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What Is Phishing And How Can You Protect Yourself From It?

Ever gotten an e-mail offer that seemed just a little bit too good to be true? Might’ve been a phishing attempt! These are everywhere and can come in many different forms. 

So what’s phishing exactly, how can you detect it and how can you keep safe?

What is phishing?

Phishing (pronounced like fishing) is a type of cyberattack that tricks the user into trusting the source and revealing sensitive information. Fishing being the perfect analogy, the bait is a legitimate-looking site, e-mail or file and when you take a bite, your identity, banking information and much more can be revealed and stolen.

Phishing Illustration
Credit Anne Nygård on Unsplash

Some phishing attempts are incredibly obvious, others are super elaborate. Like with most types of malware, cybercriminals have become extremely well-versed in phishing and anyone can fall for it. To help you recognize and avoid it, we’ll take you through a couple of phishing types and give you tips on what to do if faced with them.

Phishing techniques

E-mail phishing

This is actually the most common type of phishing. A cybercriminal creates an e-mail containing stuff like attractive offers, legitimate-looking attachments or links and makes it appear as though it’s coming from a trusted source.

Illustration of Email Phishing
Credit Justin Morgan on Unsplash

For example, it looks like it’s coming from your bank or your favorite retailer. The logo looks legit and the structure of the e-mail seems familiar, so you might get tricked into clicking on whatever clickable content is in it.

Unfortunately this exposes your device to malware that hands your data off to the hacker, who can decide what to do with it further.

SMS and social media phishing

Like the above example, you could be approached with lucrative offers or links via text messages or social media messages. Typically, the messages seem relevant to the user as they will be made to look like they’re related to apps or services you’re using.

Voice phishing

Voice phishing attacks are schemes that appear as though they’re coming from a credible number. Normally, you’ll get a call about something related to credit cards or taxes to get you into a state of worry, leading you to disclose personal information on the phone.

Spear phishing, whaling and BEC

Spear phishing normally targets specific individuals within a company who are likely to have access to sensitive data. Spear phishers spend time collecting information they can use to reach out to the individual looking as trustworthy as possible. They’ll typically lead with something relevant, for example mentioning an upcoming company event, and make a seemingly legitimate request.

Whaling is a more elaborate form of spear phishing, which targets people in even stronger positions such as executives or high-value individuals. The ultimate goal is to get them to transfer financial or other sensitive information that can be used to compromise the entire business.

Spear Phishing Illustration
Credit Azamat E on Unsplash

BEC, or Business e-mail compromise, is a specific spear phishing technique carried out via e-mail. While there are many ways this is done, most commonly you’ll see instances where the phisher poses as a CEO or similar executive, or as a lower-level employee in specific positions (e.g. sales managers or financial controllers).

In the first situation, the impersonator reaches out to employees requesting them to transfer certain files or pay invoices. In the second situation, the phisher takes control of the employee’s e-mail account and sends false instructions to other employees in order to obtain data and information from them.

What can you do?

There are many ways you can be aware and spot a phishing attempt. Here are some tips:

  • Always check the sender’s address in your e-mails, even when they seem to come from a familiar source.
  • In any instance where payment information is requested, be very, very careful.
  • If you are receiving attachments you never asked for and definitely didn’t expect, better not click on them. 
  • Beware of content that transmits a sense of urgency (sales deals, urgent updates to login credentials, etc.).
  • Bad spelling and grammar are usually a telltale sign of phishing.
  • Links that look shortened (e.g. Bit.ly) or just suspicious in general - if you have a bad feeling, do not click on them.
  • If you are receiving threats, you probably shouldn’t be clicking on anything in that message.
  • Always examine first-time senders in detail.
  • Block suspicious e-mail addresses, numbers and social media accounts.
  • If you are receiving a coupon for free stuff… You aren’t.
  • If you’re being asked to update your payment details by a service you use, such as Netflix, chances are it’s an impersonator.

Those are some of the ways to identify and prevent phishing attacks. However, sometimes phishers disguise themselves a little too well or a misclick happens and there you go - you’ve been exposed to malware.

Illustration of a Lock on Keyboard Keys
Credit FLYD on Unsplash

This won’t happen if you invest in powerful protection software from the get-go, though. A good antivirus program like Bitdefender will keep you safe from becoming a victim of phishing scams. In fact, it will protect you from malicious attacks overall.

Be it your household or your business you’re concerned about, there are a bunch of different packages and options available, providing different kinds of cybersecurity services. That’s the only way you can ever really be sure you aren’t at risk of a digital attack.

Summary

Have you ever been targeted by phishers and didn’t know that’s what it was until you read this article? Many can relate. Protect yourself before it’s too late!

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How to Fix CPU Not Compatible Error Message On Windows 10

CPU Not Compatible – What Is It

Some users wanting to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 experienced errors with installation. One of these errors is CPU Not Compatible. When you click and run the “Get Windows 10” from your system tray bar, you’ll receive the “CPU is not compatible with Windows 10” error. When this happens, it might be good to check if there’s a bug or if your NX feature (a requirement for the Windows 10 installation) is enabled.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The “CPU is not compatible with Windows 10” error normally occurs when:

  • NX feature is not enabled
  • You experienced the Windows 10 bug

Further Information and Manual Repair

To successfully upgrade to Windows 10, your CPU must support Physical Address Extension (PAE), SSE2, and NX features. If any of these features are not activated on your system, it’ll cause the CPU not compatible error. However, some users still reported experiencing this error even though their CPU has these features activated. Normally, this is due to the bug that Windows acknowledged.

If any of these two scenarios apply to your computer, the following methods will help you fix the problem:

Method 1 – Check for bugs

The bug applies to some Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 systems. The bug occurs when the “Get Windows 10” app fails to recognize CPUs as being compatible. This produces a false negative result with a message, “Here’s why Windows 10 cannot be installed on this PC: The CPU isn’t supported”. To fix this bug, Microsoft released an update.

Unfortunately, the patch update (KB2976978 for Windows 8/8.1 and KB2952664 for Windows 7 SP1) to fix the bug may not be automatically downloaded to your computer. If this is the case, you need to verify first if the patch was installed correctly. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Click ‘Start’ and type in View Installed Updates. The “View installed updates” icon should appear. Click the icon.
  1. Go to the Search bar (Top right portion) then type the patch name for your system. Make sure that you type the correct patch name for your system since Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 have different names. If you find the patch, it means it’s already installed. You can now upgrade to Windows 10 without the CPU not-compatible error.
  1. But, if you can’t find it you need to install the patch manually.
  1. Go to Windows Update then click the “Check for Updates” button.
  1. Browse through the available updates and look for KB2976978 for Windows 8/8.1 or KB2952664 for Windows 7 SP1
  1. Download the right patch. You may need to reboot your system once it’s done.
  1. The downloaded patch should be applied after a day or two with the Windows Task Scheduler. Once the patch is applied, you can now upgrade to Windows 10.

Method 2 – Check CPU features and activate them if needed

A major requirement for Windows 10 upgrade is for the CPU to have Physical Address Extension (PAE), SSE2, and NX features enabled on your system. If you receive the CPU not compatible error, one possible cause is that any of the mentioned features are not available OR not enabled on your system. Here’s how you can fix this:

  1. Verify if your CPU supports the three instruction sets. You can use software that provides information like this. If all three are available, proceed to the next step.
  1. Go to your computer’s BIOS. To do this, reboot your computer. You will need to press a key specific to your computer’s manufacturer (usually it’s F12, F8, F2, or DEL).
  1. Look for the NX (No Execute Bit) settings. This is normally found in the “Advanced Configuration” menu, or something similar to this. Just take note that the NX setting can be named differently in BIOS. Some other names include EDB (Execute Disabled Bit), EVP (Enhanced Virus Protection), Execute Disabled Memory Protection or No Excuse Memory Protect.
  1. Once you’re in the NX settings, make sure that it’s enabled.
  1. Exit the BIOS and SAVE your changes.
  1. Boot your computer normally, then try upgrading to Windows 10 again through the “Get Windows 10” app found in the system tray.

Method 3 – Force enabling NX Bit

If changing the settings in your BIOS doesn’t do the trick, your final option is to force enable the NX bit in your Windows system. However, this is only applicable IF and ONLY IF your CPU does support it. To force enable NX bit, do the following:

  1. Click Start and go to command prompt (Type “cmd” – no quotes) and press enter.
  1. Copy and paste the text below to the command prompt.bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOn
  1. Execute the command. You will need to reboot your computer once this is done.
  1. Download and install Windows 10

Method 4 – Use a trusted automated tool

If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.
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Flash.ocx Error - What is it?

To understand this error, first, it is important to understand what Flash.ocx actually is. Flash.ocx is basically a flash plug-in or ActiveX file that is responsible for the adobe flash player to work on the system. The Flash.ocx error triggers due to issues in the Adobe flash player.

Solution

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The error Flash.ocx may occur due to many reasons. These include:
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  • Corrupted and broken Active X components
To this error code is not fatal but nonetheless it is still advisable to fix it right away to avoid inconvenience when using Flash player. The inability to run the Flash Player smoothly will hinder you from watching videos on your PC and playing exciting web-based games.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error on your system, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars. This error code is quite easy to fix. You don’t need to be technically sound to resolve this error code. Simply follow the methods give below to fix the Flash.ocx error code in a few minutes.

Method 1: Reinstall the Flash Player

If the error occurs due to the corruption of the Flash Player, then it is advisable to reinstall the player on your PC. However, before you do that first remove the previous versions of Adobe Flash Player on your system. If the previous corrupted version is not removed properly, then you will be unable to re-install it properly on your PC again. Go to the Add/Remove Programs and find the Flash Player and uninstall it. Make sure the files are also removed from the registry. Once you have successfully uninstalled the corrupted version, now go to the official website of Adobe Flash Player and download the utility from the website. Install it and run it on your system. If it works, then this means the error is resolved. However, if the error still persists, then try method 2.

Method 2: Download Restoro to Fix Active X components

Another reason for Flash.ocx error code can be broken or corrupted Active X components. If this is the issue, then the best way to resolve it is to download Restoro. This is a multi Reimagefunctional and advanced PC Fixer deployed with multiple high-performance scanners including Active X and Class scanner. The Active X and Class scanner perform an entire PC scans for corrupt and broken Active X entries along with missing software paths and invalid combinations. After the scanning process is complete, it repairs and restores the components back to normal. Thereby resolving the Flash.ocx error right away and ensuring smooth video browsing over the web. Restoro is an efficient and a safe program. It has a user-friendly interface and easy navigations. It can be used by all level of users. Besides the Active X scanner, it includes 5 more value-added utilities like a registry scanner and an antivirus to name a few. It is compatible with all Windows versions Click here to download Restoro on your PC and resolve Flash.ocx error code now!
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Ways to lose your Facebook account to hackers
Facebook graphicsToday most people have Facebook accounts where they keep in touch with friends and family. But large Facebook network of users is also very interesting to another party as well, hackers. There are many ways hackers can steal your data via direct hacks, trickery, and social engineering in order to get your credentials, emails, and many other things using them to wreak further havoc. Once a hacker has needed information it is very difficult to minimize impact and all of your information could be compromised from a list of friends to credit card numbers. Keep on reading to learn how can you protect yourself against these attacks and learn about common practices that hackers use in order to steal your data.

Stealing Facebook data via email

A couple of years ago there was a lot of talk about not opening suspicious emails. Well, it still holds today. The difference is that today’s fake emails have become very difficult to differentiate from official ones since hackers put the effort into creating them copying fonts and layout, making them identical to original ones. So if emails look and feel like original ones how do you know if it is fake? Very simple, you do not click anything in it. If Facebook or for that matter any company wants to contact you they will do via their platform. Clicking inside a hacker's email will lead you probably to a fake Facebook website replica where you will have to type in your username and password providing an attacker with your login credentials, etc. If you receive this kind of mail where there are threats about terminating an account, missing payments, etc. it is always the best thing to go directly to Facebook and see if you have any kind of notifications there. Do not trust any emails that ask for account information, request money, or threaten to suspend your account.

Phishing attacks

As stated previously if you click on the link inside fake mail it will probably lead you to a website replica of the original. Although hackers can pretty much copy all things from an original website like layout, fonts, colors, etc. There is one thing that he cannot, web address. Take a good look into your browser address bar to see if there is a typo or anything strange in the address of a website. Also, make sure to check for the secure icon in the web address before signing in.

Fake Facebook buttons

If by any chance and for whatever reason, you end up on a fake Facebook site be vary careful about like and other buttons since buttons themselves behave and act like links inside your browser. IF when you click on like you get a prompt to sign in, it is almost 100% that you ended up on a phishing fake website.

Password brute force attack

Having complex and long passwords is a must. If your Facebook password is 12345 there is a very high chance that if a hacker wants he can easily guess it via trying out the most used and simple passwords via simple guessing. To avoid being hacked just for having poor passwords try to think of something longer, combine letters and numerical characters, place special characters inside it or just simply as the best solution use a password manager and create passwords with it.

Password grab outside Facebook

If you use the same password for multiple accounts which is a big no-no and you should not do it then hackers can use passwords from other services and login into your Facebook in order to steal data. Avoid these situations by having different passwords for different accounts or use a password manager to keep everything in order.

Hacking via key logger

Some time ago we have made an article which explained in detail everything you need to know about key loggers here: https://errortools.com/windows/how-to-know-if-you-have-keylogger-in-windows/ Anyway, this is a more advanced hacking technique in order for hackers to steal your data and it includes placing malicious applications into your system that records your keystrokes and sends them directly to hackers. Since this is an application best protection against this type of attack is to have a security suite installed and active on your PC or device you use to go to Facebook.

Connecting and surfing on an unsecured network

Using no password and unsecured WI FI or any other type of network is risky at least. You can have all protection installed on your device and have a strong password but hackers also logged in to the same network can track all outgoing stuff going through mentioned network leaving you again exposed to attacks. It is better to connect to your mobile operator network than on free WI FI, at least there is some level of security in your operator network while free WI FI is completely unsecured. Getting a virtual private network or VPN is also one thing you could think about for protection since almost all VPN services will encrypt your data thus providing you with a security layer even on unsecured Wi-FI.

Conclusion

Hacking and stealing have come a long way from their infant stages and in today’s world when we use a lot of gadgets and have plenty of online presence taking some steps for security is a must. I hope that you have found anything here informational and helpful so you can avoid getting your data compromised.
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Installing Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4
A lot of controversies and mixed emotions have come from statements about Windows 11 minimum system requirements, especially ones linked to TPM. Naturally, each time some software company giant announces how things are must have there are people who go out and prove them wrong. This time Raspberry Pi community was one which demonstrated that not only Raspberry Pi does not have a TPM module, it can run the full desktop version of Windows 11

Windows 11 on Raspberry Pi 4Raspberry Pi 4 and things you need for Windows 11 installation

In order to actually install Windows 11 on your Pi, there are certain things that you will need. Check out the below list and prepare everything.
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  • A 32GB or larger SSD via a USB 3 caddy. Best for performance or 16GB or larger microSD card
  • USB boot enabled, see below.
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  • Windows 10 PC
  • USB to Ethernet or WiFi dongle
  • Bluetooth dongle (if you want Bluetooth)
  • Keyboard, mouse, HDMI, and power for your Raspberry Pi

Configuring Pi to boot from SSD

In order to boot from SSD be sure that firmware and bootloader are up to date on the latest version and upgrade if needed. Be aware that this firmware update can only be performed using the official Raspberry Pi OS. Also if you are eager and want to use a standard microSSD card instead of an SSD to run Windows 11 feel free to skip this entire section.
  1. Boot from microSSD with the latest Raspberry Pi OS on it.
  2. Update firmware and OS using the terminal by typing sudo apt update sudo apt full-upgrade sudo rpi-update
  3. Reboot your Pi
  4. Install the latest version of bootloader again using the terminal with the command sudo rpi-eeprom-update -d – a
  5. Reboot Pi
  6. Launch raspi-config on your Pi via terminal with sudo raspi-config
  7. Select option 3 (Boot options – Configure options for start-up) from boot options
  8. Select Boot ROM version and press ENTER
  9. Select latest and then OK
  10. Select NO when prompted to reset boot ROM to defaults on the latest version boot ROM selected screen. Press OK
  11. Select Boot order and press ENTER
  12. Select USB Boot and click on OK and remove microSD card from Pi
  13. Select Finish and click on NO when prompted to reboot

Creating Windows 11 installation image for Pi 4

In order to install Windows 11 on our Pi, we must create an installation image, follow the steps below explaining the process.
  1. Go to https://uupdump.net/
  2. Search for Windows 11 Arm
  3. Select the latest build for arm64
  4. Select Language on which you would like installer and Windows
  5. Pick Windows edition you would like
  6. Set download method to Download and convert to ISO and click on Create download package
  7. Extract downloaded content into win11 folder and go into it
  8. Double click on uup_download_windows.cmd
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  10. Wait for the process to finish completely
  11. Once the process is finished, press 0 to close the prompt

Installing image on microSSD or SSD

If previous steps of instruction were follower precisely you now have an ISO image that can be installed onto microSSD or SSD
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  4. Open Imager and allow it to make changes to your computer, set your language, and click on next
  5. Select storage drive where you would like to install Windows
  6. Set device type and click on next
  7. Select our Windows 11 ISO image we created and click on next
  8. On the drivers screen select Use the latest driver package available on the server
  9. On UEFI firmware select screen choose Use the latest firmware available on the server
  10. On configuration screen click on next
  11. Check your setting on the installation overview and if everything is ok click on install
  12. Wait for the whole process to be finished
  13. Once the process is completed, close Windows on Raspberry imager, take out SSD or microSSD card from PC and connect it on your Pi along with Pi peripherals.

Setting Windows 11 on Pi

In order to actually use Windows 11 on our Raspberry Pi we now have to set up the Windows 11 install using the standard post-installation setup sequence.
  1. Power up Pi and press ESC when prompted
  2. Go to Device manager and press ENTER
  3. Select Raspberry Pi Configuration
  4. Select Advanced configuration
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  6. Select Display configuration
  7. Set the resolution to desired option and press ENTER, F10 to save, and ESC to exit
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  10. Press ESC to go back all the way to the main menu
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In the last article, we have covered various advantages of Apple hardware over Windows PC, however, PC has their own strengths and advantages over MACs as well. Join us as we explore why would you choose Windows PC over MAC.

Windows PC

Hardware customization

If you like to customize and build your own hardware and customize your existing computer then MACs are out of the picture, on other hand, computers based on Windows operating system are much more flexible in terms of customization.

While Apple hardware is locked and only allows small changes to it, computers running on Windows are free and open to various upgrades and modifications so if you like to play with hardware Windows is your platform.

Gaming

There are games on MAC true but their numbers can not compare to games available for the Windows platform. On top of that, most latest and best gaming hardware is not even available on Apple platforms so if you plan to game in high resolutions and play the latest games there really is no option other than Windows.

Windows Platforms also has multiple emulators that you can use to play games from other older platforms and Microsoft since it owns Xbox has some great plans for both PC and Xbox gaming.

Software back compatibility

Since the introduction of the new MAC OS X, apple really lost a lot of application back compatibility, and a lot of old legacy software can not be run on modern Apple computers. Windows on the other hand have always tried and succeeded in keeping maximum compatibility with older and legacy software.

Also on the Windows platform, there is a lot of community support for old and legacy software so even if it is not officially supported it is backed up by the community.

Software variability

In terms of where can you find the most different software, you need to look no further than the Windows platform. How Windows itself has great backward compatibility and a lot of developers are using it to create new software thanks to Visual Studio and .NET Windows has cemented itself as a platform with the most available software.

The popularity of Windows as the home operating system and as a gaming platform has made it quite interesting in eyes of various developers and tons of small applications are made daily for it. Windows 11 has also brought native android support to it and that has just expanded its already impressive catalog of applications.

Freedom of choice

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Option 1 – Try to install or repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2013

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  • Then right-click on it and click the Change button.
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Option 2 – Try to run a System File Checker scan

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  • After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, type the “sfc /scannow” and tap Enter to execute it.
  • Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and see if the Windows Script Host error.

Option 3 – Try using a new Guest Account

You might want to use a new Guest Account as it could help get rid of the error. All you have to do is have your admin delete the old Guest Account and create a new one and see if it helps in fixing the error.

Option 4 – Try troubleshooting the problem in a Clean Boot State

Setting your computer in a Clean Boot State can help you diagnose and later troubleshoot the problems in your computer. During this state, the system will start with a minimal number of drivers and startup programs that help in isolating the problem with the interfering software. To put your computer in a Clean Boot State, follow the given steps below.
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  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
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  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.
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/ipk <ProductKey> or /ato [<Activation ID>]
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If you are experiencing a Low Wi-Fi signal strength on your Windows 10 PC after you’ve updated or reinstalled it, read on as this post will guide you on what you can do to fix the problem. The way devices connect these days has evolved with our cognitive revolution. Various devices use some or other wireless technology to connect with other devices. However, all wireless technology has some kind of limitation when it comes to range and signal strength. From time to time, you might have faced several Wi-Fi issues. Low Wi-Fi signal strength usually happens after you update or reinstall your Windows 10 system. This issue can be identified easily by looking at the signal bars in the Wi-Fi icon or by measuring its strength. Since this problem is wide scope, there are tons of possibilities which is why this post covers the most generic situations that could help most users. Refer to the options given below to fix the low Wi-Fi signal strength of your Windows 10 PC.

Option 1 – Try running the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

If a few days ago the range and signal of the Wi-Fi was perfectly fine before you did an update or reinstall, it is possible that there were some changes made in the configuration as well. In most cases, the latest configuration that came with the update has not aligned the config in your computer or laptop. The easiest and simplest way to fix this is by using the Network Adapter Troubleshooter. How? Follow the steps below.
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  • After that, select Troubleshoot problems. Note that it might take a while to run it but once it’s finished, it will show you all the problems with the network adapter.
Note: The Network Adapter Troubleshooter will also fix the issues in the background but there might be some issues that will require manual action. And if the troubleshooter wasn’t able to identify and fix the problem for you, proceed to the next given option below.

Option 2 – Try using the Device Manager

If the problem is related to hardware, you need to seek out the help of the Device Manager. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Pull up the Device Manager.
  • Next, look for your Wi-Fi adapter under the Network Adapters.
  • Once you found it, right-click on it and open Properties.
  • After that, you will see all the actions related to drivers under the driver tab.
  • You can either update or roll back the selected driver or you could also disable and re-enable it to see if the problem’s fixed.
Note: If updating the driver didn’t help, you might have to dig into the advanced settings. From this post on, it can get a bit complicated as there are terms that you might not understand as well as some configuration. To make it easier for you, you can search for your Wi-Fi adapter online and try following the instructions from there. And before you make any further changes to your computer’s settings, make sure that you create a system restore point first.

Option 3 – Try changing the Wi-Fi Roaming Sensitivity

If you want to enhance the Wi-Fi reception as well as the performance on your Windows 10 PC, you might want to change the Wi-Fi Roaming Sensitivity or Aggressiveness. Roaming Sensitivity is the rate at which your computer chooses and switches to the nearest available point of access which offers a better signal. It is based on the strength and quality of the Wi-Fi and not on the distance to the Wi-Fi point.

Option 4 – Try adjusting the Wi-Fi range

The issue could also be caused by the position of your computer with respect to the Wi-Fi router instead of your hardware or drivers. It could be that your physical location might be a factor for the low signal strength of your Wi-Fi so you might want to adjust the Wi-Fi range to fix the problem.
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Fix Element Not Found for Bootrec /Fixboot
One of the most useful utilities for advanced users in Windows is the Windows command line or Command Prompt. It is efficient in fixing system files, checking the disk for errors as well as other intensive tasks that are made convenient using this. One of the tasks you can carry out using Command Prompt is repairing the Windows bootup process if it encounters any issues. However, if you tried running the “bootrec/fixboot” command and you receive an error message saying, “Element not found”, read on as this post will guide you in fixing this error. This kind of error in the command line could be due to a damaged BCD or MBE, inactive system partition, or it could also be that there is no drive letter being assigned to the EFI partition. Whichever the case is, here are some possible fixes that should help you resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to repair BCD

As mentioned the error could be caused by a damaged BCD and so to fix the problem, you need to repair BCD by following these steps:
  • First, make sure that you have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive with you and use it to boot your computer.
  • Once you’re on the Welcome Screen, click on Next.
  • After that, click on Repair your computer located at the bottom-left portion of the window.
  • Then select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
  • After you open the Command Prompt window, execute the following command:
bootrec /fixboot
  • Afterward, enter the next command below to rename the BCD file:
ren BCD BCD.bak
  • Next, type the following command and make sure to replace “b:” with the letter of your bootable drive attached to your computer.
bcdboot c:Windows /l en-us /s b: /f ALL
  • Now, wait until the process is completed and restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Try assigning the drive letter to the EFI partition

  • Tap the Win + X keys or right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (Admin) to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Then type the following command to start the Diskpart utility:
diskpart
  • After that, if you receive a UAC prompt, just click on Yes to proceed.
  • Next, type the following command to list all the volumes created on your PC including both types of partitions that are visible to a normal user in the File Explorer as well as the ones created by Windows 10 by default which helps it in storing the boot files and other important system files:
list volume
  • Now type the following command to select the desired volume:
select volume number
  • Then type the following command to assign a letter to the selected volume:
assign letter=<LETTER>
Note: Make sure to replace “<LETTER>” with the letter you want to allocate to that partition. Afterward, it will assign a letter to the selected volume.
  • Reboot your PC to apply the changes made.

Option 3 – Try setting the System Partition to Active

Like the first given option, you also have to make sure that you have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive before you proceed to set the System Partition to Active. Once you have it covered, refer to these steps:
  • Boot your computer using the bootable Windows 10 USB drive.
  • Next, click Next when you get to the Welcome Screen.
  • Then click on Repair your computer located at the bottom left part of the window and select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type the following command and hit Enter to start the Diskpart utility. It is a command line-based utility just like Command Prompt but has a UAC prompt once you provoke it. So if you encounter a UAC prompt, just click on Yes to proceed.
diskpart
  • Now type the following command:
list disk
  • From there, select your primary disk by typing the following command:
select disk number
  • After that, list all the partitions on the selected disk by entering the following command:
list partition
  • The command you just entered will list all the partitions created on your PC including both types of partitions that are visible to a normal user in the File Explorer as well as the ones created by Windows 10 by default which helps it in storing the boot files and other important system files.
  • Now type the following command to select the partition that is usually around 100 MB in size:
select partition number
  • Finally, type the following command to mark the partition active:
active
  • Then type the “exit” command to exit the disk part utility.
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Razer Hazel, an RGB mask for max protection
Razer HazelThe world today is still sadly under pandemic and by the looks of it, COVID-19 is here to stay, well at least for some time in the near future. Razer seems to think so as well since their upcoming gear is not really what you would expect. Enter Hazel, a new and upcoming Razer smart mask.

Protection

Hazel mask has a high bacterial surgical N95 filter with fluid resistance that will protect you against large droplets and splashes. A detachable active ventilator regulates airflow and is capable of filtering around 95% of airborne particles. Mask comes with a special charging case that has an auto sterilization UV light that will kill bacteria and viruses inside the case interior while it charges. When the mask is recharging it will change color from red to green visually showing the level of the current charge. Mask of course has easy to replace filters inside ventilators and Razer is standing by that fully charged mask will last enough for full-day use. An active ventilation system brings cool air while releasing breathing heat at the same time drastically reducing CO2 inside the mask that could produce dizziness and headache. Silicon guard is on its edge gluing to around your face in order to prevent exterior air sneaking inside the mask and positioning it firmly so it does not rest on your lips in order for easier and clearer communication.

Hazel personalization and technical features

Hazel has a clear and transparent design making it better for social interaction since other people will be able to see your lips and smiles thus making it more natural. A low light mode that turns on automatically when it is dark outside is also aimed for easier communication. Speaking of communication, the mask comes with voice Amp technology that has a built-in mic and amplifier thus making your voice lines clear so you are not muffled when wearing the mask itself. Your friends and other people will be able to hear you like you are not wearing a mask at all. Thicker air loops apply less pressure on ears and can be adjusted for a more secure fit, while the mask itself can be custom-made to fit your face shape. And of course Hazel comes with 16.8 million colors and a suite of effects with Razer Chroma RBG
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