A New Update Released from Windows

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Yesterday, Windows shared a new update to Windows 10. To see if you can updated, simply open your Windows Update settings (Settings – Update & Security – Windows Update) and click on Check for Updates. Keeping your OS updated allows you to utilize your computer to its’ full capabilities. It also keeps it secure from any possible viruses or crashes.

With the new release comes issues, however. According to Windows, there are listed ‘investigated’ issues:

  • Display brightness may not respond to adjustments
  • Duplicate folders and documents showing in user profile directory
  • Audio not working with Dolby Atmos headphones and home theater 

There are the issues that are listed as ‘mitigated’:

  • Intel Audio displays an intcdaud.sys notification
  • Error attempting to update with external USB device or memory card attached 
  • Older versions of BattlEye anti-cheat software incompatible
  • Unable to discover or connect to Bluetooth devices
  • Night light settings do not apply in some cases
  • Cannot launch Camera app 
  • Intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity loss
  • AMD RAID driver incompatibility 
  • D3D applications and games may fail to enter full-screen mode on rotated displays

Windows is working on resolving any/all issues and expected to release another update in late May. Keep an eye out!

For help updating to Windows 10 version 1903 or dealing with any Windows 10 computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Scottsdale Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960.

Windows 10 Update Won’t Restore

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Word of Caution to Windows OS Users:

Updated on May 17th, Windows Support posted on their forum, explaining that, “you cannot restore the system to a restore point after you install a Windows 10 update.” This occurs when you install Windows 10 on your computer and turn on System Protection, then adding a R1 point to reinstate the system. A Stop error (0xc000021a) then shows up on your monitor. And restarting your computer only does nothing to fix the issue.

Windows claims that this is a known issue, including the following information on how to recover:

“During the system restore process, Windows temporarily stages the restoration of files that are in use. It then saves the information in the registry. When the computer restarts, it completes the staged operation.

In this situation, Windows restores the catalog files and stages the driver .sys files to be restored when the computer restarts. However, when the computer restarts, Windows loads the existing drivers before it restores the later versions of the drivers. Because the driver versions do not match the versions of the restored catalog files, the restart process stops.”

It’s possible to force a shutdown of the computer (this might have to be done a couple of times) and then enter the WinRE if a glitch occurs.

How do you do this? Windows can help:

“In the Windows Recovery Environment (or WinRE), follow these steps:

  1. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > More recovery options > Startup settings, and then select Restart now.
  2. In the list of startup settings, select Disable driver signature enforcement.

    Note You may have to use the F7 key to select this setting.
  3. Allow the startup process to continue. As Windows restarts, the system restore process should resume and finish.

These steps restore the computer to its “R1” state.

Steer Clear of this Issue by doing this:

  1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Advanced options, select Restart now.
  3. After WinRE starts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System restore.
  4. Enter your recovery key as it is shown on the screen, and then follow the instructions in the System Restore wizard.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Microsoft Paint Upgrade

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Microsoft Paint is one of the most popular programs of Windows. And though while back in 2017 it was announced that Paint was getting removed, Microsoft reverted back to keeping it. Users were incredibly happy with the news.

In April, Microsoft announced their depletion of the deprecation warning message each time you run the application. On May 14th, MSPaint announced new features to its’ program in the Windows 10 update.

Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager, wrote a post on behalf of the MSPaint team. He writes, “We’ve introduced the keyboard as a primary input mechanism. Microsoft Paint is already fully functional with mouse and multi-touch tablet input, but customers will now be able to use the app and draw with only their keyboard.”

image source: insider.windows.com

Brandon added, “Along with full keyboard input support, we’ve made improvements to the way Paint interacts with Screen Readers, like Windows Narrator, which some users might find improves their overall experience with the app.”

So not only did they NOT get rid of Paint, they gave it a bit of an enhancement. Oh, happy day!

We all love Microsoft Paint, if you having a problem accessing or using Paint or any other computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Insider Dev Tour 2019

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Yesterday, Windows announced their Insider Dev Tour for 2019, which comes in right after the Microsoft Build Developer Conference that took place earlier this month in Seattle, Washington. In the blog post, they share multiple regions that are included, along with basic agendas for the tour:

“Agenda varies by location, but you can expect to find developer demo-focused practical sessions with topics such as:

  • Introduction to Microsoft Graph Services
  • Web Development with NodeJS and Microsoft Developer Tools
  • Embedded and IoT Solutions with Microsoft Windows IoT Core
  • Command Line / Terminal and Windows Subsystem for Linux
  • Coding your Future with the Windows Insider Program
  • Desktop Apps with the Microsoft Graph
  • UWP User Interfaces with the latest APIS and OSS libraries
  • Developing with the New Edge Browser
  • Desktop Apps with .NET Core
  • AI Platform / Machine Learning on Windows
  • Progressive Web Apps with the New Edge
  • NET Core 3.0
  • Build apps for Microsoft Teams with Microsoft Graph and Web Technology

The day will start, of course, with a great keynote that covers the best from Microsoft Build.”

Locations are being updated over the next week, so keep an eye out to see if one is near you. If registration is not available immediately, check back on the Windows Blog for updates.

If you need computer repair, computer service or have any technology problem, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Littleton Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Littleton, CO please call our Littleton office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 Updates

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After Windows released a feature update back in October 2018, a new one was scheduled for May. Some may have already updated their computer, but just in case you haven’t, you can learn a few things about it. Windows 10 includes a wide variety of improvements and adjustments to the operating system. Here are a few things on what you need to look out for with this update.

First, If you are part of the Windows Insiders Program, you can update your computer before anyone else does – great for future reference. If you’d like to sign up, register here: https://insider.windows.com/en-us/register/, accept the terms and you’ll receive a Welcome E-mail. Be sure to read the Important Notice before agreeing to join, as it adds a variety of risks to your computer.

Second, huge bonus for Android phone users: You can send texts and see photos from your computer. You can also install Microsoft Launcher on your phone and search and sync your calendar and other documents.

Third, you may not be able to update if you have an SD memory card or external USB. According to the Microsoft Support Website: “An external USB device or SD memory card that is attached to the computer could cause inappropriate drive reassignment on Windows 10-based computers during the installation of the May 2019 update. For this reason, these computers are currently blocked from receiving the May 2019 Update. This generates the error message that is mentioned in the “Symptoms” section if the upgrade is tried again on an affected computer.”“To work around this issue, remove all external media, such as USB devices and SD cards, from the computer. Then,restart the May 2019 Update installation.” (source: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4500988/windows-update-blocked-for-windows-10-insider-program)

Last, but not least, this update requires 32GB of storage on your computer – up from 16GB for 32-bit and 64-bit. If you don’t have the storage, you will not be able to update.

If you are having issues with a Windows 10 update and would like to have a professional computer repair company resolve it for you, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Watch out for Tech Support Scammers

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Scammers are in just about every kind of industry, and tech support is no different. Often times, you may visit a website and find a pop-up error that includes a phone number to call for support to “fix the issue”. But that is certainly not their intention. With new technology, fraudulent tech support often seems real to those who are inexperienced users, requesting them to download content that allows them access to the users’ computer.

Microsoft released a support post on their blog, saying, “Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer.” They also add that, “Any communication with Microsoft has to be initiated by you.”Scammers have the ability to make upwards to $500 each phone call that is made. Don’t fall victim to their schemes. You can protect your computer and file reports against scammers to Microsoft. There’s also a list of fraudulent numbers, websites, and other forms of scammers on their website.

If you are the victim of a tech support scam or need help cleaning up your computer for any reason, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Grand Prairie Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Grand Prairie, TX please call our local office at (469) 299-9005.

New Chromebooks run Linux

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Google just announced at their Google I/O event something amazing. Starting immediately, all new Chromebooks will include Linux and ChromeOS.

Even though Chrome OS is based on Linux, it is not a native Linux desktop environment. Chrome OS started as a fork of Ubuntu Linux. Later on Google forked Gentoo Linux and that is their current kernel base.

I thought we had Linux previously?

Last year, Google released a way to run desktop Linux within Chrome OS. There have also been methods for years to run different Linux distros with Crouton in a chroot container. But this is different, Linux will now come pre-installed and ready to launch with any new Chromebook.

What does Linux bring to Chromebooks?

Allowing Chrome OS to natively run Linux applications means more things you can do on your Chromebook. You will be able to run Linux applications directly from Chrome OS. Linux applications will now become like any other Android or Chrome OS application.

Previously, your inexpensive Chromebook that was limited to Web applications, now it can be a full fledged power house laptop. Almost any application available for Windows or MacOS have an equivalent Linux application.

Which Linux distros will be supported?

Google has already said Debian Stretch is going to be the first Linux distro. You can already get a near production version of this out. Subscribe to the Beta or Dev channel release of Chrome OS for the PixelBook and you can play with this new feature.

Google says security will still stay at the forefront of Chrome OS. Chrome OS uses Linux’s kernel based VM. All Linux distros will run in VM sandboxes. This will block Linux applications from accessing or controlling your chromebook. This means you can now use your Chromebook for more serious use like software development or security testing.

The mainstream Chrome OS release channel should support Linux distros by end of July 2019. You can switch to the Beta or Dev release channel if you would like to experience this today. You can expect to be using Linux applications some time soon!

For help with your Chromebook or any other Linux computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call the local office at (602) 445-9862.

What is Wi-Fi 6?

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Wi-Fi 6, originally known as 802.11ax, is an expansion of 802.11ac, which is now called Wi-Fi 5. Are you confused yet? Okay, let’s start by defining how the Wi-Fi Alliance is redefining and more importantly renaming the last twenty years of Wi-Fi naming conventions.

The Wi-Fi Alliance is international organization that define the specifications for the various different wireless standards. They create rules and define how different pieces of wireless equipment can talk to one another so manufacturers can make wireless devices that all speak to one another.

Thus, over the years not everyone has conformed to all the standards and that’s why in years past you had to purchase only Netgear MIMO wireless equipment to work with Netgear routers (or insert any other brand that didn’t want to conform to published standards).

The Wi-Fi Alliance has decided that naming each standard based on their specification policy name within the IEEE’s standards policies was confusing to consumers. So they have decided to rename the new standard from 802.11ax to Wi-Fi 6 and retroactively rename all the previous standards at the same time.

New names for Wi-Fi standards

  • 802.11b launched in 1999 is now called Wi-Fi 1
  • 802.11a launched in 1999 is now called Wi-Fi 2
  • 802.11g launched in 2003 is now called Wi-Fi 3
  • 802.11n launched in 2009 is now called Wi-Fi 4
  • 802.11ac launched in 2013 is now called Wi-Fi 5
  • 802.11ax which was just finalized this year (2019) is the new Wi-Fi 6

How is 802.11b before 802.11a?

So this is a little confusing but essentially both the a and b specification of 802.11 were adopted at the same time. The 802.11a amendment allows for higher speeds and more channel selection but it cost significantly more than 802.11b did back in 1999. 802.11a was the first user of the nice and empty 5.7 GHz band. 802.11b was the first user of the HIGHLY congested 2.4 GHz band (which has held all wireless development back for years).

Both the a and b standards were available to manufactures in 1999 and the b standard was much less expensive to produce, that was the primary standard for years (and the first to market in 1999). 802.11b works at a maximum speed of 11 Mbit/s and had only 3 independent channels (there are 11 total, but all but 3 overlap one another….this is still true today if you are on a 2.4 GHz wireless network).

802.11a works at a maximum speed of 54 Mbit/s and has 12 independent channels (none of which overlap). 802.11a is obviously the superior standard, thus why the Wi-Fi Alliance rebranded it as Wi-Fi 2 even though it was not an evolution of Wi-Fi 1.

What does 802.11ax mean?

For any wireless nerds (like me) the IEEE 802 is the standards dealing with Local and Metropolitan networks. the .11 is the eleventh defined standard which deals with wireless communications. Every amendment to the standard is given a new letter. Initially the first wireless specification to be standardized was 802.11a, the second was 802.11b. After a dozen years of this the IEEE ran out of characters and switched to two character standards with 802.11ac (much like Excel when you pass column Z and the next one is AA). The current standards have defined specifications up through 802.11ay (which is a 60 GHz wave spectrum system).

Will old equipment work on Wi-Fi 6 wireless networks?

Wi-Fi 6 is just like all previous versions of 802.11x wireless networks in regards to backwards standard compatibility. You will be able to use your 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or previous wireless devices on the new network at the reduced performance level they operate at. Wi-Fi 6 does a better job as isolating older equipment on your wireless network so you will not see as much degradation of your bandwidth using older wireless devices like you have seen in previous versions.

Do I need to get a Wi-Fi 6 router now?

There are only a few routers out that conform to 802.11ax. The Netgear AX8 is probably the best consumer model on the market that we have setup for a client. Expect other brands to start releasing 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6 routers over the rest of 2019. If you need to replace your router you may as well upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 today since all new wireless equipment will be based on the standard soon.

If you would like to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6 or have any issues with your wireless network and would like to have a professional computer service company consult with you and set it up for you, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Aurora, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Dell

Dells vulnerable to remote hijack

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A security flaw in the DellSupportAssist that comes preinstalled on all Dell computers could allow a remote hijack of your computer. The attack exposes a vulnerability DellSupportAssist has with remote code execution.

How the remote hijack works

A Dell computer user would have to go to a web page where the attackers would place compromised Javascript. The Javascript can trick the DellSupportAssist into thinking Dell is trying to remote into the computer to fix a problem. The attacker has to be on your same network to then take control of your computer. Attacks on home computers are unlikely (unless other computers are already compromised). Attacks emanating from public wifi (coffee shops, large public venues), hotels and on corporate networks are much more likely.

Proof of concept attack already published

A proof of concept showing how to implement the attack was published on Github several days ago. The attack and vulnerability, called
CVE-2019-3719, is already live and can now be reproduced by anyone.

What Dell Computers are affected?

All recent and old Dell computers that have not disabled the built in DellSupportAssist are vulnerable to this attack. Dell is working on a security patch / update for DellSupportAssist but we would recommend that you disable the DellSupportAssist service for now.

If you have a Dell computer and would like to have a professional computer service company verify your system is secure, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Lakewood Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Lakewood, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

High CPU Nvidia Bug Fixed

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Nvidia has just released Nvidia driver version 430.53 which is a hotfix to resolve a high CPU problem. We have seem several clients complain about desktop videos flickering. The flickering happens in a variety of configurations (moving a video from one monitor to another, when launching a game, on benchmarking) but in all cases we have seen a very high CPU utilization from NVDisplay.Container.exe.

The new Nvidia driver v430.53 will also add Windows 10 May 2019 Update support. NVidia engineers have confirmed in the Nvidia GeForce Forums that they were able to reproduce the issue after driver version 430.39 (although we have seen examples of it for several weeks now). They state this hotfix was made specifically to address the high CPU problem and ensure May 2019 Update compatibility.

If you are experiencing high CPU issues with your Nvidia video card and would like some assistance, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you from our staff at the Plano Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.