Checklists for software errors, setup, and tool workflows.

Fix Git 'index.lock file exists' Error

If you see fatal: Unable to create 'path/.git/index.lock': File exists. when...

Fix PowerShell Execution Policy Restricted in VS Code

When you try to run a PowerShell script in the Visual Studio Code integrated terminal and see an ...

Windows Security App Won't Open in Safe Mode: Fixes

If you’re in Safe Mode and the Windows Security app refuses to open—showing a blank window, crash...

How to Fix Python UnicodeDecodeError: 'utf-8' Codec Can't Decode Byte

You're running a Python script and suddenly see:

UnicodeDecodeError: 'utf-8' ...

Fix Chrome Sync Not Working with Family Link

If Chrome sync stops working on a child's device managed by Google Family Link, it's usua...

Fixing Git Authentication Failed in VS Code

If you see "git authentication failed" when pulling, pushing, or cloning in VS Code, the ...