recovery Archives

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft says recent updates cause DRM video playback issues

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting certain applications that use Digital Rights Management (DRM) for video playback and live TV on Windows 11 24H2 systems after the August 29, 2025, non-security preview update (KB5064081) or later updates. Users may experience freezes, black screens, and playback problems, particularly with Digital TV and BluRay/DVD applications. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio may encounter copyright protection errors and frequent playback interruptions. Microsoft is working on a solution to be rolled out in future updates. Additionally, Microsoft has addressed other issues related to the August updates, including app installation problems for non-admin users and lag with NDI streaming software. Previous similar challenges have also been resolved by Microsoft, including a bug affecting video recording and playback on Windows 10 and 11 systems.

AppWizard

September 22, 2025

Streamer loses $32,000 of cancer treatment funds after playing scam Steam game on charity stream

Streamer RastalandTV was raising funds for his cancer treatment on the crypto streaming platform pump.fun when he fell victim to a scam involving a game called BlockBlasters, which he downloaded based on a viewer's suggestion. After playing the game, Rastaland discovered that the funds he had raised had vanished. Following his experience, Valve removed BlockBlasters from Steam, with initial investigations suggesting it may have contained malware, potentially functioning as a 'crypto drainer' targeting digital wallets. Rastaland, who is battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his distress on social media, leading to an outpouring of support from the crypto community, including a notable donation of ,000 to a secure wallet. The nature of cryptocurrency transactions complicates recovery for victims, as they are irreversible.

Winsage

September 20, 2025

Valve’s Steam to drop support for Windows 10 (32-bit)

Steam Support has improved its customer service by enhancing response times through new ticket handling systems, expanding resources with a comprehensive FAQ section and troubleshooting guides, engaging with users via feedback surveys and forums, and introducing personalized support options for various issues.

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2025

How to open the Settings app on Windows 11

The Settings app in Windows 11 allows users to customize their operating system experience, including personalizing the interface, managing peripherals, configuring network settings, and controlling privacy options. It can be accessed through various methods such as the Start menu, Taskbar, Desktop, Start button, File Explorer, Quick Settings, and shortcuts. To set a default printer, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, select the printer, and click "Set as default." If the option is unavailable, disable "Let Windows manage my default printer." To install Windows 11 offline, press "Shift + F10" during setup to open Command Prompt, enter OOBEBYPASSNRO, and restart to create a local account without internet. If there are issues accessing the Settings app, repairing the installation may help. To adjust power and sleep settings, navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery. To reset to factory settings, go to Settings > System > Recovery, and under "Reset this PC," choose to "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." To set a default browser, access Settings > Apps > Default apps, select the browser, and click "Set as default." To create Virtual Desktops, use "Windows key + Tab" and select "New desktop," switching between them with "Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right" arrow keys.

Winsage

September 17, 2025

How to use DISM command tool to repair Windows 10 image

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a command-line utility in Windows 10 used for preparing, modifying, and repairing system images, including the Windows Recovery Environment, Windows Setup, and Windows PE. It can address various system issues, and when system files are missing or corrupted, the System File Checker (SFC) can replace them using the recovery image. If local image files are compromised, the SFC command may fail, and using the "install.wim" image file with DISM can repair the image, allowing SFC to function without a complete OS reinstallation. DISM includes commands such as "CheckHealth," "ScanHealth," and "RestoreHealth" for repairing system images. The "CheckHealth" command identifies corruptions without repairing them, while "ScanHealth" performs a comprehensive scan for underlying issues. The "RestoreHealth" command scans and repairs common problems, connecting to Windows Update to download and replace damaged files if needed. If DISM encounters difficulties, an "install.wim" or "install.esd" file can be used as an alternative source for repairs. The Media Creation Tool can download a fresh Windows 10 ISO file if necessary. Specific commands can be executed to repair the image using these files, and troubleshooting common errors may involve checking for source file locations or ensuring a stable internet connection. Once the image is restored, the SFC command can be run to repair the installation of Windows 10. The SFC tool checks and repairs system files using local image files, with logs saved for further review. DISM does not delete files, and its execution time can vary based on system speed and the extent of corruption.

Winsage

September 14, 2025

Millennium edition of Windows is 25 years old

On September 14, 2000, Microsoft released Windows ME, the last version of Windows to rely on MS-DOS. It was intended as a successor to Windows 95, 98, and 98 SE, offering discounted updates and compatibility with existing software. Windows ME obscured DOS, making it less accessible for users, and eliminated the ability to create bootable DOS copies from formatted floppy disks. It inherited system file protection from Windows 2000 to prevent "DLL hell," where application software replaced system libraries, causing other programs to fail. Windows ME aimed to bridge the gap between Windows 98 and Windows XP, but users faced compatibility issues with programs not designed for the new version. The control panel adopted a web-like appearance, and documentation transitioned to HTML format. Windows ME had minimal system requirements of a 150 MHz Pentium and 32 MB of RAM, and performance tests showed negligible differences compared to Windows 2000. Windows XP was released a year later, marking the end of DOS's relevance in Microsoft's operating systems.

AppWizard

September 14, 2025

One of the best wargames on PC is currently 85% off

Unity of Command is a wargame series that began in 2011, focusing on tactical maneuvers and supply line management without base-building or economic micromanagement. The sequel, released in 2019, introduced an on-map headquarters feature, allowing unit reinforcement and recovery, and enhanced theatre assets, including saboteurs and aerial reconnaissance. The game offers a dynamic campaign set during World War II and has received positive reviews for its mechanics and visuals. Unity of Command 2 is currently available for .49 (£3.74) on Steam, with the original game priced at £1.70, reflecting an 80% discount.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Senator Wyden Urges FTC to Probe Microsoft for Ransomware-Linked Cybersecurity Negligence

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate Microsoft for "gross cybersecurity negligence" linked to ransomware attacks on critical U.S. infrastructure, particularly in healthcare. Wyden's concerns were highlighted in a letter to FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, referencing a ransomware attack on Ascension that compromised personal and medical information of approximately 5.6 million individuals. The breach was initiated by a contractor clicking a malicious link on Microsoft's Bing, leading to exploitation of insecure default settings in Microsoft software. Wyden criticized Microsoft's use of the outdated RC4 encryption technology, which is vulnerable to attacks, and noted that Microsoft's software does not enforce a minimum password length for privileged accounts. Microsoft plans to phase out support for RC4 and implement additional security measures in future updates. The scrutiny follows previous criticisms of Microsoft's cybersecurity practices, including a report from the U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

How to beat the Hollow Knight Silksong Savage Beastfly

The Savage Beastfly is an oversized Diptera found in Hunter's March, specifically in the Chapel of the Beast, located in the bottom-right corner. Players must equip the Drifter's Cloak to access this area and should secure the Hunter's March bench before entering the chapel. The Beastfly has two primary attacks: a long-range charge and a triple downward slam, and it summons smaller Beastflies and spike-spouting Kiliks. Players can defeat it by timing their dodges and managing summoned enemies effectively, utilizing tools like the Silk Storm ability and the Reaper Crest for healing and mobility. In the Far Fields, the Savage Beastfly appears in the Fourth Chorus boss arena, accessible after accepting the Savage Beastfly wish quest from the wish board in Bellhart. Players need to defeat the Cogwork Dancers in Act 2 to unlock this quest. Enhancements like the Clawline skill and Faydown Cloak improve mobility during the fight. The second Beastfly retains similar abilities but introduces sticky fireball-spewing Tarflies. Players should eliminate Tarflies quickly and utilize tools like Sting Shards and Flea Brew for effective damage management. Defeating the Beastfly rewards players with a mask shard, completing the quest.