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The current state of Government vs BigTech

BigTech justiceBigTech platforms Google and Facebook were hit with a series of antitrust lawsuits by the US federal government and states on charges they are operating monopolies and abusing their power.

Below is the status of the cases, as well as government probes of Apple and Amazon in their current states

Two lawsuits against Facebook

In a defeat, Judge James Boasberg said the Federal Trade Commission, which had sued Facebook in December asking that Facebook be forced to sell WhatsApp and Instagram, failed to show that Facebook had monopoly power in the social-networking market, among other problems. However, the FTC could file a new complaint by July 29.

He threw out a related state lawsuit entirely, saying that the attorney's general had waited too long. They are looking at their options.

Four lawsuits against Google

The US Justice Department sued Google in October, accusing the $1 trillion company of illegally using its market muscle to hobble rivals. A trial date was set for September 12, 2023.

A lawsuit by 38 US states and territories accuses Google of abusing its market power to try to make its search engine as dominant inside cars, TVs, and speakers as it is in phones. This was consolidated with the federal lawsuit for purposes of discovery.

Texas, backed by other states, filed a separate lawsuit against Google, accusing it of breaking antitrust law in how it runs its online advertising business.

Dozens of state attorneys general sued Google on July 7, alleging that it bought off competitors and used restrictive contracts to unlawfully maintain a monopoly for its app store on Android phones.

Justice Department investigates Apple

This probe, revealed in June 2019, appears to focus on Apple's app store. Some app developers have accused Apple of introducing new products very similar to existing apps created by other developers and sold in the Apple Store, and then trying to banish the older apps from the store because they compete with Apple's new product. Apple says it seeks to have only the highest-quality apps in the app store.

Justice Department probing Facebook and Amazon

In July 2019, the Justice Department said it was expanding its Big Tech probes to include "search, social media, and some retail services online", an apparent reference to Facebook and Amazon.

Federal Trade Commission on Amazon

In its investigation of Amazon, the FTC is likely looking at the inherent conflict of interest of Amazon competing with small sellers on its marketplace platform, including allegations that it used information from sellers on its platform to decide what products it would introduce.

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Remove CalendarSpark Browser Hijacker

CalendarSpark is a browser extension developed by MindSpark. This extension allows an easy way to print or view calendar templates and make schedulers for a day/week/month/year. This browser extension hijacks your browser home page and search engine, changing them to MyWay.com. While the extension is installed it monitors your browsing activity and collets visited websites, clicked links, and sometimes even personal information, which it later uses to display targeted unwanted ads through your browsing sessions.

While browsing the internet with this extension installed you will see additional sponsored links, ads, and sometimes even pop-up ads on websites that are not supposed to have any of these. Several anti-virus scanners have detected this extension as a Browser Hijacker, and due to its data collecting behavior, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes called hijackware) are a kind of malware that modifies web browser configuration settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or permission. These kinds of hijacks are raising at an alarming rate across the world, and they could be truly nefarious and sometimes harmful too. Browser hijacker malware is created for a number of reasons. These are generally used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. However, it’s not that harmless. Your online safety is jeopardized and it is also extremely irritating. In a worst-case scenario, your browser could be hijacked to open up your computer system to a host of additional attacks.

Indications of browser hijack

When your browser is hi-jacked, the following could happen: your home page is reset to some unknown webpage; you get redirected to sites you never intended to visit; The default search page of the web browser is changed; unwanted new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you’ll find random pop-ups start showing on a regular basis; your internet browser starts running slowly or exhibits frequent errors; Inability to navigate to certain websites, particularly antivirus as well as other security software sites.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your PC

Browser hijackers can enter a PC by some means or other, including via file sharing, downloads, and e-mail as well. They could also be deployed via the installation of an internet browser toolbar, add-on, or extension. A browser hijacker can be installed as a part of freeware, shareware, demoware, and pirated programs. An example of some well-known browser hijacker includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, RocketTab, and Delta Search, but the names are regularly changing. Browser hijackers could interrupt the user’s web surfing experience significantly, track the websites visited by users and steal sensitive information, cause problems in connecting to the net, and then finally create stability issues, causing programs and computers to freeze.

Removal

Some kinds of browser hijackers can be quickly removed from the computer by deleting malicious applications or any other recently added freeware. Regrettably, most of the software applications used to hijack an internet browser are intentionally designed to be difficult to remove or detect. Furthermore, manual removals require in-depth system knowledge and therefore can be an extremely difficult job for novice computer users.

What you can do if Virus Stops You From Downloading Antivirus?

Practically all malware is inherently dangerous, but certain types of malware do much more damage to your computer than others. Some malware sits in between your computer and your internet connection and blocks a few or all websites that you would like to check out. It will also block you from the installation of anything on your PC, especially antivirus applications. If you’re reading this article now, you might have perhaps realized that virus infection is the real cause of your blocked net connectivity. So how to proceed when you want to download and install an antivirus application like Safebytes? Although this sort of problem can be tougher to circumvent, there are some steps you can take.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

In Safe Mode, you may change Windows settings, un-install or install some program, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses and malware. In case the virus is set to load immediately when the PC starts, switching to this mode can prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, press “F8” key on the keyboard just before Windows logo screen appears; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, look over Safe Boot under Boot tab, and then click Apply. After you reboot into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you can run the anti-malware scan to eliminate viruses and malware without hindrance from another application.

Obtain the antivirus program using an alternate web browser

Some malware only targets particular internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, utilize another browser as it may circumvent the virus. The best way to avoid this problem is to choose a browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox has built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you safe online.

Install and run anti-malware from the Thumb drive

Here’s yet another solution which is creating a portable USB antivirus software package that can check your system for malicious software without the need for installation. To run anti-virus from a USB drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Use another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place where you would like to store the software files. Follow activation instructions. 5) Unplug the flash drive. You may now use this portable anti-malware on the affected computer. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the flash drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all types of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Benefits

If you are looking to install anti-malware software for your PC, there are numerous tools on the market to consider but you cannot trust blindly to anyone, irrespective of whether it is free or paid software. A few of them are great, some are decent, while some will harm your computer themselves! You need to select one that is dependable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware protection. While thinking about the dependable software programs, Safebytes AntiMalware is certainly the strongly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trusted tool that not only protects your computer system permanently but is also very user-friendly for people of all ability levels. Once you’ve got installed this software, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will make sure that absolutely no viruses or malicious software can seep through your personal computer. SafeBytes has a plethora of amazing features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. Listed below are some of the great features included in the tool. Optimum AntiMalware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes provides multilayered protection that is designed to find and eliminate viruses and malware that are concealed deep in your computer’s operating system. Live Protection: SafeBytes offers a completely hands-free real-time protection that is set to observe, block, and wipe out all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will inspect your computer for suspicious activity regularly and its unparalleled firewall shields your computer from illegal entry by the outside world. Faster Scan: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has got a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5 times faster than any other protection software. Website Filtering: SafeBytes checks and provides a unique safety ranking to each and every site you visit and block access to webpages known to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malware. Light-weight: The program is light-weight and will work silently in the background, and will not impact your computer efficiency. Premium Support: For any technical inquiries or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance via chat and email.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To get rid of CalendarSpark manually, navigate to the Add/Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and select the program you want to get rid of. For browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you intend to remove or disable. You will probably also want to reset your internet browser. In order to ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard disk and computer registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. But bear in mind, this is a tricky task and only computer professionals can carry it out safely. In addition, certain malicious programs are capable to defend against its deletion. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is suggested.
Files: calendarspark.dl.myway[1].xml %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\CalendarSparkTooltab chrome-extension_apfkjcjglfhoemadfobgcacfkdhapiab_0.localstorage-journal %LOCALAPPDATA%\CalendarSparkTooltab http_calendarspark.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage-journal http_calendarspark.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage Calendarspark.exe 310,048 602097e5efa71f01dca1ad60ba108730 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\lacjhcgjigifchcapcccoippjdnkbagj %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\lacjhcgjigifchcapcccoippjdnkbagj www.calendarspark[1].xml %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\lacjhcgjigifchcapcccoippjdnkbagj Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\CalendarSpark HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\calendarspark.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\calendarspark.dl.myway.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Wow6432Node\CalendarSpark HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Chrome\PreferenceMACs\Default\extensions.settings, value: lacjhcgjigifchcapcccoippjdnkbagj HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller CalendarSparkTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer
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HolidayPhotoEdit Removal Guide for Windows

Holiday Photo Edit is a Browser Extension for Google Chrome developed by Mindspark Inc. and offers users a basic photo editing tool alongside links to some popular editing websites.

When installed this extension changes your default search engine to MyWay and hijacks your New Tab page, changing it to HolidayPhotoEdit. It monitors user browsing activity recording visited websites and clicked links in order to learn more about the user, this data is later used/sold to better target Injected Ads.

While browsing the internet with the HolidayPhotoEdit extension enabled, users will experience more ads throughout their search results, additional sponsored links to partner products, and sometimes even pop-up ads with special giveaways designed to lure users to buy something.

Popular anti-virus scanners have marked HolidayPhotoEdit as a Browser Hijacker, and it is recommended to remove it from your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes called hijackware) are a type of malware that changes internet browser configuration settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or approval. These hijacks appear to be increasing at an alarming rate across the world, and they could be actually nefarious and often dangerous too. Practically all browser hijackers are made for advertising or marketing purposes. In most cases, it will drive users to particular sites which are trying to boost their advertising campaign revenue. Though it might appear naive, all browser hijackers are harmful and therefore always regarded as security risks. Browser hijackers can even permit other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your PC.

Find out how to identify a browser hijack

The typical signs that signify having this malicious software on your PC are: 1. the home page of the web browser is changed suddenly 2. you observe new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or pornography websites 3. the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or unsafe resources are put into the trusted sites list 4. unwanted new toolbars are added to your browser 5. many pop-up ads appear and/or your web browser pop-up blocker is disabled 6. your web browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you have prohibited entry to particular websites, for example, the website of an anti-malware software developer like SafeBytes.

How does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers can get into a PC by some means or other, including via file sharing, downloads, and email also. They also come from add-on software, also called browser helper objects (BHO), web browser plug-ins, or toolbars. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s PC using a deceptive software distribution method called “bundling” (generally through freeware and shareware). A good example of some well-known browser hijackers includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing.

Removing browser hijackers

Certain hijackers can be removed by just uninstalling the related free software or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. However, many hijackers are quite tenacious and require specialized tools to get rid of them. And there is no denying the very fact that the manual fixes and removal methods could be a difficult job for an amateur computer user. Furthermore, there are various risks associated with tinkering around with the pc registry files. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. To eradicate any kind of browser hijacker from your PC, you could download this particular professional malware removal program – SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Together with the antivirus tool, a system optimizer, such as SafeBytes’s Total System Care, could help you in deleting all related files and modifications in the registry automatically.

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

Malware could potentially cause many different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware variants modify internet browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configuration settings. When this happens, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the required security software to clear out the computer virus. If you’re reading this right now, you may have probably realized that a malware infection is the cause of your blocked internet traffic. So how to proceed if you need to download and install an anti-malware program such as Safebytes? Even though this kind of issue will be difficult to get around, there are a few actions you can take.

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should prevent it. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your computer in Safe Mode. You will have to do the following to eliminate malware in Safe mode. 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you should have internet access. Now, use your web browser normally and go to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) After installation, run a full scan and allow the program to delete the threats it discovers.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download anti-malware software

Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities on a particular internet browser and block access to all anti-virus software websites. The ideal way to overcome this issue is to select an internet browser that is renowned for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to help keep you secure online.

Create a bootable USB antivirus drive

Another way is to download and transfer an anti-malware program from a clean PC to run a scan on the infected computer. Adopt these measures to employ a flash drive to clean your corrupted PC. 1) On a clean computer, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the antivirus. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, insert the pen drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the flash drive to run the software. 7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your PC and Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

To protect your PC from various internet-based threats, it’s very important to install an anti-malware application on your PC. However, with countless numbers anti-malware companies in the marketplace, nowadays it’s hard to decide which one you should purchase for your personal computer. Some of them are great and some are scamware applications that pretend as authentic anti-malware software waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to look for a product that has got a good reputation and detects not just computer viruses but other types of malware too. One of the recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes has a superb reputation for top-quality service, and clients are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is made for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. After you have installed this software program, SafeBytes advanced protection system will ensure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your computer.

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

Live Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It’ll continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also gives end-users sophisticated firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Built upon a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can identify and get rid of many obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other typical antivirus programs will miss. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety ranking to each and every website you visit and block access to web pages known to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software. Lightweight Application: SafeBytes is a lightweight and user-friendly anti-virus and antimalware solution. As it utilizes minimal computer resources, this tool leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. Fantastic Tech Support Team: You could get high levels of support 24/7 if you’re using their paid software. SafeBytes has developed a wonderful anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest computer threats and virus attacks. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software program to use. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes anti-malware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of HolidayPhotoEdit manually, you may accomplish this by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending software; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could uninstall it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You’ll probably also want to totally reset your internet browser to its default configuration settings. Lastly, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. But bear in mind, this is often a challenging task and only computer experts could accomplish it safely. Furthermore, some malware keeps replicating which makes it difficult to remove. Completing this task in Safe Mode is recommended.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\HolidayPhotoEditTooltab %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\www.holidayphotoedit.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\PreferenceMACs\Default\extensions.settings, value: ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\holidayphotoedit.dl.myway.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\holidayphotoedit.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\HolidayPhotoEdit HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\HolidayPhotoEdit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller HolidayPhotoEditTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer
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How to Fix Fatal Error c000021a

Fatal Error c000021a - What is it?

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

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

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

Further Information and Manual Repair

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

Method 1: Update Your PC Drivers

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

Method 2: Perform a Windows System Restore

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

Method 3: Scan for Viruses

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

Method 4: Repair the Registry

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

Automatic Repair with Restoro.

Whether the Fatal Error c000021a code occurs due to viral infection or registry issues, download Restoro. This is a next-generation, advanced, and multi-functional PC Fixer. This software is deployed with multiple utilities such as a powerful registry cleaner, an antivirus, a system optimizer, and more. The registry cleaner scans the entire PC and detects all types of registry issues at once. It cleans the registry, wipes out all the unnecessary files, and restores the registry back to normal. Simultaneously, the antivirus embedded in this software detects all types of viruses including malware, adware, spyware and Trojans and removes them in seconds. The system optimizer feature ensures the speed and performance of your PC are not compromised during the repairing process. It ensures your PC works at its optimal speed. Restoro is a one-stop solution for all your PC needs. It has a user-friendly interface making it easy for all levels of users to work around. It is compatible with all Windows versions Click here to download Restoro and resolve the Fatal Error c000021a code on your PC today!
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Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys are not working
This post will guide you on what to do if your keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys are not working on your Windows 10 computer. A lot of users use hotkeys as they make things easier for them as they use their computer. However, there are instances when these hotkeys suddenly stop working. It’s actually one of the most common problems with keyboards. And so to resolve this problem, you can try out some suggestions prepared on this post.

Option 1 – Clean the keyboard keys physically

Your keyboard might not be working properly due to some dirt or other corrosion. First, you need to shut down your computer and then unplug the keyboard if you are using a desktop computer and then prepare it for cleaning. After that, use a small cotton ear cleaning tool to get between the creases and clean them. You can dip it slightly in alcohol to make it more efficient in cleaning dust and dirt. And if you can, you have the option to pull apart the keyboard completely and then wipe away all the corrosion from the inside. Once you’re done, put the keyboard back together and then plug it back into your PC. Now turn your PC on and check if the hotkeys are now working.

Option 2 – Try running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is by running the Hardware Troubleshooter. Although it won’t make much of a difference, there’s still a possibility that it could automatically fix the problem with these function keys. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 3 – Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port

The problem might have something to do with the USB port that’s currently in use by your keyboard. It could be that it’s not working so it makes sense to unplug it and attach it to another USB port. You can also clean the USB port on both ends to ensure that they are not affected by corrosion.

Option 4 – Uninstall previously installed keyboard software

If you have been previously using another keyboard, it might be better if you make sure that the software for the old device has been removed since there are instances when multiple software can cause problems due to similarities in actions.

Option 5 – Update the keyboard driver

You can also update the keyboard driver to fix the problem. There are cases when an outdated or corrupted driver can fix the problem. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • From there, look for the keyboard driver and click on it.
  • Next, right-click on the keyboard driver and select the Update driver option.
  • After that, click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option to proceed.

Option 6 – Reinstall the keyboard driver

If updating the keyboard driver didn’t help, then you might want to reinstall it. How? Follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in MSC into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. Look for keyboard driver, right-click on it and then select “Uninstall device”.
  • After that, unplug the device and restart your PC.
  • Then plug your device back in. Assuming your device is connected to your PC, open the Device Manager again.
  • Next, click on the Action button and click the Scan for hardware changes button. That should fix the problem.
Note: You could also completely uninstall the driver and go directly to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your hardware and then install it.

Option 7 – Enable Human Interface Device (HID) Service

Another thing to consider is the Human Interface Device Service. If this service is disabled, then no wonder why your hotkeys are not working. Thus, you need to enable this service. Refer to the following steps to do that:
  • Tap the Win + R key to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Services.
  • After opening Services, scroll down until you see the Human Interface Device service.
  • Double click on HID and make sure that its Startup Type is set to “Automatic” and then click OK.
  • Restart your PC and check if the hotkeys are now working or not.

Option 8 – Try resetting the keyboard

You might also want to try resetting the keyboard as it can also help in fixing the problem. Setting it back to its default state will surely help.
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Windows Defender error code 0x80073afc
If you receive an error code of “0x80073afc” in Windows Defender after you boot your Windows 10 computer or when you try to manually run Windows Defender, then it could be that the Windows Defender files are corrupted. In such cases, this error could also occur if there is third-party security software that interferes with the smooth functioning of this Microsoft Security Client. If you are one of the users who are currently facing this issue, then here are some suggestions you can check out to resolve the Windows Defender error code 0x80073afc.

Option 1 – Try to check the status of all the Windows Defender-related services

  • In the Cortana search box, type “services” and click on the Services icon to open the Services Manager. Alternatively, you can also tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run prompt and then type “msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager
  • After opening the Services Manager, look for the following services and make sure that their Startup type is set to their default values:
    • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Firewall Service – Automatic
  • You can right-click on each one of the listed services and then select Start to start them.
  • And if some of the services don’t have their default values, just double-click on the Services to change the Startup types and select the correct option from the drop-down menu of the Startup type under the Properties box.
  • Next, set up the Startup type of these services to Automatic and then click on the Start button if the services are not running yet.
  • Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made and then see if it fixed the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try to re-register the concerned DLL files

You could also try to re-register some Dynamic Link Library or DLL files on your computer as this could also help in fixing the Windows Defender error.
  • In the Start search, type “cmd” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option from the context menu.
  • After opening Command Prompt as admin, type the following commands one after the other:
    • regsvr32 dll
    • regsvr32 dll
    • regsvr32 dll
    • regsvr32 dll
  • Once you’ve entered the commands given above, it will re-register the concerned DLL files in your system.
  • Now restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 3 – Try to use the Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box,
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Afterward, navigate to this registry path: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Options
  • Next, look for the DWORDs named “MSASCui.exe”, “MpCmdRun.exe”, “MpUXSrv.exe” and “msconfig.exe”.
  • If you can’t find these DWORDs, refer to the next given option below.
  • Restart your computer.

Option 4 – Check the Environmental Values

  • Type “View advanced system settings” in the Windows search box and select the appropriate result.
  • This will open a new mini window. From there, go to the Advanced tab and click on the “Environment Variables…” button located at the bottom part of the window.
  • Next, look for the “%ProgramData%” variable name and make sure that its value is set to C:/ProgramData.
  • Then click OK to save the changes made.

Option 5 – 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. 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.
  • Restart your computer.

Option 6 – Perform a System Restore

Performing a System Restore on your computer can also help you fix the Windows Defender error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
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DDR5 what we know so far about it
DDR5 memory moduleNext-generation of RAM, DDR5 supposed to hit shelves around late summer or fall in 2021if everything goes as planned. Its goal is to increase speed and efficiency, wants to pack more memory in a single stick, and have better power management.

Hardware requirements for DDR5

Using the latest memory technology will require other hardware to follow certain standards and the first ones that will need to follow are CPUs and Motherboards. Intel is already prepared with its Alder Lake CPUs that suppose to come out also later this year. AMD on other hand has not stated anything at the time of this writing but it is a bet that their next generation that will come in 2022 will have full support. It is speculated that bot companies and their respective CPUs will have both support for DDR4 and DDR5. A story about motherboards is a little different. Motherboards will support DDR4 or DDR5 memory banks, not both, so make sure that your motherboard will support the memory you plan on getting.

Capacity of memory

The goal and aim for the DDR5 memory stick are to reach a whopping 126GB per stack. This will be done by using a dual in-line module or DIMM enabling larger capacity. That being said, the first modules that we will see are more likely to be 16GB as standard and 8GB as low entry ones.

Power consumption of DDR5 memory

The standard voltage that DDR4 operates under is 1.2V. DDR5 wants to lower this to 1.1V without sacrificing speed. Voltage regulation on modules themselves will be now integrated on memory banks instead of leaving that to motherboards which will help to detect memory errors directly on the memory bank.

Speed of memory

The most common speed of DD4 memory banks is 2,666MHz, more expansive ones go from 3,600 to 4,000MHz. DD5 aims to raise this bar to 4,800MHz and offers greater speed.

Should you get it right away?

Hardware is ever-evolving, we have PCIe 3.0 to PCIe 4.0, and taking into account that sometimes the newest tech can cause some unexpected behavior it is always the best strategy to wait for a little. Price for the newest tech has also been in its heist just when it is released and seeing how DDR5 will benefit mostly servers mostly since even today memory, processors, and other available equipment can tackle all daily tasks.
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Disable Windows insider in Windows 10
In their search for making Windows, a better operating system Microsoft has come up with an insider program that will collect telemetry and send it to Microsoft in order to provide enough information to make a better OS. Being in an insider program is per choice basis and it is not forced to anyone. This guide will cover how to turn off the insider program since its constant updates and telemetry can slow down the internet. So if you decided that you no longer want to be part of this program here is how to turn it off.
  • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog keyboard with windows and r marked
  • Type in dialog gpedit.msc and press ENTER
  • You will find yourself in the Local Group Policy Editor Window. Inside windows find: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Component > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business
  • Move to the right pane and double-click on the Manage Preview Builds option
  • Inside the Manage Preview Builds window, check the Enabled radio button
  • Go to the Options section, and using the drop-down menu, set the preferred release channel
  • Select Apply and then OK
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The procedure entry point could not be located
If you receive an error message that says, “Entry point not found, The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library” on your Windows 10 PC, then you will find this post useful for this will provide you some potential fixes to fix the error. This kind of error can occur if a program fails to locate the DLL library that it needs in order to run. It can also occur if the library is not in the specified directory in the path or if the DLL file has gone missing or has become corrupted. To fix the “The procedure entry point could not be located in the dynamic link library” error, check out the following options given below.

Option 1 – Try to reinstall the program

The first thing you can do to resolve the error is to uninstall the program that throws the error and download its latest version from its official site and then install it again.

Option 2 – Run System File Checker scan

If reinstalling the program didn’t work, you can also try running the System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the error. System File Checker is a command utility built into your computer that helps restore corrupted files and missing files. Refer to the following steps to run it:
  • Hit the Win + R keys 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.
 Reboot your computer.

Option 3 – Try checking the details in the Event Viewer

The Event Viewer can also help you resolve the error as it contains detailed information about the error that could help you pinpoint its root cause and resolve it.

Option 4 – Try to re-register the problematic DLL file

You may have to re-register the ntdll.dll file using the regsvr32.exe before you can successfully install the program and fix the error. The Regsvr32 tool is a command-line utility that can be used to register and unregister OLE controls like DLL and ActiveX (OCX) controls in the Windows operating system. Follow the steps below to use it.
  • Open Command Prompt as admin from the WinX menu.
  • Next, type the following commands in the elevated Command Prompt and hit Enter to execute the command. This will re-register the affected DLL file using the Windows operating system tool, regsvr32.exe.
    • exe /[DLL file]
    • exe [DLL file]
Note: Replace “[DLL file]” with the name of the DLL file that was pointed out in the error.
  • After you execute the given commands, you should see a message saying, “DllRegisterServer in vbscript.dll succeeded” if the Regsvr32 tool was able to run successfully. After that, try to install the program again and see if it now works.

Option 5 – Try to replace the DLL file with a trusted source

  • First, you need to get the new DLL file from another computer with preferably the same file version number.
  • After that, you need to boot your PC into Safe Mode and navigate to the paths listed below and then replace the file using a USB drive or other external storage devices.
    • x86: This PC > C:/Windows/System32
    • x64: This PC > C:/Windows/SysWOW64
  • Next, type “cmd” in the Cortana search box and right click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrator privileges.
  • Now type the “regsvr32 ntdll.dll” command and hit Enter.
  • Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 6– Try to scan your computer using Windows Defender

It is also possible that the DLL file might be infected with malware or virus which could explain why you’re getting the error. Thus, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
  • Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
  • Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
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Chrome does not save passwords
Recently, a number of users reported that their Google Chrome browser does not remember any accounts, login sessions, as well as passwords. So if you are one of the users who experience the same problem, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on what you can do your Chrome browser does not save passwords, remember accounts and login sessions in Windows 10. This issue in Chrome could be caused by a lot of factors. It is possible that there is a setting in Chrome that prevents the browser from saving any data. It is also possible that the Google Chrome profile or the Cache folder for Chrome has become corrupted. Moreover, a third-party antivirus program could also be blocking the browser’s functionality in saving data. Whatever the cause is here are some suggestions you could follow that will help you fix the problem but before you do that, you can try to update your Chrome browser to its latest version first. If it didn’t work, then proceed to the given options below.

Option 1 – Try to clear browser cache

  • Open your Google Chrome browser.
  • After that, tap the Ctrl + H keys. Doing so will open a new panel that allows you to delete the browsing history and other data in your browser.
  • Now select every checkbox that you see and click on the Clear data button.
  • Then restart your Chrome browser and check if you can now complete the download again.

Option 2 – Try to delete the cache files for Google Chrome

The next thing you can do is to delete Chrome’s cache files or its store information which helps it in loading cached webpages faster when you pull them up. However, if it turns out that the cache files are corrupted, then it’s no wonder why Chrome is unable to save passwords. To fix this, you can try to delete the cache files for Google Chrome webpages and you can do it by following these steps:
  • First, open Google Chrome.
  • Next, open this address in Chrome – chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
  • After that, go to the Advanced tab and select all time as well as the first four options.
  • Now click on the Clear data option and then restart the Chrome browser once the cache has been cleared.

Option 3 – Try allowing Google Chrome to keep local data

If the option to keep local data is disabled in Google Chrome’s settings, it won’t be able to store local data in the browser. Thus, you need to enable it by following these steps:
  • Open Chrome and enter this address – chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
  • After that, drag the toggle button off for the “Keep local data only until you quit your browser” option.
  • Once done, restart Google Chrome and check it fixed the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try to enable the setting that offers to save password

As you know, a lot of websites offers users a choice to save a password and you can also do the same with the Chrome browser. You just have to enable this particular setting by going to the address, chrome://settings/passwords. From there, drag the toggle button for the setting Offer to save passwords, off.

Option 5 – Try to create a new profile for Chrome

If your user profile in Google Chrome ends up getting corrupted, it is most likely the reason why Chrome is unable to save passwords. Thus, you need to create a new user profile. How? Follow the steps below.
  • First, click on the account icon located at the top-right corner of the profile.
  • Next, go to the Manage People section and select Add Person > Add.
  • After that, enter the details to add the new account and then restart Chrome.

Option 6 – Reset Chrome

Resetting Chrome can also help you fix the problem. This means that you will be restoring its default settings, disabling all the extensions, add-ons and themes. Aside from that, the content settings will be reset as well and the cookies, cache, and site data will also be deleted. To reset Chrome, here’s what you have to do:
  • Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
  • After that, click on Settings.
  • Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
  • After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
  • Now restart Google Chrome.

Option 7 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome

There are instances when programs leave files behind after you’ve uninstalled them and the same thing can happen to Chrome so before you reinstall Chrome, you have to make sure that you have deleted the User Data folder. To do so, refer to the following steps:
  • Hit the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “%LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChromeUser Data” in the field and hit Enter to open the User Data folder.
  • From there, rename the default folder and name it something else, e.g. “Default.old”.
  • After that, install Google Chrome again and check if the issue is now fixed.
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Display isn't compatible with Windows Error
Upgrading your computer from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 or even upgrading Windows 10 to a new version is not that simple. The setup initially checks for all the drivers and other software utilities installed on your computer and verifies and blockages or upgrade or upgrade blocks with respect to any of those drivers or any of those software utilities regardless if you use the Windows 10 ISO or the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant. One of these common errors, when you upgrade or update your computer, is the “The Display is not compatible with Windows 10” error. This kind of Windows Upgrade error is related to the compatibility of the Graphics Driver installed in your computer. But worry not for this post will guide you in fixing this problem. The “The display is not compatible with Windows 10” error has the same workarounds as the following errors:
  • These devices aren’t fully compatible with Windows 10.
  • The display is not compatible with Windows 10. Check with the manufacturer for support.
  • The display manufacturer hasn’t made your display compatible with Windows 10. Check with the manufacturer for support.
To resolve this Windows Upgrade error, here are some suggestions that could help:

Option 1 – Check for incompatible drivers in your computer

  • Open the Device Manager from the WinX Menu.
  • Then expand the list for Display Adapters.
  • Next, right-click on the NVIDIA Graphics Card list and select Enable.
  • After that, right-click on it again and click on the “Update Driver Software…” option.
  • After doing so, a new window will appear and from there, click on the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
  • Then check if Windows is now able to detect your Graphics Card as well as the latest driver for it. If not, proceed to the next step.
  • Right-click on the driver again and click on the “Update Driver Software…” option.
  • Now click on the Browse my computer for driver software option and then click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
  • Afterward, select a compatible driver for your computer named NVIDIA Graphics Card and then proceed.
  • Wait for the whole process to be completed and restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Get the latest version of Graphics drivers from the manufacturer’s website

In case you don’t know the manufacturer of the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU of your computer, you need to check first. They’re usually NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD. So if your computer’s Graphics Processing Unit is manufactured by NVIDIA, you need to get the latest version from their official website.

Option 3 – Try to install the latest Graphics driver in Compatibility Mode

If you’re not able to install the Graphics drivers you’ve downloaded, you can try installing them again but this time using Compatibility mode. Follow the steps below to do so:
  • You need to download the driver and place it on your desktop.
  • After that, right-click on it and select Properties.
  • Next, switch to the Compatibility tab where you should see two options:
    • Compatibility troubleshooter, and let Windows figure out what works best for you. If it fails, follow the next.
    • Manually choose the version of Windows it was correctly working.
  • You also have the option to change the DPI settings and see if that helps. Then click the Apply and OK buttons.
  • Now right-click on the file and select the “Run as administrator” option to install. After that, you should now be able to change your screen aspect ratio to what you were using early on.
Note: If you have other programs that won’t work on the existing version of Windows, then make sure to run the program in a Compatibility mode.

Option 4 – Try to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter is available in the Windows Update & Security section. From there, select Troubleshoot. This will find a list of programs for you and since you have already downloaded the driver files, just click on Not Listed located at the top of the program list. After that, browse and select the driver files and then let the program do its job.
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