Remove recommended icons from the start menu

In case you don’t know, a teletype network, also known as Telnet, is a protocol that is meant for internet or LAN communication which is used primarily to control other computers effortlessly. And it is available as a command-line utility in Windows and helps users in opening a command-line interface for the remote computer. However, a lot of users have reported an error that states, “Telnet is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file” when you try to use it. If you are one of these users, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on how to fix this error in Windows 10. This kind of error means that the Telnet utility is not installed on your computer but Telnet is a default feature in Windows 10 so the protocol mainly is not enabled yet. The Telnet client is disabled by default in Windows 10 and to fix this error, you can try to enable the Telnet Client via Programs and Features or try to install Telnet using an elevated Command Prompt.

Option 1 – Try to enable the Telnet Client via Programs and Features

The first thing you can do is to enable the Telnet client using Programs and Features since it is disabled by default. To do that, follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “appwiz.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
• Next, select the “Turn Windows features on or off” from the options given on the left-hand side.
• After that, look for the Telnet client from the list and check the checkbox next to it and then click on OK to save the changes made.
• Now restart your computer.

Option 2 – Try to install Telnet via an elevated Command Prompt

If enabling the Telnet client using Programs and Features didn’t work, then you can try to do it using Command Prompt instead. To get started, follow the steps given below.

• In the Windows Search bar, type “command prompt” in the field and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results, and select the “Run as administrator” option.
• Next, execute this command to enable the Telnet client: dism /online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:TelnetClient
• Once the command has been executed, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

As you know, you can encounter Blue Screen errors at any given point after your computer boots up and can just reboot it randomly which results in loss of unsaved work. One of these Blue Screen errors is the “REGISTRY_ERROR”. This kind of Stop error has a bug check value of 0x00000051 which indicates your computer’s registry has encountered a severe error. There could be a number of causes for this error but at the time of writing, it is quite difficult to narrow them down to one component. If you face this kind of Blue Screen error, worry not as this post will guide you in fixing it. As mentioned, this error indicates that there is something wrong with the registry, particularly an I/O error while it tried to read one of its files. This may be caused by hardware issues or file system corruption. It could also be due to failure in a refresh operation which is only used by the security system and only when resource limits are encountered. To fix the Registry_Error Blue Screen, you can try to use the CHKDSK utility or the System File Checker, or the DISM tool or run the Blue Screen troubleshooter. You may also try to reset your computer or repair Windows by using installation media.

Option 1 – Run the Check Disk utility

The first thing you can do to fix the REGISTRY_ERROR Blue Screen error is to run the Check Disk utility. How? Follow these steps:

• In the Windows Search box, type “command prompt” and from the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
• After opening Command Prompt, type this command and tap Enter: chkdsk <Drive Letter>: /f /r /x /b
• The command you entered will start to check for errors and fix them automatically. Else, it will throw an error message saying, “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like the schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”.
• Tap the Y key to schedule Disk Check the next time your computer restarts.

Option 2 – 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 REGISTRY_ERROR. It can be found in 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 3 – Run System File Checker

• Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• After that, execute this command: sfc /scannow
• Once the scan is completed, restart your computer and then check if the REGISTRY_ERROR is now fixed.

Option 4 – Run the DISM tool

You can try running the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management or DISM tool to fix the REGISTRY_ERROR Blue Screen error. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth”.

• 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. Once it’s done, restart your computer.

Option 5 – Reset your computer

• Tap the Win key or click on the Start button located in the Taskbar.
• Then click on the Power button at the bottom right portion of the screen.
• Next, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and then click on Restart. This will restart your Pc into the Advanced Startup options.

Note: Once you have access to the Advanced Startup options, you have to go to the setting which allows you to Reset your Windows 10 PC. All you have to do is select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC to reach the following screen Afterward, select either the “Keep my files” option and then proceed to the next on-screen instructions that follow to reset your Windows 10 computer without losing your files.

Option 6 – 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”.

Ever gotten an e-mail offer that seemed just a little bit too good to be true? Might’ve been a phishing attempt! These are everywhere and can come in many different forms. 

So what’s phishing exactly, how can you detect it and how can you keep safe?

What is phishing?

Phishing (pronounced like fishing) is a type of cyberattack that tricks the user into trusting the source and revealing sensitive information. Fishing being the perfect analogy, the bait is a legitimate-looking site, e-mail or file and when you take a bite, your identity, banking information and much more can be revealed and stolen.

Some phishing attempts are incredibly obvious, others are super elaborate. Like with most types of malware, cybercriminals have become extremely well-versed in phishing and anyone can fall for it. To help you recognize and avoid it, we’ll take you through a couple of phishing types and give you tips on what to do if faced with them.

Phishing techniques

E-mail phishing

This is actually the most common type of phishing. A cybercriminal creates an e-mail containing stuff like attractive offers, legitimate-looking attachments or links and makes it appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source.

For example, it looks like it’s coming from your bank or your favorite retailer. The logo looks legit and the structure of the e-mail seems familiar, so you might get tricked into clicking on whatever clickable content is in it.

Unfortunately this exposes your device to malware that hands your data off to the hacker, who can decide what to do with it further.

SMS and social media phishing

Like the above example, you could be approached with lucrative offers or links via text messages or social media messages. Typically, the messages seem relevant to the user as they will be made to look like they’re related to apps or services you’re using.

Voice phishing

Voice phishing attacks are schemes that appear as though they’re coming from a credible number. Normally, you’ll get a call about something related to credit cards or taxes to get you into a state of worry, leading you to disclose personal information on the phone.

Spear phishing, whaling and BEC

Spear phishing normally targets specific individuals within a company who are likely to have access to sensitive data. Spear phishers spend time collecting information they can use to reach out to the individual looking as trustworthy as possible. They’ll typically lead with something relevant, for example mentioning an upcoming company event, and make a seemingly legitimate request.

Whaling is a more elaborate form of spear phishing, which targets people in even stronger positions such as executives or high-value individuals. The ultimate goal is to get them to transfer financial or other sensitive information that can be used to compromise the entire business.

BEC, or Business e-mail compromise, is a specific spear phishing technique carried out via e-mail. While there are many ways this is done, most commonly you’ll see instances where the phisher poses as a CEO or similar executive, or as a lower-level employee in specific positions (e.g. sales managers or financial controllers).

In the first situation, the impersonator reaches out to employees requesting them to transfer certain files or pay invoices. In the second situation, the phisher takes control of the employee’s e-mail account and sends false instructions to other employees in order to obtain data and information from them.

What can you do?

There are many ways you can be aware and spot a phishing attempt. Here are some tips:

• Always check the sender’s address in your e-mails, even when they seem to come from a familiar source.
• In any instance where payment information is requested, be very, very careful.
• If you are receiving attachments you never asked for and definitely didn’t expect, better not click on them. 
• Beware of content that transmits a sense of urgency (sales deals, urgent updates to login credentials, etc.).
• Bad spelling and grammar are usually a telltale sign of phishing.
• Links that look shortened (e.g. Bit.ly) or just suspicious in general - if you have a bad feeling, do not click on them.
• If you are receiving threats, you probably shouldn’t be clicking on anything in that message.
• Always examine first-time senders in detail.
• Block suspicious e-mail addresses, numbers and social media accounts.
• If you are receiving a coupon for free stuff… You aren’t.
• If you’re being asked to update your payment details by a service you use, such as Netflix, chances are it’s an impersonator.

Those are some of the ways to identify and prevent phishing attacks. However, sometimes phishers disguise themselves a little too well or a misclick happens and there you go - you’ve been exposed to malware.

This won’t happen if you invest in powerful protection software from the get-go, though. A good antivirus program like Bitdefender will keep you safe from becoming a victim of phishing scams. In fact, it will protect you from malicious attacks overall.

Be it your household or your business you’re concerned about, there are a bunch of different packages and options available, providing different kinds of cybersecurity services. That’s the only way you can ever really be sure you aren’t at risk of a digital attack.

Summary

Have you ever been targeted by phishers and didn’t know that’s what it was until you read this article? Many can relate. Protect yourself before it’s too late!

Each time we turn ON our computer or wake it from hibernation we are greeted with a Windows login screen where we need to provide login credentials in order to get into Windows itself and start working. This method of preserving data and privacy is perfectly fine and as a matter of fact, it is recommended for mobile computers but if you have a home computer in a safe environment where no one will try to look at your data or rummage through your personal stuff then removing login screen is safe enough action and can cause you a lot piece, from time-saving to less frustration on every restart or sleep action. In previous Windows versions, it was much easier to turn off this feature but it seems Microsoft has determined that our privacy and security are important and somewhat removed the ability to turn OFF the lock screen. In this guide, we will show you how you can still remove the lock screen and automatically log in with your account like in the good old days. The first thing you need to do is to press ⊞ WINDOWS + R  to bring up the Run dialog In the dialog, type in netplwiz and press ENTER. You will find yourself in the User Accounts window, inside deselect Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. Press OK Sign in the window will pop up where you will have to type in your password and confirm it in order to start the feature. After typing in your password and confirming it, press OK. That's it, next time you wake your computer from hibernation or turn it ON, you will automatically be greeted with a desktop instead of a Windows login screen.

As you know, both the Windows Update and Windows Store are inter-dependable services in Windows 10 operating system. So when one of these services encounters an error like the “0x80070424, ERROR_SERVICE_DOES_NOT_EXIST”, the other service will most likely get this error as well. Note that this kind of error can occur to both the Windows Update Standalone Installer and to the Windows Update section in the Windows 10 Settings app. Some users also reported getting this error while trying to update Windows Defender as well. You can see the following error message in the Windows Update Standalone Installer:

“Installer encountered an error: 0x80070424, The specified service does not exist as an installed service.”

While you’ll see the following error message in the Windows Store:

“The were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80070424).”

To fix this error, you can try to re-register the Background Intelligent Transfer Service DLL file or run the Windows Update and Store apps troubleshooters. You can also reset the Windows Update-related folders or the Microsoft Store or fix the Windows Update files by using the DISM tool. On the other hand, you can also use the Registry Editor or check Windows Services. For more details regarding these potential fixes, refer to each one of the given options below.

Option 1 – Try to re-register the Background Intelligent Transfer Service DLL file

You may have to re-register the Background Intelligent Transfer Service DLL file using the regsvr32.exe before you can successfully install the program and fix ntdll.dll file crash error. The Regsvr32 tool is a command-line utility that can be used to register and un-register OLE controls as DLL and ActiveX (OCX) controls in the Windows operating system. Follow the steps below to use it.

• Open Command Prompt as admin from the WinX menu.
• Next, type the following commands in the elevated Command Prompt and hit Enter to execute the command. This will re-register the affected DLL file using the Windows operating system tool, regsvr32.exe.
  • regsvr32 Qmgr.dll /s
  • regsvr32 Qmgrprxy.dll /s

Note: Replace “[DLL file]” with the name of the DLL file that was pointed out in the error.

• After you execute the given commands, you should see a message saying, “DllRegisterServer in vbscript.dll succeeded” if the Regsvr32 tool was able to run successfully.
• Now restart your computer and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to run the Windows Store or the Windows Update Troubleshooters

The Windows 10 Store Apps Troubleshooter will help you in fixing the Error code 0x80070424. This is a great built-in tool from Microsoft that helps users fix any app installation issues. So this is worth a try to solve the problem. This built-in tool also helps you fix the Windows 10 Store if it isn’t working. To use the Windows Store Troubleshooter, follow the steps below.

• Tap Win + I keys again to open the Windows Settings panel.
• Go to Update & Security and then go to Troubleshoot.
• On your right hand side, scroll down to find the Windows Store Apps and then click on Run the troubleshooter option and see if it fixes the problem.

Note: You can also try running the Windows Update troubleshooter to fix the error. You can run it under the Windows Update section of Update & Security.

Option 3 – Delete the files from Software Distribution Folder & Catroot2 folders

The downloaded Windows Updates are placed in a folder called “SoftwareDistribution”. The files downloaded in this folder are automatically deleted once the installation is completed. However, if the files are not clean up or if the installation is still pending, you can delete all the files in this folder after you pause the Windows Update service. For complete instructions, refer to these steps.

• Open the WinX Menu.
• From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
• Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.

net stop wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

• After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic and the MSI Installer
• Next, got to the C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files there by tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.

After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:

• Type each one of the following commands.

net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

• After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer and then try to run Windows Update once more.

Option 4 – Try to reset the Microsoft Store cache

Just like browsers, Microsoft Store also caches as you view apps and games so it is most likely that the cache is no longer valid and must be removed. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Right click on the start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator).
• Next, type in the command, “wsreset.exe” and tap Enter. Once you do, the command will clear the cache for the Windows Store app.
• Now restart your PC and afterwards, try opening Microsoft Store again and then see if Error Code 0x80070424 is resolved or not.

Option 5 – Try to check the Windows Update or WU setting in the Registry

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, go to this registry path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate
• Here, look for the DWORD named “DisableWindowsUpdateAccess” and double click on it and then set its value data to “0”.
• Exit the Registry Editor once you’re done and restart your computer.

Option 6 – Try to check the status of some Windows Update Services

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open Services.
• From the list of Services, look for the following services and make sure that their Startup type is as follows:
  • Windows Update Service – Manual (Triggered)
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service – Manual
  • Workstation Service – Automatic
• After that, check if the Service status of the listed services above are set to Running. If they’re not, click on the Start button to start these services and then check if you can now enable the Windows Update service or not.

Option 7 – Run the DISM tool

You can also run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management or DISM tool to fix the error code 0x80070424. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth”.

• 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.
• Once it’s done, reboot your computer and check if it has fixed the error.

What is Babylon?

Babylon is a self-published computer dictionary and translation program. Babylon is a tool used for translation and conversion of currencies, measurements, and time, and for obtaining other contextual information. The program also uses a text-to-speech agent so users hear the proper pronunciation of words and text. Babylon’s translation software adds the Babylon toolbar identified as a browser hijacker. This toolbar may modify the homepage of the browser. It adds a Scheduled Task, Startup file, and Registry Keys that allow it to run at any time. A Windows Firewall exception is also added for the software, allowing it to connect to the internet without content.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a type of unwanted software program, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in browser settings. Browser hijackers will do a number of things on your computer. Often, hijackers will force hits to internet sites of their choice either to increase targeted traffic generating higher ad revenue, or to obtain a commission for each and every user visiting there. It could seem harmless, but the majority of these websites aren’t legitimate and can present a significant risk to your online safety. Additionally, hijackers can make the entire infected system fragile – other harmful malware and viruses will take hold of these opportunities to get into your PC effortlessly.

Signs of browser hijacker malware

There are several symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them: the home page of your browser is changed all of a sudden; new bookmarks pointing to porn websites are added to your favorite pages; the default browser settings have been modified and/or your default search engine is altered; unsolicited new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you notice a lot of pop-ups on your computer screen; your web browser gets sluggish, buggy, crashes frequently; you cannot go to certain sites such as homepages of anti-malware software.

How it infects your computer

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or perhaps an email attachment in order to reach a targeted computer system. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious intent. Sometimes you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Examples of well-known browser hijackers include Fireball, GoSave, Ask Toolbar, CoolWebSearch, Babylon Toolbar, and RocketTab. The existence of any browser hijacker on your system will considerably diminish the browsing experience, monitor your online activities that lead to troublesome privacy issues, produce system stability issues and finally cause your PC to slow down or to a nearly unusable state.

Browser hijacker removal tips

Some hijackers can be easily removed by deleting the free software they were included with or by eliminating any add-ons you’ve recently added to your computer system. Sadly, most of the software packages used to hijack a web browser are intentionally designed to be hard to eliminate or detect. And there’s no denying the fact that manual fixes and removal can be quite a difficult task for an inexperienced PC user. Besides, there are numerous risks associated with fiddling around with the pc registry files. Anti-malware application is extremely efficient when it comes to picking up and eliminating browser hijackers that regular anti-virus program has overlooked. To get rid of any kind of browser hijacker from your PC, you could download this top-notch malware removal tool – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

What To Do If You Cannot Install Safebytes Anti-Malware?

Practically all malware is inherently unsafe, but certain types of malicious software do much more damage to your computer than others. Certain malware types alter browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS configurations. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all websites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to clear out the infection. So what you should do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? Even though this sort of problem can be tougher to get around, there are some actions you can take.

Boot Windows in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Just the minimum required applications and services are loaded when you start your laptop or computer into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) After switching on the computer, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, make use of your internet browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Immediately after installation, do a full scan and allow the software to delete the threats it detects.

Obtain the antivirus software using a different browser

Certain malware may target vulnerabilities of a particular browser that obstruct the downloading process. The best way to overcome this problem is to opt for a web browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox comprises built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Install security software on a flash drive

Another option is to store and run an antivirus program completely from a Thumb drive. Try these simple actions to clear up your affected computer using a portable antivirus. 1) Use another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the USB drive onto the same PC. 3) Double-click the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the pen drive as the place in which you would like to store the software files. Do as instructed on the screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-malware on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Press the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan. If all the previously mentioned methods are not able to help you in downloading and installing the anti-malware, then you have no option but to reinstall the computer’s operating system to wipe out all of the data, including the harmful programs which are obstructing the anti-malware installation. If you are unclear regarding which method works best for you, simply call 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our computer professionals who can walk you through the process to fix your infected computer system.

SafeBytes AntiMalware Overview

Today an anti-malware program can protect your PC from different kinds of internet threats. But how to decide on the best one among countless malware protection application that is available in the market? You may be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in eradicating malware threats while many will harm your computer themselves. While looking for an anti-malware program, pick one which provides dependable, efficient, and total protection against all known computer viruses and malware. With regards to commercial application options, many people select popular brands, like SafeBytes, and they are quite happy with it. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which offer this all-inclusive anti-malware program. When you have installed this software, SafeBytes' sophisticated protection system will make sure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC. SafeBytes anti-malware provides a myriad of enhanced features which set it apart from all others. The following are some of the great features included in the tool. Optimum AntiMalware Protection: With its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can detect and remove the malware threats hiding within your computer system effectively. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers entirely hands-free real-time protection and is set to monitor, block, and destroy all computer threats at its very first encounter. They’re highly efficient in screening and getting rid of numerous threats because they’re regularly revised with new updates and safety measures. Web Filtering: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes notifies you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will ensure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the world wide web. Light-weight: This program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance difficulties when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Guidance: You can obtain totally free 24/7 technical assistance from their IT experts on any product queries or PC security concerns. SafeBytes has put together an excellent anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest computer threats and virus attacks. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software to use. So if you’re trying to find a comprehensive antivirus program that’s still easy to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you need!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Babylon without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised. The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by Babylon

If you are trying to upgrade your computer but encounter the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003 instead, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this Windows Update error. This kind of error is commonly encountered when upgrading your copy of Windows 10 and is caused by errors with various developer-related settings that are being enabled in the system. When you encounter Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003, you will see either of these error messages:

“We couldn’t install Windows 10. The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation: Error 0x800F081F”  “The installation failed in the Safe_OS phase with an error during apply_image operation: Error: 0x800f081f – 0x20003”

To fix this kind of Windows Update error, you need not use external programs but you can try to disable the Developer Mode, run the Windows Update troubleshooter or restart all the Windows Update-related services and components. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to disable Developer Mode

You might have to disable Developer Mode to fix the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003. How? Refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
• Next, go to Update & Security > For Developers.
• From there, select the toggle for Sideload apps or Microsoft Store apps located on the right-side panel.
• If you get any prompt, just click on Yes.
• After that, navigate to Apps > Apps & features and then click on Optional features on the right-side panel.
• Then scroll down to locate the Windows Developer Mode entry and select it and click on Uninstall.
• Once you’re done uninstalling the Windows Developer Mode component, close the Settings app and restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Try to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You should also try to run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter as it could help you resolve the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 3 – Try restarting various Windows Update-related services and components

• Tap the Win + X key combination and select Command Prompt (Admin) to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• After opening Command Prompt, copy and paste each one of the commands listed below one by one and tap Enter right after you enter each command.
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop bits
  • net stop appidsvc
  • ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
  • ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
• Once you’ve entered all the commands given above, they will stop all the Windows Update services that are running on your computer as well as clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and reset the Catroot2 folder. Now you have to start all these Windows Update services you’ve just stopped by executing the following commands:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start bits
  • net start appidsvc
  • net start cryptsvc
• After that, restart your computer and try to run the setup again, and see if the error is now fixed.

EmailAccountLogin is a browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla, and Internet Explorer. This extension enables you one-click access to your favorite email providers, allowing you to easily check your email without typing the web address.

From the author: One-Click Access to quick links to the most popular email providers.

The Email Account Login new tab extension provides convenient, one-click access to several popular email services including Gmail, Yahoo, Facebook, Outlook, and Live mail along with providing direct access to a web search.

EmailAccountLogin is a browser hijacker, this extension hijacks your home page and replaces it with its own search engine. While active this extension monitors your website visits, links, clicks, and personal information. This information is later sold/forwarded to better server ads across its network. While using EmailAccountLogin you will see additional unwanted ads injected into your search results, sponsored links, and even sometimes pop-up ads. Several anti-virus scanners have categorized EmailAccountLogin as a Browser Hijacker and therefore, for security reasons, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a very common type of online fraud where your internet browser configuration settings are modified to make it do things you don’t intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for many different reasons. It redirects you to the sponsored sites and inserts advertisements on the browser that helps its developer generate earnings. It may seem harmless, but most of these sites are not legitimate and could present a significant threat to your online safety. As soon as the program attacks your laptop or computer, it starts to mess things up a whole that slows your PC down to a crawl. In the worst-case scenario, you may be pushed to tackle serious malware threats as well.

Browser hijacking signs and symptoms

Signs that your internet browser is hijacked include: 1. your homepage has been reset to some mysterious webpage 2. when you key in a URL, you find yourself regularly directed to a different webpage than the one you actually meant 3. default web engine is modified 4. you’re getting new toolbars you haven’t witnessed before 5. you notice numerous ads pop up on your browsers or display screen 6. your web browser starts running slowly or displays frequent errors 7. you are blocked to access the websites of computer security solution providers.

How they get into your PC

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or perhaps an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. Many browser hijackings originate from add-on applications, i.e., toolbars, browser helper objects (BHO), or extensions added to web browsers to provide them additional functionality. A browser hijacker may also come bundled up with some freeware that you inadvertently download to your computer, compromising your internet security. A good example of some notorious browser hijackers includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing. Browser hijacking can bring about severe privacy issues and even identity theft, disrupt your browsing experience by taking control over outbound traffic, considerably slows down your computer by depleting lots of resources and result in system instability also.

How to repair a browser hijack

Certain hijackers can be removed by simply uninstalling the corresponding free software or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Microsoft Windows control panel. Yet, some hijackers are far harder to find or get rid of as they might get themselves connected with some critical system files which allow it to operate as a necessary operating-system process. Furthermore, manual removal demands you to execute several time-consuming and complex actions which are very difficult to do for novice computer users. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. Safebytes Anti-Malware has a cutting-edge anti-malware engine to help you avoid browser hijacking in the first place, and mop up any existing issues. Along with anti-virus software, a PC optimizer tool will help you repair Windows registry errors, eliminate unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and improve overall system performance.

Find Out How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer system

All malware is bad and the effects of the damage can vary according to the specific type of malware. Some malware variants modify browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configurations. In these cases, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and thus unable to download or install the necessary security software to get rid of the malware. So what should you do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to get rid of malware through alternate methods.

Install the anti-malware in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you may adjust Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eradicate hard-to-delete malware. In the event, the malware is set to load automatically when the PC starts, shifting to this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on the keyboard just before the Windows logo screen comes up; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, look over the Safe Boot under the Boot tab, and then click Apply. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you could run the antivirus scan to eliminate viruses and malware without any interference from another application.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download security software

Some malware might target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that obstruct the downloading process. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective plan of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen computer security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install and run anti-virus from your flash drive

Another option is to save and run an antivirus software program entirely from a USB drive. Do these simple measures to clear up your affected PC using portable anti-malware. 1) On a virus-free PC, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the thumb drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware. If no other method of downloading and installing an anti-malware program works, then you’ve no other choice than to hit the final resort: a full Windows reinstallation, which can get rid of that nasty virus and help you regain internet access. If you’re unsure which method to use, simply contact our toll-free number 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our technical team. Our experts will take you step-by-step through the malware removal process on the phone and also restore your computer remotely.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Lightweight Malware Protection for Windows PC

If you’re looking to download an anti-malware application for your computer, there are numerous tools out there to consider nonetheless, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, irrespective of whether it is paid or free software. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will harm your PC themselves! You need to choose one that is dependable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. On the list of recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes has a very good history of top-quality service, and customers are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a very effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is made for end-users of all levels of IT literacy. With its cutting-edge technology, this application can help you get rid of multiples types of malware including computer viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. There are numerous great features you will get with this particular security product. The following are some of the features you might like in SafeBytes. Robust Anti-malware Protection: This deep-cleaning antimalware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that conceals deep inside your computer. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers real-time active monitoring and protection from all known computer viruses and malware. This software will always keep track of your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the latest threats. Fast Scan: This computer software has one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are highly accurate and take a little time to complete. Internet Security: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating on the web pages you are going to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and making sure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the net. Lightweight: This application is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any overall performance problems when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Guidance: You can obtain high levels of support round the clock if you’re using their paid software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove EmailAccountLogin without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by EmailAccountLogin

If there are any third-party add-ons or proxy settings that interfere with your Windows 10 computer’s internet connection, then you will most likely encounter a problem where you see an error message saying, “Website is online but isn’t responding to connection attempts” when you try to run the Network Adapter troubleshooter. Like pointed out, this kind of error can be caused by some proxy settings that prevent the connection. On the other hand, it could also be caused by some third-party add-ons. To fix this error, read on as this post will guide you on what you can do to fix it. You can try to turn off the proxy settings or disable the add-ons on your browser. You can also try resetting both the TCP/IP and DNS as well as reset the network. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to turn off the proxy settings

There are some users who reported that they’ve fixed the problem after they’ve disabled the use of a proxy server using the built-in way. Follow the steps below to disable the proxy server.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
• After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
• From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
• Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
• Restart your PC.

Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 2 – Try disabling the add-ons or browser extensions

The next thing you can do to fix the problem is to disable any extensions or add-ons on your browser. For instance, if you are using Chrome, here’s what you have to do:

• Open Chrome and press Alt + F keys.
• Go to More tools and click Extensions to look for any suspicious browser extensions or toolbars.
• Click the Recycle bin and select Remove.
• Restart Chrome and press Alt + F keys again.
• Proceed to On Startup and mark Open a specific page or set of pages.
• To check if the browser hijacker is still active, click Set pages, if it is active, overwrite the URL.

Option 3 – Try to update the Network Adapter Driver

Follow the steps below to update your Network Adapter Driver:

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “MSC” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
• From there, expand the list of all the network drives and update each one of them.

Note: If updating the network drivers didn’t help in fixing the problem, you can also try to uninstall the very same drivers and restart your Windows 10 PC. After that, the system itself will reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled. Alternatively, you can also download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website directly.

Option 4 – Try to reset the TCP/IP and the DNS cache

As you know, the TCP/IP or the Internet Protocol is the most important thing if you want to use the internet on your computer. That’s why if it ends up getting corrupted, you need to reset the TCP/IP to fix the problem. To reset TCP/IP, refer to these steps:

• In the Windows start to search, type “command prompt” and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results.
• Then select the “Run as administrator” option to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• After that, execute this command: netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt
• Next, execute this second command: ipconfig /flushdns
• Once it’s done, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer and then check if the error is now fixed.

Option 5 – Try to reset the Network

You can also try to perform a Network Reset to resolve the problem. This will reset the entire network configuration including your IP address. To perform Network Reset, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
• From there, go to the Network and Internet section.
• Next, scroll down and look for “Network Reset” under the status pane.
• After that, click on Network Reset and then on Reset now to start resetting the network configuration. Once done, check if it is able to fix the error or not.

Realtek sound device not playing sound is a common Windows issue.  It happens occasionally and luckily it can be solved with a little effort and in a short time period. Today in this article we will explore the most common reasons and solutions for driver malfunction for Realtek inside Windows 10. If you have this particular problem, go from step 1 to the last step since all steps are meant to go from simplest to the most complex. All of that being said let us fix your Realtek driver issue.

1. Check Speakers or/and Headphones first

   The first thing would in any troubleshooting be to check are your speakers turned on or are your headphones connected and the volume or switch on them is set properly. Nothing more embarrassing than spending an hour or so troubleshooting only to find out that issue was in a malfunction of speakers or them not being turned on.

2. Check the Volume control in Windows

   Same as the previous step where you have checked hardware, now it is time to check to see if the volume control is set properly and not by any chance muted or volume is brought all the way down.

3. Check if the Device Manager is reporting an error and update the driver

   If both hardware is functioning properly and volume control in Windows is set correctly then the issue might be in Windows not detecting device or driver malfunction. In any case, the Device Manager will be the one who will report this problem. In order to check to see if the driver is properly working press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden start menu. Once it opens, click on Device Manager to open it, If you have a driver device error inside Windows, you should see it immediately when entering the Device Manager, it will have a yellow exclamation mark beside it. Right-click on it and choose update driver.

4. Reinstall driver

   If driver update failed or you already have the latest drivers, reinstalling them could fix the issue since drivers might have corrupted during installation of some update or application. Follow steps from point 3 to get to the driver in Device Manager, then right-click on it but instead of update choose to uninstall. Reboot Windows once the driver is uninstalled and Windows will install a new one.

5. Check Windows update

   Check to see if the latest Windows update is installed, update your Windows if needed

6. Fix driver issue with DRIVERFIX

   If everything else fails, get DRIVERFIX, a premium solution for your PC issues, and fix driver errors.