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Resolving: Unable to Create a New Folder
Found an instance where a user was no longer able to create new folders. After some digging I found that a registry key had been modified.
Get-Item 'Registry::HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder'
Fixing CrowdStrike Issue on Windows
Recently, there was a significant issue involving CrowdStrike and Microsoft Windows. On July 19, 2024, CrowdStrike released a routine configuration update for their Falcon sensor software, which led to unexpected system crashes and blue screens of death (BSOD) on Windows systems. The update caused a logic error that corrupted essential system files, triggering widespread outages across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and critical infrastructure.
Approximately 8.5 million Windows devices were affected, representing less than 1% of all Windows machines globally. The issue primarily impacted systems running the Falcon sensor for Windows version 7.11 and above that were online between 04:09 UTC and 05:27 UTC on the day of the update. The problem was particularly severe for devices with Windows BitLocker encryption enabled, as recovery required an encryption key often stored on servers that were also affected.
To mitigate the issue, users were advised to boot into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment and delete specific corrupted files from the CrowdStrike directory. CrowdStrike has since rolled back the problematic update and provided manual remediation steps to help affected users restore their systems. They are also conducting a thorough root cause analysis to prevent similar incidents in the future.
How to check a hard drive health from the command line
Monitoring the health of your hard drive is a crucial aspect of maintaining your system's integrity and performance. On Linux, the smartmontools
package includes the smartctl
utility, which allows you to inspect your hard drive's SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data to predict drive failure and perform checks.
How to disable Telemetry on Windows 11
Windows 11, like its predecessors, includes telemetry features that collect data on how you use the operating system. While this data is used to improve Windows performance and services, many users are concerned about privacy and prefer to limit the amount of data shared. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable telemetry features on your Windows 11 system, giving you more control over your data.
How to Uninstall Windows Store on Windows 11
With the release of Windows 11, users have experienced a host of new features and a revamped interface. However, not all components may be necessary for everyone. The Windows Store, while a useful portal for apps and updates, may be something you wish to remove, especially if you're looking for a more streamlined or controlled software environment. Whether for personal preference, to reduce resource usage, or for a corporate setup, uninstalling the Windows Store can be done swiftly using PowerShell. This guide will walk you through the steps to remove the Windows Store from your Windows 11 system.
How to prevent user from signing into a Microsoft Account on Windows 11
With the integration of Microsoft accounts into Windows 11, users have the ability to sync settings, files, and preferences across devices. However, there may be situations where an administrator needs to restrict this capability for security or policy compliance. Whether you're managing a corporate environment or you simply prefer to use local accounts, Windows 11 provides a way to disable the ability to sign in with a Microsoft account. This article guides you through the steps to configure your system and ensure that users adhere to account policies.
How to disable the Cortana app
Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, is integrated into Windows 10 and Windows 11 to help users with tasks like setting reminders and answering questions. However, not everyone finds Cortana useful, and some may prefer to disable it to increase system performance or maintain privacy. This guide will walk you through the steps to disable Cortana on your Windows device, giving you control over your computing experience.