Hard drive shows wrong free space

Error Code 0x8000222 - What is it?

Error Code 0x8000222 is an error that occurs during the installation process for Windows 10. It is also present in past versions of the software, going all the way back to Windows 7 and even affecting Windows software products, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other items in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Common symptoms include:

• Inability to complete the installation process for new versions of the operating system, Microsoft Office programs, or other Windows-based software

While there are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of Error Code 0x8000222 during the installation process, most of these factors can be addressed using a few high-level methods. These methods do require some advanced knowledge and computing skills, so if you are unable to complete the steps below successfully or do not have confidence in your ability to undertake these methods on your own, contact a qualified computer repair service that is familiar with the Windows 10 installation process.

Solution

Error Causes

There are a few different issues that can cause Error Code 0x8000222 to arise during the installation process on your Windows operating system. The first is a corrupted file in your system library or dynamic link library, also called the DLL. The second is interference by your proxy, firewall, or antivirus software that inhibits the machine from being able to access the files that it needs to successfully complete the installation of your Windows operating system or software.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To address and resolve Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows operating system, regardless of the version of the software that you are using, there are a few steps that you can take. Keep in mind that these steps do require some advanced skills and knowledge about your computer, so if you don’t believe that you can undertake these steps on your own or if the following methods do not fully resolve the issue on your device, talk to a qualified computer repair technician for assistance.

Here are the best ways to address Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows machine:

Method One:  Fix Your DLL Dependencies Registry

Before implementing this method, make sure that a proxy is not active on your computer. To check to see if there is an active proxy, simply press the Windows key together with the “R” key and type in the command “cmd”, then when the prompt opens up, type in the following command:  “netsh winhttp import proxy source=ie”. From the box that follows, if you see a message saying that there has been an error writing in the proxy settings and that access has been denied, it means that you can turn off the proxy setting in your Internet Explorer and the error will go away on its own.

If you do not have an active proxy, it is time to check and see whether your DLL dependencies are properly set up. To do so, open up the command prompt again by pressing the Windows key and “R” key at the same time and typing in “cmd”. Once the command prompt is active, simply typing in “regsvr32 Officevalidator.dll”, then attempt to resume your installation once it has been complete.

In some cases, you may need to restart your computer before attempting the Windows installation process.

Method Two:  Turn Off Firewalls and Antivirus Software Before Installing

If the above method did not successfully resolve the problem, you can go into your control panel and turn off any firewalls or antivirus programs that may be interfering with your ability to complete the Windows installation process. Depending on the programs that you use for your antivirus needs, you may need to restart your computer before you reattempt to do the installation process.

You should be able to turn your firewall and antivirus programs back on once the installation process has run through to completion.

In most cases, taking the steps above will fully resolve the appearance of Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows 10 machine.

Method Three: Use An Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

There are many times when you have to change the ownership of a folder or a file so that other users can use them as well or if you want to transfer files to them, or an old account has been removed and all the files need to be assigned to a new user. Windows 10 keeps all these files locked under the account by default which created a folder or file. So unless a user is an admin or if the file belongs to that particular user, other users won’t be able to access or edit the file. So if you want to change the ownership of a folder or a file, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on how exactly you can do that.

To get started, make sure to follow the instructions provided below carefully.

Step 1: First, you need to open File Explorer by tapping the Win + E keys. Once you’ve opened it, navigate to the folder or file that you want to change the ownership. Step 2: Right-click on the folder or file and click on Properties and then go to the Security tab. Step 3: From there, click on the Advanced button located at the bottom right part of the window to open the Advanced Security Settings of the folder or file. Step 4: As you can see, the current owner will be listed with the Change link available next to the “Owner” label. Now click on this link to open the Select User or Group window. Step 5: After that, click on the Advanced button once again and click on the “Find Now” button to see the list of all the users as well as groups that are available in the computer. Step 6: Then select the user you want to give ownership to and click on the OK button and then click the OK button once more to save the changes made. Step 7: This will take you back to the Advanced Security Settings window but this time, the owner will be changed to whoever user you’ve selected. But you’re not done yet as you still have to check two additional options to help you completely transfer the ownership of the sub-folders as well as the files. You have to check the checkbox of the following options:

• Replace owner on sub-containers and objects
• Replace all child permission entries with inheritable permission entries from the object.

Step 8: After that, you need to click the Apply and OK buttons to confirm and save the changes made. This will completely transfer the ownership of the file. However, there is still one last thing you have to do – you have to go back to the Advanced Security Settings window to remove the access of any other user on the folder or file. Once you’re there, remove the existing user to make sure that the only assigned user has the access to the folder or file.

If you encounter error 0x8024500C after a Windows Update or when you were trying to update Windows Store apps, read on as this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This kind of Windows Update error indicates that the Windows Update service has been blocked. Here are some suggestions you could check out to resolve the Windows Update error 0x8024500C on your Windows 10 computer.

Option 1 – Try checking the status of all the Windows Update Services

You need to check if all the Windows Update Services are up and running or not. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
• From the list of Services, look for the following services that support Windows Update:
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Delivery Optimization
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Update Medic Service
• Once you’ve found them, check if they are running just fine or not. if not, you can right-click on each entry and click on Start.

Option 2 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update Error 0x8024500C. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 3 – Try downloading and installing the Windows Updates manually

Error 0x8024500C might be due to a Windows Update that has failed. So if it is not a feature update and only a cumulative update, you can download the Windows Update and install it manually. But first, you need to find out which update has failed, and to do so, refer to the following steps:

• Go to Settings and from there go to Update and Security > View Update History.
• Next, check which particular update has failed. Note that Updates that have failed to install will be displayed under the Status column which has a label of “Failed”.
• After that, go to the Microsoft Download Center and look for that update using its KB number and once you find it, download and then install it manually.

Note: You can also use the Microsoft Update Catalog, a service from Microsoft that provides a list of software updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. With the help of this service, it can be easier for you to find Microsoft software updates, drivers as well as fixes.

Option 4 – Try checking the Registry settings

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• After that, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate
• Then double click on “DisableWindowsUpdateAccess” located at the right side of the panel and make sure that its value is set to “0”. If not, you have to change it to “0”.
• Now restart your computer and check if error 0x8024500C is now fixed or not

Option 5 – Disable the Proxy server

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

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

Option 6 – Try to reset the Microsoft Store cache

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

• Right-click on the start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator).
• Next, type in the command, “exe” and tap Enter. Once you do, the command will clear the cache for the Windows Store app.
• Now restart your PC and afterward, try opening Microsoft Store again.

Option 7 – Perform a System Restore

Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the Windows Update error 0x8024500C. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

There is no doubt that the VLC media player is one of the best kinds of media players available today. However, it is not without any issues and one of the common issues encountered by users is VLC’s inability to be updated. And when you try to update VLC, you only get an error message saying, “An error occurred while checking for updates”. This inability to update VLC can be quite a headache for many users especially the ones who are facing other issues in VLC and has to update it in order to resolve them. So how will you update VLC and fix its issues when you can’t even update it in the first place? Worry not as this post will help you out. Refer to the suggestions laid out below to resolve the issue in updating VLC.

Option 1 – Check if VLC is not being blocked by the Firewall

There are instances when the Firewall like the Windows Defender Firewall blocks VLC for some unknown reason without your knowledge. Thus, you need to allow VLC to get past the Firewall in order for you to fix the issue else you won’t be able to send out a network communication. To do that, follow the steps below.

• Tap the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• Then click on the Update & Security option.
• After that, click on Windows Security and click the Open Windows Defender Security Center option. This will open the Windows Defender antivirus and antimalware program.
• From there, click on Firewall & network protection.
• Next, click on Allow an app through Firewall. You should see a list of programs. Scroll down until you see VLC and make sure that all the boxes are ticked including the Public and Private ones.
• Once you’re done, restart your PC and then try updating VLC again.
• Just open VLC and select the Help menu and click on Check for Updates.

Option 2 – Try running the VLC media player as an administrator

There are programs designed for Windows 10 that won’t work fully unless some parameters are met. In most cases, starting the program as an admin should resolve the problem, thus, that’s what you have to do to try and fix the “An error occurred while checking for updates” in VLC.

• First, right-click on the VLC Media Player desktop icon and then select the “Run as administrator” option or you could also right-click on the icon and click on Properties.
• After that, click the Compatibility tab and then tick the box labeled “Run this program as an administrator”.
• Next, click the OK button and then open VLC again and try updating it. That should fix the problem.

Strange and anxious message no internet, secured can happen even during when everything is ok and you do indeed have internet. So in order to fix this issue please keep on reading.

Reset Router

Most a simple and most straightforward solution and 80% of the time it works like a charm. Before trying other solutions, try this simple one.

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Run the Networking Troubleshooter

1. Run the build-in Windows 10 troubleshooter for networking.
2. To do this, right-click Start then select Settings
3. In the Settings window, click Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections > Run the troubleshooter then follow the instructions

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Device Manager solution

The Windows device manager is the place where you can update, disable and re-enable, and reinstall your devices, including the network adapter which is most likely the cause of this issue. In Device Manager, click Network adapters then locate your network adapter and right-click on it Do the following things in order presented:

1. Update driver.
2. Disable device, enable Flight mode in the taskbar, reboot PC, then Enable device and turn off Flight mode.
3. Uninstall device, reboot PC, reinstall the device if it was not installed automatically

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Refresh IP Configuration

Refreshing your IP configuration reassigns your IP address, which will fix the problem if it was down to your IP allocation issues Open the Command Prompt, then enter the following commands:

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Reset Winsock

There are a couple of other things you can try in the command prompt. The Winsock protocol controls a big chunk of your computer’s communication with network services and resetting it will reset many of those under-the-hood elements to their default settings. Enter the following into the command prompt:

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Fix Connection’s Properties

Click the Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) connection icon in the taskbar, then Network & Internet Settings. In the new window, click Change adapter options then right-click the affected connection and click Properties. In the Properties window, make sure all the following boxes are ticked:

• Client for Microsoft Networks
• File and Printer Sharing
• Internet Protocol Version 4
• Internet Protocol Version 6
• Link-layer Topology Discovery Responder

Click OK and restart PC.

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Disable iPv6

IPv6 is the relatively new Internet protocol that more and more PCs are using due to the fact that the number of available IPv4 addresses is simply running out. Not all networking equipment and ISPs play nice with iPv6, however, so if you have this switched on, then it could be interfering with your connection. If you suspect this might be the issue, uncheck the IPv6 box under your connection’s Properties.

There are a lot of users who use their Windows 10 PCs to create and access data on their servers using their network. However, some of them reported getting an error saying that the server is not accessible. Here’s the full content of the error message:

“\server is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. Logon Failure: The target account name is incorrect.”

If you are among the users who experience the same issue, read on as this post will help you resolve this error when accessing your server. But before you start troubleshooting the problem, you might want to perform System Restore, especially if tend to create one. To use System Restore, here’s what you have to do:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

If System Restore didn’t help in fixing the ACPI.sys Blue Screen error now’s the time for you to make use of the potential fixes laid out below.

Option 1 – Try rebooting your router

The first thing you can try to do to fix the error is to simply restart your router. All you need to do is reboot the router from its Admin panel or you can also turn it off manually and turn it back on after a couple of seconds so that it can completely reboot. Once you’re done, try accessing your server again and see if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try checking the status of the Workstation Service

You might want to check the status of the Workstation Service as the error might have something to do with it.

• Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run utility.
• Then type “services.msc” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• After opening the Services Manager, you will see a list of all the services on your computer and from there, locate the Workstation Service.
• Double click on the Workstation Service to open its Properties.
• Next, Stop the Service and Start it again or you can also right-click on it and select Restart and then make sure that its Startup type is set to Automatic.
• Now restart your computer and check if the error is fixed.

Option 3 – Try to change the File Sharing Connections setting

You can also try to change the File Sharing connections setting. All you have to do is go to Control Panel > Network and sharing center > Advanced sharing settings > File sharing connections. From there, you need to select “Enable file sharing for devices that use 40 or 56-bit encryption and check if it helps in fixing the problem. If not, undo the changes you’ve made and proceed to the next given option.

Option 4 – Try checking the Network Configuration

Checking the Network Configuration can also help you fix the error. Refer to the steps below to do so:

• Right-click on the Wi-Fi connection or on the Ethernet connection icon located in the system tray.
• Then select open Network and Internet Settings and then click on the “Change Adapter Options”.
• After that, a new window will appear and from there, select the network connection that connects your computer to your network – this can either be a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet connection.
• Right-click on that connection and select Properties where you will see a list of items.
• Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 or Internet Protocol Version 6 from those items according to your system requirement.
• Then click on the Properties button.
• Check if everything is now configured as to how it is supposed to be and then check if the error is resolved.

Option 5 – Try to reset Winsock, TCP/IP & Flush DNS

You might also want to try resetting Winsock, TCP/IP, and flushing DNS might help you resolve errors. To do so, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator) so you can pull up an elevated Command Prompt.
• After that, execute each one of the commands listed below. And after you typed in one after the other, you have to hit Enter.

1. netsh winsock reset – type in this command to reset Winsock
2. netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt – type in this command to reset TCP/IP
3. ipconfig /flushdns – type in this command to flush the DNS cache

• Next, restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 6 – Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

• Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
• Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
• Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
• After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.

If you encounter the BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO Blue Screen error in your Windows 10 PC, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this issue. Usually, this kind of Blue Screen error is caused by some issues with the Boot Configuration Data file. The main issue inside of the Boot Configuration Data file is that either some boot order files or older files might be in conflict with the newer ones or the stable ones and thus triggering the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO Blue Screen error. This kind of Stop error also indicates that there is an error in the Windows Registry which is why you need to update potential culprit drivers as well as edit some entries in the Registry if need be. But before you get started, make sure that you create a System Restore Point first. After creating a System Restore Point, try to boot your computer into Safe Mode and then restart your computer normally. However, if it doesn’t work, proceed to the given options below.

Option 1 – Run System Restore

Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO Blue Screen error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 2 – Update or rollback your device drivers

If the first option didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
• After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
• Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
• Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.

Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.

Option 3 – Try fixing the Windows Registry files

In order to fix the Windows Registry files, you need to make a bootable Windows 10 USB drive and then boot your PC using it. To do so, refer to the steps below.

• Once you see the Welcome Screen, click on Next.
• Then click on the “Repair your computer” option located on the bottom-left section of the window.
• Next, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
• After opening Command Prompt, execute each one of the commands listed below in the sequence that they are given:
  • CD C:WindowsSystem32config
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32configDEFAULT DEFAULT.old
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32configSAM SAM.old
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32configSECURITY SECURITY.old
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32configSOFTWARE SOFTWARE.old
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32configSYSTEM SYSTEM.old
• After executing the commands given above, type in the next ones below and make sure to execute them in the given sequence below.
  • copy C:WindowsSystem32configRegBackDEFAULT C:WindowsSystem32config
  • copy C:WindowsSystem32configRegBackSAM C:WindowsSystem32config
  • copy C:WindowsSystem32configRegBackSECURITY C:WindowsSystem32config
  • copy C:WindowsSystem32configRegBackSYSTEM C:WindowsSystem32config
  • copy C:WindowsSystem32configRegBackSOFTWARE C:WindowsSystem32config
• Now type “exit” to close Command Prompt.
• Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Option 4 – Run a Memory Check to test RAM

On the other hand, you can also fix the BAD SYSTEM CONFIG INFO Blue Screen error by running a Memory Check using the Windows Memory Diagnostic. Refer to these steps to do so.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic.
• After that, the Windows Memory Diagnostic will give out two options such as:

1. Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
2. Check for problems the next time I start my computer

• Select any of the given options. After that, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues upon the restart. If there are any issues, it will automatically them.

Option 5 – Rebuild BCD files and repair MBR files

Like what you did on the third option above, you also have to make a bootable Windows 10 USB drive for this option and then boot your Windows 10 PC using it.

• Once you get to the Welcome Screen part, click on Next.
• Afterward, click on the Repair your computer option located on the bottom-left part of the window.
• Then click on Troubleshoot.
• Next, select the Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
• Once Command Prompt has been pulled up, enter each one of the following commands and in the sequence that they are given to rebuild BCD files and repair MBR files:
  • bootrec /repairbcd
  • bootrec /osscan
  • bootrec /repairmbr

• Now type “exit” to close Command Prompt and then restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

In Windows 11 by default inside the Start menu, there is recommended section that contains recently opened folders, documents, and files. If you do not wish this section and do not want recent items in your Start menu there is an easy way to turn it off.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
2. Click on Personalization
3. On the right side scroll down and click on Start
4. Click on the switch beside Show recently opened items in Start, Jump lists, and File Explorer
5. Close settings

Settings will be automatically applied and there will be no more recommended items inside your Start menu to create clutter, it will be nice and clean.

In 2014 Proton mail started as an end-to-end encrypted email service offering secure and private email services. Proton mail is still live and going with the same dedication to privacy and security but the company has expanded its offering into cloud storage drive services.

Starting as a public beta at the end of 2020, Proton Drive is keeping its privacy and security policy philosophy with the new service. Proton Drive is the newest service besides Proton Calendar, Proton VPN, and Proton Mail.

Drive has end-to-end encryption for everything on it including files themselves, filenames, folder structure, folder names, extensions, and file sizes. This means that you and only you can access your files. Servers are located in Geneva, Switzerland and they are under Swiss privacy laws making sure that your files are protected. Proton services in general are all open source so anyone can take a look at them to be sure that nothing is lurking under the hood. For now, sync is done either via the android app or web interface but the desktop client will come soon since currently, it is under development.

Sadly free plan of Proton Drive will give you only 1GB of storage which is much less than other services and sadly payments plans are also not so jaw-dropping going for $4 USD per month for a 200GB plan or with Proton ultimate subscription that will set you $10 behind but you will get 500GB of drive storage. Of course, if you value privacy for your files these options are good but if you do not mind that part other services have much better options.

All in all Proton Drive is a great cloud storage solution if you need privacy and well worth the investment. With the ultimate subscription, you will get enough space for most people and company needs with other services and guaranteed privacy and security, on the other hand, if you just need a large amount of cloud storage not caring too much about privacy other options are better.

What is OpenCandy?

OpenCandy is an application that downloads and installs software, including other Internet Browsers to a computer system. Used as a bundle, this application installs additional programs that you may knowingly or unknowingly agree to install. Since most users don’t accept the challenge of reading the EULA in its entirety, they tend to download bundled applications unknowingly.

Assessment of OpenCandy PUP

During the initial assessment of OpenCandy, I was a little skeptical about what to look out for or expect. In fact, I had to install the OpenCandy.exe file twice to discern its behavior. I’m not sure how this application got its name but I do believe it has something to do with the fact that it supposedly helps Internet users open a new world of Internet browsing. That conclusion was arrived at after realizing that OpenCandy.exe installed mostly Internet browsers along with a tune-up tool on the test computer. However, as a result of the system requirements, there was a pop-up message indicating that Internet Explorer 8 was not compatible with the computer system in question. In comparison to the malware I’ve encountered since I started researching malware, OpenCandy is everything but malicious. In fact, this application is only categorized as malware because of its’ subtle covert nature of installing bundled programs unsolicited by the user. Additionally, OpenCandy coerces users into changing their Internet Browsers by installing those unrequested by the user. In fact, it’s no shock that OpenCandy chose to install the Internet Browser ‘Opera’ as a part of this bundle since it’s one of the least used browsers according to the Federal Government. Clearly, this was a smoothly disguised advertisement or promotion to force users into using the Opera Browser, along with Internet Explorer 8.0. While these aforementioned browsers in themselves aren’t malicious and are in no way considered malware, they were installed as a promotional tool and without the request of the user. Despite being mentioned within the EULA, advertisers are capitalizing on this since most users do not bother to read the agreements when installing a program. Furthermore, OpenCandy, like most other bundled applications I’ve dealt with, threw in a tune-up tool as a part of the promotion. I found this tune-up application annoying since I had to hassle my way into getting it to close from the computer screen. I can only imagine the hassle users would go through trying to remove this software. Image 7: Depiction of a scan performed by Tuneup Utilities. The scan detected that several areas on the test PC could be optimized/tuned up. Image 8: After a scan was completed using the Tuneup utility program, I was given an option to buy the full version. Nothing is wrong with this marketing strategy. In fact, most utility tools if not all will scan your computer to detect threats or loopholes, but they won't exactly allow you to fix those problems unless you buy the full version. It's not unfair, it's just business. Programs installed during the installation of OpenCandy include:

• Web Companion: Developed by Lavasoft, Web Companion is said to be an application that serves as a security defense for your Internet browsers by preventing unauthorized changes (see image below)
• Tuneup Utilities: Tuneup Utilities does exactly as it says. It cleans up a computer system, whereby preventing unused programs from slowing it down.
• Opera Stable 30.01.1835.88: Opera is a fast, simple, and effective Internet browser that allows users to get around on the web.

All in all, the intent of installing an application such as OpenCandy is to unleash a world of promotion or advertisements on your computer. They are pretty annoying and in some cases difficult to remove. Furthermore, as a user, you want to control what gets installed on your computer without being dictated to or coerced in some EULA that you probably overlook. To completely remove OpenCandy PUP from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter.