How to Enable AHCI Mode After Installing Windows

After Windows installation, you can't easily enable AHCI mode from IDE mode. You will notice that your computer will not boot. You will get a message saying "Boot device not found" or end up with Blue Screen - BSOD. What you actually need to do is change the Mode into AHCI first before installing Windows. Don't worry, here is how to enable AHCI mode after windows installation.

1. Boot to Windows using IDE mode. (Do not use AHCI mode).
2. Open registry editor (type regedit on search bar and press enter to open it)
3. Expand the list HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SYSTEM / CurrentControlset / Services.
4. Look for msahci, click on it
5. Look at the right panel, right click on start and select modify.
6. In the value Data insert value 0 (zero)
7. Click OK, close registry editor then reboot.
8. Enter Bios Upon power on and now you can enable AHCI mode.

The method above is a common steps I used (in Windows 7), however there is another way to do it and this steps works with Windows 10.

1. Boot in Your Windows normally, open command prompt as admin.

 2. We want to set our computer to boot in safe mode so, type:

bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal 

Then press enter

3. Restart your computer, Enter BIOS and change IDEO into AHCI. Press F10 to exit and save changes.

4. Now we want our computer to boot normally, so to cancel the safe mode once again open Command prompt as admin.

type

bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

Press enter and reboot.
Done.

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How to Find your Laptop Model Number

So what is your laptop number? or what is you motherboard model number? Actually it is easy to locate your laptop model or motherboard model number.

1. Open DirectX Diagnostic tools by typing DXDIAG on your search box select the result on the top of the search result as shown in the picture below.

This is how you open DirectX Diagnostic tools in Windows 10. If you are using other version of windows just hit CTRL + R button to open run and type in DXDIAG. There are bunch of tutorial on how to open dxdiag so I won't explain it here in details.

2. Press OK if a windows pop-up.

3. Now look at the system model, that is you actual model number.

Other Method?

1. Look at the back of your laptop, normally every laptop or PC will have a small sticker which shows your laptop model number. The picture below shows a sticker of a Acer laptop.

Model : Acer Aspire 3002WLCi (Just ignore the WLCi, you only need the number)

2. If there are a lot of number on the sticker, just use the serial number (S/N). Go to the laptop manufacturer support website and  enter your Serial number. It will tell you your model and provide every support available for your model. Here is an example if you are using acer support site:

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Intel and AMD CPU Drivers

I have few people asking me do my laptop or computers need CPU drivers? 

The answer is NO.

In the early 90s, yes, AMD or some computers manufacturer like Compaq do provide driver updates for your CPU, however it is an optional driver update to improve your CPU stability. That is an old story, because basically if you are using Windows XP and above (Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Windows will automatically recognized and install the CPU drivers on your system.

To put it simple, here is the list what drivers you need to install for your computer:

Hardware that you don't have to install  any driver:
1. USB 2.0
2. Mouse
3. Keyboard
4. DVD
5. CPU (Central Processing Unit) or Processor
6. PSU (Power Supply Unit)
7. Battery (Laptop)

Hardware you need to install driver:
1. Chipset
2. Audio
3. Graphic
4. Wireless (inbuilt or dongle/USB wireless)
5. Bluetooth (inbuilt or dongle/USB wireless)
6. Card reader (Inbuilt only - mostly for laptop)
7. Touchpad
8. Quick launch (Mostly for HP/Compaq notebook)
9. LAN or Ethernet
10. USB 3.0
11. Webcam (Camera - inbuilt or USB)
12. Fingerprint (If your computer have one)

There are others additional drivers essential for computer with Intel Chipset such as:
MEI (Intel Management Interface)
Intel turbo Boost
Intel rapid Storage technology (Mostly for Windows 7 for fast boot)
Intel Matirx Storage Technology (Mostly for Windows XP)

Take note that you if you are using Windows Vista and above, some of the drivers automatically installed. Windows 7 normally will install all drivers except Card Reader and certain graphic driver. It is the best to check what drivers you are missing, then just download it from your computer manufacturer website.

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How to Fix SM Bus Controller Driver

SM Bus Controller Stand for System Management Bus which integrated with your computer chipset. You SM Bus Controller driver is missing if  device manager displays SM Bus controller under other devices with Yellow Sign.

SM Bus Controller in Windows XP

SM Bus Controller in Windows 7

You can fix it by installing the latest chipset drivers for your computer. This problem is common among computers with Intel and AMD chipset.

1. First download the latest chipset drivers.

Intel Chipset / SM Bus Controller Driver: Intel chipset Installation Utility
AMD Chipset : AMD SM Bus Driver 

2. Install the drivers and wait until the installation finish.

3. Restart your computer after installation finish.

Your laptop or motherboard manufacturer also provide the chipset drivers on their support site. However installing the drivers from Intel or AMD is recommended since they always provide the latest drivers available.

Where to Download AMD Chipset?
For Intel you does not have to choose the chipset because Intel provide one software to install any Intel chipset/SM Bus controller driver. Downloading AMD chipset driver is not easy if you are not used with the website interface, you need to go to AMD Download center here:

http://support.amd.com/en-us/download

Then select the chipset with the right operating system. Then click display results.  Refer to the pictures below:

You can check your chipset series by looking at your motherboard or laptop specification or choose not sure from the drop down menu.

You will not notice a significant change on your system after installing the SM Bus Controller Driver. However it is important to maintain your Windows Operating System Stability.

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Fix Boot Device not Found, Please Install OS on your Hard Disk (3f0)

You can simply fix this problem by enable Legacy support on the BIOS.

1. Go to BIOS, for HP notebook simply press F10 upon power on.
2. Navigate to System Configuration and Look for legacy Support.
3. You should see the Legacy support is Disable, you need to enable it.
4. After that press F10 to save changes and exit BIOS.
5. It will aromatically reboot after saving changes and your notebook will boot normally.

However, this error may cause from Hard Disk Failure (hardware damage) so this method will not work and you will need to replace the HDD.

How to check your Hard Disk status (damage or healthy)
First make sure you already enable legacy support. If you are unable to boot normally to windows,  try to re-install the operating system (Windows 8 recommended). If you are unable to re-install the OS, run system diagnostic by upon power on press F4 to test your HDD.

In case the HDD failure you need to RMA (return Merchandise authorization) for HDD replacement. Normally the process will take less than 2 weeks. If your warranty already expired, you need to buy a new Hard Disk for replacement. You can ask the store for the replacement process if on;t want to do it yourself with a small fee, most of the time the hard disk replacement service is free.

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Fix "This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use" code 12

Most of the time this error cause by chipset driver conflict which cause certain devices fail to function properly. In most cases AMD PCI Express (3GIO) Filter driver was the culprit which causes Intel chipset or Intel graphic driver installation failed. Here is how to fix it :

1. Open your Device Manager.
2. Expand the system device from the list.
3. Right-click on the ATI PCI Express (3GIO) Filter Driver and select ‘Uninstall’.
4. Choose to delete the driver software for this device from your system.

Now you can re-install your chipset, or Graphic driver, remember to reboot before re-installing those drivers.

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How to Get The Latest Realtek Audio Drivers

Realtek is the most popular Audio devices for both laptop and desktop, the audio drivers pre-installed or provided by your computers manufacturer could be outdated. Installing the latest audio driver could increase your audio experience, here is how to download and install it.

First here is the direct link to the download page, (Version R2.75)

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

 if the URL changes refer to the instruction below

1. Go to Realtek Download Site : http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/
2. Now click on the Computer Peripheral ICs - PC Audio Codecs - High Definition Audio Codecs - Software.

3. Now you  will see "High Definition Audio Codec Term and Agreement", Click accept to and Next continue to continue to the download page.

4. Then on the download page you will see the latest drivers available, There are 2 type of driver packages you can choose which are:

• executable file : Easy installation package, just download and double click to install.
• ZIP File : Compressed driver package, require extraction before installation.

5. Select the driver base on your operating system.  To start download select one of the available download server from the left panel (US3, CN, US2 etc).

You might see a pop-up windows after clicking the download server link.

6. Other packages provided:

• ATI HDMI Audio devices normally require by computers which uses ATI graphics.
• 3D SorroundBack Beta : (Realtek 3D SoundBack restores audio effects, including surround sound, reverberation, and spatial effects, for legacy game titles when running on Windows Vista.).

You might see AC 97 audio codecs above the High definition audio codec, hoose Ac 97 if you know your computer uses AC 97. If not just use High definition Audio Codecs which from my experience always work with all laptops which uses Realtek Audio.

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How to Fix No Sound/Audio From Speaker

No sound or Audio output from your internal speakers is a common problem for most devices with built in speaker such as Laptops and Tablets. Regardless what model your laptop is (Acer, HP, Compaq, Asus, Lenovo, Toshiba and etc), there is a common solution for this. Here I will point out the problems and how to solve it.

The Basic Setting You Need To Check First
1. Make sure your volume is not muted. Click on the volume Icon and click mixer, for best result max up all volume by using the slider.

Click on the mixer for more volume options.

2. Make sure you already install the audio driver. You can tell if your system does have the audio driver installed or not by checking the driver status on the device manager. Normally if your computer need an audio driver, it will prompt "no audio device installed" if you try to play any audio file.

3. Make sure your audio device is enable. You can do this by go to device manager and look at sound, video and game controller, make sure your audio is enable.

You can disable/enable your audio by right click on the audio device

p/s: If you are wondering why do people need to disable the audio? sometimes desktop user can get a separate Audio card, so they would disable the default on-board audio device, and of course this is optional.

4. I make changes to the setting, and Now the speaker does not work properly - Just use system restore to undo the changes, or click set to default setting on the audio setting (control panel).

Speaker does not work but headphone work 
The first thing to do is get a toothpick and stick it in the audio jack (gently wiggle it). This is because sometimes your audio jack sensors is jammed, and the computer thinks there is a headphone plugged in when there isn't. We use toothpick t unjammed it (you can use other object such as pin or needle).
If the toothpick does not work, try to set the speaker as default, you can read on how to do this here: http://laptop-driver.blogspot.com/2010/12/set-speaker-as-default.html

Headphone does not work, internal speaker work 
This problem is very rare, but in case it is happen to you first thing to do is make sure you are using the right jack. laptop normally have 2 jack, and desktop have 3 or 6 jack. For desktop the common color for audio jack is green. For laptop you will see a small icon located near to the jack which tells you either it is for headphone or for microphone.
Second, if you are using Realtek audio, make sure the jack setting is set to headphone instead of line out.
You can also try with another headphone, to make sure your current headphone is not the problem. Last but not least, sometimes you are using your mobile phone headphone/headset on your laptop and computer audio jack. Note that not all mobile phone headphone will work properly on laptop or desktop, sometimes you need to plug in halfway to hear the sound.

Speaker suddenly stopped/not working.
System crash, Windows update or Installing Third Party Software could interfere with your audio device. Windows update for example could install a new audio driver version, and it did install properly but the audio did not working (I get that a lot). So if your audio suddenly stopped working, there are 3 things you can do:

1. System Restore : We need to restore our computer back to where the audio is still working. This will also undo changes made by Windows Update or other software.
2. Recovery : Most notebook do have this option, for example Hp can use HP recovery manager, select hardware driver re-installation and select audio from the list.
3. Re-install the driver, try to re-install the drivers (original driver released by your notebook manufacture, not the latest driver by the device manufacture).

No sound from both internal speaker or headphone
Normally when this happen it means 3 things, your audio driver is not yet installed, your audio device is disabled or your internal speaker is broken. I already explain how to solve all this 3 problems above, to summarize the solution : Download and install audio driver for your computer, make sure your audio device is enable and if it is broken you need to replace internal speaker (You can't change notebook sound card), or get a USB audio card (it is cheap, about USD 3- 10 base on the model and functions). It is a plug and play device, which means you don't have to install driver, software or firmware, you just can use it right away.

7.1 Channel External USB Audio Sound Card Adapter

Only One side of The Speaker is Working (Left/Right)
First of all, check your jack (make sure you plug the speaker properly (external speaker). Next is to check the audio balance (right and left) on your audio manager, example I am using realtek Audio so I just need to open realtek Audio Manager and Set the slider in the midlle between left and right.

If you have other problems with your speaker do let me know in the comment section below.

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How to Stop Windows Keep Automatically Installing Drivers

Whenever you plug in a new device, or windows found a new hardware, Windows will detect and automatically install available in-box compatible drivers. It will also search the drivers on the web or via Windows Automatic Updates. The problem with this setting is whenever you uninstall a device from device manager, it will keep re-install it after reboot or after you select "scan for hardware changes". A very good reason to uninstall the current driver from device manager permanently is varies such as:

1. Windows install the default driver which does not work. When we uninstall it to install different drivers, it will re-install the previous drivers before we able to install the other driver.

2. The default driver version which windows keep installing is newer then the version we want to use, so windows will prompt "the current driver version is newer than this package".

1 : OPEN GROUP POLICY EDITOR
Click start and on the search box type gpedit.msc and press enter. This will open Group Policy Editor.

Click yes if prompted

2: Go through (Expand by clicking the arrow button) : Computer Configuration -System - device Installation and Click device installation Restriction. The on the right pane double click on " Prevent Installation of devices not described by other policy setting".

Click to enlarge

3. Select enable, you can always change this setting by clicking disable (by default this option is not configured).

4. Reboot to apply this change. Now your computer will not automatically install the drivers you already uninstalled.

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How To Check Your Drivers Version

You can easily identify what driver version you have by looking at the specific driver properties. You can access the driver properties via Device Manager which available on all Windows Operating System.

For this example I will show how to check the graphic driver version:

1. First you need to open device manager

2. Next right click on any devices you want, then select properties.

3. After that click on the Driver Tab and you will see the Driver Version will show what driver version currently installed for your graphic.

You can also identify the driver provider and driver dates. Digital Signer will show wither your driver is digitally signed or not.

Chipset Driver Version:
Certain devices not directly named as it should be such chipset is nowhere listed on the device manager. The chipset is categorize under system device, here is example Intel chipset 6 series:

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How to Enable Metro UI in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

Certain Notebook and PC such as 10.1 inch Netbook unable to support Metro UI by default.This is because 10.1 inch Netbook maximum resolution is 1024 x 600 where minimum requirement for Metro UI is 1024 x 768. So in this tutorial we will make changes to Registry Editor which will improve your Maximum resolution required to run Metro UI.

1. Open your registry Editor by : Press Windows key + R button and then type REGEDIT and press enter.

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2. A registry Editor will open, now we want to look for Disply1_DownScalingSupported . To do that simply press CTRL + F button on your keyboard and type Disply1_DownScalingSupported and the press enter.

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3. Double Click on it and change the value from 0 to 1. Now reboot your PC for changes to take place.

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4. Now go to Display setting and you will see you will have new maximum resolution and commonly it is 1152 x 864. Change your maximum resolution to use Metro UI.

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How to Disable Driver Signing Enforcement in Windows 8

Windows will prevent users to install drivers without digital signature so to enable drivers without signature installation you need to disable driver signing enforcement.

STEP 1
1. Press Windows key + R, when the "run" box appear type:

shutdown.exe /r /o /f /t 00

STEP 2
2. Before it restart, a start up setting screen will appear. Make the following selection:

Troubleshoot — Advanced options — Start Up Settings — Restart

STEP 3
3. Select " Disable driver signature enforcement" after reboot.

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How to Identify Wireless Card/Device

I feel it is important to write article about this matter since there are lot's of reason for this and i think it is better to explain it in details. Nowadays, many laptop manufacture provide more than 1 wireless driver and ask you to choose base on your specification while there are no information given.

Content:
1. Simple way to Identify your wireless Card Device.
2. Identify your wireless using hardware ID. (Driver not yet installed)

1. Simple way to identify your wireless Card/Device.

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(Driver already installed, if you still didn't install the driver look content no 2.)

1. Press windows + R button,  a windows "RUN" utility will open. (all windows OS)
2. To open device manager Type DEVMGMT.MSC and press enter or OK.

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3. Device manager will open, look for Network Adapter and expand it.

Note 1: You can see your wireless name appear (red box in the picture).
Note 2: If it marked with yellow means you need to install the driver for it.

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4. Right click on it and select properties, you will get more details about your wireless device.

2. Identify your wireless using hardware ID. (Driver not yet installed)

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This 1 is simple, but if no drivers installed, you won't see the wireless name but it will list it as "network adapter", network device or else with yellow mark on it.

1. Right click on the network adapter marked with yellow.
2. Select properties - Details and on the drop down menu select hardware ID.

3. Copy the hardware ID and Google it, you will have more than one line, choose any line to search and you will see the result displaying the exact name for your wireless device. Example i use the 3rd line from picture above

4. Now, there are other result that discuss the same hardware ID in details and give the driver version to use for your device.

5. If your manufacture provide 3 different wireless drivers example Intel, atheros and broadcom, you can use this method to determine which to download and install.

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