A Guide to Fix Error Code 0x80070004 on Windows 10
Error Code 0x80070004 on Windows 10 – What Is It?
Some users trying to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 reported experiencing installation rollback with error code 0x80070004. This error normally appears when the Computer Name is set to names that can’t be used for the computer. It’s also possible this error occurs if users or program files folder were redirected to a different partition.
Solution
Error Causes
The Error code 0x80070004 on Windows 10 is normally caused if any of the following were used as the Computer Name and the user tried to upgrade to Windows 10:
System (or SYSTEM)
SELF
LOCAL
Network
Failure to fix this error message might result in others, including error code 0xc0000001.
Further Information and Manual Repair
If you don’t solve this error, you won’t be able to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10. Note that this error will continuously bring you back to the original OS unless fixed.
Please note that if you’re not confident in doing these steps, you might want to consider seeking the help of an expert or using an automated tool that will help fix this.
Here are a few methods to try.
Method 1: Check and Change the Computer Name
The most common cause of this error is if your computer uses any of the following reserved names:
LOCAL
System (or SYSTEM)
Network
SELF
These reserved names are not meant to be used as computer names. If this is what your computer uses and you try to upgrade to Windows 10, you will surely get this error. Check your computer name and if you see any of the reserved names, change it right away.
Changing Computer Name in Windows 8.1
If you’re trying to upgrade from Windows 8.1, you can change the name of the computer by following these steps:
Step 1:Open the Start menu then simply type “rename computer”. After that, choose “Rename this computer”
Step 2: A dialog box will open. Just click the “Change” button
Step 3: A new dialog box will open. Type the new name. Click Apply then Ok.
Changing Computer Name in Windows 7
If you’re trying to upgrade from Windows, you can follow the steps below to change the name of your computer.
Step 1:Go to the Start menu then on the Computer section, right-click the mouse and choose “Properties”.
Step 2:A new dialog box will appear. Go to “Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings” then click “Change settings”. In case you’re asked for administrative access, make sure to grant it.
Step 3:Find the “Computer Name” tab then click “Change”
Step 4:Change the computer name and click Ok.
Method 2: Fix the “Users” directory issue
If the first method doesn't work, it probably means the computer name isn’t the cause of this error. Another reason why users experience Error code 0x80070004 when upgrading to Windows 10 is if the “Users” directory was relocated. So, when you try upgrading to Windows 10, the installer wasn’t able to find the user profiles on the “%systemdrive%”, where the current operating system is installed.
If you changed or moved any of the Users, Program Data, or Program Files folders, this will cause the error. Before you upgrade to Windows 10, you might be required to reset or reinstall your current operating system (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1).
If you haven’t made any changes or haven’t moved any of the mentioned folders, there’s a great chance that your users' profiles are corrupted. You can also reinstall your current operating system. However, you might want to check for the corrupter user profile first. To do this, follow the steps below:
Step 1:Go to the Start menu and type System
Step 2:Click System then go to the Advanced tab
Step 3:Go to Settings, which you’ll find under User Profiles
On the Users Profiles, make a copy of all the accounts somewhere. Sign out from the current user account then try logging in back using the accounts you’ve copied. For each account, you get an error, delete it. However, make sure that you don’t delete the UpdateUser and Administrator account ever.
After this is done, try upgrading your operating system to windows 10 again.
Method 3: Try a trusted and secured Automated Tool
If the above methods still not useful, you might want to rely on an automated tool. Find a secured and trusted tool. It will help fix this issue.
800b0100 is a typical Windows Update error. This error message occurs when you try to install the latest updates from Microsoft Updates and Windows Updates. The error message is displayed in the following format:
“Code 800B0100 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.”
Solution
Error Causes
Error code 800b0100 may pop up on your computer screen due to different reasons. However, some of the common causes include:
The file needed by Windows Update is corrupt or missing
Security software conflict such as Firewall
Incorrect Registry keys
Windows security .dll files are registered incorrectly
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve error code 800b0100 on your system, you don’t have to hire a professional. This error is quite easy to repair and requires no technical expertise. In other words, you don’t need to be a computer programmer or technically sound to repair this issue.
Here are some of the easy and effective DIY methods that you can try to resolve error code 800b0100 on your system:
Method 1
Download System Update Readiness Tool from Microsoft’s website on your PC. This tool can help you fix this problem that might prevent Windows Updates from installing.
Typically it will take 15 minutes or less to scan your entire PC. The System Update Readiness Tool will scan your computer for inconsistencies that may cause errors to occur.
Method 2
Disable Security Software on your PC for example if you use Windows Vista then you will have Firewall already built in.
Disable it to resolve error 800b0100. To do this, simply go to the start menu and open the control panel and then select security. Now locate the option Windows Firewall and upon finding, simply choose the option Turn Windows Firewall on or off. Select off (not recommended) option, then click Apply and OK to reset and confirm changes.
After that, go back to the Windows Update screen and then click the try again button. The download and installation would start.
After the installation is complete, restart your PC to activate changes. Once the updates are successfully installed, not re-enable the Firewall, to ensure your PC is not exposed to potential security threats or viruses.
Method 3
Remove Invalid Keys from the Registry by downloading Restoro.
This is a PC Fixer deployed with a registry cleaner. It scans your entire PC and removes all the obsolete and unnecessary files like cookies, bad and invalid registry keys. It cleans and repairs the registry in a few clicks.
Click here to download Restoro.
New Windows brings new keyboard shortcuts, most of them are tied to new features and we are presenting you some new ones that are worth remembering.
⊞ WINDOWS + N - notification panel
⊞ WINDOWS + W - News and Interests feed
With the News and Interests feed, Windows 11 offers users the ability to check the latest news, the weather, and more without opening a browser window.
⊞ WINDOWS + Z - Snap Layout
Instead of the usual two windows snapping capability, Windows 11 allow users to snap their windows in a three-column layout. Users can access this by pressing Windows Key and Z to access the Snap layout.
⊞ WINDOWS + PRT SCN - taking screenshots
This one isn’t exactly new, but pressing the Windows Key and Print Screen will automatically capture the entire screen and save a copy of the image on your PC. Once the screen flashes, you will know that the screenshot has been taken, after which you can find the file saved under your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshot.
⊞ WINDOWS + C - Microsoft Teams chat
Microsoft Teams app, the service allows anyone with a Microsoft account to quickly start a chat using the Windows + C shortcut.
Low on Memory is a Windows PC memory leak error. You may come across it out of the blue however, there are various underlying reasons for this PC error. It is like a warning sign that indicates memory/RAM issues on your system.
The ‘Your Computer is Low on Memory’ error means that your PC does not have enough memory space for all the activities you are trying to perform. Due to this error, your Windows and programs can also stop working.
If this error is not fixed timely it can lead to serious PC threats like valuable data loss and hard disk corruption.
Along with this memory error, you may also come to experience other types of signs including PC poor performance, speed issues, out-of-memory notifications, and display problems.
Solution
Error Causes
The ultimate and the underlying cause of low memory error is data overload in the RAM which triggers registry issues. To understand this better, here is a comprehensive explanation. The computer has 2 types of memory, RAM (Random Access Memory) and virtual memory.
All programs and activities that you do on your computer are saved by the registry in the RAM.
This includes obsolete and unnecessary files too like junk files, cookies, internet history, temporary files, invalid registry entries, and bad registry keys. Due to poor PC maintenance practices, these files accumulate in the RAM, thereby overloading it.
Also, all programs on the PC use RAM to run. So, when there isn’t enough RAM for the program you are trying to run on your system, Windows temporarily moves information that would normally be stored in RAM to a file called a paging file which is also referred to as the virtual memory.
By moving the information to and from the paging file- the virtual memory, Windows temporarily frees up enough RAM for programs to run smoothly. However, when you start running more programs than the RAM installed on your PC can support, low memory errors begin to occur.
It triggers that the computer is out of RAM and is also low on virtual memory.
Further Information and Manual Repair
PC users should know that this is a critical error therefore it is advisable to fix it immediately before the damage sets in. Here are some of the best solutions that you can try to resolve Your computer is low on memory and similar memory leak errors on your system.
1. Run Few Programs at a Time
This is a temporary solution to prevent low memory problems. By running a few programs at one time you can easily keep this memory error away from popping on your computer screen.
However, this can cause you inconvenience if you run several programs together to perform different tasks simultaneously.
2. Increase the Virtual Memory Size
Though Windows automatically attempts to augment the virtual memory size the first time you experience ‘low on memory issues; however this again is a temporary way out of this problem.
But if you are looking for a solution that can resolve these memory issues for a long time, then you can try manually increasing your PC’s memory size. Increase it up to a maximum size this is by the way determined by the amount of RAM installed on your system.
Nonetheless, the drawback of this solution is that increasing the paging file size can reduce your PC performance. It can make your programs run more slowly.
3. Install More RAM
Another solution to resolve low on memory issues is to install more RAM. To do this first check your system properties to see the size of the RAM already installed on your PC.
To do this press the Windows key+ Pause/Break key this will open system properties. If the RAM size is lower than 2 GB then you need to install more RAM. But if it is more then you should look for two things one check the piece of software that is causing the problem and secondly you need to clean the registry and remove the unnecessary files from your RAM and hard disk.
This would free up space dramatically and resolve the low memory issue right away.
4. Download and Run Restoro, Registry Cleaner on your System
To clean the registry and wipe out unnecessary and obsolete files overloading your RAM and disk space, you should download Restoro.
Restoro is a next-generation and highly functional error cleaner.
By running this error cleaner on your system, you can easily scan for junk stored in your RAM and hard disk and remove it in seconds, clearing up ample disk space. This will resolve all your PC memory-related issues. Furthermore, it repairs the damaged files and restores the registry too.
It spares you from the hassle of installing more RAM or virtual memory. Since this PC repair tool also functions as a system optimizer, it simultaneously boosts the speed of your system thus resolving speed issues too, all in one go.
Restoro is a bug-free and efficient tool. It has a user-friendly interface making it easy for all levels of users to operate and run it on their systems. Furthermore, it is compatible with all Windows versions including Windows 7, 8, XP, Vista & 10.
Click here to download Restoro to resolve Low on Memory issues on your PC in seconds!
Error code 80073712 is one of the dozens of error codes affecting Windows 10 users. It occurs when users attempt to upgrade their operating system but experience a failure. The error code usually results from problems associated with missing or damaged files within Windows Update. Common symptoms of this error code include the following:
The inability of Windows Update to successfully complete the upgrade process
Message box highlighting the presence of error code
Solution
Error Causes
In the case of error code 80073712, the issues preventing Windows Update from completing the upgrade process are most likely due to problems with files within Windows Update. For instance, there may be corruption within the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Manual repair methods offer solutions to Microsoft users who are experiencing Windows error codes like the upgrade error code 80073712 in Windows 10. The manual repair methods in this article are not guaranteed to fix problems unrelated to this error code. Thus, be certain you are experiencing error code 80073712 before you attempt to implement the solutions provided below.
Method One: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Since issues related to Windows Update may be causing error code 80073712 to occur, one of the best solutions you can consider is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter will be able to detect and fix corruptions within Windows Update files or any other issues directly related to Windows Update. To implement this manual repair method, follow the steps listed below:
Step one: Open your Internet browser
Step two: Type www.microsoft.com/downloads
Step three: Type Windows Update Troubleshooter in the search bar at the top-right corner of the Microsoft website.
Step four: Select Windows Update Troubleshooter then wait for the webpage to load.
Step five: Select Run troubleshooter
Once you run the troubleshooter, you should be able to verify and fix any errors within Windows Update files. Restart your machine after the troubleshooting process is complete them proceed by checking Windows Update to see if you are able to complete the upgrade. If Windows Update downloads the upgrade and the installation of the upgrade occurs, the problem has been resolved. Otherwise, error code 80073712 will reoccur, in which case you will need to move to manual repair method two.
Method Two: Run DISM Tool
Another option available to Windows users experiencing error code 80073712 is to download and run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. This tool checks for inconsistencies or corruptions that may be preventing Windows Update services from functioning correctly. To download and run the tool, follow the instructions below:
Step one: Type Command Prompt in the search box near the Start button
Step two: Right-click Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator, providing administrator password or confirmation where necessary.
Step three: Select Allow
Step four: Press Enter after typing the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait a few minutes to ensure that the process is complete. Once you’ve run the DISM tool, it will detect errors, for instance within registry data, and correct or replace them. Restart your machine after running this tool then check Windows Update. Attempt to download the upgrade to see if you have successfully resolved error code 80073712. If you experience an upgrade failure, move to the next manual repair method mentioned below.
Method Three: Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10
The issues related to error code 80073712 may also be resolved by performing a clean install of Windows 10. This manual repair method ensures that any previous versions of your Windows operating system are removed before you attempt to access an upgrade. This can prove effective as it helps users avoid issues that would otherwise cause error codes or poor PC performance in cases where errors are present on one’s system.
To successfully perform a clean installation of Windows 10, be prepared to follow step-by-step procedures that include the following:
Step two: Click Run, then select Create installation media for another PC
Step three: Select changes to the installation options, then select Next
Step four: Choose USB flash drive or ISO file, then click Next
Step five: Select drive, then Next
Step six: Select Finish, then restart your computer, ensuring that the media option you choose, whether USB flash drive or DVD, is in your machine before you choose to reboot.
Step seven: Press any key then follow the prompts provided to set up Windows 10.
Method Four: Download an Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
Keeping your system updated is a must and Windows updates are definitely a great way to do that. These updates are essential since they provide important security and various fixes for bugs in your Windows 10 computer. However, there are plenty of instances when you encounter issues with Windows Updates and one of them is when the Windows Updates turn off automatically at random times.
Some users reported that they saw a notification about Windows Updates being turned off. Note that the issue is not with the update itself since many users turned on the Windows Update and the system was properly updated. The issue is that the Windows Updates turned off all by itself.
There could be several reasons why the Windows Updates turned off by themselves. It could be due to the antivirus program installed on your computer. Antivirus programs are known to cause issues with other programs, Windows updates components included. This can occur due to false positives as well as odd compatibility issues. Aside from antivirus programs, the Windows Update service itself could also be the root cause of the problem. There could be a corrupted file in the Windows Update folder or it could be that the Windows Update service wasn’t started properly. Any of these issues can be resolved by following the troubleshooting options given below. Make sure to follow each one of them carefully for better results.
Option 1 – Try to disable your antivirus program
Disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when the Windows Update process does not go smoothly. So before you try updating your computer again, make sure to disable the antivirus or security program and once the Windows Update is done, don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.
Option 2 – Try to make some changes in the Registry
Tap the Wins key once and type in “command prompt” in the field.
From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option to run it with admin privileges.
After that, type the following command and hit Enter again:
sc config wuauserv start= auto
The command you entered will set the Windows Update to auto so you should be good to go.
Option 3 – Try to reset the Windows Update components
If by any chance that the second option didn’t work, resetting the Windows Update components could also help you resolve the problem. How? Refer to the following steps:
Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
After that, type each one of the following commands and hit Enter after you key in one after the other.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Note: The commands you entered will stop the Windows Update components such as Windows Update service, Cryptographic services, BITS, and MSI Installer.
After disabling WU components, you need to rename both the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. To do that, type each one of the following commands below, and don’t forget to hit Enter after you type one command after the other.
Next, restart the services you’ve stopped by entering another series of commands. Don’t forget to hit Enter after you key in one command after the other.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Close Command Prompt and reboot your PC.
Option 4 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the things you can first check out as it is known to automatically resolve any Windows Update errors. 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.
Stop 0x000000A is a type of blue screen of death error associated with Windows XP. It occurs either during or after the installation of Windows XP. In other cases, the stop 0x000000A error may occur when the device driver uses an incorrect memory address, causing an IRQ conflict.
The Stop 0x000000A error message means that a process or a driver attempted to access a memory section without permission. The stop error message is displayed in the following format:
Stop: 0x0000000A (parameter1, parameter2, parameter3, parameter4) IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL *** Address x has base at x - filename
Solution
Error Causes
The stop 0x000000A error is triggered due to multiple reasons. These include:
Faulty hardware
The poor device driver installation
Incompatible device driver
Viruses and malware attack
Disk fragmentation
Blue screen of death errors like the stop 0x000000A error code is critical. These errors may pose serious PC threats. When this error occurs the computer screen turns blue, the program running on the system stops and if the error is not fixed in time it may also result in a system crash and failure.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve the Stop 0x000000A error on your PC, here are some solutions that you can try:
1. Roll Back Drivers
To do this, click on the start button and go to the control panel. Then double click the system icon and locate the ‘System Properties’ window. After that click on the ‘hardware’ tab and then click the ‘Device Manager’ button. Here locate the device that you recently updated which could be causing the IRQ conflict.
Now double click the device recently updated and click the driver tab. Then click on the ‘Roll Back Driver' button. Wait for the process to finish and then simply reboot your system.
2. Specify the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
Another method to resolve the Stop 0x000000A error on your system is to specify the hardware abstraction layer (HAL). This can be done during Windows XP installation startup. Simply press the F5 button on your keyboard while the “Setup is inspecting your computer’s hardware configuration’.
When prompted, make sure that you specify the correct computer type and HAL (the Hardware Abstraction Layer). Most computers use a single processor, if your computer also has a single processor then simply select ‘Standard PC HAL’ computer type from the menu. Now reboot your PC and then reinstall the Windows XP operating system.
If the error is still not resolved then try turning off features in CMOS settings
3. Turn off Features in CMOS Settings
Turn off all the following features in the CMOS settings:
All caching, including L2, BIOS, internal/external, and write back caching on disk controllers
Plug and Play
All shadowing
Any BIOS-based virus protection feature
After turning off these features, try reinstalling Windows XP again. If this works, then that’s great! However, if it doesn’t, then try method 4; maybe the cause of the stop 0x000000A is associated with incompatible drivers.
4. Install Windows XP compatible Drivers
Sometimes device driver compatibility can also shoot up the stop 0x000000A error message.
First, remove the drivers that are incompatible with Windows XP. Now obtain and install new Windows XP compatible drivers. To do this, go to the start menu and the control panel. Now double click on Add or Remove Programs icon. Select the drivers that are incompatible with Windows XP and click on the remove button.
After that restart PC and install Windows XP, compatible drivers, for the hardware devices on your system.
5. Scan for Viruses and Repair the Registry
If all the methods discussed above do not resolve the stop 0x000000A error on your PC, then it means either your computer is affected by an infection virus or the problem is associated with the registry like disk fragmentation and invalid entries.
To scan for both viruses and registry issues simultaneously in seconds, it is advisable to download Restoro.
Restoro is an advanced and multi-functional PC repair tool integrated with powerful utilities including a registry cleaner, antivirus, and a system optimizer. It also scans for Active X controls and class ID errors.
The registry cleaning utility scans your entire PC for all possible registry issues triggering different error codes including the stop 0x000000A error. It wipes out all the unnecessary files cluttering and damaging the registry including cookies, temporary files, junk files, and invalid entries.
It repairs the fragmented disk and the registry thereby resolving the stop 0x000000A error on your system.
The privacy error utility functions like an antivirus. It detects all kinds of malicious software on your system including malware, adware, spyware, and viruses. These are removed immediately thus making your PC error-free.
Restoro is safe, efficient, and user-friendly. It is compatible with all Windows versions including XP. It has a sophisticated interface and a neat layout which makes it quite easy to operate and workaround.
Click here to download Restoro and repair your PC and resolve the stop 0x000000A error code now!
Bluetooth perhaps is slowly becoming an outdated feature but sometimes you can really used it and need it.
By default, in Windows 11 Bluetooth is turned OFF so if you need it, you will need to turn it ON first. Luckily turning it ON is easy and we will guide you through the process
Turning Bluetooth using the Quick Settings menu
The easiest and fastest way to turn the Bluetooth ON is using the quick setting menu:
Click on indicator icons located left of date and time in Taskbar
Click on the Bluetooth icon (if the icon is not displayed, click on the pencil icon, then click on Add and add Bluetooth icon from the list)
Right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select go to Settings
Go to Adding a Bluetooth Device to Windows 11 section
Switch it ON via Windows Settings
Open Windows settings by using ⊞ WINDOWS + I combination
Click on Bluetooth & Devices
Inside settings turn Switch to ON beside Bluetooth
Click + Add Device large button on top
Click Bluetooth
Select device in the list of found devices (make sure device is turned ON, it has Bluetooth sharing ON, and that it is in pairing mode)
If the device needs the password, type it in
When the message Your device is ready to go is showed on the screen click on the Done
Advice on Bluetooth devices
Note that the Bluetooth devices you connect to Windows 11 stay linked to your PC unless you pair them with a different PC, smartphone, or tablet later.
After a time, most Bluetooth devices power down automatically to save battery life. To continue where you left off, either power the Bluetooth device up (if it has a power button) or press a button on a keyboard or mouse, and it should automatically turn on and reconnect with your PC.
If you’re having trouble connecting your Bluetooth device, make sure that Windows 11 is fully updated and that you’ve installed any drivers that came with your device.
Make sure that the device is fully charged or that it has a fresh set of batteries.
while Windows is searching. You’ll need to remove the device from Windows 11 first and then attempt to pair it with your PC again.
Removing devices
If you need to remove (un-pair) a Bluetooth device, just open Windows Settings and navigate to Bluetooth & Devices. Locate the name of the device that you want to remove, click the three dots button in the corner of its square and select Remove Device.
It really sucks when you can’t fully enjoy the newest version of your favorite OS.
Windows 11 is still relatively fresh and consequently has some annoying little bugs that really ruin our experience. The good news is that you’re not alone and most of them are easy to fix.
Here are 5 commonly reported Windows 11 issues and what you can do to get rid of them.
1. Windows 11 audio problems
One of the absolute most irritating things in the world is struggling with the sound on your computer. Windows 11 users have reported facing the issue of low or no sound. If you’re currently experiencing the same frustration, you can be relieved. Chances are fixing it will only take a few minutes.
The first thing to check would be whether you accidentally muted your device by pressing the mute button on your keyboard. Yes, we know it sounds a lot like the old “have you tried turning it off and on again?” But it’s important to leave no stone unturned, and the most obvious things are usually the ones we easily overlook.
Moreover, if you have several audio output sources, check whether the right one is selected. You can do this via the Action Center or through Settings. If you want to use the same source every time, we also recommend you set it as the default one.
It’s also important to have a good, up-to-date audio driver. More often than not, this will be the true cause of your audio struggles. Make sure to update your driver, and if that doesn’t work out, you can always un- and reinstall it or install a different one.
Lastly, if all attempts remain unsuccessful, run the audio troubleshooter to figure out what’s actually going wrong.
2. Unable to find files
Such a powerful new operating system, yet it can’t seem to do the simplest thing imaginable? The File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 is one of the most frustrating and most common problems with Microsoft’s newest iteration of its awesome OS.
However, 9/10 times it can be fixed by simply restarting your PC. You could also try killing the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager and then rerunning it.
If these don’t help, check whether there are any pending Windows 11 updates. A single missing update can compromise your PC’s functionality, so always make sure to install them all on time.
Should none of that work, then there are other ways to solve the File Explorer problem. However, then the issue is probably a bit deeper and it’s no longer in the ‘easy fix’ territory.
3. Start menu not working
Just like the File Explorer, the Start menu is a fundamental element of your OS. So, it’s only natural that its malfunction grinds your gears. It may be more customizable than on previous Windows versions, but it doesn’t always work smoothly.
If you’re facing the so-called Start menu critical error, there are a few things this could be caused by. Usually it means you turned off your system while an important update was still being installed, there is a corrupt file on your PC, or Windows forcefully stopped a program.
Whatever the reason, the solution should be pretty simple. Try the basic steps: restarting your File Explorer (like we explained above) and signing out and back into your account. If that doesn’t do anything, you may want to try uninstalling third-party start menu apps (if you have any), since they can interfere with your default programs’ functionality.
Now, those are the easy fixes. If you get nowhere with them, you might need to identify the root cause and search for more complex solutions than that.
4. Snipping tool not working
Our beloved screenshot tool was introduced with Windows 10 and Microsoft decided to keep it. However, you were probably just as disappointed as us when you tried to run it and failed.
Normally, this can be fixed by installing the latest Out-of-band (OOB) update, or even pending updates in general. Even if your system appears to be up-to-date, run the checker just in case.
Another cool thing Windows 11 lets you do is ‘Repair’ and ‘Reset’, which is the easiest way to troubleshoot your Snipping tool. If this fails, you can also try the good old un- and reinstall method. Simply uninstall the tool through the Control Panel and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
Furthermore, in the case of an upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, it may be that the old Snipping tool version is interfering with the launch of the new one. If you don’t care that much about the additional options available with the enhanced screenshot tool, you can use the old version instead.
Simply go to your C Drive, find the Windows.old folder, search for the tool and open it from there. Make sure to pin it to your taskbar as well, if you know you’re going to use it often.
5. Can’t install the latest update
The latest Windows 11 version, 22H2, has brought tons of enhancements to our dearest operating system. Unfortunately, a lot of users still haven’t had the opportunity to experience it. A mere update of your OS version should be the one thing that goes smoothly, but sometimes that’s not the case.
Failure to install 22H2 can be caused by a few things. Most commonly, the issue is caused by lack of storage space or corrupted files, but there could be other culprits.
There are a couple of things you could try. For example, it’s crucial that your drivers be up-to-date and some important services be enabled. These are: Windows Modules Installer, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, Windows Update services.
To enable them, search ‘Services’, find the service you need and right-click on it. Open ‘Properties’ and select the startup type ‘Automatic’.
It may also be necessary to unplug all peripherals that aren’t crucial and disable third-party antivirus tools until after the update is finished.
Ultimately, you can run the Windows Update troubleshooter to detect and fix other possible issues.
Summary
Tiny bugs like these are nothing out of the ordinary. That said, we still all hate when they happen.
Hopefully some of our solutions have helped you to a smoother Windows 11 experience. But if you’re still struggling, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!
Search Donkey is a Potentially Unwanted Program for Windows developed by Western Web Applications, LLC. This program may inject ads into your browsing sessions, giving you false search results and advertisements.
As described by Western Web Applications: “Search Donkey is entirely free to use. To keep Search Donkey free, we’ve partnered with high-quality ad providers and you may see additional ads when Search Donkey is installed.
While installed, Search Donkey will keep track of your web search queries, allowing it to let you know what pages you already visited, however, this data is also used to better target personal unwanted ads.
Search Donkey has been flagged as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) by several anti-virus scanners, and their website is blacklisted by Google, giving warning to whoever visits it, and due to the nature of this application, it is not recommended to keep on your computer.
About Adware
Exactly what is Adware? If you have ever owned a computer, then you’ve probably heard the word numerous times, but it is still beneficial to define it. The term “adware” is actually a short form of advertising-supported software and it includes programs that are solely designed to display ads on a computer. A kind of malware, it will come bundled right in with the software package that a user either installs or accesses. Shareware or freeware programs are often times packaged with adware. If adware penetrates your system without you knowing and sends information about you or your PC to 3rd parties, then it is spyware. Quite often, adware changes your web browser settings to open pop-up adverts or modifies browser homepage and default internet search engine to some unwanted website.
Adware is a common problem that affects a large number of PCs around the globe. If your computer doesn’t have any anti-malware software then it’s very likely it could get infected with adware as well as other malware.
Adware and its effects on your PC:
Adware could generate and display plenty of ads of all sorts which in turn disrupt the functions of your personal computer while browsing the net. Pop-ups might also show up on your computer’s desktop even when you’re not online. Adware results in a reduction of available memory and processing power, or resources. It also causes a slow net connection because adware consumes bandwidth whenever it retrieves adverts from the internet. Adware was originally created to support companies to generate income when they offer the software away free of charge. However, adware nowadays displays hundreds of adverts which will cause your PC to slow down and even crash.
Adware prevention:
As we discussed, adware could potentially be harmful to your computer, generally not by itself, but by bringing other problems to you. A top-quality antivirus program has the capability of permanently removing adware. We recommend Safebytes Anti-Malware, one of the top-rated anti-malware programs by world-renowned industry experts. It will act either as a preventative tool stopping websites or software installations that contain adware or as a removal tool for an already infected computer.
To prevent adware, download software from websites that you trust. Never download from websites that you have never been aware of or tried before; Always study the end-user license agreement (EULA) of any application you want to install; You need to avoid freeware and shareware where possible; Lastly, watch out for ActiveX, since many adware and spyware companies make use of the technology to install their wares onto your computer system
Malware Blocking Internet And All Anti-Malware Software? Do This!
All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malware. Some malware variants alter browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS settings. In these instances, you will be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the required security software to eliminate the malware. So what to do when malicious software prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are a few options you could try to get around with this problem.
Remove viruses in Safe Mode
In Safe Mode, you can actually change Windows settings, un-install or install some program, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses and malware. If the malware is blocking access to the internet and affecting the computer, launching it in Safe Mode will let you download antivirus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting possible damage. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is starting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in safe mode, you can attempt to install your anti-malware program without the hindrance of the malicious software. At this point, you could run the anti-malware scan to eliminate viruses and malware without hindrance from another application.
Switch over to an alternate browser
Some malware only targets certain browsers. If this sounds like your case, use another web browser as it could circumvent the malware. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by malware or otherwise compromised by hackers, the ideal approach is to switch over to a different internet browser like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari to download your chosen computer security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.
Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating malware
Another solution is to make a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. Adopt these measures to run the anti-malware on the affected computer system.
1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC.2) Connect the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer.3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file format.4) Select the flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the directions to complete the installation process.5) Transfer the pen drive from the clean computer to the infected computer.6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the software.7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.
Detect And Remove Viruses With SafeBytes Anti-Malware
Today an anti-malware tool can protect the computer from different types of online threats. But wait, how to decide on the best one amongst countless malware protection application that’s available out there? As you might be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. A few are well worth your money, but many aren’t. You need to choose one that is reliable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. Amongst few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software for the security-conscious individual.
SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC permanently but is also very easy to use for people of all ability levels. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will easily detect and remove most of the security threats, including adware, viruses, browser hijackers, ransomware, trojans, worms, and PUPs.
SafeBytes has outstanding features when compared to other anti-malware programs. Below are some of the great ones:
Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides 100 % hands-free real-time protection and is set to check, block, and eliminate all threats at its very first encounter. They’re very effective in screening and getting rid of different threats because they’re constantly revised with new updates and safety measures.
Robust, Anti-malware Protection: With its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can identify and get rid of the malware threats hiding in the PC effectively.
Internet Security: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the pages you’re about to visit, automatically blocking harmful sites and ensure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the world wide web.
“Fast Scan” Abilities: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the fastest and most efficient within the industry. It's targeted scanning seriously increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files.
Low CPU and Memory Usage: This program is not “heavy” on your computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any overall performance issues when SafeBytes is working in the background.
24/7 Customer Support: You can obtain totally free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security concerns.
Overall, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program as it has lots of features and could identify and remove any potential threats. Malware problems will become a thing of the past once you put this software to use. So if you’re searching for the best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind paying out some money for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you don’t want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of Search Donkey manually, you could do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and deleting the offending program; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you may remove it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser.
To ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard disk and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. But bear in mind, editing the Windows registry can be a complicated job that only experienced users and professionals should attempt to fix it. Furthermore, some malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to eliminate. It is advised that you do the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
If you have a firewall installed on your system, you may come across the error code 0x6d9. This error occurs when opening Windows Firewall with advanced security. The error code 0x9d9 is displayed as:
“There was an error opening the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in.The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in failed to load. Restart the Windows Firewall service on the computer you are managing. Error code: 0x6D9”
This occurs when the Windows Firewall service is missing. The service doesn’t start due to permission errors on various registry keys. It is a critical blue screen of death error code that turns the computer screen blue and causes the Windows to shut down.
If this error code is not fixed it may start appearing more and more frequently resulting in total system corruption.
Solution
Error Causes
Virtually, the underlying cause for Windows Firewall error code 0x6d9 is a damaged registry. The registry is the database of the system that saves all the activities including web browsing and programs installed and uninstalled and junk files on the PC.
The registry saves all the information in the RAM, your hard disk. As the disk gets filled with files, it then requires more power to run which impacts the performance of the PC and slows it down.
Simultaneously, since the hard disk is overloaded with data, it exposes the registry to file damages, fragmentation, and corruption which then eventually causes hindrance in running calling programs and running them on your system because files are either corrupt or missing.
Other than cluttered disk issues, registry errors also occur due to viral and malware attacks. If the Firewall is inaccessible, your system is prone to malware.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To fix the error code 0x6d9 on your system, you don’t have to be a computer programmer or hire a professional. You can fix it all by yourself with Restoro.
Restoro is an advanced, intuitive, user-friendly, and multi-functional repair tool with a comprehensive suite of powerful PC fixing utilities, all in one.
From registry errors like the blue screen of death error codes including 0x6d9 to viral infection and system slowdowns, Restoro is your one-stop solution for all PC errors.
With this software, you don’t need any technical expertise. You don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty of finding the deep-rooted cause for the error code 0x6d9 and then searching and installing a PC tool designed to solve that specific cause for the error.
Restoro has an intuitive and sophisticated interface combined with an automated algorithm that enables it to detect, scan and identify all the underlying and deep-rooted causes for errors on your PC in seconds and resolves them all. All you have to do is hit the scan button and the
Restoro takes care of the rest.
Restoro features
Restoro is also easy to use and has simple navigation making it easy for all levels of users including beginners and intermediates to use.
This PC Fixer is both a high-functional registry cleaner and a powerful anti-virus. This means whether the error code 0x6d9 occurs due to disk overload or viral infection this helper can be used to fix the error in both scenarios.
Its in-built registry cleaner cleans and clears up the hard disk in a few seconds. It removes all the unnecessary and obsolete files cluttering the system and repairs the damaged registry.
For data safety during repair, it has a built-in back feature. This feature allows you to save and create backup copies of all your files.
Its smart privacy error detector feature checks for viruses, spyware, adware, and malware invasion on your system. Such malicious software if not removed from your PC can expose you to data security risks. Such software allows easy access to hackers.
And since error code 0x6d9 hampers you in using Firewall, your system will have higher chances of getting infected by viruses and data security dangers. Nonetheless, by running Restoro on your system, you can easily remove this malicious software and resolve the error code 0x6d9.
Unlike other repair tools, Restoro is compatible with all Windows versions.
How to get Restoro
So, what are you waiting for? It will take just 3 steps. To get started all you need to do is:
To prevent the error code 0x6d9 from reoccurring on your PC for a while proper PC maintenance is advisable to run Restoro on a weekly basis on your system so that the registry is not cluttered and your system is not exposed to viruses.
Timely detection of errors and repair is the best way to keep your system performing smoothly and at its optimum speed.