Logo

How to Deal With Error Code 42

Code 42 - What is it?

Code 42 Error is referred to as a Device Manager Error code. Before we explain what this code indicates, it is important to understand what ‘Device Manager’ is and its functions.

Device Manager is basically a Windows tool that helps manage devices attached to the system such as the Printer, Scanner and the USB Device. The Device Manager Error code 42 occurs when a duplicate device is detected.

Error Code 42 is displayed in the following format:

“Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware because there is a duplicate device already running in the system. Code 42”

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Narrowing down to one particular cause for error code 42 is not virtually possible because it may be triggered due to many underlying reasons. These include:

  • When a bus driver incorrectly generates and creates 2 identically named devices
  • When a device with a serial number is found in a new location without being removed from its original location
  • Mis-configured drivers

No matter what the reason for this error code,, to avoid inconvenience and to ensure proper hardware performance, it is advisable to fix it right away without any delay.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you’re not technically sound, the code 42 message display can panic you. But don’t worry, the error message sounds complex but it is quite easy to fix.

To resolve code 42 in a few minutes, simply try the methods given below. These methods are easy-to-perform, effective and more importantly require no technical expertise.

Method 1 - Restart Your System

Code 42 can pop up due to some temporary glitch in the Device Manager. By simply restarting your PC, you can resolve this problem.

Therefore, first things first, restart your system. However, in case it doesn’t work out, try other methods.

Method 2 - Launch the Troubleshooting Wizard

Launch the troubleshooting wizard to find the underlying problem and resolve it accordingly. To do this, proceed with the following steps:

  • Go to the start menu
  • Type Device Manager in the search bar and press enter
  • Now click on the ‘General Tab’
  • Then click on ‘Trouble Shoot’ to launch the Troubleshooting Wizard
  • After that follow the instructions in this Wizard to diagnose the problem and resolve it.

Method 3 - Restore Your PC to its Previous State

Another method to fix code 42 is to use the System Restore tool to restore your PC to its previous working state before the error popped up. To do this,

  • Go to the start menu
  • Type System Restore in the search bar and press enter
  • Now click on ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’ and then click ‘Next’
  • After that select the restore point on the restore point list and confirm settings
  • Restart your PC to activate changes
  • Before restoring your PC to its previous state, create a backup. By creating data backup you can avoid data loss issues, which are likely to occur during this process.

Creating backup manually can be time-consuming and a painstaking task. The best way to create backup and restore your PC to its normal state is to download DriverFIX.

It is a user-friendly device driver management software that helps create data backup automatically and simultaneously restores your PC back to its normal working state in a few seconds.

This software is compatible with all Windows versions.

Click here to download DriverFIX on your system to resolve error code 42.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

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

Share this article:

You might also like

Hide application and features in control panel
Program and features are Control panel section where once accessed contains all programs installed on the operating system. From these windows, any logged-in user can modify applications, uninstall them, etc. If for whatever reason you want to limit this access to users and remove this group from the control panel please do keep reading as we show you how you can achieve this desired result using two methods: via policy editor or registry editor. Feel free to use any provided method as both works (except on Windows 10 Home edition) and achieve the same thing, it all comes down to preferred preference on how you wish to do things.

Local group policy editor method

This method is more straightforward and easier perhaps than its counterpart but it has one significant drawback, it will not work on Windows 10 Home edition which does not have in itself a policy editor included. If you are using Windows 10 Home edition then feel free to skip this method and do it via registry editor. That being said let's start:
  • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
  • Inside run dialog type in gpedit.msc followed by ENTER to open Group policy editor
  • Go to User Configuration\ Administrative Templates\ Control Panel\ Programs\
  • Double-click on the setting named Hide Programs and Features page
  • Change the toggle option from Not Configured to Enabled
  • Click on the Apply button and then the Ok button to save the changes
  • at this point, everything is supposed to be applied and your changes should take effect immediately. However, it has come to our attention that sometimes this is not the case. If you are one of these users which for whatever reason have not experienced applying to set momentarily do not despair and follow this quick guide on how to refresh settings and apply them right away.
  • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden menu
  • Click on command prompt (admin)
  • In command prompt type in gpupdate /force and press ENTER in order to force update and set setting right away

Registry editor method

The registry editor method is a more complex one but it will be your only way of doing it if as mentioned you are running Windows 10 Home edition. As always it is highly recommended to make a backup of the Windows registry before tempering with it.
  • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
  • Inside run dialog type in regedit and press ENTER to open the registry editor
  • If you would like to make a backup of the Windows registry go to File > Export and save the backup on a secure location naming it as you wish
  • Locate the following key inside the registry editor HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Programs
  • Right-click on the right pane of the Programs key and choose the New > DWORD (32-bit) Value option
  • Name the value as NoProgramsAndFeatures
  • Double-click on the NoProgramsAndFeatures value to open it
  • Change the value data to 1
  • Save the changes
  • Reboot the computer in order for changes to take effect.
note: you can always change values back in order to show again panel by changing the value to 0 in registry editor or choosing Not Configured or Disabled in the local group policy editor
Read More
Automatically Turn Off Hotspot when idle
One of the useful features that came with Windows 10 is the Mobile Hotspot although there’s a downside to it – it drains your battery faster especially if your Windows 10 device is running on battery. Another one of its flaws in the implementation of this feature is that it stays activated even when the connection is idle. In other words, it is still activated even if no devices are connected to it. As a result, it consumes battery life and affects it. There are also instances when it affects the performance of the network connection. At the time of writing, Microsoft hasn’t done anything about this dilemma yet so in the meantime, you can continue reading this post to resolve this issue on your Windows 10 device. You can remedy this Mobile Hotspot issue by running a command in Windows PowerShell. To get started, follow the given instructions below.

Turn off Mobile Hotspot Automatically:

Step 1: The first thing you have to do is to copy the following command:
powershell -windowstyle hidden -command "Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,net stop "icssvc" & REG ADD "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesicssvcSettings" /V PeerlessTimeoutEnabled /T REG_DWORD /D 1 /F & net start "icssvc"' -Verb runAs"
Step 2: After copying the command given above, open the Notepad app and paste the command you copied there and save it. And when saving it, select the “Save as” option and its File type as “All files”. Step 3: After that, put “TurnOnTimer.bat” as the file’s name and save it on your Desktop. Step 4: Once done, run the file you just created, and when a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes. Step 5: After you run the file, it will run a series of scripts in a command line which will turn off the Mobile Hotspot automatically when idle. And that’s how you automatically turn off the Mobile Hotspot when your Windows 10 device is idle. On the other hand, if you want to undo the changes made, you can always do so using the steps provided below.

Turn on Mobile Hotspot:

Step 1: Copy and paste the following command in the Notepad app:
powershell -windowstyle hidden -command "Start-Process cmd -ArgumentList '/s,/c,net stop "icssvc" & REG ADD "HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesicssvcSettings" /V PeerlessTimeoutEnabled /T REG_DWORD /D 0 /F & net start "icssvc"' -Verb runAs"
Step 2: After copying and pasting the command, save it as “TurnOffTimer.bat” on the Desktop. Step 3: Once done, run the file like what you did earlier and select Yes when a UAC prompt pops up. This will run a series of scripts on a command line which will revert the changes back to their default state.
Read More
Nvidia RTX 4090 & RTX 4080 unveiled

Nvidia announced the third generation of GeForce RTX GPUs called Ada Lovelace. New technology is bringing 76 billion transistors with 18,000 CUDA cores along with new gen ray tracing cores and improved Tensor cores as well. The new lineup also comes with DLSS 3 which is vastly improved from its previous version pushing a 4 times increase in frame rates over native rendering.

Nvidia RTX 4090

RTX 4090, a better model of GPU will come with 16,384 CUDA cores and a boost clock speed of 2.52 GHz. Also, it is packed with stunning 24 GB of GDDR6V VRAM. In Nvidia's words, its performance is twice faster than the 3090 Ti in games like Flight simulator, three times faster on Portal RTX, and four times faster on RacerX.

RTX 4080 comes in two modes, one with 12GB VRAM and a stronger one with 16GB VRAM but differences do not end here. The lower model is packing 7,680 CUDA cores while the stronger one is going to 9,728 CUDA cores. We will wait to see how will these cores count impact real-world performance in games.

As for prices, the flagship model RTX 4090 will be $1,600 USD and it will hit the market on October 12th. RTX 4080 12GB model will be $900 USD and the model with 16GB VRAM will go up to $1,200 USD. This, of course, is the price for Founders Edition cards, OEM cards from third parties like ASUS, MSI, Gigatech, etc will cost more.

Read More
How to Fix INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR in Windows
This post will guide you through fixing the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen Error on your Windows 10 computer. If you encounter this kind of Blue Screen of Death error, this means that the policy manager experienced a fatal error which in turn means that it can happen because of Drivers or Software or even due to external hardware. And so to resolve the issue, here are some suggestions that might be of help.

Option 1 – Update the Device drivers

As mentioned, the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR BSOD error might have something to do with the drivers. It could be that the drivers are outdated so you need to update them in order to resolve the issue.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.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. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any drivers with a label saying, “Unknown device”, you need to update them as well.
  • Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
  • Restart your PC.

Option 2 – Check the Device performance and health

You can also try checking the device's performance and health in the Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Open the Windows Defender Security Center.
  • From there, check if there is a yellow exclamation icon in the Device performance and health section.
  • After that, click on the View report option and you might see Health Report that points towards Storage Capacity, Device Drivers, or Apps and Software which should give you an idea of what the root cause of the problem really is.

Option 3 – Try to run the Chkdsk utility

Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen error. If your hard drive has issues with integrity, the update will really fail as the system will think that it’s not healthy and that’s where the CHKDSK utility comes in. The CHKDSK utility repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, execute the following command and hit Enter:
chkdsk /f /r
  • Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your computer.

Option 4 – Try increasing the size of the Hibernation file

  • In the Cortana search box, type “command prompt” in the field, and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Next, type in the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
powercfg /hibernate /size 100
  • Note that the default size of the Hibernation file is 75% and after executing the command, it should increase to 100%. Now exit Command Prompt and check if the problem’s now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try to run the troubleshooters

Blue Screen Troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Performance Troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “msdt.exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the Performance troubleshooter.
  • Then click on Next to get started. Wait until the process is completed.

System Maintenance Troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “msdt.exe /id MaintenanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the System Maintenance Troubleshooter.
  • After that, click on Next to start troubleshooting the problem and wait until it’s done then check if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 6 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently

Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.
  • In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
  • After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
  • From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.
Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it.

Option 7 – Run Windows Defender offline

You also have the option to run Windows Defender offline and scan your computer to see if any malware has infected the computer and the one that’s causing the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen Error.
Read More
Guide for Removing SMSFromBrowser Malware

What is SMSFromBrowser

SMSFromBrowser is a Browser Extension developed by MindSpark. This extension usually comes bundled up with other software or via online advertising. Allegedly this extension allows you to send SMS messages from your computer, however, all it does is point you to other websites that offer this service. While active this extension monitors your browsing behavior, it records your website visits, clicks, links, and sometimes even private information, in order to use this data to better serve additional ads. During your browsing sessions, you may encounter additional unwanted ads, sponsored links, and sometimes even pop-up ads. Several anti-virus scanners have detected this extension as a potentially unwanted extension / Browser Hijacker, and due to its privacy mining behavior, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

Browser hijackers (sometimes referred to as hijackware) are a kind of malicious software that modifies web browser settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or permission. These hijacks appear to be increasing at an astonishing rate around the world, and they could be actually nefarious and sometimes harmful too. Browser hijackers are capable of doing more than just modifying homepages. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Though it might seem naive, these tools are made by vicious people who always try to take advantage of you, so that they can easily make money from your naive and distraction. As soon as the program attacks your laptop or computer, it starts to mess things up a whole lot that slows your system down to a crawl. In the worst-case scenario, you will be forced to deal with serious malware threats as well.

Indications of browser hijack

There are many signs of web browser hijacking: 1. home page is changed 2. your browser is constantly being redirected to porn sites 3. the default online search engine and the default browser settings are altered 4. discover new toolbars that you simply didn’t add 5. you notice numerous ads pop up on the browsers or computer screen 6. your browser gets sluggish, buggy crashes very often 7. you can’t go to specific sites such as homepages of anti-malware software.

How it infects your personal computer

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop when you visit an infected site, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They can be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plug-ins, or browser extensions. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s PC by using a deceptive software distribution technique known as “bundling” (often through freeware and shareware). A good example of a notorious browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malware known as “Fireball”, which has attacked 250 million PCs worldwide. It acts as a hijacker but could be turned into a fully functioning malware downloader afterward. Browser hijackers could interrupt the user’s web surfing experience greatly, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause difficulty in connecting to the web, and eventually create stability problems, making applications and computers freeze.

Removal

Some types of browser hijackers can be effortlessly removed from your PC by deleting malicious applications or any other recently added freeware. Many times, it could be a tough job to discover and get rid of the malicious program because the associated file will be running as part of the operating system process. And there’s no denying the very fact that manual repairs and removal methods can be a difficult job for an amateur computer user. Also, there are several risks associated with fiddling around with the pc registry files. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing and running an anti-malware application on the affected computer. To remove any browser hijacker from your PC, you can download the following professional malware removal program – Safebytes Anti-Malware. And utilize a system optimizer, such as Safebytes Anti-Malware, to erase all associated files in the registry and repair browser problems. All malware is detrimental and the degree of the damage may vary greatly according to the type of infection. Certain malware types alter web browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to eliminate the infection. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Follow the instructions below to get rid of the malware by alternative methods.

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could very well block the attempt. Just bare minimum required programs and services are loaded whenever you boot your PC into Safe Mode. To start your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) Tap the F8 key continuously as soon as your PC boots, however, before the large Windows logo shows up. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal application you need by using the web browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Right after the software is installed, let the diagnostic scan run to eliminate trojans and other malware automatically. Use an alternate internet browser to download an antivirus application Some malware only targets specific web browsers. If this sounds like your situation, employ another browser as it might circumvent the virus. The best way to avoid this problem is to opt for an internet browser that is known for its security measures. Firefox has built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Create a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another option is to store and run an antivirus software program completely from a Flash drive. To run anti-malware from a flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a virus-free PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the pen drive on the same PC. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file extension. 4) Choose the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the thumb drive to the infected computer system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the application. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove malware automatically.

Benefits and Features of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

These days, an anti-malware tool can protect your computer or laptop from various types of internet threats. But wait, how to select the best one amongst plenty of malware protection applications that are available on the market? You may be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are ok types, and some will ruin your PC themselves! You need to be very careful not to select the wrong application, particularly if you purchase a premium application. When it comes to commercial antimalware tool options, many people opt for well-known brands, like SafeBytes, and they are quite happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time anti-malware application that is created to assist the average computer end user in safeguarding their computer from malicious internet threats. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your PC against infections caused by various kinds of malware and other threats, including spyware, adware, computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to various other anti-malware programs. A few of them are given as below:

Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your personal computer limiting malware attacks instantly. They are extremely effective in screening and removing various threats because they’re continuously revised with new updates and alerts. Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Safebytes is made on the best virus engine within the industry. These engines will detect and get rid of threats even during the early stages of a malware outbreak. Internet Security: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a webpage for possible threats and informs you if the website is safe to visit or not, through its unique safety rating system. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and user-friendly anti-virus and anti-malware solution. Since it uses minimum computer resources, this application leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. 24/7 Online Tech Support: You may get absolutely free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security concerns. SafeBytes will keep your personal computer safe from the latest malware threats automatically with almost no input needed from you again. Once you have downloaded and installed this software, you will no longer have to bother about malware or any other security concerns. You will get the best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes anti-malware subscription, there isn’t any doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove SMSFromBrowser without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised. The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by SMSFromBrowser
Files: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsSMSfromBrowser %ALLUSERSPROFILE%Start MenuProgramsSMSfromBrowser %LOCALAPPDATA%SMSfromBrowserTooltab %UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication DataSMSfromBrowserTooltab Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper ObjectsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper ObjectsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper Objects3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtStats3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettingsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettingsB1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettings3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: 3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: B1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: FFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar, value: B1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASMANCS HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASMANCS HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareAppDataLowHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSMSfromBrowser_f7 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerDOMStoragesmsfrombrowser.dl.myway.com HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSMSfromBrowser HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware[APPLICATION]MicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall..Uninstaller
Read More
Malware Guide: How to Remove DownloadAdmin

What is DownloadAdmin/ Updateadmin?

As a digital creation of Blueis, the DownloadAdmin application peruses your computer system for programs/applications that are outdated. This program then makes the necessary updates/installation on your computer, as if it were the Administrator. While most people might consider this application harmful, scrutinizing the Digital Publisher/Creator of the application should be reason enough to remove DownloadAdmin (and any other associated program) from your computer. Why? Blueis is infamous for producing/distributing “adware type software”, according to herdProtect Anti-Malware. Is that not a plausible reason for you to remove applications associated with that publisher? Additionally, DownloadAdmin not only updates your outdated applications, but it installs additional programs - usually utility tools and search toolbars. This is a sly way to promote third-party software and to get ads loaded onto your computer system. Technical details about DownloadAdmin include:
Digital Publisher: Blueis Product Version: 4.0.0.1 Original File Name: DownloadAdmin Entry Point:  0x0000234A

Assessment of DownloadAdmin

For this assessment, the DownloadAdmin file was obtained and installed on a test computer. After the DownloadAdmin/Updateadmin application was installed, it made several modifications to the computer system. These modifications may class the newly installed file as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Outlined below is what took place after the file was installed.
  • Updated an outdated application installed on the computer

Subsequent to the update made by Updateadmin, I thought the PUP had run its course. However, it was not quite finished. It was after scanning the contents/programs of my Local Drive, I stumbled on an additional program, one that I did not download or install, at least not intentionally. As predicted, the DownloadAdmin application scanned through the computer system (in the blink of an eye), during installation and made adjustments to an application already installed. This program was the Mozilla Firefox. Since Mozilla Firefox was rarely used on the PC in question, the DownloadAdmin application thought it quite appropriate to revive the Mozilla Firefox browser, by replacing it with the latest or more contemporary version.
  • Installed a search toolbar

While DownloadAdmin did request permission to install an updated version of my Browser, it provided no warning about installing a search toolbar. This is quite shady and deceptive. In addition to updating the Internet Browser, DownloadAmin also installed the SearchProtect toolbar (Conduit). This toolbar is no stranger to the market as I’ve encountered it on several occasions during my assessment of malware.

Should you remove DownloadAmin?

That decision is totally yours to make. However, here are some reasons why most people would consider that program unwanted
  • It updates your outdated programs

In most cases, at least those I’ve seen, if a user has a program installed, they don’t necessarily want a new version of that program. In fact, this PUP could spell trouble since some programs, especially paid, require a license to use the software. When that program is updated/ upgraded, you might have to acquire a new license to get it to work.
  • Unnecessary program

If you’re totally lackadaisical and loathe the idea of doing work yourself, this program might come in handy. Many users will update their computers manually by using Microsoft’s preinstalled/pre-programmed updater in their computer’s Control Panel. This option searches for and installs all the necessary programs to keep your computer safe and secure. The DownloadAdmin program only occupies needed space and resources on your computer. However, what’s good about this program is that it doesn’t operate at the start time so it doesn’t necessarily cause unnecessary lags on your computer.
  • Modifies your search experience

By installing a search toolbar called SearchProtect, Updateadmin modifies or changes the browsing experience you’re accustomed to. SearchProtect hijacks your browser and changes your homepage to their choice while removing yours. This is often hard to reverse since the publisher created this software to remain once installed. To completely remove DownloadAdmin from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter
Read More
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.
Read More
How to Fix Windows 8 Error 0x80070490

Error Code  0x80070490 - What is it?

Error code 0x80070490 occurs in versions of Windows including Windows 8 or 8.1 and Windows 7 or Windows Vista. This error often arises when users attempt to install updates via Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

The main reason for the error relates to the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest which has become damaged. When the error occurs, the Windows device is unable to successfully install updates.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code 0x80070490 might appear for various reasons but is most prominent in the following cases:

  • Attempts to install Windows 8 or 8.1
  • A corrupted Component-Based Servicing (CBS)

Further Information and Manual Repair

The solutions for error code 0x80070490 vary so users may need to attempt each solution to find the best results.

  1. Repair Corrupted Windows Files with System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC.exe) is a Windows-based utility that enables users to check and repair corrupted or damaged system files. It can also restore missing systems files which can be the cause of errors such as error code 0x80070490.

To repair files, begin scan by swiping the right edge of the screen then opening the search box. Type Command Prompt, right-click this option, then select Run as Administrator. Once the scan begins, wait for the process to be completed then restart your device. Check if the error is resolved by reattempting updates. If error code 0x80070490 in Windows 8 or 8.1 persists on your device, proceed to the solution below.

  1. Perform Clean Boot

A clean boot is one of the best ways to reduce conflict among files – an issue that may arise whenever users update, install or run programs on their Windows device.

To run a clean boot, your device reboots using limited drives and programs. The process allows you to identify which conflict among programs is causing errors on your Windows device.

You can access the clean boot tool by entering msconfig in the search box. Select Services, then System Configuration. Check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox then select Disable all. Next, go to the Startup tab, click and open Task Manager. After selecting the Startup tab, make sure you right-click each startup program. Click Disable from the context menu then close Task Manager when done. Select OK on the System Configuration menu then restart your machine to clean boot Windows 8 or 8.1.

If the clean boot successfully identifies and resolves issues with corrupted files, you will be able to access updates using Windows Update or Microsoft Update. Error code 0x80070490 will no longer occur. But if that proves unsuccessful, other options are available below including running Windows Update Troubleshooter.

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This method can provide a simple solution for users as it verifies whether your Internet connection, network adapter and Windows Update services are functioning properly. However, if you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to troubleshoot, seek assistance from a qualified Microsoft technician.

To run Windows Update Troubleshooter, simply download from Microsoft’s website. Be sure you are downloading the tool recommended for your operating system, in this case Windows 8 or 8.1. After you download Windows Update Troubleshooter, run it to enable the tool to check for and resolve update issues on your device.

  1. Use DSIM or System Update Readiness Tool

The System Readiness Tool or DSIM is another method you can use to correct issues related to error code 0x80070490. This tool checks problems on your system that might prevent your computer from performing Windows updates including issues related to damaged system files.

Once you download and install this tool, it will be able to run automatically. The process may be technical, however, requiring specialized knowledge to successfully download and run the tool. Consider getting assistance from an IT professional in this case. Also, check Microsoft's online resources to download the tool.

  1. Use an Automated Tool

Having an automated tool at hand will enable users to always be prepared. Download a powerful automated utility tool to provide solutions whenever error codes or other problems affect your Windows 8 device.

Read More
User account control notifications in Windows
Hello and welcome to our user account notifications in Windows 10 tutorial where we will dive a little more into how you can control notification and behavior settings for your or someone else's user account in your Windows 10. If you are annoyed with confirmation windows each time you start a new application or install one please keep reading and I am sure you will find just the right setting for you. User account options are a little hidden and not so obvious, well at least not in Windows 10 compared to previous Windows versions. Since we will not be able to find them under typical and standard settings we will need to do few tricks in order to get to them.

Opening control panel

First thing is to press ⊞ WINDOWS + R on your keyboard so the run dialog window pops up on your desktop. keyboard with windows and r markedOnce run dialog is shown type in it control panel as shown in the picture and press OK run dialog with control panel typed inIf you have followed the steps precisely, you should be now in the control panel of Windows 10. Click on the top-right view and choose large icons. The Control panel will switch to a grid-like view, in the current view go to the far-right and almost bottom icon where it says User Accounts and click on it.

control panel with user account selectedUser account settings

Once the user account opens click on the bottom link which says Change User Account Control settings. Please note that you will need to be logged in as an administrator or have administrator privileges in order to change this setting. user account change user accountOnce you click on the link you will be presented with a User account control slider on the left and a brief explanation on the right user account settingsHere in the picture, we see Windows default setting and an explanation of when and how he will notify you. If you wish to turn all notifications linked to programs changing computer or you making windows changes, click on the left slider and bring it all the way to the bottom where it says never notify me. If you prefer some notifications try to find which of the remaining 3 settings best suit your needs. Once you are done and satisfied with your choice click on OK.
Read More
Fixing the “Failed to register a VB Script dll” Error in Windows 10
If you open any program in your Windows 10 PC such as Outlook and suddenly get an error message saying, “Failed to register a VB Script dll. Reinstall or run Regsvr32.exe Vbscript.dll to self-register”, read on, as this post will guide you on what you can do to fix it. The obvious solution to this problem is by re-registering the “vbscript.dll” file on your computer. Refer to the instructions given below to re-register the VB Script DLL file and to fix the error.
  • Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator from the WinX Menu.
  • Step 2: After opening Command Prompt, type in the following command and tap Enter on your keyboard.
regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
  • Step 3: Once you enter the command, it will re-register the VB Script DLL file using the Windows OS tool called Regsvr32 or regsvr32.exe. This tool is a command-line utility used to register and unregister OLE controls such as DLL and ActiveX (OCX) controls in the Windows environment. After the execution of the command, you should see the following pop-up on your screen which means the re-registering of the concerned DLL file has succeeded.
On the other hand, if re-registering the DLL file didn’t work, then you can try logging in using an administrator account and then register the DLL file again or you could also use the System File Checker to figure out what the problem really is and automatically fix it. 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 with 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.
Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status