error messages Archives

Winsage

May 21, 2026

Windows 11’s new SecureBoot folder isn’t malware. Here’s what it does

Users have observed a new folder named “SecureBoot” in the Windows system folder following the installation of Windows 11's May update (KB5089549). This update may cause installation issues for some devices and introduces a directory that contains example scripts for IT professionals to manage Secure Boot certificate updates. Windows Secure Boot certificates are set to expire next month, and outdated certificates will lead to loss of support starting in June, potentially compromising Secure Boot functionality. Microsoft is distributing new certificates through Windows Update. The SecureBoot folder does not require individual users to take action, and deleting it is discouraged as it may cause complications with future Windows updates.

Tech Optimizer

May 20, 2026

PoC Exploit Released for 20-Year Old PostgreSQL RCE Vulnerability

A proof-of-concept exploit has been developed for CVE-2026-2005, a remote code execution vulnerability in the pgcrypto extension of PostgreSQL. This vulnerability, stemming from legacy code, allows attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer overflow through specially crafted PGP messages, enabling arbitrary memory read and write operations. Successful exploitation can escalate privileges to PostgreSQL superuser status and execute commands on the operating system. The exploit targets PostgreSQL instances compiled from a specific vulnerable commit and circumvents protections like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). It involves corrupting heap memory structures, leading to a controlled pointer leak that reveals the heap layout. Security researcher Varik Matevosyan has published the PoC on GitHub, demonstrating the exploitation process. The exploit requires a compatible PostgreSQL binary and utilizes Python-based tools for interaction. Organizations are advised to review their PostgreSQL deployments, disable unnecessary extensions, and apply security updates to mitigate risks.

Tech Optimizer

May 19, 2026

20-Year-Old PostgreSQL Flaw Gets Public PoC Exploit for Remote Code Execution

A proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2026-2005 has been released, highlighting a significant vulnerability in the PostgreSQL pgcrypto extension that allows for remote code execution (RCE). This flaw, rooted in legacy code for nearly 20 years, enables attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands on compromised servers. The vulnerability is found in the PGP session key parsing logic of the pgcrypto module and involves a heap-based buffer overflow, granting attackers arbitrary read and write access to memory. The exploit, shared by researcher “var77” on GitHub, demonstrates a multi-stage process that bypasses modern security measures like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) using specially crafted PGP messages. The attack involves several steps, including heap pointer leakage, arbitrary memory read, identification of executable memory regions, and privilege escalation to the PostgreSQL superuser level, ultimately allowing the execution of OS-level commands. The vulnerability affects PostgreSQL deployments with the pgcrypto extension enabled, particularly those using vulnerable code versions. Successful exploitation can lead to full database compromise, unauthorized data access or modification, and potential lateral movement within networks. Organizations are advised to update PostgreSQL, restrict pgcrypto usage, limit user privileges, and monitor for unusual activity to mitigate risks.

Winsage

May 19, 2026

Yet Another Windows Update Done In By The EFI System Partition

The EFI System Partition (ESP) is an important part of modern computing that users are generally advised to avoid tampering with. Insufficient space on the EFI partition can lead to ambiguous error messages during updates, particularly with Microsoft’s security updates. The EFI partition is typically mapped to drive Y:, but may also be assigned to Z: or other letters. In some cases, such as transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11, users may need to access the EFI partition, where one solution involves removing TrueType Font (TTF) files under EFIMicrosoftBootFonts. However, caution is advised when handling the EFI partition, as mistakes can prevent the operating system from booting.

Winsage

May 17, 2026

Classic 7 is Windows 10 LTSC cosplaying as Windows 7

Classic 7 is a heavily modified version of Windows 10 IoT LTSC designed to replicate the aesthetics of Windows 7, incorporating real binaries from Windows 7 and earlier versions. It integrates features like the original Windows 7 Explorer and the Control Panel Restoration Pack, allowing users to experience a nostalgic interface while still receiving updates until 2032. Classic 7 has been in development for over a year and a half and is based on a collaborative effort using various tools, including Winaero Tweaker. However, it raises legitimacy concerns as it is a modified version of an Enterprise edition of Windows, which requires a Volume License Agreement, making it unsuitable for production use. Testing in a virtual environment revealed a positive experience, although initial installation faced challenges. Classic 7 supports contemporary applications and drivers, including a Firefox version styled to resemble Internet Explorer.

Winsage

May 5, 2026

April 2026 Windows Update Breaks Third-Party Backup Software by Blocking Vulnerable Driver

Microsoft will include the psmounterex.sys driver in its Vulnerable Driver Blocklist in the April 2026 security update, affecting third-party backup applications that use this driver for image mounting and Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) snapshots. This decision addresses CVE-2023-43896, a critical buffer overflow vulnerability. Affected software includes Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, UrBackup Server, and NinjaOne Backup on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server platforms. Users may face issues during image-mount operations, receiving error messages related to VSS timeouts and Code Integrity errors in the Event Viewer. To check if a system is affected, users can look for Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity Operational log. Microsoft recommends upgrading to newer versions of backup applications that do not use blocked drivers and advises against uninstalling or delaying the April update. Additionally, the update may cause certain Windows Server 2025 devices to boot into BitLocker recovery mode and has led to out-of-band updates for Windows Server update failures and restart loops on domain controllers.

Winsage

May 4, 2026

Microsoft confirms April Windows updates cause backup failures

Microsoft has acknowledged that the April 2026 security updates have disrupted the functionality of various third-party backup applications using the psmounterex.sys driver, raising concerns among users. The issue primarily affects software leveraging the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) snapshots, leading to failures due to VSS service timeouts. Notable impacted products include Macrium Reflect, Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, UrBackup Server, and NinjaOne Backup, used on Windows 11, Windows Server, and Windows 10 devices. Disruptions can manifest as failures to mount backup image files, errors or timeouts when browsing or restoring from backup images, and error messages related to VSS timeouts. Microsoft updated its support documentation to clarify that the April updates included a security hardening change that added psmounterex.sys to the vulnerable driver blocklist to protect against a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability (CVE-2023-43896). Affected users are advised to upgrade to newer application versions with updated drivers and not to uninstall or pause the security update. Users can check if the Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist is blocking a driver by looking for Event ID 3077 in the Code Integrity Operational log. Additionally, Microsoft has alerted users that some Windows Server 2025 devices may boot into BitLocker recovery mode after installing the KB5082063 update and has issued out-of-band updates to address installation failures and restart loops affecting Windows Server systems after the April 2026 updates.

AppWizard

April 21, 2026

Xbox PC Project Might Have Solved How To Fix Hundreds Of ‘Broken’ Windows Games

The Xbox Collection Tracker project on GitHub addresses connectivity issues faced by Windows 8-era games in the Xbox PC app due to the transition from XBL2.0 to XBL3.0 token formats. Microsoft has deprecated the old XBL2.0-formatted XSTS tokens, causing many older titles like Microsoft Mahjong, Minesweeper, Hydro Thunder Hurricane, and others to encounter sign-in errors and lose access to features tied to Xbox Live identity. The project aims to create a compatibility layer that allows these games to connect to Xbox servers using the modern XBL3.0 format without needing extensive modifications. Developers are advocating for a server-side translation layer to restore the functionality of these classic games while acknowledging potential security concerns.

Winsage

April 17, 2026

What to do when device settings don’t migrate to Windows 11

On October 10, 2025, Microsoft ceased support for Windows 10, ending technical assistance, feature updates, and security updates. Organizations are required to transition to Windows 11. During the migration, IT administrators may face errors indicating that certain device settings were not successfully migrated, which can disrupt user experience. Causes of these errors include outdated or incompatible device drivers, failing physical components, incompatible software, restrictive group policies, missing registry keys, and interference from third-party tools. Affected devices may malfunction, impacting productivity. IT teams can troubleshoot these issues by restarting computers, identifying problematic devices using Device Manager, verifying and updating device drivers, checking physical devices, ensuring the operating environment is up to date, utilizing Microsoft command-line utilities, and performing clean boots or system restores if necessary.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

Windows 11 cumulative updates KB5083769 & KB5082052 released

Microsoft has released cumulative updates KB5083769 and KB5082052 for Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 23H2, incorporating the April 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches. Users can install these updates automatically or manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog. The build numbers will be updated to 26200.8246 for 25H2, 26100.8246 for 24H2, and 22631.6936 for 23H2. Key features include the ability to modify Smart App Control without reinstalling Windows 11, improved Narrator functionality, enhancements in Account Settings for Microsoft 365 Family subscribers, refined Pen settings, a redesigned About page in Settings, and various reliability improvements across File Explorer, Display, Printing, Safe mode, Voice Access, Start menu, Remote Desktop, and Audio. No new issues have been reported from this update, and Microsoft is planning a significant quality update for Windows 11 in 2026.