Found that: Cortana in Windows as a standalone app is deprecated.

Cortana in Windows as a standalone app is deprecated.

Finally removed PowerDirectorforDell from WindowsApps release atleast 1GB space

 

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell*

Name                   : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell
Publisher              : CN=899678FE-321F-4A81-BE95-1802E9A98F2F
Architecture           : X64
ResourceId             :
Version                : 15.0.4409.0
PackageFullName        : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp
InstallLocation        : C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp
IsFramework            : False
PackageFamilyName      : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_mcezb6ze687jp
PublisherId            : mcezb6ze687jp
PackageUserInformation : {S-1-5-21-72608189-3911518983-1797934022-1027 [UserAbc]: Installed}
IsResourcePackage      : False
IsBundle               : False
IsDevelopmentMode      : False
NonRemovable           : False
IsPartiallyStaged      : False
SignatureKind          : Store
Status                 : Ok

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage
Remove-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CF1, Package was not found.
Windows cannot remove DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp because the current user does not have that package installed. Use Get-AppxPackage to see the list of packages installed.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] 1665818d-4c85-0006-ab71-6616854cda01 in the Event Log or use the command line Get-AppPackageLog -ActivityID 1665818d-4c85-0006-ab71-6616854cda01
At line:1 char:52
+ Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage
+                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    + CategoryInfo          : ObjectNotFound: (DB6EA5DB.PowerD...__mcezb6ze687jp:String) [Remove-AppxPackage], PSInvalidOperationException
    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.RemoveAppxPackageCommand
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell*
PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

And others:

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *Bing* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *photo*  | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *phone* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Get-AppxPackage -allusers *skype* | Remove-AppxPackage -AllUsers

Anydesk contacts and histories been "reset" after keyin / provided License Key.

 

Anydesk contacts and histories been "reset" after keyin / provided License Key.

Affected by config file: C:\Users\[Your User ID]\AppData\Roaming\AnyDesk\user.conf

From folder: C:\Users\[Your User ID]\AppData\Roaming\AnyDesk\

There should have a few backups for your recovery, printscreen as below:

Internet Options - USE TLS grey out.

 

Internet Options

Some settings are managed by your system administrator.

Reference:

1. KB5017811—Manage Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.0 and 1.1 after default behavior change on September 20, 2022 - Microsoft Support
2. Error: Some Settings are managed by your system administrator, when - Microsoft Community
3. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/switching-from-tls-10-to-11-12-in-windows-10-help/137102b2-a1f0-4de2-8dd3-a51a854d4abe
4. 
   

After Enabled:     Turn off encryption support

Use TLS checkboxes are grey out.

Struggled few days then found this....

Although has set Not Configured for  Turn off encryption support

Still need to remove/delete/rename key below to enable those TLS checkboxes in Internet Options.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\SecureProtocols

What I did were:

1. Set Not Configured for Turn off encryption support in:
1. Computer Configuration:
   
   Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templets > Windows Components > Internet Explorer > Internet Control Panel > Advanced Page > Turn off encryption support
   
   
2. User Configuration:
   
   Local Computer Policy > User Configuration > Administrative Templets > Windows Components > Internet Explorer > Internet Control Panel > Advanced Page > Turn off encryption support
   
   
2. Renamed key of SecureProtocols to tobedeleted_SecureProtocols

Relevant:

1. FortiClient failed to connect.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Failed to remove PowerDirectorforDell fromWindowsApps

 


Reference URL: https://www.tenforums.com/performance-maintenance/185009-how-clean-up-windowsapps-folder.html

 

Relevant URL: https://winbuzzer.com/2020/06/16/how-to-remove-windows-10s-built-in-apps-bloatware-and-and-restore-them-again-xcxwbt/

 

Failed to remove PowerDirectorforDell fromWindowsApps

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell*

Name                   : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell

Publisher              : CN=899678FE-321F-4A81-BE95-1802E9A98F2F

Architecture           : X64

ResourceId             :

Version                : 15.0.4409.0

PackageFullName        : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp

InstallLocation        : C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp

IsFramework            : False

PackageFamilyName      : DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_mcezb6ze687jp

PublisherId            : mcezb6ze687jp

PackageUserInformation : {S-1-5-21-72608189-3911518983-1797934022-1027 [keon]: Installed}

IsResourcePackage      : False

IsBundle               : False

IsDevelopmentMode      : False

NonRemovable           : False

IsPartiallyStaged      : False

SignatureKind          : Store

Status                 : Ok

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32>

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage

Remove-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CF1, Package was not found.

Windows cannot remove DB6EA5DB.PowerDirectorforDell_15.0.4409.0_x64__mcezb6ze687jp because the current user does not have that package installed. Use Get-AppxPackage to see the list of packages installed.

NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] 5b5440af-88d0-0000-e4a0-565bd088d901 in the Event Log or use the command line Get-AppPackageLog -ActivityID 5b5440af-88d0-0000-e4a0-565bd088d901

At line:1 char:52

+ Get-AppxPackage -allusers *PowerDirectorforDell* | Remove-AppxPackage

+                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    + CategoryInfo          : ObjectNotFound: (DB6EA5DB.PowerD...__mcezb6ze687jp:String) [Remove-AppxPackage], PSInvalidOperationException

    + FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.RemoveAppxPackageCommand

Finally, 2024-03-23 1140pm+0800, I got it removed at: https://billson.blogspot.com/2024/03/finally-removed-powerdirectorfordell.html 

Reduce hibernate file

 


powercfg /hibernate /type reduced

reduced my hibernate file: C:\hiberfil.sys

from: 6.35 GB

to: 3.17 GB

But will disable your machine to go into hibernate...

AsciidocFX.exe infected with IDP.Generic Virus.

 


Downloaded from: https://asciidocfx.com/

Archived: How to clear the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder on Windows 10 and make updates happen again

 

WINDOWS 10 ADVANCED

How to clear the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder on Windows 10 and make updates happen again

If Windows Update isn't working, it could be caused by a problem with the SoftwareDistribution folder, and here we'll show you how to fix it.

MAURO HUCULAK

16 Mar 2017

On Windows 10, the "SoftwareDistribution" folder is an essential component for Windows Update, which temporarily stores files needed to install new updates to keep your device secure and with the latest fixes and improvements.

This folder is maintained by the WUAgent (Windows Update Agent), and typically, it should be left alone, but there will be times when you may need to clear its content manually in the case the Datastore and Download folders aren't synchronized, and it's preventing Windows Update from applying new updates to your PC.

Usually, if you're having trouble with Windows Update, or after updates have been applied, it's safe to empty the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder. Windows 10 will always re-download all the necessary files, or re-create the folder and re-download all the components, if removed.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. As an alternative option, we'll also show you the steps to rename the folder, in case you only want to test if the folder's content is the one causing problems.

• How to clear the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder
• How to rename the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder

How to clear the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder

To delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder, do the following:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to stop the Windows Update Service and press Enter:

   net stop wuauserv

4. Type the following command to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:

   net stop bits

   

5. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

6. Open File Explorer and browse the following path:

   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

7. Select all its content and click the Delete button to clear the content.

   

   Quick Tip: In the case, you're having trouble deleting all the files, simply restart your computer, and try again.

8. On Command Prompt, type the following command to start the Windows Update Service and press Enter:

   net start wuauserv

9. Type the following command to start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:

   net start bits

   

Once you completed the steps, Windows 10 will reconfigure the folder and re-download all the necessary components.

How to rename the 'SoftwareDistribution' folder

If you don't want to delete the content inside of the folder, you can alternatively, rename the folder to troubleshoot Windows Update problems.

To rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, do the following:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the result, and select Run as administrator.

3. Type the following command to stop the Windows Update Service and press Enter:

   net stop wuauserv

4. Type the following command to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:

   net stop bits

   

5. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

6. Type the following command to rename the folder and press Enter:

   rename %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

   

   Quick Tip: If the command isn't letting you rename the folder, try steps No. 3 and 4 one more time, and then try to rename the folder.

7. Type the following command to start the Windows Update Service and press Enter:

   net start wuauserv

8. Type the following command to start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and press Enter:

   net start bits

   

After you've completed the steps, Windows 10 will re-create the folder and re-download all the necessary components.

The only caveat with this process is that the SoftwareDistribution folder also includes the Windows Update history information, which means that emptying up the folder will result in loss of this data. In addition, you'll notice that Windows Update will take longer than usual to detect and update your computer because the WUAgent must check and re-create the Datastore information. However, it's a small price to pay to get your device to update again.

While sometimes the folder may grow, it's only recommended to use these instructions only when necessary. You shouldn't mess with the SoftwareDistribution folder to free up storage space on your computer.

multithreads - pcdrssd.p5x, RAM consumption - pcdrmemory2.p5x

 

multithreads
pcdrssd.p5x

consumed more than 10GB, holding time keep increasing, and release the RAM after that.

pcdrmemory2.p5x

Found relevant info:

1. https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-General/PCDr/td-p/3569189
2. https://www.winhelponline.com/blog/pc-doctor-module-high-cpu-memory-and-disk-usage-and-slowdown/

“PC-Doctor Module” High CPU, Memory, Disk Usage and Slowdown

Occasionally, your system may slow down to a crawl due to the PC-Doctor Module process that runs in the background. When this happens, it can take several seconds to open the Task Manager or any program.

The Task Manager may show that a process named PC-Doctor Module is occupying 100% of CPU and a very high amount of RAM. You may be wondering if PC-Doctor Module is a virus, Malware, or a PUA.

When you right-click on PC-Doctor Module and click Go to details to find the executable file name of the application, you’ll find that the executable file path looks like the following, and runs under NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM (LocalSystem) account:

C:\Program Files\Dell\SupportAssistAgent\PCDr\SupportAssist\6.0.7193.611\pcdrmemory2.p5x" run -e -lang en -cust dell -var dsc -bd "C:\ProgramData\PCDr\7193" -engineClientPid

This happens in Dell computers that ship with the Dell SupportAssist diagnostics (a.k.a. Dell SupportAssist remediation services) utility.

Dell SupportAssist – Scheduled hardware scan and optimization tasks

PC-Doctor Module is a component of Dell SupportAssist. Dell SupportAssist keeps your PC up to date and running at its best with recommended software and driver updates. It also helps resolve issues quickly by detecting common problems and sending issue details to Dell Technical Support agents on your behalf.

The Dell SupportAssist tool periodically runs a hardware scan and optimization tasks. When it runs the hardware scan, the following components are analyzed:

• Memory, CPU, Hard Drive, DVD-RW Drive, HD Audio Controller, PCI Bridge, PCI Bus, Hub, Network Card, USB Composite, Mouse, USB.

It does a SMART Short Self Test, Linear Read test, Targeted Read test, CPU stress test, among other tests.

• During this process, the CPU, Memory, and Disk usage would spike up to 100% for a few minutes.
  

You can open the SupportAssist tool from the Start menu.

SupportAssist — Scheduled Scans

The results of the previous hardware scans and optimization tasks would be available under the History tab of the Dell SupportAssist utility.

Click on the gear icon at the top right corner of the window, and click Settings.

By default, the Hardware scans are scheduled to run monthly once.

In the Settings page, you can disable the scheduled scans and optimizations by unchecking Turn on automatic scans and optimizations at: checkbox.

Alternatively, you can schedule a different time for the tasks to run. You may want to run the tasks after office hours so that you don’t face any performance bottlenecks when you’re working.

If you choose to disable the automatic scans, then you can manually run the scans at your preferred time or intervals via the Home tab.

Hardware scans can be extremely beneficial. You can make informed decisions from these scan results — e.g., it informs you in advance if a hardware component (i.e., the hard disk drive) is about to fail so that you can replace the necessary hardware proactively.

clear "$Recycle.Bin" in external hard drive

 

Googled: clear "$Recycle.Bin" in external hard drive

Found Source URL: https://superuser.com/a/564461

The $RECYCLE.BIN directory can be deleted from Windows command line rmdir /q /s C:\$RECYCLE.BIN as described in the first answer to this similar question, although as a system virtual folder care should be taken. Also, it will get recreated upon deletion of files from the drive containing it.

Prolink Bluetooth Mouse

 

On: 20210215_pm103652

Suspect Windows updates causing mouse become weird.

Bluetooth Mouse not moving suddenly.

after turn off and on back power at Mouse, red light off after awhile.

Windows 10 doesn't seems able to found any new device too. at this moment, touch pad still unable to be use ( configured disable touch pad after Bluetooth Mouse connected.)

After remove Bluetooth Mouse from devices, then touch pad can be, but Bluetooth still not working at Microsoft Windows 10

Restart 3rd time only bring back this bluetooth on button in Bluetooth & other devices.

Another restart, Bluetooth driver I deleted is back.

Found below:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-hardware/after-windows-10-1511-november-update-a-bluetooth/870e9552-a1bf-49a0-99da-736a12d50e92

Arnab ChatterjeeReplied on November 21, 2015

I managed to solve this myself by installing the "Generic Bluetooth adapter" driver.  

1. Go to device manager and open Bluetooth
2. Select the Bluetooth adapter. In my case , my Dell XPS L502X came with "Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless Bluetooth(R) 3.0+ High Speed Adapter" driver. Uninstall this default driver.
3. Scan for hardware changes. You see a unknown device, inside Other
4. Install a driver for this. While installling choose "Let me choose the best driver"
5. In the driver choice, I get the "Generic Bluetooth adapter" and the intel one.
6. Choose "Generic Bluetooth adapter" and install that
7. Viola, my mouse reconnects without any issues now. No problem with the Bluetooth speaker either 

Found: ProduKey v1.93 - Recover lost Windows product key (CD-Key) and Office 2003/2007 product key.

Tried to retrieved few laptop's Windows Product Keys, and use to install Windows 10.

ProduKey v1.93 - Recover lost Windows product key (CD-Key) and Office 2003/2007 product key.

Description
ProduKey is a small utility that displays the ProductID and the CD-Key of Microsoft Office (Microsoft Office 2003, Microsoft Office 2007), Windows (Including Windows 8/7/Vista), Exchange Server, and SQL Server installed on your computer. You can view this information for your current running operating system, or for another operating system/computer - by using command-line options. This utility can be useful if you lost the product key of your Windows/Office, and you want to reinstall it on your computer.

Download at: https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/produkey.zip

Windows 10 command prompt display Chinese

Found Source:
https://superuser.com/a/269857

To change the codepage for the console only, do the following:

1. Start -> Run -> regedit
2. Go to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor\Autorun] if Autorun is not present, you can add a New String Value with the contents of @chcp 65001>nul – Dacto Oct 23 '18 at 20:45
3. Change the value to chcp 65001

Searched:

Windows 10 Command prompt show UTF8 chinese