Logo

Remove ChatZum from Windows

ChatZum is a Potentially Unwanted Program that installs a Toolbar into your browser. This program allegedly allows users to zoom in on photos without clicking on them, however, upon further research, it was discovered that this function does not work on the latest version of browsers.

From the Author: ChatZum is a Browser add-on (toolbar) that enables its users to hover over images in Major Social network's websites and view a larger version of an image.

While installing this toolbar will track user web browsing sessions and will record website visits, clicks, and sometimes even personal information. This information is later used to display targeted ads to the user. To allow easier user tracking, the program changes the browser home page and default search engine to Nation Search Advanced, which injects additional advertisements and tracks user activity.

Several anti-virus applications have marked this program as Potentially Unwanted, and it is not recommended to keep it on your computer, especially considering the fact it will most likely not work on your browser.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever installed a free application or shareware, chances are high that the computer will get installed with a bunch of unwanted applications. A Potentially Unwanted Program, also called PUP, in short, is actually software that contains adware, installs toolbars, or has got other hidden objectives. These types of programs are generally bundled up with a free application that you download from the internet or may also be bundled inside the custom installers of many download websites.

PUPs aren’t always viewed as “pure” malware in the strictest sense. A fundamental difference between PUP and malware is distribution. Malware is normally dropped by silent installation vectors like drive-by downloads while PUP gets installed with the consent of the computer user, who knowingly or unknowingly approves the PUP installation on their computer system. But, there is no doubt that PUPs remain bad news for PC users as it could be quite dangerous to your computer in many ways.

The damage PUPs can do

The unwanted programs after installation display numerous annoying pop-up ads, trigger fake alerts, and sometimes even forces a computer owner to pay for the software. PUPs that come as browser add-ons and toolbars are commonly recognizable. These toolbars alter your homepage and your search engine in the installed web browser, track your web activities, modify your search results with redirects and sponsored links, and eventually slow down your browser and diminish your browsing experience.

Potentially unwanted programs use aggressive distribution methods to get onto your computer. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the adware, spyware, and keystroke loggers that could lurk inside. Even if the PUPs really aren’t inherently malicious, these applications still do practically nothing good on your PC – they’ll take valuable system resources, slow down your PC, weaken your computer security, making your PC more vulnerable to malware.

How to avoid ‘crapware’

• Read the EULA thoroughly. Look for clauses that state that you have to accept advertising and pop-ups or bundled applications from the company.
• Always opt for the custom if you’re offered an option between “Custom” and “Recommended” Installations – never ever click Next, Next, Next thoughtlessly.
• Use a good anti-malware application. Try Safebytes Anti-malware which can find PUPs and treat them as malware by flagging them for deletion.
• Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source applications, or shareware. Do not ever install software applications that seem shady or malicious.
• Always download applications from the original website. The majority of PUPs find their way onto your laptop or computer is via download portals, so steer clear of it altogether.

Remember the fact that even though PUPs could potentially cause damage and hinder the proper functioning of the PC, they can’t enter into your system without your consent, so be alert not to provide them with it.

How One Can Get rid of Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could potentially cause many kinds of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer, especially antivirus software. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. Even though this sort of problem can be tougher to circumvent, there are some steps you can take.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the issue

If the malware is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, stepping into safe mode could block the attempt. Just minimal required programs and services are loaded when you boot your computer in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below.

1) Tap the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts come up. This would invoke the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER.
3) When this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, obtain the malware removal program you want by utilizing the web browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard.
4) Right after installation, do a full scan and allow the software program to get rid of the threats it detects.

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Some malware mainly targets certain browsers. If this is your situation, employ another internet browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the best thing to do is to switch over to an alternate internet browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your chosen security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another technique is to download and transfer an antivirus application from a clean computer to run a scan on the infected computer. Follow these steps to run the anti-malware on the affected computer.
1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC.
2) Connect the flash drive to a USB slot on the clean computer.
3) Double click on the exe file to run the installation wizard.
4) Choose the USB stick as the location for saving the file. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish off the installation process.
5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected computer.
6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon.
7) Click the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Protect your PC from Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

If you are looking to install an anti-malware program for your PC, there are lots of tools in the market to consider nonetheless, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is a paid or free program. A few of them are great but there are several scamware applications that pretend as authentic anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to pick a company that develops industry-best anti-malware and it has earned a reputation as reliable. One of the highly recommended applications by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the safest program for Microsoft Windows.

SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time antivirus application that is made to assist the average computer user in protecting their PC from malicious internet threats. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your computer against infections brought on by various kinds of malware and other internet threats, including spyware, adware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

There are many wonderful features you’ll get with this particular security product. Listed below are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Active Protection: SafeBytes offers a completely hands-free active protection and is set to observe, block, and kill all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will check your PC for suspicious activity at all times and its unrivaled firewall shields your computer from illegal entry by the outside world.

Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is made to catch and remove threats that are concealed deep inside your PC.

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

Extremely Speed Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is among the fastest and most efficient in the industry. It's targeted scanning significantly increases the catch rate for viruses which is embedded in various computer files.

Lightweight: SafeBytes is really lightweight software. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it runs in the background which means you will not observe any computer performance difficulties.

24/7 Support: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you may get 24/7 expert assistance via chat and email.

To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers outstanding protection combined with an acceptable low system resources usage with both great malware detection and prevention. You now may realize that this particular tool does more than just scan and remove threats from your computer. You will get the best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes AntiMalware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to do the removal of ChatZum manually rather than using an automated software tool, you can follow these simple steps: Navigate to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add/Remove Programs” and there, choose the offending application to remove. In case of suspicious versions of web browser plug-ins, you can easily get rid of it through your web browser’s extension manager. You might also want to reset your home page and search providers, as well as delete browsing history, temporary files, and cookies.

If you choose to manually remove the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to make sure you know exactly what files to remove before undertaking any actions. Please note that only advanced users should try to manually edit the system files mainly because removing any single vital registry entry results in a serious problem or even a PC crash. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its removal. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.

Files:
Search And Delete:

tbcore3.dll
arrow_refresh.png
basis.xml
chatzum.dll
info.txt
inst.tmp
loaderie.js
suggestion_plugin.dll
TbCommonUtils.dll
tbcore3.dll
tbhelper.dll
TbHelper2.exe
uninstall.exe
uninstaller.exe
update.exe

Folders:
C:\Program Files\ChatZum Toolbar\
C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\gb5e8gtn.default\extensions\staged\ADFA33FD-16F5-4355-8504-DF4D664CFE83

Registry:
Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\ChatZum Toolbar
Key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ChatZum Toolbar

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

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

Share this article:

You might also like

How to Fix Modem Error 633
Modem Error 633 error is a dial-up error that usually occurs when using a USB modem with a Windows computer. The Modem Error 633 error message is displayed as the following:

“Error 633: The Modem is already in use or not configured properly.”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

This error can be triggered due to several reasons such as:
  • A software program conflicts with the USB modem
  • The modem is not configured properly
  • The Telephon.ini file is missing or damaged
  • There is some issue with the way Windows is managing the communication (COM) ports on your computer.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you experience the Modem Error 633 on your PC, you don’t have to panic. Though this error does not pose any major threats like data loss, it may hamper your ability to use the internet therefore it is advisable to resolve the error. Repairing the Modem Error 633 is quite easy. There are a number of ways to fix this error. So, let’s get started:

Solution 1: Delete Incompatible Software and Non-Present Modems

  • Click on the start menu and go to the ‘Control Panel’. Now choose the option ‘Phone and Modem’.
  • Here you will see three tabs, the dialing rules, modems, and advanced. Choose the tab ‘Modems’. As you click on it, you will see modems installed on your PC. To repair the Modem Error 633, select and remove all the incompatible software and modems that are not present and click ‘OK’.
  • Now to bring the changes into effect, restart your system with the modem plugged in and try connecting to the internet again.

Solution 2: Change the Communication Ports

If the error occurs because the modem is not properly configured, then this solution is possibly the best way to resolve this error. Here’s what you need to do:
  • Click on the Start menu and choose My Computer.
  • Now click on the option ‘Manage’ to open the Computer Management Window.
  • Once it opens, click the option ‘Device Manager and then expand the option modems. Click on Properties, then the Advanced tab, and the Advanced Port Settings button.
  • As you click on the Advanced Port Settings, then click on the COM Port Number drop-down box.
  • Choose a new Communication Port. However, make sure it is not already in use.
  • Once you make changes, click ‘OK’ and then restart your PC.
  • Now Open Device Manager again. Open the Modern Properties Window and then Click the Diagnostics tab.
  • After that view the command response window to verify if the error is fixed. If yes, then create a new dial-up connection and connect to the internet with ease.

Solution 3: Disable the Startup items

  • Another way to resolve Modem Error 633 on your PC is to go to the start menu and type ‘msconfig’ into the search box and then press ‘enter’.
  • Open the misconfig.exe program. As you open it, you will see 4 tabs, General, Boot, Service, Start-up, and Tools.
  • Now click on the ‘Start-up’, ‘Disable All’, and then press Apply.
  • After you press Apply, a window will pop up asking to restart the computer.
  • Confirm it and click restart.
  • Once the computer restarts now try connecting to the internet again. This will hopefully resolve the Modem Error 633.
Read More
Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard
In the latest news, Microsoft has reached a deal to purchase Activision Blizzard for 67.8 billion. Now franchises like Warcraft, Starcraft, Overwatch, Call of duty, Diablo are now the property of Microsoft and I am sure that some of these games we can expect to be included in the Xbox game pass. microsoft activision blizzardThis is the second large game company acquisition by Microsoft, Acquiring Bethesda first and a big hit to Sony since Xbox will now have more games in its catalog and as exclusives. Of course, the sale has to go through the standard closing conditions and completion of regulatory review and Activision Blizzard’s shareholder approval before it’s finalized. Assuming that all goes well, the deal is slated to be completed during the fiscal year 2023, which is July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
Read More
Cannot find a system image on this computer
If you are trying to restore your computer using a System Image that has been created by the Windows Backup and Restore tool but encountered an error message instead that says, “Windows cannot find a system image on this computer”, you’ve come to the right place as this post will walk you through in fixing this error. Here’s the complete context of the error message:
“Windows cannot find a system image on this computer, Attach the backup hard disk or insert the final DVD from a backup set and click Retry. Alternatively, close this dialog for more options.”
In the error message, you are offered two choices – to either Retry or Cancel the operation. You can try to select Retry to try again but you will most likely get the same error if you do so. This kind of error can occur if the name of the WindowsImageBackup folder or any of its sub-folders has been modified. On the other hand, this error can also pop up if this folder or any of its sub-folders have gone missing or have become corrupted. To resolve the error, you can try to move the WindowsImageBackup folder or check its sub-folders. You can also try to isolate the System Image file or rename the System Image folder or remove all the unwanted sub-folders as well as use Command Prompt in Repair mode.

Option 1 – Try to move the WindowsImageBackup folder

The WindowsImageBackup folder must be stored in the root of the volume where it is stored, in line with the functioning of the System Restore utility. For example, if the WindowsImageBackup folder is stored in the “C:/Backups/System Restore Backups/New” location, then you have to move it to the C: drive as well.

Option 2 – Try to check the subfolders of the WindowsImageBackup folder

The classification of folders and files plays an important part to restore in restoring a computer from a System Restore point. Thus, if have modified the names of any files or folders inside the WindowsImageBackup folder, then you need to set the defaults. After that, run System Restore again and check if it fixes the error.

Option 3 – Try to isolate the System Image file

If the System Image file is stored in a USB storage device along with various System Restore images, then it’s no wonder why you’re getting this error. To set things right, you have to make sure that the System Restore image you wish to restore your computer from, is the only one that’s present at the root of the USB storage device.

Option 4 – Try renaming the System Image folder

If you have renamed the System Image folder prior to running System Restore, then it is most likely the reason why you’re getting the “Windows cannot find a system image on this computer” error. This error pops up because the System Restore utility in Windows 10 looks out for the WindowsImageBackup folder so if you have renamed it, you need to change its name back to what it originally was to fix the error.

Option 5 – Try to remove all the sub-folders of the WindowsImageBackup folder

If you have stored some foreign files inside the WindowsImageBackup folder, you need to get rid of them right away and return the folder to its default state as this folder must be left alone and should not be meddled with if you want to run System Restore smoothly.

Option 6 – Try to use Command Prompt in Repair Mode

  • Open Command Prompt while your computer is in the Repair Mode.
  • Next, type and enter this command where you need to replace “<Partition Letter>” with your drive’s letter: dir <Partition Letter>
  • After you’ve found the WindowsImageBackup folder in any of the partitions, type and enter this command: dir <Parition Letter>WindowsImageBackup /s
  • The command you entered will display all the contents of the folder exceeding 10 GB in total size. You can check and confirm the integrity of the folder and if you find that the integrity is violated, then it is the reason why you’re getting the error.
Read More
There’s no Incognito Mode in Chrome
As you know, just like other web browsers, Google Chrome offers Incognito Mode or private browsing which you can use to make sure that your browsing activities are not being tracked by any websites you visit and it also keeps targeted ads at bay. On the other hand, signing in to a website, even when in Incognito Mode is a different thing since that website can track your browsing activities. Thus, Incognito Mode is still useful especially if you want to browse the web safely and without getting tracked except when you log in to some site. However, there have been reports recently that Incognito Mode is missing in Chrome and users are clueless as to how or why it happened. If you are one of them, worry not for this post will walk you through what you can do if there’s no Incognito Mode in Chrome on your Windows 10 computer. This is an unusual and strange issue since the Incognito Mode in Chrome is available by default and you don’t have to do anything to enable it. It is possible that there might be corruption in the Windows Registry which caused the disappearance of Incognito Mode, worry not though for there are some tweaks you can apply to restore the missing Incognito Mode. To apply these tweaks, you need to create first a System Restore point, and then once you’re done, follow the instructions provided below carefully. Step_1: Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. Step_2: Next, after opening the Registry Editor, navigate to this path – ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPolicies Step_3: From there, look for ChromePolicies and locate the DWORD named “IncognitoModeAvailability” and double click on it. Step_4: Edit the value of the “IncognitoModeAvailability” DWORD by changing its value from 1 to 0 so you can enable Incognito Mode in Chrome. Step_5: Once done, exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer and then check if you can now see Incognito Mode in Chrome. On the other hand, there is also another option that allows you to force open your Chrome browser in Incognito Mode. All you have to do is set the value of the “IncognitoModeAvailability” key to “2” instead of 0. This can be useful especially if you always browse the web in this mode. But you need to remember that you won’t be able to go back to the normal mode once you do this. Here are what the values of the IncognitoModeAvailability DWORD actually mean:
  • 0 – Incognito mode is enabled by default
  • 1 – Incognito mode is disabled
  • 2 – Chrome is forced to always open in Incognito mode
Read More
Windows 10 is stuck on Checking for updates
Over the years, the Windows 10 updates have smoothened but that does not mean that it no longer encounter some issues. One of these issues is when it gets stuck. As you know, Windows automatically checking for updates regularly or when you click the “Check for updates” button. However, if the Windows 10 update is taking forever and seems to be stuck, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on what you can do to resolve the problem. This kind of scenario in Windows Updates can be quite confusing especially since there is no response or any indication of what is really happening since you don’t know if the update is still downloading or if it’s already getting installed. To resolve this problem, there are several options you can check out. You can try to exit settings and restart your computer. You could also try to restart the services related to Windows Update or clear both the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders, as well as run a System File Checker scan. For more details follow each one of the given steps below.

Option 1 – Restart your computer

The most basic thing you can do to fix the problem is to restart your computer. It usually works in fixing common issues like the Windows Update getting stuck at the “Checking for updates” screen. However, if it didn’t work, proceed to the next given options below.

Option 2 – Reset Windows Update components

If the first two options did not work then you might want to reset the Windows Update components manually. Follow the steps below to reset them.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After that, type each one of the following commands and hit Enter after you key in one after the other.
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptsvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop msiserver
Note: The commands you entered will stop the Windows Update components such as Windows Update service, Cryptographic services, BITS, and MSI Installer.
  • After disabling WU components, you need to rename both the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. To do that, type each one of the following commands below, and don’t forget to hit Enter after you type one command after the other.
    • ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    • ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
  • Next, restart the services you’ve stopped by entering another series of commands. Don’t forget to hit Enter after you key in one command after the other.
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptsvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver
  • Close Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Option 3 – Try checking Services Dependencies

Dependencies of a Windows Service in Windows 10 are when windows services depend on other services. Such is the case with the Windows Update service – it also depends on three different services such as the Remote Procedure Call or RPC service, DCOM Server Process Launcher, and the RPC Endpoint Mapper. Meaning to say, if two of these services are not working as expected, then the dependent service will also be affected. This could be the reason why the Windows Update service could not start.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
  • From the list of Services, look for the following services:
    • Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Service
    • DCOM Server Process Launcher
    • RPC Endpoint Mapper
  • After you find these services, double click on each one of them and check whether the Startup type for all is set to Automatic and the Service status is set to Running or not.
  • If the service status is not running, then click the Start button. Afterward, check if you can now run the Windows Update service.

Option 4 – Check the Background Intelligent Service and the Cryptographic Service

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open Services.
  • From the list of Services, look for the following services and make sure that their Startup type is as follows:
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service – Manual
    • Cryptographic Service ­– Automatic
  • After that, check if the Service status of the listed services above is set to Running. If they’re not, click on the Start button to start these services and then check if you can now enable the Windows Update service or not.

Option 5 – Try running the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be the cause why your screen is stuck at “Checking for updates”. 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.
Read More
Removing BEEP when adjusting volume in Windows
I often switch between my desktop speakers and headphones and because of this I very often use the volume adjustment bar to adjust sound levels so it is not too loud and each time when I set it I get annoying BEEP at the end. Now personally this might not bother you and you might want to leave it since it can be a useful feature to tell you how much volume is loud but if you are adjusting multiple times volume during the say it can become really frustrating to hear it each time, especially when switching to headphones and it beeps into your ears. In this guide, I will show you how to remove the beep so it is not heard anymore when you adjust the volume. Please know that beep is part of the Windows sound scheme and you can either remove specific sound with a completely silent wave or just turn off all windows alert sounds.
  • Open Windows settings and go to system > sound
  • in system sound, go to the right part of the screen and click on the sound control panel
  • In the sound control panel click on the Sounds tab
  • In the sounds, tab click on the drop-down menu under the sound scheme and choose no sounds.
There you go! You have successfully removed annoying BEEP each time you adjust the volume in Windows 10
Read More
Setting default applications in Windows 11
Setting default applications in Windows 11Same as in previous Windows versions, Windows 11 will also use certain applications as default ones for opening certain file types and file extensions. And yes, same as in previous versions it will come preconfigured for certain file types and associated applications like for example photos for pictures. Of course, users usually have their own favorite applications for certain file types and much more prefer to open them inside the application of their choice instead of the default one. We can change the default application like in previous Windows versions but this time there are two ways and overall more control of this process. Windows 11 has settings for choosing default file type applications and default file extension applications giving you more control of this process.

The opening setting for apps

Whatever you wish to change default application or default extension application you will need to open settings for default application. Follow steps to quickly go into it.
  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
  2. Select Apps on left
  3. On the right part select Default Apps
Now you are in settings for choosing default applications

Choosing default application by file type extension

This is considering by Microsoft as a typical way to set default applications inside Windows 11. Once you are inside the settings app there is a box labeled Enter a file type or link type. Inside the search box, type in file extension that you wish to associate the application with like .JPG, .TXT, or other. If the file extension is not associated with any application you will be presented with a Choose a Default button, if however, the file extension is already associated with the app, you will need to click on the app box itself. In any case, a pop-up will appear and ask How do you want to open YOUR FILE EXTENSION files from now on? Choose Application from the list of presented ones and click on OK.

Choosing default file type

Another method is to select the default application by file type selecting application for it. In the settings screen, under the search box, you will have a list of installed applications. Choose the application that you would like to associate a file type with and click on it. On the next details screen scroll down and select the file type that you want to associate with the selected application and click on OK.

Other/third method

There is also the third method for choosing the default application for file type but it includes some surfing on your hard drive and it can be more time-consuming for first-time settings. But it is fairly quick when you need to only use it once on some new file type (for example you have a new application installed and want to switch just one file type extension to that application). Locate the file that you want to associate with the application and right-click on it. Select Open With from the menu and then Choose Another App. Pop up will appear, select the application that you would like to use, and check the box beside Always use this app to open CHOOSEN EXTENSION files followed by clicking on the OK button.
Read More
Upcoming Windows 11 features

Coming in October for insiders and in November for all in the update, Microsoft has prepared a series of updates which they call an "additional set of experiences"

These updates are looked upon by Panos Panay, a vice executive president at Microsoft & chief product officer for Windows and devices as sort of makeup tests. They will consist of new additions with the biggest one being a tabbed version of File Explorer.

windows 11 transparency off

File Explorer received a UI makeover in the last update but the tabbed interface was missing which was expected by many users so it will come in following the next update.

The rest of the features that we will receive are an updated Photos application, Suggested Actions in the Windows Shell, Overflow menu for the taskbar, and improved Nearby Share.

The tabbed File Explorer interface is essentially File Explorer’s version of Sets, the tabbed window interface that Microsoft tested out several years ago. In testing, the tabbed interface proved handy for moving and copying files, and we’d expect the same once the feature formally goes live. The difference between Sets and the tabbed File Explorer interface is Sets allowed for multiple applications to be clustered together via tabs.

Photos app will include a “new photos-managing experience that brings a gorgeous gallery, simplifying browsing, finding, management and consumption of your collection of photos.” It will allow “easy backup to OneDrive” and a “delightful Memories experience.”

As for other features, nothing specifically was said except giving just some tips on what will they bring, it is obvious that File Explorer and the photos app were the main focus for MS in this upcoming update.

Read More
A Quick Guide to Fixing Error 577

Error 577 - What is it?

This is a typical system error code. It stops your ability to run or load programs on your PC. The error message is displayed in the following format:
‘Windows cannot verify the digital signature for this file.
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.’

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error 577 may be triggered due to several reasons. However, the most common causes of this error include:
  • Device Driver Conflicts
  • Hardware Malfunction
  • Viral Infection
  • Windows Registry Corruption or Damage
  • Software File Corruption or Damage
Error 577 can prove to be fatal if the underlying causes are related to viral infection or registry corruption.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve error 577 on your PC, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars on repair. The process for fixing this error is simple and easy. Here are some of the best and efficient methods to repair error 577 - no technical expertise is required.

Method 1 - Check and Update Device Drivers

If the problem is triggered by the outdated or corrupted driver for the device reporting the error then it is advisable to update the driver. To do this, first, uninstall the corrupted driver and then reinstall the latest version. For this simply click the start menu, go to the control panel and then click Performance and Maintenance, and then System. In the new window, you will then see a tab called Hardware and the Device Manager. Double click on the device whose driver you need to uninstall. Click on the properties window with a tab marked driver. Then click on the driver you want to uninstall. To activate changes reboot your PC. Now reinstall the latest and updated version of the driver uninstalled using the Plug and Play feature.

Method 2 - Scan For Viruses

System error codes like 577 can also pop up if your PC is infected by viruses. Viruses enter through phishing emails and downloadable files from unreliable websites. If the reason for error 577 is a viral infection, then simply install a powerful antivirus, run it to scan your entire PC. Remove all the viruses and malicious programs immediately to resolve. If the issue still persists, then try method 3.

Method 3 - Repair the Registry

Sometimes registry corruption can be the underlying cause for error 577. The registry is the part that saves all activities performed on the system. It stores both important and unnecessary files like junk files, cookies, and bad registry entries. If these files are not removed from the registry frequently, they accumulate and corrupt the registry which then generates system error codes. To resolve and repair the registry in seconds, simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Repair Tool embedded with a registry cleaner. It wipes away all unnecessary files corrupting the registry and repairs it. Click here to download Restoro.
Read More
How to Fix Windows Activation Error Code 0xc004f050

Error Code 0xc004f050 – What is it?

Error code 0xc004f050 refers to a problem with activating the Windows key. The problem appears when you try to activate a copy of Windows by using Windows Activation wizard. This happens when the system becomes unstable and critical system files start missing. Though Windows 10 is a free upgrade for Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 users, the activation error is still an issue. If you already had Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 activated and did an upgrade successfully, then there should be no problem. This Problem Occurs only when you do a clean install.

Symptoms

When you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7 by using the Windows Activation wizard, you receive an error similar to the one below:
An error has occurred Code: 0xC004F050 Description: The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

  • This causes due to an invalid product key.
  • This problem may occur if the license validity interval has expired, or if the license is not signed correctly.
  • Error Code 0xc004f050 occurs when the system becomes unstable and critical system files start missing.
  • Improper way of installing, deletion of some very important system files, misconfigured system files, etc. may also cause this error.
  • When you do a clean install, it wipes everything from the Primary Drive and after the install, windows can't find the Hardware ID which is used to verify your license.
  • For Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista-based computers, this error may occur if you have entered the key for a beta version of the operating system while using the released version of the operating system.

Further Information and Manual Repair

This error is not something that can be fixed in seconds but will require some time and technical knowledge.

Method 1:

Re-insert the product key by using the Change Product Key tool:
  1. Click Start, click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar.
  2. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.
  3. If you are prompted for an administrator password, type the password or click Continue.
  4. In the Product key box, type the product key, and then click Next.
  5. Follow the steps in the Windows Activation Wizard to complete the activation process.

Method 2:

Activate Windows by using the automated telephone system:
  1. Click Start, and then click Computer.
  2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation
  3. If you are prompted for an administrative password, type it and click Continue.
  4. Click Show me other ways to Activate.
  5. Click Use the automated phone system and follow the instructions.

Method 3:

  1. Clean install Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 using the installation disk and activate your copy.
  2. Now, download all the updates to see the Windows 10 Upgrade notification or download Windows Media Creation Tool and use the option Upgrade this PC to get Windows 10 right away.
  3. Once the upgrade is done, check the Activation Status. It will be fully activated as it should be. The Error code 0xc004f050 should not appear anymore.
If you want to get rid of the old Windows installation folder, then use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a Flash Drive. Clean Install Windows 10. Now, every time when it asks for a product key, skip it. After installation is complete, Windows will automatically identify and activate your Copy. NOTE: Clean Install will make Sure you cannot roll back to your previous Windows 7 or Windows 8. So do it only if you are confident of using Windows 10 from here on. To verify the Windows activation status, follow these steps:
  • Click the Start button, and then click Computer.
  • Click System properties on the toolbar, and then view the activation status in the Windows activation section.
Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status