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WeatherBlink Malware Removal Guide

WeatherBlink is an extension for google chrome, Mozilla, and internet explorer. It allows users to check out the weather anywhere in the world at any time. This might seem like a convenient feature, however, this toolbar also displays unwanted ads, hijacks your browser home page, collects personal data about your web surfing habits, visits, and clicks.
From the author: Access local weather forecasts, weather radar, allergy, and pollen reports, and worldwide weather news – all in one convenient spot!
This extension configures your New Tab page to WeatherBlink™ to provide these features.

Be prepared with instant weather forecasts. Access FREE and accurate weather forecasts with one click!

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a very common type of online fraud where your web browser settings are modified to make it do things you do not intend. Browser hijackers can do more than simply modifying home pages. It redirects you to the sponsored internet sites and inserts ads on the internet browser that helps its creator generate ad revenue. A lot of people assume that these kinds of websites are legitimate and harmless but that is not true. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it is necessary to classify them under privacy dangers. In a worst-case scenario, your internet browser could be hi-jacked to open up your computer to a host of additional computer infections.

Indications of browser hijack

Below are some symptoms that indicate you’ve been hijacked:
1. the browser’s home page is changed
2. bookmark and the new tab are also modified
3. default online search engine is modified
4. you see unwanted new toolbars added
5. you notice a lot of pop-ups on your computer screen
6. web pages load very slowly and often incomplete
7. you’ve disallowed entry to particular web pages, for example, the website of an antimalware software firm like SafeBytes.

So how exactly does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

A browser hijacker could be installed on your PC when you go to an infected website, click an email attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They also come from add-on applications, also referred to as browser helper objects (BHO), browser extensions, or toolbars. Sometimes you may have mistakenly accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Typical examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, RocketTab, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search.

Tips on how to remove browser hijackers

Certain browser hijacking can be easily stopped by discovering and eliminating the corresponding malware application from your control panel. However, certain hijackers are more difficult to find or eliminate as they might get themselves associated with certain crucial system files that enable it to work as a necessary operating-system process. You should think about carrying out manual repairs only if you’re a tech-savvy person because there are possible risks associated with fiddling around with the system registry and HOSTS file.

How One Can Eliminate Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could potentially cause several different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Certain malware goes to great lengths to prevent you from downloading or installing anything on your PC, especially anti-malware applications. If you’re reading this, you probably have got infected by a virus that prevents you from downloading security software like Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are a few fixes you could try to get around with this issue.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is actually a unique, basic version of Windows where just essential services are loaded to counteract malware as well as other problematic programs from loading. In the event the malware is blocking access to the internet and affecting your PC, launching it in Safe Mode enables you to download anti-virus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting possible damage. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on your keyboard right before the Windows logo screen comes up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, check Safe Boot under Boot tab, and click Apply. Once you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, as well as update anti-malware software from there. At this point, you could run the anti-malware scan to eliminate computer viruses and malware without any interference from another application.

Switch over to an alternate browser

Some malware may target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that block the downloading process. The most effective solution to avoid this problem is to pick a browser that is renowned for its security features. Firefox has built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Install antivirus on a thumb drive

To effectively remove the malware, you have to approach the problem of running an anti-malware software program on the affected computer from a different angle. Adopt these measures to run the anti-virus on the affected computer.
1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free computer system.
2) Plug the USB drive into the clean PC.
3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard.
4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place in which you would like to store the software files. Follow activation instructions.
5) Unplug the flash drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-virus on the infected computer.
6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the flash drive to run the program.
7) Press the “Scan Now” button to begin the virus scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Lightweight Malware Protection for Windows Computer

Do you want to install the best anti-malware software for your computer system? There are plenty of applications available in the market which comes in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows computers. A few of them are good, some are ok types, while some will damage your computer themselves! You need to be careful not to select the wrong application, particularly if you purchase a paid application. On the list of recommended software programs is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes has a very good track record of top-quality service, and customers seem to be very happy with it.

SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time anti-spyware application that is made to assist the common computer end user in safeguarding their PC from malicious internet threats. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application can assist you to get rid of multiples types of malware which include computer viruses, PUPs, trojans, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers.

SafeBytes has a variety of features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. Below are a few of the great ones:

Antimalware Protection: With a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes gives multi-layered protection which is intended to find and eliminate viruses and malware that are concealed deep in your computer’s operating system.

Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides round-the-clock protection for your PC restricting malware intrusions in real-time. It’ll regularly monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also gives users sophisticated firewall protection.

Quick Multi-threaded Scanning: SafeBytes’s high-speed malware scanning engine lessens scan times and extends the life of the battery. At the same time, it’ll effectively detect and get rid of infected computer files or any internet threat.

Internet Security: Safebytes allots all sites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the website you’re just about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site.

Low CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes is well known for its minimal influence on computer resources and great detection rate of numerous threats. It works quietly and efficiently in the background so you are free to utilize your computer or laptop at full power all the time.

24/7 Customer Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to promptly resolve any problem with your security tool.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To remove WeatherBlink manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Control Panel and select the program you want to get rid of. For internet browser plug-ins, go to your browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the plug-in you want to remove or disable. You will probably also want to reset your internet browser.

Finally, examine your hard drive for all of the following and clean your registry manually to remove leftover application entries after uninstallation. Please remember that only experienced users should try to manually edit the registry because incorrect file deletion results in a major problem or perhaps a PC crash. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion.

Carrying out this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.

Files:
C:Program FilesWeatherBlink
C:ProgramDataWeatherBlink
C:UsersYOUR_USERAppDataRoamingWeatherBlink

Registry:
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.DynamicBarButton
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.FeedManager
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.HTMLMenu
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.HTMLPanel
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.MultipleButton
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.PseudoTransparentPlugin
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.Radio
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.RadioSettings
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.ScriptButton
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.SettingsPlugin
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.SkinLauncher
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.SkinLauncherSettings
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.ThirdPartyInstaller
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.ToolbarProtector
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.UrlAlertButton
Key HKLMSOFTWAREClassesWeatherBlink.XMLSessionPlugin
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects9b9dcae3-be34-424c-8d73-75e305a9e091
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objectsdc9051c2-8f55-479a-97a4-747980d9047f
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallWeatherBlinkbar Uninstall Firefox
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallWeatherBlinkbar Uninstall Internet Explorer
Key [email protected]/Plugin
Key HKLMSOFTWAREWeatherBlink
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunValue: WeatherBlink Search Scope Monitor Data: C:PROGRA~1WEATHE~2bar.bingcsrchmn.exe
Key HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunValue: WeatherBlink Browser Plugin Loader Data: C:PROGRA~1WEATHE~2bar.bingcbrmon.exe

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Mobile Hotspot does not show up or detected
As you know, the Mobile Hotspot feature is used to share the internet connection with other devices using Wi-Fi signals. These Wi-Fi signals are later caught by other devices using their Wi-Fi and then the internet connection is shared once they are connected. However, recently, some users reported that their devices weren’t able to see the Wi-Fi network even if their Wi-Fi is on. This kind of problem could be caused by several factors but one of the main ones include the frequency at which the Wi-Fi network is being broadcasted. If you are one of the users who are currently facing this problem, read on as this post will guide you on what you can do if the Mobile Hotspot or Wi-Fi connection does not show up or is not detected on your Windows 10 device. In most cases, there are only two frequencies at which a Wi-Fi network is broadcasted. They are broadcasted either at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The ones that are broadcasted at 5 GHz need specific hardware since it is a newer technology compared to the ones at 2.4 GHz. There are several other pieces of equipment as well as electrical appliances that operate at 2.4 GHz that includes microwaves as well which causes disruption in the signal strength of the Wi-Fi network. Moreover, aside from signal interruption, this issue with the mobile hotspot might also have something to do with the network-related drivers in your computer. Thus, to fix the problem, here are some suggestions you should follow.

Option 1 – Try toggling the Network band or the frequency at which the Wi-Fi network is broadcasted

  • First, open the Windows 10 Settings app and then navigate to Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot.
  • From there, click on the Edit button located under the Network name, Network password, and Network band.
  • After that, set the Network band to be at 2.4 GHz and then click on the Save button.
  • Once done, restart the Mobile hotspot in your Windows 10 device as well as the Wi-Fi connection of the device that’s trying to connect to the hotspot.

Option 2 – Try running the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

If the first option didn’t work, you might also want to run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter. You can use it to troubleshoot the problem with the Mobile hotspot, to run it, follow these steps:
  • Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
  • Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
  • Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
  • After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.

Option 3 – Try updating the Network adapter driver

As mentioned, the problem could also be due to the network-related drivers. So it probably might be the reason why you’re mobile hotspot did not appear or was not detected. That’s why it is recommended that you update the Network adapter driver and to do it, refer to these instructions: Follow the steps below to update your Network Adapter Driver:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “MSC” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
  • From there, expand the list of all the network drives and update each one of them.
  • Restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the issue with the mobile hotspot.
Note: If updating the network drivers didn’t help in fixing the problem, you can also try to uninstall the very same drivers and restart your Windows 10 PC. After that, the system itself will reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled. Alternatively, you can also download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website directly.
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How to Fix Error Code 1309

What is Error Code 1309?

Error code 1309 is an error code that occurs when installing either Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office Project 2003. This error code may hamper your ability to run and use applications associated with Microsoft Office. To ensure installation is successful, it is first advisable to fix this error code. Error 1309 is displayed in any one of the two formats illustrated below. When installing Microsoft Office Project 2003, the error message may pop up as:
Error 1309. Error reading from file:    pathfilename.cab. Verify that the file exists and that you can access it.
When installing Microsoft Office 2003, the error message may appear in the following format: Fatal Error During Installation

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code 1309 message may appear during Microsoft Office installation due to several reasons. These include:
  • Problems in the Oclncore.opc file. Project 2003 uses this version of the file for program installation.
  • Lack of adequate use permission
  • The requested file was not found
  • Setup registry entries are modified in an unacceptable manner
To avoid inconvenience and access Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office Project 2003, it is recommended to fix the error immediately.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error you don’t need to be a technical whiz. Here are some of the best, easiest, and proven do-it-yourself methods to resolve error 1309 on your computer screen instantly.

Method 1 - Change CacheLevel Settings

If the problem is related to Oclncore.opc file then try changing CacheLevel settings. Follow these steps to work around this method.
  1. First, locate the PRJPRO*.XML file in the FILESSETUP folder of the Project 2003 installation source and then open this file in the Notepad.
  2. Also, make sure that you do not open the file as read-only and make sure that a checkmark is not displayed next to Word Wrap on the Format menu.
  3. The next step is to search the file for the following text string: OCLNCORE.OPC_1033.
  4. Now on the line where this string is located, change the CacheLevel=’1’ setting to the following CacheLevel=’3’ save the file back to the original location, and then quit Notepad.
After the changes are activated, try installing the software again on your system. If it installs successfully, then this means error 1309 is resolved. If the error still persists then try other given methods.

Method 2 - Configure security settings to get full permission

When the cause of error 1309 on your PC is related to lack of adequate permission issues, then configure security settings to resolve. To do this, simply locate the folder on your installation drive. Then right-click the folder and click Properties. On the Security tab, click edit and now make sure your user name is added to the list. Grant required security permissions and then click OK to save changes. After this, try installing Microsoft Office 2003 again on your system.

Method 3 - Copy the requested file from another source

If the error 1309 pops up because the requested file was not found, then try this method. Simply copy the file specified in the error to the destination directory. For example, if the error shows data1.cab was not found, then copy this file from another source and paste it into the directory specified in the error description.

Method 4- Remove bad registry entries

Bad registry entries are responsible for registry setup modification. If this is the reason for error code 1309, then download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Repair Tool embedded with a powerful registry cleaner. It scans and removes all bad and invalid entries accumulated in the registry. It cleans and repairs the registry resuming it back to its normal function. Click here to download Restoro and repair error 1309 today.
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The best Antivirus software of 2021
We have often talked about the security of your computer, we have been giving you tips and tried to explain how to best protect your computer from various attacks and malicious software. Today we will be talking about antivirus applications. antivirusAntivirus software has become the kind of a must-have in every computer in this day and age. When you think about it, our systems are connected to the internet most of the time if not always, and therefore kind placed in from the line of various cyber-attacks. Here antivirus software comes into focus, especially because it has evolved long from just a simple virus removal tool to full security suites. We will be going through the best of these applications in order to present both their good and bad sides and hope that we will help you in picking the right one for you. Remember, picking either one of the presented solutions is way better than not having one at all. The list is made from best down in our opinion so number one is highly recommended.

List of Best antivirus applications of 2021

  1. BitDefender

    In our opinion the best overall security protection suite for this age and time. Bitdefender has cemented itself as number one a few years back and it holds that status even today. It has top-of-the-game virus protection, an incredible amount of features, safepay banking online protection and it is amazingly cheap. Its downside we could say is that it can be annoying sometimes, especially if you set it to maximum protection and paranoid mode. In this case, it will often ask what to do and how to behave leading to minor annoyances.
  2. Norton antivirus

    Norton antivirus is well known to older computer users, this package has been around a long time and it is our pick for closest one to challenge top place because of its packed features. The number of features it has are really stunning and it comes also with great and maybe best-browsing protection of all candidates. It also has a backup tool bundled with it but the reason why it is in the second place is that it is taxing to the system and can have a real impact on computer performance. Great protection is important, but so it is working on it without slowdowns.
  3. Kaspersky

    Another one of the old antivirus software on the list. Kaspersky Lab was once top tier antivirus software but it dropped down due to its high prices, later they have changed their pricing to be more in trend with other rival companies but many have switched to something else. Today it still packs one of the best antivirus engines with fast and configurable scans. It also has very impressive anti-ransomware features but sadly most of the things it just simply does for you leaving you to fully trust it since you cannot really configure much. It is not in step with new technologies and it is lacking some features like support for the Chrome browser that places it lower in our ranking.
  4. Trend Micro antivirus

    The biggest sell point for this antivirus application is probably its ease of use and user-friendliness. It also packs a great antivirus engine and impressive anti-ransomware performance but sadly it comes with very limited configurability and somewhat lack of features comparing it with the top three entries. Never the less a very user-friendly application that you can configure without knowing any kind of tech talk, everything is laid out in simple English.
  5. Avira

    Perhaps best known for its free version, Avira has a premium one that is well better worth than the free version. Strong suites of this software are mostly aimed at the internet with its great anti-phishing and web protection along with a low price for all of its features. Sadly in the domain of virus protection, there are some reports from independent websites that its antivirus engine is not so great, it will offer you moderate protection but not the best.
  6. Webroot Secure Anywhere

    If you are on the lookout for software that has a great virus database and plenty of features but is also incredibly light weighted and fast then look no further, Webroot Secure Anywhere is an application for you, incredibly fast and incredibly small is a great solution for older machines. It keeps all of its databases up in the cloud and this feature among its great advantages is also its greatest disadvantage since if you are out of the internet you will not be able to have the latest virus definitions available to you making this tool very situational.
  7. Avast

    Avast has many great protection features and it is very highly configurable. The firewall comes also in its premium edition and it offers great virus protection including a file shredder and awesome WI-FI inspector for an extra layer of security. This package would be higher on the list if it was not for its lack of WEB protection and its tool on the system resources.
  8. Sophos home antivirus

    Lack of features and somewhat strange user interface are downsides of this software but on its positive side it has good antivirus engine and its user interface is very friendly. Where it shines though is in its price, for one affordable price you get protection for 10 devices making this option a great choice for anyone wanting to protect more devices or just use a single license for the whole family.
  9. ESET antivirus

    Greatly configurable antivirus software with tons of options and very light on system resources makes ESET one of the best out there. Virus engine and database is also top tier but some testing labs have reported that protection offering is not really what it is advertised and if we talk about its strong suite of a great many options and configurations it is at the same moment its downside since it is not very friendly to novice and beginner users.
  10. McAfee antivirus

    McAfee antivirus comes in its package with unlimited VPN service and if we take look at the top tier pricing plan it is a great investment. Sadly for its entry-level price, it covers only a single device and it was reported that it packs little outdated virus engine if we compare it with its rivals. Nevertheless, it still offers good virus protection and if you take into account the VPN that comes with it, it can find its users.

Conclusion

No matter which antivirus you choose you will not go wrong, after all any protection is way better than none.
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Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900403
Running the Windows Update service does not always go well as from time to time, you could encounter some errors when using it. One of these errors is the Windows Update Error 0xc1900403. In such cases, you will see the following error message under the Windows Update section:
“There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later, If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help – 0xc1900403”
The log files displayed in the error message may include, “0XC1900403 – MOSETUP_E_UA_CORRUPT_PAYLOAD_FILES”. This indicates that the payload files are corrupted which is why you’re getting the Windows Update Error 0xc1900403 and to fix it, you can try to restart your computer and install the updates again or reset the Windows Update-related folders. You could also run the Windows Update troubleshooter or use either the Standalone Installer or the Media Creation tool. For more details, refer to each one of the options provided 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 0x80240034. There are cases where the issue resolves on its own as it could just be some simple network or PC error.

Option 2 – Delete the contents in the Software Distribution folder and Catroot2 folder

  • Open the WinX Menu.
  • From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  • After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and the MSI Installer
  • Next, go to the C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:
  • Type each one of the following commands.
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  • After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer, and then try to run Windows Update once more.

Option 3 – Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update Error 0xc1900403. 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.

Option 4 – Try to use the Media Creation tool

The Media Creation tool in Windows allows you to use the ISO installation file to make a bootable device that you can use to install Windows on your PC. Note that this is kind of different from the usual installation process as it could erase your computer’s current settings and data on the primary drive. Thus, before you proceed, you need to backup all your data into some removable drive and then use the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable drive.
  • After making the bootable drive, you need to plug it into your computer and then reboot.
  • Next, tap the F10 or Esc key to open the boot options.
  • Now set the boot priority of the removable drive the highest. Once the setup comes forth, follow the next onscreen instructions and install Windows without any problems.
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Identify resource hogging applications
Resource hogging is a term when one single application or few of them are taking all system resources for themself causing extreme slow down in the computer and nonresponsiveness. It can be a very frustrating and time-consuming experience and it can cost you money if you can not finish work on time due to this effect. I believe that everyone has experienced at least one slowdown in their IT carrier because of resource-hogging applications and most users do not know how to deal with this. We are here to help you with this issue. Just to be aware that this method shown here is not a method to miraculously speed up your PC or anything similar, this is to be able to detect and recover from extreme slowdowns. Hardware components are still very important and if you can upgrade your computer if it is outdated, please do it because new applications will require a more modern system, and not any kind of tips and tricks will save you from outdated hardware.

Identifying resource hogging app

Now when we got that out of the way let's talk about slowdowns, it is no secret that sometimes an application has bugs and memory leaks that can cause this kind of behavior, and sometimes the application simply takes up too much memory for any other application to work normally. The most simple and straightforward way is to bring up a Windows task manager and inspect running applications and services. You can bring task manager by the key combination of CTRL + SHIFT + ESC If the system is in deep memory deficit you will have to wait for the task manager to open and show itself on-screen. Once opened, click on more details if that view is not opened by default. Once the view expands you will see all running applications with how much RAM memory have they taken and how much CPU they are using.

What to do with app?

Now you are presented with a choice on what to do with the problematic application. If you press the end task button on the bottom right, Windows will kill the application and its processes but any unsaved work inside the application will be lost and unrecoverable in most cases. Or you can try to remove smaller applications running to free up more memory and CPU in order for the computer to catch up. Any choice you make is up to you, but be very careful not to kill Windows essential service by mistake, that will cause immediate system instability with high chances of a system crash.
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DuckDuckGo for better privacy
Many of us are taking the google search engine for granted and it is no true that it has crawled in almost every spore of our digital lives but if we wanted a little more privacy? Do we have options or we are destined to use google and send our information to this company. What if we really wanted that our searches are well safe, secure, and private? We could try other search engines like BING but since BING belongs to Microsoft we would exchange only one company for another without making any progress in the privacy battle. Enter DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that’s been online since 2008. Find websites, maps, videos, news, and more without tracking your searches and serving you targetted ads. It took DUckDuckGo as you can tell sometimes to gain ground and to be recognized but finally, it got the attention it deserves. Its big breakthrough happened in September of 2014 when Apple offered it as a default search engine in Safari and since it has gained more and more ground. It seems people care about their privacy after all. Since then DuckDuckGo has been gaining ground and all the major browsers have integrated it as an option for a default search engine. In this article, we will show you how to switch to DuckDuckGo and set it as your preferred search engine in all major browsers.
  1. Google Chrome

    Launch Chrome and click on the three dots in the upper right. Choose settings. Choose Search engine in the list on the left of the screen. Click on the drop-down box next to Search engine used in the address bar and choose DuckDuckGo.
  2. Mozilla Firefox

    Launch Firefox, click on the three lines hamburger menu icon in the top-right corner of the window. Click on Preferences. Click on Search in the menu to the left of the screen. Under Default Search Engine, click the drop-down box and choose DuckDuckGo.
  3. Microsoft Edge

    Click on the three dots menu button in the top-right corner of the window Then select Settings. Click on Privacy, Search and Services in the menu that appears on the left Scroll down to the Services menu and choose Address bar and search. Click the dropdown menu next to Search engine used in the address bar and choose DuckDuckGo.
  4. Apple Safari

    Click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen Then click Preferences. You can also use the Command+, shortcut to quickly bring up Safari’s Preferences. Click on the Search tab, then choose DuckDuckGo under the Search engine drop-down box.
  5. Opera

    Click on the Settings cog button in the sidebar on the left of the screen. Under Basic settings scroll down until you see Search engine and a drop-down box. Select DuckDuckGo from the list.
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Moving mouse pointer via the keypad in W11
windows 11 mouse pointerIn Windows 11 if you do not own a mouse or it has suddenly malfunctioned you can still move your arrow on-screen using the numeric pad. In this guide, we will guide you on how to turn this option ON, follow this easy guide step by step.
  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings
  2. Click on Accessibility on left
  3. Scroll down to reach the interaction section on the right and click on Mouse
  4. Click on Switch beside Mouse keys under accessibility options
  5. Set your preferences
  6. Close settings
Settings will be as always automatically applied.
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How to Fix Windows 8 Error 0x80070490

Error Code  0x80070490 - What is it?

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

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

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

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

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

Further Information and Manual Repair

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

  1. Repair Corrupted Windows Files with System File Checker

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

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

  1. Perform Clean Boot

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

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

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

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

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

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

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

  1. Use DSIM or System Update Readiness Tool

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

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

  1. Use an Automated Tool

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

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Disabling Security Questions in Windows
We’ve already covered disabling Security Questions If you want to disable Security Questions on your Windows 10 computer then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you in doing exactly that. In this post, you will be disabling Security Questions using a PowerShell script. This PowerShell script is called “Update-AllUsersQA”. It is designed to remove or disable the security questions and answers for local users on a Windows 10 computer. It lets administrators take control of the security questions in the environment and at the same time minimizes the risk that comes with them. If a user has a Microsoft account that’s configured to sign in to Windows 10 then he will not probably notice the Password Recovery questions. On the other hand, if he has a chosen local account for installing Windows, he will e prompted to create three security questions that can be used to reset the password and log into the Windows 10 account in case there is any misfortune. However, if you do not have much use for these Security Questions, then you can definitely have them disabled using a simple PowerShell script which you can download from GitHub. For more details on how to disable security questions in a Windows 10 machine, refer to the steps provided below. Step 1: You need to first download the .ps1 file from the GitHub repository. Step 2: Once you’ve downloaded the file, open the PowerShell window with admin privileges. Step 3: After that, navigate to the folder where you had saved the .ps1 file. Then copy the address of the folder location. Step 4: Next, change the directory by using the following command:
cd "folder location address"
Step 5: After that, enter the following script to disable the security questions:
Update-AllUsersQA
Once you’ve completed the steps above, the Security Questions should be disabled and you will be notified with a message stating that the feature has been disabled. On the other hand, if you have a change of heart and you want to enable the Security Questions back, here are some steps you need to take: Step 1: First, open the PowerShell window as admin. Step 2: Next, run the same script with one more parameter such as:
Update-AllUsersQA -answer SecretAnswer
Step 3: And that’s about it. Do not forget to replace the Secret Answer with your preferred one and once you’re done, it will be set as the answer for all the Security Questions. Step 4: Now all that’s left to do is go to the Settings app to change the answer to the questions and you should be good to go.
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Bluetooth A2dp Source not working Code 52
A number of users have recently reported that they were going through an issue with their Bluetooth devices on their Windows 10 computers. This issue involves an error saying,
“Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (Code 52).”
If you are one of the users who encountered this kind of error on your Windows 10 computer, read on as this post will guide you on how you can fix this Bluetooth error. According to security experts, the key to fixing this error is to sign the Bluetooth A2DP files with the built-in tool, System File Checker. Apart from that, you could also run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter or perform System Restore, as well as update or reinstall the concerned drivers. For more details, refer to each one of the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to check Bluetooth-related services

In Services, there is a Bluetooth-related service that helps users use Bluetooth so if that particular service suddenly malfunctions for some reason, you will most likely get the “Windows was unable to connect with your Bluetooth network device” error message. That’s why you need to check Services and to do that, refer to these steps:
  • Tap Win + R keys to open Run prompt and type in “services.msc” then tap Enter to open Services.
  • Next, look for the Bluetooth Support Service and double click on it to open Properties.
  • From there, verify if the Service status is showing “Running” or “Stopped”. If it’s the latter, you have to click the Start button.
  • Lastly, check if the Startup type is set to Manual.

Option 2 – Try running System File Checker or SFC scan

You could also run System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the Bluetooth error. It is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
  • Reboot your PC.

Option 3 – Try to perform System Restore

You might also want to perform System Restore as the error might be caused by system modifications. Thus, to undo them, you can use System Restore. Run it using these steps:
  • First, tap 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 4 – Try running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The next thing you can do to fix the problem is to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. Although it won’t make much of a difference, there’s still a possibility that it could automatically fix the Bluetooth error. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 5 – Try to reinstall or update the Bluetooth driver

The issue might have something to do with the Bluetooth drivers. It could be that it is outdated and needs to be updated or that you recently updated it and since then you have trouble removing the Bluetooth devices and so to fix the issue, you can update, roll back or uninstall the Bluetooth drivers. How? Follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + X keys to open the Device Manager.
  • Next, look for the Bluetooth device and right-click on it.
  • Select the option “Update driver”.
  • After that, a new popup window will appear. In there, select the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Note: Checking the update may take a few minutes so you’ll have to wait until it finishes. If it is able to find an update, you must install it. And if you want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver, just select the “Uninstall driver” option and follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.
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