Fix We couldn’t install some updates

It is a fact that Blue Screen of Death errors can give you a headache for you will have a hard time fixing it as it is one of the most difficult errors you can encounter on your Windows computer. One of these BSOD errors is the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. If you receive this kind of error then it means that the operating system was not able to catch a trap or an exception generated by the CPU. This BSOD error has an error code 0x00000007F and indicates that the Intel CPU generated a trap that the kernel failed to catch. One of the most likely causes is hardware failure due to faulty memory. Aside from this cause, you also have to track down other probable causes for this problem like corrupted system files, incompatible drivers or programs, faulty hardware, and even dusty components, and so on. To fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP BSOD error, here are some suggestions that might help.

Option 1 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently

Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.

• In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
• After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
• From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.

Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it. In addition, you might also want to check the hardware components of your computer that might not support the operating system itself. You can disconnect all the external devices like USB drives, scanners, printers, etc., and then reboot your PC. After that, add the devices again one after the other and check if the BSOD error is now fixed or not. Moreover, you can also perform a clean boot to make things easier for you.

• 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.)

Option 2 – Update your device drivers

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. Look for the device driver you and then select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall device”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
• Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
• If you have chosen to uninstall the driver, follow the screen options to complete the process and then restart your PC.
• Connect the device and Scan for hardware changes – you can see this option under Device Manager > Action.

Option 3 – Use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
• Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 4 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

You can use the Memory Diagnostic tool in Windows to check RAM. Before you use this tool, make sure you save all your important work.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type in “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open 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 5 – Disable Memory caching in the BIOS

You can also disable memory caching in the BIOS to fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error.

• Open the BIOS Setup screen.
• Next, go to Advanced > Cache Memory and then disable it.
• Tap the F10 key to save the changes made and restart your computer.

Option 6 – Run System File Checker

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
• Restart your computer once the scan is completed.

Option 7 – Clean your hardware components for dust

Cleaning your computer’s hardware components for dust might also help in resolving the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. Make sure to use a soft cloth in cleaning the hardware as well as a small blower. Moreover, ensure that you do not damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you’re at it.

Missing Dciman32.dll Error – What is it?

Dciman32.dll is a type of dynamic link library. Just like any other dll file, it includes instructions and is called to load and run different programs. The Missing Dciman32 dll error code occurs when the program dependent on this dll file type is unable to load the file. This error can occur while using or installing certain programs on your system.

• "Dciman32.dll Not Found"
• "Cannot find [PATH]dciman32.dll"
• "This application failed to start because dciman32.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
• "The file dciman32.dll is missing."
• "Cannot start [APPLICATION]. A required component is missing: dciman32.dll. Please install [APPLICATION] again."

Solution

Error Causes

The Dciman32.dll error causes include:

• Dciman32.dll file corruption or removal
• Poor program installation that uses Dciman32.dll file
• Registry issues
• Hardware failure
• Malware infection

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the easiest and effective ways to fix the Dciman32 dll error on your PC:

Method 1 - Restore Dciman32 dll file Back on your PC

Remember DLL files are shared files. You might have deleted this file while uninstalling some other program on your PC. Therefore to restore Dciman32.dll file, first check your recycle bin. If you locate it, then that’s great however if you don’t, then another way to restore the Dciman32.dll file is to download it from the internet.

Method 2 - Update Drivers for Hardware Devices

To update the driver first download the latest drivers from the hardware manufacturer’s website. Now go to the start menu, then the control panel and then click the device manager. Once you open the device manager, locate the hardware device you want to update the driver for. For example, if you experience a Dciman32 dll error when you play a 3D video game, then this indicates that you need to update the drivers for your video card. Navigate through different categories of hardware devices by clicking the icon to find the hardware you want to update. After finding the hardware you’re updating the driver for, right-click on the hardware’s name and then choose properties and then the driver tab. Click update driver button. This method will take approximately 10 to 12 minutes. To activate the changes you will have to restart your PC.

Method 3 - Reinstall the Program that Uses Dciman32.dll File

Another way to resolve the Dciman32.dll error code on your system is to reinstall the program showing the error message. Poor program installation can also be the reason for the error occurrence. To reinstall the program, first, you will have to uninstall the program showing the error message, and then restart your PC to activate changes. Once your computer restarts, reinstall the deleted program. Make sure that the disc or the CD you are reinstalling the program from is bug-free and not scratched.

Method 4 - Scan your PC for Registry Issues and Viruses

If the dll error still persists, then this means either the error is triggered by viruses or registry issues. To resolve these issues you will have to install and run programs on your PC antivirus and a registry cleaner. However, you should note that installing too many programs can slow down your system’s performance.

Restoro

The best way to scan for viruses and registry issues without compromising your PC performance is to download Restoro. This is a multi-functional PC Fixer embedded with 4 powerful and unique PC repair utilities including an antivirus that scans all kinds of viruses, Trojans, and malware. It also features a registry cleaner that removes all unwanted files saved in the registry, cleans the registry, repairs the damaged dll and system files including the Dciman32.dll file, and restores them back to normal. Furthermore, to ensure your system performance at its optimum level, it is also embedded with a system optimizer. And forth utility it features is Active X controls and class scanner. This is a safe and a user-friendly program compatible with all Windows versions. Click here to download Restoro now.

One of the most sophisticated Artificial Intelligence or AI assistants there is in the market is Cortana. However, no matter how sophisticated this AI assistant may be, there are still times when you encounter issues with it. So if your Cortana is not connecting to the internet, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This connection issue in Cortana might have something to do with the settings, network connectivity, or your Microsoft account. In addition, it could also be that the Firewall or antivirus program interferes with its connection. Whichever the case is, here are some possible solutions that could help you resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to power cycle the modem, router, and computer

• Connect the modem, router, and the PC hard-wired and then switch all of these three devices off.
• Turn on the modem and wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn on the router and wait for 30 seconds as well.
• Finally, turn on the computer and check if you can now successfully connect to the internet.

Option 2 – Check if your router or ISP is properly working

Since the basis for this issue is that Cortana is not connecting to the internet even though you are able to access websites using your browser, you might want to check your router or ISP (Internet Service Provider) and see if they’re functioning properly.

Option 3 – Try changing your internet connection

You can also try changing your internet connection and see if it fixes the problem. If you are using Ethernet, you can try connecting to a Wi-Fi connection and see if Cortana is able to connect or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter in Windows 10 as it checks whether the settings for Cortana are in place and automatically corrects any issues if the update or software installation has changed the settings. To run it just click on the Start button and select Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot. From there, select the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Note: You can also run the Network Troubleshooter as it can also help in resolving the issue especially if the problem is in the network.

Option 5 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
• After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
• From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
• Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
• Restart your PC.

Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 6 – Verify your Microsoft account

In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try resetting Cortana

• Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
• Restart your PC.
• After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 8 – Try to reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.

• First, right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows Powershell (Admin) option from the list.
• Next, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

• Restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect.

If you notice that your tabs in your Firefox browser keep on crashing recently, then there might be something wrong with your browser. Every time any of your tabs crashes, you might encounter an error message saying, “Gah, Your tab just crashed”. If you encounter this kind of error message then it is most likely that your Firefox Profile is having some issues with the existing installation of Firefox. The “Gah, Your tab just crashed” error rarely happens but when it does, it can get quite annoying as you won’t get to browse the internet peacefully. So to fix it, here are some suggestions you could check out.

Option 1 – Try disabling multi-process tabs in Firefox

Since Mozilla has one process for Firefox itself, while one process handles all the tabs, you have the option to disable these multi-process tabs in Firefox. To do that, follow these steps:

• In the address bar of Firefox, type “about: config” and hit Enter.
• Next, look for the following configurations and set them to false.
  • tabs.remote.autostart = false
  • tabs.remote.autostart.2 = false
• After that, double-click on the toggle switch between true and false.

Option 2 – Try checking your Add-ons

In this option, you need to start Firefox in Safe Mode and then check if the problem is fixed. If it is, you may have to check your Firefox add-ons as well as extensions as one of them might be the one that's causing the “Gah, Your tab just crashed” error.

Option 3 – Downgrade the Firefox version you’re using

It could be that the current version of Firefox you’re using has some issues so you might have to downgrade it, especially if you are already using the latest version. To downgrade your Firefox browser, go to the directory of the other versions and languages and select an older version that worked for you. After that, you have to disable automatic Firefox updates.

• First, click the menu button and select Preferences.
• Next, go to the Firefox Updates section under the General panel.
• Then select the radio button labeled “Check for updates but let you choose to install them”. This will ensure that you will not have the same issue with the new update.

Note that this is only a temporary fix since updating your programs, including browsers.

Option 4 – Try sending Crash Reports

You might want to send crash reports to Mozilla. This way, Mozilla might come up with some fix to resolve the problem. All you have to do is type “about: crashes” in the address bar. This will list all the crash reports. Now send it to Mozilla using the built-in interface. Although this won’t instantly fix the problem, a lot of user finds it useful. And besides, the issue will get fixed in future releases or with minor updates.

Realtek sound device not playing sound is a common Windows issue.  It happens occasionally and luckily it can be solved with a little effort and in a short time period. Today in this article we will explore the most common reasons and solutions for driver malfunction for Realtek inside Windows 10. If you have this particular problem, go from step 1 to the last step since all steps are meant to go from simplest to the most complex. All of that being said let us fix your Realtek driver issue.

1. Check Speakers or/and Headphones first

   The first thing would in any troubleshooting be to check are your speakers turned on or are your headphones connected and the volume or switch on them is set properly. Nothing more embarrassing than spending an hour or so troubleshooting only to find out that issue was in a malfunction of speakers or them not being turned on.

2. Check the Volume control in Windows

   Same as the previous step where you have checked hardware, now it is time to check to see if the volume control is set properly and not by any chance muted or volume is brought all the way down.

3. Check if the Device Manager is reporting an error and update the driver

   If both hardware is functioning properly and volume control in Windows is set correctly then the issue might be in Windows not detecting device or driver malfunction. In any case, the Device Manager will be the one who will report this problem. In order to check to see if the driver is properly working press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden start menu. Once it opens, click on Device Manager to open it, If you have a driver device error inside Windows, you should see it immediately when entering the Device Manager, it will have a yellow exclamation mark beside it. Right-click on it and choose update driver.

4. Reinstall driver

   If driver update failed or you already have the latest drivers, reinstalling them could fix the issue since drivers might have corrupted during installation of some update or application. Follow steps from point 3 to get to the driver in Device Manager, then right-click on it but instead of update choose to uninstall. Reboot Windows once the driver is uninstalled and Windows will install a new one.

5. Check Windows update

   Check to see if the latest Windows update is installed, update your Windows if needed

6. Fix driver issue with DRIVERFIX

   If everything else fails, get DRIVERFIX, a premium solution for your PC issues, and fix driver errors.

The Windows 10 Telemetry and Data Collection features are auto-enabled and they collect all sorts of user activity and sends it to Microsoft. Microsoft says that the data collected only enhances the overall user experience and Windows functionality better but the number of data breaches happening across the globe has forced users to be extra cautious about their data privacy. So naturally, from stronger passwords and other services management, it is only logical to turn off Windows data gathering. To do so:

• Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog.
• In the Run dialog type: taskschd.msc
• Press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER key combo to open Task Scheduler in admin mode.
• On the left pane, navigate to the: Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Customer Experience Improvement Program
• At the location, on the middle pane, right-click on the task named Consolidator and select Disable from the context menu...
• Repeat the process with all other tasks listed in the middle pane.
• Exit Task Scheduler.

Error Code 0x80072F8F - What is it?

Error Code 0x80072F8F manifests in one main way. It is known to appear as early as Windows 7, and mainly deals with an error that occurs in the update process, or when the computer is trying to connect to the online activation service. It can appear when the activation fails to verify the product key. The error code will present itself when the system realizes that the PC's date and time are incorrect. Error Code 0x80072F8F will also appear if the computer has determined that the time zone settings on the computer are not accurate.

When Windows is going through the installation process and is verifying all of the information associated with the computer, Error Code 0x80072F8F will arise, indicating that the information in the computer's settings is not valid. Correct times and dates are necessary when using serial validation keys to install Windows. When these settings are outside of the tolerated window, the problem will arise.

Error Causes

There is only one main symptom to look out for, and it will manifest during a Windows installation. In the midst of the installation, the computer will not be able to proceed with the installation if Error Code 0x80072F8F has popped up. Because the information cannot be verified, Windows will not be able to continue the installation process when the time settings are not accurate. This interrupts the process, causing the need to edit the settings, restart the computer, and try again. It is imperative to be sure that the date and time on the computer are inside of the tolerated window for the serial key.

• This error code will not give any information on how to correct it.
• Windows Error 0x80072F8F is displayed on the screen.
• The error code appears when typing the Windows serial key and proceeding.

Further Information and Manual Repair

When experiencing Error Code 0x80072F8F, the date and time need to be corrected in the computer settings menu, and then verify the correct time zone settings.  There are a few different ways to edit the time and date settings, and one may need to even edit the time zone settings. After this, restarting the computer may be needed. When booting into Windows, the validation code should be activated within 30 days of obtaining the serial number.

• Method One

Check the time and date settings.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Settings, then Time and Language, then Date and Time.
3. Check and make sure that the PC is operating at the correct time and date.

• Method Two

Ensure that the computer is connected to the internet.

1. Enter “network troubleshooter” into the search box located on the taskbar.
2. Select “Identify and Repair Network Problems”.
3. Follow the instructions that are given on-screen. This will fix any problems that the network is experiencing.

• Method Three

Review the timezone.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select Settings, then Time and Language, then Date and Time.
3. Check to make sure that the correct timezone is selected from the drop-down menu.

• Method Four

Reboot the PC and check if that fixes the problem. This may help in the event that the network troubleshooter does not detect a problem.

After completing these steps to edit the time, date, and time zone settings, it may be necessary to restart the computer. This is to ensure that the computer will save and recognize the new settings. After restarting, continue the process as intended and enter the product key. The computer will now be able to verify the product key since the time and date will be recognizable. The Windows installation should proceed as normal and complete successfully when the time, date, and time zone are inside of the parameters for the Windows product key.

In short, if it is not, the computer will not be able to recognize the product key, thus will not be able to install the Windows product. Generally, the fix is quite simple and does not take much time at all, but it is very important.

In 27 European countries for some time it has been considered for introducing a law that would force phones, tablets, laptops, and other mobile devices to use a single USB Type-C connector.

The European Parlament announced that a provisional agreement has been reached and that it was voted that a single charging solution is USB Type-C. The current agreement applies and covers the next devices: phones, tablets, Readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones, headsets, handheld consoles, and portable speakers. All currently existing devices can still be sold without issues but starting in the fall of 2024 all-new products must support USB Type-C charging.

The agreement will also hit Laptops but not on the same date, How is USB Type-C currently not enough for charging laptops, all new laptops that will have to use it are scheduled for fall of 2025.

Although the agreement is reached the EU Parliament and Council still have to formally approve everything.

Apple targeted the most

Apple has been targeted as the main target for rules since their iPhones are still using Apple's proprietary Lightning charging port. Apple sells a lot of iPhones in Europe and even though iPad Pro and iPad Air along with all MacBooks have moved to USB Type-C, iPhones are still struggling with the Lightning port.

Apple criticized the EU’s charger rules when they were first proposed in 2021, telling the BBC, “We remain concerned that strict regulation mandating just one type of connector stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, which in turn will harm consumers in Europe and around the world.” The European Union has said in response that it will update its rules as new technology arrives.

Why was this proposed?

The main problem in Europe that led to this proposition was electronic waste which reached 11 000 metric tons in 2018. European union is afraid that this will keep rising as chargers become larger and heavier in order to accommodate faster-charging speeds. More electronic waste means more hardware slowly decomposing in landfills that will contribute to climate change affecting everyone on the planet, not just the people living in Europe.

Socket Error 10013 - What is it?

Socket error 10013 is an error code that often pops on the screen when you try to access the server. This error code restricts your permission to access. It shows that your permission request was denied. The error message is displayed in the following format:

“Socket.error: [Errno 10013] an attempt was made to access a socket in a way forbidden by its access permissions”

Solution

Error Causes

Narrowing down a particular reason for the cause of socket error 10013 is difficult, typically because this error code can be generated due to several reasons. Here are some of the common reasons for its occurrence on your PC:

• High-security set up- Firewall or an antivirus program
• Too many functions tied to the same driver confuses the socket
• Outdated drivers
• Malware

The good news is that the socket error 10013 is not fatal. However, it is advisable to fix and resolve the issue to avoid inconvenience.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best, quickest and easiest methods to work around the problem and resolve socket error 10013 without any hassle or delay.

Method 1 - Turn off Firewall

Believe it or not, a high level of internet security measures like Firewalls and anti-virus programs are a common cause of socket error 10013. Firewalls are made to protect a computer from harmful connections but sometimes it may also restrict server connections, considering them as a threat to your system security. Due to this, permission access is adamantly denied. To resolve this issue on your PC, the best way to go about is to turn off your Firewall or any other anti-virus programs installed on your system. Once you turn off these programs, try accessing the server again. The majority of the time the issue is resolved by carrying this step. Nonetheless, if the error still persists, try the methods given below.

Method 2 - Check the Permissions section of the Firewall Program

Another way to resolve this is to check the permission section of the Firewall program and check for the server. If the server is not listed, contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask for help in adding the server to the list.

Method 3 - Update Drivers

The outdated driver may sometimes be the reason for the socket error 10013.  The socket may no longer use the drivers installed on your PC which is why permission to access the server is not granted. When this is the reason, try updating the drivers to resolve. For new drivers, visit the software manufacturers’ website, download, and install.

Method 4 - Scan for Viruses and Malware

Another alternative is to scan for viruses and malware. Sometimes the cause for the error is a viral infection. Therefore, remove them to resolve. The best way is to download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and next-generation PC Fixer embedded with 6 scanners including a powerful anti-virus. It scans your entire PC and removes all types of viruses including malware, adware, spyware, and Trojans in seconds. Click here to download Restoro.

Windows 11 provides several different ways to make your cursor stand out and be easier to spot inside it. You can make the mouse pointer larger, invert it, or change its color.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
2. Click on Accessibility in the sidebar
3. Select Mouse Pointer and Touch
4. Adjust mouse cursor size with size slider by clicking on circle and dragging it left or right
5. Under Mouse Pointer Style pick desired style from White, Black, Inverted, and Custom
   1. White: The cursor is white with a black outline (standard setting)
   2. Black: Cursor is black with a white outline
   3. Inverted: Cursor automatically changes color to an inverted version of the color it is currently hovering over
   4. Custom: You can pick the color for the cursor that you want.

And that is all about it, once you are done with pointer customization just close settings, all changes are saved automatically.