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What Is a VPN and What Can It Do For You?

Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.

In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.

VPN: definition and how it works

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does. 

A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.

To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.


Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash

Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.

There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.

Benefits of using a VPN

When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.

You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much. 

When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.

1. Access region-specific content

When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.

This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.

Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)

In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.

Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.

2. Browse like no one’s watching

VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.

In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.

The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.

3. Save money

It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.

You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company. 

Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.

4. Secure your smart home

The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard. 

Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.

Credit Bence Boros on Unsplash

5. Prevent connection slowdown

Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).

But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.   

The bottom line

You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.

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Disable the Notifications for any Apps
Since Windows 10 introduced the concept of notifications, almost any application installed on your computer sends you one. However, there are times when too many notifications can be quite annoying. Although some of them are important, most of them are not and are only getting in the way of your tasks. So if you don’t like to be flooded with tons of notifications on your Windows 10 computer, say no more as this post will help you out in disabling notifications for any apps installed. And now with the new feature in Windows 10 called Focus Assist, you will be able to manage the level of notifications that you receive. This new feature also allows you to disable all notifications except for the ones from important or priority apps. You will just have to maintain a list of priority applications or you could also disable all the notifications except for the important ones like alarms. In addition, you could also set up some automatic rules such as the Focus Assist timings which means that you can make Focus Assist enabled for a certain period of time during the day or when you are duplicating your display or playing a game and whatnot. So if there is an application that keeps on spamming you with notifications, you can just disable the notifications for that application.

To get started on disabling notifications, refer to the steps given below.

  • Step 1: Go to Settings > System.
  • Step 2: From there, open Notifications and actions and then scroll down to the “Get notifications from these apps” section.
  • Step 3: After that, look for the application that you want to disable notifications for and click on the toggle button that corresponds to disabling notifications for that application. You could also click open to explore additional settings for that particular application.
Note: You can disable notifications or just the notification banners, your choice. Aside from that, you can also control the notification sound as well as its behavior when the computer screen is locked. What’s more, is that you can also adjust the number of notifications displayed in the Action Center or select the priority applications. As stated earlier, Windows 10 gives you control that allows you to customize every nook and cranny of the notification on your Windows 10 computer. Apart from applications, there are also other notifications-related settings that you can control including disabling notifications about tips, tricks, and suggestions as well as summary notifications from Windows Defender that you get every time you use or scan your computer.
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How to install and remove fonts in Windows 10
Once a tedious and unfriendly task of installing fonts has been severely made easier and more user-friendly. As technology advances daily so do some tasks. One of these tasks which today look unnecessarily complicated is fonts installation in Windows. What was once complicated navigation to control panel with an administrative account, today is two-click with the mouse anywhere, well anywhere on your hard drive, but still a great improvement nonetheless. Ok, so you have found cool new font which you like very much and you are eager to try it out, but how do you install it in Windows so your other software can find it and use it? The task is incredibly easy, let's presume that you have downloaded desired font or fonts to your hard drive from the internet, they are nicely placed in a folder, all you have to do is select which one you would like to install, right-click on any one selected and click on install. That's it, that is all that you need to do. Now in order to remove fonts first, you will have to go to the folder which has all fonts installed in the system. The location of this folder is conveniently enough c:\Windows\Fonts. In there select all fonts that you would like to uninstall from the system and simply delete them, that's it.
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How to Fix Error Code 0x80073afc

Error Code 0x80073afc - What is it?

Error code 0x80073afc deals with an antivirus program first built into Windows 8/8.1 This error occurs when Windows Defender, the built-in anti-virus software in Windows 8/8.1 and higher, does not start automatically and users attempt to manually start the program. During the initialization period of the program start-up, something goes wrong and users get a 0x80073afc Error message. The error message states there was a problem with the initialization of the program. Windows Defender provides protection of your computer and it is advised by the Microsoft Corporation that you ensure it starts up automatically on every start-up.

Solution

Restoro box imageFurther Information and Manual Repair

Users have found several manual repairs that have fixed the problem without needing to contact technicians for extra help. While the methods below should solve your problem easily, if this is the first time you have encountered the issue you may want to do a simple restart. This has fixed the problem for some users and is the easiest first troubleshooting move. If it doesn’t work move on to the methods listed below, which are easily completed without extra help.

Before trying any of these methods, please make sure that you are logged into a profile that is listed as the administrator of the computer of his administrative powers enabled. If this is not the case you will not be able to complete the following methods. Please log out and log back in on the administrator profile.

Method 1:

First, check to see if you have a third-party anti-virus program installed on your computer. Some users believe that the built-in Windows Defender program is not powerful enough to handle the safety of their computer so they usually download a third-party program. However, that program may have caused a conflict with Windows Defender and may not allow it to open. If you do have a third-party program installed, try uninstalling it then manually starting Windows Defender.

Method 2:

If method one does not work, you may be infected by malware or a virus that has tampered with the settings on your computer and will not allow Windows Defender to start automatically or manually.

First, open Run by holding the “Win” key and pressing the “R” key. Then type “Regedit”. The program will ask for permission to follow through with this action. Click on “Yes” and the Open Registry Editor will open.

Find the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Option and check to see if there are any files similar to MSASCui.exe or MpCmdRun.exe. If there are any file entries that resemble that, you will want to right-click on them before selecting the “Delete” option. If you do not see any entries that match, this is not the issue with your Windows Defender and you will want to try another method.

The Registry on your computer is very important. It helps tell your computer what programs are safe to run, what programs should be run, and what programs should not be run. If it is tampered with by a virus or Malware, multiple system operations can be affected.

However, if you did find similar file names, and you deleted them, try to start Windows Defender manually. If it does not work again, move on to the next method. 

Method 3:

If the first two methods do not work for your issue, and you are still receiving error code 0x80073afc when attempting to start Windows Defender, this step should solve the problem if you have Restore Point installed on your computer, which you most likely do.

For this method, we will be restoring your computer to a previous Restore Point. First, just like in method two, hold the “Win” key and press the “R” key. This will open run. Next type “Rstrui.exe” and click “ok”. After some time, you will see System Restore Windows. Click “Next” and select the restore point that you would like to go back to. After your computer has restored to the point you selected, check to ensure that Windows Defender has started correctly.

If the above methods aren't able to rectify the issue, you might have to download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.

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FindGoFind Browser Hijacker Removal Guide

FindGoFind is a browser extension for Google Chrome.Developers present findgofind.com as an improved Internet search engine that supposedly enhances the Internet browsing experience by generating better search results. These claims often trick users into believing that findgofind.com is legitimate and useful. In fact, developers promote this site using deceptive software download/installation set-ups that hijack web browsers and modify various options without permission. Furthermore, findgofind.co continually records various data relating to users’ Internet browsing activity.

While this extension is installed, users will see additional unwanted ads throughout their browsing sessions. Furthermore, this extension changed the default search engine to FindGoFind to easier display Sponsored content.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (also known as hijackware) are a type of malicious software that modifies web browser configuration settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or approval. These hijacks are raising at an astonishing rate across the world, and they can be truly nefarious and sometimes harmful too. Browser hijackers can do a variety of things on your computer. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to earn ad revenue. Many people believe that the browser hijacker is just a harmless website but that is incorrect. Almost every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it’s vital to categorize them under privacy risks. When the malware attacks your computer, it begins to mess things up a whole lot that slows your PC down to a crawl. In the worse case, you will be pushed to tackle serious malware threats too.

How one can know if your browser is hijacked

The typical signs that signify having this malicious software on your PC are: 1. the home page of the browser is changed all of a sudden 2. you see new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or porn websites 3. the default browser configurations are changed and/or your default web engine is altered 4. you’ll see multiple toolbars in your internet browser 5. you see lots of pop-ups on your screen 6. your internet browser has become unstable or starts running slowly 7. you can’t navigate to certain websites, like security software-related sites.

Exactly how they infect computer systems

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or even an e-mail attachment to reach a targeted computer. They also come from add-on programs, also known as browser helper objects (BHO), web browser plug-ins, or toolbars. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your PC through “bundling”. Some of the most well-known hijackers are FindGoFind, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch.

How you can get rid of a browser hijacker

Some hijackers can be simply removed by uninstalling the free software they came with or by deleting any add-ons you have recently added to your system. In some cases, it can be a difficult job to find and delete the malicious program because the associated file might be running as part of the operating system process. Apart from that, manual removal expects you to perform several time-consuming and complicated actions that are tough to do for new computer users. Industry experts always recommend users to eliminate any malware including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is easier, safer and faster than the manual removal method. SafeBytes Anti-Malware can counter relentless hijackers and provide you with proactive PC protection against all kinds of malware.

What you can do if Virus Prevents You From Downloading Anti-virus?

Malware may cause several kinds of damage to computers, networks, and data. Some malware sits in between the computer and your net connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you want to visit. It will also block you from adding anything to your system, particularly the anti-virus program. So what to do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are a few actions you can take to get around this issue.

Download the application in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Just the minimum required programs and services are loaded when you start your computer in Safe Mode. To start your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) At power on/start-up, hit the F8 key in one-second intervals. This will conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter. 3) When this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, use your browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) Following installation, run a complete scan and let the software delete the threats it detects.

Use an alternate web browser to download an antivirus application

Some malware may target vulnerabilities of a particular browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you’re not able to download the anti-malware software program using Internet Explorer, it means the virus is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you need to switch over to a different browser like Firefox or Chrome to download Safebytes Anti-malware software.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another option would be to make a portable antivirus program onto your USB thumb drive. Adopt these measures to use a flash drive to fix your infected computer system. 1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC. 2) Connect the USB flash drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you intend to install the application. Follow the activation instructions. 5) Transfer the pen drive from the clean PC to the infected PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Hit the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect your PC against Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

If you are looking to download an anti-malware application for your PC, there are several tools out there to consider nonetheless, you should not trust blindly anyone, no matter whether it is free or paid software. A few are good ones, some are decent, and some are merely fake anti-malware software that will harm your PC themselves! You need to be very careful not to select the wrong product, particularly if you buy a paid application. When considering commercial application options, the majority of people select well-known brands, like SafeBytes, and are very happy with them. SafeBytes anti-malware is trustworthy software that not only secures your PC permanently but is also very easy to use for people of all ability levels. Once you have installed this software, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your personal computer.

SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to other anti-malware programs. Listed below are some of the features you may like in SafeBytes.

Robust Anti-malware Protection: With a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is made to find and get rid of viruses and malware that are hidden deep in your computer’s operating system. Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives complete and real-time security for your PC. It’ll inspect your personal computer for suspicious activity at all times and its unparalleled firewall protects your PC from illegal access by the outside world. High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has got a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5 times faster than any other antivirus software. Safe Web Browsing: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating on the web pages you are going to check out, automatically blocking unsafe sites and making sure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the web. Lightweight: The program is lightweight and can run silently in the background, and that does not impact your PC efficiency. Premium Support: For any technical queries or product guidance, you can obtain 24/7 professional assistance through chat and e-mail. To sum it up, SafeBytes has created a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect your computer against all manner of malware. There is no doubt that your PC will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software program to use. You’ll get the 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 wish to carry out the removal of FindGoFind manually instead of employing an automated tool, you may follow these simple steps: Navigate to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending program to remove. In case of suspicious versions of browser plug-ins, you can actually remove it via your browser’s extension manager. You’ll likely also want to reset your browser. If you opt to manually delete the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to make sure you know precisely what files to remove before performing any actions. Please remember that this is for experienced users only and might be challenging, with wrong file removal resulting in additional system errors. In addition, some malicious programs have the capability to defend against its deletion. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.
Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\FindGoFind.comTT0-F49X-LPA01-3150QB HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\FindGoFind.comWG9-L33B-ZSH05-1418OI HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\FindGoFind.comRegistry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\FindGoFind.comTT0-F49X-LPA01-3150QB HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\FindGoFind.comWG9-L33B-ZSH05-1418OI HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\FindGoFind.com%#MANIFEST#%PH1-S39W-JGS29-6268LL HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run [random].exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\FindGoFind.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ FindGoFind.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\BrowserHelperObjects\[random numbers]PH1-S39W-JGS29-6268LL HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run [random].exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\FindGoFind.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ FindGoFind.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\BrowserHelperObjects\[random numbers]
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Updating your Windows 10 computer does not always go smoothly as there are some errors you can encounter along the way. One of these Windows Update errors is the error code of 0x80246008. This kind of error can occur during different phases of an update that’s being downloaded or installed and even when an update is being initialized. If you narrow down the cause of this Windows Update error, you’ll most likely see that it is related to the deliverability of a file to a computer from the servers of Microsoft. In other words, the error might be due to conflicts from programs like Firewall as well as third party programs like Antivirus or it could also be due to corrupted disk image or system files or it could be that any of the supporting Windows Update components and services are not working properly. Whatever the cause may be, the potential fixes provided in this post can be applicable to Windows Updates as well as the Microsoft Store. Refer to the suggestions provided below to resolve the Windows Update Error 0x80246008 but before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point first.

Option 1 – Apply some tweak in the Windows Registry from Command Prompt

  • Tap the Win + X keys and select Command Prompt (Admin) to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Next, navigate to the root location of the bootable device inside the Command Prompt command line.
  • Once you’re in the root location, type the following command and tap Enter to execute it:
reg add HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlBackupRestoreFilesNotToBackup
  • After that, close the Command Prompt command line and then tap the Win + R keys to open Run utility.
  • In the field, type “services.msc” and click OK or tap Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
  • From there, look for the following services:
    • Windows Update – Manual (Triggered)
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service – Manual
  • Now open their Properties and make sure that their Startup type is as mentioned above and that they are running. If they are not running, just click on the Start button.

Option 2 – Run the System File Checker Scan

If the registry tweak didn’t work, you can run a System File Checker scan instead. It is a built-in command-line utility that replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the error when you try updating your computer. 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 3 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the System File Checker wasn’t able to resolve the Windows Update error, you could also try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing any issues related to Windows Update including this one. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 4 – Try to disable your antivirus program

Disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when the Windows Update process does not go smoothly. So before you try updating your computer again, make sure to disable the antivirus or security program and once the Windows Update is done, don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.

Option 5 – Try deleting the files from the SoftwareDistribution folder and resetting the Catroot2 folder

The downloaded Windows Updates are placed in a folder called “SoftwareDistribution”. The files downloaded in this folder are automatically deleted once the installation is completed. However, if the files are not clean up or if the installation is still pending, you can delete all the files in this folder after you pause the Windows Update service. For complete instructions, refer to the steps below.
  • Open the WinX Menu.
  • From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  • After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and the MSI Installer
  • Next, go to the C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:
  • Type each one of the following commands.
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  • After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer.
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DiskPart has encountered an error
As you know, Diskpart is a useful utility that helps in managing the disks in a computer. It is a very useful tool that even when the GUI-based disk management tools in Windows 10 operating system fails, the Diskpart utility still tends to work. However, it also does not mean that this utility does not experience issues as it still does, from time to time. One of the issues you may encounter when using the Diskpart utility is when you encounter an error message that says, “DiskPart has encountered an error, Access is denied”. This kind of error in the Diskpart utility could be caused by a number of factors. For one, it could be that the Write-Protection is enabled on the drive where the operating is being performed or it could also be that the Command Prompt terminal does not have administrator-level permissions to carry out the command. Thus, you can try to run the Diskpart utility again but this time with admin privileges or you could also remote the Write-Protection from the concerned drive. For more details, refer to the instructions given below.

Option 1 – Try running Command Prompt with Administrator-level permissions

  • In the Start Search, type “command prompt” and from the search results that appear, look for Command Prompt.
  • Once you found it, right-click on it and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After that, try to execute the Diskpart operation once again and see if you still encounter the same error.

Option 2 – Try to remove the Write Protection from the drive

As mentioned, removing the Write-Protection on the concerned drive could also help you fix the problem and there are two ways to get rid of the write protection – you can either use the Diskpart utility or the Registry Editor. How? Refer to the following steps.

Via Diskpart utility:

  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges and then type the “diskpart” command and tap Enter to execute it.
  • Next, type “list disk” and tap Enter to get the list of all the Disk connects or all the partitions that are formed on those disks.
  • After that, you need to choose one command depending on the list of commands you entered. Type “select disk #” and tap Enter to select the disk or partition you want to select.
  • Then type “attribute disk clear readonly” and tap Enter to Disable the Write Protection on the selected disk or partition.

Via Registry Editor:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “Regedit” in the field and then tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to the following registry key:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStorageDevicePolicies
  • After that, look for the DWORD named “WriteProtect” and double click on it, and then set its Value Data to “0”.
  • Now restart your computer and see if the problem is now fixed or not.
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How to Repair Windows 10 Upgrade Error Code 0x80070070 – 0x50011

Code 0x80070070 – 0x50011 – What is it?

If you’ve recently tried installing Windows 10, you might have encountered error code 0x80070070 – 0x50011 or its alternatives (error code 0x80070070 – 0x50012 and 0x80070070 – 0x60000). Whatever formats this error code presents itself in, it's usually accompanied by a barrage of other errors, as underscored on Microsoft’s official site. If you’ve encountered this error code, it simply means that your computer system might not have the required or required space to install the upgrade.

Likely, if you’ve experienced error code 0x80070070 – 0x50011, it’ll likely appear in the formats highlighted below:

  • 0x80070070 – 0x50011
  • 0x80070070 – 0x50012
  • 0x80070070 – 0x60000

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

At present, this Windows 10 upgrade error is triggered or caused by various factors:

  • Lack of computer resources or space
  • Virus/malware infestation
  • A clogged registry

Further Information and Manual Repair

Whilst new, not much information has been propagated regarding this error. However, there are some manual / practical steps you can take to have your Windows 10 upgrade up and running. Since the primary aspect of solving this problem is to make space on your computer system, here are some ways in which you can do so manually.

Method 1: Get more space

  • Check the current space on your computer  

Before making attempts to create space on your computer, it’s vital that you check to decipher how much free space you have available.

  • Make use of Disk Clean-up 

Since there’s a free service available on your computer to create space, why not use it and save time? If the Disk Cleanup tool is employed regularly, this will free up hard drive space and optimize your computer to work better.

  • Remove unwanted desktop apps 

There are several apps lying around on your computer that you simply don’t use, uninstall those and make space to elude error code 0x80070070 – 0x50011 or its alternatives (Code 0x80070070 – 0x50012, Code 0x80070070 – 0x60000)

  • Remove or archive files  

If you have lots of photos, media, documents (files), videos, etc, that you don’t use or will only need in the future, try cloud storage. You’ll still have those files within your possession but just not in a physical location. However, they’re still accessible. Another suggestion: If you use programs such as One Drive or Google Drive for desktop, limit your use to only the online application.

  • Add more storage

If you’re not able to implement the above steps to clear some space to accommodate your Windows 10 upgrade due to error code 0x80070070 – 0x50011, acquire more storage. This can be expanded by incorporating storage devices such as USB flash drives, CDs, cloud storage, and SD Cards.

Method 2: Scan your computer for virus/malware

If you regularly download stuff, especially software on the Internet from ‘not so secured’ sites, you might have picked up something. You might have downloaded malware or virus (along with other legit programs).

To resolve this issue, it’s advised and very important that you download a powerful antivirus and perform a complete scan of your computer system. After you’ve detected and removed the suspected malware/virus, you’ll then be able to eliminate error code 0x80070070 – 0x50011 and resume with your Windows 10 upgrade.

Method 3: Clean up your computer’s registry

If you do not clean your computer’s registry often, it could become congested or clogged by .XML files, junk files, and cookies. To resolve this problem, clean your registry by using a powerful and user-friendly tool to clean up the problem.

Click here to download Restoro.

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How to Repair BSOD Stop Error code 0xc000021a in Windows 10

Error code 0xc000021a - What is it?

Error code 0xc000021a occurs when the system is unable to start or there’s a failure in critical system processes. Normally, it would take about several seconds for the system to boot and while on the startup process, error code 0xc000021a may take place to block the system to boot up. Users will get a blue screen of death (BOSD) when this error occurs. When upgrading to Windows 10, be careful; you might encounter other error messages such as error code 8007002c

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

There are several reasons why error code 0xc000021a occurs. It is important to have a full understanding of what caused the blue screen of death before attempting to fix the error by yourself. See below for a few common causes:

Computer malware has infiltrated your device.

• Important files such as Winlogon.exe and Csrss.exe are damaged. Winlogon.exe file is responsible for handling the login and logout processes while Csrss.exe is a vital part of Microsoft Client or Server ‘Runtime Server Subsystem’. Once one of these files is damaged or deleted, a stop error will occur.

• When there are mismatched system files installed or system upgrading process failed or still incomplete.

• Premature unloading of Wbemprox.dll

• Newly installed third-party software is not compatible with the operating system.

• There are corrupted, outdated, or incorrectly configured device drivers.

• There’s insufficient space in the system partition. Once the system partition is full, certain errors such as error code 0xc000021a will manifest.

• Windows registry is corrupted or damaged due to a software or system change. This means there are registry entries that are not cleared after uninstalling an application.

Further Information and Manual Repair

In fixing error code 0xc000021a, you might want to try and manually do so. Manual repair methods can give users effective and efficient solutions, addressing the root problems in relation to Windows error codes. Once the manual repair method is correctly implemented, users will be able to resolve issues immediately. However, there might be instances when a Windows professional is needed. In such cases, seek help from a certified Windows expert or you might want to consider using an automated tool whenever necessary.

Method One: Convert the Drive or Partition from NTFS to GPT

In order to fix Error code 0xc000021a in Windows 10, you might need to convert the partition or drive from NTFS to GPT. See below for the procedure: 1. Shut down your device then put in the Windows installation USB key or DVD. 2. Boot your device to the USB key or DVD in UEFI mode. 3. Inside the Windows Setup, open a Command Prompt window by pressing Shift + F10. 4. Type diskpart in the Command Prompt window to open the diskpart tool. 5. Type list disk to identify which drive to reformat. 6. Select which drive to reformat by typing select disk in the command prompt. Afterward, type clean then hit Enter. Once done, type convert gpt to be able to convert the drive from NTFS to GPT. Finally, type exit and press Enter. You can now close the Command Prompt window. 7. Once the partition or drive is converted from NTFS to GPT, the user can now continue the Windows Setup installation. NOTE: Select Custom in choosing which installation type to use. The drive will then appear as a single area of unallocated space. Choose that unallocated space then select Next. At this point, Windows will now begin the installation.

Method Two: Fix System File Errors

There are times when system files get corrupted or damaged which will result in system failure. If this is the case, you can use a Windows free tool to repair corrupted or damaged system files. 1. Right-click on the Start button then selects Command Prompt (Admin) from the list to open a Command Prompt window. 2. Once the Command Prompt appears, type sfc /scannow then hit Enter. Wait until the process completes. If the process is completed and it doesn’t report any error or issues that remain unsolved, you might want to employ the next method.

Method Three: Reset Windows 10

Resetting Windows will delete all software and user accounts installed in the operating system and will reinstall a fresh Windows. 1. Boot your device using a Windows installation USB key or DVD. Select Repair your computer to locate the Troubleshoot option. Afterward, choose Reset this PC. NOTE: If the device is able to boot the system, you can reset Windows without using a Windows installation USB key or DVD. You just have to boot the device then navigate to Settings in the Start button. Choose Update & Recovery then select Recovery found on the left pane. Choose Reset this PC option then select Go back to an earlier build and Advanced startup. Select Get Started button found in the Reset this PC tab. 2. Depending on your device’s condition, you can either select Keep my files or Remove everything. Both options will remove all applications installed in the device and will revert to default settings. 3. Choose either Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive depending on the situation. If you choose the Remove files and clean the drive option, the procedure will take longer as it will erase all the files permanently. In this case, deleted files cannot be recovered. However, if you don’t want to remove files permanently, select Just remove my files. 4. Once you’ve decided how to reset your system, click on Next once the Warning screen appears. Afterward, choose Reset once prompted. When the process completed, click on Continue.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

Can’t seem to put up with the long and technical manual repair process? You can still fix this error by downloading and installing a powerful automated tool that will surely get the job done in a jiffy!
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Disabling File Grouping in Explorer in Windows
Browsing your files on a computer seamlessly is made possible by the File Explorer in Windows 10 as it provides users with a great sense of customization for both listing and performing operations on a file. You have the option to arrange the folders and files being browsed by their name, type, date, size, and so on. Moreover, files that share a common attribute can be also be grouped accordingly using the grouping feature. However, there are times when instead of helping, it causes some problems for some users. This is why in this post, you will be guided on how you can disable the File Grouping feature in the File Explorer in Windows 10. There are two methods you need to consider in disabling the File Grouping feature in Windows 10. First, you can disable it for only one folder or you can disable it for all the folders on your computer. For more details, follow the instructions given below.

Option 1 – Disable File Grouping in only one folder

This first option is relatively straightforward and simple which will work if you only want to disable File Grouping in one folder.
  • First, open File Explorer, and go to the folder you want to disable File Grouping.
  • Next, right-click anywhere on that folder.
  • And then select Group by > None. This will disable File Grouping for only that particular folder.

Option 2 – Disable File Grouping in all the folders

If you wish to disable File Grouping in all the folders on your computer, then you need to follow this option. If you have already tried the first one, then continue with the given steps below.
  • Tap the Alt + V key combination.
  • Then tap the Alt + Y keys and then tap Alt + O keys.
  • After that, navigate to the View tab, and under the Folder views section, select Apply to Folders.
  • Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made. This will disable File Grouping in all the folders listed in the File Explorer.
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Enable Windows Sandbox on Windows
One of the most common ways cybercriminals use to inject suspicious code into devices is by tricking users into installing a malicious program on a targeted device. Oblivious users are vulnerable to such tricks, which is why Microsoft has been working hard in the background to address this issue. Recently, Microsoft announced the availability of a sandboxed version of Windows 10 that runs inside Windows 10 in order to isolate suspected software to run inside it and protect the system from potential threats. This Windows Sandbox feature is a new feature that keeps your computer secure. It is a virtual disposable environment that you can enable. So if suspect any software of being malicious, you can run this software in an environment and ensure that it won’t interfere with any normal processes and would not jeopardize files on your computer. To simply put it, “Windows Sandbox is a new lightweight desktop environment tailored for safely running applications in isolation”. So if the Sandbox is closed, all the residual files, software, and other data are deleted permanently. To enable Windows Sandbox, refer to the instructions provided below. Step 1: You have to make sure that you are running either Windows 10 Enterprise Editions or Windows 10 Pro and that your computer is running build 18305 or newer. Step 2: After that, you have to enable Virtualization to let another instance of Windows 10 running in Sandbox mode. Step 3: Next, search for Windows Features on and off in the search box and then select the appropriate entry. Step 4: From the list, go to the mini window and check the Windows Sandbox and then click on OK. Step 5: Afterwards, in the Cortana Search box, search for “Windows Sandbox” and select the related entry to run it in an elevated window. Step 6: Then from your main computer (host), copy the executable file and paste it inside the Windows Sandbox environment. Step 7: Now run the executable file in the Sandbox environment and use it as you normally do. Step 8: Once you’re done, close the Windows Sandbox application and as mentioned, every data regarding the executable file and the temporary environment will be deleted. Step 9: And for the sake of safety, ensure that there are no modifications made to the host because of the executions in the Sandbox environment. You have the option to contact Microsoft for feedback related to Windows Sandbox. You can use the traditional Feedback Hub if you have any suggestions or any issues. Just fill in the appropriate details and select Windows Sandbox for the feature category under the Security and Privacy section. And if you have any issues related to the execution of and within Windows Sandbox, simply choose “Recreate my problem” then select Start capture to reproduce the issue, and once you’re done, select Stop capture.
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