Tech Notes

by Rich Kreider

Windows 10 page 1 of 2 for 12 posts

The easiest way to block the Windows 11 update on a Windows 10 system is by adding a policy via the Registry. In HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, navigate to SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Create a new Key named WindowsUpdate Add the following items in the WindowsUpdate key: REG_DWORD named TargetReleaseVersion with a value of 1REG_SZ named TargetReleaseVersionInfo with a value of 21H2REG_SZ named ProductVersion with a value of Windows 10 Below is a registry file example. You can also download Continue Reading...

Sage Peachtree 2013 crashes when posting Receipt

Sage Peachtree 2013 was crashing every time while attempting to save a Receipt entry. This occurred only via Remote Desktop. Peachtree 2013 is installed on a Windows 10 1903 system, 8GB RAM and Intel 530 Graphics. Remote machine is a Windows 8.1 system, 4GB RAM and Intel Graphics. Resolution was to change RDP properties to color of 24bit Color instead of 32bit and also uncheck Use Persistent Bitmapping. Continue Reading...

Fix: 2019-09 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems (KB4515384) – Error 0x800f081f

Detailing the troubleshooting to resolve KB4515384 failure to install.

Disable Windows 10 First Sign-in Animation

To disable the Windows 10 first sign-in animation screen, use one of the two following methods. Through Group Policy or the Registry. Group Policy Run the Local Group Policy Editor (Start > type gpedit.msc)Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > SystemSelect LogonDouble-click Show first sign-in animationIn the Show first sign-in animation window, select Disabled and click OKClose Continue Reading...

How to Join Windows 10 Professional to a Windows Domain

Here is a step-by-step visual walkthrough for joining Windows 10 Professional to a Windows Domain.

Office 2016 Trial on Windows 10 Rearms with Build Updates

I had 7 days left on my Office 2016 trial remaining when I decided to upgrade to the latest Windows 10 build 14385 the other day.
After upgrading, I launched Office and it went through a setup process and I saw that I had 29 days left on the trial.  I was OK that it extended my trial as I figured it was just a fluke.
Well, Build 14388 was released 2 days ago so I just upgraded to that.  The Office 2016 trial rearmed again and now I have 29 days again.
Not sure if this is a feature or a bug, but Continue Reading...

Windows 10 with Ubuntu: Bash + Conky + Firefox

Install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (Beta)

Set Windows 10 Developer Mode

Install X Server in Windows
I prefer Xming;  get it and install it from here:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/xming/files/latest/download
The defaults should work just fine.
Install stuff in Bash
Open a Bash prompt;  you can hit the Windows Key and start typing bash (without quotes).  It'll go through some installation stuff the first time you run it... give it a minute or two.
When it's all done, time to install Continue Reading...

Windows 10 Build 14367 Now Available in Fast Ring

The latest preview build has entered the Fast Ring and is being pushed out.  All the details on this release can be found on the Windows Blog

The task image is corrupt or has been tampered with.

I have been fielding a few calls very recently where a computer was upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7 automatically to a user's surprise, so they then downgraded back to Windows 7.
Mostly things work after the revert to Windows 7, however I'm seeing so many issues with Task Scheduler corruption.
The task image is corrupt or has been tampered with.
It is a long and tedious task to fix these problems, but it CAN be done. Follow the Microsoft KB article. DO NOT delete all the tasks in the Subkey Continue Reading...

System and Compressed Memory

I was looking at my system’s performance (Windows 10 Build 10565) and noticed something I hadn’t seen before “System and compressed memory” utilizing about 500MB. Looking into this further, an explanation from Microsoft is below on this new concept added in Build 10525. Memory Manager Improvements: In Windows 10, we have added a new concept in the Memory Manager called a compression store, which is an in-memory collection of compressed pages. This means that when Memory Manager Continue Reading...