD error doesn’t appear, you need to repeat the same steps and enable services and applications one by one until you find the one that is causing this error to appear.

We have a detailed guide containing the best antivirus software that you can get if you’re interested in upgrading your current antivirus.

8. Update your BIOS

Updating BIOS unlocks the new features of your motherboard, and it allows it to work with new hardware. Several users reported that updating their BIOS fixed the DRIVER VIOLATION Blue Screen of Death error.

Bear in mind that updating BIOS can sometimes cause damage if you’re not careful, so be extra cautious and be sure to check your motherboard manual for instructions.

A BIOS that isn’t compatible with your current GPU or CPU will constantly crash, or give other types of errors. Updating your BIOS is really important, especially when you’re installing new hardware n your old motherboard.

9. Check your hardware

Blue Screen of Death errors are often caused by your hardware, especially if that hardware isn’t compatible with your PC.

Few users reported that the TV card was causing this error, and after removing the aforementioned card, the issue was completely resolved.

Bear in mind that almost any hardware component can cause these types of errors to appear, so we advise you to perform a detailed hardware inspection.

One last thing that we encourage you to do is clean your computer’s hardware and make sure your ventilators aren’t full of dust. Overheating is one of the other causes of BSOD crashes.

To learn more about these types of errors like the AGP_INVALID_ACCESS, don’t miss our guide on Error Drivers Leaking Locked Pages for more information.

This isn’t the only error you can encounter, and we wrote about Elam_Driver_Detected_Fatal_Error in our latest article, so you might want to check it out.

DRIVER VIOLATION Blue Screen of Death error can cause certain problems on your PC, but you can easily fix this error by using one of your solutions. Make sure to give us any feedback regarding the subject in the comments.

Fix: DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK error in Windows 10/11

Posted on March 19, 2021October 4, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK and other Blue Screen of Death errors can cause many problems on your PC because they will restart your computer every time they appear in order to prevent damage.

As you can see, these errors can be serious, therefore it’s important to know how to fix them on Windows 10. Fixing such errors will keep your hardware and system in good condition.

How do I fix DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK error?

1. Install the latest Windows 10 updates

Press Windows Key + S and type Settings in the search box.
Go to the Update & Security section.
Select Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
Windows will now scan for any new updates.
- If it finds any, it will automatically install them.

Blue Screen of Death errors such as DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK Windows 10 hpssvbus.syscan error is caused by hardware or software issues.

Many operating systems have a few bugs with certain hardware or software, and sometimes these bugs can lead to system instability and Blue Screen of Death errors.

To fix these types of errors, it’s important that you download the latest patches for Windows 10. New updates are released frequently, and they offer various bug fixes along with security improvements and new features.

To ensure that your PC is safe and error-free, we strongly suggest you download the latest patches using Windows Update.

2. Make sure that your drivers are up to date

For your hardware to work with Windows 10, you need to have the appropriate drivers. If your system doesn’t have suitable drivers, or if your drivers contain bugs, Windows 10 won’t be able to use your hardware.

Therefore, you’ll most likely encounter a Blue Screen of Death error such as DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK. To fix this and all other Blue Screen of Death errors, you must update your drivers.

These types of errors usually tell you which file caused the crash, and with little research, you can find the culprit. If you can’t find the problematic driver, updating all your drivers’s always a good idea.

Updating your drivers is relatively simple, and you can do it by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your device.

2.1 Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically. This will save you lots of time and stress.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

Therefore, the most convenient way to manage all your drivers correctly is with automated support provided by expert software like Outbyte Driver Updater.

3. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

If updating your drivers didn’t get the job done, let’s try Windows 10’s troubleshooting tool. This is a universal tool that basically deals with all sorts of issues within Windows 10, including BSoD crashes.

4. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The SFC scan is a command-line tool that scans your system for potential issues and resolves them on the way (if the solutions are possible, of course).

So, it might be helpful when dealing with the DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK error, as well.

5. Run DISM

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

And the third tool we’re going to use is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that, as its name says, deploys the system image all over again. And that process could resolve potential BSOD issues.

We’ll walk you through both standard procedures, which we talking about above, and the procedure that utilizes the installation media below:

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1/LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

6. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it: bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd bootrec.exe /fixmbr bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well.
- To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions.
In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC): chkdsk/r c:chkdsk/r d:
- This is just our example, so keep in mind that you have to perform chkdsk command for every hard drive partition that you have.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

In case your hard disk drive is damaged, BSOD issues will likely occur. To see if that’s indeed the case, go and run the chkdsk command. This command will scan your partition for potential issues and solve them.

7. Temporarily remove your antivirus

Antivirus software is important for your security online, but sometimes antivirus software can cause DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK and other BSoD errors to appear.

To fix this and other errors, it’s important that you temporarily remove your currently installed antivirus. Users reported that McAfee was the potential cause for this error, but bear in mind that almost any third-party antivirus program can cause this error to appear.

Uninstalling your antivirus program might not fix the error since it tends to leave certain files and registry entries once you remove them.

To completely remove certain antivirus software from your PC, we strongly advise using dedicated app removal and PC cleaning tools. Most antivirus companies offer these tools for download.

Be sure to download and use one for your antivirus program. If removing the antivirus software fixes the problem, you can reinstall it, or you can switch to a different antivirus solution entirely.

If you’re looking for a new antivirus, you can check out this useful list with the best ones compatible with Windows 10.

8. Remove the problematic software

Third-party applications can regularly cause DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK and many other BSoD errors to appear, therefore it’s important that you find and remove the problematic application.

According to users, applications such as KeyMaestro, Windows Virtual PC, and Teredo Tunneling Adaptor can cause these types of errors to appear, therefore it’s recommended to remove or update them.

Few users reported issues with AOL software, and some even reported that Google Chrome is causing this error, but you can easily fix this problem by removing that software.

9. Perform a Windows 10 reset

Restart your computer a few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
- You might get asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be prepared to do so.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button.
Follow the instructions to complete the reset.

If the DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK error is caused by certain software, you can try to fix it by performing a Windows 10 reset.

Resetting your Windows 10 will delete all files and folders from your C partition, so we strongly advise you to back them up.

Bear in mind that you might also need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 on it, so be sure to create one. To reset Windows 10, do the following:

After the reset process is completed, you’ll have a clean installation of Windows 10 without any third-party applications. If the BSoD error appears again, it means that your hardware most likely causes the problem.

10. Check for faulty hardware

If the problem isn’t fixed by Windows 10 reset, check your hardware. Sometimes newly installed components aren’t compatible with your PC, so you might have to remove them or replace them.

If the issue isn’t new hardware, we advise you to perform a detailed inspection of your hardware for any faulty components.

You should also check your computer for dust and clogged ventilators because they can also cause a system failure. Make sure your system is clean at all times.

DRIVER RETURNED HOLDING CANCEL LOCK error can be problematic, but since this error is usually caused by certain software, you can easily fix it by using one of our solutions.

If the problem remains unresolved, some of the solutions for Your system has a driver that is locked to manufacturer specifications may work in this case as well.

DRIVER PAGE FAULT BEYOND END OF ALLOCATION error [Full Fix]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 2, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors is always a big problem on Windows 10 since they tend to crash your computer in order to prevent damage. This will affect your productivity and your hardware.

Since these errors can be such a major inconvenience, today we’re going to show you how to fix the DRIVER_PAGE_FAULT_BEYOND_END_OF_ALLOCATION error.

How do I fix DRIVER PAGE FAULT BEYOND END OF ALLOCATION?

Update your drivers
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Update Windows 10
Remove problematic applications
Update your BIOS
Perform System Restore or reset Windows 10
Replace faulty hardware

1. Update your drivers

Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu and select Device Manager from the list.
When Device Manager opens, locate the driver you wish to update, right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
Select Search automatically for updated driver software and wait for Windows 10 to download and install the best driver for your device.
Repeat this step for all drivers that you want to update.

Drivers are a key component of every operating system since they allow Windows 10 to recognize and use certain hardware.

Since drivers are such a big part of every operating system, faulty or outdated drivers can often cause this error to appear.

Most Blue Screen of Death errors will tell you which file caused the system to crash, and with little research, you can find exactly which driver you need to update.

If you cannot find the faulty driver, we urge you to update all your drivers. Updating drivers is simple, and you can do it right from the Device Manager.

Update drivers automatically

Even though Device Manager provides simplicity when it comes to updating drivers, it’s worth mentioning that this tool might not always download the latest drivers.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

You should therefore consider a driver software like Outbyte Driver Updater, and optimize your system with the latest version of your device drivers.

2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

If updating your drivers didn’t get the job done, let’s try with the troubleshooting tools. The first tool we’re going to try is Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooter.

3. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The next troubleshooter we’re going to seek help from is the SFC scan. This command-line tool scans your system in search of various problems and automatically resolves them. which is useful against BSOD issues.

4. Run DISM

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

And the final troubleshooting tool we’re going to try is DISM. This is perhaps the most powerful troubleshooter, as it deploys the system image all over again.

We’ll walk you through both standard and the procedure that utilizes the installation media below.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1/LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

5. Update Windows 10

Press Windows Key + S and search for Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Then, select Windows Update.
Next, select Check for updates.
Let Windows scan for newer versions and install all of them.

Installing the latest updates is crucial for the stability and safety of your system.

Many BSoD errors are caused by hardware or software incompatibilities, and in order to fix these issues, it’s important that you keep your Windows 10 up to date.

New patches are being released frequently through Windows Update, so if you want your PC to be safe and error-free, we strongly advise you to update Windows 10 frequently.

6. Remove problematic applications

DRIVER PAGE FAULT BEYOND END OF ALLOCATION and many other Blue Screen of Death errors can be caused by third-party applications, therefore it’s important that you find and remove those applications.

Many users reported that uninstalling applications such as Logitech Webcam Software or Virtual Audio Cable fixed the BSoD error, therefore if you’re using any of these applications be sure that you remove them.

Few users also reported issues with Catalyst Control Center, and according to them, uninstalling and reinstalling will fix the problem. Learn how to do it with this awesome article.

Bear in mind that your antivirus software can also cause this error to appear, therefore it’s crucial that you temporarily uninstall all third-party antivirus programs.

Bear in mind that uninstalling antivirus software might not fix this issue, therefore it’s important that you remove all files and registry entries left by your antivirus software.

The easiest way to do that is to use a dedicated removal tool for your antivirus software. All major security companies have these tools available for download, so be sure to download and use one.

7. Update your BIOS

Updating BIOS often fixes certain hardware compatibility issues, and according to users, a BIOS update can also fix DRIVER PAGE FAULT BEYOND END OF ALLOCATION error.

Before you start updating BIOS, we strongly advise you to check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions.

Updating BIOS is an advanced procedure, and if you don’t perform it correctly you can cause permanent damage to your PC, so be extra cautious if you’re going to update BIOS.

8. Perform a System Restore or reset Windows 10

Restart your computer few times in order to start Automatic Repair.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Select your username and enter your password.
Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Choose a restore point you wish to return to and click Next.
Wait for the process to complete.

If the Blue Screen of Death error is caused by software, you can easily fix it by performing a System Restore. To perform System Restore, do the following:

If System Restore didn’t fix the blue screen stop code DRIVER PAGE FAULT BEYOND END OF ALLOCATION, we advise you to perform a Windows 10 reset.

This process is similar to clean install, so we strongly advise you to back up your important files before performing Windows 10 rest. To reset Windows 10, you need to do the following:

Restart your computer few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
- You might be asked to insert Windows 10 installation media during this step, so be sure to do that.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files.
Click the Reset button and follow the instructions to complete Windows 10 reset.

If the issue isn’t resolved by Windows 10 reset, it’s most likely that you have a certain hardware issue that is causing this error.

9. Replace faulty hardware

Hardware issues can often cause Blue Screen of Death errors to appear, and since RAM is the most often cause for this error, we advise you to check your RAM first.

Many users reported that removing or replacing a faulty RAM module fixed this issue for them, therefore be sure to test all your RAM modules one by one.

If your RAM is working properly, check all other major hardware components. The motherboard and GPU can also cause BSoD problems. Overheating is also a serious issue.

This error can cause you a lot of problems, but you can easily fix it by removing the problematic applications or by finding and replacing the faulty hardware.

Make sure you tell us how things went in the comment section below. Feedback of any kind would be kindly appreciated.

Fix: SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error in Windows 10

Posted on March 19, 2021October 2, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors can be hard to fix since they can be caused by both hardware and software. You just need to follow the solutions below and you’ll be good to go.

These errors are also problematic because they will crash Windows 10 and restart your PC, and since they can cause so many problems, today we’re going to show you how to fix SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error.

How do I fix SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error?

Update Windows 10 and all your drivers
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Uninstall your antivirus software
Disable any problematic applications
Perform Windows 10 reset
Check your hardware

1. Update Windows 10 and all your drivers

Press Windows Key + S and search for Settings.
Go to Update & Security.
Go to Windows Update.
Then, select Check for updates.
Let windows run its course and install anything necessary.

As we briefly mentioned, the blue screen error session has valid pool on exit can be caused by both hardware or software issues, and in order to prevent these errors from appearing it’s advised to keep Windows 10 up to date.

Microsoft is frequently releasing new patches through Windows Update, and many of these patches are designed to fix both hardware and software issues.

By installing the latest updates, you’ll make sure that your Windows 10 is stable, safe, and error-free. The updates are important for your system stability, it is important that you install the latest drivers.

Drivers are an integral part of every operating system, and by updating your drivers you’ll ensure that Windows 10 is fully utilizing your hardware.

Updating drivers is quite simple, and in order to do that, you just have to visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically. Using an automatic driver updater will save you from the hassle of searching for drivers.

It will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers as well. So do not hesitate and give this program a try, and never worry about updating your drivers again.

In this regard, we recommend Outbyte Driver Updater because it is light and easy to use. Just install the software and let it scan your drivers. It will give you a quick and easy-to-understand report and update or repair all problematic drivers on your PC.

Automated tools remove the risk of severe system damage that comes with installing a driver that doesn’t match your hardware, so we strongly suggest you look into it.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Run the Hardware Troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

The next thing we’re going to try is Windows 10’s built-in troubleshooter. This is a collection of troubleshooting tools for various issues within the system.

And it also includes a BSOD troubleshooter. So, running this tool is perhaps the easiest way to resolve the SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error.

3. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If the unified troubleshooter failed to resolve the problem, we’re going to run the SFC scan.

This tool scans your computer for potential issues, and delivers a solution, if possible. So, it might be helpful with the SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error, as well.

4. Run DISM

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

And the final troubleshooting tool we’re going to try here is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a command-line utility that reloads the system image.

Reloading the system image can eliminate various problems, including (hopefully) the BSOD errors. We’ll walk you through both standard and the procedure that utilizes the installation media below:

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:sourceInstall.wim:1/LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your computer.

5. Uninstall your antivirus software

Even though Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender, it’s also required that you install third-party antivirus software in order to protect your PC.

Unfortunately, many antivirus programs can cause SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT and many other Blue Screen of Death errors to appear.

Therefore it’s crucial that you remove any third-party antivirus programs that you have installed. We have to mention that many antivirus programs leave certain files and registry entries behind even after you uninstall them.

Therefore you need to use a dedicated uninstaller tool in order to completely remove a certain antivirus from your PC.

Many security companies have these tools available for their software, so be sure to download and use one of these tools.

6. Disable any problematic applications

Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig.
Click OK or press Enter.
Windows Configuration window will open.
Choose Selective Startup and uncheck Load startup items.
Go to Services tab.
Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all button.
Click Apply and OK to save changes.
- If you get asked to restart your PC, choose not to.
Start Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
When Task Manager opens, go to the Startup tab, right-click each entry on the list and choose Disable.
After you disable all applications, close Task Manager and restart your PC.

All sorts of applications can cause SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error, and in order to find an application that is causing this error, you might need to perform a clean boot.

When your PC restarts, check if the problem is resolved. If the BSoD error doesn’t appear anymore, it means that error was caused by one of the disabled services or applications.

In order to find the problematic service or application, you need to repeat the same steps and enable all services and applications one by one until you found the one that is causing this problem.

7. Perform a Windows 10 reset

Restart your computer during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair mode.
- Alternatively, you can just press and hold the Shift key and click the Restart button.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
- You might get asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be ready to do so.
Select Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button.
Follow the instructions carefully to complete the reset.

If SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT is caused by certain software, you should be able to fix this problem by performing Windows 10 reset.

This procedure is similar to clean install, and it will delete all files from your C partition, so before you start Windows 10 reset be sure to back up your important files.

It’s also recommended to have Windows 10 installation media, and if you want to create one, you’ll just need a USB flash drive and Media Creation Tool.

If the problem persists even after Windows 10 reset, it’s most likely that the issue is caused by certain hardware.

8. Check your hardware

Error SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT can be caused by recently installed hardware, especially if that hardware isn’t compatible with your PC.

Therefore if you installed any new hardware recently make sure that you remove it or replace it. If the issue isn’t caused by new hardware, we advise you to check all major hardware components starting with your RAM.

SESSION_HAS_VALID_VIEWS_ON_EXIT error is often caused by certain third-party applications, and you can usually fix this error by finding the problematic application or by performing Windows 10 reset.

Wondershare FamiSafe [Review]

Posted on March 19, 2021October 4, 2023 by Teodor Nechita

We live in a digital era where everyone has some device that can connect to the Internet. Our children have access to an infinite amount of information through social media, articles, etc, from a very young age.

However, children aren’t the best at taking care of themselves. Using a phone or tablet inappropriately can actually cause them harm. The safest way to protect them is by using parenting software such as FamiSafe.

Among other things, the software allows parents to monitor their children’s activity on their devices, block certain apps they consider harmful and alerts them whenever they get exposed to age-restricted content.

A cross-platform and powerful parental control app and software

With FamiSafe, you won’t have to worry about your children’s well-being anymore. The app lets you monitor their whereabouts, the sites they access, and when they do it, as well as keeping age-restricted content away.

What is even better is the fact that it is all customizable. You are the one who decides what is good and not for your children, therefore the software reflects that, giving you complete customization control over its features.

What features does FamiSafe bring?

Overall, the software includes plenty of parenting control features. We have to mention that, in order to have access to them, you need to download the mobile app. With that being said, let’s dive into them, shall we?

The Windows version of the software includes the following features:

Activity Report
App Blocker
Screen time
Browser History
Web Filter
Smart Schedule

Activity Report

FamiSafe’s Activity Report feature will monitor your child’s online and offline activity on his device. Your mobile app will show you how much they used a certain app, when, and what exactly they watched with it.

You can see which sites your kids have visited, as well as what they searched on google or watched on youtube. Activity Report lets you have their entire phone/PC activity.

Moreover, this feature allows you to monitor the apps that your child installs or updates, which allows you to get a general idea of his interests and warn him of the potential dangers.

How to use Activity Report

On your Parent Device, tap Features.
Then, tap Activity Report.
Scroll down to see all the activity details.
Tap < and > to change to days.
Tap the Calendar icon to check the activity on a specific date.
The calendar contains activity reports for all the previous days.

App Blocker

The App Blocker feature lets you block certain software you deem harmful to your child. You can deny access to apps that usually cause obsessive use, such as games, youtube, or social media.

Besides keeping your child’s obsession at bay, this feature can also block inappropriate apps that contain age-restricted content from your child, keeping his mental state safe.

How to use the App Blcker feature on Windows

On the Parent Device, tap Features.
Tap App Blocker.
Select which app you’d like to block and Toggle the switch beside it.
Tap Advanced Rules to set specific types of rules and limits.
In order to set a Restriction schedule, choose the start and end times.
- Turn on the Repeat toggle and select on which days to apply the restriction.
Set a Time limit that will decide how much time your children spend using certain apps.
- Turn on the Repeat toggle and select which days will be affected by this time limit.

Screen Time

Thanks to the Screen Time feature gives you access to a detailed graph containing your child’s screen time. This means you can see how much time he spends on his device, what apps he uses the most, and when he does it.

This helps you set certain schedules and make sure your child follows them. You’ll find out if they spent time playing or watching videos instead of doing their daily chores.

How to use Screen Time

On the Parent Device, tap Features.
Tap on Screen Time.
Tap Block Device to get more options.
To block the device’s screen, tap Block Device.
To set a time limit, tap Screen Time limit, then set your time intervals.
- Tap Repeat if you want the time limit to be in effect for multiple days.

Browser History

Browser History lets you track the websites your children have visited. You will be able to see the entire history and ensure that your child isn’t accessing illegal or dangerous sites.

In addition, you can also block the sites, so you won’t have to worry about them randomly popping up while your child is browsing the internet.

How to use Browser History

On the Parent Device, tap Features.
Tap Browser History.
You can scroll and see all the visited websites.
If you wish to block a website, tap on the Lock icon on the right.
Tap < or > to switch between the days.
Tap the Calendar icon to select specific dates.

Website filter

Filter inappropriate websites with the Website filter feature. FamiSafe allows you to deny access to whichever sites you wish to keep your children safe from age-restricted content that could mentally scar them.

This feature will also show you what your children are browsing and searching on the internet. You will get a list with the date and time of their searches.

How to use the Website Filter

On the Parent Device, tap Features.
Tap Web Filter.
On Categories, toggle the website categories you would like to be blocked.
Under the Exceptions, tap Add an Exception to add a specific site.
Type the address of the site that you want to allow or block.

Smart Schedule

You can set up a certain schedule to block specific apps at set time intervals so that you can block the apps only during school or nighttime.

This will help your children concentrate during important times and keep their minds off of games or other distractions when they need to sleep. Your children will be rested and fully focused.

How to use the Smart Schedule

On the Parent Device, tap Features.
Tap Smart Schedule.
Tap Add Smart Schedule.
Write a name for your Schedule.
Choose when it starts and when it ends.
- Toggle Repeat if you want to select certain days when it will be in effect.

Here are some other of FamiSafe’s features

Location Tracking

Location Tracking lets you view your child’s real-time location on a map so you know where they are at all times. Besides, the app also shows you where they have been, giving you a history of their past locations.

You can create special locations and perimeters on the map, called Geo-Fences, such as School or Home. If your child ventures out of their set perimeter, you will get notified so you can take action quickly.

Driving History Report

If your child has a driving license and you’re worried about their safety due to reckless driving, FamiSafe’s Driving History Report will show you a graph with details of their trip.

You can see their average, max, and min speed, route, stops, and how long they drove the car. You can use all this information to prevent accidents and stop them from making a habit out of reckless driving.

Suspicious photo detection

Shelter your children from inappropriate content and possible exposure to child pornography with this very useful feature.

FamiSafe will automatically detect nude selfies and adult content that is inappropriate for underage children, then send instant alerts to you so you can intervene.

Suspicious text detection

The constant exposure to social media can possibly affect your child’s mental state.

Make sure they are safe and prevent such atrocities from happening by setting offensive words and receiving alerts whenever they pop up on your children’s device.

How do you set FamiSafe up?

Create an account on their official website.
Download the app.
When asked Who uses this device?
- Select Parent on the device you’ll use to control the others.
- Select Kid on the monitored device.
On the Parent device:
Type in your login credentials.
- Go to the App’s Features section and start setting it up the way you want to.
On the Kid’s device:
- Follow the setup instructions.
- Type a Nickname and your child’s age.
- Then type in your login credentials.
- Then the setup should be completed.
- On the right expandable icon pane, select FamiSafe.
- Make sure the app is saying the message FamiSafe is Protecting this Computer.
- You can also pause/unpause the app with a toggle.

The app must be installed on a phone as the main control device. Afterward, install it on other devices you want to be monitored. To connect these devices, you must log in with the same account.

What is the pricing?

FamiSafe comes with a free 3-day trial to try out the app on Google Play and App Store so, to get free trial of FamiSafe, parents should download the Windows version from their websites and the mobile app from either Google Play or the App Store

Monthly Plan: $9.99 billed monthly, protecting up to 5 devices with all features included
Annual Plan: $59.99 billed yearly (about $4.99/month), protecting up to 30 devices with all features included
Quarterly Plan: $19.99 billet quarterly (about $6.66/month), protecting up to 10 devices with all features included

FamiSafe

Protecting, monitoring, and keeping your children safe has never been easier with FamiSafe

Try it now Visit website

Closing thoughts

Pros: All of its features are great for monitoring; Constantly updated; Multiple price plans; Free trial for those who are unsure; GPS tracking is working flawlessly; Interactive and easy-to-use interface; Compatible with multiple platforms

Cons: The website filter could use some improvement because it sometimes blocks safe pictures; The software can be paused from within the monitored device with no safety measure; The text filter needs improvement as well

Overall, FamiSafe is a good parenting software with all the features you need to keep your children safe. However, we found some inconveniences when testing the text and photo filters.

We strongly believe that the developer team is constantly working to improve these features, and in time, they will be even more polished. The pricing plans are pretty diverse and affordable as well.

We’ve reviewed many products from Wondershare in the past, and they always pleased us, therefore, we recommend at least trying out the product and letting us know what you think about it in the comment section below.

Xbox Game Pass beta app is now optimized with dual-screen controls catered for the Surface Duo

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

If you’re still sporting the Microsoft Surface Duo, we have some big news for you. Xbox Game Pass beta now supports spanning across the dual-screens of the Duo, with a new dedicated gamepad area showing on the second screen of the device. Additionally, the Surface Duo is also getting its March firmware and security update, too.

Now that the Xbox Game Pass Beta app is optimized for the Microsoft Surface Duo, playing some of your favorite Xbox games on the dual-screen device should be a lot more fun. Several notable games already have the support for the new dedicated gamepad on the second screen, as pointed out by Daniel Rubino on Twitter. Minecraft Dungeons is one of them and New Super Lucky’s Tale is another. Minecraft Dungeons even has custom controls, catered to the things you can do in the game.

It is up to developers to specifically tweak the controls for the game though, so your mileage might vary depending on the game. And, importantly, this is still a beta, so you’ll need to download the (separate) Beta version of the app via the Google Play Store to try it out.

here’s xCloud running on Microsoft’s Surface Duo across both screens. You can now get touch controls on the other screen with the latest Xbox Game Pass beta app ???? pic.twitter.com/6AA0UHo1or

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) March 18, 2021

Still, this is indeed nice to see the feature as Microsoft initially teased these types of controls in the Surface Duo trailer back in 2019. This also makes playing games more ergonomic, too, as our own Kareem Anderson argued when he said that the Duo was the perfect showcase for both Google Stadia and XCloud. See it for yourself above, as The Verge’s Tom Warren demonstrates.

Anyway, we’ll end by mentioning the latest Surface Duo firmware update. This update is a bit small and weighs in at 82MB and first rolled out on March 2. It’s currently only rolling out to unlocked versions of the Duo and will bring March’s Android Security Updates, too. The latest version of Android on Surface Duo is now at version 2021.207.70 and the security patch should now be up to March 5th, 2021 after the update.

So, head to the Google Play Store now and download the latest beta of Xbox Game Pass to try out these new touch controls. And, when you’re done, update to the latest firmware, too. Happy downloading!

Download
QR-Code

Xbox Game Pass (Beta)

Developer:
Microsoft Corporation

Price:
Free

Stay fit and lose weight with Ring Fit Adventure game

Posted on March 18, 2021October 4, 2023 by Milan Stanojevic

Nintendo Switch is one of the best-selling game consoles in the world with a wide array of great accessories.

The Switch also has some amazing online games, but if you’re looking for something different, you might want to consider getting Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch.

Ring Fit Adventure, an adventure game that will keep you fit

What’s Ring Fit Adventure actually?

Ring Fit Adventure is a Nintendo Switch game released in late 2019, and it’s an adventure that utilizes motion control. In order for the game to run, you’ll need Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories that you attach your controller to.

Once your controllers are attached to the accessories, you can start on your adventure. The game takes place in a fantasy world, and to traverse it and defeat enemies, you need to perform certain exercises with the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories.

The game has 60 real-life exercises and 100 levels in over 20 worlds, so you’ll have a good workaround while trying to beat the game. If you’re not in the mood for an adventure, you can enjoy in 12 different minigames or you can create your own customizable workout routines.

The game itself looks great, with cel-shaded graphics, and it will give you hours of fun and great exercise at the same time.

60 exercises
100 different levels
Mini games
Custom workouts

Minor issues with motion detection

Check price

Ring Fit Adventure is a creative adventure game that utilizes motion controls, and if you won’t feel like working out, then this game might be the perfect way for you to get a quick exercise.

The game comes with the Ring-Con and Leg Strap accessories, so you just need to attach your controller to it, and you’re good to go to start your adventure and get some exercise.

Create a video with pictures in only 5 minutes using InVideo

Posted on March 18, 2021October 4, 2023 by Claudiu Andone

It’s not easy to create a video and give it a professional look, ready to be posted or shown to your friends and relatives. It takes a lot of time and skill and usually, you will need to invest in a dedicated video editor.

You need to cut your clip, add some effects, maybe add pictures sound and text, a logo, and a lot of other elements, especially if you want to create a tutorial, a presentation video, or a video collage.

What would you say if we told you that you can do all that with a new online tool from InVideo?

How to create a video with pictures and music using InVideo?

First, you will have to create an account on InVideo’s website to be able to edit videos on the go. It takes just a couple of seconds and you will be able to use your Google or Facebook account to start.

The next thing to do is to choose one from over 4,000 templates available on the platform. And you can be sure that you will find the one you need for your video, especially if you’re creating a video for your business.

As you can see, you can even set the format of the video to select the perfect template. Moreover, you can also create a video from a bare text or, if you’re a pro, you can start with a blank canvas.

How do you find the correct template for your video? You can use the search function to find the thematic like testimonial or slideshow or even a product like shows or sunglasses if you want to create an ad.

InVideo’s interface is extremely easy to use

Once you’ve found your template, you can start customizing the video with your own text and videos, or you can use one of over 1 million clips available to use in the app.

You can even add your own fonts, company logo and soundtrack to customize your video. And as you can see from the picture above, the interface is extremely friendly and easy to use in just a few minutes.

If you’re still a bit puzzled, you can use one of the many tutorials that will guide you on the spot for any function of the editor.

Changing the colors, adding the brand logo with a simple drag-and-drop movement, and saving the video is also like a gameplay even for beginners.

When you’re done, you can create dedicated versions for all the social network services and YouTube, export it and download it or simply uploading it with just a click.

InVideo

Use the best watermark free online tool to create stunning videos for you and your business in only 5 minutes.

Free accountVisit website

With that being said, you can unleash your creativity with this free watermark free video creation tool and start to create and share videos. If you already did, share your experience in a comment below.

Terminal server driver made incorrect memory reference [Solved]

Posted on March 18, 2021September 10, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

The

TERMINAL_SERVER_DRIVER_MADE_INCORRECT_MEMORY_REFERENCE

error is a Blue Screen of Death error, and it can appear on almost any version of Windows, including Windows 10.

Since BSoD errors can be troublesome and cause damage to your PC, today we’re going to show you how to fix this error, so be sure to read on!

How do I fix the

TERMINAL_SERVER_DRIVER_MADE_INCORRECT_MEMORY_REFERENCE

error?

Update Windows 10
Update your drivers
Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Run the SFC scan
Run DISM
Remove your antivirus
Remove the problematic software
Reset Windows 10
Check your hardware

1. Update Windows 10

Many Blue Screen of Death errors can be caused by hardware or software incompatibilities, therefore it’s important that you fix those incompatibilities if you want your PC to be stable and without errors.

Microsoft is aware of all major issues, and it’s constantly working on them, therefore if you want to fix BSoD errors on Windows 10, we advise you to download the latest patches through Windows Update.

Many of these patches add new features, but there are also security improvements along with various bug fixes related to both hardware and software.

Downloading Windows updates is one of the simplest ways to fix and prevent Blue Screen of Death errors from appearing, so be sure to download them frequently.

2. Update your drivers

Drivers are important because they allow Windows 10 to recognize and utilize your hardware.

When a certain driver is outdated or buggy, you won’t be able to use a specific hardware component, or you might even get a

To ensure that your system is stable and that your hardware is recognized and working well, it’s always good to keep your drivers up to date.

Blue Screen of Death errors usually tell you which file caused the crash, and if it’s a driver, you just need to update that driver in order to fix the problem.

If you can’t find out which driver is causing the crash, it’s advised that you update all your drivers.

Users reported few issues with Dell laptops and audio drivers, but after downloading the necessary drivers the problem was fixed.

In order to update your drivers, you just have to visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your device.

Be sure to download motherboard and chipset drivers first, and then move to all other drivers.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

We recommend you update your drivers with Outbyte Driver Updater. Just install the utility and let it scan your drivers. It will detect the exact driver version that is compatible with your driver, and then install it to your PC.

The software can also repair damaged drivers and you can set it up to automatically check and update your drivers so you won’t have to think about it again.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Run the hardware troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSoD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

Another thing we can try is running Windows 10s built-in troubleshooting tool. This tool is designed to deal with various system issues, including BSODs. So, it might be helpful in this case, as well.

4. Run the SFC scan

Right-click on the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Enter the following line and press Enter:sfc/scannow.
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

If Windows 10’s troubleshooter didn’t get the job done, let’s try another one. The SFC scan is a command-line tool that scans the system and searches for potential issues.

So, it can be useful when dealing with the

5. Run DISM

Standard way

Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your PC and try updating again.

With the Windows installation media

Insert your Windows installation media.
Right-click the Start menu and, from the menu, choose the Command Prompt (Admin).
In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
- dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
After the procedure is finished, restart your PC.

And the third tool we’re going to use is DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that, as its name says, deploys the system image all over again.

6. Remove your antivirus

Antivirus and firewall are crucial for the safety of your PC, but sometimes third-party antivirus software can cause Blue Screen of Death errors to appear.

Almost any third-party antivirus program or firewall can cause

If removing your antivirus and firewall fixed the problem, then you can reinstall the same antivirus program, or you can switch to different antivirus software.

Bear in mind that just uninstalling the software won’t probably fix the problem, and you’ll have to use a dedicated removal tool to completely remove any files associated with your antivirus program.

In this regard, we recommend CCleaner because it lets you uninstall the application and remove corresponding files from one central UI.

7. Remove the problematic software

Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click the Restart button.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click the Restart button.
When your computer restarts you’ll see a list of options. Select Safe Mode with Networking by pressing 5 or F5.

Sometimes these types of errors can be caused by certain software, and if you want to fix this error, you’ll have to find and remove the problematic software.

If you installed or updated certain software recently, be sure that you remove it in order to fix this error.

To see if

Safe Mode uses only the default drivers and applications, and if the BSoD error is caused by any software, you shouldn’t have any BSoD errors in Safe Mode.

If your computer is stable in Safe Mode you just need to find the application or driver that is causing this error and remove it.

8. Reset Windows 10

Restart your PC a few times during the boot sequence. You can also just hold Shift and click the Restart button.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything. If you’re asked to insert Windows 10 installation media, be ready to do so.
Choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Remove everything. Click the Reset button to start the process.
Follow the instructions to complete Windows 10 reset. This process is almost identical to Windows 10 installation, so you won’t have any problems with it.

If the

This procedure is similar to clean install, and it will remove all files from your C partition, so be sure to create a backup before you proceed.

You might also need a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10 to complete this process, and you can easily create one with Media Creation Tool.

If the problem persists even after Windows 10 reset, it’s most likely that the issue is caused by your hardware.

9. Check your hardware

If the Blue Screen of Death error still appears, it might be due to a faulty hardware. The Most common cause for BSoD errors is faulty RAM, so be sure to check your RAM first.

If you want to perform a thorough scan we suggest that you use MemTest86+ and test each RAM individually.

If your RAM is working well, be sure to check other components such as your graphic card, motherboard, hard drive, network adapter, etc.

The

TERMINAL_SERVER_DRIVER_MADE_INCORRECT_MEMORY_REFERENCE

BSoD error can cause certain problems, but in most cases you can fix this error by finding the problematic driver and updating it.

We hope that our solutions were helpful. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.

JUICED ZipHUB Pro Surface Pro 7 Adapter Review: Precision design with plenty of USB connectivity

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Kareem Anderson

In this article

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I recently wrapped a review of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7 Plus at the same time I was fortunate enough to have had snagged a couple of JUICED Systems Adapters to help me properly put the device through its paces.

Now that we’re officially in the future of dongles, choosing the right one is becoming as important as the flagship device they’re going to be attached to. Fortunately, there is no shortage of dongles, however, the reliability and quality across the sea of connected peripherals vary from excellent to device ruining.

A couple of weeks ago, I was given three JUICED adapters to try out, 2 of which, were specifically designed for use with a Surface Pro. It’s not often you find Surface Pro-specific hardware being sold that isn’t coming from Microsoft, and it’s even rarer to find something of lasting quality. So, given the chance to try out the Quad HUB – USB-C 4 Port Travel Hub, Surface Pro 6 – Optix Multifunction Adapter, and ZipHub Pro – Surface Pro 7 Adapter, I had to answer the call.

While I don’t currently possess a Surface Pro 6, I was able to test out the other two adapters.

ZipHUB Pro

I started my testing with the ZipHUB – Surface Pro 7 Adapter.

The ZipHUB Pro is the latest adapter that Juiced Systems has designed specifically for the Surface Pro 7. The aluminum casing makes this unit perfect for those business trips or remote work spaces. We added only the essential ports without any compromise to performance. HDMI 4K @ 60 Hz, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), two USB 3.2 Generation 2 ports, and a USB-C port featuring USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps. Zip through your tasks with the ZipHUB Pro.

HDMI 4K @ 60 Hz

Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)

2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)

USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)

For $35.00 (sometimes on sale on Amazon), you get a cool-to-the-touch piece of solid aluminum. Unlike other docks, hubs, or dongles I’ve used the ZipHUB Pro doesn’t flex or creak under pressure, doesn’t appear to get warm and its connecting pins continue to feel as rigid as they were on day one.

Thanks in part to its precision-cut dimensions, the ZipHUBvPro feels like more of an extension of the Surface Pro 7 than most other dongles, it snaps in to place alongside the tablet with ease.

With both support for HDMI 4K @ 60Hz and USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with 10 Gbps, I was able to usher aside my dependency on my Surface Dock and use the much more portable ZipHUB Pro. While the custom design is great for aesthetics, it should be noted its proximity to the adjoining Surface Pro 7 ports, peripherals with short cables may need a second consideration when choosing the ZipHUB Pro.

The other thing of note is its support for 4K @ 60Hz which makes it ideal for most normal workstation setups but for gaming and professional level video editing, users may need to look elsewhere.

Now that I’m back in the office, I was able to test out the hardwire connectivity of the gigabit ethernet connector and while I didn’t run any specific speed tests, the connection was every bit as quick as it was for my dedicated desktop setup.

More importantly, there felt like there was zero lag between the ZipHUB Pro and my Surface Pro 7 Plus when transferring large files like edited audio, videos, batch image files, and CAD projects.

	ZipHUB	ZipHUB PRO
HDMI	4K @ 30 Hz	4K @ 60 Hz
Gigabit Ethernet	10/100	10/100/1000
USB-A	2x (5 Gbps)	2x (10 Gbps)
USB-C	1x (5 Gbps) DATA ONLY NO VIDEO/ NO POWER DELIVERY	1x (10 Gbps) FULL FEATURE DATA / POWER DELIVERY / VIDEO SUPPORT
SD Memory	60 mb/s	N/A

In hand, the ZipHUB Pro is about 2/3 the length of a 12.3-inch Surface Pro 7 and Plus tablet, about as wide as the device as well, and weighs a little bit more than Apple TV or Roku Stick. The ZipHUB Pro is pretty slender and pocketable which made it the ideal carry between the home office and work office for me. I used to rely on my Surface dock at home, an additional USB port on the Surface Pro 7 Plus charger, and a dongle to achieve what I can now do with the ZipHUB Pro.

If I were to have any complaints about the ZipHUB Pro, it would be the color options. The ZipHUB Pro comes in only a matte black color, which is an ideal match for a black Surface Pro 7 but I have the magnesium grey and would have preferred a similar color tone. Again, not quite a legitimate complaint of its design or functionality, just a “wish they had” sort of observation.

QuadHUB – USB-C 4 Port Travel Hub

While the title is a bit of a tongue twister, this JUICED four-port hub is anything but complicated. Users get a straightforward four-port dongle connected through USB-C as many other options before it.

At $35.00 the QuadHUB offers the basics in dongle connectivity with two USB-C (10 Gbps) and two USB-A ports all of which, do not support video output. Womp-womp!

Tech Specs
Ports	2 USB-C (10 Gbps) NO VIDEO OUTPUT 2 USB-A (10 Gbps) NO VIDEO OUTPUT
Dimensions	80x40x13mm
Compatibility	Any USB-C Device
Box Contents	QuadHUB
Warranty	1-Year Warranty

The QuadHUB was designed for quick device connections and rapid data transfers. Two USB-C ports and two USB-A 3.2 Generation 2 (10Gbps) ports will keep your efficiency at optimal levels. The QuadHUB serves as a quick USB hub for all of your external peripheral needs. Whether you need to connect multiple external hard drives or just a simple full-size keyboard, the QuadHUB is a fast easy solution. The QuadHUB does not need an external power supply to work and will power itself through the laptop’s bus power. The small form factor makes this the smallest and most powerful travel hubs available.

There isn’t much else to the QuadHUB, but unlike its ZipHUB brethren, this dongle is the most versatile of the bunch thanks to its tried-and-true form factor.

Owners will get a similar cold aluminum touch dongle with a sturdy rubber-covered USB-C stemmed wired.

For a quick fix or portable expansion, the QuadHUB is more than serviceable and can be used on any device with a USB-C port, so I was able to toggle its use between my Surface Pro 7, Lenovo’s X12 detachable, Chromebook, and Surface Go 2 without an issue.

The read and write speeds for the ports are quick at 10Gbps per port and while it doesn’t host a dedicated SD card or HDMI port, double the USB-A’s and USB-C’s connections cover more than 80% of use cases for most people.

The physicality of the QuadHUB is that it is slightly thicker than the ZipHUB Pro but shorter than it as well. The 4-inch rubber-clad USB-C connector is relatively rigid at the moment, and I’ll have to follow up with this measure after prolonged use. The QuadHUB also feels lighter than the ZipHUB Pro despite being a little thicker at its base.

Life-Line USB-C Cable Combo

In addition to the dongles, I also received a JUICED Life-Line USB-C Cable Combo which retails for $40.00 on the company’s website. A set of USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A set of 10ft-long threaded cables that come in a nifty threaded hard case for travel. The red, green, yellow and mostly black color aesthetic of the cable is a stand-out while the case itself is black and accented with neon green highlights coordinated design, like the Xbox theme.

For buyers who already have their favorite dongles or hubs at home but need charging cables or would like a bit more distance from an outlet, the Life-Line USB-C Cable combo should be another area of interest to visit on the JUICED website.

These were just a handful of peripherals I was able to recently test but based on the build quality, reliability, and craftsmanship, I’ve already ordered a couple of other items to round out my workstation at home and on the go.

Windows 10 version 21H1 is now available for commercial pre-release validation

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

Windows 10 version 21H1, the next version of the desktop OS is now available for commercial customers ahead of its public release later this Spring. Just like Windows 10 version 20H2 before it, 21H1 will be a service-pack-like update that will be installed via an “enablement package” that will activate dormant features in Windows 10 version 2004 or 20H2.

New features in Windows 10 version 21H1 include multi-camera support for Windows Hello, as well as performance improvements for Windows Defender Application Guard. The update is already available for Windows Insiders in the Beta channel, but Microsoft will now IT admins install it on commercial devices through all standard channels.

“We not only want to ensure that you have access to the upcoming Windows 10 feature update payload via any channel you may use today, we also want to enable you to validate with confidence. Therefore, customers in the Windows Insider Program for Business can once again receive Microsoft Support for the Windows 10, version 21H1 build available through WSUS, ISO download, Azure Marketplace, and directly from Windows Update in the Release Preview Channels,” the company said today.

Last year, Microsoft released a big Windows 10 update in the Spring followed by a minor update in the Fall, but the company is expected to do the opposite this year with a more substantial update in the second half of 2021. We don’t have any official details about the “21H2” update so far, though previous reports suggested a big design update for Windows 10 codenamed “Sun Valley.” Windows 10X, a new version of the OS designed for Chromebook-like devices is also expected to ship later this year.

How to fix Trend Micro antivirus BSoD errors in Windows 10

Posted on March 18, 2021October 10, 2025 by Madalina Dinita

If you use a Trend Micro antivirus and you’re still using Windows 10 version 1709 on your computer, you should know that might result in BSoD errors.

More specifically, when attempting to install the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update while running a Trend Micro antivirus tool, the following bluescreen error occurs: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA.

Due to this error, the install process fails and Windows 10 rolls back to the previous version (Windows 10 version 1703).

How do I fix Trend Micro BSoDs errors?

1. Update your Windows 10 PC

Press the Windows Key to open the Start Menu
Click on Settings
Select Update & Security
Click on Check for updates, and let the update process unfold
- Since this will be an upgrade between major versions of Windows 10, it may take a while.
Restart your PC

Since this BSoD error mainly occurs with Windows 10 v1709, the most obvious solution is to simply update your OS to a newer version, maybe even the newest if your PC hardware allows it.

2. Tweak Trend Micro’s process exceptions list

Identify if there’s an endpoint that has already applied the Windows 10 Update by checking the OfficeScan web console
Go to Agents > Agent Management
Sort by Platform, and look for Windows 10 10.0.17134
Select endpoints with the Windows 10 update
Apply the following exclusions via Settings > Behavior Monitoring Settings > Exceptions > Add to Approved List.
Add the following processes:

C:Program FilesWindowsAppsMicrosoft.Messaging_*SkypeHost.exe
C:WindowsSystemApps*SearchUI.exe
C:WindowsImmersiveControlPanelSystemSettings.exe
C:Program FilesWindowsAppsmicrosoft.windowscommunicationsapps_*HxTsr.exe
C:WindowsSystemAppsMicrosoft.LockApp_*LockApp.exe
C:WindowsSystemAppsMicrosoft.MicrosoftEdge_*MicrosoftEdge.exe

If you have both Deep Security Agent (DSA) and OfficeScan (OSCE) agent installed on the same host, it can trigger a BSoD error due to driver conflicts and crashes, so not having both active would be ideal.

3. Remove the Deep Security Anti-Malware function

Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu
Type in registry and open the Registry Editor with administrator rights
Go to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetservicestmevtmgr
Check out the version of Tmevtmgr.sys.
If the Tmevtmgr.sys version is 5.5 or above, re-install DSA with disabled AM function to avoid the Tmevtmgr.sys file from being replaced again.
Re-install the OSCE client to rollback the Tmevtmgr.sys file to the version used by OSCE AM.

4. Consider using an alternative antivirus tool

While Trend Micro is a great cybersecurity solution, there are plenty of other tools out there that can do the same job, if not more, so don’t be discouraged if Trend Micro is causing BSoDs, since alternatives are plenty.

More so, a lot of the better antivirus tools offer a free trial period of several days, so you can test them out and see whether they too cause any errors and if they do a better job at protecting your PC.

⇒ Get TotalAV

5. Use a third-party BSoD troubleshooter

BSoDs are caused by a wide variety of reasons, both software and hardware-related, and this makes it difficult to figure out which component is the culprit.

While this could be something you could easily find out if you knew where to look and how to read the BSoD logs, it can be time-consuming, and there’s always the chance of human error.

That’s why we suggest you go for a third-party automatic system scanner and fixer since these go ahead and handle all of the most common causes of BSoD errors, from bad DLLs, broken registries, software incompatibilities, and more.

By following these steps, you should be able to avoid future BSoD errors caused by using Trend Micro products again.

Let us know which solution worked best for you by leaving your feedback in the comments section below.

YubiKey 5 Series review: Yubico has a key for every one and every type of your secure login needs

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

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Microsoft has long been working to phase out passwords in favor of Windows Hello, a security key, or a pin to help add an extra level of security to both your PC and your online logins.

But in addition to using a pin or Windows Hello on the computer itself, two-factor authentication (2FA) or an app like Microsoft Authenticator is also a good idea. The combination adds an extra layer of security to your accounts when you’re logging in across different devices.

But did you know, Yubico is also part of that passwordless and security journey, too? Yubico was founded in 2007 with the mission to make secure login easy and available for everyone. Their sole invention, the YubiKey, is a piece of hardware (like an actual physical key) used around the world to help secure servers and logins.

Basically, with YubiKey, instead of having a 2FA code texted to your phone (or using an app like Microsoft Authenticator), you can use a physical Yubikey to prove your identity and log into your online accounts across different devices and platforms. It adds a third hardware-based layer of 2FA to your account, where you’ll need to plug a key into your machine or phone (or tap it) then touch it to prove your identity (you can see a list here of services that work with Yubikey. there are many!)

At my curiosity and request, the company was kind enough to send me a few of their YubiKeys for review. Particularly, I got three keys from the YubiKey 5 Series — YubiKey 5Ci, YubiKey 5C Nano, YubiKey YubiKey 5 NFC. I also got a traditional Security Key NFC, too. Here’s a look at each of these keys, and why Yubico has a security key for every one of your login needs.

Pick a Yubikey 5 Series security key that’s right for you!

Before getting into my review, I want to note that Yubico has a lot of security keys for sale on its website. That might seem confusing, but each of the keys is different and catered to different form factors. The company actually has a survey you can take to pick one that’s right for you. All keys are battery-free and draw power from your device to work.

If you’re considering buying one, I highly recommend the survey to begin your YubiKey journey. Most of these YubiKeys support FIDO2, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP, OATH-HOTP, Smart card (PIV), OpenPGP, and Challenge-Response capability protocols. It’s best to check the product pages, though to see which is compatible with your needs. Keep in mind they are also IP68 rated and dust-tight and water submersible, too.

In terms of the 5-series, though, there are currently six keys you can buy. There is the YubiKey 5 NFC ($45,) the YubiKey 5C NFC ($55,) YubiKey 5CI ($70,) YubiKey 5C ($50,) and the YubiKey 5C Nano ($60.) Note that only the YubiKey 5 NFC and the YubiKey 5C NFC offer NFC communication and wireless, whereas the rest of the keys will require you to physically plug it into your device.

The focus of this review will be on the YubiKey 5Ci, YubiKey 5C Nano, and YubiKey 5 NFC. This post has the mindset of the average consumer in mind, but we’re also planning a separate post later on which explains YubiKey for enterprise and business. We sat down with Yubico’s Chief Solutions Officer, Jerrod Chong to discuss that matter, and will follow up next week with a separate post next week with our discussion.

YubiKey 5Ci security key

Out of the bunch of security keys that Yubico sent my way, my favorite is the YubiKey 5Ci. The reason comes down to the key being multiplatform and mobile-centric (which is what all YubiKeys do one way or another). Also, this security key is the most compact of the bunch and is durable, and portable, too. It comes in black plastic and has a metal-reinforced hole for attaching to a keyring. Anyway, the key slides into my iPhone, as well as my Android phone, and my PC, too (this is the multiplatform aspect I hint to.)

It works across all my mobile and desktop devices, thanks to the lighting port on the bottom and the USB-C end on the top. There’s also a metal notch on the middle, too, which is used to verify you’re touching it. YubiKey 5Ci can do everything YubiKey 5 NFC can do, too, which is one of Yubico’s most popular keys. 5Ci supports the same protocols, sans the NFC support.

It’s important to note, though, that before using any YubiKey, you’ll need to set it up with your service first. I used all of the Yubikeys I am mentioning here with various services that I use every day. YubiKey is compatible with most services that consumers use. I used it with my Google, Twitter, Microsoft, and Instagram accounts.

Of course, you’ll have to run the setup through these services before doing anything. YubiKey suggests you visit their getting started pages for more information on how you can do this. YubiKey even suggests using the Yubico Authenticator app to store and manage your credentials on/from a YubiKey and not on your mobile phone.

In most cases, to get started, you’ll have to plug YubiKey into your device and follow the setup instructions on the screen for your service or app. In the case of Twitter, it involves setting up 2FA via the desktop web version of Twitter and plugging YubiKey into your device. With Instagram, I needed to enable 2FA from the web, plugin my YubiKey into my iPhone, and then scan a QR code via the Yubico Authenticator app.

My accounts then became protected and subsequent logins only required me to plug in the key or enter in a key from the Yubico Authenticator app itself after plugging in and touching the key itself. A great way to stay safe and carry my YubiKey across devices! YubiKey has a nice video that explains the process here.

YubiKey 5C Nano Security Key

While I think the YubiKey 5Ci is all about multiplatform and having a key you can carry everywhere for different devices, there’s also the YubiKey 5C Nano, too. This key is the smallest of Yubikey’s products and is designed to plug into a PC and stay out of the way.

In my initial review period, I tested this key solely with my Microsoft Account and used it to sign into and out of my account on a single-PC. That’s why I’ll dedicate this section to talk about the Microsoft Aspect of YubiKey. Just be aware that currently, a YubiKey cannot be used in conjunction with signing into your computer using a Microsoft Account.

In terms of the hardware, YubiKey 5C Nano works just like all the other security keys, except it’s more compact. It’s TINY and is designed to slide into a USB-C port and stay there. I preferred this for my personal computer, which I usually keep under lock and key and away from everyone else. For logins to my Microsoft Account, I just needed to tap my finger to the 5C Nano whenever I wanted to get in via the web. The video below explains my experience.

For setup, I needed to plug the key into my computer, visit the Microsoft Account sign-in page, visit Security options, and add the key to my account. After that, I was able to authenticate any subsequent logins across different with my YubiKey 5C Nano instead of my password.

Of course, I could still use Microsoft Authenticator if I prefer, too. But it is nice to see that the YubiKey adds an extra layer of security. You can manage Yubikeys from Windows 10 settings itself, too. Simply click Accounts, Sign-in options, and Security Key. You can erase a key, or protect it with a PIN from here. Of course, you can download YubiKey’s dedicated app on Windows, too to get started.

YubiKey 5 NFC security key and more!

To end my review, I have a note on the YubiKey 5 NFC. YubiKey tells me that this product as well as the Security Key NFC (which is not part of the 5-series) is one of their most popular amongst consumers. YubiKey 5 NFC is one of the best sellers, too. Unlike the other UbiKeys which I have mentioned, this one has NFC capabilities, so you can tap it to log in to your accounts, rather than plug it into a USB-A port. It still keeps the key chain form factor, though, and is plenty portable.

I really enjoyed trying out these security keys, and I now strongly believe in protecting my accounts with 2FA and YubiKey. With recent high-profile hacks, you’re just never certain who can gain access to your accounts, or how. Having a YubiKey keeps you safe, and if you’re in a business, your work safe, too. Stay tuned for another look at YubiKey next week, and my interview with Chief Solutions Officer, Jerrod Chong.

Microsoft announces ID@Xbox Twitch showcase on March 26

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

It’s been a pretty crazy week for Xbox news so far with new Xbox Game Pass games and FPS Boost support for a couple of Bethesda games, but next week is shaping to be just as exciting. Indeed, Microsoft has just announced an ID@Xbox showcase on Twitch on Friday, March 26 where the company plans to show new trailers and reveal new indie games coming to Xbox and Xbox Game Pass.

“We’re featuring tons of independent titles, including brand new game announcements from developers and publishers such as DrinkBox, Curve Digital, Devolver Digital, Dear Villagers and others,” the company explained. Overall, more than 25 games will get some screen time during the event including S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, Second Extinction, The Ascent, The Wild at Heart, Voidtrain, and Exo One.

The event will kick off at 9AM PDT on March 26, and it will be live-streamed on twitch.tv/twitchgaming and twitch.tv/xbox. This is hopefully just the first in a series of digital game showcases Microsoft is planning for 2021. The software giant held a special roundtable last week to discuss its acquisition of Bethesda with some of the company’s execs, but there were no announcements in this event. However, we learned that Bethesda is planning a big game showcase to stick with its tradition of having a press conference during E3.

2021 is shaping to be a pretty exceptional year for Xbox, with Microsoft going all-in on Xbox Game Pass and bringing more third-party games on the service on day one. That will be the case for Square Enix’s Outriders on April 1, and the company will likely announce a few more surprises during its ID@Xbox Twitch showcase next week.

Excel for the web will let users see edits from colleagues over the past 60 days

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

Microsoft has recently announced a new capability that is coming soon to Excel on the web (via Petri). The feature will allow users to track all changes made by their colleagues to the Excel workbook during the past 60 days. The update started rolling out last week and is available in preview for Office Insiders running the Targeted release builds.

“The Show Changes feature enables you to collaborate confidently with others by letting you see exactly what edits were made to your workbooks in the past 60 days. You can see details about who changed what, where, and when, along with the previous value of the cell for quick reversion, if needed,” the company explained.

The ability to spot and review changes comes in handy for people who collaborate remotely on shared workbooks. It enables the document owner to filter bulk edits by choosing an Excel sheet, a specific range, or even an individual cell. The feature is supported on all platforms, including Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and iPads.

To try out this feature, you will need to open the Excel workbook in the Web app, select the Review tab, and then click the “Show Changes” option. The list of changes will appear on the right side in the Changes pane, and the most recent changes will appear at the top of the screen.

Microsoft has noted that the Excel file must be stored in OneDrive or SharePoint to track these changes, and this functionality is only available to users with editing permissions. The Office Insider team has also acknowledged a couple of known issues as well, and you can find the list on this support page.

Microsoft teams up with The Rock to offer customized Xbox Series X mini-fridge

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Radu Tyrsina

The Xbox Series X fridge meme lives on this month thanks to a new partnership between Microsoft and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Indeed, the software giant has designed new Xbox Series X mini-fridges to promote The Rock’s new ZOA energy drinks, and Xbox fans will get the chance to win one of these fridges starting next week on the Microsoft Rewards website.

“Fans have the chance to win their very-own customized ZOA Xbox Package that includes a custom Xbox Series X ZOA mini-fridge fully stocked with ZOA Energy products, a custom ZOA Xbox wireless controller and other fun surprises through Microsoft Rewards beginning next week on March 25,” the company explained today. Be aware that the sweepstakes will only be available for US citizens and will end on June 1, 2021.

You may have already seen some influencers receiving the cool-looking Xbox Series X mini-fridges this week. YouTuber iJustine posted a video of the mini-fridge inside her real Xbox Series X fridge that Microsoft sent to her and other celebrities last fall.

Hehehehe ✨ @TheRock @Xbox @ZOAenergy pic.twitter.com/735wk6RL4l

— iJustine (@ijustine) March 18, 2021

Unfortunately, Microsoft isn’t selling these Xbox Series X fridges to Xbox fans, which is probably a missed opportunity. The company managed to surf pretty well on all the memes that followed the original reveal of the Xbox Series X at the Game Awards 2019, and it’s clear that Series X’s monolith design has already left its mark in the history of video games consoles. Microsoft’s new Xbox consoles may remain very hard to find these days, but there’s probably a lot of fans who would like to spend some money on a collector item like these Xbox Series X fridges.

Kernel Mode Exception Not Handled M in Windows 10/11 [FIX]

Posted on March 18, 2021October 8, 2025 by Milan Stanojevic

Blue Screen of Death errors aren’t that common, but they are without a doubt one of the most serious errors that you can encounter on Windows 10.

Since BSoD errors can create so many problems, today we’re going to show you how to fix KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M error.

You can encounter the error code 0x1000008E, which is the same as the above issue. The complete text of the pop-up is:

The KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M bug check has a value of 0x1000008E. This indicates that a kernel-mode program generated an exception which the error handler did not catch.

How do I fix KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION error?

1. Use a third-party tool for BSoD

There are numerous software tools that you can use in order to detect the cause of a BSoD error and also to find a valid solution for it.

They can repair system files, DLL files, restore virus damage, and more. Also, they can offer a basic report on your hardware and guide you on how you can change your user behavior to make it perform better and maintain it for a longer time.

2. Run the BSoD troubleshooter

Open the Settings app and go to Update & Security section.
Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

This tool is designed to deal with various system issues, including the BSOD problems. So, it might be helpful when resolving this error and others similar, as well.

If the Windows troubleshooter doesn’t complete the task or has become unresponsive or inaccessible, use our dedicated guide and fix this problem.

3. Update your Windows and drivers

Installing the latest updates is important for your system’s stability and safety, and you can download all the necessary updates by using Windows Update.

Windows 10, just like any other operating system, has its share of flaws, and sometimes certain hardware or software issues can cause the Blue Screen of Death error to appear.

To fix this and many other problems, it’s highly recommended that you download the latest updates. Many of these updates bring security improvements and various bug fixes.

If the Windows 10 update is not working on your computer, use our comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and solve the issue.

In addition to Windows 10 updates, it’s just as important to download the latest drivers. They are a major component of your OS since they allow your operating system to work with your hardware.

In case your drivers are outdated, or not compatible with Windows 10, you won’t be able to use your hardware and you’ll most likely encounter a Blue Screen of Death error.

To fix this issue it’s important that you update your drivers, and you can do that simply by visiting your hardware manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your device.

Bear in mind that usually, one driver is causing this issue, so you’ll need to find it and update it. If you cannot find the problematic driver, you’ll need to update all your drivers in order to fix this issue.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically. Using an automatic driver updater will always keep your system up to date.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Run the SFC scan

Open the Windows search bar and type cmd.
Run Command Prompt as administrator.
Enter the following line and press Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

The next troubleshooting tool we can try is the SFC scan. The System File Checker is a command-line tool that scans your system for potential corrupt system files.

So, if a system file is a culprit of the KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M error, this tool will likely deal with it.

5. Run the DISM tool

Open the Windows search bar and type cmd.
Select Command Prompt (Admin).
Paste the following command and press Enter:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait until the scan is finished.
Restart your computer and try updating again.

The third troubleshooting tool we’re going to use here is DISM. It is another possible solution to resolve the KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M error.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), as its name says, re-deploys the system image all over again, and resolves potential issues along the way.

However, DISM scan can fail to complete or to run. If this happens, we recommend you take a look at our dedicated guide and learn how to deal with the issue.

6. Check the hard drive

Enter the Advanced Startup (Restart your computer while holding the Shift key).
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
When Command Prompt appears, enter the following lines and press Enter after each line in order to run it:
- bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
- bootrec.exe /fixmbr
- bootrec.exe /fixboot
Some users are also suggesting that you need to run additional chkdsk commands as well.
To perform these commands, you need to know drive letters for all your hard drive partitions. In Command Prompt you should enter the following (but remember to use the letters that match your hard drive partitions on your PC):
- chkdsk /r c:
- chkdsk /r d:
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If you encounter any errors with your HDD and you think of getting a new one, check our dedicated guide with the best hard disk to buy.

7. Remove your antivirus

Antivirus and firewall tools are important, especially if you want to protect your PC from malicious software. Unfortunately, sometimes antivirus programs can cause BSoD errors.

To fix this issue, it’s recommended that you temporarily stop, or even remove all your antivirus programs for a short period of time

Bear in mind that Windows 10 comes with Windows Defender that works as a default antivirus, so even if you remove all third-party antivirus solutions, your computer will still be safe.

We have to mention that uninstalling the antivirus software isn’t enough since many of these tools tend to leave certain files even after you uninstall them.

To completely remove all files associated with your antivirus, like the registry or other configuration files, we strongly suggest that you use a dedicated removal tool.

A third-party app and junk file remover will help you to easily get rid of all residual files, called leftovers, that are otherwise, hard to find and remove. CCleaner is a typical example of such a tool.

8. Remove problematic software and drivers

Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open Power User Menu.
Select Device Manager from the list.
Once the Device Manager opens, locate the driver you want to uninstall, right-click it and choose Uninstall.
If available, check Delete the driver software for this device and click OK.
After you remove the driver, restart your computer.

Certain software can cause these errors to appear, therefore we suggest that you remove all recently installed apps, using the recommended tool from the above solution.

We have to mention that certain drivers can also cause this error to appear, therefore you might have to uninstall them. To uninstall a certain driver, do the above steps.

When your computer restarts, Windows 10 will automatically install the default driver. If the default driver works well and your PC is stable, you can continue using it, or you can try to update it.

9. Reset Windows 10 and check for faulty hardware

Restart your computer a few times during the boot sequence to start Automatic Repair.
Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
During this step you might need to insert Windows 10 installation media, so be sure to have one ready.
Now choose Only the drive where Windows is installed > Just remove my files and click the Reset button to start the process.
Follow the instructions to complete the reset.

After you complete the reset, don’t install any new applications, drivers, or updates. Instead, just test your PC for a while, and check if the error appears again.

If the error appears, it’s probably caused by your hardware, therefore we strongly advise that you check if all of your hardware components are working properly.

We have to warn you that this process will delete all files from your C partition, therefore it’s recommended that you back them up.

KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED_M error can be problematic, but we hope that you managed to fix it by using one of our solutions.

If you have any other suggestions for us or if you encounter a different type of BSoD issue, please write us a comment below and we will try to help you out.