How-to Guides

Troubleshooting 101: How to Fix Common Computer Issues and Optimize Performance

Restart the Computer

Restarting a computer can often resolve temporary glitches and is usually the first step in troubleshooting problems. If simple software or hardware errors are causing issues, a restart will close all running programs and processes. This can often clear up resources that were not released properly by an application and can fix any non-responsive or stuck processes that were causing issues. Here is a step-by-step guide to restart your computer:

  • Locate the Windows button on your keyboard or click the Windows icon located usually at the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
  • In the Start menu, you'll see several options. Look for the Power icon which may appear either as a standalone button or within a cluster of other settings.
  • Right-click on the Power button if you're using a mouse, or tap-and-hold if you're using a touchscreen device.
  • From the context menu that appears, select the "Restart" option. This command will initiate the shutdown process of your operating system and automatically start it up again.

Once the restart process begins, be patient and allow the computer to complete the process. Restarting can help to ensure that any erroneous state is cleared and that all system services start fresh. After the restart, check to see if the previous issue persists or if it is resolved.

Fix the Web Account Manager Plug-in

When encountering issues with the Web Account Manager (WAM) in Windows that result in error messages such as "Something went wrong [1001]," it may be necessary to repair the WAM plug-in. This is essential if security software or other system issues impact WAM's operation. WAM is crucial for managing web-based accounts on your device, and fixing it could resolve related problems. Here is how to execute the provided codes in PowerShell to repair the WAM plug-in:

  1. Press the Windows key to bring up the Start menu or click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
  2. Using the search functionality, type "PowerShell."
  3. Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" from the search results and choose "Run as administrator." This will give you the necessary privileges to perform system-level operations.
  4. In the PowerShell window that appears, you’ll need to enter the following command depending on which account type the issue is occurring with:
      • For issues pertaining to a work account, use the command:
    Add-AppxPackage -Register “$env:windir\SystemApps\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode -ForceApplicationShutdown
      • For issues with a personal account, use the command:
    Add-AppxPackage -Register “$env:windir\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy\Appxmanifest.xml” -DisableDevelopmentMode -ForceApplicationShutdown
  5. After typing the appropriate command, press Enter to execute it.
  6. Wait for the process to complete; you should see output indicating the command has been executed, with any error messages alerting you to issues.
  7. If necessary, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.

By following these steps, you should be able to repair the WAM plug-in and resolve issues that cause the "Something went wrong [1001]" error message. Always ensure that PowerShell is run as an administrator to apply these changes successfully.

Manage Profile Data Movement

Managing user profile data is critical for ensuring smooth authentication and identity management, especially in environments utilizing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and physical devices. Issues can arise when user profile data is roamed between these platforms, affecting the integrity of identity and authentication data components. It's important to note that the roaming of data within the %localappdata% path is not supported and may cause errors, such as the "Something went wrong [1001]." To prevent this kind of error, you should avoid moving certain sensitive folders and registry keys.

Avoid Storing Data in the %localappdata% Path

As a general rule, it is recommended not to store or roam data within the %localappdata% directory. This directory contains application data that should remain on the local machine and not be subject to the roaming profiles process which is intended for transfer between devices.

Do Not Move Certain Folders and Registry Keys

To prevent issues with user profile management, certain folders and registry keys should always remain on your device and not be moved. The following is a list of such crucial directories and registry entries:

  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\WorkplaceJoin
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\IdentityCRL
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AAD
  • %localappdata%\Packages\\AC\TokenBroker
  • %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.AAD.BrokerPlugin_cw5n1h2txyewy
  • %localappdata%\Packages\Microsoft.Windows.CloudExperienceHost_cw5n1h2txyewy
  • %localappdata%\Microsoft\TokenBroker

Ensuring that these folders and keys do not roam with user profiles can help to stabilize the user environment and prevent "Something went wrong [1001]" errors. When setting up profiles, make sure these items are excluded from any roaming policies or are specifically directed to remain static on the user's primary device.

Repair Office Packages

Software issues can frequently be resolved by repairing the affected programs. In the case of Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 applications, you might encounter issues that disrupt the software's normal operation. Repairing these packages can solve many problems, such as the inability to sign in or application crashes. Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer built-in options to repair Office programs. Below are the detailed instructions on how to perform a repair on the Office suite.

Open Settings and go to “Apps”

To begin the repair process, you will need to access the Settings app on your computer. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the 'Settings' app from the list of available applications. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I to open Settings directly.

Click “Installed apps” and search for “Office”

Once in the Settings app, navigate to the 'Apps' section. Here, you will find various settings related to the applications installed on your computer. Look for an option titled 'Installed Apps,' which should be located on the right side of the Apps settings screen. In some versions of Windows, this may also be titled 'Apps & features.'

Within the 'Installed Apps' section, scroll through the list of applications until you locate 'Microsoft Office.' Note that the specific name may vary depending on the version of Office you have installed, such as 'Office 365' or 'Microsoft 365.'

Select Office package and click “Modify”

When you find the Microsoft Office entry, click on the three dots or ellipsis icon next to it to reveal additional options. Out of the options that appear, you must select 'Modify.' Clicking 'Modify' will prompt a window to appear which provides repair options for your installed Office programs.

Choose and run either “Quick Repair” or “Online Repair”

In the repair window that opens, you will be presented with two repair options:

  • Quick Repair: This option fixes most issues quickly and does not require an internet connection. It is a good first step to try since it is faster and more convenient.
  • Online Repair: This is a more thorough repair option that fixes all issues. It is likely to resolve even the most stubborn problems, but it takes longer to complete and requires a stable internet connection throughout the process.

Choose the repair type that best suits your needs. If 'Quick Repair' doesn't resolve the issue, it is then recommended to go with 'Online Repair.' After selecting your preferred repair option, follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the repair process. The tool will guide you through the necessary steps.

Upon completion of the repair, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Check if your issue with Office has been resolved. If you're still experiencing problems, consider seeking further assistance or using advanced tools such as the Microsoft Support and Recovery Assistant.

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