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Apple, Windows, or Linux machine

In today's IT world, if you want a computer for typical day-to-day actions and gaming, there are 3 primary ways you can go. An Apple computer with its proprietary hardware and operating system or a typical machine with Windows or Linux operating system.

Each system has both advantages and disadvantages and picking the right one might be difficult for some users. From hardware differences to specific software and operating system, each system is aimed at a different type of work, and in this article, we will explore each one and help you in choosing the right one for you.

Apple ecosystem

apple MAC studio

Apple has managed to create a unique ecosystem of its own devices, from its iMac desktop computers to more professional MAC studio and power MAC and all the way to tablet iPad and iPhone are powered by Apple's own operating system that connects all of these devices into one large system. So if you really need one singular ecosystem this is a huge advantage.

The ecosystem on the side, MAC computer systems are great, some would argue best for coding, design, video work, and sound editing. MAC M2 chip is optimized for all of these tasks and a specially tailored operating system is just the icing on the cake. Specific Apple-made software like a logic pro or final cut also helps a lot to position MAC systems on top of the line.

Reading all of this you might think hey this is the computer for me, it does everything! Sadly the truth is not like that. The first thing that is difficult on MAC systems and a maybe big reason that it is not so adopted outside professional working environment is lack of games. If you are a gamer or plan on using MAC for gaming, well I have some bad news. The second big turn-off is that MAC systems tend to be more expensive than PC systems, yes components are of higher quality but rest assured that you will pay for also for branding.

Get MAC as your workstation for serious work and for good tech support, if you need a plain home computer keep reading.

Windows PC machine

Windows surface pro

There is no better feeling than assembling your own computer, tweaking hardware to make a monster and despite haters hating, Windows is the best all-around operating system on the market. It is supporting the largest variety of hardware and the largest variety of software.

The best platform for serious gaming and streaming Windows machine has cemented itself as a multimedia powerhouse. But, this kind of computer is not alien to being also a professional machine, you can practically do everything that you can do on Apple or Linux machine inside Windows, yes some things might require extra steps or will be slightly slower but in the end, being able to do anything is the greatest strength of Windows machine.

Of course, every system has its flaws and Windows is not immune to that. One of the biggest is being the operating system for every hardware ever made and every software as well while keeping legacy support for old software and hardware, basically, its biggest strength is in the same time its biggest weakness leading to sometimes stability issues. Also being able to place any kind of hardware can also lead to the same stability issues. Executing something a little slower than other systems and having some extra steps can also be looked upon as weaknesses.

Linux system

Linux machine

First and perhaps for some people, the biggest advantage of the Linux operating system is its price, it is completely free! Other advantages include the great server and networking included in the OS itself, the large amount of customization, and unmatched stability. The ability to write scripts inside the OS terminal is also a great thing and coding is much more streamlined and friendlier than on other machines.

The power of Linux is the ability to change anything, even on the system layer, no other operating system will let you change the basic functionality of the OS itself while Linux will let you do this. It is also the only operating system you can fully use by booting it up from a USB stick and having the same experience as it was installed on a local hard drive. Among other OS mentioned earlier, Linux is by far the lightest one, taking the smallest amount of memory among the three.

The bad side of the Linux machine is the steep learning curve, among the three mentioned operating systems rest assured Linux is the most difficult to learn and be comfortable in it. The operating system will require you to know the hardware and how computers work in order to fully use its potential. Other things that place it behind are not so wide hardware support compared to Windows and the somewhat confusing distro model.

Linux versions come in form of different distro packages and first-time users will face many of them being left in awe of which one to choose. Also installing drivers and software via a package system can also be a tedious task as well, often being that some version of the driver will not work on the newer version of the Linux distro.

Get a Linux machine if you are well versed in computer technology, if you want great customization of the OS itself or if you do not want to spend money on OS and software since almost entire Linux software is open source.

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Shift Key is not working in Windows
A lot of users rely on keyboard shortcuts to carry out tasks on their PCs. One of the most common keyboard shortcuts used is the Ctrl + Shift + Esc which opens the Task Manager. As you can see, the Shift key is not just used to capitalize a text as it can also be used for other functions and plays an essential role in operating a computer. However, if you suddenly find it not working, read on as this post will help you fix the problem. If your Shift key is not working, there are several potential fixes you can check out to fix it. These are the different ways to get rid of the Shift key not working issue on Windows 10:
  1. Physically clean the key and keyboard
  2. Disable Sticky Keys.
  3. Update, Reinstall, or Rollback Keyboard driver.
  4. Test the keyboard on another system.
  5. Check your connections
  6. Run the Hardware troubleshooter
  7. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State.

Option 1 – Clean the keyboard keys physically

Your keyboard might not be working properly due to some dirt or other corrosion. Thus, you need to clean your keyboard, especially the Shift key. First, you need to shut down your computer and then unplug the keyboard if you are using a desktop computer and then prepare it for cleaning. After that, use a small cotton ear cleaning tool to get between the creases and clean them. You can dip it slightly in alcohol to make it more efficient in cleaning dust and dirt. And if you can, you have the option to pull apart the keyboard completely and then wipe away all the corrosion from the inside. Once you’re done, put the keyboard back together and then plug it back into your PC. Now turn your PC on and check if the Shift key is now working.

Option 2 – Try to disable the Sticky keys

Another thing you can try is to disable the Stick keys. How? Refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
  • After that, navigate to the Ease of Access section, and here, select Keyboard.
  • Next, make sure that the option for Press one key at a time under the Sticky Keys is toggled off.

Option 3 – Reinstall, update or rollback your keyboard driver

Once you’ve determined that the problem is in the software part of the keyboard, it is now time to try to reinstall, update or roll back your keyboard drivers. To reinstall the driver for your keyboard, refer to these steps:
  • From the WinX Menu, open the Device Manager.
  • In the Device Manager, you should find your laptop’s keyboard under the “Keyboards” option. Right-click on it and select the “Uninstall” option.
Note: If you’re not quite certain about your laptop’s keyboard, you can uninstall all the keyboards if there’s more than one.
  • After that, restart your PC and see if the keyboard driver is installing automatically. If not, open the Device Manager again and right-click on Keyboards, and select the option “Scan for hardware changes” to install it.
Once the keyboard driver is installed again, check if your keyboard is now working properly or not.

Option 4 – Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port or another computer

The problem might have something to do with the USB port that’s currently in use by your keyboard. It could be that it’s not working so it makes sense to unplug it and attach it to another USB port. You can also clean the USB port on both ends to ensure that they are not affected by corrosion. In addition, you can also try connecting the keyboard to a different computer and see if the Shift key works there or not.

Option 5 – Try to check your connections

You can also try checking if the connection mode you are using for your keyboard is functioning properly. For instance, if you are using a Surface 2-in-device, you can clean the connection pins and see if it resolves the problem.

Option 6 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooters

  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 7 – Put your PC in a Clean Boot State

You might also want to put your computer in a Clean Boot State to fix the problem with the Shift key. It could be that there is a third-party program that’s preventing the Shift key from functioning. To isolate this possibility, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • Now try to connect the external devices and check if the error is now gone.
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Guide to Quickly Fixing the Thorconnwndclass
Thorconnwndclass error is an Outlook error that has recently reared its head. Known to create several problems in the proper functioning of the Outlook application, this error is essentially a constituent of the Norton Antivirus Crash Guard Symantec component. That’s why those using the Norton Antivirus program are most likely to encounter this error.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

When the Thorconnwndclass error occurs, the Outlook closes unexpectedly, users encounter problems while sending or receiving emails and, performance of Outlook is degraded and this happens because issues arise while accessing the PST file. Because of this damaged PST file, stored data is unavailable for access. Other factors that trigger the Thorconnwndclass error are listed below.
  • Corrupt or damaged Outlook Add-ins
  • Corrupt or damaged Outlook bar
  • Unfinished Outlook installation
  • Faulty settings
  • Thorconnwndclass Norton is being used with Outlook
Regardless of the underlying factors that lead up to the occurrence of this error, it's of paramount importance that workarounds are implemented to ensure desired performance of Outlook in the long run.

Further Information and Manual Repair

While there are several ways to rectify this error, some of the most common ones are listed below as follows.
  • The most effective solution is the PST file repair tools available online. These tools use a complex algorithm and thoroughly scan the PST file and repair it as needed. This resolves the Thorconnwndclass error that one encounters in Outlook. Usually such software have an easy to use interface and can easily be used, without the need for the user to have a strong technical background. Another advantage of using these software available online is that they not only repair the file, but they often play a pivotal role in retrieving inaccessible or lost data.
Some other tips for manually resolving this problem are listed below as follows.
  • First and foremost, disable your Norton Antivirus program if it’s installed on your system. Now, open the Outlook application in Safe Mode. Since this problem may also be triggered by damaged or corrupt Outlook add-ins, it is strongly advised that you disable or uninstall them. Now, you will come across some .dat files. Rename them by changing the existing .dat files to new .dat.
  • Another useful approach is to employ the Inbox Repair tool offered by Outlook.
  • Finally, one can also use the scanpst.exe file to fix any problem or error that resides within the  Outlook application.
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USB Security key is not working on Windows
As you know, the USB security keys are a secure medium to validate a lot of components in a computer. They can be used to log in to Windows 10. Now with the advancement of APIs, you can authenticate across the website as well using the same key. However, there are times when it may not work and it could be caused by several factors. It could be due to corrupted or incompatible drivers or it could also be due to compromised integrity of the key, and many more. So if you happen to encounter an issue with the USB security key on your Windows 10 computer, then there are several potential fixes you can try. You can try toggling the Internet Options settings or reinstall the respective USB drivers. You could also try changing the PIN of the security key or disable the antivirus program on your computer or troubleshoot the web browser. Refer to the potential fixes provided below to fix the problem.

Option 1 – Try to toggle the settings of the Internet Options

  • In the Windows Search box, search for Internet Options to open it.
  • Next, go to the Security tab and drag the security slider to the lowest possible security for all the given zones.
  • After that, click on OK to save the changes made and close the Internet Options.
Note that this option is only a temporary measure as it can make your computer vulnerable. Make sure to press the Reset all zones to default level button.

Option 2 – Try to update or reinstall the respective drivers

If updating the drivers of the device did not fix the problem with the USB security key, you can try to update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers instead of using the Device Manager. Refer to the following steps:
  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.
Note: If it is a regular USB drive, then it will be listed as a USB Mass Storage Device but if you have a USB 3.0 device, then look for a USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Note: If updating the USB Controller drivers didn’t work, you can try to reinstall them instead.

Option 3 – Try to change the PIN of the security key

If the first two options didn’t work, you can try changing the PIN of the security key. There are instances when the PIN for the security key might have been corrupted. Thus, resetting it can help you resolve the problem.

Option 4 – Temporarily disable Firewall and third-party antivirus

Firewall and antivirus programs are known to block the proper functioning of the USB security key. Thus, your antivirus or firewall programs might be the reason why you can’t download anything on your Windows 10 computer. To isolate the issue, you need to temporarily disable both the Firewall and antivirus programs and then check if you can now download anything from the internet. Do not forget to enable them again as disabling them can leave your computer vulnerable to cyber threats.

Option 5 – Try to troubleshoot the web browser

Troubleshooting your web browser can also help you fix the USB security key problem. You can do that by checking if your web browser supports the security key and you can do that by checking on the official website of your browser. You can also try to update your web browser to its latest version but if it didn’t help, you can try to reinstall it or switch to another web browser.
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Fix igfxem.exe application error in Windows 10
When you get an igfxem.exe error in Windows, it is not really clear what does this means, usually, Windows throw us some code or we get a DLL error, rarely we get an EXE error. So what does this error means? Intel Graphics Executable Main Module, shortly called as IgfxEM module is a part of the Windows operating system. When you run Microsoft .NET Framework applications that use the AS/400 Data Queue ActiveX control (Mseigdq.dll) to read from and to write to IBM iSeries (AS/400) data queues, you may experience this error. In order to overcome this error and cope with it try the following things:
  1. Increase Virtual Memory

    Go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Type performance. Choose Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. In the new window, go to the Advanced tab and under the Virtual memory section, click on Change. At the bottom of the new window, check what the Recommended value is and how it compares to Currently allocated. If the current setting is significantly less than the recommended, uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives box at the top of the same windows and then click on Custom size. Enter the Recommended value in the Initial Size box, and a larger figure in the Maximum size box. Click OK to save the new settings.
  2. Download and update .NET framework

    Go to the Microsoft website and download the latest .NET framework. Once the download is complete, install the package following onscreen instructions.
  3. Reinstall INTEL graphic drivers

    Go to the intel website and download the latest graphic drivers for your graphic card model. Once the download is complete, install the package following onscreen instructions.
  4. Run SCF scan

    If all else fails, run command prompt and inside type sfc /scannow
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New Windows 11 update 22000.65
The first major update for Windows 11, 22000.65 has brought some bug fixes and some new features. The previous update was just a bunch of small fixes but this time Microsoft has brought much more with this one.

Windows 11 updateBug and security fixes:

  • Patch for the PrintNightmare vulnerability.
  • Taskbar icons not displaying after you rotate the screen back and forth.
  • Date and time not following format settings.
  • Contrast issues with File Explorer title bar
  • Search dropping the first keystroke when you press the Windows key and type
  • Blurry windows in ALT + Tab

Besides bug and security fixed newest update has also brought us some functional changes:

  • The start menu can no longer be moved from center
  • A search box appears at the top of the Start menu.
  • Taskbar appears on secondary monitors.
  • The refresh option appears on the jump list when you right-click the desktop. It was on the "Show more options" list before.
  • New look for certain dialog boxes such as "battery low" or "display change"
  • New snap layouts for portrait mode screens.
  • Option to troubleshoot sound problems when you right-click the volume icon.
  • Power mode settings on Power & battery settings menu.
  • Right-clicking .ps1 files offers a "Run with PowerShell" option.
  • New GIFs in the emoji panel in China
Honestly, I really like a search box on top of the start menu but really dislike the option to move it to left, I am sure that there are a lot of users who would feel more like at home if they could still move and set Windows to function and work how they want. It is very strange to me that Windows 10 was made to be so user-focused and been able to be user specific and Windows 1 takes most of these things away. I am not sure why Microsoft is going this way but I cannot really see how moving the taskbar on left is a programming issue or why it is wrong for example.
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Fix FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE
If you got the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error on your Windows 10 computer then it is most likely caused by various factors. It could be caused by an incomplete installation or uninstallation of some applications or program, or it could also be caused by some exploit that intervenes with the normal functioning of the computer, as well as bad sectors on the hard disk, damaged system files, malfunctioned system drivers, modified Windows Registry files, or a Blue Screen occurrence during a Windows Update and many more. Getting this bug check means that a single-bit error was found on this page. It also indicates that this is a hardware memory error and to resolve it, you need to follow the suggestions laid out below but before that, it is recommended for you to create a System Restore Point first so that if anything goes wrong, you can always go back to the previous state.

Option 1 – Run a Memory Check to test RAM

Since the problem might have something to do with hardware memory, you need to test RAM by running a Memory Check using the Windows Memory Diagnostic. Refer to these steps to do so.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  • After that, the Windows Memory Diagnostic will give out two options such as:
  1. Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
  2. Check for problems the next time I start my computer
  • Select any of the given options. After that, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues upon the restart. If there are any issues, it will automatically them.

Option 2 – Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 3 – Check for conflicting or incompatible programs by putting your PC in a Clean Boot state

As mentioned, the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error might be caused by some problematic programs that clash with your existing operating system. Several users reported that numerous programs that are supposedly designed to enhance computer performance are causing conflict in the system instead. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 4 – Update or rollback drivers

If the first few options didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.
  • Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
  • After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
  • Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
  • Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.
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How to fix Windows 10 Store Error 0x801901F7

Error Code 0x801901F7 – What is it?

Error code 0x801901F7, also known as “The Server Stumbled” error because it shows a message saying “The Server Stumbled. We all have bad days” is associated with Windows Store. Server Stumbled Error 0x801901F7 is an error related to the MS server. The error occurs due to damaged registry files, malware, virus, and corrupted data. You should fix this error to prevent a system crash or a BSOD error. There are some things you can do to fix it. These are not so complex. So, anyone can try these methods to fix error 0x801901F7. Common Symptoms for error 0x801901F7:
  • Problems with Windows startup
  • System becomes very slow or the system freezes
  • Blue screen of death appears
  • Windows fails to start some process due to Stop error code 0x801901f7

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

  • This error is generally caused by corrupt registry files.
  • Virus infection can cause this problem.
  • Outdated driver, missing .DLL files may also cause this error.
  • Microsoft server overload may cause this problem as well.
  • Incorrect configuration may cause this problem.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix error 0x801901f7, there are four methods listed below. Some might work for you and some might not. Please try all of them to fix this error.

Method 1:

Basic method to fix error code 0x801901F7: Resetting Windows Store Cache Most of the time clearing or resetting the cache helps. It doesn't always work, but you should try this first before moving on to some advanced methods which are mentioned below. To reset the Windows Store cache please follow the simple steps below
  • Open RUN by searching or pressing "Windows Key + R"
  • Type "wsreset.exe" and press Enter or click on OK.
  • Windows Store will open automatically along with a command prompt.
  • This will reset Windows Store and you might see it loading as it should.
This method might work but if it fails to solve Error 0x801901F7 then follow the method below.

Method 2:

Advanced method of fixing error code 0x801901F7: Deleting Windows Store database file. By using this method, you will be deleting the database file for Windows Store. This file is located on your C drive or the drive where you installed your Operating System. Follow the steps below.
  1. Navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDataStoreDataStore.edb.
  2. Delete DataStore.edb file from there.
  3. Now Open Windows Store and see if you still get error code 0x801901F7.
The Datastore.edb file that you deleted will be automatically created once you perform Step 3 which is launching Windows Store. If you still cannot get this error away then Close Windows Store and Reboot your PC then Launch Windows Store Again.

Method 3:

Modifying Windows update properties: Perform the steps below only if the above-mentioned methods fail. You will be tweaking a few things in the Windows update to see if it helps.
  1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking on Taskbar, then click on Task Manager.
  2. Go to Services Tab. Click on Open Services at the very bottom of the Window.
  3. Now a new window will pop up. Scroll down & find "Windows Update" from the list.
  4. Double click on Windows update to open up its Properties.
  5. Now from the Startup Type drop-down list, select Automatic. Click on Apply, Start, and then Ok.
Now you need to perform just one more step. Reset Windows Store again (Refer to method 1 for Steps). This should fix your Windows Store error that shows The Server Stumbled with 0x801901F7 Error Code.

Method 4: 

If the error is due to a problem with a driver, then follow the method below to uninstall the current driver:
  1. Open the Run command and type “sysdm.cpl” in the text box.
  2. Click Enter.
  3. Open the Hardware tab on the system properties dialog box.
  4. Then press on Device Manager.
  5. Double press on Device type and then press on the hardware device that is reporting error code 0x801901F7.
  6. Go to the Driver tab and press on Uninstall button to uninstall the device driver completely.
  7. Now, install the new driver on your computer.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Run virus scan of your PC
  10. Try using a different USB port.
If you do not possess the technical expertise required to accomplish this yourself or do not feel comfortable doing so, download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.
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Word icon is not showing on .doc & .docx
Recently, a number of users reported seeing plain white icons on their “.docx” files instead of the Word icon. This kind of issue is mostly caused by a conflict with the default program settings in Windows which is why you may not see any Microsoft Word icon on your .docx files. So if you suddenly find that the Microsoft Word icon is either blank or missing and does not show properly on .doc and .docx document files of Office on your Windows 10 computer, then you can check out the potential solutions outlined below. Before you proceed, you can try to restart your computer as there are instances when a simple system restart can resolve some issues like this one. However, if it does not help, create a System Restore point first. This is to ensure that you can always undo the changes you are about to make in case something goes wrong. Once you have that covered, proceed to the following options.

Option 1 – Try to configure .docx files to open with “winword.exe”

You can try configuring the .docx files to open with the winword.exe in order to fix the problem.
  • Right-click on a .docx file and select the “Open with…” option.
  • After that, if a prompt appears with a message saying, “How do you want to open this file”, select the “More apps” option to proceed.
  • Next, scroll down and check the checkbox that says, “Always use this app to open .docx files” option.
  • Then click on the “Look for another app on this PC” link and choose the WINWORD.exe application from one of the following paths based on the installed Office version in your computer and click Open:
    • Word 2016 (64-bit): C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/root/Office16
    • Word 2016 (32-bit): C:/Program Files (x86)/Microsoft Office/root/Office16
  • Now check if you can now see the Word icon on the .doc or .docx files.

Option 2 – Try changing the default Word icon via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this path located in the left pane: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTWord.Document.12DefaultIcon
  • From there, double click on the default value at the right pane and based on the Word version you are using as well as the architecture (32 bit or 64 bit) and then copy-paste the corresponding value in the Value data box:
    • For Word 2016 (64-bit) keep it as C:/Program Files/Microsoft Office/root/Office16/wordicon.exe,13
    • For Word 2016 (32-bit) Keep it as C:/Program Files (x86)/Microsoft Office/root/Office16/wordicon.exe,13
  • Once you’re done, tap Enter and then close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your computer and see if the problem’s fixed.

Option 3 – Try to rebuild the Icon cache

You may want to rebuild the Icon cache as it could also help fix the issue.
  • Tap Win + E to open File Explorer and then click Folder Options and click Views to show Hidden System Files.
  • After that, go to C:Users%username%AppDataLocal folder and look for a file named Iconcache.db and delete it.
  • Next, go to C:Users%username%AppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsExplorer.
  • From there, look for the following files and delete them.
    • iconcache_32.db
    • iconcache_48.db
    • iconcache_96.db
    • iconcache_256.db
    • iconcache_1024.db
    • iconcache_1280.db
    • iconcache_1600.db
    • iconcache_1920.db
    • iconcache_2560.db
    • iconcache_exif.db
    • iconcache_idx.db
    • iconcache_sr.db
    • iconcache_wide.dd
    • iconcache_wide_alternate.db
  • Restart your computer. This will purge and rebuild the icon cache.

Option 4 – Try fixing Office apps

Fixing the Office apps can help you resolve the Word icon issue. All you have to do is open Settings > Apps. From the app list, look for the Microsoft Office Desktop apps and select it and then click on the Advanced options and click Fix. After that, wait until the process is completed and restart your PC. However, if the problem still persists, repeat the steps again but this time, click on Reset instead of Fix.

Option 5 – Try to repair Office Installation

If the options given above didn’t work, you can try to repair the Office installation and see if it can fix the problem.
  • Open Control Panel and click on Programs and Features.
  • Next, right-click on the Office program that you want to repair which in this case is, Word.
  • Select Change and click Repair > Continue. After that, Office will start to repair Microsoft Word.
  • Wait until the process is done and then reboot your computer.
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How to Resolve Error 80073712 in Windows 10

Error Code 80073712—What is it?

Error code 80073712 is one of the dozens of error codes affecting Windows 10 users. It occurs when users attempt to upgrade their operating system but experience a failure. The error code usually results from problems associated with missing or damaged files within Windows Update. Common symptoms of this error code include the following:

  • The inability of Windows Update to successfully complete the upgrade process
  • Message box highlighting the presence of error code

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

In the case of error code 80073712, the issues preventing Windows Update from completing the upgrade process are most likely due to problems with files within Windows Update. For instance, there may be corruption within the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Manual repair methods offer solutions to Microsoft users who are experiencing Windows error codes like the upgrade error code 80073712 in Windows 10. The manual repair methods in this article are not guaranteed to fix problems unrelated to this error code. Thus, be certain you are experiencing error code 80073712 before you attempt to implement the solutions provided below.

Method One: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Since issues related to Windows Update may be causing error code 80073712 to occur, one of the best solutions you can consider is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter will be able to detect and fix corruptions within Windows Update files or any other issues directly related to Windows Update. To implement this manual repair method, follow the steps listed below:

  • Step one: Open your Internet browser
  • Step two: Type www.microsoft.com/downloads
  • Step three: Type Windows Update Troubleshooter in the search bar at the top-right corner of the Microsoft website.
  • Step four: Select Windows Update Troubleshooter then wait for the webpage to load.
  • Step five: Select Run troubleshooter

Once you run the troubleshooter, you should be able to verify and fix any errors within Windows Update files. Restart your machine after the troubleshooting process is complete them proceed by checking Windows Update to see if you are able to complete the upgrade. If Windows Update downloads the upgrade and the installation of the upgrade occurs, the problem has been resolved. Otherwise, error code 80073712 will reoccur, in which case you will need to move to manual repair method two.

Method Two: Run DISM Tool

Another option available to Windows users experiencing error code 80073712 is to download and run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. This tool checks for inconsistencies or corruptions that may be preventing Windows Update services from functioning correctly. To download and run the tool, follow the instructions below:

  • Step one: Type Command Prompt in the search box near the Start button
  • Step two: Right-click Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator, providing administrator password or confirmation where necessary.
  • Step three: Select Allow
  • Step four: Press Enter after typing the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Wait a few minutes to ensure that the process is complete. Once you’ve run the DISM tool, it will detect errors, for instance within registry data, and correct or replace them. Restart your machine after running this tool then check Windows Update. Attempt to download the upgrade to see if you have successfully resolved error code 80073712. If you experience an upgrade failure, move to the next manual repair method mentioned below.

Method Three: Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10

The issues related to error code 80073712 may also be resolved by performing a clean install of Windows 10. This manual repair method ensures that any previous versions of your Windows operating system are removed before you attempt to access an upgrade. This can prove effective as it helps users avoid issues that would otherwise cause error codes or poor PC performance in cases where errors are present on one’s system.

To successfully perform a clean installation of Windows 10, be prepared to follow step-by-step procedures that include the following:
  • Step one: Download and run media creation tool
  • Step two: Click Run, then select Create installation media for another PC
  • Step three: Select changes to the installation options, then select Next
  • Step four: Choose USB flash drive or ISO file, then click Next
  • Step five: Select drive, then Next
  • Step six: Select Finish, then restart your computer, ensuring that the media option you choose, whether USB flash drive or DVD, is in your machine before you choose to reboot.
  • Step seven: Press any key then follow the prompts provided to set up Windows 10.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

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Troubleshooting Error 1722

What is Error 1722?

Error 1722 is a type of Windows Installer error. Developed by Microsoft, Windows Installer is a software component used for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software on Windows systems. This is basically an .MSI file that contains explicit instructions about installing and removing specific applications that are supported by this file for example JAVA and ArcGIS. The error 1722 occurs when there is a problem with the Windows Installer package. And because of this the program supported by Windows Installer Package fails to set up and install. This error message is displayed in the following format:
“Error 1722. There is a problem with this Windows Installer package. A program required for this install to complete could not be run. Contact your support or package vendor.”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

You may encounter error 1722 due to multiple reasons such as:
  • Windows Installer Package corruption
  • Improper Windows Installer Package installation
  • Windows Script Hosting permission issues
  • Viral Infection
It is advisable to fix error 1722 to ensure the application supported by the Windows Installer Package that you are trying to set up on your PC, installs successfully.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve Windows Installer Package error 1722 on your PC, try the methods given below:

Method 1

Sometimes the error 1722 may pop up if the Windows Installer Package is not installed properly. In such an event, it is advisable to uninstall Windows Installer Package and then reinstall it. To do so, click on start, then control panel, program, and features and then choose the Add/Remove Program option to uninstall the Windows Installer Package on your system. Once it is removed, click OK to save changes. Then reboot your PC. Now download the Installer package and reinstall. After the installation is complete, now try installing the application supported by the Installer package you wished to install. However, first, it is suggested that you remove any traces of the failed application first. For example, if you previously received the error while installing Java, then remove all traces of failed Java installation.

Method 2

The alternative method is to change Window Script Hosting settings. To do this, go to the start menu, open Run and then type ‘Regedit’ in the command line and then press OK to continue. Check for either or both of the following registry keys HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows Script HostSettingsEnabled HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows Script HostSettingsEnabled If either of these has a DWORD value of ‘0’, then scripting is disabled. Change the values to ‘1’ will enable scripting and resolve the issue.

Method 3

There can be two reasons for Windows Installer Package corruption, viruses or registry overloaded with bad entries and obsolete files. If the error is triggered by viruses, then run an antivirus program to remove viruses and restore your PC. However, if the error is related to registry issues, then download Restoro. This is an easy-to-use PC Fixer with a powerful registry cleaner. The registry cleaner wipes out all the obsolete files cluttering the registry and repairs the damaged and the corrupt important files thereby repairing all errors including error 1722 on your system. Click here to download Restoro.
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