How to remove GoodShop Landing

Recently, a number of users reported an error while trying to update their computers. This particular Windows Update error has an error code of 0x80073701. If you are one of the users who encounter this error, then read on as this post will guide you on how exactly you can fix it. Here’s the exact context of the error:

“Updates failed. There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. 2019-07 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 for x86-based Systems (KB4507453) – Error 0x80073701”

The Windows Update Error 0x80073701 also comes with a code “ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING” which indicates that some system files are missing on your computer that caused the update installation failure error. Although this Windows Update error does not cause any severe issues, it is still being reported in the section of Windows Update where it is marked as “Update failed”. There are several potential solutions you can check out to resolve this error. You can try to run the DISM tool or the SFC or System File Checker scan. You could also try to run the Windows Update troubleshooter. For more information, make sure to follow the options given below.

Option 1 – Restart your computer and try installing the Updates again

Restarting your computer can also help in fixing the Windows Update failed to install error 0x80073701. There are cases where the issue resolves on its own as it could just be some simple network or PC error.

Option 2 – Try to run the DISM tool

Running the DISM Tool helps in repairing the Windows System Image as well as the Windows Component Store in Windows 10. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth”.

• Open the Command Prompt as admin.
• Then type in this command: exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
• Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

After you run this tool, a log file is created at C:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.log. On the other hand, if the Windows Update client is already broken, you will be prompted to use a running Windows installation as the repair source or use a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share, as the source of the files. Although the chances of this happening is less, if it turns out to be the case, you need to run an advanced command in the DISM tool to repair a broken Windows Update. Just repeat the process above but use the following command instead:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess

Option 3 – Try to run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be causing the error 0x80073701. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
• The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

• Restart your computer.

Option 4 – Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter could also help you resolve the Windows Update error 0x80073701. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

As you know, Windows 10 supports a variety of peripherals which includes a long list of printers. However, a number of users reported that they encountered a glitch on their Windows 10 computers where they receive Can’t print a file and a prompt to save the Word, PDF file, and so on each time they try to print the file. This kind of issue is not common and could be due to various reasons like the malfunctioning of device drivers, misconfiguration of the printer’s settings, and so on. There are several options you can check out to resolve the problem. You can try to run the built-in troubleshooter or check the configuration of the printer, as well as update or reinstall the driver for printers or reset the printer. For more details, refer to each one of the options provided below and make sure to follow them carefully.

Option 1 – Run the Printer Troubleshooter

One of the first basic troubleshooting you can perform to resolve the printer issue is running the Printer Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter can detect and automatically fix the problem for you. To use it, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “exe /id PrinterDiagnostic” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the Printer Troubleshooter.
• Then click the Next button and follow the next on-screen instructions to fix the issue with the printer.

Option 2 – Try checking the printer’s configuration

The next thing you can do to fix the problem is to check the configuration of the printer since there are instances when there could be some misconfiguration with the settings of the printer that may result in several issues like this one.

• First, you need to open Control Panel and from there, look for the option Devices and printers and open it.
• After that, right-click on the entry of your printer that you want to use in printing documents and select the Set as a default printer option.
• You could also try to open PDF and then go to the Print dialog box and uncheck the Print to file option.

Option 3 – Try to update or reinstall the printer driver

The problem with your printer might also be caused by corrupted or outdated drivers. Thus, you can try to either update or reinstall it. How? Follow the steps below.

• First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
• Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
• From there, look for the USB Composite Device option and right-click on it, and select the Update Driver from the options.
• Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
• Now uninstall and remove the printer driver software and reinstall it then refresh.

Option 4 – Try to reset the settings of the Printer or reinstall it

If none of the three options given above worked, you can try to either reset the printer settings or reinstall the printer so that it can go back to its default state. However, if it doesn’t work, you can try to uninstall the printer as well as its related drivers. To do so, follow these steps:

• First, go to Settings > Devices > Printer and Scanners.
• After that, select the printer and select the Remove Device option.
• Once done, restart your computer and check again and see if the error is now fixed.

Not a Valid Win32 Application Error - What is it?

Not a Valid Win32 Application error code that indicates either the file or the program you are attempting to run missing or corrupt. And because of this error, Windows is unable to open your desired file or run the program successfully.

Error Causes

The ‘Not a Valid Win32 Application’ is triggered due to multiple reasons such as:

• Unsuccessful program installation due to damaged disc/CD
• Corrupted or incompatible file
• The hard drive is loaded with bad and invalid entries
• Malware invasion or viral infection

When you come across this error code on your PC, it is advisable to resolve it as it will cause you a great deal of inconvenience hampering program and file accessibility. Furthermore, if the error code occurs due to malware or viruses, then it can lead to severe data security threats and privacy issues.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the Not a Valid Win32 Application error on your PC, you don’t need to be a technical expert or hire a professional. Though this error might be crucial it is easy to fix. Here are some of the many methods that you can try to resolve this error code on your PC:

• Check for File Compatibility

If you downloaded a file that is not compatible with your Windows version then you will come across this error. In this case, it is advisable to download the file version that is compatible and can run easily on the Windows version installed on your system. Nonetheless, if the file is compatible but still doesn’t run on your PC, then it’s possible that the file became corrupt during the download. Try downloading the file again.

• Check if the CD is Clean

You may also come across the Not a valid Win32 application error code if the program installation from the CD is unsuccessful. This happens when the CD is dirty or it is scratched. The program does not copy properly onto the computer from the damaged CD. So, if the CD is scratched and dirty, buy a new CD and try installing the program again.

• Verify the Program You Want to Run is Still on the Computer

If you are running the program from a shortcut, then verify that the program is still installed on your PC. This error may occur if the program is no longer installed on the computer. If you find the program is not installed on your system, then reinstall and try running the program again.

• Wrong File Name Issue

Make sure the program or the file you are attempting to run on your system does not contain the same name as the long filename directory it is saved in. For example, running a file named ‘program’ in the ‘program files’ directory can cause errors in some Windows versions. If this is the issue, then try installing the program in a different directory.

• Repair Hard Drive

If the hard drive is bad or corrupted, it can also generate the not a valid Win32 application. And because of this error files and programs fail to execute successfully as not all data can be read from the hard drive. To repair this issue first you need to run defrag and ScanDisk Microsoft built-in tools. These tools check for errors on the hard drive.

• Run an Antivirus

If the error code occurs due to a viral infection or malware attack on your system, then you must download an antivirus, scan, and remove such malicious software. However, antivirus may slow down the speed of your PC. So, to resolve speed issues and boost the performance of your system, you may have to download a system optimizer.

One of the most sophisticated Artificial Intelligence or AI assistants there is in the market is Cortana. However, no matter how sophisticated this AI assistant may be, there are still times when you encounter issues with it. So if your Cortana is not connecting to the internet, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This connection issue in Cortana might have something to do with the settings, network connectivity, or your Microsoft account. In addition, it could also be that the Firewall or antivirus program interferes with its connection. Whichever the case is, here are some possible solutions that could help you resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to power cycle the modem, router, and computer

• Connect the modem, router, and the PC hard-wired and then switch all of these three devices off.
• Turn on the modem and wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn on the router and wait for 30 seconds as well.
• Finally, turn on the computer and check if you can now successfully connect to the internet.

Option 2 – Check if your router or ISP is properly working

Since the basis for this issue is that Cortana is not connecting to the internet even though you are able to access websites using your browser, you might want to check your router or ISP (Internet Service Provider) and see if they’re functioning properly.

Option 3 – Try changing your internet connection

You can also try changing your internet connection and see if it fixes the problem. If you are using Ethernet, you can try connecting to a Wi-Fi connection and see if Cortana is able to connect or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter in Windows 10 as it checks whether the settings for Cortana are in place and automatically corrects any issues if the update or software installation has changed the settings. To run it just click on the Start button and select Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot. From there, select the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Note: You can also run the Network Troubleshooter as it can also help in resolving the issue especially if the problem is in the network.

Option 5 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
• After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
• From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
• Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
• Restart your PC.

Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 6 – Verify your Microsoft account

In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try resetting Cortana

• Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
• Restart your PC.
• After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 8 – Try to reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.

• First, right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows Powershell (Admin) option from the list.
• Next, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

• Restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect.

EasyPDFCombine is a browser extension by Mindspark Inc. This extension claims to offer users an easy and fast way to combine different PDF documents into a single file for easy access and sharing.

When installed this extension changes your default search engine to MyWay.com, it also hijacks your home page and new tab page, also changing it to search powered by MyWay. While browsing the internet with this extension you will see additional pop-up ads, injected ads in search results, and sponsored content throughout your browsing sessions. This extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus programs and it is not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a common type of internet fraud where your web browser settings are altered to allow it to carry out things you do not intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for a variety of reasons. In general, browser hijacking is used for earning ad revenue from forced advert clicks and website visits. While it may seem harmless, these tools were created by malicious individuals who always look to take full advantage of you, so that hackers could make money from your naivety and distraction. They not only screw up your web browsers, but browser hijackers can also modify the system registry, making your computer susceptible to other malicious programs.

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

There are many symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them: 1. the browser’s homepage is modified 2. you find yourself regularly directed to a different webpage than the one you intended 3. the main web browser settings are modified and undesirable or insecure resources are put into the trusted sites list 4. you are finding new toolbars you haven’t witnessed before 5. you see a lot of pop-up ads on your computer screen 6. your web browser gets sluggish, buggy crashes often 7. Inability to navigate to certain websites, especially antivirus as well as other security software websites.

How browser hijacker infects computers

Browser hijackers attack computers via malicious email attachments, downloaded infected computer files, or by checking out infected sites. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with the malicious objectives. Also, certain shareware and freeware can put the hijacker in your computer through the “bundling” technique. A good example of a well-known browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malicious software known as “Fireball”, which has infected 250 million computers around the world. It acts as a hijacker but can be turned into a fully functioning malware downloader later on. The presence of any browser hijacker malware on your system can drastically diminish the web browsing experience, monitor your internet activities that result in severe privacy concerns, develop system stability issues and ultimately cause your PC to slow down or to a practically unusable condition. How you can remove browser hijackers Certain browser hijacking can be easily stopped by finding and removing the corresponding malware program from your control panel. At times, it could be a challenging job to identify and delete the malicious program because the associated file will be running as part of the operating system process. You should think of doing manual repairs only if you’re a tech-savvy individual since there are risks associated with tinkering around with the system registry and HOSTS file. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. Among the best tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It helps you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your computer and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest threats.

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

Malware could potentially cause all kinds of damage when they invade your system, starting from stealing your personal details to erasing data files on your PC. Some malware is meant to hinder or prevent things that you’d like to do on your PC. It may not allow you to download anything from the web or prevent you from accessing a few or all websites, especially antivirus sites. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your PC. Follow the instructions below to remove malware through alternate ways.

Download the anti-virus in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to run automatically when Windows starts, entering Safe Mode may block this attempt. Since only the minimal programs and services launch in safe mode, there are rarely any reasons for issues to occur. The following are the steps you need to follow to start into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out Microsoft site for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you will have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal application you need by using the web browser. To install the program, follow the directions in the setup wizard. 4) After installation, do a complete scan and let the software program delete the threats it discovers.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download antivirus software

Some viruses might target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that block the downloading process. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate web browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install anti-malware on a USB drive

To successfully remove the malware, you should approach the problem of installing anti-virus software on the affected PC from a different angle. To run antivirus using a USB pen drive, follow these simple measures: 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free PC. 2) Insert the USB drive onto the same computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, with a .exe file format. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place where you would like to store the software files. Do as instructed on the screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Unplug the USB drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-malware on the affected computer. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the program. 7) Click on the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You

In order to protect your PC from various internet-based threats, it is important to install an anti-malware program on your computer system. But with countless numbers anti-malware companies in the market, these days it is hard to decide which one you should purchase for your personal computer. A few are really worth your money, but many aren’t. While looking for anti-malware software, choose one that offers solid, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes is a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is made to assist the common computer end user in safeguarding their PC from malicious internet threats. This program could easily detect, remove, and protect your personal computer from the most advanced malware threats including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, PUPs, worms, parasites as well as other potentially harmful software applications.

There are lots of great features you will get with this security product. Below are some of the features you may like in SafeBytes.

Live Protection: SafeBytes offers 100 % hands-free live protection and is set to observe, prevent and eliminate all threats at its very first encounter. It will continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also gives users superior firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can find and remove the malware threats hiding in your computer effectively. “Fast Scan” Abilities: This software has got one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are very accurate and take a little time to complete. Web Security: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety rating to every single website you visit and block access to web pages known to be phishing sites, thus protecting you against identity theft, or known to contain malware. Very Low CPU and RAM Usage: SafeBytes gives total protection from internet threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its advanced detection engine and algorithms. Premium Support: SafeBytes gives you 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and upgrades for the best user experience. SafeBytes can keep your personal computer protected from most advanced malware threats automatically with little or no input needed from you again. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software program to use. So if you are looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we suggest the SafeBytes Anti-Malware application.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually remove EasyPDFCombine without the use of an automated tool, it might be possible to do so by deleting the program from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser. Finally, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries following an uninstallation. Please keep in mind that only experienced users should try to manually edit the system files simply because deleting any single vital registry entry results in a major problem or even a computer crash. Additionally, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. It is advised that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.

As you know, one of the most highlighted features of Windows 10 is Windows Updates. It was offered to the customers as a service rather than a product with the release of Windows 10 under the scenario of Software as a Service which led to Windows Updates being set by default on Windows 10 and without an option for any users to disable it. Although not all users are happy with what Microsoft did, this is an ultimate step towards the greater good of all its customers since Windows Updates helps users in keeping their computers secured against all kinds of threats as well as provide them with the greatest and latest updates from Microsoft. So if you are one of those users who approved of the Windows Updates service, then read on as this post will guide you in running Windows Updates from Command Line either via Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell. For the complete set of instructions, refer to the options given below.

Option 1 – Run Windows Update via Command Prompt

Command Prompt in the Windows operating system exists for a very long time now compared to the comparatively new Windows PowerShell. That’s why it has similar capabilities to run Windows Updates. However, the highlighting point here is that you don’t have to download any module for Windows Updates. To get started running Windows Updates using Command Prompt, refer to the steps below.

• First, type “cmd” in the Cortana search box, and from the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select the Run as Administrator option to open it with Administrator privileges.
• If a User Account or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed.
• Next, type in the commands listed below, and don’t forget to tap Enter right after you type each one of them.
  • UsoClient StartScan – use this command to start checking for updates.
  • UsoClient StartDownload – use this command to start downloading updates.
  • UsoClient StartInstall – use this command to start installing the downloaded updates.
  • UsoClient RestartDevice – use this command to restart your computer after you install.
  • UsoClient ScanInstallWait – use this command to check, download and install updates.

Note: Keep in mind that the commands in Command Prompt listed above are only meant for Windows 10. On the other hand, if you are using an older Windows version, you can try using the following commands instead:

• wuauclt /detectnow – use this command to start checking for updates.
• wuauclt /updatenow – use this command to start installing the updates detected.
• wuauclt /detectnow /updatenow – use this command to check, download and install updates.

Option 2 – Run Windows Updates via Windows PowerShell

If you run Windows Updates in the Windows PowerShell, it will require you to install the Windows Update module manually. Hence, you have to get the Windows Updates downloaded and install Windows Updates.

• Search for PowerShell in the Cortana search box and then run it with administrator privileges.
• Once you’ve opened the Windows PowerShell, type the following command and hit Enter.
  • Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate – use this command to install the Windows Update module for Windows PowerShell.
  • Get-WindowsUpdate – use this command to connect to the servers of Windows Update and download the updates if found.
  • Install-WindowsUpdate – use this command to install the Windows Updates you’ve downloaded to your computer.

AMD and ATI Technologies ULC have filed a complaint in the United States International Trade Commission against Realtek Semiconductor and TCL Industries Holdings claiming that they have violated five patents.

The complaint has automatically triggered an investigation from USITC which has responded that they will look into certain graphics systems, components thereof, and digital televisions with components from Taiwan-based Realtek and the China/Hong Kong-based TCL Industries Holdings (and its subsidiaries).

AMD and ATI are seeking an exclusion order and cease and desist orders for the sale of the products. The investigation officially started on July the first. AMD and ATI claim that Mediatek and TLC Industries violated five patents on various technologies used in graphic cards.

The ATI patents include texture decompression techniques, a graphics processing architecture with a unified shader, and a multi-threaded graphics processing system (patents 7,742,053 claims 1-9, 8,760,454 claims 2-11, and 11,184,628 claims 7-12). The AMD patents cover a method and system for synchronizing thread wavefront data and events. A patent covers a processing unit that enables asynchronous task dispatch (patents 8,468,547 claims 16-21, and 8,854,381 claims 15-20).

This is not the first time AMD and ATI have asked for a USITC investigation, in 2017 they were targeting LG, Vizio, Mediatek, and Sigma Designs. The previous investigation has been concluded with the settlement between parties, how this one will go we shall see and keep you updated as we move along.

Cyclic Redundancy Check Error - What is it?

To begin with, Cyclic Redundancy Check is basically an error checking technique. This technique is used for data verification. It detects accidental changes in the data. It is used by computers to specifically check the data stored in the hard drive or optical disks (DVD’s and CD’s). The Cyclic Redundancy Check error occurs when the data being verified on the hard drive or optical disks is corrupt. Symptoms for this error code include program lock-ups, slow PC performance, inability to run and execute the desired program, system freeze and shutdown and startup issues.

Error Causes

The Cyclic Redundancy Check error code occurs due to the following reasons:

• Cluttered hard disk
• Registry corruption
• Misconfigured files
• Unsuccessful program installation

All these causes points towards registry issues and poor PC maintenance. The registry is the main database of the computer. This part of the PC saves practically every activity you perform on it including activities like application installation and deletion and web browsing to name a few. With time and frequent PC usage, the files generated from every activity you execute on your system begin to load the registry. These include even the unnecessary files like junk files, internet files and files of applications that you’ve uninstalled. All these files overload the registry and acquire a lot of hard disk space. And when you don’t remove these files on your system, eventually it leads to file misconfiguration, cluttered disk, and registry corruption. New program versions that you want to install and run on your system also don’t function because the files of the old program version still saved in the registry.

Further Information and Manual Repair

As the Cyclic Redundancy Check Error causes data corruption on the hard disk, it is advisable to fix this error right away. The reason is that it can have serious consequences. It can lead to data loss, fatal crashes, and system failures. When it comes to resolving Cyclic Redundancy Check Error, there are two ways to fix it:

Run the CHKDSK application.

This is a built-in feature in your Windows system. It checks for hard disk damage and attempts to resolve it.

Anxiety from all these digital threats lurking everywhere? An antivirus program can help put your mind at ease.

What can a virus do to your device?

A virus is malicious software that can affect pretty much any device and does so in a variety of ways. Be it your computer, your phone or your smart lightbulb - as long as there’s access to the internet, malware can get to it.

How exactly does this kind of attack manifest itself? Well, there’s a wide variety of effects ranging from mild to severe. Among other things, they depend on which type of malware attacks your device - a virus, spyware, ransomware, adware or something else.

These are some of the things you can expect to happen:

• Slow performance
• System crashes
• Theft of data and sensitive information
• Connectivity issues
• Constant browser redirects
• Strange messages sent to your contacts 
• Interference with files

It really can be the stuff of nightmares. So, if you want to sleep peacefully knowing that your devices are completely safe, you should definitely consider getting an antivirus.

P.S. don’t let its name fool you - an antivirus does indeed protect your devices against more than just viruses.

What is antivirus software exactly?

Antivirus software is designed to help you battle and ward off malware. Basically, it scans your device to detect any suspicious activity and offers tools to get rid of the culprit. 

At first, antiviruses were developed to fight against viruses only, but nowadays they cover a lot more ground. Here are some of the biggest benefits of getting yourself a powerful defender.

Advantages of antivirus software

1. It fights those pesky ads

Look, constant ads that pop up everywhere aren’t the absolute worst thing that can happen on your computer. If anything, they are annoying, like when you’re trying to sleep but that one fly in your room just won’t stop buzzing.

Now, there’s a free, well-established solution for that - installing an ad blocker. And we’re about a hundred and ten percent sure you’ve already done that on each and every browser you use.

However, “if I can’t see it, it doesn’t exist” isn’t the most ideal approach for your online safety. Ad blockers can’t block everything and they won’t protect you from potential adware. An antivirus on the other hand offers that layer of protection against malware snuck into pop-ups and spammy websites.

2. It protects you from hackers

Hackers don’t target government institutions only. They’ll target regular people too if they have something to gain.

There are different types of hacking, such as phishing e-mails, transmission of malicious programs, credential reuse, denial of service and more. In any case, they take control of your device and hijack your data.

The good thing is that, as threats evolve, antiviruses evolve too and there are tons of quality programs on the market that can keep you secure for an affordable price.

3. It keeps your files and data safe

When malware enters your device, it can target pretty much any file and get access to any and all data.

Installing an antivirus program will make sure that every single file, new or old, is monitored at all times, warning you against threats immediately. That way, you can make sure to react before your other files become infected and data is lost or stolen.

Another great thing for data protection is that the best antivirus software normally comes with a password manager, so no one can use malware to steal your passwords.

4. It blocks all kinds of malware

As we already stated, malicious attacks can be performed in many ways and malware comes in in different shapes an sizes, such as:

• Trojan horse
• Spyware
• Ransomware
• Adware
• Rootkit
• RAT (remote access Trojan)
• Keyloggers
• Worms
• Botnets

Nowadays, antivirus software is designed to fight against all of these types. That’s why more often than not we hear the term 'antivirus' used interchangeably with 'anti-malware,' like in this article.

5. It keeps your children protected

You can’t keep your eyes on your kid every second of the day and you can’t protect them from everything. But at least you can limit their exposure to the threats they can encounter at every corner of the digital world.

An antivirus program will block harmful or suspicious websites and ads, which is great both for you and your children. To take it a step further, though, many such programs come with special parental controls and offer monitoring as well. It’s a great solution for keeping your kids safe online without sounding like the irritating, overbearing, controlling parent who “just doesn’t get it!”

How to pick one

There are definitely lots of different antivirus programs out there, both free and paid. We recommend you look for a paid option, since free ones are unfortunately a lot more susceptible to being compromised through malicious attacks.

Now, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the right software. If you use your PC for basic things then a basic antivirus will suffice. However, the more complex your use and the more sensitive the data you deal with, the stronger it needs to be.

It’s also crucial that you take into account the features it includes. As we already mentioned, some programs have additional security options. For example, depending on the package you select, Bitdefender provides:

• Webcam and mic monitoring
• Parental control
• Firewall
• VPN
• Password management
• Identity theft protection

Some are included in plans and some are separate products, so make sure to check out all the offers.

And don’t worry if you have multiple PCs or you’re looking for protection for your smartphone or tablet as well; Bitdefender has suitable solutions for your needs. Of course, you can also just pick their classic antivirus software if you’re not in need of advanced protection.

Another important point is how regularly the software is updated and enhanced. The more frequent the updates the better, as bugs can make the program more vulnerable. Other things we advise you consider are user-friendliness, impact on performance, reputation (user reviews especially) and, of course, price.

The bottom line

Fact is: anyone can be a malware victim. Don’t let it be you.

You can’t put a price on peace and security, so don’t be reluctant to pay for yours - especially since a lot of options out there are extremely affordable. Is $159.00 a year really too much to pay for cross-platform protection for up to 10 devices? We don’t think so.

Explore your options and protect your files and data before it’s too late.

The System32 folder contains vital configuration and information that are essential to the operating system. It is located inside the “Windows” folder and it consists of important DLL files as well as executable files. You probably have noticed some errors that have the “System32” word in them but that does not necessarily mean that the System32 folder is the one that triggers them as these kinds of errors have only occurred when some important files are corrupted or missing. Some users recently reported that each time they start their computers, the System32 folder will automatically open up in the File Explorer. If you encounter the same problem, read on as this post will guide you on what to do to fix it. This kind of issue is most likely caused by service or application interference – it is possible that there is a third-party application installed in your computer or a Windows service that triggers the System32 to pop up during startup. It is also possible that this is a result of system modification. Thus, you need to identify the third-party program or restore your computer to its previous state.

Option 1 – Put your computer in a Clean Boot State

As pointed out, it is possible that some third-party program or service is the one that’s behind the problem. To isolate this possibility and to identify the culprit, you have to put your computer into a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• 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.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)

After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third-party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

• From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
• After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
• Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
• Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
• Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
• Restart your PC when prompted.

Option 2 – Perform System Restore

• First, press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 3 – Run System File Checker scan

You might also try running the System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the issue. System File Checker is a command utility built into your computer that helps restore corrupted files and missing files. Refer to the following steps to run it:

• Hit the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

 Restart your computer and see if the System32 folder still pops up at startup or not.