9 Most essential CMD Console Commands.

Here is a list with some of the command prompt commands that I found to be either extremely helpful or terribly fascinating.

1.Tasklist

tasklist

Tasklist command, which acts pretty much just like the task manager, displaying all the processes that are currently running on your Windows. (Just type "tasklist" in the console and press Enter.) The list contains the name, PID, Session Name, Session Number and Memory Usage of each entry on the list. If you were wondering why the PID is useful, I'll tell you. You can type "taskkill -PID <ID number>" and terminate the respective process. (For example, if you take a look at the image to the right, if I typed killtask -PID 508 the console would terminate the Winlogon process.

2.Assoc

Assoc 

Assoc is a very simple yet handy command which gives you detailed information about all the current associations between file types and the applications on your PC. In simple terms, you can easily find out which application is set to automatically open each extension using this instruction. If you type "assoc" into the console and then press Enter, you will see a list with every extension along with the program designated to deal with it, while if you type "assoc .doc=" you will see which of your applications opens your .DOC documents. (The second example works with any of the extensions you saw in the complete list.)

3.Cipher

Cipher

If you didn't already know, when you ask Windows to delete a file or a folder, the operating system doesn't really erase the data but instead marks it as inaccessible, and the space it occupies will be seen as free. However, till the several disk sector (where the file is) gets overwritten, the info continues to be redeemable. Cipher may be a very cool command that instructs your computer to write all the deleted files from a nominal location (drive or folder), therefore creating them more durable to retrieve. Here's AN example of a way to use it: "cipher /w:c" (this can write all the deleted files from your C partition). And you do not ought to worry, this command solely overwrites the files marked as deleted, departure all the other files on your pc just as they're.

4. Powercfg

powercfg

In case if you didn't figure it from its name, Powercfg is a command which gives you information and helps you manage your computer's power-related settings. For example, typing "powercfg /a" in the CMD console and pressing Enter will display all the power-saving options that are currently available to you. As I said, you can also manage these setting: "powercfg /sleep off" will disable the sleep command for your PC. Additionally, you can use "powercfg /devicequery s1_supported", which will display a list with all the devices on your network that support connected standby (meaning that they can remotely put your computer to sleep or wake it). Lastly, "powercfg /lastwake" will show you which connected device woke up your PC the most recently.

5. Netstat

Netstat

In case if you think you have been infected with some sort of Trojan, or if you're thinking that that somebody else is additionally connected to your computer you'll check things out by using Netstat. This command displays your current ip along with a list of all of your opened ports and connected ip addresses, Moreover, the console will tell you if each of the listed ports ar listening, established or closed. (This time we don't need an example; simply type the command into the prompt window and press Enter.)

6. Ping

Ping

Out of all the available commands, Ping is the one i use more often. This instruction permits you to send a data package to a given URL or ip address and check how long it takes for it to return to your pc. In easier terms, this command can assist you verify if you have a working link an internet site or another laptop on your network and also verify how well that connection is working. Here are 2 examples of how to use it: "ping 196.168.1.1" (for an informatics address) or "ping -t web.google.com" (for a website; -t means this command won't stop mechanically and can need you to manually turn it off).

Additionally there are 2 more closely related commands which might assist you out in case something seems to be wrong. If a ping does not return and you want to figure out what's the matter, you'll find out wherever it stops by using the Pathping. This command can show you each hop through which the packet is bounced until it reaches its final destination, therefore enabling you to see precisely where the connection breaks. (Example: "pathping web.google.com".) just in case you wish to find out which of the hops is particularly slow you'll use Tracert. This command works a similar as Pathping, however additionally displays the time it takes for the package to arrive to every of the hops on the manner. (Example: "tracert web.yahoo.com".)

7. Ipconfig

ipconfig

Ipconfig is a command you'll often use to quickly get info related to your network / web connection and the hardware that makes it possible. If you sort ipconfig /all into the console and press Enter, you'll see a comprehensive list of data as well as your mac address, your ip address, the server's ip address, the DNS server address, the Subnet mask, etc. what is more, in case if you get a warning message saying that there is an science conflict on the network, you'll be able to sort ipconfig /release (then press Enter) followed by ipconfig /renew to force the software package to present you a replacement science address. Lastly, you'll be able to use ipconfig /flushdns to refresh the DNS address, but you'll rarely would like this.

8. systemfile checker

system file checker

System File Checker (sfc) is a command that instructs your Windows to check and repair the system files. in order to use this instruction you will need to give the command prompt console administrator privileges, but the function is quite helpful, because it tries to automatically replace missing system files and repair those that are corrupted. To use this command type "sfc /scannow" into the CMD console and press Enter.

9. shutdown

shutdown

In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, the Command Prompt console can also be used to shut down your PC. I know that there are easier ways to do this, but if your type "shutdown" into the console your computer will be shutdown. However, when used with additional parameters, this command can actually be useful. For example, typing "shutdown /r /o" and pressing Enter will instruct your PC to restart and automatically open the Advanced Options Start Menu on startup (it's the place where you can choose to start your Windows in Safe Mode).

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3 simply ways of breaking into a windows PC

In the virtual world, similar to the real one, there's no security that can't be bypassed or cracked. in spite of what security companies tell you, no matter what any ad would possibly claim, if somebody puts enough effort into it, he or she's going to eventually get around those safety measures. I am pretty certain you already knew this, however, just in case you did not, thinking that your files are safe as a result of you are using a Windows password is an incorrect assumption. 

However, since I cannot give you a secure resolution, I assumed it'd be useful for you recognize the foremost usually used ways of breaking into somebody else's computer. This will, at least, provide you with the advantage of knowing what to expect and the way to make things as difficult as possible for the opposite party.

Trinity Tool Kit

Trinity Rescue Kit

In order to achieve access to someone's Windows account, all you need is a little of time and therefore the right tools. For example there's this dodgy tool referred to as Trinity Rescue Kit that was originally designed to assist folks that got bolted out of their own computers regain access by resetting their Windows password. However since the road to hell is paved with good intentions, this Linux-based tool is generally accustomed reset passwords from different people's operating systems.


The manner it works isn't terribly sophisticated, but, as antecedently expressed, requires some time. All the attacker have to do is go to the Trinity website, download the Trinity Rescue Kit ISO file and burn it to a disk or create a bootable USB memory stick. Once that is done, they'll merely realize a gap (when you're secluded from your PC) and boot the PC from the antecedently mentioned 

kit. it'll take a jiffy for the disk / USB to load, however once the main menu is set, things are very straightforward, and in just six simple steps your password will be gone: Windows password Resetting --> Interactive Winpass --> < select partition > --> Edit User data and passwords --> < Windows username > --> choice 1: Clear (Blank) User Password.


In order to protect yourself against this technique, the most effective thing for you to do would be to cipher the complete operating system with a tool like TrueCrypt (free). If the password is wiped (like it absolutely was), the creator the attack will not be able to access any of your files. in addition, this technique doesn't work on Windows eight users who log-in with their Microsoft account. However, if they use a local account, the tool will simply bypass it.

Download 

Ophcrack

ophrack

Ophcrack is another evil tool, and this one was developed with nasty intentions from the get go. This methodology is used to search out the user's secret, therefore an answer like TrueCrypt will not work this point because the person breaking into your computer also will have access to the encrypted files. Moreover, this nasty application conjointly works against Windows eight users UN agency use their Microsoft accounts to log-in, therefore previous defenses are off the table.

The manner this hacking tool works is the following: the attacker downloads the Ophcrack Live CD, burn it on a disk or copy it on stick and boot your computer using the various device. Then all he or she has got to do is instruct the tool to start out cracking the password. ]

Moreover, if the hacker is in a hurry, there's also a text mode that may speed things up, however, it does not work against indiscriminately generated passwords (those that do make sense). Once it's done, the tool can show the password(s) found, and so all the opposite person has got to do is boot usually and log in along with your account to realize full access.

I know it sounds pretty grim, however, it's truly not as unhealthy as you may think, because the tool uses a direct attack methodology known as Rainbow Tables, and it's to make use of your hardware in the attempt to crack the password. This suggests that your CPU is responsible for trying many combos, and if you are not using prime of the line technology, that may take a moment. moreover, if you use a protracted password

(15 or additional characters), particularly one that will not make sense to others, you'll delay the crack for a really long time and perhaps even make sure that the hacker does not have enough time to crack into your system.
Download Ophcrack

backtrack

Another Linux-based solution, backtrack is a free tool that is extremely simple to get a hold of. This program is capable of doing plenty of nasty stuff to a Windows-based computer, like accessing each accessible network resource, finding vulnerabilities, rhetorical analysis, etc. moreover, it can even use privilege escalation techniques to alter or take away your Windows password, and unlike the previously mentioned attack, it takes little or no time.

I admit, my hacking skills and knowledge in the area are limited, however, as far as I do know, this is often one of the most effective and fastest solutions for attacking a single computer or many devices connected to a network. Sadly, there's not a lot of you'll be able to do to safeguard yourself against this type of attack, because it can bypass your Windows password no matter what. 

The only accessible solution is encrypting your sensitive files and hope that the attacker does not have the ability to crack the encryption, though he will merely copy them on a portable device and keep making an attempt.

Download

Linux penguin

Let me say it this way: essentially, anyone who has ever installed and used any Linux operating system knows how to break into your computer. 

The easiest solution to bypass the Windows password protection is to boot the laptop from any Linux Live CD kit then simply access all the files stored on the hard-disk. (As you'll see, there's absolutely no hacking or cracking involved.)

 just in case the files in question need special privileges, all it takes is the sudo nautilus command (which, once again, most of the people who use Linux know), and that they will access everything,

Once again, the most resolution for defensive yourself against this is often to stay your sensitive files (or the complete OS) encrypted.

Microsoft Admits that Windows 7 is no longer fit for Business even though it will be supported until 2020

Microsoft office

Even though it is still 3 years away from the end of its lifecycle, Windows 7 isn’t any longer suitable business use, Microsoft has admitted.

Microsoft’s German division said on Monday that Windows 7, which will receive regular security updates till 2020, lacks the protection required to deal with modern threats.

Basic support for Windows 7 ended 2 years back, and since then the OS has suffered from higher operating costs and loss time as a result of malware attacks, and a general lack of support for newer hardware accessories, consistent with the blog post.

"Even today, (Windows 7) fails to meet the requirements of recent technology and the high standards of security required by IT departments," said Markus Nitschke, head of Windows at Microsoft Germany, quoted in the post.

Support for the Windows 7 platform is due to end in January 2020, at that purpose customers still using the OS can no longer receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft.

But Monday's weblog post argues that firms not coming up with a transition away from Windows 7 within three years face "enormous dangers".

As we saw with Windows XP, companies should start making the switch early to avoid risks and costs later on," Nitschke added.

While Microsoft counts 400 million devices running its newest operating system, Windows 7's user base is still double that of Windows 10, with 7 running on 48% of desktop and laptop devices and 10 running on 24%, according to NetMarketShare .

win 10

Yesterday's blog post refers to services such as Cortana and Windows Ink, each new options with Windows 10. The post doesn't mention the additional layers of security businesses would possibly use to increase overall protection.

Windows 7, released in 2009, was "developed for the wireless world of the late 2000s", but Microsoft said the platform is constructed on superannuated security architectures and, since basic support over, it hasn't been upgraded with any new features.

In contrast, users on Windows 10 can take advantage of improved security through Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, and Microsoft has boasted that the latest anniversary Update was able to eliminate exploits before they were specifically patched.

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How to Repair a Corrupt PST/OST File.(Outlook Data File)

When you use Microsoft Outlook, your email messages, calendar, tasks, and various items are saved on a mail server, on your PC, or both. Outlook items that are saved on your PC, are kept in an Outlook record (.pst and .ost).

There are 2 types of Outlook data Files utilized by Outlook. An Outlook file (.pst) is used home or small business accounts. If you're using a Microsoft Exchange account, your items are sometimes delivered to and saved on the mail server, to allow you to work with your messages even when you can’t connect to the mail server, another variety of data file that's named an offline Outlook file (.ost) is kept on your PC.

The primary variations between the 2 forms of Outlook information files are as follows:

Outlook data Files (.pst) are used for POP3, IMAP, and web-based mail accounts. When you want to create archives or duplicate your Outlook folders and items on your PC, like Exchange accounts, you must create and use extra .pst files.

Outlook data Files (.ost) are used once you have an Exchange account and want to work offline or use or use the default Cached Exchange Mode. This sort of data file is also used for accounts that you set up with the Outlook connector for Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail). Outlook data Files (.ost) are always copies of things that are saved on a mail server and don’t have to be backed up like Outlook data Files (.pst).

If your Microsoft Outlook file (.pst and .ost) won’t open, or if you think the file is corrupted, use the Inbox Repair tool (SCANPST.EXE) to diagnose and repair errors within the file. The Inbox Repair tool checks the Outlook data files on your PC to examine if they are in good shape.

Repair a .pst file

Exit Outlook and do one of the following:

Browse to C:\Program Files.

or

Browse to C:\Program Files (x86).

In the Search box, type SCANPST.EXE.

NOTES: If the search doesn't find SCANPST.EXE in one folder, try searching in the other folder Navigate to the folder location based on your version of Outlook.

Outlook 2016: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16

Outlook 2013: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office15

Outlook 2010: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office14

Outlook 2007: C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12

PST Scan

Open SCANPST.EXE.

In the Enter the name of the file you want to scan box, enter the name of the .pst file you want the tool to check, or choose Browse to select the file.

NOTE: By default, a new log file is created during the scan. You can choose Options and opt not to have a log created, or you can have the results appended to an existing log file.

Choose Start to begin the scan.

If the scan finds errors, choose Repair to start the process to fix them

When the repair is complete, start Outlook with the profile associated with the Outlook Data File you just repaired.

Recreate an offline Outlook Data File (.ost)

Some account types, such as Microsoft Exchange Server, use an offline Outlook Data File (.ost). This type of data file is a copy of information saved on your mail server. If you encounter problems with an offline Outlook Data File (.ost), the file can be deleted and recreated by downloading a copy of your items again.

We don't recommend repairing an offline Outlook Data File, so if your offline data file isn't usable, you should recreate it.

Exit Outlook.

Open Control Panel, and in the Search Control Panel box, type Mail, and then choose Mail.

In the Mail Setup dialog box, choose E-mail Accounts.

NOTE: The title bar of the Mail Setup dialog box may contain the name of the current profile. To select a different existing profile, choose Show Profiles, select the profile name, and then choose Properties.

Choose the Data Files tab, select the Exchange account, and then choose Open File Location on the mini toolbar.

NOTE: A File Explorer window opens to the location of the data file for the Exchange account. The Account Settings and Mail Setup dialog boxes will remain open, behind the File Explorer window.

Close the Account Settings and the Mail Setup dialog boxes, and then return to the File Explorer window.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you close these two dialog boxes before you delete the file. If they aren't closed, Windows may display an error message about a conflict.

In the File Explorer window, right-click the Exchange data file, and then choose Delete.

NOTE: The next time you start Outlook, a new .ost file is created for the account.

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Microsoft Admits Overly Aggressive Windows 10 Upgrade Campaign Was ‘Pretty Painful’ And Obnoxious

Microsoft does not always do things the right way, few people would argue otherwise. However, Microsoft has traditionally been good at admitting when it drops the ball or otherwise could have done a better job. Such is the case with Windows 10 and the super aggressive approach Microsoft took to getting users to upgrade. It was annoying and at times even obnoxious, and while Microsoft can't go back in time and change that, it can at least give users the satisfaction of recognizing it. That's what Microsoft's chief marketing officer Chris Capossela did during a recent video podcast.

One "pretty painful" incident Capossela pointed out was when Microsoft rolled out an update that disabled the red "X" that would normally close the Windows 10 upgrade dialog box. After the update, clicking the red X had no effect. As a result, users who had thought they cancelled the update process to Windows 10 that Microsoft was pushing would wake up to a machine that had upgraded overnight.

"We know we want people to be running Windows 10 from a security perspective, but finding the right balance where you’re not stepping over the line of being too aggressive is something we tried and for a lot of the year I think we got it right, but there was one particular moment in particular where, you know, the red X in the dialog box which typically means you cancel didn’t mean cancel," Capossela admitted.

"And within a couple of hours of that hitting the world, with the listening systems we have we knew that we had gone too far and then, of course, it takes some time to roll out the update that changes that behavior. And those two weeks were pretty painful and clearly a low light for us. We learned a lot from it obviously," Capossela continued.

Microsoft's mea culpa through its CMO doesn't change the fact that some users were severely inconvenienced and pretty ticked off. However, when bad decisions are made, the next best thing you can hope for is that a company acknowledges it, learns from it, and does not repeat it. You can check one of those off in this case, though whether Microsoft learned from its mistake and refrains from repeating it remains to be seen.

For some folk, taking Microsoft at its word will not be easy. The red X situation was not the only time Microsoft was too aggressive in pushing Windows 10. Prior to that, Microsoft silently pushed out Windows 10 downloads to machines in anticipation of users wanting to upgrade. The problem there is that it was taking up valuable disk space, especially for users who were running a fairly low capacity SSD as their primary drive.

While the barrage of nag screens and dubious behavior could have blown up in Microsoft's face, it hasn't. At present, Windows 10 holds a nearly 24 percent share of the desktop operating system market, according to Net Applications. It still has a long way to go before it catches Windows 7, which has a 47.17 percent share, but it has more than doubled the share that belongs to Windows 8/8.1 (around 10 percent).
Read more at http://hothardware.com/news/microsoft-admits-aggressive-windows-10-upgrade-campaign-pretty-painful#MhVmfHh4BM68B5v4.99

How to Set up Microsoft Outlook 2013 Pictures

Open Outlook 2013, Select The "Manually setup and click next, if you have no existing Account

Open outlook 2013 if you have an existing account 

From the File menu add account

Select the setup account option.

Select POP or IMAP and click Next

Enter Your Name and E-mail Address.

Select IMAP as your account type.

For Incoming mail server (IMAP), enter imap.one.com.

For Outgoing mail server (SMTP), enter send.one.com.

In Logon Information enter the e-mail address and password that you created in the control panel.

Click More Settings.

Fill in information Details

Select Outgoing Server and check My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication.

Select Advanced.
For Incoming server (IMAP) enter 993 and select SSL.
For Outgoing server (SMTP) enter 465 and select SSL.
For Root folder path enter INBOX with uppercase letters.
Click OK and then Next.

Click Close.

You have now set up your account in Microsoft Outlook 2013. Click Finish.

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Add Values to Workbook properties

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WHAT TO DO WHEN PC BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE

WHAT TO DO WHEN PC BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE

Summary
At times you may find that your PC has become unresponsive. This article provides recommendations to help identify the potential causes for this behavior, and to help resolve this problem. 

Resolution

The first step is to identify the category of issue you are facing. For the purposes of this article, we will define four categories of behavior for PCs that become unresponsive, as follows:

• Hang -- Your PC becomes unresponsive whenever you do a specific set of steps, and you must restart to recover the PC.
• Random Hang -- Your PC becomes unresponsive seemingly at random, and you must restart to recover the PC.
• Generic Freeze -- Your PC becomes unresponsive for a period of time, and then becomes usable again without taking any action. You don't need to restart your PC for it to be usable again. This behavior seems to affect all apps.
• Single-app Freeze -- Your PC exhibits the same behavior as a Generic Freeze, except that it only occurs when running a specific app, such as when playing a game or browsing websites.

Please review the appropriate steps below, according to the category that most closely describes the behavior your PC is experiencing.

Troubleshooting a Hang

Please review the sub-category below that most closely matches when your PC experiences a hang. If the guidance below does not address the issue, please use the guidance under Radom Hang for further recommendations.

At Startup

The most common causes for a hang at Startup are:

Connected Devices

If you have external devices connected to the PC, try starting the PC with those devices disconnected. Device connection and driver issues can contribute to hangs. If the PC starts successfully without external devices connected, try repeating with more devices connected to identify the specific device or combination of devices that are contributing to the hang. 

Fast Startup in Windows 8.1

Older PCs may hang during startup when Windows 8.1 Fast Startup is enabled. The best first action is to update the PC firmware and drivers available from the PC manufacturer. These updates may resolve the issue.

If you are still having a problem after updating all drivers and firmware, you can disable Fast Startup to see if that may be contributing to the issue:

1. Tap or click Search.
2. In the Search box, type Power button. Then, in the search results, tap or click Change what the power buttons do.
3. Tap or click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
4. If the check box in front of Turn on Fast Start up (recommended) is selected, tap or click on the box to remove the check mark.
5. Click Save changes.

Recent hardware or software changes

You may have recently made a change on the PC that may have caused the hang. If so, you can resolve the problem by returning the PC to a previous configuration using System Restore. To learn how to run System Restore, click on the link for your operating system

At Shutdown

Hangs during shutdown can result from faulty hardware, faulty drivers, or damaged Windows components. To resolve these issues:

1. Check for updated firmware and drivers from your PC manufacturer. Install available updates.
2. Install all recommended updates for Windows using Windows Update.
3. Disconnect non-essential hardware, such as USB devices, to see if there is a change that could indicate a device issue.
4. See if the issue also happens in Safe Mode. If not, the problem may be related to installed software. Uninstall software that you are no longer using.
5. Scan for malware.

Troubleshooting a Random Hang

Random hangs are often due to damage to the Windows configuration, faulty hardware, or malware. However, because this behavior is random, it can be especially difficult to identify the proper cause. Please review the steps below to help identify the cause and determine the next course of action:

Due to problems with the Windows configuration

If the system is hanging randomly, it could be caused by damaged system files, software compatibility, or damaged registry files. Try each of the following steps to check if the hang is caused by one of these possibilities.

Damaged system files

Corrupt system files can cause Windows Explorer to stop responding. You can repair corrupted system files by running the System Update Readiness tool, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, or the System File Checker (SFC).

Windows Update freezes when you install updates in Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista

Symptoms

When you try to download or install updates from Windows Update in Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, the computer may freeze. If the computer freezes during installation, you receive a message that resembles the following:

Installing Updates X of Y. Please do not shut off your computer.

Note In this message, the placeholders X and Y represent any number. For example, if you're installing 16 updates, you may receive the following message: 

Installing Updates 4 of 16.

Or, the computer may freeze when Windows Update is scanning for updates, and no error messages occur. 

Or, the computer may freeze after you receive the following message:

Preparing to configure Windows.

Don't turn off your computer.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods, depending on your operating system.

Windows 8

Method 1: Run the scan again

If the scan freezes and doesn't complete when Windows Update is scanning for updates, try to run the scan again. If you still can't scan for updates successfully, go to method 2.

Method 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If Windows Update freezes during download, use the following method. If this method doesn't resolve your issue, go to method 3.
Fix it for me
To fix this problem automatically, click Fix it, click Run In the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.

The Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update troubleshooter may automatically fix the problem described in this article.  This troubleshooter fixes many problems.

Notes

• This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.
• If you are not on the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD, and then run the solution on the computer that has the problem.

If you're still having problems when you scan for updates, you can ask questions and get answers from other users at the Microsoft Community. To ask a question, or search for other users' posts, click here. 

Method 3: Perform a System Restore

If you're having problems installing Windows Updates, use the following method. If this method doesn't fix your problem, go to method 4.

Note If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, or if the computer had Windows preinstalled and you have no installation CDs or DVDs, see the documentation that was included with the computer for information about how to continue. 

When you start your computer by using the Windows installation disc, you can perform system recovery options on startup. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your computer manually by pressing the power button.
2. Start your computer by pressing the power button.
3. At the logon screen, tap or click the power icon in the lower-right corner.
4. Press the Shift key, and then tap or click Restart.
5. On the Choose an option page, tap or click Troubleshoot, and then tap or click Advanced options.
6. Tap or click System Restore. The computer will restart to System Restore. Select your account to continue.
7. On the System Restore page, tap or click Next.
8. If you are prompted to specify a disk to restore, select the hard disk, and then tap or click Next.
9. When the restoration process is complete, tap or click Restart.

Method 4: Refresh your PC

Note When you use the "Refresh your PC" tool, your computer will restore the current Windows installation to the original installation version. This method requires you to reinstall all updates that are not included on the installation. Applications that you installed from disc or websites will be removed. You will find a list of removed applications on your desktop.

1. Turn off your computer manually by pressing the power button.
2. Start your computer by pressing the power button.
3. At the logon screen, tap or click the power icon in the lower-right corner.
4. Press the Shift key, and then tap or click Restart.
5. On the Choose an option page, tap or click Troubleshoot, and then tap or click Advanced options.
6. Tap or click Refresh your PC.
7. Under Refresh your PC, tap or click Next.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the computer freezes when you download updates from Windows Update, use the following method. If this method doesn't resolve the issue, go to method 2.


Fix it for me
To fix this problem automatically, click Fix it for your version of Windows, click Run in the File Download dialog box, and then follow the steps in the Fix it wizard.

Windows 7 or Windows Vista

The Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update troubleshooter may automatically fix the problem described in this article.  This troubleshooter fixes many problems.

Notes

• This wizard may be in English only. However, the automatic fix also works for other language versions of Windows.
• If you are not on the computer that has the problem, save the Fix it solution to a flash drive or a CD, and then run the solution on the computer that has the problem.

Let me fix it myself

Important This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

322756 How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP
Back up the registry (For Windows Vista)
Back up the registry (For Windows 7)

To reset the Windows Update components, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press Enter.
2. At the Command Prompt window that appears, type net stop bits, and then press Enter.
3. Type net stop wuauserv, and then press Enter.
4. Delete the qmgr*.dat files. To do this, type the following command, and then press Enter:
   Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat"
5. Type cd /d %windir%\system32, and then press Enter.
6. To reregister the BITS and Windows Update files, type the following commands, and make sure that you press Enter after you type each command.
   • regsvr32.exe atl.dll
   • regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll
   • regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll
   • regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll
   • regsvr32.exe browseui.dll
   • regsvr32.exe jscript.dll
   • regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
   • regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll
   • regsvr32.exe msxml.dll
   • regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll
   • regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll
   • regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll
   • regsvr32.exe softpub.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll
   • regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll
   • regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll
   • regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll
   • regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll
   • regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll
   • regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll
   • regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll
   • regsvr32.exe ole32.dll
   • regsvr32.exe shell32.dll
   • regsvr32.exe initpki.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wups.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wups2.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll
   • regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll
   • regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll
   • regsvr32.exe muweb.dll
   • regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll
7. Reset Winsock. To do this, type netsh reset winsock, and then press Enter.
8. If you are running Windows XP, set the proxy setting. To do this, type proxycfg.exe -d at the command prompt and then press Enter.
9. To restart the BITS and Windows Update services, type the following commands at the command prompt, and make sure that you press Enter after you type each command:
   • net start bits
   • net start wuauserv
10. If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, clear the BITS queue. To do this, type bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers at the command prompt, and then press Enter.
11. Install the latest Windows Update Agent. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
    949104 How to obtain the latest version of the Windows Update Agent to help manage updates on a computer
12. Restart the computer.

Method 2: Perform a System Restore

If you're having problems installing updates from Windows Update, use the following method. If this method doesn't fix your problem, go to method 3.

Note You must be logged on to Windows by using an administrator account to use this method. If the computer is part of a work network, ask the system administrator for help. For information about how to log on to Windows as an administrator, go to the following Microsoft website:

How do I log on as an administrator?

Note If the computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, or if the computer had Windows preinstalled and you have no installation CDs or DVDs, see the documentation that was included with the computer for information about how to continue. 

When you start your computer by using the Windows installation disc, you can perform system recovery options on startup. To do this, follow these steps: 

1. Insert the Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation disc in the drive, and then restart the computer.
2. When you are prompted to start from the disc, press any key.
3. When you are prompted, configure the following options, and then click Next:
   • Language to install
   • Time and currency format
   • Keyboard or input method
4. Click Repair your computer.
5. On the System Recovery Options page, click the version of the Windows operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
6. On the System Recovery Options page, click System Restore.
7. On the System Restore page, click Next.
8. Select a restore point at which you know that the operating system was working, and then click Next. 
   
   The restore point should be a date before the first time that you experienced the error. To select a date, select the Choose a different restore point option, and then click Next.
9. If you are prompted to specify a disk to restore, select the hard disk, and then click Next.
10. On the Confirm your restore point page, click Finish.
11. When the restoration process is complete, click Restart.

Method 3: Perform an in-place upgrade

Performing an in-place upgrade will restore the current Windows installation to the version of the installation DVD. After you perform this upgrade, you have to reinstall all updates that are not included on the installation DVD. 

Note If the computer had Windows preinstalled, review the manufacturer's documentation for information about how to do an in-place upgrade. 

Note We strongly recommend that you back up all personal files. For information about how to back up your files, go to the following Microsoft website:

Back up your files

1. Insert the Windows 7 or Windows Vista DVD into the computer's DVD drive.
   • Note If the computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, or if the computer had Windows preinstalled and you have no installation CDs or DVDs, see the documentation that was included with the computer for information about how to continue.
2. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
   • Note If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:
     1. Click Start, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the Start Search box. 
        
        Note The placeholder Drive represents the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive. This letter is usually D.
     2. In the Programs list, click Setup.exe.
     3. In the Setup window, click Install Now.
3. Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
4. Type the CD or DVD key if you are prompted to do this.
5. On the Install Windows page, select the operating system if you want to upgrade.
6. Click Yes to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
7. On the Which type of installation do you want? screen, click Upgrade.
8. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.