Search Donkey is a Potentially Unwanted Program for Windows developed by Western Web Applications, LLC. This program may inject ads into your browsing sessions, giving you false search results and advertisements.
As described by Western Web Applications: “Search Donkey is entirely free to use. To keep Search Donkey free, we’ve partnered with high-quality ad providers and you may see additional ads when Search Donkey is installed.
While installed, Search Donkey will keep track of your web search queries, allowing it to let you know what pages you already visited, however, this data is also used to better target personal unwanted ads.
Search Donkey has been flagged as a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) by several anti-virus scanners, and their website is blacklisted by Google, giving warning to whoever visits it, and due to the nature of this application, it is not recommended to keep on your computer.
Exactly what is Adware? If you have ever owned a computer, then you’ve probably heard the word numerous times, but it is still beneficial to define it. The term “adware” is actually a short form of advertising-supported software and it includes programs that are solely designed to display ads on a computer. A kind of malware, it will come bundled right in with the software package that a user either installs or accesses. Shareware or freeware programs are often times packaged with adware. If adware penetrates your system without you knowing and sends information about you or your PC to 3rd parties, then it is spyware. Quite often, adware changes your web browser settings to open pop-up adverts or modifies browser homepage and default internet search engine to some unwanted website.
Adware is a common problem that affects a large number of PCs around the globe. If your computer doesn’t have any anti-malware software then it’s very likely it could get infected with adware as well as other malware.
Adware could generate and display plenty of ads of all sorts which in turn disrupt the functions of your personal computer while browsing the net. Pop-ups might also show up on your computer’s desktop even when you’re not online. Adware results in a reduction of available memory and processing power, or resources. It also causes a slow net connection because adware consumes bandwidth whenever it retrieves adverts from the internet. Adware was originally created to support companies to generate income when they offer the software away free of charge. However, adware nowadays displays hundreds of adverts which will cause your PC to slow down and even crash.
As we discussed, adware could potentially be harmful to your computer, generally not by itself, but by bringing other problems to you. A top-quality antivirus program has the capability of permanently removing adware. We recommend Safebytes Anti-Malware, one of the top-rated anti-malware programs by world-renowned industry experts. It will act either as a preventative tool stopping websites or software installations that contain adware or as a removal tool for an already infected computer.
To prevent adware, download software from websites that you trust. Never download from websites that you have never been aware of or tried before; Always study the end-user license agreement (EULA) of any application you want to install; You need to avoid freeware and shareware where possible; Lastly, watch out for ActiveX, since many adware and spyware companies make use of the technology to install their wares onto your computer system
All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malware. Some malware variants alter browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS settings. In these instances, you will be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the required security software to eliminate the malware. So what to do when malicious software prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are a few options you could try to get around with this problem.
In Safe Mode, you can actually change Windows settings, un-install or install some program, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses and malware. If the malware is blocking access to the internet and affecting the computer, launching it in Safe Mode will let you download antivirus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting possible damage. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is starting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in safe mode, you can attempt to install your anti-malware program without the hindrance of the malicious software. At this point, you could run the anti-malware scan to eliminate viruses and malware without hindrance from another application.
Some malware only targets certain browsers. If this sounds like your case, use another web browser as it could circumvent the malware. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by malware or otherwise compromised by hackers, the ideal approach is to switch over to a different internet browser like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari to download your chosen computer security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.
Another solution is to make a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. Adopt these measures to run the anti-malware on the affected computer system.
1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC.
2) Connect the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer.
3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file format.
4) Select the flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the directions to complete the installation process.
5) Transfer the pen drive from the clean computer to the infected computer.
6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the software.
7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.
Today an anti-malware tool can protect the computer from different types of online threats. But wait, how to decide on the best one amongst countless malware protection application that’s available out there? As you might be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. A few are well worth your money, but many aren’t. You need to choose one that is reliable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. Amongst few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software for the security-conscious individual.
SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC permanently but is also very easy to use for people of all ability levels. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will easily detect and remove most of the security threats, including adware, viruses, browser hijackers, ransomware, trojans, worms, and PUPs.
Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides 100 % hands-free real-time protection and is set to check, block, and eliminate all threats at its very first encounter. They’re very effective in screening and getting rid of different threats because they’re constantly revised with new updates and safety measures.
Robust, Anti-malware Protection: With its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can identify and get rid of the malware threats hiding in the PC effectively.
Internet Security: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the pages you’re about to visit, automatically blocking harmful sites and ensure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the world wide web.
“Fast Scan” Abilities: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the fastest and most efficient within the industry. It's targeted scanning seriously increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files.
Low CPU and Memory Usage: This program is not “heavy” on your computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any overall performance issues when SafeBytes is working in the background.
24/7 Customer Support: You can obtain totally free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security concerns.
Overall, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program as it has lots of features and could identify and remove any potential threats. Malware problems will become a thing of the past once you put this software to use. So if you’re searching for the best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind paying out some money for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.
If you don’t want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of Search Donkey manually, you could do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and deleting the offending program; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you may remove it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser.
To ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard disk and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. But bear in mind, editing the Windows registry can be a complicated job that only experienced users and professionals should attempt to fix it. Furthermore, some malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to eliminate. It is advised that you do the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files:
% Program Files% \Search Donkey.exe
%UserProfile%\Desktop\ Search Donkey.lnk
%UserProfile%\Start Menu \ Search Donkey
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\nsDialogs.dll (21 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome\content\overlay.xul (391 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\System.dll (23 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\IE\common.dll (11359 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Chrome\common.crx (5843 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\modern-wizard.bmp (4232 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\util_ex.dll (21609 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome\content\main.js (17 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\app.dat (172455 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\Helper.dll (27542 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\version.dll (14 bytes)
C:\Users\%CurrentUserName%\AppData\Local\Temp\nst2A8A.tmp\Processes.dll (1772 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome.manifest (196 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Uninstall.exe (12729 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\install.rdf (955 bytes)
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\SearchDonkey.ico
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Chrome\common.crx
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome.manifest
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome\content\main.js
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\chrome\content\overlay.xul
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Firefox\install.rdf
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\IE\common.dll
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\SearchDonkey.ico
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\Uninstall.exe
C:\ProgramData\SearchDonkey\app.dat
Registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SearchDonkey \DisplayIcon %AppData%\%RANDOM CHARACTERS%\%RANDOM CHARACTERS%.exe,0
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SearchDonkey
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\SearchDonkey\UninstallString %AppData%%RANDOMCHARACTERS%\%RANDOM CHARACTERS%.exe

Easy Directions Finder is a browser extension developed by Mindspark Inc. for Google Chrome. This extension offers users quick access to popular websites for navigation and evens. While at first glance this might look useful, keep in mind that this extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus applications.
When installed EasyDirectionsFinder will record your browsing history, visited links, clicked URL-s, and viewed products. This data is later forwarded/sold to Mindspark's ad network and used to better target ads to users.
While browsing the internet with this extension installed (it does not have to be enabled) you will see additional injected ads, sponsored links, and pop-up ads throughout your browsing sessions. Due to its information mining behavior and aggressive ad injections, it is recommended to remove this extension from your computer.
Error Code 0x8024001e is most commonly associated with the installation of apps from the Windows store, although versions of the error have been present in multiple versions of the Windows operating system. At its most basic level, the error says that a program has not been installed, even after the installation wizard has run through to completion.
Common symptoms include:
The solutions to Error Code 0x8024001e are somewhat complex, so it is a good idea to get in touch with a computer repair professional if you do not feel confident in your ability to follow the steps below to complete. However, most users should be able to follow the steps below and achieve the desired results.
Error CausesThere are a couple of different causes that can lead to the appearance of Error Code 0x8024001e. In some cases, extraneous data left in the app cache can cause the problem. In other cases, particular processes may need to be manually reset to clear the problem. Last, but not least, unresolved updates may lead to Error Code 0x8024001e causing issues with downloaded and installed apps from the Windows Store.
There are three primary methods to address the appearance of Error Code 0x8024001e. These should work for all users, regardless of the specific cause for their machine. The methods below do require some advanced skills in computing, so be sure to contact a Windows repair technician if you have trouble following the instructions below.
Here are the top ways to repair Error Code 0x8024001e on Windows 10:
In many cases, simply clearing your app cache can resolve the errors that pop up when you are downloading, installing, or updating any apps that have come from the Windows store. This method may not perfectly resolve the problem every time, but it is a step that should always be done before any others.
Next, open up the Power User options by pressing both the Windows key and the X key at the same time. Choose “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the options that appear. Then type in the commands into the prompt, one at a time:
Restart your computer after these changes have been made so that all changes can take effect. You may be able to access the desired programs and apps after this is complete.
Sometimes, the best way to repair Error Code 0x8024001e is to simply open up the Window Registry tools and run the repair process. This will scan your registry for any errant entries, corrupted entries, or missing entries, repairing them automatically as the device is able to do. This process may take some time to complete, so plan accordingly.
After this process is complete, it is always a good idea to restart your computer to apply any changes that have been made. Reattempt to install or run the program in question one this is done.
Last, open up the Windows Update tools to check to see if any of your programs need to be updated or if your operating system needs to be updated. Install each of the updates, restarting your computer after the entire process has been completed so that they can fully take effect on your machine. You should be able to run the programs that had caused problems once this is complete.
It is important to keep up-to-date on your system and program updates to avoid future errors in installations and downloads from the Windows store.
In most cases, using the steps above should allow you to use the apps that you’ve downloaded from the Windows store without Error Code 0x8024001e popping back up. If the problem persists or if you have not been able to follow the steps listed above to remedy the error, it is a good idea to contact a qualified professional who is experienced in working with Windows 10 errors.
Inside personalization, click on the Lock Screen tab.
On the right screen, under the picture, you will find Windows spotlight, click on it to bring a drop-down menu up.
Your choice is presented as a single picture for background or slideshow, a series of pictures that are going to be looped in a given time interval.
If you would like just a single picture for your background, choose that and click on it.
Once you are in choose picture dialog, click on the browse button and navigate to the picture on your storage which you would like to have as a background.
If however, you fancy slideshow as your lock screen background, click on the background drop-down menu and choose the slideshow. Next, click on add a folder and navigate to a folder where you have pictures that you would like to have as a slideshow for your Windows lock screen.
A stop error or exception error commonly called the blue screen of death (BSoD) or blue screen, is an error screen displayed on Windows computers following a fatal system error. It indicates a system crash, in which the operating system has reached a condition where it can no longer operate safely. This is caused by many different problems, such as a general hardware failure or a crucial process terminating unexpectedly.
On Windows 10 systems, a Black Screen of Death can be caused by an unfinished Windows Update. To resolve this problem, simply hold the power button down on your PC or laptop to switch off the computer. A cold start should result in the system booting properly.
It is a diagnostic screen with a white type on a pink background. Pink Screen is mainly seen when the VMkernel of an ESX/ESXi host experiences a critical error, becomes inoperative, and terminates any virtual machines that are running. It is not fatal and generally considered more of a developer testing issue. When encountered, it can be fixed quickly by following the simple action of pressing and holding your computer’s power button to shut down the device.
The Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System Brown Screen of Death is an on-screen fatal error notification with bug check codes which is seen when a computer crashes due to graphics hardware or software-related problems (failing graphics drivers).
It affects the functioning of a browser, particularly Mozilla Firefox. The Yellow Screen of Death makes the appearance with a weird buzzing sound in the background when the XML parser refuses to process an XML document causing a parsing error and a weird buzzing sound. The issue persists unless the computer is manually rebooted.
Commonly the Windows 10 red screen is caused due to the hardware error, particularly if you overclock your Windows PC/laptop. Despite this, sometimes the red screen of death is also caused by outdated or incompatible drivers or due to BIOS issues.
The Orange Screen of Death on Windows occurs due to fatal hardware errors. Multiple reasons have been reported for the Orange Screen of Death. Some had this issue when watching a YouTube video, some were not able to boot into Windows. It can even occur when waking up from Sleep.
The green screen of death only appears when you're running an Insider Preview version of Windows 10. It's the same as the blue screen of death, and it will show the same error messages. ... If you see a green screen of death (GSOD) on your PC, that's a sign you're using an Insider Preview build of Windows 10.
The White Screen on Windows is also an error where the screen of the computer just turns white and freezes. There can be several things that can cause the white screen to appear on the Windows laptop monitor. But the main issue could be because of malfunctioning of the graphics hardware.