Changing color of START menu in Windows 10

There are not many applications for creating mind maps, even fewer that are completely free, so it is with great pleasure to present you with Freeplane. Freeplane is mind mapping, Knowledge Management, and Project Management software completely free and open source. You can it here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/freeplane/files/latest/download

And from developers git page and I quote:

Freeplane is a free and open-source software application that supports thinking, sharing information, and getting things done at work, in school, and at home. The core of the software is tools for mind mapping (also known as concept mapping or information mapping) and using mapped information. Freeplane is written in Java using OSGi and Java Swing. It runs on any operating system that has a current version of Java installed. It can be run locally or portably from removable storage like a USB drive. We use Github only as of the main code repository, all other project parts are hosted at the source forge. So all bugs and feature requests are managed in a separate issue tracker. There is a drop-down box for selecting different types of issues. Other sources of inspiration are our new forum and old forum. Some users write their ideas there. Every contributor and every team member freely decides what task he is going to work on, but for making the best decision we can communicate our self-set goals in the above forum. It is supposed to enable early discussions and community feedback and also to motivate you and other people.

How to start hacking and contributing

People new to the project can start with implementing a new small feature or doing some refactoring or documentation and not with the bug fixing. Not all bug reports seem to be equally important, and if there are important bugs they usually get fixed by people who broke the functionality. I think you should first get there :). For internal developer discussions, there is a private mailing list. It is held private to avoid spam mails. If you want to be subscribed let us know what mail address you are going to use with it. This list is the preferred way to ask all code-related questions because they usually get answered soon and by the most competent team member. Some documentation for new developers is available in Freeplane wiki https://www.freeplane.org/wiki/index.php/How_to_build_Freeplane and also here and here. It is written for new guys and should also be maintained by the new guys to stay up to date. Looking forward to any questions and contributions, Freeplane development team

Hello everyone and welcome to our useful tips and tricks and problem-solving article blog. This time we are doing something different, instead of solving issues this time we are focusing on some quality of life tips like keyboard shortcuts in your Windows 10.

Shortcut Keys	Description
Windows Key	Opens/closes the Start menu.
Windows Key + Up Arrow	Maximizes the selected window.
Windows Key + Down Arrow	Reduces the window size. (Restore down.)
Windows Key + M	Minimizes all open windows.
Windows Key + Shift + M	Opens minimized windows.
Windows Key + Tab	Shows Task View.
Windows Key + L	Locks the screen.
Windows Key + A	Opens the Action Center.
Windows Key + V	Opens Clipboard History.
Windows Key + I	Opens the Settings menu.
Windows Key + F	Opens the Feedback hub.
Windows Key + H	Opens the dictation toolbar.
Windows Key + P	Opens the projection settings.
Windows Key + . (Windows Key + ;)	Opens the emoji panel.
Windows Key + C	Opens Cortana in listening mode.
Windows Key + C (Windows Key + Q)	Opens Windows Search.
Windows Key + G	Opens the Xbox game bar.
Windows Key + X	Opens the secondary start menu.
Windows Key + <number>	Opens the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. For example, if Chrome is the fourth app on the taskbar, using Windows Key + 4 will open Chrome.
Windows Key + Alt + <number>	Opens the right-click menu for the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. For example, if Chrome is the fourth app on the taskbar, using Windows Key + Alt + 4 will open Chrome’s right-click menu.
Windows Key + D	Shows/hides open apps on the desktop.
Windows Key + E	Opens File Explorer.
Windows Key + U	Opens Ease of Access in the Settings menu.
Windows Key + Print Screen	Takes a screenshot of the desktop.
Windows Key + Control + F	Opens the Find Computers window.
Windows Key + Control + D	Creates a virtual desktop.
Windows Key + Control + Left Arrow	Switches to the virtual desktop on the left.
Windows Key + Control + Right Arrow	Switches to the virtual desktop on the right.
Windows Key + Control + F4	Closes the active virtual desktop.
Windows Key + Space	Switches between installed languages (for writing text).

Great news everyone!!! Artstation, a popular learning platform for artists has been acquired by EPIC and their first move was to make artstation learning material free for all registered and non-registered users forever. This move by EPIC is a great but also logical one as well. How the industry is in demand for good artists, providing them with free education will hopefully produce some good talent. So if you ever wanted to learn about photoshop, maya, substance, unreal engine, or some general skills like sketching, drawing, etc. Now is the perfect time to level up your skills. Drop to the artstation website and start learning today!

What is Bandoo?

Bandoo application, specifically product version 5.0.2.4762, is a bundled program. What does this mean? Simply, Bandoo, upon installation, installs additional programs, extensions, and add-ons to a computer and computer’s browser, without the knowledge of the user. This version of Bandoo concentrates on providing features for entertainment and also functionality/tools for backing up your computer files. Once executed, the file installs the iLivid Download Manager Software. Additional tools installed within the bundle include a Movie Toolbar and the thriving search engine ‘Ask.com.’ Technical details about Bandoo include: 

Digital Signature/Publisher:  Bandoo Media, Inc. Product Version: 5.0.2.4762 Entry Point:  0x000038AF

Assessment of Bandoo Potentially Unwanted Program

Interestingly, before the installation of Bandoo product version 5.0.2.4762 was complete, Spyhunter detected that the software was a PUP. After the installation was complete, product version 5.0.2.4762 of Bandoo added add-ons and extensions to both Internet Explorer and Chrome Browsers (these were the only 2 browsers used within the assessment). These appeared in the form of a Movie toolbar, providing quick access to movie trailers, reviews, ratings, and other video functionality, and ‘Ask’ (Ask.com) search engine.

Areas of Infiltration by Bandoo

Bandoo product version 5.0.2.4762 infiltrated several areas of the computer system. After installation, folders were neatly placed as files within all programs. Within “All Programs” there were 3 newly added programs. These included:

• iLivid
• Movies Search App for Chrome
• Movies Search App for Internet Explorer

The iLiVid application seems to be the main offer while the others, namely Movies App for Internet Explorer by Ask was featured as promotions or advertisements. Additionally, just below the 'END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT AND PRIVACY POLICY' a request was made that the user set Ask.com as both their homepage, new tab, and default search engine. This is just another well-concocted plan to get Internet users onto the 'Ask.com' search engine. Along with the 3 programs installed as a bundle,  a new folder was found within the computer's local drive. This program was termed OLBPre.

What is OLBPre?

OLBPre.exe is reputed as dangerous adware that weakens the security settings of a computer system. It's also covertly used for dropping files on a targeted computer, often without the user's consent or knowledge.

Manual Steps for Removal of Movie Search Apps

I found this removal pretty simple. Depending on your Operating System, there will be slight discrepancies in the manual removal steps. Using the Windows 8 (8.1) OS on your computer:

• Step 1: from your desktop, right-click on the ‘Start Button’.  A menu box will then appear.
• Step 2: from the menu box, click ‘Search’.
• Step 3: enter “Programs and Features” within the Input Box.
• Step 4: locate the installed apps. You should be able to see “Movies Search App for Chrome” & “Movies Search App for Internet Explorer”.
• Step 5: right-click on the names of the Apps (the ones you want to remove) when you’ve located them.
• Note: you will have to remove the apps one after the other.
• Step 6: after right-clicking the app, click the uninstall option (probably the only option available anyway).
• Note: If a box appears asking If you wish to ‘block’ or ‘allow’, select the allow option. That’s just the Publisher’s way to annoy you out of uninstalling the app.
• Step 7: follow instructions until the app is fully removed.
• Step 8: Repeat steps for the other app.

Since Bandoo also changed your search engine, you’ll have to reset that manually for Internet Explorer and Chrome. Follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Open your Internet Explorer browser.
• Step 2: Click the tool option located in the top right-hand corner of the page.
• Step 3: Click the “Internet Options” option.
• Step 4: Under the “General” tab, you’ll be able to see approximately 3 buttons. Click the button labeled ‘Use Default”.
• Step 5: At the bottom right-hand corner of the pop-up menu, select the “Apply” button and “OK”. That should do the trick.

Removal for Chrome Extension

This removal is simple.

• Step 1: Open your Chrome browser.
• Step 2: A pop-up box will be visible.
• Step 3: Click the “Remove from Chrome” option.

After removing the extensions/add-ons, perform another scan with Spyhunter. You’ll pick up a few threats. The second scan should clear up everything. To completely remove Bandoo from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter.

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

Error 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.

Parallels is an application developer for MAC OS mostly known for its PC virtualization software Parallels Desktop, a PC virtualization software running on Macs enabling running Windows and Linux with respective software on your MAC. With its latest Desktop 17 version, the software can run natively on both Intel-based and M1-based MACs. Thanks to this feature MAC users will be able to benefit from various speed improvements while running both Windows 10 or Windows 11 preview. On both Intel and M1 setups, Parallels resumes Windows and Linux up to 38% faster, provides an up to 25% bump in 2D graphics and a six-time increase in OpenGL graphics processing. M1-centric stats include 33% faster Windows start-up times, up to 28% faster DirectX 11 performance, and up to 20% better disk performance on Windows 10 Insider Preview. Parallels Desktop 17 delivers a set of fresh features including a new video driver that enhances video and game playback and boosts Windows UI responsiveness. An improved Coherence mode lets users run Windows apps within the Mac environment, cutting down on distracting changes in appearance during Windows sign-in, shut down, and software updates. Drag-and-drop operations are also improved, with support for text and graphics between Mac and Windows applications. This function works well with MAC OS Monterey's Quick Note feature, which can accept content from any Windows app. USB support, disk management, copy and paste unformatted text, and automatic virtual machine optimization also receive upgrades.

If you find it hard to update Google Chrome to its latest version and each time you try to do so it keeps on failing, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing a list of Google Chrome Update errors. Even though there are a lot of error codes around Chrome, these are only caused by issues with the update. Here are some of the errors you can encounter when updating Google Chrome:

• Update failed: You can encounter this error when the Updates are disabled by the administrator.
• Update failed with
  • Error 3 or 11: When Chrome’s inbuilt updater fails to find the Update server to download the latest version.
  • Error 4 or 10: This happens while checking for updates with the message “Update check failed to start”
  • Error 7 or 12: This occurs when the download fails while checking for updates.
• Windows OS version is not supported.
• Google Chrome may not be able to keep itself updated.
• Any other errors that mention that “Update failed”

Since these aforementioned error codes are related to “Update Failure”, then they have common solutions and here they are:

Option 1 – Restart your computer

You need to restart your computer first and then try updating Chrome again. There are times when it’s only a temporary issue that can be fixed by simply restarting your computer.

Option 2 – Try checking antivirus programs, firewall, and parental control settings

If you have antivirus programs, a firewall installed in your computer, as well as parental controls, then any of these could be blocking you to download anything, including the update for Chrome. This is why you have to double-check and make sure that software updates aren’t being blocked by these programs. On the other hand, you can also try running the Network Troubleshooter as it can help you resolve any DNS or connectivity issues. To use it, follow the steps below.

• Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
• Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
• Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
• After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.

Option 3 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the Chrome Update errors. 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 4 – Try to reset Winsock, TCP/IP & Flush DNS cache

Resetting Winsock, TCP/IP, and flushing DNS might help in resolving the Chrome Update errors just follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator) so you can pull up an elevated Command Prompt.
• After that, execute each one of the commands listed below. And after you typed in one after the other, you have to hit Enter.

1. netsh winsock reset – type in this command to reset Winsock
2. netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt – type in this command to reset TCP/IP
3. ipconfig /flushdns – type in this command to flush the DNS cache

• Next, restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 5 – Try to run the Chrome Cleanup tool

You might want to run Google Chrome’s built-in Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool as it could also help in getting rid of any unwanted ads, pop-ups, and even malware, as well as unusual startup pages, toolbars, and anything else that might overtake the network and could affect the performance of the browser.

Option 6 – Get rid of any conflicting browser extensions

• Open Chrome and press Alt + F keys.
• Go to More tools and click Extensions to look for any suspicious browser extensions or toolbars.
• Click the Recycle bin and select Remove.
• Restart Chrome and press Alt + F keys again.
• Proceed to On Startup and mark Open a specific page or set of pages.
• To check if the browser hijacker is still active, click Set pages, if it is active, overwrite the URL.

Option 7 – Reset Google Chrome

Resetting Chrome can also help you get rid of the error. Resetting Chrome will restore its default settings, disabling all the extensions, add-ons, and themes. Aside from that, the content settings will be reset as well and the cookies, cache, and site data will also be deleted. To reset Chrome, here’s what you have to do:

• Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
• After that, click on Settings.
• Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
• After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
• Now restart Google Chrome.

The “Unknown Hard” error that keeps on appearing in Windows 10 can put users in an unpleasant situation. This kind of error leads to the freezing of the taskbar, blackening of the screen, and sudden disappearance of the icons on the Desktop. And each time you try to open Windows, the system will only give you an error message saying that it’s a critical error and some applications like Start and Cortana won’t work. Upon analysis, it seems that the “sihost.exe” is not responding and that it is the one that’s causing the c000021a Unknown Hard error to pop up. Sihost.exe files represent the Shell Infrastructure Host which is an essential component in the Windows operating system. The Windows Shell Infrastructure Host is primarily responsible for handling some graphical elements of the operating system interface such as the Start menu and the taskbar transparency. And so if the Shell Infrastructure or Sihost.exe has stopped, has been removed, or corrupted, you will most likely have issues with the overall functionality of the Windows operating system and you’ll get the Unknown Hard error In addition, the ctfmom.exe Unknown Hard error may also occur due to incompatible drivers installed on your PC. Ctfmom is a process that identifies inputs such as handwriting, languages, and many more. It’s the one that controls the functions of background behavior. To resolve this issue, you need to first try to identify which application is the one that’s running the sihost.exe file. And if needed, you need to either update or reinstall or completely uninstall the problematic application.

Option 1 – Try to run the System File Checker

The SFC Scan or System File Checker, us a built-in utility in Microsoft Windows that can be found in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. This tool allows users to scan and restore any corrupted system files in Windows that might be causing the Unknown Hard error to appear. Before you use this tool, make sure to find out whether the sihost.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you have to remove or if it’s a file that belongs to a trusted Windows application. Once you have that sorted out, follow the steps 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 2 – Try to use System Restore

You can also try using System Restore. This is one of the ways you can use it to back up your PC. Since restore points are created automatically each week by System Restore, you can use System Restore to restore your computer back to an earlier good point in time.

Option 3 – Try to troubleshoot the error in a Clean Boot State

Putting your PC in a Clean Boot state can help you diagnose and troubleshoot the issues in your system. During this state, you can start the system with a minimum number of drivers and startup programs that will surely help you in isolating the root cause of the Unknown Hard Error.

• 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.)

After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps are given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third-party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

• From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
• After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
• Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
• Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
• Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
• Restart your PC when prompted.

If you encounter a Recovery Error code 0xc000000e, “Your PC needs to be repaired” error on your Windows 10 computer, then it means that there is some hardware failure or an incorrect drive configuration. Apart from the error, it may be accompanied by different error message such as:

• A required device is inaccessible
• The selected entry could not be loaded
• A required device isn’t connected or cannot be accessed
• The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt
• The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible.

As mentioned, the error code 0xc000000e or STATUS_NO_SUCH_DEVICE error indicates that there is a hardware failure or an incorrect drive configuration and to fix it, you have to check your cables as well as check the drive with the diagnostic utility available from the manufacturer of the drive. And if you are using older PATA (IDE) drives, then this kind of error also indicates an incorrect master/subordinate drive configuration. There could be different causes for this error. It could be that the winload.exe file is not accessible or is corrupted or that the boot location for the operating system cannot be found. Thus, for you to boot into and access the operating system, you can try the suggestions given below.

Option 1 – Try rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file

• Once you get to the Welcome Screen part, click on Next.
• Afterward, click on the Repair your computer option located on the bottom-left part of the window.
• Then click on Troubleshoot.
• Next, select the Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
• Once Command Prompt has been pulled up, the following command to rebuild BCD files.

bootrec /rebuildbcd

• Once the command line is successful in finding out a Windows installation, hit Y to let it boot from the list which will successfully rebuild BCD.
• Now type “exit” to close Command Prompt and then restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Try to run the Automatic Repair Utility

You might also want to use Automatic Repair in fixing the error code 0xC000000E. To do so, follow the steps below.

• You can start by creating and booting from a bootable Windows 10 USB Stick.
• After that, click on Repair your computer located in the bottom left corner when you are on the initial Windows Startup screen.
• Next, click on Troubleshoot, and then on the other screen, click the Startup Repair option.
• Now select the operating system you want to repair. Once you do that, it will start to repair your operating system. Wait until the process is completed and then check if the problem’s now fixed.

Option 3 – Try checking the physical device connections

You might also want to try checking if there are other devices that are connected to your PC. This is because of the configuration of the BIOS or UEFI might be configured in a way that any external device connected to the computer has a higher boot priority compared to the hard disk.  And if it’s really the case, the externally attached disk might be the drive your computer is trying to boot into and not the hard disk. In such cases, Pen Drives, USB storage devices, CDs, DVDs, and so on, are included in this category of physical device connections.

Option 4 – Try updating the BIOS

As you know, the BIOS is a sensitive part of a computer. Even though it is a software component, the functioning of the hardware depends on it largely. Thus, you must be careful when modifying something in the BIOS. So if you don’t know much about it, it’s best if you skip on this option and try the other ones instead. However, if you are well-versed in navigating the BIOS, then follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “msinfo32” in the field and press Enter to open System Information.
• From there, you should find a search field on the bottom where you have to search for the BIOS version and then press Enter.
• After that, you should see the developer and version of the BIOS installed on your PC.
• Go to your manufacturer’s website and then download the latest version of BIOS on your computer.
• If you are using a laptop, make sure that you keep it plugged in until you have updated the BIOS.
• Now double click on the downloaded file and install the new BIOS version on your computer.
• Now restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 5 – Try resetting the BIOS/UEFI configuration

You might also want to reset the BIOS configuration which will lead to arranging the boot configuration since it is intended by the manufacturer. Note that this will get rid of any blockage in the boot process.

Option 6 – Try marking your Disk as Online

Marking your Disk as Online can also help in resolving the error code 0xC000000E. To do so, follow the steps below.

• You need to first create a bootable Windows 10 Media and then boot from it.
• After that, click on Repair your computer on the first window of the Windows 10 installation setup.
• Now, choose the operating system partition from the options and click on Next.
• Then select Command Prompt from the System Recovery Options box.
• Next, type in “diskpart” and hit Enter to initiate the Diskpart utility inside the Command Prompt.
• Now type in either “list disk” or “list volume” and hit Enter. Either of these commands will help you in listing all the Disk connects or all the partitions on those disks formed. So you have to select one command depending on the list command you entered.
• Afterward, type in “select disk #” or “select volume #” and hit Enter to select the Disk or Partition you want to select.
• Now type in “online disk #” or “online volume #” and press Enter to mark the disk you selected as Online.

There are instances when you have to connect to another Windows 10 PC via remote connection from another Windows 10 PC. However, when you encountered an error saying, “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” while doing so then read on as this post will walk you through how you can fix it. Here is the full content of the error message:

“Your password may have expired, or the remote PC might not accept blank passwords. Try connecting again. If this keeps happening, ask your admin or tech support for help.”

It is unknown what the exact cause of the error message is as it could involve several factors. Even so, there are still various potential fixes you can try to fix this kind of error. You can try to check if your password has expired or troubleshoot any issues with the network. You could also use a remote desktop application or configure the settings of firewall or restart the remote desktop service. For more details, refer to each one of the given options below. But before you proceed, make sure that you have someone to help assist you on the other side to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Option 1 – Try to check if the password has expired

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is to check if the password has expired as it could be the reason why you’re experiencing this problem. You have to make sure that you are using a user account that is on the remote computer and then check if the user account password has not expired yet. And if your PC is not within your access, then you can just ask someone to verify the password for you.

Option 2 – Try to troubleshoot network issues

To troubleshoot network-related issues that might be the one that triggers the error, you need to run the Network Troubleshooter. To get started, refer to these steps:

• Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
• Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
• Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
• After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.
• Restart your computer.

Option 3 – Try to use a remote desktop software

A number of users reported that the issue occurred when they used the universal app for Remote Desktop and they were able to fix it by switching to the Remote Desktop application. Thus, you can try to switch to the remote desktop software and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try to configure Firewall settings

You might also want to configure the settings of the Firewall as it could also help in fixing the problem. It is possible that the firewall is blocking the incoming connection on the remote computer. To check if whether the firewall is the culprit or not, follow the steps below.

• Go to Windows Security and then go to Firewall and network application.
• Next, click on the Advanced Settings link. This will open the classic Windows Defender Firewall and Advanced Security application.
• From there, look for the rule named “Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In)” under inbound rules and check if it has been disabled or not.
• If the rule is disabled, you have to enable it.
• Once done, check if the error is now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try to restart the Remote Desktop service

If none of the four given options given above worked, you might want to restart the Remote Desktop service as it can help you in fixing the problem. To do so, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• Next, from the list of services, look for the Remote Desktop Service and right-click on it, and then click on the Restart option.
• Once done, check it was able to fix the “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” error or not.