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Blizzard caught destroying evidence

Blizzard employeesCalifornia's Department of Fair Employment & Housing has widened its anti-discrimination lawsuit against Activision Blizzard and claims the publisher has been shredding vital documents relevant to the ongoing investigation.

A recent report from Kotaku described the department as offering poorly paid, highly insecure positions, with a culture of hostility towards LGBTQ+ testers. The DFEH's rewording of "employees" to "workers" now hopes to take these contractors' experiences into account.

"As a contract employee, I feel there's a lot of pressure to excel, impress, and move through the ranks as fast as you can before your contract ends and you're forced to go 3 months without income or find another job," Axios reports one worker saying. "I take pride in what I do, but it feels like it's never enough."

Activision's contentious hiring of union-busting third-party law firm WilmerHale "directly interferes" with its own investigation, it says. By going to WilmerHale, Activision appears to be claiming that all work related to the investigation is privileged and can't be shared with DFEH.

The suit also claims that Activision HR shredded documents related to "investigations and complaints", against its legal obligation to retain them during the investigation. The relevant parts of the updated lawsuit were shared by Axios reporters Stephen Totilo and Megan Farokhmanesh, the former also noting that the DFEH "fixed their misspelling of Bill Cosby's name".

"DFEH is also informed and aware that documents and records have not been maintained as required by law or by the DFEH's Document Retention Notice," the complaint reads, "including but not limited to documents related to investigations and complaints were shredded by human resource personnel and emails are deleted thirty days after an employees separation."

Speculation and answer from Activision Blizzard

Blizzard employee Jessica Gonzalez suspects that the costs of fines associated with destroying these documents may have been an easier blow for Blizzard to take than any penalties drawn from their existence in helping the lawsuit go through.

In an email to Kotaku, Activision denied the shredding allegations and issued a statement outlining steps it had taken to improve company culture—including the ousting of high-level executives like Blizzard president J. Allen Brack. The full statement reads:

"Throughout our engagement with the DFEH, we have complied with every proper request in support of its review even as we had been implementing reforms to ensure our workplaces are welcoming and safe for every employee. Those changes continue today, and include:

  •     Several high-level personnel changes
  •     Revamped hiring and recruiting practices requiring diverse interview panels
  •     Greater transparency on pay equity
  •     Expanded and improved training and investigative capabilities for human resource and compliance staff
  •     Created investigation teams outside of business units to support greater independence
  •     Restructured divisions to support greater accountability
  •     Enhanced review processes to include evaluation of managers by employees
  •     Clear boundaries on workplace behavior with a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and other actions that diminish or marginalize.

"We strive to be a company that recognizes and celebrates the diverse talents and perspectives that lead to the creation of great, globally appealing entertainment. We have provided the DFEH with clear evidence that we do not have gender pay or promotion disparities. Our senior leadership is increasingly diverse, with a growing number of women in key leadership roles across the company.

"We share DFEH’s goal of a safe, inclusive workplace that rewards employees equitably and is committed to setting an example that others can follow."

California and RIOT

Beyond Activision Blizzard, California's DFEH has also probed into League of Legends creator Riot Games, accusing the studio of dragging its heels over sexual harassment allegations dating back to 2019. Riot denied the allegations, telling us that it "will never retaliate against anyone for talking to any government agency".

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A 3 Step DIY Guide to Repairing Error 501

Error 501 - What is it?

Error 501 is an error code that sometimes may occur while you are using Internet Explorer on your Windows PC. The error message is displayed as:

'Error 501: Not implemented or not supported.'

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

It is difficult to narrow down the ultimate cause of error 501. This is because this error code can be triggered by multiple reasons such as:
  • Third-party confliction or due to an incorrect HTTP 1.1 setting
  • Improper program installation
  • Changes in the “LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy” registry key
  • Corrupted Registry Database

Further Information and Manual Repair

The occurrence of this error regardless of what the cause is may cause a lot of inconvenience to you. And if not fixed on the time it can lead to system failure too. To repair the error 501, identifying the cause for the error really helps. By identifying the cause, you can easily select the most suitable solution to fix it.

Let us walk you through the solutions to fix error 501 timely:

Cause: Third-party conflicts or due to an incorrect HTTP 1.1 setting

Solution: If the above cause is the reason for error 501, this means the Local Policy Rights Settings have been altered. And because of that, Windows is not running your desired program. To solve this error simply log on to Windows as an administrator. Then run local computer policy snap-in. Open it and click on the computer configuration. Here you will see the Windows settings option. Click on it and then open security settings, local policies, and click on properties. Now in the add users section select the user which you want to add to the policy and save by pressing OK. After you’ve made changes, now try using internet explorer again. If this is the cause for the error pop, the error will not occur. If it still occurs then this means there is some other underlying cause for the error. Read on to find out.

Cause: Improper Program Installation

Solution: Error 501 may also occur due to improper program installation. The best way to resolve it is to uninstall recently installed programs.

Cause: Changes in the “LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy” registry key

Solution: Sometimes during installation registry keys also get damaged or changed. If changes in the LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy” registry key is the issue, then you need to alter the registry key ‘LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy settings and its value. This key inside the registry database allows Windows to control the various access options that you have. However, due to wrong settings, it denies access and shows error 501 when you open Internet Explorer. To alter registry key settings can be tricky and complex if you are not a computer programmer. In such as scenario it is advisable to download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and multi-functional repair tool embedded with a powerful register cleaner. In addition to this, it also functions as anti-virus and a system optimizer.

Restoro Solution

Restoro is simple and easy to use. To operate this tool on your PC and to reset registry settings you don’t need any technical expertise or sound knowledge. Its smooth navigation makes it easy for users to scan and repair errors like 501 due to registry misconfiguration in seconds.  With this helper, you don’t have to modify Windows registry settings manually. It will do it automatically. Furthermore, if Error 501 is triggered by a corrupted registry database, you can run it to repair this issue too. It cleans and wipes out all the unnecessary and obsolete files that could be corrupting your registry. This includes junk files, internet history, and invalid registry entries. It clears up your hard disk space and repairs your corrupted registry. If your PC’s registry is damaged due to malicious software like viruses and malware, then it uses advanced antivirus to remove them from your system. It has a value-adding backup feature that enables you to create a backup of your files for data safety and recovery in case of loss during repair. Restoro is compatible with all Windows versions.

Starting with Restoro

Here are 3 simple steps to get started:
  1. Click here to download Restoro.
  2. Once the installation is complete, run it to scan for errors
  3. After scanning the errors, simply click repair to resolve the issues including the error code 501.
Along with fixing error code 501 triggered by registry damage, it also repairs all other PC-related issues. It helps maintain a stable and error-free system for the longest time.
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How to Fix Fatal Error c000021a

Fatal Error c000021a - What is it?

Fatal Error c000021a is a type of Windows stop error also known as the blue screen of death (BSoD) error. When this error occurs, it causes the computer screen to go blue and locks the user out of the current activity. This error code is fatal and can lead to serious issues like system crashes and freeze. The error code is usually displayed in the following format:
STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error} The Windows Logon Process system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc0000034 (0x00000000 0x0000000)

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Fatal Error c000021a occurs when the Windows kernel detects that either Winlogon.exe or Csrss.exe service processes have stopped responding or failed to load.  When this happens the error code pops up on the screen. Nonetheless, this is not the only reason for the occurrence of this error. There are plenty more reasons why Fatal Error c000021a may pop on your computer screen. These include:
  • Missing or corrupt hardware drivers
  • Faulty hardware
  • Windows System Restore failed during the rollback process
  • Malware or viral infection
  • Registry issues
No matter what the reason may be, it is advisable to fix the error right away without any delays. Remember it is a fatal error and can cause a great deal of damage to your PC.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Fatal Error c000021a is a serious PC issue but this does not mean you have to hire an expert to get it fixed. The good news is that this error is actually quite easy to resolve. You don’t have to be a technical whiz or a computer programmer to fix Fatal Error c000021a on your PC. Here are some do it yourself methods to fix this error code right away without any hassle: Let’s get started:

Method 1: Update Your PC Drivers

As we mentioned about corrupt or missing drivers can be one of the many reasons for the occurrence of this error. So, check the drivers first. Perform a driver scan and make sure all your drivers are updated.

Method 2: Perform a Windows System Restore

To do this, first launch Task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC on your keyboard. Now click on the application tab and then click ‘New Task’ then browse. After that, go to C:\Windows\System32\Restore  folder and then double click the rstrui.exe file. This will help start system restoration. Your computer will reboot during the process and hopefully, the error will be resolved. Nonetheless, if the error still persists then try methods 3 and 4.

Method 3: Scan for Viruses

Sometimes Fatal Error c000021a may also occur due to malware infection. Your PC may be affected by viruses hidden in different locations without you knowing about it. Therefore to resolve this error, it is recommended to run an antivirus and scan for viruses. If detected, remove them right away to fix the error code.

Method 4: Repair the Registry

Another method to resolve Fatal Error c000021a code on your system is to repair the registry. The registry stores all the information and activities performed on the system. If it is not cleaned frequently, it gets loaded with too many files unnecessary and obsolete files like the junk files, cookies, internet history and temporary files which corrupts and damages the registry thereby generating blue screen of death error codes like Fatal Error c000021a. Though you can repair the registry manually it can be both time-consuming and slightly difficult especially if you are not a computer programmer. Therefore it is advisable to download a registry cleaner to fix it right away.

Automatic Repair with Restoro.

Whether the Fatal Error c000021a code occurs due to viral infection or registry issues, download Restoro. This is a next-generation, advanced, and multi-functional PC Fixer. This software is deployed with multiple utilities such as a powerful registry cleaner, an antivirus, a system optimizer, and more. The registry cleaner scans the entire PC and detects all types of registry issues at once. It cleans the registry, wipes out all the unnecessary files, and restores the registry back to normal. Simultaneously, the antivirus embedded in this software detects all types of viruses including malware, adware, spyware and Trojans and removes them in seconds. The system optimizer feature ensures the speed and performance of your PC are not compromised during the repairing process. It ensures your PC works at its optimal speed. Restoro is a one-stop solution for all your PC needs. It has a user-friendly interface making it easy for all levels of users to work around. It is compatible with all Windows versions Click here to download Restoro and resolve the Fatal Error c000021a code on your PC today!
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My thoughts

Well, my thoughts are somewhat strange, on one side I am not really sold on food heating gimmicks and without specific hardware specifications, it is difficult to say how much power the console will have. Price is also not leaked so that is also a stumbling stone for making an informed opinion. I am a little puzzled and concerned about this whole heating food thing because personally, I can see 2 issues: Console overheating and fat dripping on inside hardware, I am sure they have somehow eliminated this but I would be very interested to see how.
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How to Fix Error 3

What is Error 3?

This is a type of Google Chrome update error code. It indicates a failure to communicate with Google update. The error code is displayed in the following format:
‘Update server not available (error: 3)’

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error 3 may be triggered by several reasons. These include:
  • You are running Vista/ 7 and you have configured Google Chrome to run as an administrator
  • Google Update is not registered properly
  • Registry issues

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best and effective DIY methods to resolve error 3 on your PC without any professional help. You don’t need to be a technical whiz to try these methods.

Method 1

If the reason for the error cause is related to Google Chrome configured as administrator on your PC, then simply run it as a normal user. This is a common issue with Google Chrome auto-updating mechanism.

Method 2

If the problem still persists, then it is advisable to try re-installing Google Chrome. To do this, first, uninstall Google Chrome. Go to the start menu, control panel, and then program and features. Choose Add and Remove Programs and uninstall Google Chrome. To activate changes, reboot your system. Now reinstall Google Chrome by downloading it from Google Chrome’s official website.

Method 3

If error 3 is triggered because Google Chrome is not registered properly, then try this method to fix the issue.
  1. First, verify that GoogleUpdate.exe exists in the location specified in the Windows Registry Editor. For this, go to the Start Menu and then type Regedit in the search bar.
  2. Now click OK. The registry editor will appear. Now in the tree view on the left, navigate to the following directory:
  3. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{2F0E2680-9FF5-43C0-B76E-114A56E93598}LocalServer32
  4. Make sure the default value corresponds to the location of your GoogleUpdate.exe or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe file. Also, verify that these files are located in the given path.
  5. For instance, if they are located in different locations, then right-click the default value and select Modify.
  6. Enter the correct file path and use double quotation marks for example "C:\Documents and Settings%USERNAME%Local SettingsApplication DataGoogleUpdateGoogleUpdate.exe(or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe)"

Method 4

Error 3 may also pop up because of registry issues. These issues occur when the registry gets overloaded with obsolete and unnecessary files like cookies, internet history, bad entries, and junk files. In such an event, it is advisable to download Restoro This is a user-friendly and cutting-edge PC Fixer embedded with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner removes all the obsolete files instantly and repairs the damaged registry thereby resolving all errors including error 3. Click here to download Restoro and resolve error 3.
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Hardware review: Bytezone Advanced desk
If you spend a large amount of time gaming or working on a computer gaming chair is a very important asset. One other thing that is mostly looked past but could help greatly is a good desk. A great chair accompanied by a great desk can make your long sitting sessions more pleasant and more healthy which is very important in the long run. Hey, but it is only a desk, what is so special about having an expensive desk? Well truth to be told desk is just a desk and any kind of desk can serve the purpose of hosting a keyboard, mice, and screen. But a good desk will offer some other advantages that may not seem so important but they could mean a lot like adjusting desk height so it fits perfectly on your size and sitting position making long hours more pleasant and lower stress on hands sitting on it.

bytezone gaming deskAdvanced desk features

Bytezone might not be a company that will sound familiar to you, mostly because they manufacture gaming chairs and desks, now in the gaming chairs world there are a lot of competitors and Bytezone has managed to make a name for itself despite this fact. But they are more popular in their gaming and office modern-looking desk category. The advanced desk is made from carbon steel and plastic combination, it is very durable and it weighs 27kg. Now that is not really light but it is not very heavy if we compare it to wood desks. The top layer of the table is made from easy-to-clean material and the desk comes with a large mouse and keyboard pad. The table itself includes a cup holder, headphones bracket under the table and it has a cable management drawer in the back. The desk is sized 66x120x76 cm. Also for anyone interested desk itself comes also with RGB lights for that true gaming feel.
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How to remove Nectar Toolbar from your Windows PC

Nectar Toolbar is a Browser addon for Internet Explorer developed by AIMIA Coalition Loyalty. This addon changed your default search provider to Yahoo UK. While installed, you might see additional unwanted ads and sponsored links injected in the search results.

From the Author: We all search the web every day for information from handy how-to’s, must know news about shopping. So wouldn’t it be great if you could collect extra Nectar points just for doing something you do already? Like to shop online? Nectar Search will also tell you when you’re on a shopping website (like Argos, Debenhams, Next, Play.com, and Apple) where you can collect points too.

Several anti-virus scanners have marked this addon as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious program code has power over and modified the settings of your browser, without your permission. Browser hijackers could do more than just changing home pages. In general, hijackers are developed for the benefit of online hackers often through income generation that comes from forced ad mouse clicks and website visits. Nonetheless, it isn’t that harmless. Your web safety is compromised and it is also really annoying. In a much worst case, your browser could be hijacked to download malicious software that will do a great deal of damage to your computer.

Key symptoms that your browser has been hijacked

When your browser is hi-jacked, the following can happen: you notice unauthorized changes to your internet browser’s homepage; you observe new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or porn websites; the default browser configurations have been changed and/or your default web engine is altered; unwanted new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you might notice numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; You can’t access particular websites, especially anti-malware websites.

Exactly how they invade computers

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop when you go to an infected site, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. Many internet browser hijackings originate from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional features. Other times you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (generally freeware or shareware). Popular examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do. Browser hijacking can bring about serious privacy problems and even identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control over outgoing traffic, drastically slows down your computer or laptop by depleting lots of resources, and lead to system instability also.

Browser hijacker removal methods

Some browser hijacking can be easily stopped by identifying and eliminating the corresponding malware software from your control panel. However, most hijackers are quite tenacious and require specialized applications to get rid of them. Moreover, browser hijackers could modify the Windows registry so it can be extremely tough to fix manually, particularly when you are not a tech-savvy person. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running an anti-malware application on the affected computer. To get rid of any browser hijacker out of your computer, you could download this particular top-notch malware removal application – SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Together with anti-malware, a PC optimizer software, similar to Total System Care, could help you correct Windows registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and stabilize programs installed on your computer.

Find Out How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer system

All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer system, particularly anti-virus programs. If you are reading this, you probably have infected by a virus that stops you from installing a security program like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Follow the instructions below to remove malware through alternative methods.

Install in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode is a unique, simplified version of Windows where just essential services are loaded to counteract malware and other problematic programs from loading. In case the malicious software is set to load immediately when the PC boots, switching to this mode could prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, hit “F8” key on the keyboard right before Windows logo screen appears; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, look over Safe Boot under Boot tab, and then click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to install your anti-malware application without the hindrance of the malware. After installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate standard infections.

Download the anti-malware program in a different internet browser

Some malware only targets particular internet browsers. If this is your case, employ another browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. In case you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective course of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your favorite security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another solution is to save and run an anti-malware software program entirely from a Thumb drive. To run antivirus from a thumb drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

To protect your laptop or computer from various internet-based threats, it’s important to install anti-malware software on your personal computer. However, with countless numbers antimalware companies out there, these days it is hard to decide which one you should buy for your laptop. Some of them do a great job in eliminating malware threats while some will damage your PC by themselves. You must be careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you buy a paid application. On the list of strongly recommended software by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC permanently but is also quite user-friendly for people of all skill levels. Once you’ve got installed this application, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. Some of them are listed as below:

Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your PC limiting malware intrusions in real-time. This utility will constantly monitor your computer for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat landscape. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Built on a greatly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can find and get rid of numerous stubborn malware threats such as browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other common anti-virus applications will miss. Website Filtering: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety score that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers extremely fast scanning which can promptly target any active online threat. Low CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes is well known for its low influence on processing power and great detection rate of various threats. It operates silently and efficiently in the background so you’re free to utilize your PC at full power all of the time. 24/7 Customer Service: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance through chat and email. Put simply, SafeBytes has created a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect you against all manner of malware. You now may understand that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your PC. So if you’re searching for the absolute best malware removal application out there, and when you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate Nectar Toolbar manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and choose the program you want to remove. For browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you want to remove or disable. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser to its default settings. Finally, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstallation. But bear in mind, this can be a tough task and only computer professionals can perform safely. In addition, certain malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is suggested.
Files: C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaPoints.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaPointsAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaToolbar.css C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowDown.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowRight.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowUp.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\arrow_refresh.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\background.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\background.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\basis.xml C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\BrowserTweak.css C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\btn-background-grey.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CanCollect.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CanCollectAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\closeIcon.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\cog.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\Collecting.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CollectingAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\computer_delete.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\eShopsMenu.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\eShopsMenu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\help.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\HelpMenu.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\HelpMenu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-128.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-16.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-48.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icons.bmp C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icons.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie7vista.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie7xp.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie8bg.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\IE8GuardWorkaround.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\info.txt C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\InstIcon.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\jquery-1.7.2.min.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\jquery.placeholder.min.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\JSON.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\main.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\menu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\nectar-icon-32×32.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\PIE.htc C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\PIE.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\SearchHist.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\SearchHist.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\search_glass.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\separator.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\separator_arrows.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\TbCommonUtils.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\tbcore3.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\TbHelper2.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\tbhelperU.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\uninstall.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\UninstIcon.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\update.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\version.txt C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\Yahoo.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\yahoo.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\your_logo.png Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software376694984709702142491016734454 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run 13376694984709702142491016734454
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Cortana can’t connect to the Internet
One of the most sophisticated Artificial Intelligence or AI assistants there is in the market is Cortana. However, no matter how sophisticated this AI assistant may be, there are still times when you encounter issues with it. So if your Cortana is not connecting to the internet, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This connection issue in Cortana might have something to do with the settings, network connectivity, or your Microsoft account. In addition, it could also be that the Firewall or antivirus program interferes with its connection. Whichever the case is, here are some possible solutions that could help you resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to power cycle the modem, router, and computer

  • Connect the modem, router, and the PC hard-wired and then switch all of these three devices off.
  • Turn on the modem and wait for 30 seconds.
  • Turn on the router and wait for 30 seconds as well.
  • Finally, turn on the computer and check if you can now successfully connect to the internet.

Option 2 – Check if your router or ISP is properly working

Since the basis for this issue is that Cortana is not connecting to the internet even though you are able to access websites using your browser, you might want to check your router or ISP (Internet Service Provider) and see if they’re functioning properly.

Option 3 – Try changing your internet connection

You can also try changing your internet connection and see if it fixes the problem. If you are using Ethernet, you can try connecting to a Wi-Fi connection and see if Cortana is able to connect or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter in Windows 10 as it checks whether the settings for Cortana are in place and automatically corrects any issues if the update or software installation has changed the settings. To run it just click on the Start button and select Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot. From there, select the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Note: You can also run the Network Troubleshooter as it can also help in resolving the issue especially if the problem is in the network.

Option 5 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:
  • 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 – Verify your Microsoft account

In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try resetting Cortana

  • Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
  • Restart your PC.
  • After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 8 – Try to reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.
  • First, right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows Powershell (Admin) option from the list.
  • Next, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}
  • Restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect.
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Expand right-click menu in Windows 11
Windows 11 brought with it a simplified right-click menu that has limited options. If you would like to bring the old Windows 10 right-click menu you will have to do some registry tweaking but it is doable. right click menuSince this requires registry tweak, please follow given solution step by step
  1. Press Start and type RegEdit
  2. Click on Registry Editor
  3. Inside registry editor find next key: Computer\H_KEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID\
  4. Right click in the right part of editor window and select New > Key
  5. Type in as a name: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
  6. Right click on {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key and select New > Key again to create new key inside this one
  7. Name inside key InprocServer32
  8. Double click the “(Default)” key in InprocServer32 to open it
  9. When the Default key opens close it without making any changes by clicking on OK. This will make its value property Blank instead of value not set
  10. Close Registry Editor
  11. Restart your PC
Once the system is up if the followed solution is applied you will now have an old school menu once right-click is used.
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Windows is stuck on signing out screen
As you know, each time you log out of your Windows 10 computer, it will take you to the login screen where you can switch users or log back in. But there are instances where Windows 10 remains stuck on the signing out screen, along with a blue spinning circle and all you can see is the process of your computer signing out, however, it does not progress and only gets stuck there. Thus, in this post, you will be guided on how you can resolve such an issue on your Windows 10 computer. So if you are one of the users who experience the same problem, there are several fixes you can check out if your computer is stuck on the signing out screen with a blue spinning circle. You can try to force shutdown your computer or troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State. You could also try to check the status of the User Profile Service or repair User Profile, as well as run System Restore. For more details, refer to each one of the suggestions provided below. But before you troubleshoot the problem, make sure that you are logged in to your computer as an administrator.

Option 1 – Try to force shutdown your computer

The first thing you can do is to force reboot your computer as this simple fix could help in fixing the problem. This option is quite simple, just make sure that before you do it, you have to save all your work.
  • First, turn on your computer and press and hold the power button for at least 30 seconds. You might notice the screen flashing or making any changes, just ignore it.
  • After that, plug out and plug in your computer and automatically turn it on.
  • Once done, check if the issue is now fixed or not.

Option 2 – Put your computer in a Clean Boot State

It is possible that some third-party application is causing your computer to get stuck in the signing out screen. So you can try putting your computer in a Clean Boot State and see if it fixes the problem.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox 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” checkbox.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • Once your computer is in a Clean Boot State, you should now be able to sign out or sign in without any problem.

Option 3 – Try checking the status of the User Profile Service

If forcing your computer to shut down or putting your computer in a Clean Boot State didn’t fix the problem, you can try to check the status of the User Profile Service since it is the one responsible for loading and unloading user profiles. Thus, if this service is disabled or stopped, you will no longer be able to sign out or sign in successfully.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager.
  • From there, look for the User Profile Service and make sure that its Startup Type is set to Automatic and that its status is “Started”.
  • Once done, exit the Services Manager and see if the issue is resolved.

Option 4 – Try to repair your corrupted profile via Registry

In this second option, you can try to repair the corrupted profile using the Registry but before you proceed, make sure to create a System Restore Point and then follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “regedit” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, go to this registry key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
  • Once you’ve opened the registry key, you should see a list of all the user profiles on your computer. Now click on each S-1-5 folder and look for the “ProfileImagePath” entry and double click on it to check which user account it is related to. You will see a path like “CUsersACK” where “ACK” is the username.
  • You should know which of the user account is corrupted. Just look for a key named “RefCount” and change its Value data to “0” and click OK. And if it isn’t available, simply right-click on the right pane and create it.
  • After that, double click on the key named “State” and make sure that the Value data is “0” and click OK.
  • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made and then check if it fixed the problem or not.

Option 5 – Run System Restore

  • 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.
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How to get rid of EverydayLookup Toolbar

EverydayLookup is a browser extension for Google Chrome developed by Mindspark Inc. This extension allows users to find what mobile network a certain number belongs to, to find out an area code of a country/town, or locate a town by zip code. While these features look promising and interesting, this extension comes with a downside.

When installed, this extension will change your default search engine, the home page, and new tab to search from MyWay.com, it will monitor user browsing activity, log searches, visited links, opened websites, and other information. This information is forwarded to Mindspark ad servers, then later sold/used to better target ads.

While browsing the internet with this extension you will see additional injected ads and sponsored content throughout your browsing sessions (even if the ads do not match your search queries). It can inject banners to websites, and sometimes even put an ad above website content making it extremely annoying to deal with.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means that a malicious code has taken power over and modified the settings of your web browser, without your permission. Browser hijackers are capable of doing many different things on your computer. Typically, browser hijacking is used for earning ad revenue that comes from forced advert mouse clicks and site visits. Even though it might seem naive, all browser hijackers are damaging and thus always classified as security threats. Browser hijackers can also permit other destructive programs without your knowledge to further damage the computer. How one can determine if your browser is hijacked Signs that a browser is a hi-jacked include: 1. your home page is reset to some unknown webpage 2. new bookmarks pointing to pornographic websites have been added to your favorite pages 3. the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or unsafe resources are added to the trusted sites list 4. find new toolbars that you simply did not add 5. you find lots of pop-ups on your screen 6. your web browser starts running slowly or presents frequent errors 7. Inability to navigate to certain websites, particularly antivirus and other security software webpages.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way to your computer

Browser hijackers can get into a computer in some way or other, for instance via file sharing, downloads, and e-mail too. Many web browser hijackings come from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or extensions added to browsers to give them additional features. Sometimes you may have mistakenly accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (generally freeware or shareware). A good example of some well-known browser hijackers includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are continually changing. Browser hijackers can record user keystrokes to gather potentially invaluable information leading to privacy concerns, cause instability on computers, severely disrupt user’s browsing experience, and eventually slow down the computer to a stage where it becomes unusable.

How to get rid of a browser hijacker

Certain browser hijacking could be simply stopped by discovering and removing the corresponding malware application through your control panel. Many times, it could be a tough job to find and delete the malicious program because the associated file will be running as part of the operating system process. Moreover, manual removal requires you to perform many time-consuming and tricky procedures that are very hard to conduct for new computer users. Industry experts always suggest users eliminate any malware including browser hijacker by using an automatic removal tool, which is easier, safer, and faster than the manual removal solution. If you’d like to eliminate persistent hijackers effectively, install the award-winning anti-malware software Safebytes Anti-Malware. And employ a system optimizer, such as Total System Care, to erase all related files from the registry and fix browser issues.

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

Practically all malware is inherently harmful, but certain types of malware do a lot more damage to your computer than others. Some malware types modify browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all sites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to remove the infection. So what to do if malicious software prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are some fixes you could try to get around with this problem.

Install in Safe Mode with Networking

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Since only the bare minimum applications and services launch in “Safe Mode”, there are rarely any reasons for issues to take place. To start your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) At power on, press the F8 key while the Windows splash screen starts to load. This will conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit Enter. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have an internet connection once again. Now, utilize your browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) After installation, run a full scan and let the program delete the threats it discovers.

Obtain the security software using an alternate browser

Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities on a specific browser and block access to all anti-malware software sites. In the event you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the ideal approach would be to switch to a different internet browser like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your chosen security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install and run anti-virus from your Thumb drive

Another way is to download and transfer anti-malware software from a clean PC to run a scan on the affected computer. Abide by these steps to run the anti-malware on the infected computer. 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the USB drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to open the installation wizard. 4) Pick the USB drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you want to install the application. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the pen drive to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes software right from the pen drive. 7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

Today an anti-malware tool can protect your computer or laptop from different types of internet threats. But how to choose the right one amongst various malware protection application that’s available on the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few are well worth your money, but most aren’t. You need to be careful not to select the wrong application, particularly if you purchase a premium program. One of the highly recommended tools by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your computer permanently but is also quite easy to use for people of all ability levels. This program can easily identify, remove, and protect your personal computer from the latest malware attacks such as spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, PUPs, worms, parasites along other potentially harmful software programs.

SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to various other anti-malware programs. Listed here are some of the great ones:

Anti-Malware Protection: Using its advanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware elimination tool can detect and eliminate the malware threats hiding in your computer system effectively. Active Protection: SafeBytes provides round-the-clock protection for your computer limiting malware attacks instantly. This software will constantly keep track of your computer for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the latest threats. Web Protection: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes alerts you whether a website is safe or not to access it. This will assure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the internet. High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: SafeBytes’s high-speed malware scanning engine lessens scan times and extends battery life. At the same time, it’ll effectively find and eradicate infected computer files or any internet threat. Low Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is renowned for its minimal influence on computer resources and great detection rate of diverse threats. It runs quietly and efficiently in the background so you’re free to use your computer or laptop at full power all of the time. Premium Support: For any technical inquiries or product guidance, you can obtain 24/7 professional assistance via chat and e-mail. To conclude, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is really great for securing your computer against all sorts of malware threats. Malware trouble will become a thing of the past once you put this software program to use. If you’re looking for the very best malware removal application out there, and when you don’t mind shelling out some dollars for it, go for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually get rid of EverydayLookup without using an automated tool, it might be possible to do so by removing the application from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser plug-ins, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and uninstalling it. You will likely also want to reset your internet browser. To be certain of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and delete them or reset the values appropriately. However, this is a complicated task and only computer experts can perform it safely. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. It is recommended that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\EverydayLookup_d9 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\EverydayLookup_d9 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpeepicldbpmefboahpolegllmiglnai %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fpeepicldbpmefboahpolegllmiglnai %PROGRAMFILES%\EverydayLookup_d9 %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\EverydayLookup_d9 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\EverydayLookupTooltab Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\EverydayLookup_d9Service HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EverydayLookup EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EverydayLookup EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 0a7d3c2c-131d-4b0a-9c1b-2045f6bae42a HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 0a7d3c2c-131d-4b0a-9c1b-2045f6bae42a HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\3eb9a50f-f2ab-4d63-8e33-96d71f659640 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\3eb9a50f-f2ab-4d63-8e33-96d71f659640 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 0A7D3C2C-131D-4B0A-9C1B-2045F6BAE42A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EverydayLookup_d9 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\EverydayLookup_d9 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\EverydayLookup_d9 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\EverydayLookup
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