Prerequisites: Update your GPU drivers first and confirm your device supports DirectX 11 or OpenGL 2.0. Driver updates frequently resolve black screen, freeze, and instant crash at launch.

This can be caused by:

• Graphics driver or API issues: Outdated or faulty GPU drivers block OpenGL initialization, which leads to black screen, instant crash, or a stuck splash phase.
• Corrupted app data: Damaged preferences or cache in the user profile stops the app from completing early checks that occur before the window is shown.
• Broken launch path: A desktop shortcut that points to an invalid location prevents Windows from loading the correct executable.
• VPN or proxy interference: Network filtering can delay or block early service calls during startup, which can stall or abort the session.
• Window placement errors: After a display layout change, the window can open off screen with valid process activity but no visible UI.

Now that you know the issue and its likely causes, follow the steps below to fix it. 

1. Open Google Earth Using Search Bar

Launching Google Earth from the Windows search bar avoids broken desktop shortcuts and ensures Windows runs the executable from the correct installation folder. It bypasses a corrupt or stale shortcut target and calls the executable from the installation folder. If this resolves the issue, create a fresh desktop shortcut from the running app.

1. Press Win + S, type Google Earth, then select Open.

2. Disable VPN or Proxy

VPN or proxy services can interrupt a stable connection to Google Earth servers, which prevents the app from launching correctly or loading maps. Disabling the VPN on your computer allows the app to connect normally.

1. Open your VPN client.
2. If the VPN is enabled, click Disconnect to turn it off.
3. Restart the computer, then relaunch Google Earth.

Note for managed networks: If your organization requires a proxy, verify credentials and allow-list Google Earth domains such as kh.google.com and related service endpoints instead of turning the proxy off.

3. Repair Corrupted Files Using Repair_tool.exe

Repair_tool.exe installs with Google Earth and checks for issues such as corrupted installation files and missing or broken registry entries. Running the tool restores default settings and repairs files that block the app from launching.

Before you begin: Close Google Earth completely. The repair tool runs while the app is closed. Default path: C:\Program Files\Google\Google Earth Pro\client\repair_tool.exe.

1. Right click Google Earth > Open file location.
2. Locate Repair_tool.exe.
3. Run Repair_tool.exe as administrator.
4. Click Restore default settings.
5. Click Reset to confirm.
6. Restart the computer, then relaunch Google Earth.

4. Restore Hidden Google Earth Window

In some cases, Google Earth launches but does not appear on the screen. This can happen when the window opens off screen after you change your monitor setup, for example moving from a dual monitor to a single monitor. The program may be running, but you do not see it because the window is positioned outside the visible display area.

Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Space, press M, use the arrow keys to move the window onto the main display, then press Enter.

If Move does not appear: Press Alt + Tab to focus the app, then repeat the shortcut. On Windows 11, you can also press Win + Arrow keys to snap the window back or open Task View with Win + Tab and drag it onto the active display.

The post How to Fix Google Earth Not Launching on Windows? appeared first on Appuals.

Another frequent reason is a restriction applied by IT through Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, or Microsoft Entra ID Conditional Access. These rules can block logins based on device, location, or compliance status. In some cases, remote access tools such as Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) also deny connections if policies or group memberships restrict the account.

Before You Begin

• From the Windows sign in screen, connect to the internet using the network icon or plug in Ethernet, then retry.
• Confirm that you are using the same Microsoft account that is linked to the device if it is a personal PC.
• If this is an organization managed device, your IT policy may enforce the restriction. Contact your administrator if the same message appears on multiple accounts.

Below are solutions to resolve the problem.

1. Check If Your Device Is Remotely Locked

If your device is locked remotely, entering the correct credentials may not progress past the lock screen until the local unlock clears the restricted state. This lock is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access when a device is lost or stolen. Clearing the remote lock restores normal authentication and sign in functionality.

1. On another device, open a browser and go to the official Microsoft Find My Device page.
2. Sign in with the same Microsoft account linked to the locked PC.
3. Click the menu (hamburger icon) in the top left corner, then select “Devices”.
4. Locate the locked device and click on Find My Device.
5. Check the status to confirm whether it is locked or unlocked.
6. If status shows Locked, return to the device and unlock on the device using your PIN, password, or biometrics. If the lock does not clear and you remain blocked, open Windows Recovery Environment from the sign in screen, choose Troubleshoot, then use Reset this PC as a last resort.

2. Unrestrict Account via Group Policy

When deny policies are applied to a user, the system blocks interactive logins, RDP access, or network authentication. Removing these deny rules ensures the system recalculates the account logon rights without the restriction, allowing sign in again. Windows enforces effective rights from all applied policies, and refreshing the policy state removes the block.

Use this method when a local or domain policy is blocking sign in. It does not apply to a remote lock scenario.

Note: gpedit.msc and many security policy consoles are available on Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education. They are not available on Windows Home by default. On domain joined or MDM managed devices, central policy may override your local changes.

1. Sign in to the device with another administrator account.
2. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   gpedit.msc

   

4. In the left panel, navigate to: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
5. In the right panel, double click “Deny log on locally”.
6. Select the affected user from the list and click Remove.
7. Click Apply, then OK to confirm.
8. Repeat this for “Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services” and “Deny access to this computer from the network”.
9. Also confirm the account has the matching allow rights: “Allow log on locally” or “Allow log on through Remote Desktop Services”, and that it belongs to the correct groups such as Administrators or Remote Desktop Users when needed.
10. Open the Start menu, search for CMD, and run it as an administrator.
11. Type the following command and press Enter to refresh group policies:

    gpupdate /force

    

12. If sign in is still blocked, generate a policy report to find which GPO enforces the deny setting:

    gpresult /h C:\gp.html

    Open C:\gp.html and search for the three deny policies to identify the source policy. You can also use rsop.msc to view Resultant Set of Policy.

13. Finally, try signing in again with the affected account.

The post Fix: “An administrator has restricted sign in” on Windows appeared first on Appuals.

This can happen after Windows updates, registry conflicts, or interference from third-party software. Below are the most effective solutions to fix this error and restore playback functionality.

1. Disable and Re-enable Media Features

Media Features are built-in Windows components that manage audio, video, and recording functions. Disabling and then re-enabling them refreshes these components, removing potential corruption or incorrect configurations that might be causing the error.

1. Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures, and press Enter.
2. In the list, find and expand Media Features.
3. Uncheck the box for Windows Media Player.
4. Click OK to apply changes.
5. Restart your computer.
6. After restarting, repeat steps 1 to 3 to reopen Windows Features.
7. Re-check the box for Windows Media Player to enable it again.
8. Click OK and restart your computer once more.

2. Reset Windows Media Player

Resetting Windows Media Player restores it to its default configuration and clears corrupted data, including the media library database. This process forces Windows to rebuild the player’s core components, which often resolves playback errors.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.
3. In the search bar, type Media Player.
4. Click the three dots next to it and select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down and click Reset.

3. Check File Format Support or Install Codec Packs

Sometimes, this error appears simply because the media file format is unsupported by Windows Media Player. Before troubleshooting further, verify whether the file type (e.g., MKV, FLAC) is compatible.

If not, you can install a reliable codec pack like the K-Lite Codec Pack, which adds support for additional file formats. After installation, restart your PC and try playing the file again.

For more information on supported formats, refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

4. Use VLC Media Player as an Alternative

If the issue persists, using a third-party media player like VLC is a practical workaround. Unlike Windows Media Player, VLC uses its own built-in codecs, allowing it to play a wide range of file formats without relying on Windows Media components. This makes it an excellent choice for bypassing issues caused by missing codecs, corrupted settings, or unsupported formats in Windows Media Player.

1. Open your web browser and visit the official VLC website.
2. Click Download VLC to get the latest version for your operating system.
3. Once downloaded, open the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install VLC Media Player.
4. After installation, launch VLC.
5. Click Media in the top menu and select Open File.
6. Browse to the file that wouldn’t play in Windows Media Player and click Open.
7. Your file should now play without errors in VLC.

The post Fix: “Windows Media Player Cannot Play the File” Error in Windows appeared first on Appuals.

Below are the most reliable methods to fix this issue:

1. Enable and Configure the Navigation Pane

The navigation pane can be disabled unintentionally due to a miss-click or system update. File Explorer also includes settings that control how the pane displays folders, drives, and libraries. Re-enabling it and adjusting related options restores its normal functionality.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
2. Click View > Show.
3. Ensure Navigation pane is checked in the dropdown.
4. Close and reopen File Explorer to confirm the pane is restored.

2. Restart the File Explorer Process

If the navigation pane is enabled but still missing, File Explorer may be stuck due to a temporary glitch. Restarting the process reloads its user interface, often resolving such display issues.

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. Wait for File Explorer to reload, then check if the pane appears.

3. Repair Corrupted System Files Using SFC

If the navigation pane still doesn’t appear, the issue could be caused by damaged Windows system files. The System File Checker (SFC) scans for and restores these files, resolving problems that affect File Explorer.

1. Click the Start icon and type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow

   

4. Wait for the scan to finish.
5. Restart your PC and check if the navigation pane is restored.

4. Use System Restore or Reset

If none of the above solutions work, deeper system issues may be preventing File Explorer from functioning properly. Use System Restore to roll Windows back to a point when the navigation pane worked correctly. If that isn’t possible, a system reset can replace corrupted files and restore File Explorer’s functionality without affecting your personal files

The post How to Fix Missing Navigation Pane in File Explorer (Windows 10 & 11) appeared first on Appuals.

• .MKV: Open-source video format that often contains multiple audio/video tracks and subtitles.
• .MOV: Apple video format used on iPhones and Macs, often with codecs like ProRes or HEVC, which Clipchamp doesn’t fully support.
• HEIC: Default photo format on iPhones, offering high quality at smaller file sizes.

To fix buffering, convert these files to .MP4 (for videos) or JPEG/PNG (for photos).

1. Convert MOV Files to MP4

Clipchamp works best with MP4 videos using the H.264 codec. Converting your MOV files reduces processing time and prevents buffering.

1. Download and install VLC media player.
2. Open VLC > Media > Convert / Save.
3. Click Add… to select your MOV file, then click Convert / Save.
4. In Profile, select Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
5. Click the gear icon > Audio codec > check Keep original audio track, then click Save.
6. Choose a save location and click Start to begin conversion.
7. After conversion, right-click the converted video, go to Properties, and confirm the format.
8. Import the converted MP4 into Clipchamp and check if the buffering is resolved.

2. Convert HEIC Photos to JPEG

Clipchamp fully supports JPEG images, which load and render faster than HEIC files.

1. Go to HEIC to JPEG.
2. Upload your HEIC photos and download the converted JPEG versions.
3. Import the JPEG files into Clipchamp and check if the buffering is resolved.

The post How to Fix the Buffering Problem in Clipchamp? appeared first on Appuals.

This usually happens when the downloaded file is incomplete, blocked by your antivirus, or because extracting the installer with 7-Zip removes important file properties.

Before trying the solutions below, make sure:

• You downloaded the installer from the official AutoHotkey website.
• You have administrator privileges.
• Your internet connection is stable.

If the issue persists, try these fixes:

1. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes antivirus programs mistakenly block installers. Turning it off for a few minutes can let the setup run smoothly. Remember to turn it back on after installation.

1. Close the AutoHotkey installation window.
2. Press “Windows key + X” and click Settings.
3. Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
4. Click Manage settings and toggle Real-time protection to Off.
5. Run the installer. When finished, turn your antivirus back On.

2. Install Using Command Prompt

This method skips 7-Zip completely and downloads the installer directly.

1. Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type the following and press Enter:

   curl -#LO https://www.autohotkey.com/download/ahk-install.exe && ahk-install.exe

   

3. Download and Run Installer Directly

The easiest fix is to run the installer without extracting it.

1. Open your browser.
2. Visit the official AutoHotkey website and download the ahk-install.exe file.
3. Double-click the downloaded file (don’t open it with 7-Zip) and install it directly.

The post How to Fix 7‑Zip Error When Installing AutoHotkey? appeared first on Appuals.

Not sure how to back up your registry? Click here to follow our step-by-step guide on backing up and restoring the Windows Registry.

The ‘Cannot delete (key name): Error while deleting key’ error occurs when the Windows access control system blocks deletion to prevent unauthorized changes. These keys are often protected by the system or owned by TrustedInstaller.

In most cases, this happens because your account does not have ownership or Full Control permissions over the registry key. To fix this issue, you need to take ownership of the key and grant yourself full control permissions, allowing you to delete it.

When you try to delete a registry key, Windows checks the Discretionary Access Control List (DACL) to see whether your account has the required permissions. If not, you must take ownership of the key first and then give your account Full Control permissions. Once these permissions are applied, you should be able to delete the key.

1. Click on the Start button, search for Registry Editor, right-click on it, and select Run as Administrator. 
2. Navigate to the problematic registry key. Right-click on it and select Permissions from the menu.
   
3. In the Permissions window, click on the Advanced button to open advanced security settings.
   
4. In the Advanced Security Settings, click on the Change button next to the Owner field.
   
5. Type your username in the Enter the object name box and click Check Names to validate it. Windows will confirm your username.
   
6. If you are unsure of your username, click on the Advanced button.
   
7. In the next window, click Find Now to list all user accounts. Select your account and click OK.
   
8. Your account will now appear in the object name field. Click OK.
   
9. In the Security Settings window, check the boxes for Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and Replace all child object permissions entries with inheritable permission entries from this object. Click Apply and then OK.
   
10. Click Yes when prompted for confirmation.
    
11. Click OK to close the Advanced Security Settings window. 
    
12. Back in the Permissions window, select your user account from the Group or user names list. In the Permissions for users section, check the Allow box next to Full Control. Click Apply and then OK.
    
13. Once you have ownership and Full Control permissions, try deleting the registry key again.

The post How to Fix ‘Cannot Delete Key’ Error in Windows Registry appeared first on Appuals.

These issues often occur due to corrupted configuration files, leftover components from older Office versions, or insufficient administrative permissions. Incorrect version references inside the XML file or running the setup without elevated rights are also common triggers.

To fix this issue, you need to completely remove all previous Office components and install Office again using a freshly generated configuration file. This ensures that no corrupted leftovers or outdated paths interfere with the new installation.

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Uninstall Office and Remove All Leftovers

1. Open your browser and visit the Revo Uninstaller webpage and click Free Download.
2. Install Revo by running the downloaded setup file.
3. Open Revo Uninstaller, go to the Uninstaller tab, search for Office, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
4. Uncheck “Create a Restore Point” when prompted, then click Continue and confirm uninstallation.
5. Once Revo completes the process, choose Advanced scanning mode and click Scan.
6. Select all leftover registry items and click Delete.
7. Remove all leftover files when prompted.

Step 2: Clear Temporary and App Data Folders

1. Press Win + R, type %temp%, and delete all contents. Repeat the same for temp and Prefetch.
2. Type %appdata% in Run, press Enter, go to Roaming > Microsoft, and delete Office-related folders (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
3. Restart your computer.

Step 3: Generate a Fresh XML Configuration File

1. Go to the Office Customization Tool.
2. Select the correct architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). (Check under “About my PC” in Start.)
3. Choose your Office version (e.g., Microsoft 365 for Enterprise) and select the apps you need.
4. Set Update Channel to Current and version to Latest.
5. Choose your language and select Office Content Delivery Network as the installation method.
6. Under Upgrade options, enable uninstalling older MSI versions.
7. Set your licensing and preferences, then click Finish.
8. Click Export, select Open XML formats, name the file, and download it.

Step 4: Install Office with the Deployment Tool

1. Download the Office Deployment Tool and install it.
2. Place the new XML file inside the Deployment Tool folder.
3. Temporarily disable Windows Defender’s Real-Time Protection.
4. Open Command Prompt as Administrator, navigate to the Deployment Tool folder using cd, and run:

   setup /configure configuration.xml

   (Replace configuration.xml with your XML filename.)

5. Once installation completes, re-enable all security settings.

What If This Still Doesn’t Work?

If the issue persists, try these additional steps:

• Use Microsoft’s Office Uninstall Support Tool to ensure complete removal.
• Install Office using an offline installer from your Microsoft account’s download page.
• Check your disk for errors and ensure you have enough free space for the installation.

The post Fix: Microsoft Office Error Codes 0-2048(0) and 0-2054(0) During Installation appeared first on Appuals.

To help you resolve this issue, we’ve outlined the most reliable methods to restore your Office applications to full functionality.

1. Online Repair

Corrupted activation files or malfunctioning services (like the Office Software Protection Platform) can cause activation failures. Using the Online Repair option reinstalls all Office components, fixing misconfigurations and restoring proper activation.

1. Click the Start button, search for Control Panel, and click on it.
2. Click on the ‘View by’ drop-down menu and select Large icons. Then click on Programs and Features.
3. Locate Microsoft 365/Office in the list of programs. Click it and select ‘Change’.
4. In the next menu, choose ‘Online Repair’. Click Repair and confirm when prompted.
5. Allow the repair process to finish, then restart your computer.

2. Update Office and Disable HP Sure Click

An outdated Office version may fail license verification because older components don’t meet Microsoft’s latest activation protocols. Updating Office ensures compatibility with Microsoft servers. Additionally, programs like HP Sure Click can run Office in a virtualized environment, blocking its communication with activation services.

1. Open any Office application (e.g., Excel or Word) and go to the Account menu.
2. Click Update Options and select ‘Update Now’ to manually update Office.
3. Open the HP Sure Click desktop console from the Start menu and click Disable.

3. Use the OSPPREARM Tool (Temporary Access)

The OSPPREARM tool temporarily unlocks full access to Office features, giving you time to troubleshoot activation problems.

Note: This does NOT activate Office. It only provides temporary functionality.

1. Open File Explorer and go to:

   C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16 (32-bit version)

   C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office16 (64-bit version)

2. Right-click on OSPPREARM and select Run as Administrator.
3. Reopen your Office app, all features should now be temporarily available.

What if none of these fixes work?

If the issue persists after trying these methods, you may need to sign in with a different account (if you have multiple Office licenses), or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. Persistent activation failures can also indicate account or subscription issues that require Microsoft’s help to resolve.

The post Fix: Most Features Are Disabled Because Your Office Product Is Inactive appeared first on Appuals.

This error often appears when running older programs that were originally designed for previous versions of Windows, such as Windows XP, Vista, or 7. These programs may not be fully compatible with modern operating systems like Windows 10 or Windows 11, leading to errors like this.

The most common causes behind this error usually include:

• Lack of administrative permissions
• Incompatibility with current Windows versions
• Program blocked by antivirus software (which may prevent it from making necessary registry changes)

Now that you understand the causes, let’s move on to the solutions for resolving this registry update error on Windows 10 and 11.

1. Run the Program as Administrator

Running the program with administrator permissions ensures it has the necessary rights to make changes to the Windows Registry. This step often resolves the error by allowing the program to perform its intended actions. It also helps bypass User Account Control (UAC) restrictions that may otherwise block the process.

Right-click the program that is causing the error and select “Run as administrator“.

To make this setting permanent:

Right-click the program, select Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and enable “Run this program as an administrator“.

2. Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

The Program Compatibility Troubleshooter is a built-in Windows tool designed to help older programs run properly on newer operating systems. It works by enabling compatibility mode, adjusting display/file settings, and redirecting registry calls for legacy software.

On Windows 10:

1. Open the Control Panel (type “Control Panel” in the search bar and press Enter) and click Review your computer’s status under System and Security.
   
2. Click on Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter at the bottom left.
   

On Windows 11:

1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Find Program Compatibility Troubleshooter and click Run.

Next:

3. Click Next to begin scanning for programs that require troubleshooting.
   
4. Select the program that is causing the error and click Next.
   
5. Choose “Try recommended settings“.
   
6. Click “Test the program…” to launch it with the new settings.
7. Close the program and click Next.
8. Click “Yes, save these settings for this program” to apply the changes.
   

3. Whitelist the Program in Antivirus

If your antivirus software is blocking the program, it may prevent it from modifying the registry. Adding the program to the antivirus exclusion or whitelist list can help.

1. Open your antivirus settings, navigate to the Exclusions or Allowed Apps section, and add the affected program.
   
2. Restart your computer and try running the application again.

4. Reinstall the Program with Administrator Rights

If the issue persists, reinstalling the program may help. Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator to ensure it has the required permissions during installation.

The post Fix: “Failed to Update the System Registry” Error in Windows 10/11 appeared first on Appuals.