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How to fix disk signature collision problem

As you know, storage devices are an important part of the computer system for porting, saving, and extracting data files. And for you to differentiate between storage devices on your computer system, each one of the storage devices is labeled with a unique number referred to as Disk Signature for identification.

The unique disk identifier is stored as a part of the MBR or Master Boot Record. Disk signature is used by operating systems in order to identify and set apart different data storage devices and hard disk drives in the computer for data access.

These days, Disk cloning has become a regular practice in upgrading to larger hard disk drives. Drives are cloned in order to produce a similar copy to use both the original drive and cloned copy together. Moreover, lots of virtualization tools are being used to virtualize the physical hard disk drives to create virtual hard disk drives and several virtual machine clones that are created with the existing virtual hard disk drives. And since these are identical copies, chances these copies may have identical disk signatures. As a result, when you use both disks that have identical signatures at the same time you run into the Disk Signature Collision problem. This kind of problem does not often occur as the Windows system does not really allow two disks to function simultaneously when they have the same disk signature.

When you encounter a Disk Collision problem in your Windows 10 computer, you may see the following error messages:

  • The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible
  • The disk is offline because it has a signature collision
  • This disk is offline because it has a signature collision with another disk that is online

You can fix the disk collision problem by changing the disk signature which you can achieve using the command line utility diskpart in Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt or using Windows Disk Management utility.

To fix the disk collision problem, you can make use of the command-line utility called diskpart in Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt to view and change the signature, or can make use of Master Boot record in the Windows Registry. You can also make use of Windows Disk Management Utility to change the signature. Simply follow the given options below to change the disk signature either way.

Option 1 – Change Disk Signature via Diskpart

  • Type “command prompt” in the Windows Search bar and then right-click on the related search result and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After that, type the “diskpart” command and hit Enter to open Diskpart.
  • Next, type the “list disk” command to display all the disks available in the system.
  • Next, take note of the problematic disk number with the status Offline from the list and then type the “Select disk x” command where x is the offline disk to select the offline disk. For instance, if you type “select disk 1”, it will display the “Disk 1 is now the selected disk” message.
  • Now type the “Uniqueid disk” command to display the disk signature and to change the disk’s signature and set the disk online, type the “unique disk ID= (New signature)” where (New signature) is the new ID in hexadecimal. For instance, you can set the new id as “unique disk ID= 1456ACBD”.

Note: If you have given the wrong format ID, the command prompt will display the following error:

“The specified identifier is not in the correct format. Type the identifier in the correct format: in hexadecimal form for an MBR disk or as a GUID for a GPT disk.”

  • After you’re done, the disk will be online, and then restart your computer.

Option 2 – Change Disk Signature via Disk Management Utility

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “diskmgmt.msc” and hit Enter or click OK to open Disk Management.
  • Next, right-click on the disk that is marked as Missing or Offline.
  • After that, select the Online command from the drop-down menu.
  • Then from the selecting option Online, Windows will generate a new disk signature.

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Option 2 – Try running the Memory Diagnostic Tool

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Option 5 – Try to disconnect or disable newly installed hardware

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  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
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  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
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Option 7 – Try to update the BIOS

Updating the BIOS can help you fix the CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT BSOD error but as you know, BIOS is a sensitive part of a computer. Even though it is a software component, the functioning of the hardware depends on it largely. Thus, you must be careful when modifying something in the BIOS. So if you don’t know much about it, it’s best if you skip on this option and try the other ones instead. However, if you are well-versed in navigating the BIOS, then follow the steps below.
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  • After that, you should see the developer and version of the BIOS installed on your PC.
  • Go to your manufacturer’s website and then download the latest version of BIOS on your computer.
  • If you are using a laptop, make sure that you keep it plugged in until you have updated the BIOS.
  • Now double click on the downloaded file and install the new BIOS version on your computer.
  • Now restart your computer to apply the changes made.
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  • HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop
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  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
Once all the modifications are carried out, PyLocky ransomware will begin encrypting its targeted files using a sophisticated encryption cipher. Following the encryption, it adds the .lockymap extension to each one of the encrypted files and releases a ransom note named “LOCKY-README.txt” which contains the following content:
“Please be advised: All your files, pictures document and data has been encrypted with Military Grade Encryption RSA ABS-256. Your information is not lost. But Encrypted. In order for you to restore your files, you have to purchase a Decrypter. Follow these steps to restore your files. 1* Download the Tor Browser. ( Just type in google “Download Tor“ 2‘ Browse to URL: http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php 3* Purchase the Decryptor to restore your files. It is very simple. If you don’t believe that we can restore your files, then you can restore 1 file of image format for free. Be aware the time is ticking. Price will be doubled every 96 hours so use it wisely. Your unique ID : CAUTION: Please do not try to modify or delete any encrypted file as it will be hard to restore it. SUPPORT: You can contact support to help decrypt your files for you. Click on support at http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php”

How does PyLocky ransomware spread over the web?

PyLocky ransomware spreads using malicious spam email campaigns. Creators of this threat embed an infected attachment to spam emails and send them using a spambot. Crooks may even use deceptive tactics to trick you into opening the malware-laden immediately which is something you must not do. Thus, before opening any emails, make sure that you’ve thoroughly checked them. To successfully obliterate PyLocky ransomware from your computer, refer to the removal guide laid out below.
  • Step 1: Launch the Task Manager by simply tapping Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
  • Step 2: Under the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and look for the process named facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe and any suspicious-looking process which takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to PyLocky ransomware.
  • Step 3: After that, close the Task Manager.
  • Step 4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
  • Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for PyLocky ransomware or anything similar, and then uninstall it.
  • Step 6: Next, close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
  • Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for PyLocky ransomware’s malicious components such as facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe and LOCKY-README.txt as well as other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
%TEMP% %WINDIR%System32Tasks %APPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsTemplates %USERPROFILE%Downloads %USERPROFILE%Desktop
  • Step 8: Close the File Explorer.
  • Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
  • Step 10: Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
  • Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by PyLocky ransomware.
  • Step 12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if PyLocky ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot. To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
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Setting a default printer in Windows 10
Windows 10 is by far the most personalized Windows so far, most of its personalization comes from him learning our habits on computers and setting future experiences taking them into account. One of these things that Windows likes to set for us is also the default printer. The default printer is set as one which is most used but sometimes we do not want that, we might like to use another printer as default despite Windows choosing one for us. Never worry, setting default printer is easy and this guide will take you to step by step journey of how you can do it in 5 min on your personal computer. Let us begin: First thing is to click on the windows icon on the bottom left and open start menu, from start menu click once on settings. Windows 10 Star menu with marked settings iconWhen the settings window opens, choose DEVICES on it. Windows settings with marked devices sectionOnce the device window opens, click once on printers and scanners, and on the right window go to the bottom and uncheck Let windows manage my default printer. Windows settings for printerUnchecking that box will let Windows know that we do not wish anymore for him to set our default printers according to their use. Once the checkbox is clear go up to your printer list and click on the printer you wish to use as the default one. I will choose Microsoft Print to PDF as my default printer and click on it. Once the printer is clicked option menu will appear. Windows settings manage printerWhen the option menu appears under the printer name, click on Manage which will take you to the printer management screen. When you are on the manage screen, click on the Set as default button, and you are done. Windows settings printer setting
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How to Fix Error Code HPQTRA08.exe

HPQTRA08.exe - What is it?

HPQTRA08.exe (Hewlett Packard Tray 08) is the Hewlett Packard Digital Imaging Monitor task. It is installed with the drivers of HP imaging products like PhotoSmart Printers.

It incessantly monitors and indicates the connectivity status with any recognizable HP product.

Simply put, HPQTRA08.exe is an exe (executable) file that contains step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to carry out a function.

HPQTRA08.exe error code is displayed in any of the following formats:

  • "Hpqtra08.exe Application Error."
  • "Cannot find hpqtra08.exe."
  • "Hpqtra08.exe not found."
  • "Error starting program: hpqtra08.exe."
  • "Hpqtra08.exe is not a valid Win32 application."
  • "Hpqtra08.exe failed."
  • "Faulting Application Path: hpqtra08.exe."
  • "Hpqtra08.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
  • "Hpqtra08.exe is not running."

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code HPQTRA08.exe can be triggered for several reasons. However, some of the most common causes include:

  • Corrupt Windows registry keys
  • Virus infection
  • Deleted, damaged, or corrupted HPQTRA08.exe file
  • HPQTRA08.exe file conflict
  • Corrupt or incomplete installation of Hp Digital Imaging

It is advisable to repair the error code HPQTRA08.exe on your PC immediately. Delays can lead to serious problems especially if the underlying cause of the error is related to registry corruption.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error on your PC, you don’t need to hire a professional and pay hundreds of dollars for the repair. Simply try the DIY methods listed below to fix the problem right away.

Method 1 - Download and Install HPQTRA08.exe File

If the error cause is related to deleted, corrupted, or damaged HPQTRA08.exe file, then the best way to fix the problem is to install the HPQTRA08.exe file on your PC.

However, first, make sure the site you select to download the file from is reliable and trusted.

By downloading from an unreliable website you can expose your PC to potential malicious programs and risk your data security.

Method 2 - Remove all Viruses

Sometimes viruses and malware tend to disguise in the form of exe files such as the HPQTRA08.exe file.

In such a situation scan your entire PC for viruses and malware using a powerful antivirus. Remove all the malicious programs found to fix the issue.

Method 3 - Clean and Repair the Registry

The registry saves all PC-related activities and information including both important and obsolete files such as cookies, bad registry entries, invalid keys, internet history, and junk files.

If these files are not removed from the registry frequently, these accumulate in the registry and corrupt thereby triggering error codes. Error code HPQTRA08.exe is generated when the corrupt Windows registry keys are associated with the HPQTRA08.exe file.

To resolve, clean the registry and repair it. Although this can be done manually it can be time-consuming and tricky especially if you are not technically sound, therefore it is advisable to download Restoro.

Click here to download Restoro and resolve error HPQTRA08.exe.

Method 4 - Locate and Install the Driver

As was pointed out, you might need to reinstall the printer driver again. Using DriverFIX, you’ll be able to automatically update your computer system and install the drivers your computer needs to operate smoothly.
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5 Common Windows 11 Issues You Can Solve Super Quickly

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!

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