file access Archives

Winsage

April 12, 2025

Microsoft: Windows ‘inetpub’ folder created by security fix, don’t delete

Microsoft has acknowledged that the April 2025 Windows security update creates a new, empty "inetpub" folder on user systems, advising against its deletion. This folder is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS) but appears even on systems without IIS installed. The folder is created using the SYSTEM account, and while deleting it does not disrupt Windows functionality, Microsoft emphasizes it should remain untouched. The existence of the C:inetpub directory prior to the update may cause installation failures of the cumulative updates. Microsoft has updated its advisory regarding a security vulnerability (CVE-2025-21204) related to improper link resolution within the Windows Update Stack, warning that exploitation could allow local attackers to escalate permissions. Users can recreate the C:inetpub folder by installing IIS through the Windows Features control panel, and uninstalling IIS will remove the software but leave the folder intact.

Winsage

April 7, 2025

5 essential tips to optimize Windows 11 for office work

Windows 11 includes features to enhance productivity, particularly through customization for older PCs. Key strategies include: 1. Virtual Desktops: Use Win + Tab or the Task View icon to create separate virtual desktops for work, allowing for a more organized workspace. Applications can be dragged into this desktop and will reappear upon reopening. 2. Focus Sessions: Activate Focus via Settings -> System -> Focus to set timers for work sessions and breaks, enabling Do Not Disturb mode to silence notifications during work periods. 3. System Optimization: Select a High Performance power plan in Control Panel -> Power Options or Settings -> System -> Power & battery, and disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager to improve performance. 4. Pinning Apps and Snap Layouts: Pin frequently used applications to the taskbar for quick access and use Snap Layouts by dragging windows to the screen edges for efficient arrangement. 5. Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize essential Windows 11 shortcuts to enhance efficiency, such as Windows key + A for Quick Settings, Windows key + E for File Explorer, and Windows key + H for voice typing.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Price drop alert: Get Windows 11 Pro for life for just £11.51

Microsoft has released a significant update for Windows 11 Pro in 2024, featuring enhancements in Copilot AI, platform speed, and phone integrations. Currently, a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro is available for £11.51, reduced from £153.03, representing a 92% discount, and allows installation on two PCs. The update includes a modern design and a fully integrated Copilot, an AI assistant based on GPT-4, which can answer queries and assist with tasks. Windows 11 Pro offers unique features such as BitLocker device encryption, remote desktop access, Azure AD for secure management, and Hyper-V for running virtual machines.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

5 reasons to use Process Explorer instead of the default Task Manager on Windows

Process Explorer is a tool from the Sysinternals Suite that serves as an alternative to the Windows Task Manager, providing advanced system monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities. It offers detailed information about processes, including paths and descriptions, and allows users to inspect or delete files. The tool integrates with VirusTotal to scan running processes for malware, provides real-time monitoring of CPU, GPU, RAM, and I/O activity with precise graphs, and enables users to forcefully kill stubborn processes or terminate entire process trees. Additionally, it helps users identify which processes are using locked files, facilitating better file management.

Winsage

February 11, 2025

9 SysInternals tools that should be built into Windows

Windows is a popular operating system known for its versatility but often lacks advanced troubleshooting and system monitoring tools. SysInternals is a suite of utilities developed by Microsoft for power users and IT professionals, offering enhanced control over systems. Key tools in the SysInternals suite include: - Process Explorer (procexp.exe): Provides a detailed overview of running processes, including resource usage and file access, and allows users to identify locked files and potential malware. - Process Monitor (procmon.exe): Records file system, registry, and process activities in real-time, with filtering options to diagnose performance issues and application errors. - Autoruns (autoruns.exe): Displays all startup programs and processes, allowing users to disable or delete unnecessary entries to improve performance and security. - TCPView (tcpview.exe): Shows active TCP and UDP connections, detailing which processes are using network connections, enabling users to manage network activity. - SDelete (sdelete.exe): A command-line tool for secure file deletion that overwrites data to prevent recovery, useful for safeguarding sensitive information. - ZoomIt (zoomit.exe): Enhances presentations by allowing users to zoom in on screen areas and annotate, beneficial for educators and IT professionals. - RamMap (rammap.exe): Analyzes physical memory allocation, helping identify memory leaks and inefficient usage. - PendMoves (pendmoves.exe): Lists files scheduled for movement or deletion upon reboot, aiding in troubleshooting file modification issues. - BgInfo (bginfo.exe): Generates a desktop background displaying vital system information, customizable for user needs. The integration of these tools into Windows would enhance its diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities, benefiting both everyday and power users.

Winsage

December 26, 2024

How to add your Android phone to Windows 11 File Explorer

To integrate your Android phone with Windows 11, you need a Windows 11 PC with the latest updates, an Android device running Android 11 or later, and the Link to Windows app installed on your phone. 1. Open the Link to Windows app on your phone and log in with your Microsoft account. Select ‘Go to device settings’ and tap ‘ADD COMPUTER’. Visit www.aka.ms/phonelink on your PC or scan the QR code displayed on your PC screen to establish the connection. 2. On your phone, grant permissions to view photos and send texts by selecting ‘View permissions’, then ‘Settings’, and enabling access for ‘Phone’, ‘SMS’, ‘Contacts’, and ‘Storage’. 3. In the Phone Link app on your PC, click ‘Open settings on mobile device’ to grant notification permissions on your phone by navigating to ‘Device and app notifications’, selecting the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggling on ‘Allow notification access’. 4. On your PC, go to ‘Settings’, select ‘Bluetooth & devices’, and enable ‘Allow this PC to access your mobile devices’ and ‘Phone Link’. In ‘Manage devices’, ensure your phone is toggled on and enable ‘Show mobile device in File Explorer’. 5. On your phone, go to ‘All file access’ settings, select the ‘Link to Windows’ app, and toggle on ‘Allow access to manage all files’. A confirmation message will indicate successful linking. 6. Your phone should now appear as a tab in File Explorer, allowing easy access to your mobile storage.

AppWizard

December 9, 2024

RaspController is my go-to Android app for tinkering with my Raspberry Pi

RaspController is an application that allows users to monitor, access, and control their Raspberry Pi over a network. It provides tools for file access, resource monitoring, and insights from connected sensors and cameras. Users can send wake-on-LAN packets, access pinouts and wiring diagrams, and execute shell commands directly on the Raspberry Pi. To set up RaspController, users need the IP address of their Raspberry Pi and must enable SSH in the Raspberry Pi Configuration. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play or App Store. Users can control their Raspberry Pi from their smartphone, utilizing features like File Manager, SSH Shell, and Custom commands. Custom code can be added for unsupported sensors, but RaspController does not include VNC functionality.

Winsage

November 30, 2024

Microsoft to make Microsoft 365, OneDrive files searchable via Windows 11 taskbar

Microsoft is developing a feature called "File Search" for Windows 11, which will allow users to quickly locate recently accessed and shared files or folders from the taskbar through a web-based interface using Microsoft Edge WebView. The File Search app will feature a user-friendly design with icons for popular file types and a search bar, and it will be pinned to the taskbar during testing. Users can apply quick filters to narrow searches, and relevant items will be displayed with full names and last modified dates. The feature aims to simplify the retrieval of Microsoft 365 files, including local and cloud-stored documents, and will provide notifications for shared files and mentions in documents. Users can manage notifications through a Preferences Tab, and privacy controls ensure that only individuals can view their private files unless shared. The app will support multiple languages and can be unpinned or opted out of if desired. Additionally, Microsoft is exploring enhancements for the taskbar, including app recommendations and a new People app for managing Outlook contacts.

Winsage

October 30, 2024

Android phone files are now visible in Windows File Explorer without a USB connection

Windows is enhancing its Phone Link feature to allow users to view and edit files from Android phones directly within Windows File Explorer. This integration requires users to connect their Android devices using the Link to Windows app. The feature will be automatically deployed for Windows 10 and 11 users, with an update to the Cross Device Experience Host app needed from the Microsoft Store. Users will see their phones listed in the sidebar, providing easy access to files similar to local directories.

Winsage

October 21, 2024

Beast Ransomware Attacking Windows, Linux, And ESXi Systems

Ransomware groups, such as Beast ransomware, have become significant threats in cybersecurity, utilizing advanced malware to encrypt data and demand ransoms. Beast ransomware, identified by Cybereason, has been active since 2022 and can target Windows, Linux, and ESXi operating systems. Originally developed in Delphi, it now uses C and Go. The ransomware employs elliptic-curve and ChaCha20 encryption techniques, features multithreaded file encryption, process termination, and shadow copy deletion on Windows. For Linux and ESXi, it offers customizable encryption paths and VM shutdown options. It spreads through phishing emails, compromised RDP endpoints, and SMB network scans, exploiting the RstrtMgr.dll for file access manipulation. Recent enhancements include an offline builder for configuring builds across various systems. The attack sequence starts with shadow copy deletion via a WMI query, followed by efficient file encryption targeting various file formats. A ransom note is placed in each affected directory, and users can access the ransomware's GUI during encryption. Recommendations to mitigate risks include tracking affiliates, promoting multi-factor authentication, enabling anti-malware solutions, implementing anti-ransomware measures, ensuring regular system patching, and backing up files.