Can’t Boot 0xc000000f Error

Problem:

I am trying to resolve the error “0xc000000f”, I have tried all the methods I have hired online, but none of the options are viable and I cannot copy the boot files.

Resolution:

The error code 0xc000000f typically indicates a problem with missing or corrupt system files that are essential for Windows to boot.

While a failing hard drive can cause this error, there are tools to verify your drive’s health. You may get those in the support site of the website of the manufacturer.

1. Boot your computer with a Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD). You can create one using another computer following instructions from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d.
2. During bootup, choose “Repair your computer” on the first screen.
3. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.”
4. This will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix the issue preventing Windows from booting.

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1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Automatic Repair section above.
2. In the “Advanced options” menu, select “Command Prompt.”
3. Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd
4. These commands attempt to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), boot sector, and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) which might be corrupted.

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1. Follow steps 1 and 2 from the Automatic Repair section above.
2. In the Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f c: (replace ‘c’ with your drive letter) and press Enter.

Windows optional features page is empty

Problem:

I am finding Windows Optional feature is empty.

Resolution:

• You may try a System Restore. Select any earlier restore point when there was no such issue.
• Open Command Prompt as Admin and type the following command followed by hitting the Enter key:

sfc /scannow

Again open Command Prompt as Admin and type the following command followed by hitting the Enter key:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Open the Run menu by using Win + R keys.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Locate the service named Windows Modules Installer.
• Right-click on it and select Restart.

If your Windows version has Group Policy:

• In Run menu type gpedit.msc. Press Enter.
• Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Programs.
• Look for a policy named Hide “Windows Features”.
• If the policy is set to Enabled, double-click it and select Disabled. Click Apply and OK.
• Restart your computer.

Steps to Deploy Windows 11 language pack through SCCM

Here are step by step instructions:

• Locate the Windows 11 language pack you need. You can find them through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) or the Multilingual App Toolkit (MAT).
• Now Copy the downloaded language pack CAB files to a distribution point accessible by SCCM clients.
• Create a new task sequence or edit an existing one for Windows 11 deployment in SCCM console.
• Within the script, use PowerShell cmdlets like Add-Package or DISM commands like DISM /Online /Add-Package to install the downloaded CAB files.

Fixing Grey Background when using Snipping Tool

Problem:

My OS is Windows 11. Just recently when I select to save an image, the resulting image is keeping a grey background within the selected target.

Resolution:

Disabling HDR in the Display Settings is indeed the most common way to avoid the grey background issue in Snipping Tool screenshots on Windows 11.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Display.
2. Select the HDR-capable display (if applicable).
3. Under “Use HDR,” toggle the switch to “Off.”
4. Take your screenshot.
5. Remember to re-enable HDR if desired.

Fixing Windows 10 Update Error(0x80070643)

Problem: The user is getting Windows 10 Update Error(0x80070643).

Resolution:

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix common update installation issues. Here’s how to run it:

Open Settings.

Go to Update & Security.

Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.

Click on Additional troubleshooters.

Choose Windows Update and click “Run the troubleshooter.”

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Open the Command Prompt as administrator.

Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver
• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

Microsoft Store won’t download any apps

Problem:

I am unable to download any app from Microsoft Store.

Resolution:

• Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
• Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Find Microsoft Store, click Advanced options, and select Reset or Repair. If issues persist, try reinstalling it completely.
• Check Date and Time are correct.
• Run SFC and DISM commands in an elevated command prompt to check and repair system files: sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• You may also create a new user account to recheck the issue.

How to Fix VPN Connectivity issue in Windows 11

Problem:

I’m receiving the following message: “The connection could not be established because the authentication method used by your connection profile is not allowed to be used by an access policy configured on the RAS/VPN server”.

Resolution:

Temporarily disable the firewall and try connecting again to see if it resolves the issue. You may need to configure firewall rules to allow VPN traffic if it does. If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the VPN client software.

Open Device Manager:

• Look for WAN Miniport Network Adapters in the Device Manager.
• Right-click on them and select Uninstall device option to remove them.
• Since the WAN adapter is internal hardware, the scan will automatically reinstall the missing driver you just removed. 
• Reboot.

Open Command Prompt as Admin and type the following commands one after the other:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Reboot & Freezing Issues

Problem:

I am running Windows 11 and after an update the system is facing occasional reboot and freezing. I downgraded to Windows 10 but same thing is continuing. How to fix?

Resolution:

• Look at the Event Viewer application error logs created immediately after the reboot or freezing.
• Overheating a major culprit, especially during intense workloads or in hot environments. When components like the CPU or GPU get too hot, the computer will automatically reboot to prevent damage.Consider cleaning your computer or improving airflow.
• A failing hard drive, RAM, or power supply can also trigger unexpected reboots.
• Make sure you have the latest Windows updates and drivers for your hardware, especially graphics cards and chipset drivers.
• Open Start and type cmd.

Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.

Click Yes in the User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Update BIOS.
• If the above suggestion fails, go for a Clean install.

How to Change Bing SafeSearch Settings

By default, Bing SafeSearch is set to Moderate. This means that it will filter out some explicit content, but not all of it. If you want to change SafeSearch , you can follow these steps:

• Open a browser and go to Bing.com.
• Click on Settings and quick links.

• Scroll down to SafeSearch.

Here you can change the settings according to your need.[ Three options: Strict : Moderate : Off]

• Save the changes.

[Some users have finally managed to resolve the issue and disable Safe Search after creating a new Windows user account.]

MS Paint Grid Background

Problem:

After some update of Windows Update the background of MS Paint has changed from white to grid like this:

Resolution:

You can reset Paint registry values to the default and thereby restore MS Paint:

1. Close the Paint app if you have it running.
2. Download the following ZIP file.
3. Extract its contents to any folder and double click to run.
4. Open MS Paint to check.

[This registry edit is applicable for both Windows 10 and Windows 11]