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New Chrome update brings surveillance debate

Google Chrome 94 is here and it has introduced a controversial idle detection API. For those people that do not know what idle detection API is, well basically Chrome can be asked by a website to report when a user of the site has a site open and is idle on the device. The issue that people have with this is that this particular feature can be used to report when the user is not using a computer at all.

chrome idle detection featureGood thing is that website or web application will prompt you to allow it to use this feature like when a site/application wants to use your microphone or web camera. Developers are on board with this feature since it can provide them with more telemetric data on how users are interacting with their website/application but there are some that are strongly voicing against this.

Tantek Çelik, Mozilla Standards Lead, commented on GitHub, saying:

As it is currently specified, I consider the Idle Detection API too tempting of an opportunity for surveillance capitalism motivated websites to invade an aspect of the user’s physical privacy, keep long-term records of physical user behaviors, discerning daily rhythms (e.g. lunchtime), and using that for proactive psychological manipulation (e.g. hunger, emotion, choice)…

Thus I propose labeling this API harmful and encourage further incubation, perhaps reconsidering simpler, less-invasive alternative approaches to solve the motivating use-cases.

Others who have spoken against this feature are people from the WebKit development team inside Apple. Ryosuke Niwa, an Apple software engineer who works on WebKit said:

That doesn’t seem like a strong enough use case for this API. For starters, there is no guarantee that the user won’t immediately come back to the device. Also, who is such a service supposed to know what another device user might be using at any given point? We’re definitely not going to let a website know all the devices a given user might be using at any given point. That’s a very serious breach of the said user’s privacy. It seems to me that such a suppression/distribution mechanism is best left for the underlying operating systems/web browsers to handle.

Of course, technology itself as always can be used for good or for bad and time will tell if this feature has brought good stuff or it has paved another brick in surveillance and privacy manipulation. As said for now option will prompt for agreement and let's hope that it will be used for good causes from this day into the future.

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Guide to Correcting Error Code 46

Error Code 46 – What is it?

Error Code 46 is a device driver error that occurs when Windows fails to access the connected peripheral device to the computer as Windows is in a process of shutting down.

Users experience this error on any Windows 2000 and later operating system versions and usually see a pop-up with the following message:

“Windows cannot gain access to this hardware device because the operating system is in the process of shutting down. (Code 46)”

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error Code 46 is caused when there is a temporary problem with windows system files which prompts that the system is undergoing a shut down when in fact is it not.

This prevents access to the connected devices. This error may also be caused by a registry issue in which case it has either become corrupted or damaged.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Unlike all other Windows error codes, code 46 is relatively easy to fix with the right knowledge and does not pose any serious threat to the well-being of your PC. Here is how you can do it.

Method 1 – Restart your PC

The simplest method to resolve Error Code 46 is to run a restart of your computer.

The error is most commonly a temporary registry glitch that prevents you from accessing the device connected to your computer. Upon restarting your computer, it will resume working properly as before.

There is no need to run a troubleshooting wizard, use system restore, or run anti-virus software to scan and remove malware or spyware. A simple restart is all that is needed.

Method 2 – Install DriverFIX

Although the error code can be resolved upon restarting the computer, there’s a possibility of damaged or corrupted Windows registry files. This can be fixed by using a program like DriverFIX.

DriverFIX, with its user-friendly approach to help you fix your PC issues, comes with an integrated database that detects which drivers you need to reconfigure within just a few seconds and downloads it automatically.

It further ensures that your drivers are installed in their entirety leaving no room for any corrupted or damaged registry.

Error Code 46 may not be much of an issue, however, to prevent any risk of a Windows system corruption can be disastrous for your computer.

DriverFIX helps you fix your PC registry and device driver problems with user-friendly software and an integrated database. The database which consists of detailed information on what device driver needs to be installed will automatically download the required device driver without you need to refer to your hardware instruction manual.

Registry problems resulting from incomplete program installations and viruses such as malware and spyware damaged registry files. This affects your PC in serious ways.

DriverFIX further has an automatic backup and restoration system that helps create system ‘checkpoints’ which allow you to roll back to a healthier state and resume operations. This can help you avert any Windows error codes in the future.

Click here to download DriverFIX now!

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Reversing Mouse & Touchpad scrolling direction
As you know, aside from making computing a lot easier, mouse and touchpad, it also makes computing more efficient and less time-consuming. And so life is unimaginable without these useful devices. However, it is a known fact that you can’t customize these devices since all touchpads and mice come with their own default scrolling direction but worry not for in this post you will be guided on how you can reverse their default scrolling directions. Every user has their own different preferences when it comes to scrolling directions. You might want the scrolling directions to look like the page is being scrolled in the same direction in where you move your fingers over the touchpad or you might prefer it in an inverted way. Reversing the scroll direction for your device’s touchpad is really easy as Windows by default offers this customization. So if you are trying to find a way to reverse the scrolling direction of your mouse, then you have to follow a tricky little method which will be provided in this post. It is apparent from the number of settings the touchpad is available that it has become more customizable. You can configure everything, from its gestures, taps, sensitivity, and even its scrolling direction. And now, if you want to reverse its scrolling direction, here’s what you have to do: Step 1: Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings. Step 2: From there, go to Devices and select Touchpad from the menu. Step 3: Next, look for the Scrolling Direction setting. Step 4: Then click on the drop-down and select your preferred setting.  If you want the same direction scrolling, just select the “Downwards motion scrolls down” option, and if you want the opposite select the other one. After you carry out these steps, the settings will be applied right away and you will see the changes. On the other hand, if you want to change the scrolling direction for your mouse, the procedure is not as simple as it was for the touchpad.

To reverse the scrolling direction for a mouse, refer to these steps:

Step 1: In the Start Search, type “device manager” and click on the appropriate result to open the Device Manager. Step 2: After opening the Device Manager, look for your Mouse under the “Mice and other pointing devices” section. It is mostly listed as an “HID-compliant mouse”. Step 3: Right-click on your mouse and click Properties. Step 4: From there, go to the Details tab and from the drop-down menu, select Device Instance Path. Step 5: Now take note of the value displayed on its value field and then tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Step 6: Type in “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. Step 7: Next, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHID
Step 8: From this folder, you have to start matching the values in the first part of the value you’ve taken note of. Step 9: Open the folder which has the same value and repeat this for the second part of the value. Step 10: Afterwards, click on the Device Parameters and look for a property named “FlipFlopWheel” and invert its value from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0 to reverse the scrolling direction. And then restart your PC to apply the changes made. After you restart your PC, you should see the changes in the scrolling direction of your mouse. Note that you can change the value back to its original value or just use the registry backup to undo the changes you’ve made.
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Fix user account is not authorized
If you encounter an error message saying, “The connection was denied because the user account is not authorized for remote login” when you try to establish a remote connection, read on as this post will help you resolve the problem. This kind of error occurs when the targeted host does not allow you to access that system remotely. Based on the error, you are not authorized to log in remotely which means that you need to obtain the correct permission. There are several potential fixes you can try for this error. You can try to check the Remote Desktop Users group or add users to the Security group or check the Remote Desktop Service itself. Refer to the options provided below for more detailed instructions to fix the “The connection was denied because the user account is not authorized for remote login” error.

Option 1 – Try checking the Remote Desktop Users group

You can encounter this error when the Remote Desktop Users group does not have any permission for your user account that you are using to establish a remote connection. Thus, you need to make sure that your user account is a member of the Remote Desktop Users group. How? Refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard and then type “cmd” in the field and tap Enter or click OK to open Command Prompt.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type the “lusrmgr.msc” command and tap Enter to execute it.
  • Alternatively, you can also search for “lusrmgr.msc” in the Start Search and once you’ve opened it, select Users and then double click on your user name to open its Properties.
  • From there, switch from the “General” tab to the “Member Of” tab.
  • Next, if you can’t see any Remote Desktop Users group under the Administrator, you have to add it. To do that, just click on the Add button.
  • After that, on the newly opened window, click on the Advanced and Find Now buttons, respectively.
  • And in the Search results box, double click on Remote Desktop Users.
  • Now click on the OK button to save the changes made and check if you can now connect to a remote host or not.

Option 2 – Try to add a user to the Security group

You can actually block or allow a user from logging on through the Remote Desktop Services. However, if you do not have the right setting, you won’t be able to use this functionality. Thus, you need to confirm this setting. To do that, follow the steps below.
  • In the Start Search, type “secpol.msc” in the field and tap Enter to open the Local Security Policy panel.
  • From there, go to User Rights Assignment.
  • Next, look for a policy named “Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services” located on your right-hand side and then double click on it to open its Properties.
  • If you were not able to find the Remote Desktop Users under Administrator, then you have to add it by simply clicking on the Add User or Group button.
  • After that, enter “Remote Desktop Users” in the blank field and click the OK button to save the changes made.
  • Now restart your computer and try connecting again to the remote host.

Option 3 – Try checking the Remote Desktop Users group

There is a service that’s supposed to be running and needs to be set up correctly for you to connect to the remote host. And so you need to ensure that this service is up and running. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility.
  • Then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Services Manager.
  • Next, look for the Remote Desktop Services and double click on it to open its Properties.
  • After that, go to the “Log On” tab and select the “This account” option and then click on the Browse button.
  • On the next screen that appears, look for the Advanced button and click on it and use the Find Now button to search.
  • You will see “NETWORK SERVICE”. Double click on it and then save the changes you’ve made to the settings.
  • Finally, restart your PC and see if the problem is now fixed.
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INET_E_RESOURCE_NOT_FOUND
The previous Windows versions all came with Microsoft's browser Internet Explorer. A lot of users love it because not only that it is easy to use. It is also very fast. Users didn’t have to worry about compatibility because it is almost always compatible with its Windows Version. When they introduced Windows 10, they changed the name of the browser from Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge. It is faster and more user-friendly compared to its predecessors. But after the Creator Update, some experienced receiving the inet_e_resource_not_found error code. In contrary to what everyone expects, you actually don’t have to uninstall and reinstall the Microsoft Edge App. What you can do is reset the browser in your Apps & Features Settings in your Microsoft Settings.

To reset the browser you can follow the steps below:

  1. Click on the Windows icon and go to settings.
  2. Click on Apps and this will bring you to the Apps & Features page. Look for Microsoft Edge from the list of Apps and click on it.
  3. Choose Advance Option
  4. Scroll down then Under Reset, click on repair or reset. When you repair it will fix the existing problem but the data that caused the problem may still be present and can still cause problems. If you click on reset, it will delete all the cache and cookies that are installed in your browser but it will save your Favorites as well as your bookmarks.

Another way to resolve this is by disabling the feature TCP Fast Open on Microsoft Edge. To disable this, go ahead and follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser.
  2. Type in about: flags on the Address (URL) bar.
  3. Under Networking, uncheck the Enable TCP Fast Open.
  4. Close your Microsoft Edge browser and open a new one.
Flushing the DNS also worked for other Users. Sometimes, the error code the inet_e_resource_not_found is caused by a corrupted DNS cache. There are 2 ways to flush your DNS. The first option is to use the command prompt to run the command.
  1. To access the Command prompt or CMD, you can search for it on Cortana or you can click on the Windows icon to access the Programs, scroll down to the Windows System folder and click on it.
  2. A drop-down menu will show up, click on Command Prompt which is the first on the list.
  3. Type in the code ipconfig /flushdns and press enter.
  4. There will be a message that will show that says Windows IP configuration successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache
  5. Exit the CMD by typing exit and press enter.
The easiest way to do this is to Press the keys Window + R on your keyboard. Type in ipconfig /flushdns in the search box and hit enter or click on OK. These are only some of the ways to resolve the inet_e_resource_not_found. There are other ways to further troubleshoot this issue such as reinstalling your Wifi Adapter Driver or adjusting the DNS Server Address. But most of the time, users are able to resolve the issue with the steps provided above.
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Fix Libmysql.dll is Missing Error in Windows
Libmysql.dll is missing or not found error appears in Windows when the user is trying to open and run the application. In this guide, we will offer you solutions on how to fix and remove this annoying error.
  1. Check recycle bin

    Some applications or purely by accident itself libmysql.dll gets deleted. If you have not turned recycle bin off go to it and check to see if the file is by any chance there. If you find it, right-click on it, choose restore, the error will be gone.
  2. Update drivers

    Press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the Windows menu and click on Device manager In device manager locate device which has alert mark next to it Right-click on it and choose update driver Reboot your computer
  3. Run SFC scan

    Press ⊞ WINDOWS + X and choose command prompt (admin) In command prompt type in sfc /scannow and press ENTER wait for the operation to complete and Reboot your system
  4. Reinstall application

    if you are getting an error only on one application or an error has started to appear after the installation of a particular application go to Windows applications, uninstall it and then install it again. There is a chance that the file has been corrupted during the installation process.
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How to Fix Error Code 0x8007232B

Error Code 0x8007232B (Code 0x8007232B) – What is it?

Error code 0x8007232B (Code 0x8007232B) is an error that occurs when you attempt to activate Windows Server 2008 or Windows Vista.

Common symptoms include:

  • Attempting to activate Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows Server 2012 and you receive an error message.
  • The error message says: “Windows could not be activated. Key management services host could not be located in domain name system, please have your system administrator verify that a KMS is published correctly in DNS”
  • The error message says “The directory name, file name, or volume label syntax is incorrect”.

Error Causes

  • Error Code 0x8007232B occurs when you attempt to use media that is volume licensed to install: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Business, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2.
  • This error code also occurs when the activation wizard is unable to connect to a Key Management Service host computer.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Error code 0x8007232B can be seen when you are trying to activate windows, on several different operating systems. This problem can usually be easily corrected, but in the event that it can't, please contact a computer repair technician. When you try to install any of the previously mentioned Windows products, they use a generic product key to install the volume-based license software. If you do have a KMS host computer configuration and see these error codes, that means the correct DNS entries are not being seen on the computer. If there is not a KMS host computer setup, you need to do this setup, otherwise switch to a MAK product key method, and activate the volume license installation that way.

Method One:

Using a Multiple Activation Key as opposed to KMS activation

  1. Click the Start icon, click on All Programs, click on Accessories, right-click on Command prompt.
  2. Click on “Run as administrator”. Type in the password or provide confirmation if prompted for administrator password or confirmation.
  3. When asked for the command prompt, enter in the following and then hit the Enter buuton: slmgr -ipk xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx  Note: this placeholder represents the MAK product key.

Method Two:

Configure a KMS host server for the clients to activate against.

A KMS host server needs to be configured for the clients to activate against. When there are no KMS host servers configured near you, install and activate a KMS server key. After this, configure a computer on the network to host this KMS software and publish the Domain Name System (DNS) settings.

Method Three:

When the client cannot locate a KMS host on the network for activation:

1. Verify that your computer has the KMS host installed and activated by using a KMS key that is registered in DNS. You will follow these steps to do that:

  1. Click the Start button, click on All Programs, click Accessories, and then right-click on Command Prompt.
  2. Click on Run as Administrator. Type the password or provide confirmation if you are asked for an administrator password or for confirmation.
  3. In the command prompt box, type the following command and press ENTER: nslookup -type=all _vlmcs.tcp>kms.txt
  4. Then open the KMS.txt file generated by this command. The file will contain at least one entry that relays the SRV service location.

2.  A KMS host server registers a DNS SRV record once every 24 hours by default. You should check the registry to see if the KMS host server is registering with the DNS. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Click on Start, type in regedit, and then press Enter.
  2. Locate HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsNTCurrentVersionSL and then click on it.
  3. The KMS server does not register in DNS if the DisableDnsPublishing subkey is existing and has a value of 1. If this subkey is missing altogether, create a DWORD value called the DisableDnsPublishing. If the dynamic registration is suitable, the subkey value should be changed to 0. Right-click DisableDnsPublishing, click on Modify, enter 0 into the Value data box, and click OK.
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Disable Telemetry & Data Collection in Windows
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.
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Virtual desktop with different wallpapers
Virtual desktopThe feature that was originally planned for now scrapped Windows 10X is included in Windows 11. You will be able to customize your Virtual desktop with different wallpapers for each screen. In order to fully customize your virtual desktops with different wallpapers follow this easy step-by-step guide.
  1. Click on the Task View button in the taskbar
  2. When the Task View opens, select the desktop on which you want to set wallpaper
  3. The view will switch to the selected desktop. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select personalize
  4. In personalization settings, click on the background
  5. Select wallpaper which you would like to have on the desktop by clicking on browse and navigating to the desired one
  6. Close the settings
  7. Repeat for each virtual desktop you would like to customize
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IW Unicorn and Scorpion PC Chair cockpits
Recently on errortools.com, we were talking about Cooler Master’s Orb X gaming chair that is an absolute beast and an amazing product. One downside of Orb X is its price. IW product line is somewhat competing with Orb X with a much more affordable price aiming to probably take customer base with lower income but offering them a great experience as well. The first thing you will notice is a different design and somewhat feeling of cheaper quality if you compare it to Orb X but that is quite reasonable considering the chair itself is around 3.5 times cheaper than Orb X which really puts it in range of everyone can get it. But does a much cheaper price means low quality? Let’s explore.

IW Unicorn

IW unicornThe 2021 CLUVENS BRAND newly issued model UNICORN has fully electrical tilting capabilities to 160 degrees, Reading light-two LED & RGB illumination lighting, manual open/close keyboard tray, and armrests. This model is suitable for home and office, and also gaming computer work environments. It offers functions that enable the user to experience unprecedented comfort and quasi total immersion through strategically positioned 1-3 monitors, audio systems, and accessories. The result is a complete computer office, ergonomically optimized, with a minimal footprint that improves overall performance and productivity and health and comfort. Sitting on a chair can help a lot for relieving health problems like lower back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, and neck pain and also enhance performance and viewing effects.

More Luxury and More comfortable:

Equipped with Luxury feeling reclining Gaming chair made with high-density Mold Shaping Foam and superior quality PU leather with very comfortable texture, electrical recline to 128 degrees, and more to 160 degrees for the flat position for the user.

More High-End Setting and more High-tech:

Manual push for open / close of big sized (87x34cm) Self-Balancing Keyboard tray, adjustable with 20cm distance range with Electrical control for the height of roof arm & monitors. Electrical control for reclining Zero Gravity position or even flat position, Manual adjusted Feet pedal for a more comfortable position for feet. Using a High-Quality PU leather Gaming chair that has Heat/Massage functions with it! The IW-Unicorn monitor mounts allow the use of a single monitor up to Ultra-wide 49” or 43” in size or triple monitor setups up to 3 x 29” other monitors configurations are available upon request. (VESA standard)

IW Scorpion

IW scorpionScorpion is basically a premium version of Unicorn with being able to hold more weight, having cup holders on the armrest, etc. The look is also similar with Scorpion being more sinister-looking but overall Steel frame and chair are the same.

Conclusion

Sadly I have not personally experienced neither of these products including Orb X but from all information I have found and looked over, I would say these products are not trying to compete with each other. Although Products are similar in nature, Orb X is aimed at hi end-users focusing on privacy and robustness while IW is filling the gap of users that would like an advanced chair but are not willing or ready to shell hi amount of money for it offering advanced chairs with advanced features in somewhat affordable price.
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Prevent your laptop from overheating

Long working hours on a laptop can have some issues with laptop heating and thus slowing down. Today we will take a look at how can you prevent it from heating and keep it in a normal temperature range so it lasts longer and works better.

laptop on fire

Close unnecessary programs or browser tabs

Usually, the main reason for high laptop temperature is the heavy and constant workload. Of course, the solution is very simple, turn off unnecessary browser tabs or applications running in the background, and less power will be needed for operation thus directly reducing workload and temperature.

Place it on a hard flat surface

Laptops generally have vents on the side and even under them, these vents, of course, are made so hot air is disposed of through them but if they are covered that will create issues. Placing computers on textiles, pillows, and legs can obstruct their venting holes and increase heat also since they are materials that are not taking heat away.

Your best practice should be placing the laptop onto a hard flat surface so air can flow freely and if you need to keep it in your lap there are lap desks made for this purpose.

Clean the laptop

With some good cleaning, the laptop can stop overheating, and generally, it will be cooler. Vents that has for ventilation can get clogged over large periods of time due to dust which is always present. Compressed air can be a quick easy solution to open the vents and redust it. Other methods include a compressor, vacuum, or brush in order to quickly remove any dust clogs. Taking it into service for complete redusting and paste change is also a great option.

Place it on the dedicated pad

There is some disagreement about using dedicated cooling pads for laptops, some say they are not effective at all, and some swear by them but from my experience good paired laptop and pad can indeed help with cooling it down. Usually, cooling pads will come with fans that will take away heat from the laptop itself reducing its overall heat.

Change your Windows power plan

If your laptop is constantly hot but you are not doing much with him check Windows power settings. There is a good chance it is set to run on a high-performance plan and if this is the case switch it back to a balanced power setting. Power plan like high performance will drain more power and more power will mean more heating. Of course, this will affect performance as well but for regular work that excludes some power gaming, video, and picture manipulations and other demanding tasks this power plan will work just fine.

Take control of the fans inside your laptop

Internal cooling is important and sometimes fans are not running to their full capacity so increasing their speed or changing their plan of work can cool down the computer nicely. Some laptops have fans controlling application already on them, especially gaming laptops but most of them do not. If your laptop does not have it, go to your laptop brand website and see if such an application exists for your model, if it does, download and install it but if there is no such application try general free ones like SpeedFan or Argus Monitor.

Reduce voltage of CPU and GPU

How more power means more heat, reducing the power that CPU and/or GPU take can be reduced inside BIOS by lowering voltage of these 2 components. First, go to BIOS and write down the voltage that is currently assigned to your CPU and/or GPU so you can bring it back if ever needed, also take note that reducing voltage and thus power will not affect negatively your components but increasing it thus overclocking can and will so be careful when bringing voltage back not to overdo it. You can always also reset your BIOS settings to bring them back to factory settings.

Do not use the laptop when charging it

When the laptop is placed on the charger in order to be charged and used at the same time, more power is drawn to it, and since the battery is taking electric charge instead of providing it more heat will be generated now since two different sources will be generating it, the battery itself and computer. When you really can not wait for the laptop to be charged, use it, but turn it off and wait to be fully charged if you can.

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