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Enable or Disable Auto-Mounting in Windows

Every time a new drive or any storage device is connected to a Windows 10 computer, the operating system tends to allot a drive letter to it automatically. Not only that, as the OS also maps the location of the drive which helps it point the letter to the exact port location of the drive and serve requests from the user. As a result, it builds up a bit of cache as per the pattern in which the user uses the storage of the computer. This whole process is known as “Auto Mounting” which works for hard disks or optical drive readers that are connected using the SATA ports and even for USB drives that are connected using the USB ports.

There are several ways you can enable or disable the Auto-Mount feature in Windows 10. You can do it using the MountVol tool or the Registry Editor or the Diskpart utility. Before you proceed, it is recommended that you create a System Restore point first so that you can always undo the changes you made in case anything goes wrong.

Option 1 – Enable or disable Auto Mounting via MountVol tool

In this option, you will be using the mountvol command in the Command Prompt. Refer to the steps below.

  • Tap the Wins key once and type in “command prompt” in the field.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option to run it with admin privileges.
  • Next, type the following command and tap Enter to enable the Auto Mount feature:

mountvol /E

  • On the other hand, if you want to disable the Auto Mount feature, type the following command instead:

mountvol /N

  • After that, type the command below to remove all the previously assigned drive letters:

mountvol /R

  • Finally, restart your computer.

Option 2 – Enable or disable Auto Mounting via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • After that, navigate to this registry key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesmountmgr
  • Next, look for a DWORD named “NoAutoMount”. If you can’t find a DWORD with that name then simply create a new DWORD with the same name and make sure that the base is selected to Hexadecimal.
  • Now double click on that DWORD and change its value to 0 if you want to enable it, otherwise, input 1 as its value to disable it.
  • Restart your computer.

Option 3 – Enable or disable Auto Mounting via Diskpart utility

  • Tap the Wins key once and type in “command prompt” in the field.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option to run it with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt as admin, type the following command and hit Enter to launch the Diskpart utility:

diskpart

  • After that, a User Account Control prompt will appear. Just click on the Yes button.
  • Next, type the following command and hit Enter:

automount

  • Following the command you entered, you will an output that either says, “Automatic mounting of new volumes enabled” or “Automatic mounting of new volumes disabled” which means you can use it to check the status of Auto Mount.
  • Now if you want to enable the Auto Mount feature, type the following command and tap Enter:

automount enable

  • And if you want to disable the Auto Mount feature, just enter the following command:

automount disable

  • To remove all the assigned letter and history of drives that were connected previously, type the following command:

automount scrub

  • Finally, restart your computer.

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Quick Fix Guide for Error 1310
Error 1310 is a fairly common type of error encountered by Windows users. Error 1310 usually generates while a user is attempting to install Adobe Photoshop or some Adobe product on Windows. The message displayed to the user usually states: ‘Error 1310. Error writing to file. Verify you have access to that directory’. Once the error message appears, the installation process will be terminated.

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While there are different conditions that may trigger this error, most likely, they are generated because of the lack of privileges a user has on a Windows log-on. When this happens, the operating system doesn’t allow the user to access the installation files. Another reason Error 1310 may occur is that often users attempt to log on to the system and choose the ‘Only for me’ option rather than the recommended ‘Anyone who uses this computer’. Because of this reason, the data is locked for all the other users. Since Error 1310 can easily disrupt your workflow on the system and may also lead to annoying consequences, it is best advised to treat it as quickly as possible.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are different solutions to resolve these errors that are briefly listed below as follows.
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Change and modify the registry

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Option 1 – Update the Network Adapter drivers

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Option 2 – Try running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

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Option 3 – Try performing a System Restore

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Option 2 – Reset the Windows Update components

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Option 4 – Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter

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Option 5 – Try to use the Media Creation tool

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Disk partitioning is a concept that’s been around for so long, but is still only familiar to few. If done right, it can help get your computer in perfect order. 

Today we bring you a simple definition of disk partitioning, its pros and cons, and a quick tip on how to do it properly to reap its full benefit!

Definition and purpose

The simplest way to define disk partitioning would be: it’s exactly what it sounds like. It means taking a hard disk drive and separating it into different segments. These segments are called partitions. You can visualize it as cutting a cake into smaller pieces - not necessarily of the same size, though. 

So what is the purpose of these pieces?

Well, when you first get a hard drive, it’s basically just a bunch of unallocated storage space. Until there’s at least one partition, this space is unusable to your operating system. Once you create a partition, your OS will recognize it as usable storage space. 

You can choose to create a single partition and use it for all your files, from program files to personal data. A lot of off-the-shelf computers come with one primary partition like this and a small secondary one reserved for recovery purposes. 

Whether or not you want to split your disk into more than one segment is up to you. We would generally recommend it, though. The whole point of partitioning is for each segment to have its own purpose.

So treating all your storage space as a single unit containing different file types would be like constructing an office building with only one massive room for everything - day-to-day work, conferences, interviews, etc. And all of this for different departments of the company. You can see how this might get a little messy.

Creating multiple partitions eliminates the task of running several different types of files from the same place. This takes a heavy load off the entire process of accessing data.

Disk partitioning also brings a ton of other benefits to the table. An important disclaimer, though: there are disadvantages too. We will walk you through both sides to help you get an objective idea and make an informed decision.

Several 4TB hard disks in a unit.
Source: Kina on Unsplash

What are the benefits of disk partitioning?

1. Better file organization

This is the most obvious and perhaps the biggest advantage of partitioning your hard drive. 

As we already mentioned, partitioning allows you to create separate segments for different file and data types. You wouldn’t want to use the same partition for your system files and for games, would you? 

If organization and time management are important to you, then multiple partitions are the right solution. Searching for specific files will be much easier overall. Say you have one hard drive, but three partitions: C for the system files alone, D for multimedia files and documents, and E for games and apps. Your computer loads the system from C without interference from the other two, and you know exactly where to look when searching for a file.

2. Easy reinstallation

File management isn’t the only thing made faster and simpler thanks to partitioning. If you opt for creating multiple segments on your drive, reinstalling Windows will be easy peasy. 

That’s because all you need to do is format the partition your system is on. Then you reinstall the OS on it, and there you go. Now you have a clean installation, with all your files saved on other partitions intact. You can even make a copy of your system partition, so you can revisit the exact same installation in the future if you want. And the whole time your pictures, music, documents stay exactly where you left them. 

A laptop with list of apps on a desk.
Source: Andrew M on Unsplash

3. Possibility of using multiple file systems

By now you’ve understood that partitions function completely separately. This means that, if for some reason you need multiple file system capabilities, partitioning will allow that.

One segment could be used for, say, an NTFS file system, while another could run ext or APFS.

4. Running different OSes

You’re an avid Windows user but need to use Linux on the side? No problem. You don’t need to buy a separate computer or anything. The possibility of running different file systems also means you can use partitioning to run multiple operating systems.

Doesn’t that sound enticing? One machine for multiple totally different uses!

5. Backup and recovery made simple

Data loss can happen on any disk, partitioned or not. However, it’s much easier to get it back on a partitioned one. You know where you stored what, and each partition can be backed up exactly as it is. It’s also a lot faster to back up single partitions than entire hard drives.

Ultimately this also means a faster path to recovery. If you lose or accidentally delete important files and data, you might want to use a recovery tool like Recuva to scan for them and get them back. Recuva is even powerful enough to recover data from damaged hard drives. But no matter how powerful, scanning a whole drive is strenuous for any recovery tool. Scanning independent partitions is a lot more convenient than that, and will get you to your goal more efficiently.

6. Optimized performance

Now, let’s keep in mind that computer performance is influenced by a number of factors. Partitioning alone isn’t what makes it better or worse. However, it can contribute to optimization. It’s easier for your computer to scan, say, a 40 GB partition to fetch the system file it needs than scanning the entire capacity of your drive.

7. Improved security (possibly*)

Separate partitions can help make your system more secure. Firstly, they minimize file corruption. If one partition gets corrupted, the others should remain unaffected. And keeping in mind the previous point about backup and recovery, ‘fixing’ the damaged partition would be much easier than fixing the entire hard drive. 

Partitioning also improves security in terms of malware protection. A malicious attack on one partition is easier to deal with than malware on the whole drive. If your system partition gets infected, you can simply reinstall your OS and that should do the trick.

*Do keep in mind that partitioning can’t defend you against more advanced attacks. So make sure not to give in to a false sense of security.

What are the disadvantages of partitioning?

1. Data is still vulnerable

Yes, it’s easier to back up and recover data from independent partitions. And yes, partitioning may help protect separated files and data to a higher degree. But remember: everything is still on a single physical drive. So while digital errors and issues may be easier to deal with on partitioned drives, physical damage obviously won’t be.

If your hard drive is destroyed in some way, all data on it will be gone. That’s why, if you have crucial files on your PC, it’s important to give them the proper backup treatment before it’s too late.

2. Disbalance of space

Allocating storage space on separate partitions may be a little more tricky than you think. You may fill up one partition a lot faster than another. So on one side you’re struggling with space, and on another you have too much of it to spare. Imagine nearly filling up your system partition and then it turns out you need a lot more space for its updates than you thought.

That’s why you really have to be sure you actually have enough files of different types that you need help managing efficiently. Otherwise you’ll just create a struggle and disbalance in terms of storage.

3. Increased risk of error

If done incorrectly, partitioning can lead to more harm than good. Aside from space disbalance, there is an increased risk of incorrect partition sizes and formatting. Plus, human error is also a factor: in a moment of distraction, you may erase one partition when you meant another. Undoing such mistakes will definitely be tedious and time-consuming.

4. SSDs eliminate the need of partitioning

SSDs (solid-state drives) don’t function in the same way that HDDs do. They have faster read times and can organize files on their own. This quite literally eliminates the need for organization on your part.

Partitioning: yes or no?

The bottom line is that multiple partitions might not be necessary for the average user. But if you’re planning on storing many file types or different file and operating systems on the same PC, then you should give it a shot. It’s also an excellent solution for businesses, of course.

And if our pros and cons list isn’t enough to help you decide, you can always send us a message and we’ll help you make the right choice.

Decided to partition your hard drive?

If you’ve decided to give it a go, you definitely should make sure to do it right. 

The two most effective and reliable ways to partition are using the built-in options on Windows or investing in a dedicated partitioning tool, like the EaseUS Partition Master. Which one you'll opt for depends on your specific needs. 

Option 1 may be more suitable for users with at least some level of experience. In this case, you’d have to know exactly which steps to take without making errors. This is done in Disk Management on Windows 10/11. From there, you can select the partitions you’d like to split into different volumes of selected sizes.

If this is your first time partitioning, we highly suggest you either consult professionals for this or move on to option 2. The EaseUS partitioning software is specifically designed for beginners, with an intuitive interface helping you succeed in the process. All you need to do is pick the Partition Master package tailored to your needs and follow their guide

Each package offers technical support as well, and even free upgrades (to varying degrees based on your subscription). Plus, all of this is valid for not one, but two PCs.

It’s the perfect solution for a smooth and error-free partitioning process. If you want to organize your hard drives efficiently and make the most of all your space without doing irreparable damage, it’s definitely worth the investment.

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Changing the Ownership of a File or Folder
There are many times when you have to change the ownership of a folder or a file so that other users can use them as well or if you want to transfer files to them, or an old account has been removed and all the files need to be assigned to a new user. Windows 10 keeps all these files locked under the account by default which created a folder or file. So unless a user is an admin or if the file belongs to that particular user, other users won’t be able to access or edit the file. So if you want to change the ownership of a folder or a file, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on how exactly you can do that.

To get started, make sure to follow the instructions provided below carefully.

Step 1: First, you need to open File Explorer by tapping the Win + E keys. Once you’ve opened it, navigate to the folder or file that you want to change the ownership. Step 2: Right-click on the folder or file and click on Properties and then go to the Security tab. Step 3: From there, click on the Advanced button located at the bottom right part of the window to open the Advanced Security Settings of the folder or file. Step 4: As you can see, the current owner will be listed with the Change link available next to the “Owner” label. Now click on this link to open the Select User or Group window. Step 5: After that, click on the Advanced button once again and click on the “Find Now” button to see the list of all the users as well as groups that are available in the computer. Step 6: Then select the user you want to give ownership to and click on the OK button and then click the OK button once more to save the changes made. Step 7: This will take you back to the Advanced Security Settings window but this time, the owner will be changed to whoever user you’ve selected. But you’re not done yet as you still have to check two additional options to help you completely transfer the ownership of the sub-folders as well as the files. You have to check the checkbox of the following options:
  • Replace owner on sub-containers and objects
  • Replace all child permission entries with inheritable permission entries from the object.
Step 8: After that, you need to click the Apply and OK buttons to confirm and save the changes made. This will completely transfer the ownership of the file. However, there is still one last thing you have to do – you have to go back to the Advanced Security Settings window to remove the access of any other user on the folder or file. Once you’re there, remove the existing user to make sure that the only assigned user has the access to the folder or file.
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How to Fix Windows 10 Error 80240020

Error Code 80240020 – What is it?

Users who receive Error Code 80240020 when attempting to install and/or upgrade to Microsoft Windows 10, are receiving the error because the Windows 10 installation folder is either corrupted or unfinished. As a result of this error code, your download and the subsequent update will not process correctly. Users who receive this code do not have to do anything specific, as it might mean that they are attempting to update before their system is ready. These users can simply wait for their computer to prompt them for the update, and then follow the on-screen instructions for the update. However, if a user is seriously wanting to update to Microsoft Windows 10 prior to the prompt, there are ways around error code 80240020. Common symptoms include:
  • A dialog box appears with the Error Code 80240020
  • Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade is unsuccessful or freezes in the process of updating and displays the error code message.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

This error is only caused by one type of issue, and that is unfinished or corrupted files being present in the Windows 10 installation folder.
  • Files that are unfinished in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of the download not processing correctly, therefore the update is not successful because your computer does not have the files that it needs.
  • Files that are corrupted in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of either a faulty download or preexisting corrupted files that need to be purged.
Until your system is ready to download the new Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade, you will be unable to install the upgrade. As stated, you have the option of waiting for your system to prompt you to download (which means that your system has made the necessary changes to its own files and is ready for the upgrade), or you can use the following steps to correct the issue yourself.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Users and Microsoft Tech Support personnel have discovered three methods to correct error code 80240020. Each of these methods should be attempted by someone who is comfortable with computer software and programs. Anyone who is not comfortable with software should either contact Microsoft Support or wait for their computer to prompt them for the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.

Method 1:

  1. Back up the Registry of your operating system.
  2. Find the Registry Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateOSUpgrade]
  3. Note: this Registry Key should already exist, if it does not exist, create it.
  4. Create a brand new DWORD Value that is named AllowOsUpdate
  5. Set the Value to 0x00000001.
  6. Close and reopen your Control Panel.
  7. Restart the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.

Method 2:

  1. Download the Microsoft Windows 10 ISO (installation device) from the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
  2. Users must select the appropriate ISO, either 32 bit or 64 bit, depending upon their individual computer.
  3. Extract the ISO file to a separate USB device or burn the program to a compact disc.
  4. Run the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade directly from the software that you have thus created.

Method 3:

  1. Access the files on your computer via MY COMPUTER
  2. Under the C: drive, access the WINDOWS folder
  3. Select the SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION folder, followed by the DOWNLOAD folder.
  4. Delete any files within this download folder.
  5. If you are unable to delete these files, open the command prompt (CMD) as the administrator, and type “net stop wuauserv” into the CMD prompt window. Press ENTER. This should allow you to delete the files from step 4.
  6. Once the files are deleted, open and run the CMD as the administrator and type “wuauclt.exe /updatenow”. Press ENTER.
  7. Access the WINDOWS UPDATE folder from your control panel, the update and download should resume without further interference from the user.
As with any other error codes, if the above methods do not rectify the issue, it may be necessary to download and install a powerful automated tool to rectify error code 80240020.
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