Recent Discussions
how to display bios over HDMI connection (while not viewabale on laptop with a broken screen)
so i have a laptop its a spare with a broken screen i have it plugged into a tv for multimedia works great. i need to access the bios it dont display over hdmi and no vga input on this laptop either its a uefi bios. i can display the desktop without issue though QUESTION: how do i display bios over hdmi? can i configure it to work from desktop? or any options available i intend to replace the lcd when im able but need to view bios first for several other reasons any possible ideas or fixes will be greatly appreciated kind regards jordan (new zealand)
Explorer ribbon blocked / 90% hidden after update
I had an overnight update install itself last week. After the AM reboot, the Windows Explorer window has been altered, such that the ribbon is now hidden the the content frame (not sure about my terminology; please see attached screenshot). The tops of the buttons are barely visible, but hovering over them, some are active. Rebooted many times, no diff. Compact view on or off makes no difference. I believe I tried safe mode, no diff (I'll try again). My tech support source got on the machine and rolled back an update, but no difference. I've uninstalled some useless demo apps, etc, no difference. I don't believe there are any more updates that came that night to roll back. My skill levels are approximately "old school power user." NOT tech support level. I would be grateful for any suggestions; it's not shutting me down, but it's getting fairly tedious. And aside, kind of personal mantra now: "It was working before; why did you break it?"Why is my Win 11 slower than Win 10?
When I upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on my laptop, I noticed a significant decrease in performance. Tasks that used to be swift now take noticeably longer, and overall system responsiveness has decreased. From boot times to opening applications and navigating the interface. Despite my laptop meeting the system requirements for Win11, the transition has resulted in a frustrating experience where productivity is hampered by sluggish performance. I'm seeking assistance to understand and potentially resolve this issue.What's with the Passkey requirement?
I could not log in to this website today because it required a passkey - which I do not have. So I had to create a new userID with a different name & email to get logged in. Is having a passkey some sort of new requirement? Or is there a way to get around this problem?Microsoft MSIX Packaging Tool Fails to create package due to AppXManifest (Typelib/Version/LibFlag)
The MMPT will fail to save the package after capturing an installation of Altova XmlSpy Enterprise. This is due to the MMPT reading a reading a registry string value for a Com Version and adding it into the AppXManifest in an incorrect form that violates the COM schema extension validation ST_VersionCom. The error from the MMPT log: [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] MakeAppx : error: Failure at packageWriter2->Close( manifestStream, contentGroupMapStream.Get()) - 0x80080204 - The specified package format is not valid: The package manifest is not valid. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] MakeAppx : error: Error info: /*[local-name()="Package" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/foundation/windows10"]/*[local-name()="Extensions" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/foundation/windows10"][1]/*[local-name()="Extension" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/com/windows10"][1]/*[local-name()="ComInterface" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/com/windows10"][1]/*[local-name()="TypeLib" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/com/windows10"][2]/*[local-name()="Version" and namespace-uri()="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/com/windows10"][1]/@LibraryFlag [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] '#0' violates pattern constraint of '[0-9a-fA-F]'. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] The attribute 'LibraryFlag' with value '#0' failed to parse. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] Cleaning up output file "\\?\%UserProfile%\Desktop\Altova-XmlSpy_28.0.0.0_x64__xwfzvwzp69w2e.msix". [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] MakeAppx : error: Failure at (CreatePackage( overwrite, hashAlgorithm, fileList, outputPath, manifestStream.Get(), forceCompressionNone, performanceOptions, encryptPackage, encryptionOptions, cgmPath, mainPackagePathForResourceExemption, makepriExeFullPath)) - 0x80080204 - The specified package format is not valid: The package manifest is not valid. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] MakeAppx : error: Package creation failed. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Debug] MakeAppx : error: 0x80080204 - The specified package format is not valid: The package manifest is not valid. [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Error] MakeAppx.exe failed, exit code = 1 [11/10/2025 11:17:46 AM] [Error] Error Finalizing Package: Process MakeAppx.exe failed with exit code 1. The values in the registry placed by the application that were captured: And the produced AppXManifest file contained: <com:TypeLib Id="744838d2-7537-47e2-affa-6e0d5fbb61c9"> <com:Version VersionNumber="1.0" LocaleId="0" LibraryFlag="#0"> <com:Win32Path Path="VFS\ProgramFilesX64\Altova\SharedBetweenVersions\AltovaScc32to64Bridge.exe" /> </com:Version> </com:TypeLib> As a workaround, it is possible to manually remove the '#' character from the LibraryFlag field in the AppXManifest allows the package to save. The MMPT should properly read this value as if it were a REG_DWORD of value 0 and generate a valid AppXmanifest. This is a common registry interpretation to make. Alternatively, as the value of 0 is meaningless, the parameter could be dropped, but if the vendor had requested "#1" this should also be handled.Best duplicate file checker for quickly finding duplicates on Windows or Mac?
Hi everyone, My wife has an old laptop running Windows 11 at work and Ma Mani at home. She has been struggling with cluttered storage on the computer due to years of accumulating files. As you can see this is a common issue for old computers. And she asked me to help her out. I suspect there are tons of duplicate photos, documents, and downloads hogging space, but manually sorting through them feels overwhelming. I'm looking for recommendations for a reliable duplicate file checker that can help me clean things up efficiently on Windows and Mac. Best Regards, Brown
Mail apps crash on windows
Hello, my mail apps (Outlook and Thunderbird) regularly crash on my PC. It happens after a while, and it is systematic after sleep. The apps work fine after restart. I though it was because my PC losts its Wifi connection (though I did not observe any loss of connection in my web browser; and it does not happen on my other PC). I deactivated SMPS in my Wifi card but it did not solve the issue. What should I do? I am on build 26200.7019. Thanks for your help
How to prevent Windows Explorer from saving paths
When I copy and paste a path into Windows Explorer is saves it. The problem I have is when I'm switching views from Details to Extra Large Icons. After type multiple paths the drop down of the saved paths covers the area that I'm working on. I have to click somewhere else on the screen to hide it. I tried tech support but was told this is by design and can't be changed. Does anyone know of a work around for this problem? Thank you.How to stop this Windows update?
I need to stop this KB5067036 preview. Don't want it!! Tried the Group policy OOBE tweak - changing it to to "2" for notify before downloading updates. Doesn't work. Deprecated now? Checked the Windows \WinsXs folder for pending XML's. None. Set wifi to metered connection. Well, that stopped the other 2 downloads anyway! Want to ditch JUST this KB, not wipe the entire update history, so don't suggest that.Folder suddenly showing onedrive icon
Hi all this is weird Last night when I turned off my lap top there was no cloud symbol next to my folders. However when I turned it on I had to go through We will now finish setting up your computer. I skipped every thing and when I went to file explorer this had happened. why and can I get rid of the cloud my files and folders are not synced and never will be
My pc doesn't support windows 11. What's to do?
I really want to upgrade my PC to Windows 11 25H2 but the PC Health Check app tells my PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements. There are two reasons for this: The processor isn't supported for this version of Windows. The PC must support TPM 2.0. What to do if my pc doesn't support Windows 11? By the way, the processor is an Intel i5 7500 and it has 16GB RAM & 1 TB SSD.
Unable to Select Release Preview Option Insider Programme
Hi, I'm enrolled for Insider Programme and currently in Dev Channel. I want to move to Release Preview, but the system is not allowing me to select the same, its greyed out. Kindly help. I've been trying to shift after every update, Dev / Beta Channel updates are very frequent and i want to move to much stable Release Preview. Regards AntsonPop up messages that my PC is infected
For some reason yesterday when I tried to open a .pdf file on my laptop I received messages that my laptop is infected that keep popping up but defender says there are no threats. How do I remove these messages when windows defender cannot see them? I have tried to return my PC to factory settings but my PC will not reset. I do not see anything but a blank screen when I try to reset to factory settings.
install win 11 pro on a new machine that came with win 11 Home
I am buying a new laptop. It will come with Windows 11 Home. I have a Win 11 Pro key and a Win 11 ISO file on hand. How can I install pro on the new machine without going through the Home installation process that begins when I turn the new machine on. The only way I know how to do this is to use the Windows media creation tool - or Rufus - to make a bootable USB Windows installation drive. Is there an easier way? If not, I'm thinking that Rufus is the only way to use the ISO file I have to make a bootable USB. I think the media creation tool will either want to download Windows to create the bootable USB stick, or tell me to burn the ISO to a CD disk. Do I have that right? Thanks!Windows 11 Pro 25H2 build 26200.6899 - pane preview error
Dear Microsoft Support, After I upgrade Windows 11 Pro 24H2 to 25H2 build 26200.6899, when I pane preview file, it showed the message "The file you are attempting to preview could harm your computer. If you trust the file and the source you received it from, open it to view its contenst." UNC path also error.Automating Daily Tasks with Microsoft Power Automate
In today’s fast-paced work environment, the difference between getting bogged down in routine chores and focusing on high-value work often comes down to how well we automate those repetitive tasks. That’s where Microsoft Power Automate comes in — a low-code/no-code tool that empowers organizations and individuals to automate workflows, integrate applications, and shift effort from “doing” to “thinking”. https://dellenny.com/automating-daily-tasks-with-microsoft-power-automate/How to Build and Save Your Own Theme Pack in Windows 11 A Complete Guide
Windows 11 offers a sleek, modern interface with a host of personalization options that let users express their creativity. Whether you prefer a minimalist, vibrant, or dark aesthetic, you can modify almost every visual aspect of your desktop — from wallpapers to accent colors, sounds, and even icons. But did you know you can bundle all your customizations into a theme pack and save or share it? A theme pack is a simple way to preserve your personalized settings and apply them later on any Windows 11 device. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to build and save your own theme pack in Windows 11 step-by-step. By the end, you’ll be able to design your desktop like a pro and easily share your personalized theme with others. https://dellenny.com/how-to-build-and-save-your-own-theme-pack-in-windows-11-a-complete-guide/How to Disable or Customize Transparency Effects in Windows 11 – Full Guide
Windows 11 introduces a sleek and modern look through Microsoft’s Fluent Design System, which includes elements like transparency, acrylic blur, and Mica effects. These features make menus, taskbars, and system backgrounds appear layered and translucent, giving the interface a more polished and dynamic feel. However, not everyone enjoys these effects. Some users prefer a solid, non-transparent appearance for better focus or improved readability. Others disable transparency to boost system performance—especially on older or low-spec devices. In this article, you’ll learn how to disable or customize transparency effects in Windows 11 using both built-in settings and advanced methods like registry edits. https://dellenny.com/how-to-disable-or-customize-transparency-effects-in-windows-11-full-guide/
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