Fix Windows Cannot Find a System Image

Spying via some malicious app on the target phone is not a new thing but it can be very uncomfortable and even against the law in some countries.

Infecting the target phone can be done in various ways, another person can intentionally download and install applications on it, and you can install them via some phishing attacks or by an online scam. Once installed this piece of software presents a very serious invasion of privacy since it can track text messages, track phone location in real-time, record calls in real-time, eavesdrop on calls, take control of the camera and microphone, and many other applications.

Here are some common symptoms of mobile phones infected with spyware.

Symptoms of spyware

Random reboots
Slow performance
Strange text messages
Overheating
Unusual high data usage
Non-familiar apps in the app list
The fast drain of the battery
Long shutdown time
Strange interference and sounds during calls
Signs of activity during standby mode

If your phone exhibits any of these symptoms you might have a spyware app installed and running on it.

Common spy apps

There are many apps that have been designed to spy on people that can be downloaded in the app store or on Google Play today. Most of these spyware apps are aimed at parents wanting to keep an eye on and protect their children. However, these can be used by anyone in order to spy on a target person via their phone.

Below is a list of common apps that can be used to spy on you. Many spyware apps require a phone to be ‘jailbroken’ or ‘rooted’ before being installed, this is when the phone’s operating system is changed to allow the phone to become unlocked and customizable.

mSpy : An undetectable spying app for iOS devices. It can be used to read your chats, see your location, view your email, check your call history, record your keystrokes, and more.

Spyera : This app requires rooted and jail-broken iPhones to work. It can go undetected and monitors phone calls and your call history. It even allows call recording and eavesdropping on live calls.

Flexispy : Flexispy prides itself as the #1 phone monitor for parents and can monitor everything from calls to social texts.

Umobix : This powerful spyware app has a dashboard that allows users to easily monitor someone’s location, calls, texts, keystrokes, all major social media, and more. You can detect Umobix because it heats up the infected phone and greatly affects the battery life of the infected device.

Ikey Monitor : Although it requires the device to be rooted for Android or jailbroken for iPhones, this spy app captures keystrokes, passwords, and screenshots, allows for call recording and supports multiple languages.

Clevguard : Available for both iOS and Android, Clevguard allows users to track GPS and Wi-Fi locations, capture screenshots remotely, and more. Due to a recent update, the spy app drains the target phone’s battery significantly.

Remove spyware from your phone

If any of the beforementioned apps are present on your phone you need to remove them right away.

Go to your phone settings and remove the malicious applications, then download some protection suite and scan the whole phone for any other trace of software remains or other malware apps.

jZip is a software utility published by Bandoo Media and is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Program. The software is an archive tool that used to compress and extract files in the rar, zip, and other formats. The program is typically bundled upon installation with other unwanted applications and is itself often installed in co-bundles. As of publication time, over 40 AntiViruses have flagged jZip as malicious or potentially unwanted.

It injects itself in Windows shell, providing quick access to the program by right-clicking on any file. jZip displays it's advertising in your browser, instead of the default search results, to better do this, it collects information about your browsing history and your current browsing session, so it can better target ads. This software, upon install, defines an auto-start registry key in your system, this allows the software to launch every time your computer is rebooted, no matter what Windows account you log in to, it also adds Windows Tasks, to allow it to launch by itself at random times, even when closed.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever downloaded software programs from the internet (shareware, freeware, etc,), odds are high you’ve unintentionally installed unwanted programs on your personal computer. Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), also referred to as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA), are applications that you never wanted in the first place and quite often come bundled with freeware software. Once installed, most of these applications can be hard to remove and become more of a nuisance rather than a necessity. The idea of PUP was actually coined to define this crapware as something other than malware. The primary reason for this is that most PUPs get into users’ computers not because they exploit security vulnerabilities, for instance, but because the users grant consent to install it – unwittingly in many instances. Nevertheless, there isn’t any doubt that PUPs are still bad news for PC users as they could be incredibly damaging to the computer in lots of ways.

What do PUPs do on your computer, precisely?

The unwanted programs after installation display a lot of annoying pop-up advertisements create fake alerts, and quite often it even pushes the end-user to buy the software. PUPs which come as browser add-ons and toolbars are widely identifiable. Not just they needlessly take up space on your computer screen, toolbars could also manipulate search results, monitor your browsing activities, decrease your internet browser’s overall performance, and slow your net connection to a crawl. They might seem innocent but PUPs tend to be spyware. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the spyware, adware, and keystroke loggers that might lurk inside. Even if the PUPs aren’t inherently malicious, these programs still do absolutely nothing good on your PC – they will take valuable system resources, slow down your computer or laptop, weaken your device’s security, and make your PC more susceptible to trojans.

Some tips on protecting yourself from unwanted software

• Read the EULA meticulously. Look for clauses that say that you have to accept advertisements and pop-ups or bundled programs from the company. • Typically, when setting up a program you will get two options, ‘Standard Installation (recommended)’ and ‘Custom Installation’. Don’t pick ‘Standard’ as unwanted programs will automatically be installed that way! • Have a solid anti-virus program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware that will protect your personal machine from PUPs. Once you install this software, the defense against viruses and PUPs is already switched on. • Avoid installing freeware software you will not utilize. Turn off or get rid of toolbars and internet browser extensions you don’t really need. • Only download programs from the original providers’ websites. Avoid download portals since they use their own download manager to bundle extra programs along with the initial download.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware because of a Virus? Do This!

Malware may cause several kinds of damage to computers, networks, and data. Some malware types alter browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to clear out the infection. So what to do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to eliminate malware in alternate ways.

Make use of Safe Mode to fix the issue

In Safe Mode, you are able to modify Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses. In case the virus is set to load immediately when the computer starts, switching to this particular mode may well prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the system is booting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. After you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Download the security program using an alternate internet browser

Web-based viruses can be environment-specific, aiming for a particular web browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. The most effective solution to avoid this issue is to opt for an internet browser that is known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you safe online.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another solution is to save and run an anti-malware software tool completely from a USB drive. Adopt these measures to employ a USB drive to clean your corrupted system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place in which you want to store the software files. Follow the activation instructions. 5) Now, plug the thumb drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all kinds of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

These days, anti-malware software can protect your laptop or computer from different kinds of internet threats. But how to select the right one among several malware protection application that is available in the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are decent, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You must pick one that is dependable, practical, and has a good reputation for its malware source protection. On the list of recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a superb track record of top-quality service, and customers seem to be happy with it. Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which offer this comprehensive anti-malware program. Once you’ve got installed this software program, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malicious software can seep through your computer. SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a myriad of enhanced features which sets it aside from all others. Here are a few typical features found in this application: Active Protection: SafeBytes provides real-time active monitoring service and protection against all known computer viruses and malware. This software will constantly monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the newest threats. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: By using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is designed to catch and remove viruses and malware which are concealed deep in your computer system. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the web pages you are about to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and make sure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the world wide web. Fast Multithreaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its enhanced scanning engine, gives super-fast scanning which can promptly target any active internet threat. Minimal CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight tool. It consumes a really small amount of processing power as it works in the background which means you won’t observe any computer performance issues. 24/7 Customer Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any issue with your security application.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Jzip 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 Jzip

Due to its hybrid core technology, the Alder Lake line of processors had some DRM issues with some game titles where DRM protection software detected hybrid core design switching via manager as a hack attempt and prevented the game from working properly. Over 50 titles were affected by this issue, now only 3 remain still affected but it is being worked on them so that can be also resolved. Intel says that the remedy to the issue for these games is the scroll lock fix which can be done so by enabling Legacy Game Compatibility mode from the BIOS of your motherboard. When running the said games, you can press scroll lock to park the E-cores on Intel's Alder Lake Desktop CPUs to get rid of DRM issues. Certain motherboard manufacturers such as MSI and Gigabyte have made this even easier through software tools with which you don't have to access the BIOS. All you need to do is select a button in the tool which works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating systems and you will enable compatibility mode.

Windows 11 release date is closing in, some people have tried it via insider build, some have decided not to. It has come to our attention that there is a little website made by BlueEdge that offers a virtual Windows 11 desktop. Opening the Website will put you right inside Windows 11 desktop, now take note that this is not Windows 11, it is a simulation of Microsoft’s newest OS and therefore many things will not work like File Explorer, etc. One thing you can make sure it is working is UI itself, you can see how you do like the new Taskbar, start menu, widgets, and some other things. You can just pop up on the site and check how you do like the overall new look and feel of Windows 11 UI before installing it or trying it. We are sure that many more options will come in time but even now you can get a feel of the newest OS. Windows 11 BlueEdge site: https://win11.blueedge.me/

Following a two-year investigation by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the state has filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard for fostering a "frat boy" culture in which female employees are allegedly subjected to unequal pay and sexual harassment. As reported by Bloomberg, Activision Blizzard is being accused by the state of California of discriminating against female employees at nearly all levels of employment, including in regards to compensation, promotion, assignments, and termination. The state alleges Activision Blizzard’s leadership has failed to address any of these outstanding issues or prevent them from occurring within the workplace. You can read the full details of the lawsuit here. The suit, filed Tuesday in the Los Angeles Superior Court, says Activision Blizzard, which is made up of about 20 percent women, assigns women, and women of color, to "lower paid and lower opportunity levels" with lower starting pay for similar work as their male counterparts. The documents also accuse Activision Blizzard of fostering a "pervasive 'frat boy' workplace culture in the office. Male employees are said to drink "copious amounts of alcohol" as they make their way through cubicles and "often engage in inappropriate behavior toward female employees." Male employees are said to come to work hungover, play video games during work "while delegating their responsibilities to female employees, engage in banter about their sexual encounters, talk openly about female bodies, and joke about rape." The lawsuit also cites one particular incident where a female employee, who was already subjected to intense sexual harassment at the company, committed suicide during a work trip with a male supervisor who allegedly brought inappropriate, sexual items with him on the trip. The lawsuit is asking for an injunction that will force Activision Blizzard to comply with workplace protections, as well as deliver unpaid wages, pay adjustments, back pay, and lost wages and benefits for female employees.

An Activision Blizzard spokesperson sent the following statement in response to the allegations:

We value diversity and strive to foster a workplace that offers inclusivity for everyone. There is no place in our company or industry, or any industry, for sexual misconduct or harassment of any kind. We take every allegation seriously and investigate all claims. In cases related to misconduct, the action was taken to address the issue. The DFEH includes distorted, and in many cases false, descriptions of Blizzard’s past. We have been extremely cooperative with the DFEH throughout their investigation, including providing them with extensive data and ample documentation, but they refused to inform us what issues they perceived. They were required by law to adequately investigate and to have good faith discussions with us to better understand and to resolve any claims or concerns before going to litigation, but they failed to do so. Instead, they rushed to file an inaccurate complaint, as we will demonstrate in court. We are sickened by the reprehensible conduct of the DFEH to drag into the complaint the tragic suicide of an employee whose passing has no bearing whatsoever on this case and with no regard for her grieving family. While we find this behavior to be disgraceful and unprofessional, it is, unfortunately, an example of how they have conducted themselves throughout the course of their investigation. It is this type of irresponsible behavior from unaccountable State bureaucrats that are driving many of the State’s best businesses out of California. The picture the DFEH paints is not the Blizzard workplace of today. Over the past several years and continuing since the initial investigation started, we’ve made significant changes to address company culture and reflect more diversity within our leadership teams. We’ve updated our Code of Conduct to emphasize a strict non-retaliation focus, amplified internal programs and channels for employees to report violations, including the “ASK List” with a confidential integrity hotline, and introduced an Employee Relations team dedicated to investigating employee concerns. We have strengthened our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and combined our Employee Networks at a global level, to provide additional support. Employees must also undergo regular anti-harassment training and have done so for many years. We put tremendous effort into creating fair and rewarding compensation packages and policies that reflect our culture and business, and we strive to pay all employees fairly for equal or substantially similar work. We take a variety of proactive steps to ensure that pay is driven by non-discriminatory factors. For example, we reward and compensate employees based on their performance, and we conduct extensive anti-discrimination training including for those who are part of the compensation process. We are confident in our ability to demonstrate our practices as an equal opportunity employer that fosters a supportive, diverse, and inclusive workplace for our people, and we are committed to continuing this effort in the years to come. It is a shame that the DFEH did not want to engage with us on what they thought they were seeing in their investigation.

Conclusion

We will see how things work out, but I am not too optimistic for Activision Blizzard, truth to be told these reports are really bringing up some disturbing news on the sunlight. I just hope that all responsible will be brought to justice.

If you are trying to copy large files that are over 4GB to a USB flash drive or SD card, but you suddenly get an error message saying, “File Too Large, The file is too large for the destination file system”, read on as this post will help you fix this problem. A user recently reported that while trying to copy a 4.8GB zipped file from a Windows 10 PC to a new 8GB USB drive but only got the File Too Large error message instead. If you share the same problem with this user and you know that there is more than enough available space for the file in your USB drive or SD card, continue reading until you get to the instructions provided in this post so that you will be able to copy the file successfully. It is most likely that the USB drive has been FAT32 formatted which is why you’re unable to copy the file and got an error. The FAT32 file system has a built-in limitation on the size of the individual file that it may contain. For instance, it’s 4GB so even though collectively, it may have files or even 1TB individually it shouldn’t be more than 4GB. Thus, you need to change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS. To do that, carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Step 1: Connect the USB drive and open the Windows File Explorer.
• Step 2: Afterwards, right-click on the USB drive letter and select Format from the context menu.
• Step 3: Next, select NTFS instead of FAT32 the instant a dialog box appears from the drop-down menu for the file system.
• Step 4: Now click on the Quick Format option and then click the Start button to reformat the USB drive.

Note: There is also another way you can change the file system. In this alternative way, you need to open an elevated Command Prompt and type the convert X: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity command, and hit Enter to execute it. Remember that in this command, “X” is the letter of your USB drive so whatever the letter of your drive is, you need to make sure to put it instead of “X”. Once the process is completed, try copying the file again.

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.

Internet connectivity issues like Can’t connect to this network present a complex problem with simple solutions for PC and laptop users. First, it is usually recommended that users rule out problems with the internet connection, router, and Wi-Fi settings before proceeding to troubleshoot settings on your PC/laptop. Once the rest are ruled out, we can then proceed with the following troubleshooting steps and guidelines to fix your wifi connection issue: The first step is to update your windows network adapter driver. Connectivity problems may arise if your network driver is not updated or if it is incompatible with the network adapter. To do so, you may resort to any third-party driver scanning and installing programs found online. This solution should resort if users don’t want the hassle of perusing through windows settings that users may not be familiar with. However, this solution requires a pre-existing internet connection other than wifi, so it is recommended you have a backup internet connection via ethernet. The second step is to uninstall the driver for your network adapter. This solution is to resort if there is an issue with the driver as restarting the PC after the following steps let windows reinstall the driver again:

• Open the quick access menu on your keyboard by pressing the Windows key and X key at the same time and select “Device Manager” from the menu list.
• From the list of devices, select “Network Adapters”
• Usually on the top of the list is the Wireless Network Adapter
• Right-click the Wireless Network Adapter and select the option to “Uninstall device”
• You will be given a confirmation in a new separate window to proceed. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.
• After completing the previous steps, try rebooting your Windows PC and reconnecting to see if it works.

A third step is to disable the 802.1 1n modes of your network adapter by following the next steps:

• First press the Windows logo key and the X key at the same time to bring up the quick-access menu. And like the previous step, select “Device Manager”
• From the list of devices, select “Network Adapters”
• Right-click the Wireless Network Adapter from the drop-down menu and select properties
• Under properties, select the “Advanced” tab then select the 802.1 1n Mode. To the right drop-down menu change the option to  “Disabled” and click “Ok”
• After, try to re-establish the connection to see if the steps have worked.

In the event that any of the preceding did not fix your problem, it helps to take a second look at the router and network settings using the interface provided by your ISP. A simple reset to the back of your router often fixes the issue. Also, try to check if you have any other administrative capabilities over the network to determine whether your device, in particular, has been MAC filtered or if the frequency of your wireless adapter is not compatible with the broadcast frequency of your router.

Outlook PST Mailbox Errors Malfunctions

Can you use an MS-Outlook e-mail account to send and get workplace e-mails on a daily basis? Are you using the exact same Outlook e-mail account for a long time? Are you getting PST Mailbox Errors? Then you have developed awareness and knowledge about Outlook PST Errors. Ms-outlook essentially stores the email items in a PST record. This includes all attachments, contacts, calendar items, your e-mails and records. You might encounter various kinds of Outlook Inbox error messages exhibited on the display in extended formats eg. 0x80040600 0x8004060c or 0x80040116. All all these are Outlook mailbox malfunctions that stop the Outlook program from executing jobs correctly and thus restricting your capacity to gain access to your e-mail account, see attachments, contacts, and calendar items that are significant.

Error Causes

There's not a single particular trigger for Outlook email malfunctions. A few causes can trigger these, but, the most frequent are virus contamination, 2 GB limit is exceeded by PST file and broken. There are no specific signals which will help help you identify but some pointers to look at include the following:-

• You cannot access certain parts of your Outlook interface
• Obscure error messages start popping on your screen
• You can’t add new contacts or change entry data in your calendar

Further Information and Manual Repair

When you experience these signs related to PST Inbox errors, it is advisable to repair the problem immediately to ensure it does not cause inconvenience for you and hampers your communication via Outlook emails. Remember this error not only inconveniences you but also hinders proper communication between various business partners. Determining the ultimate reason for distinct Outlook email malfunctions could be tricky, time-consuming, and might need specialized knowledge to nail it down with regards to fixing the Outlook mailbox malfunctions. In case you are not a specialist, working out and fixing this problem is an uphill process. To simplify this process, obtain and install an Outlook PST Repair Tool! This is an intelligent solution to fix all kinds of Outlook errors. You do not have to go deeper into the technical details of the problem. The Outlook PST Repair tool does it for you. An inbox repair tool identifies and also repairs all sorts of MS Outlook errors in seconds. It is easy to use, highly functional, safe and efficient. By installing an Outlook repair tool, Outlook errors can be easily removed from your computer and keep the errors from happening again. It also fixes damaged PST files and damaged e-mails can help regain data. Whatever you should do is to begin:

1. Click here to download the inbox repair tool
2. Install the software on your system
3. Run it and click restore to resolve Inbox errors

Windows 10 has displayed one of the most efficient and user-friendly interfaces. However there have been many issues on the backend of this commonly praised operating system: For example, Windows Update is still a wonky and error-laded system application. One example of this error is Windows Update Error 0x80073712 which stands in the way of users just wanting to keep their PCs updated hassle-free. The error code 0x80073712 signifies that a file needed by Windows Update to function is either damaged, missing, or corrupted. However, this does not mean that your Windows version will forever stay as-is with no mode to update it. Windows Update Error 0x80073712 is perfectly fixable with the set of provided steps below and some of Windows’ built-in troubleshooting steps:

Solution 1: Open Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open the Windows Update Troubleshooter by pressing the Window Key and  “S” keys simultaneously.
2. Enter the word “Troubleshoot” in the search box and select the Troubleshoot result
3. On the new window, select “Windows Update” to troubleshoot.
4. Run the troubleshooter, then open Windows Update and try to install the update again.

Solution 2: Run the DISM tool

1. Open the command prompt by pressing Windows Key and “S” key simultaneously
2. Enter “cmd” in the search box. Right Click command prompt among the results and select “Run as administrator”
3. In the Command Prompt window type the following and press the Enter key after every command

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

4. To close the Administrator: Command prompt window, type Exit, and then press Enter.
5. Run Windows Update again.

Solution 3: Rename the Software Distribution folder

1. Open the command prompt as previously mentioned
2. Input the following command pressing Enter after every line net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver exit
3. Restart the PC and run the updater if it works again.

Solution 4: Restart Windows Update Services

1. Press the Windows logo key and R together to open Run -> Input services.msc -> and press Enter
2. Search for the Windows Update service -> Check its status
3. If it is not indicated, right-click on the service and select Start to force start your Windows Update
4. If you see an error, locate the Startup Type option and set it to Automatic
5. Now you should reboot your computer and see if your Windows Update is OK

Solution 5: Fix Registry Issues

If after all the aforementioned solutions, you still experience problems with Windows Update, the problem may lie in the registry that is either damaged or corrupted. You may choose to do manual editing of your Windows registry by opening your Windows registry editor. But doing so is risky as one wrong letter may do incalculable damage to your system. To do so safely for more inexperienced users., we recommend using a third-party registry cleaner/tools, many of which can be found online.