Windows 10: Surface 3 thinks it's a cell phone

At one time in the past, I made some changes to my Surface 3 running Win 10 to make it think it's my Android phone. (I followed some very detailed, technical instructions, maybe even using RegEdit?) I think I did this to be able to load and run an Android app from Google Play on my Surface 3. Now, however, when I attempt to download a Google Play app to my Surface 3, I'm told it's already installed...and it is, but on my Android phone. How do I stop my Surface 3 from thinking it's my Android phone?

:)

 

Blocking Cell Phone Numbers

Here's one way to get around the problem. It's kludgy but it should work.

Get a VOIP based phone service or a magic jack. For 24/7 access, you're better off with VOIP that uses an ethernet adapter, but that's up to the user.

The important point is to find one that lets you create your own "black list" of callers. Usually they will have both black and white list options and these are usually a subcategory under the "do not disturb" or similar feature.

The provider will usually let you create a second number for $5-10 per month. You'll use this for your cell phone number. If it is ever compromised, you can change it easily without affecting the base number.

Forward the second number to your cell phone and give everyone that one as your "cell phone" number. There will be a delay of a few seconds as calls get routed, but who cares. It's not like any of us is on Obama's speed dial right?

Now when you get assholes calling you, just add them to the black list.

You can also block calls w/o caller id this way if your cell phone co. doesn't already do that for you.

 

California to Ban Cell Phones/Laptops/Mobile Devices on Road

Ive almost been hit 100 times by folks talking on their damn cell phones and not paying attention. About time someone stepped up and did something.

 

Surface Pro 3

Hi ChrisWaters3,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Could you please help me with the below information:

1. Does the battery drain out, if the tablet is not connected to peripherals?
   
   
2. Which version of Windows you are using? (To check, type: winver in start menu and hit enter.)
   

I understand how something like this can try your patience. This issue is an indication of faulty drivers or incompatible driver.
However, I suggest you to follow the troubleshooting steps mentioned below:

Method 1: Check the drivers.

Step1: Battery driver

1. Press Windows andR
   key together on your Keyboard.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
   
3. Click on view on top > Select Show hidden devices.
   
4. Expand the Batteries option from the list.
   
5. Select the ACPI Compliant Control Method Battery> right click on the driver and click on
   Properties.
6. Click on Driver tab > check if you have the option to
   Roll Back Driver.
7. If yes, Roll back the driver or uninstall it and restart the computer.
   

Uninstalling the driver will be automatically installed after the system is restarted. Check if the issue is fixed.

Step 2: Keyboard driver.

1. In the Device manager, go to ‘Other devices’, you will find
   Unknown devices.
   
2. Double tap on the unknown device > click on
   Driver tab> click on update driver.
   
3. Select browse my computer for driver software> Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers
   
4. Select keyboard, then click ‘Next’.
   
5. Select HID Keyboard device and click finish.
   

Method 2: Run the toolkit.


Note: If your Surface is managed by your work or school, check with your organization's IT department before running the tool.

I would suggest you to run the toolkit provided by Microsoft on
Fix common Surface
problems using the Surface Diagnostic Toolkit

If the above steps, doesn’t fix the issue. I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned in the article on
Surface Pro 3 Battery
FAQ for the Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware update.


Hope it helps.

Roohi Taj S

Microsoft Community - Moderator