Windows General
NOTE: For ease of life when opening either the command prompt, Powershell or Regedit run them as an administrator.
HOWTO: FIX:
Exception Breakpoint Has Been Reached
This is an error that is often experienced when shutting down a system. In the case that brought it to our attention was a problem with OneDrive.
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/onedriveexe-application-error-a-breakpoint-has/5a2e706b-cffa-4450-8175-2683374d6d94
- https://windowsreport.com/breakpoint-has-been-reached/
- https://www.howtogeek.com/881729/how-to-fix-the-exception-breakpoint-has-been-reached-error-in-windows-11/
Windows Running Slowly
As with most things tech, this fix is not the be all and end all to fix a slow running system, but it is a place to start.
Open a command prompt:
sfc /scannow Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
If DISM reports a fault run the following:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
To check for any errors, the log file is located at:
C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
When SFC has completed, run the following:
findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\logs\cbs\cbs.log >sfcdetails.txt
The text file is outputted to the root of the user's directory.
For further information on deciphering the output, see the Microsoft Knowledge Base article found here.
Error: "Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates"
See the entry Windows Running Slowly
Unable To Install Or Remove Programmes
Batch File to Release TCP/IP, Flush DNS, Reset Winsock, Reset Proxy
Copy and paste the following in to Notepad and save as a batch file:
ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew arp -d * nbtstat -R nbtstat -RR ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns
Once you have the batch file run it in a command prompt.
Thanks to The Windows Club.
Windows Apps (Windows 10 & 11)
Open the PowerShell, then run the following:
Method One
Get-Appxpackage –Allusers
Get-AppXPackage -allusers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
Method Two
Get-AppxPackage -allusers | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_.InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}
After running the above a system reboot is required.
HOWTO: LOCATE:
Licence Codes
http://www.howtogeek.com/206329/how-to-find-your-lost-windows-or-office-product-keys/
https://discuss.howtogeek.com/t/see-system-product-key-fast/12931
HOWTO: SHELL MENU:
Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Win 7, 8 or Vista
Generate File Listing On Shell Menu
Note: The following creates when you right click on a folder an entry in the shell menu called 'Create File Listing'. This creates a text document listing of all the files with in a folder, with the resulting text file saved in the folder itself. The listing is a plain list of all the files, if you want to have listed in the document details of the files themselves i.e. dates, then drop the /b switch.
Open Notepad and paste in the following text:
dir /a /b /-p /o:gen >filelisting.txt
Save the file in to the Windows directory calling it file_listing with a .bat file extension not .txt
Open Windows Explorer, click 'Tools' --> 'Folder Options' click on the 'Files Type' tab, find and highlight 'Folder' then click the 'Advanced' button.
Click the 'New' button, in the 'Action' box paste the following:
Create File Listing
Then browse to and highlight the .bat file created above.
Click all the 'OK' buttons as required.
HOWTO: REMOVE:
Devices & Device Drivers
Printer Server(s)
The Device Manager can be used to remove Print Servers.
Temporary Files With A Batch File
https://youprogrammer.com/how-to-delete-temporary-files-windows-10-8-7/
Old Shellbag Entries In Windows For Privacy
http://www.ghacks.net/2014/06/09/remove-old-shellbag-entries-windows-privacy/
Windows Service
- Run services.msc
- Locate the service you want to delete
- Ensure it is not running
- Right-click on the service entry and select 'Properties', on the corresponding windows that opens the actual name of the service as it appears in the registry will be highlighted in blue
- Right-click on the highlighted name and select 'Copy'
- Run Regedit or Regedt32.
- Go to the registry entry "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services"
- Look for the service that you want to delete and delete it, or run a search ensuring that the entry is in the location details above
- Backup the entry and then delete it
HOWTO: COMMAND LINE:
NOTE: In all of the following open the terminal as an Administrator.
Active Ports Check
The following will output a full list of all ports and their state. On the system you wish to check:
netstat -a -n
Winsock - Reset
netsh winsock reset
Or
netsh winsock reset c:\winsocklog.txt # Generates log file
Restart system
Resync Clock
- net stop w32time
- w32tm /unregister
- w32tm /register
- net start w32time
- w32tm /resync
Linux Equivalent Commands
https://www.lemoda.net/windows/windows2unix/windows2unix.html
DNS cache - Clearing/Flushing (Windows 7/8/10/11)
Even with a web browser's private mode enabled Windows still (inadvertently as this system was in place long before private mode browsing) tracks the websites visited by the machine via the DNS cache.
Output the contents of the DNS cache to a text file (the complete cache may well be too large to display in the terminal):
ipconfig /displaydns > dns.txt
Sample output:
Windows IP Configuration mozilla.org ---------------------------------------- Record Name . . . . . : mozilla.org Record Type . . . . . : 1 Time To Live . . . . : 2 Data Length . . . . . : 4 Section . . . . . . . : Answer A (Host) Record . . . : 63.245.215.20 mozilla.org ---------------------------------------- No records of type AAAA
To clear the DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdns
Thanks to Ghacks.
Delete Files and Folders
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/55728-file-delete-command-prompt.html
Terminate Programmes
http://www.ghacks.net/2015/03/08/terminate-multiple-programs-from-the-command-line-with-taskkill/
Print a List of Installed Programmes
https://helpdeskgeek.com/how-to/generate-a-list-of-installed-programs-in-windows/
MAC Address
Command Prompt: getmac
Shutdown, Restart etc
| shutdown -r | restarts |
| shutdown -s | shutdown |
| shutdown -l | logoff |
| shutdown -t xx | number of seconds to wait till shutdown/restart/logoff |
| shutdown -i | invokes the dialogue box to fill in what function you want to use |
| shutdown -a | aborts a shutdown command |
| shutdown -t 0 -r -f | forces a reboot when logged in remotely |
System File Checker (SFC) Syntax
/scannow Scans all protected system files immediately /verifyonly Scans all protected system files immediately, but without repairing /scanonce Scans all protected system files once /scanboot Scans all protected system files every time the computer is restarted /revert Returns the scan to its default operation /purgecache Purges the Windows File Protection file cache and scans all protected system files immediately. /cachesize=x Sets the size, in MB, of the Windows File Protection file cache /? Displays help at the command prompt
If SFC detects a corrupted file it will pull a copy from C:\Windows\WinSxS\Backup\, or if the directory is unavailable or itself corrupted the file will be drawn down from the internet.
Thanks to Microsoft
systeminfo Command
systeminfo is designed to display detailed configuration information about local or remote computers, providing details on operating system, operating system configuration, security information, product ID, as well as hardware properties, such as RAM, disk space, and network cards.
systeminfo /s A_Computer systeminfo /s A_Computer | find "System Boot Time:"
Uninstall Windows Updates
wusa /uninstall /kb:xxxxxxx /quiet
Extend A Data Volume Disk Partition
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/325590
HOWTO: ALTER:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) - Limiting Bandwidth
After much tarting around we found that the simplest solution to this issue is to purchase a modem/router that can instigate limiting the bandwidth on a system-by-system basis. Windows 11 does provide the ability to limit the speed of Updates, which can cause local area network slowdown.
Windows Password
DLL File Registration
The tool to register DLL files is located in the following places:
- The 64-bit version is %systemroot%\System32\regsvr32.exe
- The 32-bit version is %systemroot%\SysWoW64\regsvr32.exe
NOTE: 64bit Windows operating system have both versions of the Regsv32.exe file.
Syntax:
REGSVR32 [/U] [/S] [/C] [/I:[Command_Line]] DLL_Name
REGSVR32 [/U] [/S] [/C] /N /I:[Command_Line] DLL_Name
Switches:
/u Unregister Server. /s Silent - no dialogue boxes. /c Console output. /n Don't call DllRegisterServer /i Call DllInstall (or DllUninstall if /u is specified)
Command_Line An optional command line for DllInstall
Examples:
Unregister (disable) XP Zip folders
REGSVR32 /u C:\Windows\System32\zipfldr.dll
Unregister (Disable) CAB file viewer:
REGSVR32 /u C:\Windows\System32\cabview.dll
Register (enable) XP Zip folders
REGSVR32 zipfldr.dll
Register (enable) CAB file viewer:
REGSVR32 cabview.dll
Thanks to Microsoft Support.
OEM Information
- Open Regedit
- Navigate the the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OEMInformation
- OEM systems, say those from manufacturers such as HP will display the following entries:
Logo Manufacturer Model SupportHours SupportPhone SupportURL
- Systems that created from a clean install will not display any values, and will need to be added.
- To do so highlight the OEM key, then right click, select New > String Value and add one of the entries above.
- Rinse and repeat for those you wish to add
- Next double click on the value and in the resulting window add details in the Value data: box
- Click OK
- Rinse and repeat as required
NOTE: The OEM logo should be in .bmp format and no larger the 150x150 pixels, the file path will be needed in the value data.
Once all the information is entered correctly the entire key could be exported for use on other systems.
SendTo Menu
Start > Run > type sendto, and add items in the right window pane.
Windows’ Internet Connection Test
To improve privacy the built-in test can be modified or disabled:
http://www.ghacks.net/2014/02/07/disable-customize-windows-internet-connection-test-improve-privacy/
HOWTO: OFFLINE FILES
Clear Offline Files
If you have decided not to retain offline files and wish to clear any already stored undertake the following:
With offline files enabled change the percentage required for retention, in this case zero.
- Press CTRL+SHIFT on your keyboard and then click the 'Delete Files...' button.
- Once cleared un-tick the 'Enable Offline Files' check box.
- Click 'Apply' then 'OK'.
Location
Applies to: XP, 7, Vista and 8(?)
C:\Windows\CSC
Synchronization: Ensuring It Is Disabled
Windows Explorer
Tools --> Folder Options --> Offline Files (Tab), ensure all options are un-ticked.
INFO: KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS:
Moving & Resizing open Windows or Applications
| Aero Desktop Peek | Win + Spacebar |
| Dock active Window to left/right | Win + Left/Right arrow |
| Minimize all open Windows or Applications | Win + M |
| Maximize vertical size of active Window | Win + Shift + Up arrow |
| Maximize/Minimize active Window | Win + Up/Down arrow |
| Minimize/maximize all inactive windows | Win + Home |
| Move active Window between Dual Monitors | Win + Shift + Left or Right Arrow |
| Moving & resizing active window | Win + Up/Down/Left/Right arrows |
| Restore vertical size of active Window | Win + Shift + Down arrow |
| Toggle Desktop display | Win + D |
| Undo all window minimization | Win + Shift + M |
| Toggle Desktop display | Win + D |
Taskbar
| Cycle through all open taskbar Windows | Alt + Esc |
| 3D view of all open windows | Win + Tab (hold Win and tap Tab to cycle) |
| Cycle through grouped taskbar items | Hold Ctrl + tap Left Click |
| Get to taskbar items | Win + T or Win + Shift + T for reverse order |
| Open a new instance of a taskbar Application | Shift + Left mouse click |
| Open a new instance of a taskbar Application as Administrator | Ctrl + Shift + Click |
| Open Taskbar Programs (pinned or open) | Win + 1/2/3 s and so on |
| Persistent 3D view | Ctrl + Win + Tab |
| Show Restore/Minimize/Move menu Of open application/window (grouped or ungrouped) | Shift + Right click on taskbar icon |
General, System Functions and Search
| Create a new folder (where applicable) | Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Delete without moving to Recycle bin | Shift + Del |
| Full screen Command Prompt | Alt + Enter Up to XP |
| Lock the computer: | Win + L |
| Open a Program as Administrator | Ctrl + Shift + Left mouse click |
| Open Command Prompt path to folder | Shift + Right Click on/within a folder |
| Open Magnifier | Win + = |
| Open Mobility Center | Win + X |
| Open Windows Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
| Move focus to the System Tray | Win + B |
| Search for a file or folder | Win + F |
| Search for computers: | Ctrl + Win + F (domain PCs only) |
| Show advanced 'Send to...' menu | Shift + Right mouse click |
| Show desktop gadgets | Win + G |
| Switching between Laptop or Projector display | Win + P |
| System Properties | Win + Pause/Break |
| Utility Manager | Win + U |
Run Commands
NOTE: Win + R to open the Run dialogue box.
| clipbrd | your clipboard viewer Up to XP |
| control | Current user's control panel |
| control userpasswords | User Accounts Administration |
| excel | Microsoft Excel |
| infopath | Microsoft InfoPath |
| msaccess | Microsoft Access |
| msmsgs | Windows Messenger |
| msnmsgr | MSN Messenger |
| mspub | Microsoft Publisher |
| notepad | Notepad (text editor) |
| ois | Microsoft Office Picture Manager versions 2003 through 2010 |
| outlook | Microsoft Outlook |
| powerpnt | Microsoft PowerPoint |
| services.msc | Services |
| shrpubw.exe | Shared Folder Wizard |
| sysedit | System Configuration Editor |
| winword | Microsoft Word |
| wordpad | Word pad (text editor) |
Advanced Users Run Commands
NOTE: Win + R to open the Run dialogue box.
| control userpasswords2 | User Accounts Administration |
| cmd | Command prompt |
| cmd /k ipconfig | Command prompt with IP address info |
| compmgmt.msc | Computer management |
| devmgmt.msc | Device manager |
| dfrg.msc | Disk defragmenter |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk management |
| eventvwr.msc | Event viewer |
| fsmgmt.msc | Shared folders |
| gpedit.msc | Group policies |
| gpupdate /force | Force a refresh of Group Policies (domain workstation) |
| lusrmgr.msc | Local users and groups |
| netsh diag gui | Network diagnostics Up to XP |
| perfmon.msc | Performance monitor |
| regedit | Registry Editor |
| rsop.msc | Resultant set of policies |
| secpol.msc | Local security settings |
| services.msc | Services |
| sysedit | System Configuration Editor |
INFO: GENERAL:
Clean Boot System
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135
Location Of A User's Currently Displayed Wallpaper
%AppData%\\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Themes\CachedFiles
Package Installation: Winget
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/
Meltdown & Spectre Checking Tool
To identify the model of your (Kabylake, Skylake etc) processor use CPU-Z
Windows Update Error Codes Listing
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/938205/windows-update-error-code-list
Windows Update Problems - Possible Fixes
- Run Disk Cleanup
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter - available for Windows 7 & 8, built-in to Windows 10.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027322/windows-update-troubleshooter
- Reset Windows Update components
Open the command prompt as administrator, the run the following:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits netsh winsock reset
Finally reboot your PC
