documentation Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows users about the installation process for Windows 11 24H2, indicating that a mistake during installation could prevent devices from receiving future Windows security updates. Users installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates via USB or external drives may disrupt Windows Update functionality, as the version is shipped without these specific patches. The issue occurs only when installation media includes these updates; devices receiving updates through the standard Windows Update process are not affected. Microsoft suggests using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media if users encounter issues with cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2. The company acknowledges that the situation affects only a small number of PCs, though the number of affected users may be higher than initially thought. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and advises users to use the December 2024 security update to avoid complications with media-based installations.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 installation issues, newer updates fail for some PCs

Windows 11 24H2 is a stable update compared to its predecessors, but users may face a significant bug that prevents new cumulative updates from installing if they used an updated ISO during installation. The issue arises when using a USB drive or other media to install Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates, which can disrupt Windows Update. Problems can occur when using third-party tools to create a custom installation or modifying installation media, leading to conflicts with Windows Update. Microsoft does not provide additional ISO files with integrated newer updates, and users who customize their installation media may be unable to apply future updates. Microsoft has acknowledged that this issue affects a small number of PCs and recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media and reinstall the operating system as a workaround. A fix is expected to be addressed in January.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC This Way

Microsoft has issued an advisory for Windows users regarding potential issues when updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 using external media. If users create installation media that includes the October or November 2024 security updates, their devices may end up in a state where they cannot accept further Windows security updates. This problem does not affect devices that receive updates through the standard Windows Update process. The issue is reported to impact only a small number of users, and Microsoft recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new media and reinstall the operating system if users encounter update problems.

Winsage

December 24, 2024

Adobe warns of critical ColdFusion bug with PoC exploit code

Adobe released out-of-band security updates to address a critical vulnerability in ColdFusion, identified as CVE-2024-53961, which is a path traversal weakness affecting ColdFusion versions 2023 and 2021. This flaw could allow attackers to read arbitrary files on compromised servers. Adobe categorized the flaw with a "Priority 1" severity rating and urged administrators to apply the emergency security patches—ColdFusion 2021 Update 18 and ColdFusion 2023 Update 12—within 72 hours. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has highlighted the risks associated with path traversal vulnerabilities and previously mandated federal agencies to secure their Adobe ColdFusion servers against other critical vulnerabilities by August 10, 2023. CISA also noted that hackers had been exploiting another ColdFusion vulnerability targeting outdated government servers since June 2023.

Winsage

December 23, 2024

Microsoft recommends a 15-year-old tool for Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft has recommended the use of "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)," a tool that has been around for over 15 years, despite officially discontinuing support for it with the release of Windows 10 version 1709. This recommendation highlights the persistence of legacy features in Windows, as the tool remains functional for restoring systems from older versions of Windows to newer ones. Modern backup options from Microsoft, such as System Restore, File History, and System Protection, have significant limitations, leading to fragmented solutions for users. The coexistence of outdated tools with newer interfaces creates inconsistencies and mixed messages from Microsoft regarding backup solutions. Users considering Backup and Restore (Windows 7) should be cautious, as it is no longer being developed and may not perform reliably on modern operating systems. Third-party backup tools are suggested as more dependable alternatives.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent

Windows 11 version 24H2 has audio output issues affecting certain devices, causing silence from built-in speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Microsoft has acknowledged this problem in its release health dashboard and identified Dirac Audio software, specifically the cridspapo.dll file, as the cause. A temporary block on the 24H2 update has been implemented for systems using Dirac Audio to prevent further complications. Microsoft is working with Dirac to develop a new driver to fix the issue, which will be distributed through Windows Update once available. Users on earlier versions, such as Windows 11 23H2, are not affected by the audio bug. Additionally, there is another issue where some PCs unexpectedly play sound at maximum volume.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft lists all Windows 11 gaming features you miss if you don’t update from Windows 10

Microsoft is encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, highlighting the gaming features they would miss by staying on Windows 10. Benefits of Windows 11 include DirectStorage for faster load times, Auto HDR for enhanced visuals, and improved gaming performance. Windows 10 is nearing its end of support next year, which will result in a lack of security and quality updates. Many older systems are incompatible with Windows 11 due to stringent eligibility requirements, and Microsoft recommends that users with ineligible PCs invest in new hardware. Despite the advantages, the rollout of the latest feature update, version 24H2, has been temporarily halted due to issues with Ubisoft titles and Auto HDR functionality. Microsoft has also produced advertisements and articles to encourage users to upgrade and address misconceptions about the process.

Tech Optimizer

December 20, 2024

PostgreSQL Tips: Template Databases

Upon provisioning a PostgreSQL cluster, three standard databases are created: “template0,” “template1,” and “postgres.” If using IBM Cloud Databases for PostgreSQL, an additional database named “ibmclouddb” is included. “template0” and “template1” serve as blueprints for creating new databases. When a new database is created, a copy of everything from “template1” is created, including any installed functions, triggers, or extensions. If “template1” is being accessed by other users, creating a new database will result in an error. “template0” contains the same default objects as “template1” but should not be modified. It allows for the creation of fresh databases without the modifications made to “template1.” “template0” does not allow user connections to maintain its integrity. You cannot drop databases with active user connections, and while it is technically possible to drop template databases in local versions, it is not recommended. Users of IBM Cloud Databases for PostgreSQL are restricted from dropping “template1.” New databases can be created to serve as templates, but this requires superuser access to change the datistemplate flag to true. It is advisable to use pg_dump to back up production databases instead of creating a new database from them for testing purposes.

AppWizard

December 19, 2024

Android 16 will let apps block AI writing tools

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, which includes the Writing Tools API. This API allows applications to opt out of AI-driven text generation. It features two methods in the EditorInfo class: isWritingToolsEnabled(), which indicates if AI writing tools are active (enabled by default), and setWritingToolsEnabled(), which allows apps to prevent AI tools from rewriting user-generated text. Developers can disable these tools in contexts like password or numeric input fields. The API aims to give developers greater control over when to use AI writing tools, particularly in sensitive scenarios. Keyboard app developers are responsible for adhering to the API guidelines, though users may find ways to bypass restrictions.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft confirms even more Windows 11 24H2 bugs: audio output is now affected

Windows 11 version 24H2 has two notable bugs affecting gamers and audio functionality. One issue involves the Auto HDR feature for gamers, while the other affects sound output across devices due to complications with the cridspapo.dll file, which is part of Dirac Audio technology. Microsoft has implemented a temporary update block for certain devices from a specific manufacturer due to these audio issues, preventing sound through integrated speakers, Bluetooth devices, and headsets. Users can check for updates to see if their devices are impacted, and currently, no workarounds exist. Microsoft plans to release an updated driver to resolve the issue and lift the upgrade block. Additionally, another audio bug in this version causes systems to output sound at 100% volume, which Microsoft is also addressing.