Intel Drivers Not Allowing Upgrade To Windows 11

Some PC owners will need to upgrade their drivers before upgrading to Windows 11.

Microsoft recently placed a compatibility hold on some PCs to prevent them from upgrading to Windows 11. The move is to prevent potential issues that can arise when using specific Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers on Windows 11. Affected systems won't see the option to upgrade to Windows 11 until they're running newer Intel SST drivers.

Microsoft outlines the known issue in a recently updated doc.

"Intel and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) and Windows 11," reads the doc. "Windows 11 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen."

"The affected driver will be named Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller under System Devices in Device Manager and have the file name IntcAudioBus.sys and a file version of 10.29.0.5152 and earlier or 10.30.0.5152 and earlier."

The compatibility hold has been put in place to safeguard the upgrade experience for devices with affected Intel SST drivers.

Microsoft details a workaround for the issue. PC owners can check with their device's manufacturer to see if an updated driver is available and then install it. The issue is resolved by updating Intel SST drivers to version 10.30.00.5714 and later or 10.29.00.5714 and later.

Assuming there aren't any other safeguards affecting your device, you should then be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Note that it can take up to 48 hours to see the option to upgrade after you've installed the latest Intel SST drivers.

Microsoft discourages people from manually upgrading to Windows 11 on affected PCs.

Credit: windowscentral.com

Apple Announces Self Service Repair

Apple Bytes: 

Apple yesterday (11-17-21) announced Self Service Repair, which will allow customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts and tools. Available first for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 lineups, and soon to be followed by Mac computers featuring M1 chips, Self Service Repair will be available early next year in the US and expand to additional countries throughout 2022. Customers join more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers (AASPs) and 2,800 Independent Repair Providers who have access to these parts, tools, and manuals.

The initial phase of the program will focus on the most commonly serviced modules, such as the iPhone display, battery, and camera. The ability for additional repairs will be available later next year.

“Creating greater access to Apple genuine parts gives our customers even more choice if a repair is needed,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, and now we’re providing an option for those who wish to complete their own repairs.”

Apple builds durable products designed to endure the rigors of everyday use. When an Apple product requires repair, it can be serviced by trained technicians using Apple genuine parts at thousands of locations, including Apple (in-store or by mail), AASPs, Independent Repair Providers, and now product owners who are capable of performing repairs themselves.

Self Service Repair

To ensure a customer can safely perform a repair, it’s important they first review the Repair Manual. Then a customer will place an order for the Apple genuine parts and tools using the Apple Self Service Repair Online Store. Following the repair, customers who return their used part for recycling will receive credit toward their purchase.

The new store will offer more than 200 individual parts and tools, enabling customers to complete the most common repairs on iPhone 12 and iPhone 13.

Self Service Repair is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. For the vast majority of customers, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

Expanded Access to Apple Repairs

In the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to Apple genuine parts, tools, and training, including more than 2,800 Independent Repair Providers. The rapidly expanding Independent Repair Provider program originally launched in the US in 2019 and has since grown to more than 200 countries, enabling independent repair shops to access the same training, parts, and tools as other Apple Authorized Service Providers.

In addition, Apple continues to offer convenient repair options for customers through its global network of over 5,000 AASPs that help millions of people with both in- and out-of-warranty service for all Apple products.

By designing products for durability, longevity, and increased repairability, customers enjoy a long-lasting product that holds its value for years. Apple also offers years of software updates to introduce new features and functionality.

Credit: apple.com

Executive Board Minutes

Computer Technology Club, Inc. - Executive Board Minutes
November 12, 2021

Alan Marcus, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Members in attendance: Jim Trimboli, Bob Kenlay, Bill Balch, Linda Tingley, Don Forgette, Bob Leiner, Bob Roesener and Alan Marcus.

Secretary’s report read by Bob Kenlay. No corrections or additions necessary.

Jim Trimboli read the Treasurer's Report. The current balance is $1602.50. Jim Trimboli made a motion that we give 10 gift cards for $10 each at the holiday meeting. Bob Kenlay seconded the motion. The question was called and the motion was accepted. It was suggested that we make up some badges for the people that will be volunteers at our regular meetings.

Linda Tingley reported that she will purchase and bag the sweet rolls for the Holiday party. We estimated that we expect about 80 attendees.

Bob Roesener suggested we should put out about 20 chairs for the regular

Future meeting topics:

Nov 17 - "Password Management” by Bob Kenlay

Dec 15 - “Media Creation and Backups” by Alan Marcus

Jan 19 - “Turn Photos into Screen Savers and Albums” by Bill Balch

Don Forgette suggested that all CTC officers and workers write up job procedures of their positions which could be posted on the CTC website.

Alan Marcus will make mention at the meeting of any interested members who would volunteer in becoming a board member, please notify the board.

Linda Tingley made a motion that the entire 50/50 proceeds be awarded at the Holiday party. Bill Balch seconded the motion. The motion was accepted.

The meeting adjourned at 10:05AM.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Kenlay, Secretary

Windows 11 Runs Into Issues With Some Built-in Apps

Many of the built-in apps on Windows 11 won't open on some PCs.

Windows 11 PCs may have an issue opening certain built-in applications. The Snipping Tool, Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel are among the affected apps. The problem is related to an issue with a Microsoft digital certificate that expired on October 31, 2021. Release preview update KB5006746 can mitigate some of the issues. Microsoft is working on a fix for the Snipping tool and other remaining problems. 

Microsoft details the issue:

Starting on November 1, 2021, some users might be unable to open or use certain built-in Windows apps or parts of some built-in apps. This is caused by an issue with a Microsoft digital certificate, which expired October 31, 2021.

The following applications might be affected:

• Snipping Tool
• Accounts page and landing page in the Settings app (S mode only)
• Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel
• Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
• Getting started and Tips

Windows 11 preview update KB5006746 mitigates the issue for the following apps:

• Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing and Emoji Panel
• Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
• Getting started and Tips

The fixes in the preview update will likely make their way to Windows 11 in the next set of Patch Tuesday updates. 

Credit: windowscentral.com

Secret List On Facebook That's Tracking You Online

Facebook may be tracking every app that you visit.

If you do online banking, they’re probably tracking when you click on your banking online app through your phone.

To see your own Off-Facebook Activity you need to go to Settings on the Facebook app, find Your Facebook Information and then click on Off-Facebook Activity.

To delete the list just click Clear History. A message should pop up saying “Your activity has been cleared”. The apps that have previously been listed in the section should disappear.

You can also select the More Options button. Here, you can download the information collected about you or manage any future data collection.

Credit: nypost.com