Logo

Fix Error 0164, Memory size decreased

Computer upgrades are the most common and most efficient ones. RAM upgrade is one of the easiest ones you can do and the most common ones but even as simple an upgrade as this one can cause certain issues.

If you are experiencing error 0164, memory size decreased after RAM upgrade we are offering you solutions on how to fix this particular error and get your computer back in working order.

  1. Change BIOS settings

    Enter your motherboard BIOS (usually by pressing the del key on startup)
    Load BIOS defaults
    Save changes and exit
    If the Error 0164: Memory size decreased issue persists even after loading setup defaults, then it must be configured manually inside the BIOS.

  2. Clear CMOS

    Follow the instructions precisely:

    • Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer.
    • Disconnect the power cord from the AC power source.
    • Remove the computer cover.
    • Find the battery on the board. The battery may be in a horizontal or vertical battery holder or connected to an onboard header with a wire.

    If the battery is in a holder, note the orientation of the + and – on the battery. With a medium flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the battery-free from its connector.

    If the battery is connected to an onboard header with a wire, disconnect the wire from the onboard header.

    • Wait one hour, then reconnect the battery.
    • Put the computer cover back on.
    • Plug the computer and all devices back in.
    • Power on the computer.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

Our Team of Experts May Help
Troubleshoot.Tech Experts are There for You!
Replace damaged files
Restore performance
Free disk space
Remove Malware
Protects WEB browser
Remove Viruses
Stop PC freezing
GET HELP
Troubleshoot.Tech experts work with all versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 11, with Android, Mac, and more.

Share this article:

You might also like

How to remove FindWide

FindWide is a browser add-on for Internet Explorer. This addon Hijacks your home page and internet search provider changing it to search.findwide.com. Alternate versions change the homepage to search.us.com.

This addon monitors your user activity while you are surfing the web. It collects user and browsing data, that it uses to better display targeted ads. While browsing with this addon enabled you will see additional ads, sponsored links, and even sometimes pop-up ads displaying throughout your browsing sessions.

Several anti-virus programs have marked this addon as a Browser Hijacker and is therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

From the Author: Each search engine has its own method of searching and each will return different results. Findwide.com looks at all of them, decides which are most relevant to your search, eliminates duplicates, and reveals them to you. In the end, you get a list of results more complete than using any one search engine alone.

Help! Malware Blocking Antivirus Installation And Access To The Internet

Viruses could cause plenty of damage to your computer. Some malware is meant to restrict or block things that you wish to do on your personal computer. It may well not permit you to download anything from the net or it will stop you from accessing some or all websites, especially the anti-malware websites. If you’re reading this, you probably have got infected by a virus that prevents you from installing a computer security program like Safebytes Antimalware on your PC. Even though this kind of problem can be tougher to get around, there are some steps you can take.

Download the application in Safe Mode with Networking

If any virus is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could block the attempt. Since only the bare minimum applications and services launch in safe mode, there are seldom any reasons for conflicts to take place. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) Press the F8 key continuously as soon as your computer boots, but before the big Windows logo comes up. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and press ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you will have online access again. Now, utilize your browser to download and install Safebytes. 4) Following installation, do a full scan and let the software get rid of the threats it discovers.

Switch over to an alternate web browser

Certain malware might target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. In the event you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by malware or otherwise compromised by hackers, the best course of action is to switch over to an alternate internet browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen computer security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install antivirus on a USB drive

Here’s another solution which is using portable USB anti-malware software that can scan your computer for malicious software without needing installation. Follow these steps to run the anti-malware on the affected computer system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, select the location of the pen drive as the place in which you want to put the software files. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the clean PC to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware software EXE file on the thumb drive. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove malware automatically.

Protect Your PC & Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

To help protect your computer or laptop from various internet-based threats, it is very important to install anti-malware software on your computer system. However, with countless numbers of antimalware companies in the marketplace, nowadays it is actually challenging to decide which one you should obtain for your laptop. A few are good ones, some are decent, while some are simply just fake anti-malware software that will harm your PC themselves! You must be careful not to choose the wrong product, especially if you buy a premium program. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for security-conscious people. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only protects your PC completely but is also very easy to use for people of all skill levels. With its cutting-edge technology, this application can help you eliminate multiples types of malware like computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware offers an array of advanced features which sets it apart from all others. The following are some typical features present in this computer software: Real-time Threat Response: Malware programs attempting to enter the system are discovered and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. This tool will always monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the latest threats. Robust Anti-malware Protection: By using a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is made to catch and eliminate threats that are concealed deep inside your computer. Web Filtering: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes alerts you whether a website is safe or not to visit it. This will assure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the net. Lowest CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes is well-known for its low effect on computer resources and great detection rate of countless threats. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you are free to use your computer at full power all the time. Fantastic Technical Support: Support service is accessible 24 x 7 x 365 days via chat and email to answer your queries. To conclude, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is really great for securing your computer against all sorts of malware threats. Once you’ve installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer have to bother about malware or other security concerns. If you’re searching for a comprehensive antivirus program that’s still easy to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is just what you need!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not wish to use an automated tool and like to eliminate FindWide manually, you could possibly do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and deleting the offending program; in cases of browser plug-ins, you can uninstall it by visiting the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You might also want to reset your home page and search engine providers and also clear your browser cache and cookies. Finally, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to remove leftover application entries following uninstalls. But bear in mind, this is often a complicated task and only computer professionals could perform it safely. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. Carrying out this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is suggested.
Files: C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\Autorun.inf C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\crx.tar C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\ffassist.1.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\GLOBALUNINSTALL.TNT C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\hmac.1.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\iehpr.1.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\iestage2.1.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\IEToolbar.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\IEToolbar64.dll C:\Documents and Settings\%USERNAME%\Local Settings\Application Data\TNT2.0.0.1599\INSTALL.TNT
Read More
Steam Deck's docking station delayed

The docking station was promised upon release of the Deck but it was pushed back and now the official statement is that it is delayed again.

Steam deck docking station

Valve said in an announcement on June 1:

“Due to parts shortages and COVID closures at our manufacturing facilities, the official Steam Deck Docking Station is delayed. We’re working on improving the situation and will share more info when we have it.”

Valve

The docking station was presented at the same time as Deck itself and the whole idea was to make Steam Deck work like a laptop docking station. It has ports for USB devices, displays, and network connections that became functional the moment Deck is placed on it. Docking supports a mouse, keyboard, and external display making it an almost full PC station if needed.

Valve confirmed that its official dock station will not improve performance so while you wait for its release you can use another docking station with a USB Type-C connector.

Read More
Configure Windows 10 to create Dump Files on Blue Screen of Death
If your Windows PC encounters an error, it will display a Blue Screen of Death or BSOD error which usually comes up for a fraction of second and creates some logs or Dumps Files as what other user prefers to call it and then boots your PC suddenly. This process usually takes place quickly that most users find it hard to get the error code and won’t probably be able to check what really went wrong with their PCs. This is where the dump files come in. They are stored internally in your computer and can only be accessed by an administrator. They are classified into 4 main types and in Windows 10 they are either:
  1. Complete Memory Dump
  2. Kernel Memory Dump
  3. Small Memory Dump (256 KB)
  4. Active Memory Dumps
Dump Files are useful as they could help you in resolving the problem and so you need to configure your Windows 10 PC to create them but first, you need to make a system restore point. This is essential as you are about to modify some system files as well as critical Windows 10 settings. There are two ways you can create Dump files – first is by modifying the settings in the Startup and Recovery and lastly is via the WMIC command line. Refer to the instructions prepared below to be guided on how you can create Dump files after any BSOD error using these options.

Option 1 – via Startup and Recovery

  • Type in “control panel” in the Cortana Search box and then click on Control Panel from the search results to open it.
  • After opening Control Panel, you need to make sure that you view the contents by their Category then click on the header link which is labeled “System and Security” or you could also right-click on the This PC icon and then click on Properties.
  • Next, select the Advanced system settings from the left panel. Once you do, a new and small window will pop up.
  • Under the newly opened window, look for the section called Startup and Recovery and then click on the Settings button.
  • And from the System Failure section, you can choose any option from the drop-down for Write debugging information such as:
    • None – this means that there is no dump file created by Windows
    • Small Memory Dump – this means that Windows will create a Minidump file on BSOD
    • Complete Memory Dump – this means that Windows will create a Complete Memory Dump file on BSOD
    • Automatic Memory Dump – this means that Windows will create an Automatic Memory Dump file on BSOD
    • Active Memory Dump – this means that Windows will create an Active Memory Dump file on BSOD
Note: The complete dump needs a page file that is allowed to be the size of the physical memory installed in your PC with a dedicated 1 MB of space for just the page header.
  • Now once you have selected the most suitable option for you, just click on OK/Apply and then exit.
  • Restart your PC to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – via the WMIC command line

  • The first thing you need to do to create Dump files via the WMIC command line is to tap the Win + X keys combination or simply right-click on the Start button and then select the Command Prompt (Admin) option. You could also type in “cmd” in the Cortana search box and then right-click on Command Prompt from the results and select Run as administrator.
  • After that, type in any of the commands given below depending on your preferences so that your Windows 10 PC will be configured to create Dump Files:
    • No dump file: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 0
    • Small Memory Dump: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 3
    • Kernel Memory Dump: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 2
    • Complete Memory Dump: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 1
    • Automatic Memory Dump: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 7
    • Active Memory Dump: wmic RECOVEROS set DebugInfoType = 1
Note: A complete dump has to have a Page file which is allowed to be the size of the physical memory installed on your PC accompanied by a 1 MB space for just the page header.
  • Now type in “exit” in the Command Prompt to exit it.
  • Restart your PC to apply the changes made successfully.
Read More
Fix 0x00000016 Blue Screen Error
If you are a gamer, you might have encountered either the CID HANDLE CREATION or VIDEO TDR ERROR errors with an error code of 0x00000016 as you play a game. These kinds of Stop errors have something to do with the Graphics card driver. It could be that your Graphics card driver needs to be updated or it may be corrupted. Whichever the case is, you can try fixing this error using the given solutions below but before you proceed, make sure to create a System Restore Point first so that you can easily roll back to the previous state of your computer in case something does not go as expected.

Option 1 – Try checking if your graphics card is enabled and update it as well

Although the problem is quite massive, the fix could be as simple as enabling the graphics card if it turns out to be disabled. There might be some strange reason why your graphics card disables itself. Thus, the best and first option you can try is to check if the graphics card is enabled or not. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • After opening the Device Manager, look for your graphics card option among the list of device drivers. Once you found it, check if it is enabled or not. If it’s not enabled, you should see a gray arrow pointing downwards. Right-click on the card and select Enabled.
  • Next, right-click on the graphics card once more and click on the Update Driver Software option and then click on the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.

Option 2 – Reinstall the Graphics card drivers

  • Tap Win + R to open Run then type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • From there, look for the Display adapters and uninstall each one of the graphics card drivers by right-clicking on them and selecting the Uninstall device option.
  • After uninstalling the graphics card drivers, close the Device Manager and tap Win + R to open Run once again.
  • After that, type “appwiz.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to open Programs & Features in the Control Panel.
  • Next, look for any program that’s related to your GPU manufacturers like Nvidia, AMD, or Intel. Right-click on any GPU-related entry and click on Uninstall to uninstall them and then follow the next on-screen instructions that appear afterward.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • Once your computer has restarted, go to the GPU manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver version for your graphics card model and then install it.
  • Restart your computer once again. That should fix the problem.

Option 3 – Try reinstalling the game

If updating and reinstalling your Graphics card driver didn’t help, then you can try to reinstall the game where you’re getting the CID HANDLE CREATION or VIDEO TDR ERRORS.

Option 4 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently

Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.
  • In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
  • After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
  • From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.
Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it. In addition, you might also want to check the hardware components of your computer that might not support the operating system itself. You can disconnect all the external devices like USB drives, scanners, printers, etc., and then reboot your PC. After that, add the devices again one after the other and check if the BSOD error is now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try disabling your monitor’s Sleep functionality

There are times when the Sleep functionality of your monitor can also cause BSOD errors like CID HANDLE CREATION or VIDEO TDR errors. There are also times when the graphics card is running in the background and the display goes to sleep and then it’s turned back on but you encounter this kind of Blue Screen error. This is why you can try to disable your computer monitor’s Sleep mode.

Option 6 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like CID HANDLE CREATION or VIDEO TDR errors. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 7 – Try to run the Chkdsk utility

Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the CID HANDLE CREATION or VIDEO TDR errors. If your hard drive has issues with integrity, the update will really fail as the system will think that it’s not healthy and that’s where the CHKDSK utility comes in. The CHKDSK utility repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, execute the following command and hit Enter:
chkdsk /f /r
  • Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your computer.
Read More
Fix Black border or bar on Monitor
If you suddenly see a black border in your computer’s display then you might be wondering how come this happened but worry not for this post will give you a couple of suggestions that could help you resolve the problem. The black bar could appear at the bottom or just the sides of the screen. Whichever it may be, there are options you can check out. Refer to the options givens below and make sure to follow them carefully.

Option 1 – Try checking the screen resolution

You might want to try checking the resolution of your screen.
  • Open the Windows 10 Settings and go to Display.
  • Next, go for the “100% (Recommended)” option under Scale and layout for the size of the text, apps, and other items.
  • After that, select the Recommended setting again under Resolution.
Now check to see if the black bars are still there. They should be gone at this point, but if for some strange reason nothing has changed, then attempt the steps below.

Option 2 – Try updating Graphics & Monitor drivers

You might want to try updating your graphics and monitor drivers if you haven’t updated them for some time now. To do that, refer to these steps:
  • First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  • After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Graphics drivers or the Monitor drivers and then click each one of them.
  • After that, right-click on each entry and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: You can also try to roll back the graphics and monitor drivers back to their previous versions if updating them didn’t work. You can also try visiting the manufacturer’s website and download the graphics or monitor driver setup for your operating system.

Option 3 – Try to run the DISM tool

You can also run the DISM Tool as it might also help in getting rid of the black border or bar on your Windows 10 computer. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth” which could help you resolve the problem.
  • Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 4 – Troubleshot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing the Black border issue. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.
Read More
Reasons to Defrag Hard Drive
Hello and welcome to our Reasons to Defrag Hard Drive. You ought to defrag your hard drive, in case your PC is slow. This could enhance the efficiency and pace of your PC too as its hardware longevity. It places them where there is space, whenever your PC saves files. Often files are separated into bits. For example, whenever you remember a file and focus on it, it frequently doesn't fit back in exactly the same physical place. Where it can your PC divides up the file, occasionally into several parts, and saves it.

Why defrag?

Fragmentation causes difficulties that doing a defrag can correct. Fragmented files because it requires more resources and time to locate and remember these files slow down your pc. Applications may also take longer to load. Defragging can prolong the life span of the components. A defragged hard disk too can raise your likelihood of recovering lost information. Once fragmentation starts, it can propagate fast -- demanding defragging. It's like the pages of a publication are divided and hidden in several locations around a house, if a file is fragmented. It's like the pages of the book being brought back together, should you defrag. Defragging discovers all the bits of the file and places them in contiguous, actual places.

How will you defrag?

To defrag your hard drive, you must utilize software or utility. There are lots of defragging tools available. SpeedyPC Pro, a whole package of cleaning and optimization tools, can defragment your PC. Before you defrag, it's best to assess your hard drive. This evaluation finds if a defrag is needed and how much of the disc is fragmented. You simply allow the application do the work if it's determined that you must defrag your PC to enhance performance. To be able to defrag a drive, free disk space will be required by your PC. Defragging can take a while. How long depends on several variables, such as the system resources accessible, the disc volume, the number of files, and how fragmented the files are. It's a great idea to defrag when you don't have to use your pc or it isn't doing other jobs. For example, the night could become a great time to defrag. Be certain to close out of resource-intensive applications, like your antivirus scanner, before you defrag.
Read More
What Is a VPN and What Can It Do For You?

Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.

In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.

VPN: definition and how it works

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does. 

A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.

To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.


Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash

Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.

There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.

Benefits of using a VPN

When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.

You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much. 

When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.

1. Access region-specific content

When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.

This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.

Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)

In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.

Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.

2. Browse like no one’s watching

VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.

In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.

The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.

3. Save money

It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.

You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company. 

Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.

4. Secure your smart home

The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard. 

Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.

Credit: Bence Boros on Unsplash

5. Prevent connection slowdown

Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).

But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.   

The bottom line

You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.

Read More
Fix Error Accessing the Registry in Windows
If you encounter an error saying, “error accessing the registry” when you try to merge a registry key on your Windows 10 computer, you’re not alone as some users also experienced the same problem. According to these users, they encounter the error after they’ve re-installed their Windows version and tried to open a .reg file. Based on the reports, this error could occur if the registry file does not have administrative privileges. Meaning to say, the program does not have the necessary permission to merge the .reg file. This is common with fresh installs as well as reinstalls. Moreover, this kind of issue could also occur due to system file corruption. Whichever the case may be, here are some troubleshooting tips you can check out to resolve the error.

Option 1 – Try to import the .reg file with admin privileges

As pointed out, the error may be due to a lack of admin privileges. It could be that the Registry Editor does not have admin privileges to merge the registry file. This is common with new Windows installations especially since the Registry Editor hasn’t been opened before. So you need to import the .reg file again and this time, with admin privileges.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and tap the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys to open the Registry Editor with admin privileges.
  • A User Account Control or UAC prompt will appear where you have to click Yes to proceed.
  • After opening the Registry Editor, go to File > Import using the ribbon bar at the top.
  • Next, use the import menu to go to the location of the file you were trying to merge. Once you’ve found it, click Open to merge it with your current registry. This should fix the problem. If not, refer to the next options below.

Option 2 – Try performing a System Restore

Running System Restore can also help you fix the error when accessing the Registry. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
  • Once the next startup is complete, you have to merge or import the file again and see if the error is now fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try to perform repair install by creating a Windows 10 installation media

  • Click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
  • Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
  • Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
  • After that, you should now have an ISO file.
  • Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
  • Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with option and then select File Explorer.
  • Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings since it doesn’t really work.

Option 4 – Try running the System File Checker Scan

As mentioned, the error when accessing the Registry might be caused by file corruption. And that’s where the SFC scan comes in. The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
  • Now restart your computer.
Read More
How to remove ListenToTheRadioNow from your PC

ListenToTheRadioNow is a Browser Extension that allegedly lets you listen to radio from your browser. However, all this extension does is add links to the popular radio stations on your home page. This extension hijacks your home page and changes your default search provides to MyWay. While running it monitors browsing data from your browser, mining information such as website visits, clicked links, and sometimes even personal information. This information is later used to display targeted ads through your browser. Several anti-virus scanners have marked this extension as a possible Browser Hijackers, and due to its data mining nature, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a type of unwanted software, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijackers could do more than just modifying homepages. In most cases, browser hijacking is used for earning ad revenue that comes from forced advert clicks and website visits. Even though it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are dangerous and therefore always regarded as security threats. They don’t just ruin your internet browsers, but browser hijackers could also modify the system registry to make your PC susceptible to other malicious programs.

How you can know whether the browser is hijacked?

There are several symptoms of browser hijacking: 1. home-page is changed 2. new bookmarks pointing to porn websites have been added to your bookmarks 3. the default internet search engine and/or the default web browser settings are altered 4. find new toolbars that you did not add 5. unstoppable flurries of popup ads show up on your PC screen 6. webpages load very slowly and often incomplete 7. you have prohibited entry to certain web pages, for example, the site of an anti-malware software firm like SafeBytes.

So how does a browser hijacker infect a PC

A browser hijacker could be installed on your computer or laptop if you visit an infected website, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They also come from add-on programs, also referred to as browser helper objects (BHO), browser plug-ins or toolbars. Also, some shareware and freeware can put the hijacker inside your computer through “bundling”. A good example of some popular browser hijackers includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are regularly changing.

Tips on how to get rid of a browser hijacker

Some hijackers can be removed by uninstalling the freeware they were included with or by eliminating any extension you’ve recently added to your computer. However, most hijacking codes are not very easy to eliminate manually, since they go deeper into your operating system. Furthermore, manual removal expects you to perform several time-consuming and tricky actions that are hard to do for new computer users. Professionals always recommend users to get rid of any malicious software including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is simpler, safer, and faster than the manual removal technique. One of the top tools for correcting browser hijacker malware is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It can help you eliminate any pre-existing malicious software in your computer and provides you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest internet threats. Employ a PC optimizer along with your anti-malware software to correct various registry problems, remove computer vulnerabilities, and improve your computer overall performance.

Help! Malware Preventing Antivirus Installation And Access To The Internet

All malware is bad, but certain kinds of malware do a lot more damage to your computer than others. Some malware sits in between the computer and the net connection and blocks some or all internet sites that you want to check out. It will also prevent you from installing anything on your system, especially anti-virus applications. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer. Do as instructed below to get rid of the malware by alternate methods.

Install the anti-malware in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is actually a special, basic version of Windows in which just minimal services are loaded to counteract viruses and other troublesome programs from loading. In the event, the malicious software is set to load automatically when the computer boots, switching to this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on your keyboard just before the Windows logo screen comes up; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, check Safe Boot under Boot tab, and click Apply. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can attempt to download and install your antivirus software application without the hindrance of the virus. After installation, run the malware scanner to get rid of most standard infections.

Download the security program using an alternate web browser

Some malware mainly targets particular browsers. If this sounds like your case, use another web browser as it could circumvent the virus. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your preferred anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-virus from the Thumb drive

Another solution is to store and operate an anti-malware program entirely from a Pen drive. Do these simple steps to clear up your affected PC using a portable antivirus. 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Insert the USB drive onto the same system. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, with a .exe file format. 4) Choose the drive letter of the pen drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the antivirus. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to complete the installation process. 5) Unplug the pen drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-virus on the affected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes software right from the pen drive. 7) Click the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your PC and Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

To help protect your laptop or computer from many different internet-based threats, it’s important to install an anti-malware program on your laptop. However, with so many antimalware companies in the marketplace, nowadays it is hard to decide which one you should buy for your laptop. Some of them are great and some are scamware applications that pretend as genuine anti-malware software waiting to wreak havoc on your computer. While looking for an anti-malware tool, choose one that offers dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. On the list of recommended software by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a popular security application for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, highly effective protection software made to assist users of all levels of computer literacy in finding and removing harmful threats from their computer. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software protects your computer against infections caused by different kinds of malware and similar threats, including spyware, adware, viruses, worms, trojans, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs). SafeBytes anti-malware provides a myriad of advanced features that sets it apart from all others. Below are some of the great features included in the tool. Robust Anti-malware Protection: Built on a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can find and get rid of many obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common antivirus applications will miss. Live Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your computer. This software will continuously keep track of your computer for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the latest threats. Web Filtering: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the web. Faster Scanning: SafeBytes Anti-Malware possesses a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to five times faster than any other antivirus software. Lightweight Application: SafeBytes gives you complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load due to its enhanced detection engine and algorithms. 24/7 Live Expert Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to promptly resolve any issue with your security application. SafeBytes can keep your PC safe from most advanced malware threats automatically, thus keeping your online experience secure and safe. Malware issues can become a thing of the past when you put this application to use. If you want sophisticated forms of protection features & threat detections, buying SafeBytes Anti-Malware will be worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not wish to use malware removal software and like to get rid of ListenToTheRadioNow manually, you might accomplish this by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and deleting the offending software; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could remove it by visiting the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You will likely also want to reset your web browser. Finally, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstalls. Please keep in mind that only experienced users should attempt to manually edit the system files because removing any single critical registry entry results in a serious problem or even a system crash. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. It is highly recommended that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\mlpfmcjpkbijcpegdbkplcddgacjlgpf %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\mlpfmcjpkbijcpegdbkplcddgacjlgpf %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\mlpfmcjpkbijcpegdbkplcddgacjlgpf %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\nhpggpakfcgbidnmlheodkbccemlenag %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\nhpggpakfcgbidnmlheodkbccemlenag %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Google Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\ListenToTheRadioNow\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller ListenToTheRadioNow
Read More
A Quick Guide to Fixing Error 577

Error 577 - What is it?

This is a typical system error code. It stops your ability to run or load programs on your PC. The error message is displayed in the following format:
‘Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file.
A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source.’

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error 577 may be triggered due to several reasons. However, the most common causes of this error include:
  • Device Driver Conflicts
  • Hardware Malfunction
  • Viral Infection
  • Windows Registry Corruption or Damage
  • Software File Corruption or Damage
Error 577 can prove to be fatal if the underlying causes are related to viral infection or registry corruption.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve error 577 on your PC, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars on repair. The process for fixing this error is simple and easy. Here are some of the best and efficient methods to repair error 577 - no technical expertise is required.

Method 1 - Check and Update Device Drivers

If the problem is triggered by the outdated or corrupted driver for the device reporting the error then it is advisable to update the driver. To do this, first, uninstall the corrupted driver and then reinstall the latest version. For this simply click the start menu, go to the control panel and then click Performance and Maintenance, and then System. In the new window, you will then see a tab called Hardware and the Device Manager. Double click on the device whose driver you need to uninstall. Click on the properties window with a tab marked driver. Then click on the driver you want to uninstall. To activate changes reboot your PC. Now reinstall the latest and updated version of the driver uninstalled using the Plug and Play feature.

Method 2 - Scan For Viruses

System error codes like 577 can also pop up if your PC is infected by viruses. Viruses enter through phishing emails and downloadable files from unreliable websites. If the reason for error 577 is a viral infection, then simply install a powerful antivirus, run it to scan your entire PC. Remove all the viruses and malicious programs immediately to resolve. If the issue still persists, then try method 3.

Method 3 - Repair the Registry

Sometimes registry corruption can be the underlying cause for error 577. The registry is the part that saves all activities performed on the system. It stores both important and unnecessary files like junk files, cookies, and bad registry entries. If these files are not removed from the registry frequently, they accumulate and corrupt the registry which then generates system error codes. To resolve and repair the registry in seconds, simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Repair Tool embedded with a registry cleaner. It wipes away all unnecessary files corrupting the registry and repairs it. Click here to download Restoro.
Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status