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Fix The drive is not a valid backup location

USB storage devices are used to store small and even big files, depending on their sizes. Usually, the sizes of the USB vary from 2GB up to 16GB. And as time passes, they have advanced quite a bit and now it’s common to find USB sticks with a capacity of 32GB, 64GB, or even 128GB. And since they now have large capacities, USB storage devices are often used for storing backups of system data as well as creating an image. However, there are times when you might encounter an error message while trying to create a backup or image on your USB device. The error message states:

“The drive is not a valid backup location.”

One of the causes of this problem is that Windows was not able to recognize the USB drives as a valid backup location since USB storage devices weren’t previously large enough to store system images. To fix this error, here are some possible solutions that might help.

Option 1 – Try creating a sub-folder in the USB drive and backup all the images there

The first thing you can try to do is to create a sub-folder on your USB device. This is one good way you can bypass the USB drive limitation. How? Refer to the steps below.

  • First, right-click on the USB storage device and select Format.
  • Next, select NTFS as the File System and check the box next to Quick Format.
  • After that, click on Start to initiate the formatting process.
  • Once the formatting process is completed, open the USB drive and right-click anywhere inside its main drive window, and then select New > Folder.
  • Then name the folder to be created as “Image (or anything you please)”.
  • Afterward, right-click on the folder and select Properties.
  • From there, go to the Sharing tab and click on Share.
  • Now check if the Permission level on the System owner which should be your username is labeled as “Owner”.
  • Then try to back up your files again using your USB drive while keeping the sub-folder as the backup location.

Option 2 – Update the USB Controller Drivers

  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.

You also have the option to update the motherboard and the USB driver from the manufacturer’s official website.

Option 3 – Run CHKDSK utility to check the drive for errors

When it comes to some issues concerning the hard drive or removable devices, there is a utility in Windows that might help which is called “chkdsk”. To use it, follow the steps below.

  • Tap the Win + S keys to open the Search box.
  • Then type “command prompt” in the field and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
  • After opening an elevated command prompt, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:

CHKDSK [volume [[path] filename]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/C] [: size]]

Note: In the command given above, “[/F]” will try to fix the system errors while “[/R]” will be the one to fix the bad sectors.

  • Now if you are prompted to run CHKDSK after your reboot your PC, just tap Y and reboot your PC.
  • If CHKDSK is not able to find any errors, tap the Win + E keys and navigate the access window. From there, right-click on the concerned drive and click on Properties.
  • After opening Properties, click on the tab Tools and then click on the “Check” button under the Error-checking section.
  • Wait until the process is completed and then restart your computer.

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How to get rid of FunPopularGames.com

FunPopularGames is a browser extension developed by Mindspark Inc. that lets you play popular, best-rated, and other games via popular websites, it also allows you to bookmark your favorite games for faster and easier access.

When installed it changes your default new tab page and default search engine to Search by MyWay. While browsing the internet with this extension enabled you will see additional injected ads, sponsored content, and pop-up ads throughout your browsing sessions.

While active this extension monitors user activity and browsing sessions, enabling it to track visited websites, clicked links, and other useful information that it later forwards to Mindspark to be used/sold for better ad placement.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is amongst the internet’s constant risks that target internet browsers. It’s a kind of malicious software that alters your web browser’s configuration settings so that you are redirected to sites or web pages you had no intention of visiting. Browser hijackers could do a variety of things on your PC. These are generally used to force hits to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Although it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are harmful and therefore always classified as security threats. Browser hijackers could also allow other destructive programs without your knowledge to further damage your PC.

How to determine if your internet browser has been hijacked

The following are some signs and symptoms that indicate you’ve been hijacked: 1. the home page of your browser is changed suddenly 2. you find new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, usually directed to ad-filled or porn sites 3. the default online search engine and the default browser settings are altered 4. you see unsolicited new toolbars added 5. unstoppable flurries of popup ads show up on your computer screen 6. your browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you can’t navigate to certain web pages, such as security software-related sites.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your PC

There are several ways your computer or laptop can become infected with a browser hijacker. They typically arrive by way of spam email, via file sharing websites, or by a drive-by download. They can also originate from any BHO, extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with malicious intent. Sometimes you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of an application bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Browser hijacking can cause serious privacy problems and also identity theft, disrupt your browsing experience by taking control of outbound traffic, drastically slows down your computer by consuming lots of resources, and lead to system instability at the same time.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

Certain browser hijacking can be simply reversed by discovering and removing the corresponding malware application from your control panel. But, the majority of hijacking codes are not easy to get rid of manually, since they go deeper into the operating system. Moreover, manual removals require in-depth system understanding and therefore could be a very difficult job for beginner computer users. Anti-malware software is really effective with regards to discovering and removing browser hijackers that standard anti-virus program has overlooked. To eradicate any type of browser hijacker from your personal computer, you should download this certified malware removal application – SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

What To Do When You Cannot Install Any Anti-virus?

Malware can cause all sorts of damage if they invade your PC, ranging from stealing your private information to deleting data files on your computer. Some malware is created to interfere with or prevent things that you want to do on your computer system. It may not allow you to download anything from the web or it will stop you from accessing a few or all internet sites, especially the anti-malware websites. If you’re reading this, you may have got affected by malware that stops you from downloading a security program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. Although this type of issue will be difficult to circumvent, there are a few steps you can take.

Get rid of malware in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you are able to modify Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eradicate hard-to-delete viruses. In the event the malware is obstructing internet access and affecting your PC, launching it in Safe Mode allows you to download antivirus and run a scan while limiting potential damage. To start the computer into Safe Mode, press 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 “Safe Boot” under the Boot tab, and then click Apply. As soon as you reboot into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you can run the anti-malware scan to get rid of computer viruses and malware without any hindrance from another application.

Switch over to an alternate browser

Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities in a particular web browser and block access to all anti-malware software sites. If you are not able to download the security program using Internet Explorer, this means malware is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you must switch to a different web browser like Chrome or Firefox to download the Safebytes application.

Create a portable antivirus for removing malware

Another method is to download and transfer anti-malware software from a clean PC to run a scan on the affected computer. Follow these steps to employ a flash drive to clean your corrupted system. 1) On a clean PC, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the flash drive as the location for saving the file. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Remove the USB drive. You can now use this portable antivirus on the infected computer system. 6) Double-click the antivirus program EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all kinds of malware.

SafeBytes Security Suite Benefits

In order to protect your laptop or computer from a variety of internet-based threats, it’s very important to install an anti-malware program on your PC. But with so many anti-malware companies out there, nowadays it’s difficult to decide which one you should obtain for your computer. A few of them do a good job in removing malware threats while some will ruin your computer by themselves. You have to pick one that is dependable, practical, and has a good reputation for its malware protection. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software program for the security-conscious end user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, highly effective protection tool designed to help end-users of all levels of IT literacy in finding and removing harmful threats out of their personal computers. With its cutting-edge technology, this application will allow you to eradicate several types of malware which include viruses, PUPs, trojans, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers.

SafeBytes has got a plethora of wonderful features that can help you protect your computer from malware attacks and damage. A few of them are listed as below:

World-class AntiMalware Protection: With its advanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware elimination tool can detect and remove the malware threats hiding in the computer effectively. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers an entirely hands-free active protection that is set to check, block and destroy all computer threats at its first encounter. They’re very efficient in screening and removing various threats since they’re continuously revised with new updates and safety measures. Internet Security: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating to the pages you’re about to visit, automatically blocking dangerous sites and ensuring that you are certain of your online safety while browsing the web. Lowest CPU and Memory Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use anti-virus and antimalware solution. Since it utilizes minimum computer resources, this software leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. 24/7 Online Support: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance via chat and email. SafeBytes has come up with an excellent anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. Malware trouble can become a thing of the past when you put this software program to use. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes Anti-Malware subscription, there isn’t any doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not wish to use an automated tool and like to get rid of FunPopularGames manually, you could possibly do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and delete the offending program; in cases of browser extensions, you may remove it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You will probably also want to reset your web browser to its default configuration settings. To be certain of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and remove them or reset the values accordingly. However, editing the registry is usually a hard task that only advanced users and professionals should try to fix the problem. Moreover, some malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is advised.
Files: Search and delete: AppIntegrator.exe AppIntegrator64.exe AppIntegratorStub.dll AppIntegratorStub64.dll AssistMonitor.dll AssistMonitor64.dll BAT.dll CrExt.dll CrExtPdu.exe DpnMngr.dll dubar.dll dubarsvc.exe dubprtct.dll dudatact.dll dudlghk.dll dudlghk64.dll dufeedmg.dll duhighin.exe duhtmlmu.dll duhttpct.dll duidle.dll dumedint.exe dumlbtn.dll duPlugin.dll duregiet.dll duscript.dll duskin.dll duskplay.exe duSrcAs.dll HiddenToolbarReminder.dll HkFxMgr.dll HkFxMgr64.dll InstallEnabler.dll t8EPMSup.dll T8EXTEX.DLL T8EXTPEX.DLL T8HTML.DLL t8Res.dll T8TICKER.DLL ToolbarGuard.dll ToolbarGuard64.dll Verify.dll TPIManagerConsole.exe
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Fix Windows Upgrade Error 0x800F081E – 0x20003
If you are trying to run Windows Upgrade on your Windows 10 computer but suddenly interrupted by the error 0x800F081E – 0x20003, worry not for this post will guide you on how you can fix this Windows Upgrade error. This particular Windows Upgrade error is a Windows status code for CBS_E_NOT_APPLICABLE which indicates that some of the update requirements are missing or the files that are installed are already of a higher version compared to the ones that are still pending. In most cases, this error occurs when you try to upgrade to earlier versions of the Windows 10 N edition to a later version. Here’s the full content of the error message:
“0x800f081E-0x20003, The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during BOOT operation”
In case you don’t know, Microsoft distributes special “N” editions of Windows in Europe and the “KN” editions in Korea. These editions are the same as the standard editions of Windows except that they do not have the Windows Media Player as well as the multimedia playback features. Thus, when the Windows Upgrade fails with the error code and error message and it doesn’t provide much information as to why the update couldn’t be installed, there is something you can do about it to fix the error. Since Windows uses generic error codes and so if you see the error code 0x800f081e, you have to check the error log first. For more details, follow the instructions laid out below. Step_1: You need to navigate to C:$WINDOWS.~BTSourcesPanther and from there look for the text file named “setuperr.log” and open it with a text viewer/editor program like Notepad. Step_2: After opening the setuperr.log file, you should see content that’s similar to this:
C:WINDOWSSoftwareDistributionDownload80b2677d6e15a2a206625bb25a7124feamd64_Microsoft-Windows-MediaPlayer-Package~~AMD64~~10.0.17134.1. Error: 0x800F081E 2019-09-10 20:26:57, Error SP Operation failed: Add [1] package C:WINDOWSSoftwareDistributionDownload80b2677d6e15a2a206625bb25a7124feamd64_Microsoft-Windows-MediaPlayer-Package~~AMD64~~10.0.17134.1. Error: 0x800F081E[gle=0x000000b7]
Note: From the content above, it is clear that the Windows Upgrade failed due to complete due to the Windows Media Player. It could be that the log file may contain other error messages and other error codes and if you see the error code 0x800f081e from the list, then you need to uninstall the Media Feature Pack. Step_3: You have to uninstall the Media Feature Pack.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run dialog box and type “optionalfeatures.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Features wizard.
  • Next, you need to wait until the list of Windows Features populates and then click on the + sign to collapse the folder of the Media Features.
  • After that, uncheck the “Windows Media Player” option from the Media Features folder.
  • Now click on the Yes and OK buttons to save the changes made and then close the Windows Features dialog box.
  • Restart your computer and boot, try to run the Windows Upgrade process again, and check if the error is fixed or not.
Note: If the installation has been successfully completed, you have to go back to the Windows Features and enable the Windows Media Player again. And if you are using the Windows 10 N Edition, then you can just download and install the latest version of the Media Feature Pack for your Windows 10 N edition. On the other hand, running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter could also help you resolve any Windows Update-related problems, including the error 0x800F081E – 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.
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How to change system font in Windows 11

Windows 11 is a good-looking operating system but people love to make things personal and to their liking so we decided to help you in this mission with small customization of changing default system fonts inside Windows 11.

Since there is no really easy way to just switch the font windows is using for itself we will have to tweak a registry a little so before we start please do make a backup of the registry file and follow the steps as they are presented in order to avoid any errors and break the system.

windows 11 transparency off

So, if all precautions are made and you are ready to change your Windows appearance let's dive right into it:

Find and/or install the font that you wish to use

There are vast free font sites on the internet where you can find fonts that you like and wish to use but be very careful with your desired font selection. The font that you choose needs to be a complete typeface, meaning that it has to contain all glyphs, large and small font sizes, all special characters, etc or you will experience that in certain areas nothing will be displayed.

Once you have found the font that you like and made sure it is a complete font, install it on your system (you can skip this step if you just want to change the system font with one already installed on your system)

Create REG file

Open notepad or a similar plain text editor in order to create a file that will apply changes directly into the registry and create a new file. Inside the file paste this text:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]
"Segoe UI (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Light (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)"=""

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]

"Segoe UI"="NEW-FONT"

All the way to the bottom where it says: "Segoe UI"="NEW-FONT", change NEW-FONT with the font name that you have chosen or installed in the previous step. For example: "Segoe UI"="Ubuntu".

Now go to File > Save As and name your file however you want but give it REG extension so it looks like: my_new_windows_font.REG

Apply changes

Now that you have your registry entry saved, locate it and double-click on it, at this stage Windows warning will probably pop up, you can just ignore it and click on YES since you wrote the file and know what it is. After registry entry is applied reboot your PC in order for changes to take effect.

Rolling back

If you want to change the font to another one, just repeat this procedure again. If you want to roll back to using the default Windows font, repeat the process but with this code instead of the one provided in the REG file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]
"Segoe UI (TrueType)"="segoeui.ttf"
"Segoe UI Black (TrueType)"="seguibl.ttf"
"Segoe UI Black Italic (TrueType)"="seguibli.ttf"
"Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)"="segoeuib.ttf"
"Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)"="segoeuiz.ttf"
"Segoe UI Emoji (TrueType)"="seguiemj.ttf"
"Segoe UI Historic (TrueType)"="seguihis.ttf"
"Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)"="segoeuii.ttf"
"Segoe UI Light (TrueType)"="segoeuil.ttf"
"Segoe UI Light Italic (TrueType)"="seguili.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)"="seguisb.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semibold Italic (TrueType)"="seguisbi.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semilight (TrueType)"="segoeuisl.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semilight Italic (TrueType)"="seguisli.ttf"
"Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)"="seguisym.ttf"
"Segoe MDL2 Assets (TrueType)"="segmdl2.ttf"
"Segoe Print (TrueType)"="segoepr.ttf"
"Segoe Print Bold (TrueType)"="segoeprb.ttf"
"Segoe Script (TrueType)"="segoesc.ttf"
"Segoe Script Bold (TrueType)"="segoescb.ttf"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]
"Segoe UI"=-
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How to Fix Error Code 0xc00007b in Windows 10

Error Code 0xc00007b – What is it?

Error code 0xc00007b usually manifests itself via the inability to start an application properly. It can occur when users attempt to run a game or other programs on their computer. In such a case, the application will not start and a message box will pop up stating that error code 0xc00007b has occurred. The error code is likely to occur when users attempt to run a program in the incorrect or inappropriate bit. For instance, if you try to load a 32bit location with a 64bit location.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code 0xc00007b affects various versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows 10. In the case of error code 0xc00007b for Windows 10, the error may be caused by issues related to software you’ve installed on your machine. This may cause software conflict resulting in the need to install programs like DirectX. Left unchecked, error code 0xc00007b could incite other error codes in Windows 10, such as error code 0xc004f034.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To repair error code 0xc00007b for Windows 10 devices, users will need to implement at least one manual repair procedure. Manual repair methods are effective in combating these issues as they can address the issues causing the error in the first place, thus fixing the problem.

The manual repair procedures for fixing error code 0xc00007b are very straightforward and can be implemented with little technical knowledge. However, you may need to contact a Windows repair technician if you have difficulty fixing the error code after completing the manual repair methods listed below.

Method One: Install Microsoft DirectX

Microsoft DirectX is an application usually included in the Microsoft operating system. It enables users to access high-speed gaming and multimedia on their PC. The latest version of this Windows technology is available on Microsoft’s official site.

Visit the Microsoft website and search for DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer. Once you have located the latest version of the program, select the preferred language you would like DirectX to run in, and then click download. Run the program, then be sure to reboot your computer.

Note that this solution should only be applied if you are having issues running or displaying a gaming or multimedia application. Once you’ve correctly installed the latest version of DirectX, it should be able to fix underlying issues that may be causing error code 0xc00007b to occur. If you are still unable to run applications after completing this manual repair procedure, however, you will need to apply another method to fix error code 0xc00007b for Windows 10.

Method Two: Install Latest Version of .NET Framework

.NET Framework, a framework developed by Microsoft, provides solutions for users who may be having problems with applications. To download the latest version of the .NET framework, follow the steps listed below.

  • Step one: Open your favorite web browser
  • Step two: Enter www.microsoft.com/net
  • Step three: Click Downloads
  • Step four: Select the latest version of the .NET Framework by clicking the framework at the top of the list. (Currently, the latest version is .NET Framework 4.6.2.)
  • Step five: Select preferred language, then download
  • Step six: Run software.

To ensure you successfully download the latest version of the .NET Framework, verify your computer is properly connected to the Internet while downloading the software. Also, follow the instructions provided on the Microsoft website.

After completing the download process, reboot your computer then check if you have successfully resolved error code 0xc00007b for Windows 10. If this manual repair method is successful, you will be able to access your gaming and multimedia programs. Otherwise, the error code message box will reoccur, stating that the application error code is present on your device. Apply the next manual repair procedure to correct the error code if this reoccurs.

Method Three: Install Windows Updates

In certain instances, application error codes like error code 0xc00007b affect PC users who fail to install the most current Windows updates on their device. That is why it’s important to check your system and ensure you have installed all the latest updates.

The updates, if any are available, will automatically be installed on your PC once you access Windows Update in Settings. Reboot your computer then check if you are able to run programs that previously would not open due to error code 0xc00007b. If problems persist resulting in the reoccurrence of the error code, reinstall the applications you are unable to open or get help from a Windows repair technician.

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.

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Fix Display driver failed to start Error
Recently, a number of users reported an error when they tried to open graphic-intensive apps like video games. According to users, when they tried to open an app, they get the “Display driver failed to start” error instead. Thus, if you encounter the same error, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on how exactly you can fix it. Here’s the full content of the error message:
“Display driver failed to start; using Microsoft Basic Display Driver instead. Check Windows Update for a newer display driver.”
This kind of error could be due to several factors. It is possible that it could be a result of a corrupted or outdated graphics driver. Aside from that, it could also be due to some issues with the system settings. Worry not though for there are potential fixes that can help you fix the problem. But before you troubleshoot the problem, you need to update your Windows 10 computer first and if it didn’t help fix the problem, then here are the potential fixes that should help resolve the “Display driver failed to start” error.

Option 1 – Try to restart the Graphics driver

Although Windows 10 can recover the graphics driver on its own when it crashes, there are times when it fails to do its job. To restart the graphics driver in your computer, simply tap the Win + Ctrl + Shift + B key combination. After that, the graphics driver will be back in less than a second.

Option 2 – Try running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

Running the built-in hardware and devices troubleshooter can also help you in fixing the “Display driver failed to start” error.
  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Keyboard from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 3 – Try to update or rollback the Graphics driver

You can try to update your Graphics card driver using the Device Manager in your computer to resolve the “Display driver failed to start” error or you can also go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it. To update your Graphics driver via Device Manager, refer to these steps:
  • First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  • After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
  • After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.

Option 4 – Try setting your system for maximum performance

If the first three options didn’t fix the error, you can try setting your computer for maximum performance since Windows 10 allows you to choose the effects you want to activate your system and you can do this by adjusting the performance ratio. Adjusting the performance ratio can be done via a certain setting in your computer – and this setting should be set to “Maximum Performance” to resolve the error.
  • In the Windows Search bar, type in “performance” and from the search results that appear, select the “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” option.
  • Next, a mini window will appear and from there, click on the radio button that says, “Adjust for best performance”.
  • Once done, click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made. This should resolve the problem.
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Fix Error 0x8000704ec in Windows 10
Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications are the modern application in the windows store that can be used in all the Window devices like Xbox, Hololens, Tablet, PC or Phone. Basically, UWP provides a common platform for every device that runs Windows 10. When attempting to login into these applications and receive this error:
Can’t sign in with a Microsoft account This program is blocked by group policy. For more information, contact your system administrator. 0x8000704ec
Then this post is for you. We will guide you on how to easily resolve issues, please follow the steps provided.
  1. Local group policy editor solution

    • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
    • In the Run dialog box type gpedit.msc and press ENTER to open Group Policy Editor.
    • Inside the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the path below:
    Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Polices > Security Options
    • On the right pane, double-click on Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts to edit its properties.
    • Under Local Security Setting tab, click on the drop-down and select This policy is disabled.
    • Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
    • Exit Group Policy Editor.
  2. Registry editor solution

    As always, it is highly recommended to make a backup of the registry editor just in case that something goes wrong.
    • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
    • In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit ENTER to open Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to the registry key path below:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • At the location, on the right pane, identify the NoConnectedUser key. The key value might be set to either 1 or 3.
    • Now, double-click the NoConnectedUser entry to edit its properties.
    • Input 0 in the Value data field and hit Enter to save the change.
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How to Fix Windows 8 Error 0x80070490

Error Code  0x80070490 - What is it?

Error code 0x80070490 occurs in versions of Windows including Windows 8 or 8.1 and Windows 7 or Windows Vista. This error often arises when users attempt to install updates via Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

The main reason for the error relates to the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest which has become damaged. When the error occurs, the Windows device is unable to successfully install updates.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code 0x80070490 might appear for various reasons but is most prominent in the following cases:

  • Attempts to install Windows 8 or 8.1
  • A corrupted Component-Based Servicing (CBS)

Further Information and Manual Repair

The solutions for error code 0x80070490 vary so users may need to attempt each solution to find the best results.

  1. Repair Corrupted Windows Files with System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC.exe) is a Windows-based utility that enables users to check and repair corrupted or damaged system files. It can also restore missing systems files which can be the cause of errors such as error code 0x80070490.

To repair files, begin scan by swiping the right edge of the screen then opening the search box. Type Command Prompt, right-click this option, then select Run as Administrator. Once the scan begins, wait for the process to be completed then restart your device. Check if the error is resolved by reattempting updates. If error code 0x80070490 in Windows 8 or 8.1 persists on your device, proceed to the solution below.

  1. Perform Clean Boot

A clean boot is one of the best ways to reduce conflict among files – an issue that may arise whenever users update, install or run programs on their Windows device.

To run a clean boot, your device reboots using limited drives and programs. The process allows you to identify which conflict among programs is causing errors on your Windows device.

You can access the clean boot tool by entering msconfig in the search box. Select Services, then System Configuration. Check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox then select Disable all. Next, go to the Startup tab, click and open Task Manager. After selecting the Startup tab, make sure you right-click each startup program. Click Disable from the context menu then close Task Manager when done. Select OK on the System Configuration menu then restart your machine to clean boot Windows 8 or 8.1.

If the clean boot successfully identifies and resolves issues with corrupted files, you will be able to access updates using Windows Update or Microsoft Update. Error code 0x80070490 will no longer occur. But if that proves unsuccessful, other options are available below including running Windows Update Troubleshooter.

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This method can provide a simple solution for users as it verifies whether your Internet connection, network adapter and Windows Update services are functioning properly. However, if you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to troubleshoot, seek assistance from a qualified Microsoft technician.

To run Windows Update Troubleshooter, simply download from Microsoft’s website. Be sure you are downloading the tool recommended for your operating system, in this case Windows 8 or 8.1. After you download Windows Update Troubleshooter, run it to enable the tool to check for and resolve update issues on your device.

  1. Use DSIM or System Update Readiness Tool

The System Readiness Tool or DSIM is another method you can use to correct issues related to error code 0x80070490. This tool checks problems on your system that might prevent your computer from performing Windows updates including issues related to damaged system files.

Once you download and install this tool, it will be able to run automatically. The process may be technical, however, requiring specialized knowledge to successfully download and run the tool. Consider getting assistance from an IT professional in this case. Also, check Microsoft's online resources to download the tool.

  1. Use an Automated Tool

Having an automated tool at hand will enable users to always be prepared. Download a powerful automated utility tool to provide solutions whenever error codes or other problems affect your Windows 8 device.

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There is no internet when WIFI is connected
If your WIFI signal is strong but you can not connect to the internet then keep reading in order to find out why this happens and what can you do to fix it. One very important thing to know and understand is that WIFI and the internet are two different things and that they altho connected and working together are basically 2 things. WIFI is a name for a group of technologies that are using radio vawes to connect to the router in order to access the internet. The Internet itself is series of computers all connected in LAN. Think of WIFI like some invisible cable that connects your computer to the router. When we put things into perspective this way it becomes clear that we can indeed have a strong WIFI signal and that we are connected to the router but the router itself is not connected to the internet. So basically troubleshooting an internet connection is troubleshooting the router itself. The most common approach is to reset the router, turn it off, then back on, check cables, etc. But be sure that if your WIFI signal is strong and you can not access the internet it is a router issue.
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Windows Photo Viewer can’t display picture
There are instances when you open a picture or an image in the Windows Photo Viewer and instead of displaying the image, it displays nothing and you’ll see an error message instead that says, “Windows Photo Viewer can’t display this picture because there might not be enough memory available on your computer”. Although this may look like a clear-cut issue of less storage space or low RAM in your computer, that’s not always the case. Security experts noticed that even when your computer has enough resources and disk space, this kind of problem could still occur. So if you experience the same thing, you need to check the Color Profile of your screen. For more information, refer to the detailed instructions provided below but before you proceed, make sure that you close some processes in the Task Manager or restart your computer and see if it helps in fixing the problem. You can also try using the Disk Cleanup tool. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “cleanmgr” in the field and hit Enter to open the Disk Cleanup window.
  • After that, select the drive you want to clean.
  • Now click OK to clean the disk and restart your computer.
If the Disk Cleanup tool didn’t help in resolving the issue, refer to the instructions below. Step 1: In the search box, type “color management” and then select the “Change advanced color management settings for display” option from the search results. Or you could simply go to Settings > System > Display, Advanced display settings, and from there, select display and click on the Display adapter properties of Display. Step 2: Next, switch to the Color Management tab and click on the Color Management button. Step 3: Select the monitor where you’re getting the “Windows Photo Viewer can’t display this picture because there might not be enough memory available on your computer” error in the next window. And if you have two displays, make sure that you select the primary display. You also have an option to identify the monitor. Step 4: Once confirmed, select the “Use my settings for this device” checkbox. Step 5: After that, select the Profile listed under the “Profiles associated with this device” option and then click on Remove. Step 6: Next, go to the Advanced tab and make sure that all settings are set to System default which includes a device profile, perceptual images, rendering intent, Relative Colorimetric, and many more. Step 7: Once you’re done, you have to restart your computer and then try to open the same image you were trying to open earlier and then check if you can now open it instead of seeing the error.
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Removing Linkey From Windows Tutorial

Linkey is a potentially unwanted web browser search extension for the top browsers, designed to modify the user’s search and home pages in order to direct advertising. This extension changes your default search provider, redirects new tabs, and distributes information & statistics to the server. This extension will display unwanted ads, redirect you through unwanted search engines, and send your browsing information (potentially private information) back to its ad network.

From the publisher: Linkey is compatible with all the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. Linkey is a simple browser extension that allows you to get the best sites in one click in visualized & friendly interface.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a type of unwanted software, often a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijackers could do many different things on your PC. Usually, hijackers will force hits to websites of their preference either to increase traffic producing higher advertisement revenue, or to obtain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Nonetheless, it’s not that harmless. Your online safety is compromised and it is also extremely annoying. Browser hijackers could also allow other malicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

The typical symptoms that suggest having this malicious software on your PC are: 1. your homepage has been reset to some unfamiliar site 2. your browser is constantly being redirected to adult sites 3. the essential web browser settings are modified and undesirable or insecure resources are put into the trusted sites listing 4. unsolicited new toolbars are added to your browser 5. you may notice endless pop-up ads on your screen 6. your web browser starts running sluggishly or exhibits frequent errors 7. You simply can’t access particular sites, particularly anti-malware websites.

How it infects your computer

Browser hijackers attack computers through malicious e-mail attachments, downloaded infected computer files, or by checking out infected internet sites. They could be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plug-ins, or browser extensions. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your PC through the “bundling” technique. Examples of well-known browser hijackers are Fireball, GoSave, Ask Toolbar, CoolWebSearch, Babylon Toolbar, and RocketTab. Browser hijackers could interrupt the user’s browsing experience severely, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause problems in connecting to the internet, and ultimately create stability issues, making applications and computers crash.

How you can get rid of a browser hijacker

Some hijackers can be simply removed by deleting the free software they came with or by removing any extension you have recently added to your computer. Unluckily, the majority of the software products used to hijack a browser are deliberately built to be difficult to eliminate or detect. Moreover, manual removals demand in-depth system knowledge and therefore can be an extremely difficult job for novices.

What To Do When You Cannot Download Safebytes Anti-Malware?

All malware is bad and the magnitude of the damage may vary greatly in accordance with the type of infection. Certain malware variants modify internet browser settings by including a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configurations. When this happens, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore unable to download or install the necessary security software to remove the malware. If you’re reading this, you may have infected by a virus that prevents you from downloading computer security software like Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are a few options you can attempt to get around with this obstacle.

Install in Safe Mode

The Windows-based PC has a special mode called “Safe Mode” in which just the bare minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malware is blocking internet access and affecting your PC, running it in Safe Mode will let you download antivirus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting potential damage. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is starting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, as well as update anti-malware software from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Use an alternate browser to download an antivirus application

Certain viruses might target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate internet browser with built-in safety features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install security software on a thumb drive

Here’s another solution which is creating a portable USB anti-malware software that can check your system for malicious software without needing installation. Do these simple actions to clean up your affected PC using portable anti-malware. 1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free computer. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Unplug the USB drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the flash drive to run the software. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

Want to download the very best anti-malware software for your laptop? There are several applications in the market that come in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows systems. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, while some will destroy your PC themselves! When searching for an anti-malware tool, choose one which provides dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. On the list of highly recommended software programs is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a good track record of top-quality service, and customers are very happy with it. Safebytes is one of the well-established computer solutions companies, which offer this all-inclusive anti-malware software. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application will allow you to eradicate multiples types of malware such as computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes has got a variety of wonderful features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. Below are some typical features present in this tool: Live Protection: SafeBytes offers a totally hands-free active protection that is set to observe, prevent and remove all threats at its very first encounter. This utility will always monitor your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the newest threats. Most Reliable AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software program goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your PC. Internet Security: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes notifies you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the net. Lightweight Utility: The program is lightweight and can run silently in the background, and that does not have an effect on your PC efficiency. 24/7 Live Professional Support: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and upgrades for the best user experience.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Linkey 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 Linkey

Files: C:Users%USER%AppDataLocalTempis33084504mysearchdial.dll C:Users%USER$AppDataLocalTempis357113909833170_stpsetup.exe c:Users%USER$AppDataLocalTempMega Browsemegabrowse_setup.exe C:Program Files (x86)Linkeylog.log C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyHelper.dll C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyChromeExtensionChromeExtension.crx C:Program Files (x86)Linkey C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyChromeExtension C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyIEExtension C:Users%USER$AppDataRoamingDigitalSitesUpdateProc Registry: HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESAPPID6A7CD9EC-D8BD-4340-BCD0-77C09A282921 HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODECLASSESAPPID6A7CD9EC-D8BD-4340-BCD0-77C09A282921 HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID181F2C09-56DD-4F98-86D7-59BA2BC59B5A HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID4D9101D6-5BA0-4048-BDDE-7E2DF54C8C47 HKLMSOFTWAREMICROSOFTWINDOWSCURRENTVERSIONEXPLORERBROWSER HELPER OBJECTS HKLMSOFTWARELINKEY HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODELINKEY HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODESYSTEMKGeneral HKUS-1-5-18-ED1FC765-E35E-4C3D-BF15-2C2B11260CE4-0SOFTWARECONDUITValueApps HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODEMICROSOFTWINDOWSCURRENTVERSIONEXPLORERBROWSER HELPER OBJECTSEF5625A3-37AB-4BDB-9875-2A3D91CD0DFD HKLMSOFTWARELINKEY|ie_jsurl, http://app.linkeyproject.com/popup/IE/background.js HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODELINKEY|ie_jsurl, http://app.linkeyproject.com/popup/IE/background.js
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