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Removing Linkey From Windows Tutorial

Linkey is a potentially unwanted web browser search extension for the top browsers, designed to modify the user’s search and home pages in order to direct advertising. This extension changes your default search provider, redirects new tabs, and distributes information & statistics to the server. This extension will display unwanted ads, redirect you through unwanted search engines, and send your browsing information (potentially private information) back to its ad network.

From the publisher: Linkey is compatible with all the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox. Linkey is a simple browser extension that allows you to get the best sites in one click in visualized & friendly interface.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a type of unwanted software, often a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijackers could do many different things on your PC. Usually, hijackers will force hits to websites of their preference either to increase traffic producing higher advertisement revenue, or to obtain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Nonetheless, it’s not that harmless. Your online safety is compromised and it is also extremely annoying. Browser hijackers could also allow other malicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

The typical symptoms that suggest having this malicious software on your PC are:
1. your homepage has been reset to some unfamiliar site
2. your browser is constantly being redirected to adult sites
3. the essential web browser settings are modified and undesirable or insecure resources are put into the trusted sites listing
4. unsolicited new toolbars are added to your browser
5. you may notice endless pop-up ads on your screen
6. your web browser starts running sluggishly or exhibits frequent errors
7. You simply can’t access particular sites, particularly anti-malware websites.

How it infects your computer

Browser hijackers attack computers through malicious e-mail attachments, downloaded infected computer files, or by checking out infected internet sites. They could be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plug-ins, or browser extensions. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your PC through the “bundling” technique. Examples of well-known browser hijackers are Fireball, GoSave, Ask Toolbar, CoolWebSearch, Babylon Toolbar, and RocketTab.

Browser hijackers could interrupt the user’s browsing experience severely, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause problems in connecting to the internet, and ultimately create stability issues, making applications and computers crash.

How you can get rid of a browser hijacker

Some hijackers can be simply removed by deleting the free software they came with or by removing any extension you have recently added to your computer. Unluckily, the majority of the software products used to hijack a browser are deliberately built to be difficult to eliminate or detect. Moreover, manual removals demand in-depth system knowledge and therefore can be an extremely difficult job for novices.

What To Do When You Cannot Download Safebytes Anti-Malware?

All malware is bad and the magnitude of the damage may vary greatly in accordance with the type of infection. Certain malware variants modify internet browser settings by including a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configurations. When this happens, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore unable to download or install the necessary security software to remove the malware. If you’re reading this, you may have infected by a virus that prevents you from downloading computer security software like Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are a few options you can attempt to get around with this obstacle.

Install in Safe Mode

The Windows-based PC has a special mode called “Safe Mode” in which just the bare minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malware is blocking internet access and affecting your PC, running it in Safe Mode will let you download antivirus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting potential damage. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is starting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, as well as update anti-malware software from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Use an alternate browser to download an antivirus application

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

Install security software on a thumb drive

Here’s another solution which is creating a portable USB anti-malware software that can check your system for malicious software without needing installation. Do these simple actions to clean up your affected PC using portable anti-malware.
1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free computer.
2) Plug the Flash drive into the clean computer.
3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard.
4) Choose the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation.
5) Unplug the USB drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system.
6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the flash drive to run the software.
7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

Want to download the very best anti-malware software for your laptop? There are several applications in the market that come in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows systems. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, while some will destroy your PC themselves! When searching for an anti-malware tool, choose one which provides dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. On the list of highly recommended software programs is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a good track record of top-quality service, and customers are very happy with it.

Safebytes is one of the well-established computer solutions companies, which offer this all-inclusive anti-malware software. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application will allow you to eradicate multiples types of malware such as computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers.

SafeBytes has got a variety of wonderful features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. Below are some typical features present in this tool:

Live Protection: SafeBytes offers a totally hands-free active protection that is set to observe, prevent and remove all threats at its very first encounter. This utility will always monitor your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the newest threats.

Most Reliable AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software program goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your PC.

Internet Security: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes notifies you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the net.

Lightweight Utility: The program is lightweight and can run silently in the background, and that does not have an effect on your PC efficiency.

24/7 Live Professional Support: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and upgrades for the best user experience.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Linkey 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 Linkey

Files:
C:Users%USER%AppDataLocalTempis33084504mysearchdial.dll
C:Users%USER$AppDataLocalTempis357113909833170_stpsetup.exe
c:Users%USER$AppDataLocalTempMega Browsemegabrowse_setup.exe
C:Program Files (x86)Linkeylog.log
C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyHelper.dll
C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyChromeExtensionChromeExtension.crx
C:Program Files (x86)Linkey
C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyChromeExtension
C:Program Files (x86)LinkeyIEExtension
C:Users%USER$AppDataRoamingDigitalSitesUpdateProc

Registry:
HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESAPPID6A7CD9EC-D8BD-4340-BCD0-77C09A282921
HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODECLASSESAPPID6A7CD9EC-D8BD-4340-BCD0-77C09A282921
HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID181F2C09-56DD-4F98-86D7-59BA2BC59B5A
HKLMSOFTWARECLASSESCLSID4D9101D6-5BA0-4048-BDDE-7E2DF54C8C47
HKLMSOFTWAREMICROSOFTWINDOWSCURRENTVERSIONEXPLORERBROWSER HELPER OBJECTS
HKLMSOFTWARELINKEY
HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODELINKEY
HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODESYSTEMKGeneral
HKUS-1-5-18-ED1FC765-E35E-4C3D-BF15-2C2B11260CE4-0SOFTWARECONDUITValueApps
HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODEMICROSOFTWINDOWSCURRENTVERSIONEXPLORERBROWSER HELPER OBJECTSEF5625A3-37AB-4BDB-9875-2A3D91CD0DFD
HKLMSOFTWARELINKEY|ie_jsurl, http://app.linkeyproject.com/popup/IE/background.js
HKLMSOFTWAREWOW6432NODELINKEY|ie_jsurl, http://app.linkeyproject.com/popup/IE/background.js

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Fix Defender, The Threat Service has stopped
There are times when you see a message in Windows Defender saying, “The Threat Services has stopped, Restart it now” when you try to use it. This kind of error is usually fixed by simply clicking on the Restart now button. However, if the error still appears even after you restart your computer and you see another message that says, “Unexpected error, Sorry, we ran into a problem”, then continue reading as this post will guide you in resolving this issue in Windows Defender. Before you proceed with the given fixes below, you have to create a System Restore point first. This way, you can always undo any changes you’ve made in case something goes wrong.

Option 1 – Make sure that the Windows Defender Services are started

The Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection service is the one that protects your computer from advanced threats by monitoring and reporting security events that happen on your computer. This is why you have to make sure that this, as well as other required services in Windows Defender, are set to their default values and are started. To do so, follow these steps:
  • In the Cortana search box, type “services” and click on the Services icon to open the Services Manager. Alternatively, you can also tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run prompt and then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager
  • After opening the Services Manager, look for the following services and make sure that their Startup type is set to their default values:
    • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Firewall Service – Automatic
  • You can right-click on each one of the listed services and then select Start to start them.
  • And if some of the services don’t have their default values, just double-click on the Services to change the Startup types and select the correct option from the drop-down menu of the Startup type under the Properties box.
  • Next, set up the Startup type of these services to Automatic and then click on the Start button if the services are not running yet.
  • Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made and then see if it fixed the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try modifying some entries in the Windows Registry

If the first option didn’t work in fixing the problem, you can try to alter some entries in the Windows Registry using the Registry Editor.
  • First, tap Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry path: HKLMSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
  • From there, look for the “DisabledAntivirus” and “DisableAntiSpyware” DWORDS from the right pane and change each one of their values to “0”. On the other hand, if you don’t see any of these DWORDS, you can create them instead and give each one of them a 0 value.
  • To create a DWORD, simply right-click on any empty space and select New > DWORD. Then name them both as “DisabledAntivirus” and “DisableAntiSpyware”.
  • Afterward, set the value of the newly-created DWORDS to 0.
  • Now exit the Registry Editor and reboot your PC to apply the changes made and then check if it has fixed the error in Windows Defender or not.
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Free Wifi Hotspot Removal Guide for Windows

The Free Wifi Hotspot is offered to users that own a laptop and a desktop PC that has a wired connection to the Internet and no WiFi modem. The Free Wifi Hotspot is said to help users share their Internet connection with mobile devices that support the 2G/3G/4G/USB tethering connectivity. However, users will need a 2G/3G/4G modem attached to the computer/laptop with access to the Internet if they intend to benefit from the Free Wifi Hotspot software. Additionally, the Free Wifi Hotspot may collect data like your Internet history, downloads log, and software configuration for product placement optimization. PC users that run the Free Wifi Hotspot software may be shown pop-up windows with marketing materials from time to time and maybe redirected to promotional offers.

Several anti-virus applications have flagged Free Wifi Hotspot as a Potentially Unwanted Applications and may come bundled with other PUP-s that may harm your computer or steal some information, due to these risks it is marked for optional removal.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Everybody has experienced it – you download a piece of free application, then you see some unwanted applications on your computer or find a strange toolbar has been included with your browser. You didn’t install them, so how did they appear? These unwanted applications, which are referred to as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUPs in short, typically tag along as a software package when downloading the application and can ruin your PC or cause major annoyances. PUP does not involve malware in the traditional sense. The reason is, the majority of PUPs end up in a computer not because they slip through the security holes, for example, but because the users have got installed them themselves – totally unintentionally needless to say. A PUP might not be regarded as malicious or harmful but nonetheless, it is a standard reason for clunky OSs; some PUPs are a lot more aggressive by deliberately slowing down your computer or laptop.

How does unwanted software impact you?

Unwanted programs come in many forms. Usually, they can be seen in adware bundlers that are known to utilize aggressive and misleading advertising. The majority of bundlers install many adware programs from several vendors, each of which has its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware totally eliminates this threat and safeguards your machine against PUP or adware infection. The PUPs likewise get installed into your computer in the form of browser add-ons and toolbars. They will modify web browser settings, change the default search engine, substitute the default home page with their very own websites, slow down browsing speed, and also will ruin your system also. Potentially unwanted programs apply aggressive distribution methods to get onto your personal computer. The worst part of installing a PUP is the spyware, adware, and keystroke loggers that may hide inside. These are software programs that don’t do anything good for you; in addition to occupying space on the hard disk, they will also slow down your PC, often change settings without your approval, the list of troublesome features goes on and on.

Tips on avoiding PUPs

• When installing anything on your desktop, always read the fine print, like the license agreement. Do not accept terms of use that are for bundled programs. • Don’t accept standard, express, default, or any other installation settings which are recommended. Always opt for “custom” installation. • Make use of an antivirus program to boost your protection. Anti-malware programs like Safebytes Anti-malware has got real-time features that will block PUPs before they harm your computer. • Avoid adding freeware software you won’t make use of. Nowadays ‘freeware’ isn’t actually freeware – but ‘crapware’ bundling nonsense. • Always download programs from the original website. Most PUPs find their way onto your PC is through download portals, so avoid it entirely. Comply with these tips and you will almost never get potentially unwanted programs on your computer.

How To Get Rid Of Malware That Is Blocking Antivirus Downloads?

Every malware is bad and the level of the damage can vary greatly depending on the type of malware. Some malware sits in between the computer and the internet connection and blocks some or all websites that you really want to check out. It will also block you from adding anything to your PC, especially the anti-virus program. If you’re reading this, you may have affected by a virus that prevents you from downloading a security application such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are some options you could try to get around with this particular issue.

Use Safe Mode to resolve the problem

In the event the malware is set to run at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Since just the bare minimum programs and services launch in “Safe Mode”, there are rarely any reasons for conflicts to happen. Listed here are the steps you need to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out Microsoft site for directions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs). 1) At power on, press the F8 key before the Windows splash screen starts to load. This will conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you should have access to the internet once again. Now, use your browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Following installation, run a complete scan and allow the program to delete the threats it detects.

Switch over to some other internet browser

Certain malware might target vulnerabilities of a particular web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the most effective thing to do is to switch to an alternate browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install security software on a USB drive

Another solution is to download and transfer antivirus software from a clean PC to run a scan on the affected computer. Abide by these steps to run the antivirus on the infected computer. 1) On a virus-free PC, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the pen drive to a USB slot on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow activation instructions. 5) Now, insert the thumb drive into the infected system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the application. 7) Click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for viruses.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Benefits

If you are looking to download anti-malware software for your PC, there are lots of tools on the market to consider however, you should not trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is free or paid software. Some are very good ones, some are decent, and some are just bogus anti-malware software that will harm your computer themselves! You should opt for a tool that has gained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other kinds of malware too. On the list of recommended software by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a popular security application for Microsoft Windows. Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which provide this complete anti-malware software program. When you have installed this software, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your computer.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides a plethora of enhanced features which set it apart from all others. Below are some of the best ones:

Live Protection: SafeBytes offers an entirely hands-free active protection and is set to monitor, block, and get rid of all computer threats at its first encounter. They’re very efficient in screening and getting rid of different threats because they are continuously revised with new updates and safety measures. World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware program goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean out your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your personal computer. Safe Web Browsing: SafeBytes checks and provides a unique safety rating to every single website you visit and block access to webpages considered to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malware. Lightweight Tool: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use antivirus and antimalware solution. As it uses minimum computer resources, this program leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. Fantastic Technical Support: Expert technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will promptly resolve any technical issues you may be encountering with your security software. SafeBytes can keep your PC protected from most advanced malware threats automatically with almost no input needed from you again. Once you’ve downloaded and installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer need to bother about malware or other security worries. If you want sophisticated forms of protection features & threat detections, buying SafeBytes Anti-Malware could be worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to perform the removal of Free Wifi Hotspot manually instead of using an automated software tool, you may follow these steps: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending application to uninstall. In case of suspicious versions of browser extensions, you can actually remove them via your web browser’s extension manager. You’ll probably also want to totally reset your internet browser to its default configuration settings. To ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard drive and Windows registry for all of the following and eliminate or reset the values accordingly. Please remember that only professional users should attempt to manually edit the registry because incorrect file removal leads to a major problem or even a computer crash. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. It is advisable that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Start Menu\Programs\Free WiFi Hotspot %Appdata%\Free WiFi Hotspot New Version Available Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller Free WiFi Hotspot_is1
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A Quick Guide to Resolving Error Code 707

Error Code 707 - What is it?

Error code 707 is a typical Gmail error. Gmail is an email service provided by the largest internet giant Google Inc. It is an email service that is most widely used by web-based email providers with more than 425 million active users worldwide. The error code 707 is usually displayed in any one of the following formats:
“Oops... the system encountered a problem (#707)” “Server error occurred and your email was not sent (error 707)”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The error code 707 may be triggered due to many reasons. These include:
  • Enabled Lab ‘Background Send’ feature on Gmail
  • Web browser history and cache is full of junk content
  • Outdated browser
Though this error code is not fatal it is advisable to fix it right away to avoid inconvenience and to ensure your email is sent right away without any delays.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the easy DIY methods to repair and fix the error code 707 on your PC. These methods are simple and do not require any kind of technical expertise. So, even if you are not technically sound, you can repair the error code 707 on your system in no time.

Method 1

Sometimes you may experience error code 707 while sending email via Gmail because of the enabled Background send labs feature. To fix this error here’s what you must do: Log in to your Gmail account, click on the Gear Box, and select settings. Now simply switch to the lab tab under the settings. Here search for Background Send. If you can’t locate it, then scroll down and insert background Send in the find box. Once you find this lab feature, disable it. After disabling this feature, try resending the email. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue. Nonetheless, if the error 707 still persists, then try method 2 given below.

Method 2

The error 707 may also be triggered if your web browser becomes outdated. If so, then it is advisable to update the browser to resolve the issue. Simply download the latest browser version from a reliable website. After the installation is complete, log on to your Gmail account and then try to send an email. If the email is sent successfully, then the issue is fixed.

Method 3

Try clearing cache and web browser history.  When the web browser history and cache are full of junk files, then you might experience this error on your system. Sometimes this can also lead to registry issues. To remove the error and repair the registry immediately, download Restoro. This is a multi-functional and user-friendly PC Fixer compatible with all Windows versions and embedded with multiple powerful scanners including a registry cleaner. It scans your entire PC for such errors. It clears the registry, removes all obsolete and unnecessary files including cookies, web browser history, junk files, and invalid entries, and cleans it right away thereby fixing the error immediately. Click here to download Restoro and resolve error code 707.
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Android malware spies while posing as a Update
New malware with extensive spyware capabilities steals data from infected Android devices and is designed to automatically trigger whenever new info is read to be exfiltrated. The spyware can only be installed as a 'System Update' app available via third-party Android app stores as it was never available on Google's Play Store. This drastically limits the number of devices it can infect, given that most experienced users will most likely avoid installing it in the first place. The malware also lacks a method to infect other Android devices on its own, adding to its limited spreading capabilities. However, when it comes to stealing your data, this remote access trojan (RAT) can collect and exfiltrate an extensive array of information to its command-and-control server. Zimperium researchers who spotted it observed it while "stealing data, messages, images and taking control of Android phones."

What happens when malicious software is installed

"Once in control, hackers can record audio and phone calls, take photos, review browser history, access WhatsApp messages, and more," they added. Zimperium said its extensive range of data theft capabilities includes:
  • Stealing instant messenger messages;
  • Stealing instant messenger database files (if the root is available);
  • Inspecting the default browser's bookmarks and searches;
  • Inspecting the bookmark and search history from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Samsung Internet Browser;
  • Searching for files with specific extensions (including .pdf, .doc, .docx, and .xls, .xlsx);
  • Inspecting the clipboard data;
  • Inspecting the content of the notifications;
  • Recording audio;
  • Recording phone calls;
  • Periodically take pictures (either through the front or back cameras);
  • Listing of the installed applications;
  • Stealing images and videos;
  • Monitoring the GPS location;
  • Stealing SMS messages;
  • Stealing phone contacts;
  • Stealing call logs;
  • Exfiltrating device information (e.g., installed applications, device name, storage stats).

How does it work?

Once installed on an Android device, the malware will send several pieces of info to its Firebase command-and-control (C2) server, including storage stats, the internet connection type, and the presence of various apps such as WhatsApp. The spyware harvests data directly if it has root access or will use Accessibility Services after tricking the victims into enabling the feature on the compromised device. It will also scan the external storage for any stored or cached data, harvest it, and deliver it to the C2 servers when the user connects to a Wi-Fi network. Unlike other malware designed to steal data, this one will get triggered using Android's contentObserver and Broadcast receivers only when some conditions are met, like the addition of a new contact, new text messages, or new apps being installed. "Commands received through the Firebase messaging service initiate actions such as recording of audio from the microphone and exfiltration of data such as SMS messages," Zimperium said. "The Firebase communication is only used to issue the commands, and a dedicated C&C server is used to collect the stolen data by using a POST request."

Camouflage

The malware will also display fake "Searching for the update.." system update notifications when it receives new commands from its masters to camouflage its malicious activity. The spyware also conceals its presence on infected Android devices by hiding the icon from the drawer/menu. To further evade detection, it will only steal thumbnails of videos and images it finds, thus reducing the victims' bandwidth consumption to avoid drawing their attention to the background data exfiltration activity. Unlike other malware that harvests data in bulk, this one will also make sure that it exfiltrates only the most recent data, collecting location data created and photos taken within the last few minutes. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
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Mail and Calendar not working with Cortana
Mail and Calendar not working with Cortana? As you know, Cortana was first launched way back in 2014 with an emphasis on its tight integration with both the Windows Mail and Calendar apps. This integration has been one of the highlighting features of this Personal Digital Assistant. However, there are some users who reported that the Calendar and Mail integration with Cortana is not working on their Windows 10 computers. This kind of problem could be due to several factors like the loose integration between the services, incompatible versions of the components, and many more. According to the users who experienced the issue, the features affected are the syncing of calendar appointments, sending emails via Cortana, and so on. To fix this problem, there are several options you can try. You can try to restart Cortana’s processor run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. You could also try to relink your Microsoft account or reinstall the Mail and Calendar apps, as well as reinstall Cortana.  For more details, follow the suggestions given below.

Option 1 – Restart Cortana’s process in the Task Manager

Restarting Cortana’s process in the Task Manager could also help you resolve the problem. Refer to the steps given below to do so.
  • Tap the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys to open the Security options window.
  • From there, look for the Task Manager in the given list and open it.
  • Next, look for the process of Cortana and right-click on it, and then select the End Task option to end its process.
  • After that, the Cortana process will restart by itself and re-initialize.

Option 2 – Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter

The Windows 10 Store Apps Troubleshooter will help you in fixing the Web Preview problem in Cortana. This is a great built-in tool from Microsoft that helps users fix any app issues. To use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter, follow the steps below.
  • Tap Win + I keys again to open the Windows Settings panel.
  • Go to Update & Security and then go to Troubleshoot.
  • Under the Troubleshoot section, on your left-hand side, scroll down to find Window Store Apps.
  • Then click on the Run the troubleshooter option and follow the on-screen instructions and then see if it fixes the problem.

Option 3 – Try to relink your Microsoft Account

You might also want to relink your account in Microsoft using the Windows 10 Settings app.
  • Open the Windows 10 Settings app.
  • Next, navigate to Accounts > Email & Accounts and from there, go to the section of Accounts used by Email, Calendar, and Contacts.
  • After that, select your email account and select Manage.
  • Once done, a new panel will come up where you have to click on the “Delete account from this device” link.
  • Once you get a confirmation, select Delete and then relink the same account. This should resolve the problem.

Option 4 – Try to reinstall or update the Mail and Calendar apps

  • Open Windows PowerShell as admin.
  • Next, execute this command: Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage
  • Once done, restart your computer and go to the Microsoft Store page to get the latest updates for both Windows Mail and Calendar apps.

Option 5 – Try to reset Cortana via Settings

  • Launch the Windows 10 Settings app and go to Apps > Apps & Features.
  • Next, look for the entry of Cortana on the right-side panel and select it.
  • After that, select the Advanced options and then select the Terminate button under the Terminate section.
  • Once done, click on the Reset button under the Reset section.
  • Restart your PC.
  • After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 6 – Try to reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.
  • First, right-click on the Taskbar and select the Task Manager.
  • Next, select File menu > Run new task and type “Powershell” in the field and then select the “Create this task with administrative privileges” option.
  • Click on OK to open the PowerShell console.
  • After that, 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 the problem is now fixed.
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Logitech lift ergonomic mouse

Recently Logitech has released a new line of ergonomic mouse products on market, strangely shaped and lifted on a vertical axis Logitech claims that these devices will fix your issues and ease your hand pains for prolonged use of the computer.

Logitech ergonomic vertical mouse

The first time I saw this mouse I was not really impressed with its looks and somehow I thought it will not feel good. This all changed when I actually started using it, surprisingly altho strange in looks it does feel much more natural and much less stressful on hand. Also, it felt like I have used it before, personally, I did not need any adjustment period in order to use it fully.

All of that being said I will admit that using it for gaming is still not an option for me, someone might find it ok, especially if they play some games that do not need to be responsive like strategies or similar but for RTS and FPS I will still stick to the typically shaped mouse. This might be just a habit for me but somehow I feel more responsive with the typical mouse, but for anything else, this is the mouse that will keep your hands stress-free.

Now in order to get the mouse to be really recommended it needs to have some good technical specifications as well, looks are not all. The less important detail is that the mouse comes in 3 different colors: Black, white and pink, and its technical specifications are:

Specs & Details

Dimensions

Height: 71 mmWidth: 70 mmDepth: 108 mmWeight: 125 g

Technical Specifications

Sensor technology
  • Sensor type: Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking
  • Dpi range: 400-4000 dpi (Fully adjustable with 100DPI increments)
  • Nominal value: 1000 dpi
Buttons
  • Number of buttons: 6 (Left/Right-click, Back/Forward, Middle button, Scroll-wheel with a middle click)
Battery
  • Battery type: 1x AA battery (included)
  • Battery life: up to 24- months Battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions.
Connection type support
  • Logi Bolt USB receiver (included)
  • Bluetooth® Low Energy Technology
Wireless range
  • 10-m wireless range

Personally, I would recommend this mouse for anyone who does work in front of the computer during the whole workday since it really does loosen grip and strain on hands.

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Removing old drivers from Windows 10
So you have just got home from that new computer store with your fancy and all-new mouse, screen, keyboard, etc. You plugged in your new component, Windows detected it, installed drivers for it and it is working like a charm. A few months later down the road and the computer starts little by little to slow down. Plug and play is a great concept, and automatic detection is even greater but how time passes old unused stuff piles in your hard drive and in Windows itself thus slowing down your computer and taxing it more and more as new components and software are added. Old drivers from old components sadly are not removed from Windows itself and over some larger period of time they can pile up and slow down your daily operations on the computer or even cause some problems in it. This guide will teach you how to manually remove old unused device drivers from your Windows so it is fresh and like new again.

Making old devices visible

In order for us to remove old drivers, the first thing we must do is make them visible in our device manager, old drivers are hidden and will not show up, we must make this happen. We do this by pressing WINDOWS + X keys on your keyboard to bring up a hidden menu in Windows. keyboard with windows and x markedOnce the menu appears, click on Command Prompt (admin) Windows menu command prompt adminOnce the command prompt with administrator privileges comes on-screen type in it following string: The device manager will open, go to view > snow hidden devices in order to show unused devices. device manager show hidden devices

Removing old device

Open any category and if there is a device that was once used and still has its drivers in the system it will be shown as faded out. device manager hidden device shownRight-click on the device and click on uninstall device to remove it completely from your system. device manager uninstall device driverPlease always be careful when removing devices so you do not remove the device which is being used by mistake and always double-check that you are removing something that you used to have on your system. This method will show all hidden devices even ones that are hidden but crucial to the system working properly.
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14 things we had in W10 but are gone in W11
W11 missing featuresSo far we probably all know what are good new and exciting features that W11 is bringing to the table, let’s talk now about features that will be removed and are not there but we had them in W10
  1. Taskbar, do not worry, it is still there but it will be locked hard only to the bottom, people is removed, applications cannot customize areas and some icons will not appear in the system tray.
  2. Start Menu, No more named groups, cannot be resized, live tiles are history and pinned apps and sites will not migrate
  3. Tablet mode is completely removed
  4. Touch keyboard will not dock or undock on screen sizes bigger than 18 inches
  5. The timeline feature is no more
  6. The wallet is also removed
  7. Cortana is not active on first boot experience and it is no longer pinned to the taskbar
  8. Desktop wallpapers are not synched anymore when using an MS account
  9. IE is disabled, IE mode in edge here to fill the gap
  10. Math panel is removed with math recognizer as separate install on demand
  11. News and interests are now Windows Widgets
  12. Quick status is no longer on the lock screen nor in the settings
  13. S Mode exclusive only to Windows 11 home edition
  14. Snipping Tool continues to be available but functionality has been replaced with the Snip & Sketch tool functionality.3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D, and Skype won't be installed anymore on new systems. They remain available when systems are upgraded.
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Task Manager is blank & not showing processes
If the Task Manager is either blank or is not showing processes on your Windows 10 computer, then here are a few things you can do to resolve this issue. This kind of problem can occur due to some system file corruption or some malware infection in the system. Here are some suggestions you can try to resolve the problem with the Task Manager on your Windows 10 PC.

Option 1 – Try restarting your computer

The most common and most of the time effective way to resolve this kind of issue is to simply restart your computer. Thus, you have to restart your computer and see if it helps in fixing the Task Manager issue or not. If not, you can try the next given options below.

Option 2 – Run the DISM tool

If the first option didn’t work, then running the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool can help you resolve the issue with the Task Manager as it will repair the Windows System Image as well as the Windows Component Store in Windows 10.
  • After you access the Advanced Startup options, select Command Prompt by using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
  • Next, type in this command: DISM /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.

Option 3 – Make sure that the display columns are selected in the Task Manager

You have to make sure that you have checked or selected the display columns you want to be displayed. So if none of them are selected, you might not see any details at all. Thus, you need to right-click on the space near Name and select the columns.

Option 4 – Run the System File Checker Scan

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 that might be the reason why the Task Manager is blank or is not showing processes. 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 5 – Troubleshot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing the Task Manager issue. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in 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.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the Task Manager issue might be caused by some malware in the system and so to eliminate the malware, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
  • Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
  • Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
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How to Fix Error Code 0x80070005 in Windows 10

Error Code 0x80070005 – What is it?

Error code 0x80070005 is also known as the “Access Denied” error code because it prevents Windows users from accessing updates on their machines. This error code exists due to a lack of permissions on one’s system files or registry, permissions which are necessary for the updates via Windows Update to complete successfully. Error code 0x80070005 affects multiple versions of the Windows operating system including Windows 8, 8.1, and Windows 10.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The lack of files or registry permissions which result in the presence of error code 0x80070005 on your device may occur based on several reasons. The most common of these relates to the existence of malware programs on your machine. Malware can disrupt and change system files which are required for the update process to occur. Thus, this error code requires a systematic approach to first find missing or corrupt files, as well as cleaning up malware programs that could be preventing your machine from accessing updates.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Windows 10 users can repair error code 0x80070005 by implementing manual repair procedures. These procedures include the installation of tools like SubInACL.exe which enable users to access information about registry keys and files, thus detecting issues that may be preventing them from completing the update process in Windows Update.

These manual repair methods are listed below with clear instructions that even average Windows users can understand and follow. However, if you attempt the procedures and experience any issues that prevent you from successfully fixing error code 0x80070005, contact a Windows repair technician. Also, consider downloading an automated tool since these tools often help users fix PC performance issues that cause error codes to occur within various versions of the Windows operating system.

Method One: Log on as Administrator to Install Updates

By logging on as an administrator, Windows users may be able to access updates via Windows Update and thereby fix error code 0x80070005 in Windows 10. Follow the steps below to complete this manual repair method.

  • Step one: Click the Search bar near the Start button
  • Step two: Type User Accounts in Search
  • Step three: Select User Accounts
  • Step four: Click Manage User Accounts, then type in password if prompted to do so

Once you are logged on as an administrator, go to Settings to access Windows Update. You will be given the option to install the latest updates. Select this option and wait for the process to be completed. If error code 0x80070005 reoccurs, however, you will need to proceed to manual repair method two which requires that you scan for malware.

Method Two: Scan for Malware

This method is very simple. As you scan for malware on your machine, you will be able to detect any malicious programs that may be preventing you from installing updates on your device. This will in turn enable Windows users to clean up their system, fix the error code, and prevent others from occurring.

First, be sure you have a viable antimalware program on your machine. Scan for viruses and other harmful programs using this third-party software. Another option is to run Windows Defender on your machine.

Once you’ve completed the scan and error Code 0x80070005 moved any malware that may be present, attempt to install updates via Windows Update. If the problem causing error code 0x80070005 in Windows 10 is resolved, you will be able to install the updates. However, proceed to the next manual repair method if the error code remains on your device after you have scanned and removed malware programs.

Method Three: Install SubInACL Tool

The SubInACL tool enables Windows users to access security details and other information regarding files and registry permissions. Use this tool to fix files and registry permissions by following the instructions below.

  • Step one: Download the SubInACL tool via Microsoft’s official website
  • Step two: Run program as administrator
  • Step three: Restart machine
  • Step four: Go to Settings, Update & security, then Windows Update
  • Step five: Reattempt installation of updates

Once you’ve been able to run the SubInACL tool and fix files or registry permissions, your machine should be able to access updates. If error code 0x80070005 reoccurs, however, you may need to contact a Windows repair technician to verify if issues unrelated to permissions are causing the error code to occur.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
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