Windows Updates are stuck in a loop and I can’t log in

Windows Update is StuckThis is a fun one!

You try to install some updates to Windows, and your puter reboots. And reboots, and reboots, and reboots…

It seems to get stuck at 35% or some percentage, but then it does nothing.

Restarting your puter doesn’t help, because it just stays at the same point in the update process, forever and ever.

So, how to break the cycle and finish the update? Read on!

(more…)

20 Windows tricks to save time (and sanity)

How to use Windows like a Pro!Most people are NOT power users.

We all still need to get stuff done…

After many years of watching eyeballs widen when I do something on a Windows PC, my wife suggested it was time to make this video!

Without further ado, these are 20 time-saving tips and tricks so that you can get the most out of your puter time – and maybe even save your sanity in the process!

(more…)

How to fix “VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found” the right way

VCRUNTIME140_1.dll FixitWell, this is a fun one.

One day, you go to run some application. Instead of loading like normal, you get this weird error stating that code execution cannot proceed because VCRUNTIME140_1.dll was not found.

The error message may have a slightly different name, but VCRUNTIME gives us a clue as to how to fix it – and fast!

Let’s take a peek…

(more…)

Windows STILL won’t update? Try THIS!

Windows STILL won't update??These days, updating Windows is like playing Russian Roulette.

Microsoft keeps breaking things, and I have to continually figure out how to fix them.

I recently had ANOTHER problem with Windows Update.

After trying everything, this is the solution that finally worked for me!

Don’t worry: they’ll break it again soon enough!

(more…)

NVMe drive missing or not booting? There’s a simple fix!

NVMe inaccessible boot deviceOn the one hand, NVMe drives are blazingly fast. On the other hand, getting them to work with Windows – or even your BIOS – can be a bit of a nightmare.

I recently upgraded several computers that had SATA SSDs. I wanted to upgrade each one to an NVMe drive.

So, I used Paragon Hard Disk Manager and just copied the SATA C: to the new NVMe drive, upgraded the hardware in each puter, and then tried to boot: NO DICE!

Windows 10 kept giving me a blue screen at boot with the message: INACESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE.

Worse yet, it seemed the BIOS/UEFI wouldn’t even detect the NVMe drive properly. WTH?!

(more…)

Cloudless Windows backup that’s RELIABLE and FREE

Windows RoboBackup ScriptEverybody needs a backup, but not everybody wants all their data stored in the cloud. Until now, File History was good enough.

Starting with Win 11, it’s effectively crippled to push everyone to use OneDrive. Ug.

So, what to do?

I’ll tell you what: Back up Windows like a Pro! The robocopy command and a handy script I wrote is all you need.

And it only takes 5 minutes to set up!

(more…)

Windows 11 is here, and well… It’s okay

Scottie's Windows 11 ReviewIf you’ve read my earlier article, Will Windows 11 run on your PC? November 2021 Update, you probably decided you don’t want Windows 11 after all.

Well, I just upgraded my main puter to a new 12th gen Intel Core i5-12600K processor… And I REALLY needed to do a clean install. It’s been awhile.

So, I decided to take The Windows 11 Plunge!

Surprisingly enough, if it runs on your machine, Win 11 is not bad. It’s really not that great, either.

(more…)