Logo

Samsung had Data Breach

After Plex, DoorDash, and LastPass, Samsung has also confirmed that they also have experienced a data breach and that some customer data has been stolen.

samsung HQ

On Friday, September 2nd Samsung announced that an unauthorized third party gained access to some of the company's U.S. systems in late July and that Samsung learned in August that some personal information was affected. It was also stated that affected information is: names, contact information, demographics, dates of birth, and product registration information. Also so far it was said that no Social Security numbers nor credit card number information have been compromised.

For now, Samsung is sending an email directly to anyone that has been affected by this data breach, however, they did not state what service or product has experienced this breach, we just know that it has happened at Samsung Electronics America which sells everything, from smartphones to debit cards. Also keep an eye on your inbox if you are a Samsung user since it took them a whole month in order to go public with this information and there is no justification for this, if it was reported on time people could change their information and take other steps.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

Our Team of Experts May Help
Troubleshoot.Tech Experts are There for You!
Replace damaged files
Restore performance
Free disk space
Remove Malware
Protects WEB browser
Remove Viruses
Stop PC freezing
GET HELP
Troubleshoot.Tech experts work with all versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 11, with Android, Mac, and more.

Share this article:

You might also like

Premiere Download Manager removal guide for Windows PC

Premiere Download Manager is a Browser Extension that comes bundled with Premiere Download Manager Potentially unwanted program, and other unwanted applications and extensions. This program was developed by Mindspark Interactive and offers users the ability to download files off the internet through the Download Manager provided. It also changes the home page and defaults the search engine to Myway.com.

This bundle monitors the user’s activity, and while the extension has access to your browsing activity, clicked links, visited pages, etc. the application itself has access to all the files that you downloaded, and have on your computer. This gathered data is later sent back to Mindspark’s servers where it is used to better target ads for users.

While installed, you will run into additional, sponsored links, and even pop-up ads while browsing the internet. Though it is not considered malware, it contains many behaviors disliked by users and is labeled as potentially unwanted. This bundle has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus applications and is therefore recommended to remove from your PC.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a form of unwanted software program, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in web browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is designed for many different reasons. Often, hijackers will force hits to sites of their preference either to increase web traffic producing higher ad revenue, or to obtain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Although it may seem naive, these tools are made by malicious people who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that they can earn money from your naivety and distraction. Some browser hijackers are designed to make particular modifications beyond the web browsers, like changing entries in the computer registry and permitting other types of malware to further damage your computer.

Key symptoms that your internet browser has been hijacked

There are numerous symptoms that indicate your web browser is highjacked: the home page of the browser is changed all of a sudden; your browser is constantly being redirected to pornography sites; the default web engine has been changed and the browser security settings have been lowered without your knowledge; you’re getting browser toolbars you have never noticed before; you find lots of pop-up ads on your screen; your browser gets slow, buggy, crashes very often; You can’t access certain sites, in particular anti-virus websites.

Exactly how they get into your computer or laptop

There are several ways your computer or laptop can become infected by a browser hijacker. They generally arrive through spam email, via file-sharing networks, or by a drive-by download. They may also originate from any BHO, extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious purpose. Sometimes you may have mistakenly accepted a browser hijacker as part of an application bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Browser hijackers could affect the user’s web browsing experience significantly, monitor the websites frequented by users and steal financial information, cause difficulty in connecting to the net, and then finally create stability issues, making applications and computers freeze.

Removing browser hijackers

Certain browser hijacking can be quite easily reversed by finding and removing the corresponding malware application through your control panel. However, many hijackers are extremely tenacious and require specialized applications to eradicate them. Also, browser hijackers might modify the Computer registry therefore it could be very hard to restore all of the values manually, especially when you are not a very tech-savvy person. Installing and running antivirus applications on the affected system could automatically delete browser hijackers and also other unwanted applications. SafeBytes Anti-Malware discovers all types of hijackers – including Premier Download Manager – and removes every trace efficiently and quickly.

What To Do When You Cannot Install Safebytes Anti-Malware?

All malware is bad and the degree of the damage will differ greatly with regards to the type of malware. Certain malware variants modify internet browser settings by including a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configurations. When this happens, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all of the internet sites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to get rid of the infection. If you are reading this article now, you have probably realized that virus infection is the cause of your blocked internet connectivity. So what to do when you want to download and install an anti-virus program such as Safebytes? There are some options you could try to get around with this particular issue.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the issue

In Safe Mode, you may change Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and get rid of hard-to-delete viruses and malware. In case the malware is set to load automatically when the computer starts, shifting into this mode could prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on the keyboard right before the Windows boot screen comes up; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, check the Safe Boot under the Boot tab, and click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to install your antivirus program without the hindrance of the malware. At this point, you can actually run the anti-malware scan to get rid of viruses and malware without interference from another application.

Switch to some other web browser

Some malware only targets certain internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, employ another web browser as it can circumvent the computer virus. If you’re not able to download the anti-malware program using Internet Explorer, it means malware is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you should switch over to a different internet browser like Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes software.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another option is to create a portable antivirus program onto your USB stick. To run anti-malware using a pen drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free computer. 2) Plug the pen drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the pen drive as the place where you want to store the software files. Do as instructed on the computer screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the clean computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the malware scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Lightweight Malware Protection for Windows PC

In order to protect your PC from many different internet-based threats, it is important to install anti-malware software on your computer system. But with countless numbers of anti-malware companies out there, nowadays it is hard to decide which one you should buy for your personal computer. Some of them are good and some are scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware software waiting around to wreak havoc on your computer. You have to be careful not to pick the wrong application, particularly if you buy a premium application. While considering the highly regarded applications, Safebytes AntiMalware is certainly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is a very effective and user-friendly protection tool that is suitable for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your personal computer against infections caused by different types of malware and similar threats, including adware, spyware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

SafeBytes has great features when compared to other anti-malware programs. The following are a few of the great ones:

Active Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your personal computer limiting malware intrusions in real-time. It will regularly monitor your pc for hacker activity and also gives users sophisticated firewall protection. Antimalware Protection: With its advanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware elimination tool can detect and get rid of the malware threats hiding in your computer system effectively. High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: Safebytes AntiMalware, with its enhanced scanning engine, offers extremely fast scanning which can immediately target any active internet threat. Website Filtering: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety ranking to every website you visit and block access to webpages known to be phishing sites, thus protecting you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes gives you complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load due to its advanced detection engine and algorithms. 24/7 Support: You could get high levels of support around the clock if you’re using their paid version. SafeBytes will keep your computer safe from the latest malware threats automatically, thus keeping your online experience safe and secure. Once you’ve downloaded and installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer have to bother about malware or other security concerns. So if you’re looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we highly recommend SafeBytes Anti-Malware software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to carry out the removal of Premier Download Manager manually instead of employing an automated tool, you may follow these simple steps: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending program to remove. In cases of suspicious versions of web browser plug-ins, you can easily get rid of it through your web browser’s extension manager. It is also suggested to reset your web browser to its default state to fix corrupt settings. Lastly, examine your hard drive for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. Having said that, editing the registry is usually a difficult task that only experienced computer users and professionals should attempt to fix it. Also, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its deletion. It is advised that you do the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files: C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\NPagEISb.dl_ C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\NPagEISb.dll C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\agEIPlug.dl_ C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\agEIPlug.dll C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\agEZSETP.dl_ C:\Program Files\PremierDownloadManager_agEI\Installr.bin\agEZSETP.dll %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL: %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL Malware %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL Dangerous %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL High Risk %program files%\premierdownloadmanager\pdmanager_ie.dll %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDM.ICO %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER.EXE %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.TLB %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\REGASM.EXE Registry: key HKLM\Software\Classes\CLSID\819D045F-E9A2-39E0-B495-D615AD1A9471\InprocServer32.0.0.1\CodeBase: file:///C:/Program Files/PremierDownloadManager/PDManager_ie.DLL key HKLM\Software\Classes\CLSID\819D045F-E9A2-39E0-B495-D615AD1A9471\InprocServer32\CodeBase: file:///C:/Program Files/PremierDownloadManager/PDManager_ie.DLL key HKLM\Software\Classes\CLSID\87D1BD5F-0174-4AB2-FFC4-9E3A451F17EB\InprocServer32.0.0.1\CodeBase: file:///C:/Program Files/PremierDownloadManager/PDManager_ie.DLL key HKLM\Software\Classes\CLSID\87D1BD5F-0174-4AB2-FFC4-9E3A451F17EB\InprocServer32\CodeBase: file:///C:/Program Files/PremierDownloadManager/pdmanager_ie.dll key HKLM\Software\Classes\Record\EDF1D497-05B5-37F6-AAAC-3EB5E67D4DC2.0.0.1\CodeBase: file:///C:/Program Files/PremierDownloadManager/PDManager_ie.DLL key HKCU\SOFTWARE\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\INTERNET EXPLORER: %PROGRAM FILES%\PREMIERDOWNLOADMANAGER\PDMANAGER_IE.DLL
Read More
Blue Screen of Death in Windows

Symptoms of Blue Screen of Death Errors

Symptoms of a blue screen of death problem are easy to identify: if you have a blue screen error, then your computer will display a blue screen. Also known as the infamous “Blue Screen of Death”, this screen will pop up when something goes horribly wrong with your computer. The screen displays cryptic information about the problem before automatically restarting the system.

Bluescreen Of Death Errors Solution

Download Available To Completely Repair Blue Screen of Death Errors

Recommended: Download the Automatic Repair Utility to correct this and other PC performance issues.

Restoro box imageBluescreen Error Causes

This one can be a bit more complex: blue screens are caused by hundreds of different things. In fact, any miscommunication between the hardware and software of the computer can lead to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death, blue screens reference a communication problem between the Windows operating system and the hardware in your PC.

Why do computer blue screens of death errors occur?

Most computer users have experienced a blue screen of death at least once in their life. But have you ever stopped to wonder why they occur? Blue screens of death can occur for a number of different reasons, but the most common reason is that your PC’s hardware failed to properly communicate with its software, resulting in a fatal error. If your video card, processor, hard drive, or any other vital system component encountered a serious communication error with your operating system, then your PC may automatically display the blue screen and shut down for its own safety. Blue screens can also occur as a self-protection mechanism if the PC is overheated.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Where do Windows blue screen errors come from?

Blue screen errors come from many different sources on your computer. However, the majority of blue screen errors seem to come from the Windows Registry, which contains important configuration information about the programs, data, and personal files on your PC. Windows constantly rely on the registry in order to operate normally, but since the registry is incredibly complex (it holds hundreds of thousands of files), errors naturally develop over time. Fortunately, registry errors are fixable. They can be repaired using special registry cleaning software. During a scan, registry cleaning software looks for any registry entries that have errors. Once these entries are found, the software automatically repairs each entry. In many cases, this can permanently repair the blue screen error and prevent blue screens from ever appearing again.

Blue screen Windows 7

Windows 7, despite being Microsoft’s most popular operating system to date, is not immune to blue screen errors. It’s more stable than previous versions of Windows, although many users will inevitably encounter blue screen errors in Windows 7. No matter which version of Windows you’re currently using, the error remains the same: the hardware on your computer has trouble communicating with the software, forcing the system to display the blue error message we all love to hate.

“Blue Screen of Death”

There’s a reason this error message is famously called the “blue screen of death.” Immediately after displaying a blue screen, the Windows computer will ‘die’, which means that it restarts itself. Another reason why the error could be called the blue screen of death is that it is often displayed at the end of a PC’s life cycle. As PCs get older and their hardware starts to fail, blue screen errors become more and more common. In real life, death isn’t reversible. In the computer world, blue screens of death certainly are. With the right software support – like Restoro – even the most novice computer technician can fix their blue screen errors and restore their PC to healthy working conditions.

Benefits Of Using Restoro, BSOD Error Codes

Restoro is one of the world’s most popular PC optimization programs. Used by professional PC technicians around the world, Restoro is a feature-rich software suite that has helped many PC users breathe new life into an old PC. Restoro optimizes computer performance in hundreds of different ways. It looks through the registry and repairs any erroneous entries it finds. It also hunts down and eliminates malware and goes to work with the press of a button. And most importantly for you – it’s also amazingly effective at repairing blue screen errors. Ready to experience the Restoro difference? Here are a few more advantages of our favorite software program:
  • Easy for anyone to use: A few years ago, only the most tech-savvy individuals could optimize their computer’s performance.  Everybody else had to pay for expensive tech support or simply buy a new computer. Thankfully, the software development community has come up with innovations like Restoro which are easy for anyone to use. Just click a button and your computer will be clean within minutes. The process could not be easier.
  • Surprisingly fast: There are hundreds of thousands of files in the Windows Registry. In spite of that fact, Restoro goes to work incredibly quickly. It scans the depths of your PC in an effort to uncover whatever is causing your blue screen errors. The entire scan is complete within just a few minutes, making it easy for anyone to scan their computer on a regular basis.
  • Free trial: It’s good to be skeptical. And if you don’t think Restoro will fix any of the errors your computer is experiencing, then that’s okay. However, when you download the free Restoro, you can instantly scan your computer for errors. If any errors are found during this scan, then you can repair these problems with the click of a button.
  • Fixes frustrating errors: Blue screen errors are incredibly frustrating. You can’t get any work done on your computer when experiencing a blue screen problem. For that reason, Restoro helps alleviate some of the most frustrating PC problems in the world today.
  • More than just blue screen repairs: Sure, blue screens are annoying. But they’re only one of many different errors that a PC can develop over time. Fortunately, Restoro does more than just fix blue screen errors. The software also identifies and repairs other problem areas on your PC, making it easy to optimize performance.
Ready to get rid of your blue screen errors – permanently? Restoro today!
Read More
Fix Windows can not find STEAM.EXE in Windows
If you are getting this error even if STEAM.EXE is present on your system then follow the easy guide to solve the issue.
  1. Scan your system for malware

    Scan your complete system for viruses and other malware. If all the scans come negative then move to the next step.
  2. Disable your anti-virus software

    Some anti-virus and anti-malware software can detect steam as a potential threat and block it. Turn off your protection software and try to run Steam once all your protection is disabled. If this works you will need to either place Steam in the applications exception list or to move to another protection software.
  3. Remove administrator privileges from steam client

    Right-click on steam.exe and choose properties, go to the compatibility tab, and uncheck run this program as administrator. Try to run Steam again.
  4. Delete Steam registry value

    If everything else failed try deleting the registry value for steam. Open registry editor and locate key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options Double click on Image File Execution, find steam on left, right-click on it, and choose delete. Save and exit the registry editor.
Read More
3 Kings of VR 2022 edition

Virtual Reality or VR for short has come a long way from its infant stage and as 2022 is in half period we are looking at the VR market and reflecting on what has changed in one year. For starters, games have increased in quality and quantity while the hardware price has decreased making the whole VR experience a little closer to a wider audience.

Many companies have tried to get on the VR bandwagon but also many have failed. What remained are staples in VR hardware from large companies that have started with VR early and kept improving their headsets.

So with great pleasure, we are presenting the remaining best 3 virtual headsets so far of 2022 brought to you from Sony, Valve, and Meta.

SONY PLAYSTATION VR

sony playstation vr

If you want VR on consoles then there is really one option, and that is SONY VR. Premium Virtual Reality solution from SONY, sadly you can do this only on Playstation 4 and Playstation 5. Sony managed to pull off great quality hardware and packed with its exclusives on playstore at a very affordable price that is still cheaper than other products.

While waiting for the Sony PlayStation VR2 headset this one is still a great option and quality is still among the top of the game. From the time of its release until today, many AAA titles have been released for it as exclusives that you can not play any other way and some of them are really worth it.

VALVE Index

valve index

Altho there are headsets like HTC Vive Cosmos Elite that have some features that place it as a better solution than Valve Index, Index is still an overall better VR headset as a whole product but its price is something that is keeping it still way out of reach of your standard user. The price, however, is really an illusion since it applies only when buying the system first time, you see Valve has created this headset as a modular design system making it upgradable meaning that you can, for example, buy newer controllers only and they will work perfectly with rest of hardware.

The modular design will save you money when you want to upgrade your VR system but as said entry price is steep. Besides its somewhat higher price than competitors, it is also notable that Index is a positional tracking VR set which means that it relies on a base station in order to locate the user. This means that once set, it is not so easy to change its location of use.

However, its quality and steam use are unmatched, high-quality games and compatibility that no other headset with steam will even pull off probably make Index one of the 3 best headsets out there. Half-life Alyx, arguably and currently one of the best VR games ever made so far was specifically designed for Valve Index and other games are behaving also incredibly nice with this headset, so if you want a great powerhouse for PC VR gaming, you will no go wrong in purchasing Valve Index.

META QUEST 2

meta quest 2

Cheapest of the three and coming in various iterations, Meta has established itself from the beginning as a leading player in VR technology with its oculus line of products. Quest 2 is the next product in their line and it comes with 128GB and 256GB versions.

Meta has removed the need for the Facebook account for its VR systems and now you can use them without the need to send any kind of data to meta. Priced fairly for its entry 128 models this standalone VR set improves in any way possible from its previous iteration and sets the bar for what will come in VR's future.

Offering both wired and wi-fi connection with its standalone battery Quest 2 also is packed with a large library of games and it is user friendly as your typical game console but still allows some under-the-hood tinkering if you wish so.

Also, Meta's Vr solution since it uses inside-out tracking makes it incredibly easy to just pick it up and carry it with you wherever you go.

Read More
Fix Invalid Product Key or Version mismatch
If you suddenly encounter Activation Error codes such as 0xC004E016, 0xC004F210, 0xC004F034, and 0xC004F00F on your Windows 10 computer, then they all point to the same issue – Invalid Product Key or Version mismatch. When you see any of the aforementioned error codes above, it indicates that you are either entering a wrong product key or you are using an incorrect ISO when installing it on your computer. In such cases, you may see either of the following error messages:
“You are running Windows 10 Pro, but you have a valid digital license for Windows 10 Home.” Or: “The specified product key is invalid or is unsupported by this version.”
If you got the error code 0xC004F00F then it means that you’ve entered a product key for the Enterprise edition of Windows to activate Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home. It could be that you have a key from your work and you accidentally use it on your Home PC. If you got the error codes 0xC004E016, 0xC004F210, then it means that you have entered a product key that is meant for a different edition or version of Windows. On the other hand, if you got the error code 0xC004F034 instead, then it means that you have entered an invalid product key or a product key for a different Windows version. Whichever error codes you have, refer to the possible solutions given below to fix the Invalid Product Key or Version mismatch Activation Error in Windows 10.

Option 1 – Try running the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter

The first thing you can do to resolve this Activation error is to run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Go to Settings and then select Activation.
  • After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.

Option 2 – Try purchasing a new license

There is an exception offered by Microsoft – if you are connected to a Microsoft account prior to the hardware change, then you can most certainly use the same license key to reactivate Windows 10 again. Microsoft calls this an “Exception path” which should be fixed easily by the Windows Activation Troubleshooter as pointed out earlier. However, if the Windows Activation Troubleshooter isn’t able to resolve the error you can try purchasing a new license. In such rate case, even if you do have a Microsoft account available on your Windows 10 computer, and if Windows was never activated, this solution will not work. And if you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows 10 computer prior to the major hardware change, then your only option left is to purchase a new license. For you to do that here are some steps you can follow.
  • To purchase a new Windows license, the first thing you have to do is click on the Start button > Settings > Update & Security.
  • From there, go to Activation and select the “Go to Microsoft Store” option.
  • After receiving your new license, you need to go back to Update & Security then go to Activation and select the “Change product key” option.
  • Now update your Windows 10 computer using the new key and it should automatically activate your computer.
  • Next, you have to create a Microsoft account or connect to your existing local account to your online account.
  • Once the system links the key and the account, you need not buy a new license in case something like this happens again.
Note: If you are an IT administrator, you need to keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your computer. Moreover, if you don’t see any option to reactivate the license, and it is a work computer, you need to contact your organization’s tech support.

Option 3 – Try activating Windows 10 via mobile phone

Activating Windows 10 can also be done using your phone. Just note that you have to call Microsoft to do so.
  • In the Start Search box, type in “Slui 4” and tap Enter.
  • Next, select your country and click on Next.
  • Keep the window open and call the toll-free number of the country you’re from.
  • Afterward, a confirmation ID should be given by the automated system which you must take a note of.
  • Finally, in the box on the window, type in the confirmation ID and click on the Activate button. That should do it.
Read More
Almost complete List of Cortana commands
Cortana is your personal digital assistant fully integrated into Windows 10 designed to help you make your life easier. The more you use it, the more Cortana can learn about you, and the experience becomes more personalized and accurate. It can perform a variety of tasks, and it's full of handy tricks, but perhaps one of the best features is the advanced speech recognition that enables Cortana to understand the context of a natural voice conversation. On Windows 10, and across platforms with the Cortana app on iPhone and Android, the assistant can understand virtually any voice command and perform tasks. For example, by just speaking you can find facts, create reminders and manage your calendar, launch applications, change settings, and a lot more. Now, if you're looking for an official list of all the voice commands Cortana supports, you'll never find it because it doesn't exist. Cortana can understand natural language and context, there's no particular set of commands to make things happen. In a sort of way, you are speaking to Cortana as you would to any other person.

Invoking Cortana

Before using voice commands, it's important to know the ways in which you can invoke Cortana using natural language:
  • You can click the microphone icon in the taskbar next to the Start menu.
  • You can use the Shift + ⊞ Windows + C keyboard shortcut to open Cortana in listening mode.
  • You can use the Hey Cortana feature, which lets you invoke the assistant by simply saying Hey Cortana followed by the command. For example, Hey Cortana: How's the weather?.
  • On Windows 10 Mobile devices, you can press and hold the search button to open Cortana in listening mode.

Comprehensive list of Cortana voice commands

The following list of commands are examples you can use to learn how to control Cortana with voice commands. Keep in mind that there isn't a specific way to speak the commands. For example, Hey Cortana: Let me listen to some tunes is the same as asking for a more systematic command like Hey Cortana: Play music.

Cortana basic voice commands:

Getting the time for any location:

  • "What time is it?"
  • "What time is in New York?" or "What time is in Greece?"

Getting weather information for any location:

  • "What's the weather like?"
  • "What's the weather in Madrid?" or "What's the weather in Slovakia?"
  • "When does the sun set?"
  • "Is it hot in Hawaii?"
  • "How's the weather looking for tomorrow/next week?"

Opening (Store and desktop) apps and websites:

  • "Open Photoshop" or "Go to Firefox"
  • "Open errortools.com."

Getting news information:

  • "Show me top headlines."
  • "Show me the latest news."
  • "Show me weather news."
  • "Show me Blizzard stock."
  • "Show me bitcoin exchange rate."
  • "What was the score of the last Brazil football game."

Creating a note:

  • "Create a note."
  • "Create Shopping note."
  • "Create Shopping note: Buy a basket of eggs"
  • "Take a note."
  • "Draft a note."
  • "Write a note."

Translating to a different language:

  • "Translate."
  • "Translate Hello to German"
  • "Translate Where is the nearest park? to Spain"

Doing math:

  • "What's 34% or $764.89?"
  • "What's 43 times 59?"
  • "What the square root of 26509?"
  • "What's 29 times 6 divided by 12?"
  • "Convert 6.9 cups to fluid ounces."
  • "How many miles are in 89 Kilometers?"

Defining a word:

  • "Define Space."

Tracking packages:

  • "Where is my package?"
  • "Show me my packages."

Cortana search voice commands:

Finding documents, photos, videos:

  • "Find photos from August 1998."
  • "Find cat videos."
  • "Find document called Collection of poems."

Searching the web:

  • "Search the web for Heroes of Might and magic."

Finding facts:

  • "How tall is Mount Everest?"
  • "Who is Steve Jobs?"
  • "When Arnold Schwarzenegger was born?"
  • "Who is Mercedes CEO?"
  • "When does spring begin?"
  • "What's the capital of Zimbabwe?"
  • "When is Thanksgiving?"
It's important to note that Cortana is capable of conversational understanding, which means that you can also ask follow-up questions without having to be very specific. For example, if you ask Cortana: "Who is the president of the United States", you can then ask a follow-up question, such as "Who is his wife?" or "When was he born?" and the assistant should be able to answer those questions accurately.

Discovering food places nearby:

  • "Find food places near me."
  • "Find restaurants near me."
  • "Find bars near me."
  • "What's a good restaurant near me?"
  • "What's interesting nearby?"
  • "Show me Chinese restaurants near me."
  • "Show me Italians restaurants in Los Angeles."

Cortana health and fitness voice commands:

  • "How was my sleep last night?"
  • "What was my step count yesterday?"
  • "How many calories did I burn today?"
These commands require a tracking device, such as the Microsoft Band 2 to enable your fitness and health activities, and you need to connect Cortana with the Microsoft Health (Microsoft Band) service.

Cortana settings voice commands:

Opening the Settings app:

  • "Open Settings."
  • "Open Action Center."

Controlling settings:

  • "Turn on/off Bluetooth"
  • "Turn on/off Wi-Fi"
  • "Turn on/off Airplane Mode"

Cortana reminders voice commands:

Creating reminders:

  • "Remind me to wash the car."

Creating location-based reminders:

  • "Remind me to buy CDs next time I go to Walmart."

Creating person-based reminders:

  • "Remind me to ask for vacation time next time I talk to Goran."

Creating time-based reminders:

  • "Remind me to watch the basketball game at 6 PM."
  • "Remind me to buy the food for the d&d session on Sunday at 3 PM."

Viewing reminders:

  • "Show me my reminders."

Cortana calendar voice commands:

Viewing calendar events:

  • "How's my schedule looking today?"
  • "Show me my appointments for next week."
  • "When is my dentist appointment?"

Adding new calendar events:

  • "Add dental appointment for Monday at 2 PM."

Moving calendar events:

  • "Move dental appointment to Friday at 5 PM."

Cortana alarms voice commands:

Creating alarms:

  • "Set an alarm for next Monday at 5:30 AM."
  • "Set an alarm for Saturdays at 9 AM."

Viewing alarms:

  • "Show my alarms"

Removing alarms:

  • "Cancel alarm for Saturdays at 9 AM."

Cortana timer voice commands:

Creating a timer:

  • "Set a timer for 5 minutes."
You can only start a one-timer at one point in time. If there is a timer already running, Cortana will ask you to restart it at a new time.

Viewing timer:

  • "Show timer."
  • "How much time is left on the timer?"

Canceling timer:

  • "Stop timer."

Cortana location voice commands:

Knowing your exact location:

  • "Tell me where am I?"

Cortana messaging voice commands:

Sending text messages:

  • "Send a text to Milan: I'll be late for lunch today."

Sending quick emails:

  • "Send email to Milena: See you later tonight."
  • "Send email to John and Claudia: How is the project coming along?"

Cortana location voice commands:

Getting directions:

  • "What's the traffic like on the way home?"
  • "How do I get home."
  • "How long would it take to drive to Madison Square Garden?"
  • "Get me directions to Port Authority."
  • "How do I get from my location to Long Beach, New York?"
  • "How far away is the moon?"
  • "Show me walking directions to the nearest gas station."
  • "Show me public transit to 11 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036."
  • "Show me the map of San Francisco."

Tracking flights:

  • "Track flight 1056."
  • "Is my flight delayed?"
  • "Is my flight on time?"

Cortana entertainment voice commands:

Controlling music:

  • "Play Metallica."
  • "Put some Symphonic music."
  • "Shuffle music."
  • "Play and Justice for all by Metallica."
  • "Stop music"
  • "Pause music"
  • "Pause song."
  • "Play next"
  • "Next track"
  • "Skip track."

Identifying what's playing:

  • "What is this song?"
  • "What's playing?"

Movies & TV:

  • "What's Blade Runner run time?"
  • "Who was the director of Gladiator?"
  • "What movies are playing near me?"
  • "What are the showtimes for Star Trek lower decks?"

Cortana technical support voice commands:

  • "How do I install a printer?"
  • "How do I project my screen?"
  • "How do I change my background?"
  • "How do I update Windows?"
  • "How do I make a backup?"
  • "How do I change default apps?"
  • "How do I change Privacy?"
  • "How do I connect a wireless device?"
Sometimes asking a "How to do I" question will result in a web search response.

Cortana phone voice commands:

  • "Call wife on speakerphone."
  • "Call David at home."
  • "Call Goran."
  • "Redial."
  • "Send a photo to my PC."

Cortana random voice commands:

  • "Tell me a joke."
  • "Tell me a riddle."
  • "Tell me something interesting."
  • "Tell me something funny."
  • "Tell me a scary story."
  • "Sing me a song."
  • "Surprise me."
  • "Do an impression."
  • "What do you look like?"
  • "Which is the best smartphone?"
  • "What is love?"
  • "Which is better, Google or Bing?"
  • "Why should I buy this phone?"
  • "What do you think about Google?"
  • "Do you like Google?"
  • "What do you think about Yahoo?"
  • "Do you like Windows 10?"
  • "Play the movie game."
  • "Are you better than Siri?"
  • "Where is Clippy?"
  • "What do you think about Clippy?"
  • "Heads or tails?"
  • "Rock, paper, scissors."
  • "Roll a dice."
Read More
How to get rid of DailyBibleGuide

Daily Bible Guide is a browser extension developed by Mindspark Inc. for Google Chrome Browser. This extension offers users a fast and easy way to find Bible passages, view daily verses, study the Bible and view the current weather. When installed, this extension changes your default search engine and your home page to MyWay.

When installed this extension gathers user browsing information such as visited websites, search queries, clicked links, and other information. This information is later used to better target ads.

While active, you may encounter additional unwanted ads and sponsored links throughout your browsing sessions. Daily Bible Guide was marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus scanners, and due to its information mining behavior, it is considered a security risk and it is not recommended to keep on your computer; being flagged for optional removal.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes known as hijackware) are a kind of malware that alters internet browser settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or approval. These kinds of hijacks are rising at a worrying rate around the globe, and it could be actually nefarious and sometimes dangerous too. There are plenty of reasons why you might experience an internet browser hijack; but commercial, advertising, and marketing are definitely the key reasons for their creation. Generally, the idea would be to force users to visit particular sites which are looking to improve their site visitor traffic and produce higher advertisement revenue. While it might seem harmless, these tools were created by malicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that they could make money from your naivety and distraction. Furthermore, hijackers can make the entire infected system vulnerable – other destructive malware and viruses will grab these opportunities to intrude into your computer effortlessly.

Signs of browser hijacker infection

The typical symptoms that signify having this malware on your computer are: home page is modified; you find new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, typically directed to ad-filled or porn websites; the default search engine is modified; discover new toolbars which you did not add; you may see random pop-ups start occurring frequently; your internet browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; you cannot visit specific websites like home pages of antivirus software.

So how does a PC get infected with a browser hijacker?

Browser hijackers attack computer systems via malicious email attachments, downloaded infected files, or by visiting infected sites. They sometimes are included with toolbars, add-ons, BHO, plugins, or browser extensions. A browser hijacker can also come bundled up with some free application that you inadvertently download to your computer, compromising your internet security. A good example of a popular browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malware named “Fireball”, which has infected 250 million PCs throughout the world. It works as a hijacker but could be changed into a fully functioning malware downloader afterward. Browser hijackers will interrupt the user’s browsing experience significantly, keep track of the websites frequented by users and steal private information, cause difficulty in connecting to the net, and ultimately create stability problems, causing software programs and computers to crash.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

Certain browser hijacking can be quite easily reversed by identifying and removing the corresponding malware program through your control panel. However, the majority of hijackers are extremely tenacious and need specialized tools to eradicate them. Additionally, manual removals require deep system knowledge and thus can be quite a difficult task for inexperienced computer users. Installing and running anti-malware programs on the affected computer could automatically delete browser hijackers and other malicious programs. Safebytes Anti-Malware features a cutting-edge anti-malware engine that will help you prevent browser hijacking in the first place, and clean up any pre-existing issues. In addition to anti-malware, a PC optimizer software, for example, Total System Care, will help you fix Windows registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure online privacy, and stabilize software programs installed on the computer.

Malware Blocking Internet And All Antivirus Software? Do This!

Malware can cause a lot of damage to your PC. Some malware variants modify internet browser settings by including a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS settings. When this happens, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore not able to download or install the necessary security software to clear out the infection. If you’re reading this right now, you’ve perhaps recognized that virus infection is a reason behind your blocked internet connectivity. So how to proceed when you want to download and install an anti-malware program like Safebytes? Although this sort of issue will be difficult to get around, there are some steps you can take.

Install in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to run at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Only minimal required programs and services are loaded when you start your PC into Safe Mode. You will have to do the following to remove malware in Safe mode. 1) At power-on/startup, press the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This will invoke the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, obtain the malware removal program you want by using the browser. To install the software, follow the directions within the installation wizard. 4) Once the software is installed, let the scan run to eliminate viruses and other malware automatically.

Switch over to some other web browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a specific web browser or attacking particular versions of the web browser. If you are not able to download the security software using Internet Explorer, it means the virus may be targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you should switch to an alternate internet browser such as Chrome or Firefox to download the Safebytes application.

Create a portable USB antivirus for removing viruses

To effectively remove the malware, you should approach the issue of running an anti-malware program on the affected computer from a different perspective. To run anti-malware using a USB flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Mount the USB drive onto the same system. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the USB drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you would like to install the anti-virus. Do as instructed on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected PC. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the USB drive to run the application. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all types of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You Personally

These days, an anti-malware tool can protect your computer from different kinds of online threats. But exactly how to select the best one among plenty of malware protection software that’s available on the market? You may be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some are worth your money, but many aren’t. You must be careful not to choose the wrong application, especially if you purchase a paid program. While thinking about the highly regarded software programs, Safebytes AntiMalware is undoubtedly the strongly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, very effective protection application designed to assist users of all levels of computer literacy in detecting and eliminating harmful threats out of their PC. Once you’ve got installed this tool, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will make sure that absolutely no viruses or malware can seep through your computer.

SafeBytes anti-malware takes computer protection to a whole new level with its advanced features. Listed below are some of the great ones:

Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep inside your computer. Real-time Threat Response: Malware programs attempting to get into the computer are identified and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes real-time protection shields. It’ll inspect your personal computer for suspicious activity regularly and its unparalleled firewall shields your PC from illegal access by the outside world. “Fast Scan” Features: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is among the fastest and most efficient in the industry. It's targeted scanning highly increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various PC files. Web Protection: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating to the web pages you are going to visit, automatically blocking dangerous sites and ensuring that you are certain of your safety while browsing the world wide web. Light-weight: SafeBytes is a lightweight and user-friendly antivirus and antimalware solution. As it uses very little computer resources, this tool leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs to: with you. 24/7 Guidance: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and software upgrades for the best user experience. To sum it up all, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers great protection combined with very low system resource usage with both great malware prevention and detection. Malware trouble will become a thing of the past when you put this application to use. If you’re looking for the very best malware removal application out there, and when you don’t mind shelling out some money for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually remove Daily Bible Guide without using an automated tool, it might be possible to do so by deleting the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and uninstalling it. You will probably also want to reset your internet browser. If you choose to manually remove the system files and Windows registry entries, utilize the following list to ensure that you know exactly what files to remove before performing any actions. Please remember that only experienced users should try to manually edit the system files simply because removing any single critical registry entry results in a major problem or even a PC crash. In addition, certain malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. It is advisable that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files: Search and Delete: 2vauxstb.dll 2vbar.dll 2vbarsvc.exe 2vbprtct.dll 2vbrmon.exe 2vbrstub.dll 2vdatact.dll 2vdlghk.dll 2vdyn.dll 2vfeedmg.dll 2vhighin.exe 2vhkstub.dll 2vhtmlmu.dll 2vhttpct.dll 2vidle.dll 2vieovr.dll 2vimpipe.exe 2vmedint.exe 2vmlbtn.dll 2vmsg.dll 2vPlugin.dll 2vradio.dll 2vregfft.dll 2vreghk.dll 2vregiet.dll 2vscript.dll 2vskin.dll 2vsknlcr.dll 2vskplay.exe 2vSrcAs.dll 2vSrchMn.exe 2vtpinst.dll 2vuabtn.dll AppIntegrator64.exe AppIntegratorStub64.dll BOOTSTRAP.JS 2vffxtbr.jar CHROME.MANIFEST CREXT.DLL CrExtP2v.exe DPNMNGR.DLL EXEMANAGER.DLL Hpg64.dll LOGO.BMP NP2vStub.dll T8EXTEX.DLL T8EXTPEX.DLL T8HTML.DLL T8RES.DLL T8TICKER.DLL VERIFY.DLL s_pid.dat 2vEIPlug.dll 2vEZSETP.dll NP2vEISb.dll 00082350.exe files.ini Folders: %APPDATA%\DailyBibleGuide\ %PROGRAMFILES%\DailyBibleGuide\ %PROGRAMFILES%\DailyBibleGuideEI\ Registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ Value: DailyBibleGuide Browser Plugin Loader Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ Value: DailyBibleGuide Search Scope Monitor Key HKCU\Software\DailyBibleGuide Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\DailyBibleGuide Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\MozillaPlugins\@DailyBibleGuide.com/Plugin Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\DailyBibleGuidebar Uninstall Internet Explorer Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\DailyBibleGuidebar Uninstall Firefox Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\beea7fa9-d1f4-49a2-9b1f-6fb7a2d9bc2a Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\0631bff0-6846-48ca-982d-d62d7f376e97 Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.XMLSessionPlugin Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.UrlAlertButton Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.ToolbarProtector Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.ThirdPartyInstaller Key HKHKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.SkinLauncherSettings Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.SkinLauncher Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.SettingsPlugin Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.ScriptButton Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.RadioSettings Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.Radio Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.PseudoTransparentPlugin Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.MultipleButton Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.HTMLPanel Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.HTMLMenu Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.FeedManager Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\DailyBibleGuide.DynamicBarButton
Read More
Software review series: BitWarden
BitWardenMany times we were talking and writing here on Errortools.com about security, privacy, hacking, identity theft, etc. We tried to raise important security questions and I hope I have managed to at least shed some light and change maybe some bad behaviors for some, helping them embrace better routines about their security on their PC. In this light, I will today present you with one neat and awesome piece of software, a password manager worth your time and money (if you want premium features): BitWarden.

What BitWarden offers?

The first thing that it offers is the completely free basic plan, granted BitWarden is not an open-source project nor completely free but it has an unlimited free basic plan that will cover 90% of user needs. There is also a free basic unlimited plan for Organizations letting you and one more user share files and other stuff via BitWarden making it a cool option if you need it. Premium features offer you encrypted sharing of files, two-step login, 1GB file attachments (encrypted), Bitwarden Authenticator (TOTP), Vault Health Reports, Emergency Access, and Priority Support. The cost for all of these additional features is 10 USD per year for an individual plan or 40 USD per year for organizations where you will get an increase of maximum users from 2 to 6. Yes, you read that correctly, only 10 USD per YEAR for the whole set of features. Granted if you do not need any of them, enjoy the free version forever. Besides very low premium cost BitWarden will offer you compatibility with all major browsers and devices including both Android and iOS platforms making it a great cross-platform solution to login and maintain your passwords anywhere with just one click. Once installed all you need to do is set one master password and be very careful not to lose or forget this one, if you do all of your other generated passwords will be lost forever.

Features

Secure Password Sharing

Share your encrypted data quickly and easily, and only with the users or teams who need access

Cross-Platform Accessibility

Access critical data in your Bitwarden vault from any location, browser, and device

Cloud-Based or Self-Host

Get up and running in minutes in the cloud or you can self-host Bitwarden for complete data control

Security Audit & Compliance

Open source and third-party audited, Bitwarden complies with Privacy Shield, GDPR, CCPA regulations

Vault Health Reports

Access insightful reports to reveal weak, reused passwords, and other helpful data security metrics

Directory Sync

Our powerful Directory Connector streamlines user and group onboarding and keeps them in sync

Always-On Support

Our Customer Success agents are available to support you around the clock

Detailed Event Logs

Bitwarden creates audit trails to help you keep track of user and group access to sensitive data

Flexible Integrations

Unite your existing systems with Bitwarden using SSO authentication, Directory services, or powerful APIs

Conclusion

There are many password managers out there but via recommendation I have tried BitWarden and truth to be told, I really never felt the need to try anything else, it is great at what it does and it is moving forward with features and it is constantly updated and maintained.
Read More
4 Methods of Fixing Error Code 48

Error Code 48 – What is it?

Error Code 48 is a device driver error code that users can encounter on any Windows 2000 operating system and later versions.

It occurs when the connected peripheral device cannot be run as the Windows operating system’s driver required to install the programs for peripheral devices has either been corrupted or is incompatible with the system.

It prompts the user with the following message on the screen:

The software for this device has been blocked from starting because it is known to have problems with Windows. Contact the hardware vendor for a new driver. (Code 48)

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Like most other Windows error codes, error code 48 is triggered by the following factors.

  • Corrupted system registry files
  • Presence of viruses in the device
  • The device driver is out-of-date
If this error code is not rectified, it could give birth to other driver device errors such as error code 52.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Method 1 – Run a complete scan for malware and spyware

Identifying and removing the viruses in the system registry and in the connected devices is the easiest method to fix the corrupted registry files.

Viruses such as spyware and malware infect the registry entries and eat up the files that lead to incomplete or missing data. This creates problems for installing external devices as the driver required to install them is not complete.

Method 2 – Use System Restore

You can also use system restore to eliminate the problem. Here is how you can use it:

  • Log in using an Administrator account
  • Click ‘Start’ button and select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
  • Click ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’ and click ‘Next’
  • Select the last Windows to restore point from the ‘On this list, click a restore point’ list, and click ‘Next’
  • Click ‘Next’ on the confirmation window to proceed
  • Restart your PC after restoration is complete

By restoring the system via the last saved system checkpoint, you can obtain undamaged Windows system registry files that can help resolve the error code.

Method 3 – Manually uninstall and reinstall the device driver

Since Error Code 48 is due to a missing or an out-of-date device driver, uninstalling and then reinstalling the device driver can help solve the error.

You can do this by firstly logging in as Administrator and opening Device Manager. Select the device that is causing the problem and double click it; make sure that the peripheral is connected properly to the PC.

Upon opening, click on the ‘Driver’ tab and then select ‘Update Driver’. Make sure to refer to the system documentation that you received with your PC or computer to check for the motherboard details and driver specifics.

Method 4 – Use software to automatically download the driver

Manually uninstalling and reinstalling the driver will do the trick; however, it may be time-consuming especially when you would have to resort to your hardware user manual. Therefore, using a program such as DriverFIX can save you a lot of time and frustration in having your device work properly on your computer. DriverFIX, with its user-friendly approach to help you fix your PC issues, comes with an integrated database that detects which drivers you need to reconfigure within just a few seconds and downloads it automatically. It further ensures that your drivers are installed in their entirety leaving no room for any incomplete files to remain that create Error Code 48. It also has the added advantage of being able to backup and restores your files should there be the slightest possibility of system file damage. DriverFIX is the answer to fixing your PC error codes accurately and quickly. Click here to download DriverFIX to fix Error Code 48 quickly and effectively!
Read More
Prompted For A Product Key On Windows 10 - How to Fix It

Prompted For A Product Key – What Is It?

Some Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 users are having a hard time upgrading to Windows 10 as they are being prompted for a product key. By default, the Windows 10 operating system does not require a product key and users should not be prompted for one, given you upgraded your computer from an activated Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license or from the Windows 10 Preview build. However, there are some users encountering this problem and there are several reasons for this.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

There are a few reasons why some users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10:

  • Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license is not activated.
  • You’re upgrading to Windows 10 final release from a preview build.
  • There are broken operating system files.
  • Activation servers get overwhelmed due to the high volume of upgrades.
  • The Windows 10 copy you downloaded does not correspond with the current Windows system you are upgrading from.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Before you can fix this problem, you need to know why you’re being prompted for a product key. Some things you should know about Windows 10 product key activation are the following:

  • You cannot activate Windows 10 using your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product key. Windows 10 has a unique product key.
  • Error codes such as 0x8007232b, 0XC004E003, 0x8007007B, or 0x8007000D might pop up during system upgrade especially when the activation servers get overwhelmed with the high volume of upgrades.
  • You don’t really need to know your Windows 10 product key.

Now, if ever you’re prompted for a product key when you’re upgrading to Windows 10, you can apply the following methods:

Method One: Give It A Few Days

If you’ve been prompted for a product key upon upgrading to Windows 10, you should click on the “Do this later” option. Wait for a few days then Windows 10 will get activated automatically.

Method Two: Download A Copy of Windows 10 Corresponding Your Current System

One of the reasons Windows users are being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10 is that they have downloaded a wrong edition of Windows 10 and do not correspond with your current system.

  • Users of Home Basic, Home Premium, Windows 7 Starter, Windows 8.0 Core, and Windows 8.1 Core should download Windows 10 Home ISO.
  • Users of Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 8.0 Pro, and Windows 8.1 Pro should download Windows 10 Pro ISO.

NOTE: Users of Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8.0 Enterprise, and Windows 8.1 Enterprise are not eligible for the free upgrade offer.

Method Three: Ensure Windows Is Activated

If your Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 is not genuine or activated, you will get prompted for a product key. You need to make sure first your current system is activated.

  1. Click on Start then right-click Computer. For Windows 8 and up users, you can simply press on Windows key + X then select Choose Properties.
  2. When the Properties window appears, check if the Windows you’re running is activated.

Method Three: Reset License Status

  1. Press on Windows key + X.
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
  3. Once the command prompt window appears, type vbs –rearm then press Enter.
  4. Exit Command Prompt then restart your PC.
  5. Input the product key by following the instructions given.

Method Four: Force Activation

  1. Press on Windows key + X
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin).
  3. Once the command prompt window appears, type vbs –ato then press Enter.
  4. Exit Command Prompt then restart your PC.

Method Five: Run System File Checker

Another thing you can try doing is to run the system file checker utility to scan if there are any broken operating system files. In doing so, you’ll be able to detect problems that might be preventing the product activation of your Windows 10 upgrade.

Method Six: Contact Microsoft Activation Center

If in case you’ve exhausted all your resources and you are still being prompted for a product key when upgrading to Windows 10, you can try contacting the Microsoft Activation Center for further details. Check here for the appropriate telephone numbers to contact.

Method Seven: Download An Automated Tool

If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.

Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status