If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track. Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)

What it fixes. The troubleshooter helps fix problems that: Corrupt registry keys on 64-bit operating systems. Corrupt registry keys that control the update data. Prevent new programs from being installed. Prevent existing programs from being completely uninstalled or updated.

Symptoms. Assume that you have Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Runtime Redistributable Package ATL Security Update (build 8.0.50727.4053) installed on a computer. When you try to install Microsoft SQL Server 2012, the installation may fail. Additionally, you may receive the following error message:

Fixes an issue in which recycled files are deleted permanently if you delete files from a DFS link in a network environment on a client computer that is running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 after you redirect the Recycle Bin to the DFS link.

Use this app to try to recover lost files that have been deleted from your local storage device (including internal drives, external drives, and USB devices) and can’t be restored from the Recycle Bin.

This article describes the protection against the publicly disclosed Secure Boot security feature bypass that uses the BlackLotus UEFI bootkit tracked by CVE-2023-24932, how to enable the mitigations, and guidance on bootable media.

As a workaround for this issue, do this: Open an elevated command prompt. To do this, select Start, type command prompt or cmd in the Search box, right-click (or long-press) Command Prompt, and then select Run as administrator.

These issues occur because the MFC implementation of Visual C++ 2013 contains incorrect code for handling high-DPI mode. A fix is available for this MFC implementation, and the fix does not require affected applications to be recompiled.

Use the 32-bit installer if you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows and the 64-bit installer with a 64-bit version of Windows. To determine which version of Windows you’re using, follow the steps in Method 1 or 2. If one method doesn’t work, try the other.

For example, after you install an update for an x86-based application, the x64 Visual C++ 2013 runtime libraries are missing. This fix makes sure that both versions of the Visual C++ redistributable are visible when you add or remove programs after installation of the update.