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Solution to common Windows 8 issues

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In the following article we have set out some of the common Windows 8.1 problems and their solutions.

Blue Screen of Death

Though not a frequent error, the ominously-named ‘Blue Screen of Death’ (BSOD) strikes fear into the heart of most Windows 8.1, indeed all, Windows users.  The common message users encounter during a BSOD error is ‘DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL’ which means there is a problem with a Software or Device Driver.

According to Microsoft, the root of the problem is AvastSvc.exe, this file is related to the free Avast Antivirus software.  To resolve the issue, you need to uninstall Avast Antivirus and install any compatible antivirus on your computer.

Explorer crashes frequently

This problem can generally be fixed relatively easily. To fix Explorer crashes, follow the steps set out below:

  1. Move your mouse to the upper-right corner of the screen and move the mouse pointer downward
  2. Click Search
  3. Type PC Settings in the Search box
  4. Click PC settings from the list of Search results
  5. Go to Settings
  6. Select Change PC Settings > Update and Recovery
  7. Open the Recovery option
  8. Select Refresh Your PC Without Affecting Your Files

Windows keep losing WiFi connectivity

Many users complain of losing WiFi connectivity frequently or the WiFi connection shows limited connectivity.  The solution to this problem is often to download latest WiFi adapter Drivers from manufacturer’s website. You may be required to use another PC to download the drivers. After you have downloaded the drivers, follow the steps given below

  1. Right-click the Network icon in the task bar
  2. Click Open Network and Sharing Center
  3. Click Change Adapter settings
  4. Right-click on troublesome WiFi Adapter in Network connection
  5. Click Properties > Configure > Driver – Select Update Driver
  6. Select Browse my computer > Let me pick
  7. You will get two options for Drivers – the Windows 8 Drivers and the ODM Drivers.
  8. Choose ODM Drivers and select install

You can also use a Driver Update Tool to automate this process for you.

Windows does not wake up from Sleep Mode

The solution to this problem is to make the necessary changes in Power Management options. Follow the steps set out below:

  1. Press Windows + X
  2. Select Device Manager from the list
  3. Locate Network Adapter and right-click on it
  4. Select Properties
  5. Click Power Management
  6. Uncheck the box – “Allow this device to wake the computer”
  7. Click Apply
  8. Click OK

If the above solution does not resolve the issue, update the chipset Drivers from the manufacturer’s website or using a Driver Update Tool.

How to fix slow performance issues in Windows 8

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There are several possible causes of a slow performing computer. The main culprit is usually a system drive full of unwanted files which are often leftover from an installation or uninstall.

Many Windows 8 users complain of slow performance in their computer even though the computer is equipped with adequate RAM and has powerful PC components. Let’s look at some solutions to fix this slow performance issue in Windows 8.

  1. Go to the Desktop in Windows 8
  2. Right-click on This PC
  3. Click Properties
  4. In the Control Panel window, locate and click Advanced System Settings (you will find it on the top left-hand side)
  5. In the System Properties Window, click the Advanced tab
  6. Under Performance, click Settings
  7. Go to the Visual Effects tab
  8. Click Custom
  9. Remove check marks for all options except Smooth edges of screen fonts
  10. Click OK

If that doesn’t help much you need to take a series of steps to resolve the slow performance issue

Take a look at your antivirus tool

Antivirus software can hog lots of system resources. You need to look at the resources used by your antivirus program and check the locations it is scanning more frequently. For example, if you are using virtual machines like Virtual box or VMware, ensure the folders of these machines are excluded from the scanning list.

To check the resources used by your antivirus program, use a Process Monitor offered by Microsoft that analyzes the processes and the resources used. If you find the antivirus is burdening your system, consider changing your antivirus tool and go for one that is lighter on resources but still effective.

Remove unwanted entries from Startup

Several programs run in the background and hog system resources without your knowledge. You can find out more about these programs from Startup. Microsoft has overhauled the Task Manager in Windows 8 and 10. The Startup component is part of Task Manager in Windows 8. To remove unwanted entries in Startup, do the following:

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and you will see the Task Manager option
  2. You can also right-click the Task Bar to access Task Manager
  3. Open Task Manager
  4. Click More details
  5. Go to Startup tab

The Task Manager uses a color scheme to inform you about the resources used by each program/process. The darker the color, the more resources are being used by the program. Look for any programs that you don’t want to get started automatically

  1. Select any unwanted program from the list
  2. Right-click on it and select Disable
  3. Follow this for all unwanted startup entries

You may find that your computer speed increases significantly after making these changes. Please comment below if you have any other tips to speed up a Windows 8 PC.

Fix canon printer driver issues in Windows 8

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Several printer manufacturers have yet to release compatible Drivers for older printer models that work with Windows 8. If you have a Canon printer and are using Windows 8, the information in this article might help you resolve some Canon printer issues.

“Printer Driver is in use” message is displayed during installation

You are likely to get this error when you connect the Canon printer to your PC before installation. To resolve this, disconnect the printer from the system and start the printer installation process again. Connect your printer only when you are instructed to do so during the installation process.

Printer is not detected on the network

One of the reasons for printer-not-detected error is missing, outdated, or corrupt Printer Drivers. You can get more detail about the issue by checking the Device Manager. Below are the troubleshooting steps you need to follow:

  1. Click Windows+X to open the Start Menu
  2. Select Device Manager from the Start menu
  3. Go to Other devices and see if you find the entry for your printer with an yellow exclamation mark
  4. Right-click on the printer entry and select Update Software
  5. Windows will look for compatible drivers and install them
  6. Close the Device Manager
  7. Restart the system

If the above method does not help, you might be required to install the printer manually or use a Driver Update Tool. To install the Printer Drivers manually you will need the printer driver files to complete the installation. Here are the troubleshooting steps you will need to follow:

  1. Bring up the Charms bar by pointing the mouse pointer to the lower right corner of the screen and moving it upwards
  2. Click Settings
  3. Click Change PC settings
  4. Click PC and Devices
  5. Click Devices
  6. Click Add a Device
  7. Select the Printer you want to install
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the printer

Error message “Windows can’t open Add Printer. There are no more endpoints available from the endpoint Mapper”

If you get this message, it means some printer installation files have become corrupt. The only way to resolve this issue is to uninstall all printers and reinstall them again.

  1. Uninstall all printers from your system
  2. Run System File checker utility before reinstalling printer
  3. On the Start screen, right-click to display the App Bar
  4. Click on icon labeled All Apps
  5. On the Apps Screen, scroll towards right-side until you see a section of apps labeled Windows System
  6. Click Command Prompt
  7. Type sfc /scannow
  8. Press Enter

Windows will fix any errors in System files. You may not receive any message to inform you that the error has been fixed as everything happens in background.