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steve2470

(37,457 posts)
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 11:24 AM Apr 2016

Microsoft adds QR codes to BSODs in new Windows 10 preview build

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/04/microsoft-adds-qr-codes-to-bsods-in-new-windows-10-preview-build/

The latest Insider Preview build of Windows 10 (build 14316) has tweaked the Blue Screen of Death to include the most moddest of cons: a QR code.

Now, instead of scrambling to write down the CRYPTIC_ERROR_CODE, you can just whip out your smartphone and scan an on-screen QR code. If you don't have a phone or QR scanner to hand, the new Insider Preview BSOD also includes a help page URL that you can try to remember (or take a photo of).

In theory it's a pretty neat idea. In practice the feature isn't quite there yet: currently the QR code (and the written URL) always points you to the same "dealing with blue screen errors" page, irrespective of the actual error code. Presumably future builds of Windows 10 will have QR codes and URLs that are a little more targeted. Maybe that empathetic frowny face will be replaced with a variety of different emoji, depending on the crash, too.

Windows 10 build 14316, released six days ago, is the same build that introduced Bash support, the first public preview of the Skype UWP app, and completely redesigned emoji.


Good idea ? Bad idea ? So far, the majority seem to think it's a BAD idea.
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Microsoft adds QR codes to BSODs in new Windows 10 preview build (Original Post) steve2470 Apr 2016 OP
FFS. I was livid when Red Hat put this in SystemD Recursion Apr 2016 #1
If only they would make it easier to turn off all the spyware and torrenting. PSPS Apr 2016 #2
+100 The spyware gets me and they can turn it off. gordianot Apr 2016 #4
I hope they fix the bug that makes my start menu, task bar, and Windows apps stop working corkhead Apr 2016 #3
I got that one Sgent Apr 2016 #5

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
1. FFS. I was livid when Red Hat put this in SystemD
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 11:25 AM
Apr 2016

And I'm even more livid that MS is copying it.

It's an incredibly stupid idea

corkhead

(6,119 posts)
3. I hope they fix the bug that makes my start menu, task bar, and Windows apps stop working
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 11:36 AM
Apr 2016

on my machine. I have found a workaround - reinstalling the Windows apps when it happens, but it is sure annoying and people on Micro$oft's fix-it-your-self user community forums are livid.

Sgent

(5,857 posts)
5. I got that one
Thu Apr 14, 2016, 11:41 AM
Apr 2016

the only way I found to work around it is setup a new user and migrate everything over to the new user.

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