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Is it wise to keep old electronics

Hello all the wonderful people and welcome to our new article where we take a little different turn than usual and discuss why keeping old electronics around the house is not such a good idea. We all have some drawer or in some bag around the house and in the end of the day if that electronic has battery inside it is probably not the smart thing to keep it.

So naturally, the question comes why it is a bad idea to have old electronics with batteries in them? Well unlike a battery failure with, say, some AA batteries jammed in the back of an old toy, the risk with a lithium-ion battery failing isn’t just some leaking and corrosion in the battery compartment, it’s a potential fire as the battery swells up and the gases (combined with the stored energy) turn the battery into a potential fire hazard.

Good thing is that the battery will not explode just like that, it will swallow over time and get bigger and bigger until the breaking point is reached and all the fire breaks lose. So if by any chance you have some old gadgets lying around you can check up on them and see if has swelling process started, if yes, dispose properly of that piece of the old device immediately.

How to keep old electronics

If you’re not ready to get rid of the gadget then it’s best to charge it properly for storage. Proper charging keeps the battery cells and circuits in optimum health.

While recommendations vary by manufacturer and application, the general consensus is that lithium-ion batteries should be charged to approximately 40%. (Some manufacturers recommend charging 50% or 60% instead.)

Really, the important part here isn’t the exact percentage. What’s important is ensuring that the battery is charged to roughly half capacity and not stored with a completely discharged or completely full battery.

Discharge rates on lithium-ion batteries in completely powered-off devices are very slow, but you should still plan to top off the charge every 12-18 months or so to keep it around 50%.

If you wanted to go above and beyond, a metal storage container with a snug lid on a basement shelf with a desiccant pack inside to control the moisture would offer optimum conditions.

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Fix Error 0x80200056 during Windows Update
You might have experienced a situation where your Windows computer was interrupted due to some battery issues or power failure. It could be that the upgrade process was interrupted because you’ve signed out of your computer or you restarted it by accident. In this case, you will most likely get a Windows Update or Upgrade error 0x80200056. If you are getting this error, read on as this post will guide you in fixing it. This kind of error pops up when the upgrade process was interrupted and could be caused by anything but the baseline here is that your computer was restarted accidentally or someone could have signed out your PC. To resolve the problem, here are some fixes you ought to try:

Option 1 – Try updating or upgrading your computer again

This is the basic thing to do since the process was suddenly interrupted. Just log in to your account and restart the Windows Update or Upgrade process but make sure that your internet connection is stable and that you don’t touch anything so as not to interrupt the upgrade/update process again.

Option 2 – Check if your PC is plugged in or if the battery is full

It is always best to update your computer always when you’re really sure that the power won’t fail. If you’re using a desktop computer, make sure that everything is plugged in. And if you’re using a laptop when this error occurred, make sure that its battery is at 100% but it’s better if you just plug it into power just in case as there are times when the Windows update or upgrade gets stuck for too long like for hours so it will really help if your device is connected to power.

Option 3 – Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter could also help you resolve the Windows Update errors as well as the error 0x80200056. 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.

Option 4 – Delete the contents in the SoftwareDistribution folder

The Software Distribution folder in the Windows operating system is a folder that can be found in the Windows directory and is used to store files temporarily which might be required to install the Windows Update on your PC. Thus, it is required by the Windows Update and maintained by WUAgent. A lot of users tried deleting the files in this folder to fix the problem and so far it has worked. Like them, you can try clearing the Windows Update cache by simply deleting the contents of the folder named “SoftwareDistribution” since Windows apparently can’t clear and re-download the update contents once they are corrupted. Thus, deleting the contents of this folder will make Windows download the contents again which will fix the problem. To do that, follow the steps below.
  • Open the WinX Menu.
  • From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
  • After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
  • Next, got to the C:\Windows\Software\Distribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
  • Once all the contents in the Software Distribution folder are deleted, restart your PC and then go back to Command Prompt and input the following commands again.
net start wuauserv net start bits
Since the folder has already been flushed, it will be populated afresh the instant your restart your computer and open Windows Update.

Option 5 – Try running the System File Checker scan

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be causing the error 0x80200056. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 6 – Run the Chkdsk utility to repair hard disk errors

You can also run the Chkdsk utility to resolve the Windows Update error 0x80200056. If your hard drive has issues with integrity, the update will really fail as the system will think that it’s not healthy and that’s where the Chkdsk utility comes in. The Chkdsk utility repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, execute the commands listed below, and don’t forget to hit Enter right after you type in each one of them and if you have installed Windows to some different directory, you must replace “C” with the name of the drive you’ve installed Windows with.
  • chkdsk C: /r /x
  • chkdsk C: /f

Option 7 – Run the DISM tool to repair the Windows Update client

The Windows update/upgrade error 0x80200056 might be caused by some issues in the Windows Update client so you need to run the DISM tool to repair it. Note that you have to use another computer or another Windows from a shared network to fix it.
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Windows can’t find one of the files in theme
Recently, a number of Windows 10 users getting an error on their computers that state, “Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme”. According to the affected users, this error occurs at random times even when they didn’t make any changes to their computer’s theme prior to getting the error. If you are one of these users, read on as this post will help you resolve this problem. If you click on the Yes button of the dialog box where the error is displayed, it won’t fix the problem as you will still get the same error from time to time. This kind of error could be caused by the executable file named “SettingSyncHost.exe”. It is possible that this executable file is unable to sync your theme all over your computer. On the other hand, it could also be due to some problems with the active theme. To resolve this issue, you can try to change the active theme, or disable the custom screensaver or disable theme syncing on your computer, as well as run a System File Checker or run the DISM tool. For more instructions, follow the options given below.

Option 1 – Try to change the active theme

The first thing you can do to fix the error is to change the active theme of your computer since the SettingSyncHost.exe file might not be able to properly sync the theme on the computer.
  • Go to Settings and click on Personalization.
  • Next, click on Themes and scroll down to apply a theme, and change the theme of the operating system.
  • After that, tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “%windir%ResourcesThemes” in the field, and then tap Enter to open the folder where the theme files are located.
  • Once you’re done, right-click and select delete for the active theme to remove the theme and its resources. This should fix the root cause of the problem. If not you can try to create a new Windows 10 theme and save it.

Option 2 – Try to disable the custom screensaver

The custom screensaver is a part of the mechanism of the lock screen. Although they were needed in the earlier Windows versions to prevent the discoloration of CRT monitor screens, they are no longer needed in the current version of Windows. Thus, you can try to disable it as it could be the one that’s causing the problem.
  • Click on the Start button and go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
  • Here, scroll down and click on the Screen Saver settings.
  • After that, select the “Screen saver to (None)” option from the drop-down menu. This will disable the custom screensaver.

Option 3 – Try to disable theme syncing on your computer

You could also try to disable the theme sync feature to fix the problem. This has worked out for some users. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Click on the Start button and go to Settings > Account > Sync your settings.
  • From there, toggle off Themes in the individual sync settings column. This will disable the Theme syncing.
  • Restart your computer and see if the problem is now fixed.

Option 4 – Run the DISM tool

The next thing you can do is run the DISM tool. This tool is known to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also system issues like the “Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme” error. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:
  • Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
  • After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the problem is now fixed.

Option 5 – Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the “Windows can’t find one of the files in this theme” error. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Type “cmd” in the Start search and then right-click on the appropriate search result.
  • Next, select “Run as administrator” to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
  • Now restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed or not.
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How to Fix DISM Error 1726 in Windows 10
What is DISM Error 1726? Every time you encounter some issues in your Windows 10 computer, especially when it comes to corrupted system files, you can always use the SFC scan and if the SFC can isn’t able to resolve the issue, there is also the DISM tool you can use which usually resolve the vast majority of system file corruption sufficiently. However, there are times when even the DISM commands experience issues as well. Such is the case with the 1726 error: “The remote procedure call failed”.

Some users reported that this DISM problem happens right before the process is supposed to end. According to experts, this error in DISM occurs due to any of the following reasons:

  1. A third-party program might have interrupted the DISM operation and is the one that triggered the 1726 error: “The remote procedure call failed”.
  2. The error could also pop up when there is a pending corruption repair. This usually happens when you tried to run a DISM command previously that was terminated manually or was halted because of some malfunction.
  3. Lastly, the error could also occur because the process that’s responsible for the procedure is disabled or was prevented from running.
Whichever the case is, here are some suggestions that might help you in resolving the 1726 error: “The remote procedure call failed”.

Option 1 – Try updating your PC to the latest Windows build available

Since the problem is specific to certain builds in Windows 10, you need to make sure that your computer is updated before you try other troubleshooting steps. Thus, follow the steps below to update your Windows 10 PC.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “ms-settings:windowsupdate” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Update screen.
  • After that, click on Check for Updates and then follow the next on-screen instructions to apply the latest Windows update.
  • Once the update has been installed, restart your PC and run the DISM command again and see if the problem is fixed.

Option 2 – Try to change the Startup Type of the Remote Procedure Call service

As stated early on, the error might also be caused by a disabled Remote Procedure Call service or RPC or that it might be prevented from running for some reason. In case you don’t know, RPC is the service control manager for both COM and DCOM servers and it’s responsible for performing object variation requests, exporting resolution as well as distributing collection for the servers. And so if the server is disabled, all programs that are using COM and DCOM including the DISM commands, will not function correctly. Thus, you need to make sure that the RPC service is scheduled to enable itself on every system boot. To do so, here’s what you have to do:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Services.
  • From there, scroll down until you see the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service and then right-click on it and select Properties.
  • Then go to the General tab and change the drop-down menu next to Startup type to Automatic.
  • After that, click the Apply button and then OK to apply the changes made.
  • Restart your PC and run the DISM command once again at the next startup.

Option 3 – Try to modify the RpcSs registry key value

If the option didn’t work, you can also try enabling the RPC service using the Registry Editor. Before you proceed, make sure to create a System Restore point first and then follow the steps below afterward.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Registry Editor. And if a User Account Control prompt appears, just click on Yes.
  • After that, navigate to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SYSTEM CurrentControlSet Services RpcSs
  • After selecting the aforementioned registry key, go to the right pane and double-click on the Start value.
  • Next, change the Value data of start to 2 and click OK to save the changes made.
  • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your PC and check if the 1726 error in DISM has already been resolved or not.

Option 4 – Try to disable the Windows Search service temporarily

Some users also recommended disabling the Windows Search service for the meantime as it could be the one that’s interrupting the DISM process.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • In the field, type “services.msc” to open the Services window again and hit Enter to open it.
  • Next, scroll down over the services list and double-click on the Windows Update service.
  • Afterward, go to Windows Search properties and click the General tab and then click the Stop button to stop the service from running temporarily.
  • Now try running the DISM commands again and see if the problem’s fixed or not.
  • Restart the Windows Search service and then restart your PC as well.
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Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free

Error Code “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free” – What is it?

Windows 10 isn’t activated error occurs when Windows users attempt to upgrade to Windows 10 for free and end up in a non-activated state. It is a Windows 10 activation error affecting PC owners who attempt to upgrade their Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating systems. A message box will appear with the following message: “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free from Windows 7 SPI or Windows 8.1 update.”

Common symptoms of this error code include the following:

  • Inability to upgrade for free to Windows 10
  • The appearance of activation error code in the message box

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

To understand the cause of this activation error, users will need to understand activation within Windows. Activation is a process that allows Windows to verify that you are upgrading your operating system based on the Microsoft Software Licensing Terms. These terms specify, for instance, the number of devices upon which you can use Windows.

Once you have a genuine copy of Windows and you are following the terms mentioned earlier, you should be able to activate and complete the upgrade to Windows 10. However, the activation fails when these conditions are not met. Note also that the error may occur if users fail to upgrade to Windows 10 before reinstalling, requiring them to repeat the installation process by first going back to the previous version of Windows present on their system. Once the upgrade process is not done as should, you might encounter other Windows 10 errors such as error code 0xc0000142

If you see this error code, “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free” proceed to rectify it using manual repair methods below.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix this activation error code in Windows 10, users will need to employ at least one manual repair procedure. This process can successfully be completed by non-technical Windows users. However, you may also consider getting assistance from a Windows repair technician if you are not certain you have the requisite skills needed to complete the manual repair tasks below.

The main methods to resolve the error code “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free from Windows 7 SPI or Windows 8.1 update” is as follows:

Method One: Manually Activate Windows

If you attempted upgrading for free to Windows 10 and ended up with the activation error you will need to first perform a manual activation. Follow the steps below to complete the process.

  • Step one: Tap or click the Start button
  • Step two: Select Settings then Update & security
  • Step three: Select Activation
  • Step four: Once activation status is Connect to the Internet to activate Windows, click or tap Activate

The steps above enable users to successfully activate Windows 10 if the issue involves a connection problem. However, if Windows is not activated, it may mean your copy of Windows is not genuine. This may require you purchase a copy of Windows to rectify the issue. However, if you have a genuine copy of Windows proceed by applying the steps found in method two.

Method Two: Use Product Key to Verify Copy of Windows

A valid product key is one way you can verify your copy of Windows is genuine. This will enable you to complete activation and allow you to access the free upgrade to Windows 10. Follow the steps below.

  • Step one: Click or tap the Start button
  • Step two: Select Settings then Update & security
  • Step three: Click Activation
  • Step four: Select Change Product Key then type in the product key. (Ensure you type the 25 characters in the correct order.)

Method Three: Use an Automated Tool

Error codes in Windows often occur due to poor maintenance of one’s PC. To improve your system and reduce your machine’s risk of experiencing error codes, download a powerful automated tool. This tool is both powerful and user-friendly, making its benefits accessible to even the most non-technical Windows users.

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How to Get Rid of GifsGalore

The GifsGalore Toolbar from Mindspark Interactive Network, Inc. is proposed to active Web users who like to embed GIFs into their emails and share entertaining GIFs with friends via social media services. The GifsGalore software can be added to your Internet client for free but you need to be using Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox for the GifsGalore Toolbar to be activated.

When installed it hijacks your New tab page and default search engine changing them to search.myway.com. This extension also monitors user browsing activity recording information such as: visited websites, clicked links, viewed products, etc. This information is later used to better target ads. While browsing the internet with this extension enabled you will see additional pop-up ads, as well as sponsored links and injected ads throughout your browsing session, especially in search results.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a form of unwanted software program, often a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in web browser’s settings. There are various reasons why you may experience an internet browser hijack; however commercial, advertising, and marketing are definitely the main reasons for their creation. The idea would be to force users to visit specific sites that are aiming to improve their site visitor traffic and generate higher ad earnings. It could seem naive, but most of these sites are not legitimate and could present a serious risk to your online safety. Browser hijackers can even let other vicious programs without your knowledge further damage the computer.

Find out how to identify a browser hijack

When your web browser is hijacked, the following can happen: the browser’s homepage is modified; bookmark and the new tab are also changed; the default search engine has been changed and your browser security settings have been lowered without your knowledge; you see unwanted new toolbars added; unstoppable flurries of popup ads appear on your computer screen; your web browser gets sluggish, buggy, crashes very often; you are prohibited access to particular web pages, including the site of an anti-malware software developer like SafeBytes.

How browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer system

Browser hijackers might use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or perhaps an email attachment to reach a targeted computer. They may also come from any BHO, browser extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious purpose. Other times you might have unintentionally accepted a browser hijacker as part of an application package (usually freeware or shareware). Examples of well-known browser hijackers are Fireball, CoolWebSearch. save, Ask Toolbar, RocketTab, and Babylon Toolbar.

Removal

Some browser hijacking could be quite easily reversed by discovering and removing the corresponding malware software from your control panel. Yet, certain hijackers are far harder to find or eliminate since they might get themselves associated with some crucial computer files that enable them to operate as a necessary operating system process. Additionally, manual removals demand deep system knowledge and therefore can be a very difficult job for novices. Installing and running an anti-malware program on the affected computer could automatically erase browser hijackers and other malicious applications. Safebytes Anti-Malware has a sophisticated anti-malware engine to help you prevent browser hijacking in the first place, and mop up any pre-existing problems. And use a PC optimizer, like Total System Care, to get rid of all related files in the registry and repair browser issues.

What you can do if Malware Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Anything?

All malware is bad, but certain types of malware do a lot more damage to your computer than others. Some malware is created to restrict or prevent things that you want to do on your PC. It may well not let you download anything from the internet or stop you from accessing some or all websites, particularly the antivirus websites. If you’re reading this article, you may have infected by a virus that stops you from installing security software such as Safebytes Antimalware on your PC. There are some actions you can take to circumvent this problem.

Remove malware in Safe Mode

The Windows OS includes a special mode known as “Safe Mode” in which just the bare minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malware is obstructing internet access and affecting the computer, launching it in Safe Mode allows you to download anti-virus and run a scan whilst limiting possible damage. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the computer is starting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you could run the antivirus scan to remove computer viruses and malware without any interference from another application.

Download the security software using an alternate web browser

Web-based viruses can be environment-specific, aiming for a particular browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you are not able to download the anti-malware software program using Internet Explorer, it means the virus could be targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you should switch over to a different browser like Firefox or Chrome to download the Safebytes Anti-malware program.

Install and run antivirus from your USB drive

Another solution is to create a portable anti-malware program onto your USB stick. Adopt these measures to run the antivirus on the affected computer system. 1) Make use of another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the executable file to run the installation wizard. 4) Select flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you wish to install the software. Do as instructed on the screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the USB drive to the infected computer system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the software. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for malware.

How SafeBytes Anti-Malware Keep your Computer Virus Free

If you’re planning to purchase anti-malware for your desktop, there are plenty of brands and utilities for you to consider. A few of them are good but there are lots of scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your computer. You need to go with a tool that has obtained a strong reputation and detects not only viruses but other kinds of malware as well. Amongst few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software program for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trusted tool that not only protects your PC completely but is also extremely user-friendly for people of all ability levels. With its cutting-edge technology, this application can help you remove multiples types of malware which include viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides a myriad of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. Below are a few of the good ones:

Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Built upon a greatly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal tool can identify and remove several stubborn malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common antivirus software will miss. Live Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your personal computer restricting malware intrusions instantly. They’re extremely effective in screening and removing numerous threats because they are regularly improved with new updates and alerts. Web Filtering: SafeBytes inspects the links present on a web page for possible threats and alerts you whether the website is safe to browse or not, through its unique safety ranking system. Fast Scan: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the quickest and most efficient in the industry. It's targeted scanning greatly increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files. Very Low CPU and RAM Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use anti-virus and anti-malware solution. Since it uses low computer resources, this application leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you. 24/7 Premium Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any issue with your security tool. To sum it up all, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers superb protection combined with very low system resource usage with both great malware detection and prevention. You now may realize that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your computer. You’ll get the best all-around protection for the money you spend on SafeBytes AntiMalware subscription, there isn’t any doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To remove GifsGalore manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and select the program you want to get rid of. For internet browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the add-on you would like to remove or disable. You’ll probably also want to reset your web browser. If you choose to manually delete the system files and registry entries, use the following list to make sure you know precisely what files to remove before undertaking any actions. However, editing the registry is usually a difficult task that only experienced users and professionals should try to fix it. Moreover, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Carrying out this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\GifsGaloreTooltab %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\GifsGaloreTooltab %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\fnjgjdfhhakkbojkgmiihabbbjhgbchh %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fnjgjdfhhakkbojkgmiihabbbjhgbchh %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\fnjgjdfhhakkbojkgmiihabbbjhgbchh Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller GifsGaloreTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\gifsgalore.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\gifsgalore.dl.myway.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\GifsGalore
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Fix SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE Error in Windows
If you suddenly encounter the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE – 0x000000DA Blue Screen error while using your Windows 10 computer, read on as this post will provide you some potential fixes to resolve this kind of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. There are many potential causes for the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE – 0x000000DA BSOD error. However, incompatible hardware detection and hardware recognition failure are some of the topmost culprits. Another thing that could trigger this kind of BSOD error is system file corruption which means that if a system driver for particular hardware ends up getting corrupted, it won’t be able to recognize the external device and will eventually crash the system with the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE – 0x000000DA Blue Screen error. The SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE bug check has a value of 0x000000DA which indicates that a page table entry or PTE routine has been improperly used. To fix this error, here are some suggestions that might help but before you get started troubleshooting the problem, make sure that you create a System Restore Point first.

Option 1 – Try to disable PIT Security in the BIOS

If you are using a Dell computer and it throws up this kind of Blue Screen error, you need to go to the BIOS and uncheck the PIT Security and see if it helps in fixing the problem.
  • Tap the F2 key during the boot phase to enter the BIOS.
  • Once you’re in the BIOS, go to the Security tab and to the PIT Security section.
  • From there, uncheck the “PIT On” box to disable PIT Security.
  • Now restart your computer and check if the Blue Screen error is fixed or not.

Option 2 – Check for any incompatible devices

The next thing you can do to troubleshoot the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE Stop error is to plug in and out each one of the different hardware that is connected to your computer. Doing so will help you determine which one of the hardware is the one that’s triggering the error to pop up. You will also know what hardware drivers or anything else that could be causing this error which includes external devices like mouse, keyboard, printer, as well as internally attached components like the Graphics card and so on.

Option 3 – Try to update, rollback or disable device drivers

To fix the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE Stop error, you can also try to roll back, or update, or disable 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 4 – Run the System File Checker Scan

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files. Thus, you can try running it to resolve the SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE Blue Screen error. To do so, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
 Restart your computer.

Option 5 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like SYSTEM_PTE_MISUSE – 0x000000DA. It can be found in the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
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Free Wifi Hotspot Removal Guide for Windows

The Free Wifi Hotspot is offered to users that own a laptop and a desktop PC that has a wired connection to the Internet and no WiFi modem. The Free Wifi Hotspot is said to help users share their Internet connection with mobile devices that support the 2G/3G/4G/USB tethering connectivity. However, users will need a 2G/3G/4G modem attached to the computer/laptop with access to the Internet if they intend to benefit from the Free Wifi Hotspot software. Additionally, the Free Wifi Hotspot may collect data like your Internet history, downloads log, and software configuration for product placement optimization. PC users that run the Free Wifi Hotspot software may be shown pop-up windows with marketing materials from time to time and maybe redirected to promotional offers.

Several anti-virus applications have flagged Free Wifi Hotspot as a Potentially Unwanted Applications and may come bundled with other PUP-s that may harm your computer or steal some information, due to these risks it is marked for optional removal.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Everybody has experienced it – you download a piece of free application, then you see some unwanted applications on your computer or find a strange toolbar has been included with your browser. You didn’t install them, so how did they appear? These unwanted applications, which are referred to as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUPs in short, typically tag along as a software package when downloading the application and can ruin your PC or cause major annoyances. PUP does not involve malware in the traditional sense. The reason is, the majority of PUPs end up in a computer not because they slip through the security holes, for example, but because the users have got installed them themselves – totally unintentionally needless to say. A PUP might not be regarded as malicious or harmful but nonetheless, it is a standard reason for clunky OSs; some PUPs are a lot more aggressive by deliberately slowing down your computer or laptop.

How does unwanted software impact you?

Unwanted programs come in many forms. Usually, they can be seen in adware bundlers that are known to utilize aggressive and misleading advertising. The majority of bundlers install many adware programs from several vendors, each of which has its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware totally eliminates this threat and safeguards your machine against PUP or adware infection. The PUPs likewise get installed into your computer in the form of browser add-ons and toolbars. They will modify web browser settings, change the default search engine, substitute the default home page with their very own websites, slow down browsing speed, and also will ruin your system also. Potentially unwanted programs apply aggressive distribution methods to get onto your personal computer. The worst part of installing a PUP is the spyware, adware, and keystroke loggers that may hide inside. These are software programs that don’t do anything good for you; in addition to occupying space on the hard disk, they will also slow down your PC, often change settings without your approval, the list of troublesome features goes on and on.

Tips on avoiding PUPs

• When installing anything on your desktop, always read the fine print, like the license agreement. Do not accept terms of use that are for bundled programs. • Don’t accept standard, express, default, or any other installation settings which are recommended. Always opt for “custom” installation. • Make use of an antivirus program to boost your protection. Anti-malware programs like Safebytes Anti-malware has got real-time features that will block PUPs before they harm your computer. • Avoid adding freeware software you won’t make use of. Nowadays ‘freeware’ isn’t actually freeware – but ‘crapware’ bundling nonsense. • Always download programs from the original website. Most PUPs find their way onto your PC is through download portals, so avoid it entirely. Comply with these tips and you will almost never get potentially unwanted programs on your computer.

How To Get Rid Of Malware That Is Blocking Antivirus Downloads?

Every malware is bad and the level of the damage can vary greatly depending on the type of malware. Some malware sits in between the computer and the internet connection and blocks some or all websites that you really want to check out. It will also block you from adding anything to your PC, especially the anti-virus program. If you’re reading this, you may have affected by a virus that prevents you from downloading a security application such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are some options you could try to get around with this particular issue.

Use Safe Mode to resolve the problem

In the event the malware is set to run at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Since just the bare minimum programs and services launch in “Safe Mode”, there are rarely any reasons for conflicts to happen. Listed here are the steps you need to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out Microsoft site for directions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs). 1) At power on, press the F8 key before the Windows splash screen starts to load. This will conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you should have access to the internet once again. Now, use your browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Following installation, run a complete scan and allow the program to delete the threats it detects.

Switch over to some other internet browser

Certain malware might target vulnerabilities of a particular web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the most effective thing to do is to switch to an alternate browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install security software on a USB drive

Another solution is to download and transfer antivirus software from a clean PC to run a scan on the affected computer. Abide by these steps to run the antivirus on the infected computer. 1) On a virus-free PC, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the pen drive to a USB slot on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow activation instructions. 5) Now, insert the thumb drive into the infected system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the application. 7) Click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for viruses.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Benefits

If you are looking to download anti-malware software for your PC, there are lots of tools on the market to consider however, you should not trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is free or paid software. Some are very good ones, some are decent, and some are just bogus anti-malware software that will harm your computer themselves! You should opt for a tool that has gained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other kinds of malware too. On the list of recommended software by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a popular security application for Microsoft Windows. Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which provide this complete anti-malware software program. When you have installed this software, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your computer.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides a plethora of enhanced features which set it apart from all others. Below are some of the best ones:

Live Protection: SafeBytes offers an entirely hands-free active protection and is set to monitor, block, and get rid of all computer threats at its first encounter. They’re very efficient in screening and getting rid of different threats because they are continuously revised with new updates and safety measures. World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware program goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean out your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your personal computer. Safe Web Browsing: SafeBytes checks and provides a unique safety rating to every single website you visit and block access to webpages considered to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malware. Lightweight Tool: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use antivirus and antimalware solution. As it uses minimum computer resources, this program leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. Fantastic Technical Support: Expert technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will promptly resolve any technical issues you may be encountering with your security software. SafeBytes can keep your PC protected from most advanced malware threats automatically with almost no input needed from you again. Once you’ve downloaded and installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer need to bother about malware or other security worries. If you want sophisticated forms of protection features & threat detections, buying SafeBytes Anti-Malware could be worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to perform the removal of Free Wifi Hotspot manually instead of using an automated software tool, you may follow these steps: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending application to uninstall. In case of suspicious versions of browser extensions, you can actually remove them via your web browser’s extension manager. You’ll probably also want to totally reset your internet browser to its default configuration settings. To ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard drive and Windows registry for all of the following and eliminate or reset the values accordingly. Please remember that only professional users should attempt to manually edit the registry because incorrect file removal leads to a major problem or even a computer crash. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. It is advisable that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %Appdata%\Free WiFi Hotspot New Version Available Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller Free WiFi Hotspot_is1
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Bluetooth Headset in Windows gets disconnected
Many Windows 10 users use a Bluetooth headset as these kinds of Audio devices, as you know, lack wires since wires tend to get entangled and break which could get quite inconvenient. This is why using a wireless headphone is more preferable since it’s much simpler, however, using a wireless headphone also means it comes with a charging requirement and if it fails to charge, there is no music or audio or anything that you need a Bluetooth headphone for. However, wireless headphones are also susceptible to problems as you might encounter some problems when connecting your wireless headphone to your Windows 10 computer. One of these problems include when you try to get sound from the wireless device but nothing happened. This indicates that the Bluetooth headphone is disconnected in some way for some unknown reason even if you’ve already plugged it in. Thus, if you encounter this scenario, then there are several options you need to check out to fix the problem. To start troubleshooting the problem, here are the options you need to use as a reference.

Option 1 – Try turning off the device and turning it back on

The first thing you can do to resolve the problem is to turn off your wireless audio device and wait for a couple of seconds before you turn it back on. In most cases, this should fix the problem. In fact, you can also try to unpair and pair the Bluetooth audio device and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try to set the headphone as the default device manually

There are times when you plug a headphone, it does not toggle the default audio device. Thus, to fix this issue, you have to set the default audio device to the headphones manually. To do that, follow these steps:
  • First, right-click on the volume icon located on the system tray.
  • Next, select the Open sound settings option to open the Sound section in the Windows 10 Settings app.
  • After that, go to the Output section and select Headphones for the “Choose your output device” option. This should fix the problem for you.

Option 3 – Try running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

As you know, Windows 10 has various troubleshooters with user-friendly interfaces where you can utilize them to fix issues in your PC. And since you’re dealing with some Bluetooth problem, you have to run the built-in Bluetooth Troubleshooter. To do this, follow these steps:
  • Open the Windows 10 Settings.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • You should find the option for Bluetooth on your right-hand side – click on it then click on the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
  • Now follow the next screen options.

Option 4 – Try to update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver

The issue might have something to do with the Bluetooth drivers. It could be that it is outdated and needs to be updated or that you recently updated it and since then you have trouble in removing the Bluetooth devices and so to fix the issue, you can update, roll back or uninstall the Bluetooth drivers. How? Follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + X keys to open the Device Manager.
  • Next, look for the Bluetooth device and right-click on it.
  • Select the option “Update driver”.
  • After that, a new popup window will appear. In there, select the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Note: Checking the update may take a few minutes so you’ll have to wait until it finishes. If it is able to find an update, you must install it. And if you want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver, just select the “Uninstall driver” option and follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.
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Assigning Multiple IP Addresses to Adapter
There are times when an IT admin has to set up multiple IP addresses to the same network adapter. Setting up multiple IP addresses in scenarios like hosting various SSL sites, speed up traffic exchanges can help in avoiding being blacklisted in the SPAM filters, and so on. So in this post, you will be guided on how exactly you can assign multiple IP addresses to the network adapter in your Windows 10 computer. There are several ways to assign multiple IP addresses in a network adapter. You can do it using the Network Adapter settings or using the Netsh utility, as well as the Windows PowerShell utility. To get started, refer to each one of the options provided below.

Option 1 – Assign multiple IP addresses via Network Adapter settings

  • Go to Settings first and from there, select Network & Internet, and then click on the Change adapter options. This will show you a list of both the physical and virtual network adapters in your computer.
  • Next, double click on the Ethernet adapter where you want to assign the multiple IP addresses and then click on the Properties button.
  • After that, you should see the Ethernet properties where you have to select the “TCP/IPv4” or “TCP/IPv6”.
  • Once done, click on the Properties button and then select the “Use the following IP address” option under the General tab.
  • Now you have to add an IP address, subnet, and default gateway to the network adapter and then click on the Advanced button.
  • This will open the Advanced TCP/IP settings where you have to click on the Add button so you can add an IP address. From here, you can keep adding multiple IP addresses to the network adapter. You also have the option to add multiple gateways or DNS IP addresses.
  • Once done, if you execute the “ipconfig” command, you should see all the secondary IP addresses listed.

Option 2 – Assign multiple IP addresses using the Netsh command

Another way to assign multiple IP addresses to your network adapter is via the Netsh command.
  • In the Start Search, type “command prompt” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and then select the “Run as administrator” to open it with admin privileges.
  • If a User Account Control or UAC prompt pops up, just click on Yes.
  • After that, run this command: Netsh int ipv4 add address name="Local Area Connection" 192.168.100.100 255.255.255.0 SkipAsSource=True
Note: You have the option to set “SkepAsSource” since it depends on your needs using the Netsh command. When it is configured as true, the IP address won’t be used by the OS for outbound connections.

Option 3 – Assign multiple IP addresses via Windows PowerShell

  • Tap the Win + X key combination and click on the “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” option.
  • After opening Windows PowerShell as admin, use the NetIPAddress command so you can add more IP addresses. Execute this command: Get-NetIPAddress | ft IPAddress, InterfaceAlias, SkipAsSource
  • Next, assign an IP address to a network adapter by executing this command: New-NetIPAddress –IPAddress 192.168.100.100 –PrefixLength 24 –InterfaceAlias “vEthernet” –SkipAsSource $True
  • Now to modify the “SkipAsSource” parameter, use this command: Get-NetIPAddress 192.168.100.100 | Set-NetIPAddress -SkipAsSource $False
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Fix error 0x00000709 when connecting a Printer
One of the most common and bothersome issues with a printer is when it refuses to get configured or set up on your computer. Thus when your printer has some configuration issues, you will most likely encounter the error 0x00000709. This occurs if there is already a default printer set and configured or Windows does not want to configure the new printer at all. The operation could not be completed (error 0x00000709), Double check the printer name and make sure that the printer is connected to the network. Today, we will try two fixes that may help you get rid of this error.

Option 1 – Run the Printer Troubleshooter

One of the first basic troubleshooting you can perform to resolve the printer issue is running the Printer Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter can detect and automatically fix the problem for you. To use it, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “exe /id PrinterDiagnostic” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the Printer Troubleshooter.
  • Then click the Next button and follow the next on-screen instructions to fix the issue with the printer.

Option 2 – Try to use some Registry tweaks to add the Printer

You might want to use some tweaks to add the Printer but before you proceed, make sure to create a System Restore Point so that if anything goes out of hand, you can always undo the changes you’ve made.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • When a UAC or User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes.
  • Once you’ve opened the Registry Editor, go to the following key location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindows
  • From there, double click on the file named “Device on the right side pane under the Windows folder.
  • Now add the name of your printer in the Value Data field as you can see below and then click the OK button.
Note: As you can see on the image above, you must not change the “.winspool.Ne02:” part and only the first one which is the name of your printer.
  • After that, you will get a message that says, “Cannot edit Device: Error writing the value’s new contents, simply click on OK again. You have to take note of the existing permissions before you proceed to the next step. Once you’ve added the Printer, make sure to reverse the changes you’ve made to the Permissions.
  • Now right click on the Windows folder located on the left pane and click on Permission.
  • Select Restricted under the Group or user names section.
  • Then check the checkboxes for “Full Control”, “Read” and “Special Permissions” under the Permissions for RESTRICTED section.
  • After that click the Apply button and then OK to save the changes made.
  • Next, right-click on the file named “UserSelectdDefault” and select Rename to rename it to your printer’s name.
  • Now restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.
  • After the printer is added, don’t forget to reverse the Permission changes you’ve made early on.

Option 3 – Try updating the Printer drivers

You might also want to try updating your printer drivers. All you have to do is locate the USB Composite Device. For complete details, follow the steps below.
  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the USB Composite Device option and right-click on it, and select the Update Driver from the options.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Note: You also have the option to download the latest version of your Printer from the manufacturer’s website.
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