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Disable Privacy Settings Experience at sign-in

Creating a new Windows 10 account comes with options related to privacy. For instance, you will see the options to disable or enable Speech recognition, Find my device, Location service, Inking & typing, and many more. And if you often have to create a test account in Windows 10 v1809 and you don’t want to give this option, you can just disable the Privacy Settings Experience at sign-in on your Windows 10 PC using a couple of instructions given in this guide.

To disable the Privacy Settings Experience, you can use the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. But before you get started, you need to log in as an administrator. Moreover, it would also be better if you create a backup copy of the Registry files as well as create a System Restore Point before you make any changes. After you have those things covered, refer to the steps given below to disable the Privacy Settings Experience at sign-in on your Windows 10 PC. Since there are two ways to get things done, choose one option that you prefer.

Option 1 – via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsOOBE
  • From there, look for the OOBE value and if you can’t find it there, you can just create it. To do so, right-click on the Windows key and select New > Key, and then name it “OOBE”.
  • After that, right-click on the OOBE value and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value, and name it “DisablePrivacyExperience”.
  • Then double click on DisablePrivacyExperience and set its value to “1”.
  • Now exit the Registry Editor and restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Option 2 – via the Group Policy Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • After that, navigate to this path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OOBE
  • Next, look for a setting named “Don’t launch privacy settings experience on user login” located on your right-hand side and then double click on it and select Enabled.
  • Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
  • Restart your PC.

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5 Common Windows 11 Issues You Can Solve Super Quickly

It really sucks when you can’t fully enjoy the newest version of your favorite OS.

Windows 11 is still relatively fresh and consequently has some annoying little bugs that really ruin our experience. The good news is that you’re not alone and most of them are easy to fix.

Here are 5 commonly reported Windows 11 issues and what you can do to get rid of them.

1. Windows 11 audio problems

One of the absolute most irritating things in the world is struggling with the sound on your computer. Windows 11 users have reported facing the issue of low or no sound. If you’re currently experiencing the same frustration, you can be relieved. Chances are fixing it will only take a few minutes.

The first thing to check would be whether you accidentally muted your device by pressing the mute button on your keyboard. Yes, we know it sounds a lot like the old “have you tried turning it off and on again?” But it’s important to leave no stone unturned, and the most obvious things are usually the ones we easily overlook.

Moreover, if you have several audio output sources, check whether the right one is selected. You can do this via the Action Center or through Settings. If you want to use the same source every time, we also recommend you set it as the default one.

It’s also important to have a good, up-to-date audio driver. More often than not, this will be the true cause of your audio struggles. Make sure to update your driver, and if that doesn’t work out, you can always un- and reinstall it or install a different one. 

Lastly, if all attempts remain unsuccessful, run the audio troubleshooter to figure out what’s actually going wrong.

2. Unable to find files

Such a powerful new operating system, yet it can’t seem to do the simplest thing imaginable? The File Explorer not responding on Windows 11 is one of the most frustrating and most common problems with Microsoft’s newest iteration of its awesome OS.

However, 9/10 times it can be fixed by simply restarting your PC. You could also try killing the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager and then rerunning it.

If these don’t help, check whether there are any pending Windows 11 updates. A single missing update can compromise your PC’s functionality, so always make sure to install them all on time. 

Should none of that work, then there are other ways to solve the File Explorer problem. However, then the issue is probably a bit deeper and it’s no longer in the ‘easy fix’ territory.

3. Start menu not working

Just like the File Explorer, the Start menu is a fundamental element of your OS. So, it’s only natural that its malfunction grinds your gears. It may be more customizable than on previous Windows versions, but it doesn’t always work smoothly. 

If you’re facing the so-called Start menu critical error, there are a few things this could be caused by. Usually it means you turned off your system while an important update was still being installed, there is a corrupt file on your PC, or Windows forcefully stopped a program. 

Whatever the reason, the solution should be pretty simple. Try the basic steps: restarting your File Explorer (like we explained above) and signing out and back into your account. If that doesn’t do anything, you may want to try uninstalling third-party start menu apps (if you have any), since they can interfere with your default programs’ functionality.

Now, those are the easy fixes. If you get nowhere with them, you might need to identify the root cause and search for more complex solutions than that.

4. Snipping tool not working

Our beloved screenshot tool was introduced with Windows 10 and Microsoft decided to keep it. However, you were probably just as disappointed as us when you tried to run it and failed. 

Normally, this can be fixed by installing the latest Out-of-band (OOB) update, or even pending updates in general. Even if your system appears to be up-to-date, run the checker just in case.

Another cool thing Windows 11 lets you do is ‘Repair’ and ‘Reset’, which is the easiest way to troubleshoot your Snipping tool. If this fails, you can also try the good old un- and reinstall method. Simply uninstall the tool through the Control Panel and reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.

Furthermore, in the case of an upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, it may be that the old Snipping tool version is interfering with the launch of the new one. If you don’t care that much about the additional options available with the enhanced screenshot tool, you can use the old version instead.

Simply go to your C Drive, find the Windows.old folder, search for the tool and open it from there. Make sure to pin it to your taskbar as well, if you know you’re going to use it often.

5. Can’t install the latest update

The latest Windows 11 version, 22H2, has brought tons of enhancements to our dearest operating system. Unfortunately, a lot of users still haven’t had the opportunity to experience it. A mere update of your OS version should be the one thing that goes smoothly, but sometimes that’s not the case.

Failure to install 22H2 can be caused by a few things. Most commonly, the issue is caused by lack of storage space or corrupted files, but there could be other culprits.

There are a couple of things you could try. For example, it’s crucial that your drivers be up-to-date and some important services be enabled. These are: Windows Modules Installer, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, Windows Update services.

To enable them, search ‘Services’, find the service you need and right-click on it. Open ‘Properties’ and select the startup type ‘Automatic’.

It may also be necessary to unplug all peripherals that aren’t crucial and disable third-party antivirus tools until after the update is finished. 

Ultimately, you can run the Windows Update troubleshooter to detect and fix other possible issues.

Summary

Tiny bugs like these are nothing out of the ordinary. That said, we still all hate when they happen.

Hopefully some of our solutions have helped you to a smoother Windows 11 experience. But if you’re still struggling, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help!

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Fix Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211
If you got an Activation Error 0xC004F211 after having installed or upgraded your Windows 10 PC, then this indicates that some hardware in your computer has changed which’s causing the error to pop up. Windows might not be able to determine if the key is used on a new computer or if it’s still the same one if you have just removed or upgraded old hardware. But worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211 on your Windows 10 computer. When you encounter this error, you will see the following error message on your screen:
“Cannot activate Windows 10. Try activating again later. If that doesn’t work, contact support. Error code: 0xC004F211.”
Note that although hardware changes cause this error, the minor ones don’t really cause any issues with activation, however, if you have made any significant hardware change such as replacing your motherboard, it will most likely cause the activation error. In such cases, the Windows Activation system will treat this as new hardware and you will need a new license for that. Even if your Windows 10 computer has a genuine key, it might still fail to get activated which results in the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211. Thus, before you do other troubleshooting steps, you need to run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter first. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Go to Settings and then select Activation.
  • After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.
In addition, there is an exception offered by Microsoft – if you are connected to a Microsoft account prior to the hardware change, then you can most certainly use the same license key to reactivate Windows 10 again. Microsoft calls this an “Exception path” which should be fixed easily by the Windows Activation Troubleshooter as pointed out earlier. However, if the Windows Activation Troubleshooter isn’t able to resolve the error you can try purchasing a new license. In such rate case, even if you do have a Microsoft account available on your Windows 10 computer, and if Windows was never activated, this solution will not work. And if you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows 10 computer prior to the major hardware change, then your only option left is to purchase a new license. For you to do that here are some steps you can follow.
  • To purchase a new Windows license, the first thing you have to do is click on the Start button > Settings > Update & Security.
  • From there, go to Activation and select the “Go to Microsoft Store” option.
  • After receiving your new license, you need to go back to Update & Security then go to Activation and select the “Change product key” option.
  • Now update your Windows 10 computer using the new key and it should automatically activate your computer.
  • Next, you have to create a Microsoft account or connect your existing local account to your online account.
  • Once the system links the key and the account, you need not buy a new license in case something like this happens again.
Note: If you are an IT administrator, you need to keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your computer. Moreover, if you don’t see any option to reactivate the license, and it is a work computer, you need to contact your organization’s tech support.
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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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DiskPart has encountered an error
As you know, Diskpart is a useful utility that helps in managing the disks in a computer. It is a very useful tool that even when the GUI-based disk management tools in Windows 10 operating system fails, the Diskpart utility still tends to work. However, it also does not mean that this utility does not experience issues as it still does, from time to time. One of the issues you may encounter when using the Diskpart utility is when you encounter an error message that says, “DiskPart has encountered an error, Access is denied”. This kind of error in the Diskpart utility could be caused by a number of factors. For one, it could be that the Write-Protection is enabled on the drive where the operating is being performed or it could also be that the Command Prompt terminal does not have administrator-level permissions to carry out the command. Thus, you can try to run the Diskpart utility again but this time with admin privileges or you could also remote the Write-Protection from the concerned drive. For more details, refer to the instructions given below.

Option 1 – Try running Command Prompt with Administrator-level permissions

  • In the Start Search, type “command prompt” and from the search results that appear, look for Command Prompt.
  • Once you found it, right-click on it and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After that, try to execute the Diskpart operation once again and see if you still encounter the same error.

Option 2 – Try to remove the Write Protection from the drive

As mentioned, removing the Write-Protection on the concerned drive could also help you fix the problem and there are two ways to get rid of the write protection – you can either use the Diskpart utility or the Registry Editor. How? Refer to the following steps.

Via Diskpart utility:

  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges and then type the “diskpart” command and tap Enter to execute it.
  • Next, type “list disk” and tap Enter to get the list of all the Disk connects or all the partitions that are formed on those disks.
  • After that, you need to choose one command depending on the list of commands you entered. Type “select disk #” and tap Enter to select the disk or partition you want to select.
  • Then type “attribute disk clear readonly” and tap Enter to Disable the Write Protection on the selected disk or partition.

Via Registry Editor:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “Regedit” in the field and then tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to the following registry key:
ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStorageDevicePolicies
  • After that, look for the DWORD named “WriteProtect” and double click on it, and then set its Value Data to “0”.
  • Now restart your computer and see if the problem is now fixed or not.
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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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How to Fix Windows Store Error Code 0x80240017

Error Code 0x80240017 – What is it?

Error code 0x80240017 is associated with installing or updating a Windows Store app. This error is more common in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. It appears due to missing certain system files and also corrupt registry.

Common symptoms

  • When you try to install a Windows Store app on a PC running Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, or Windows Server 2012 R2, the installation fails and you receive an error message: 0x80240017
  • Certain apps may become unresponsive.
  • You may not be able to download apps or Windows update
  • You may have difficulty updating or installing and uninstalling other built-in programs inside Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
  • When you have multiple applications running, you may experience crashes and freezes.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The error code 0x80240017 in Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 usually appears due to the fact that your system has changed after you installed a third-party application. It might also appear if registry entry has changed after a reboot of the operating system and you do not have the required permissions. Other causes may be due to:
  • Corrupted, broken, or missing system files.
  • Malware/spyware infection or virus attack
  • Hardware/RAM decline
  • Fragmented file
  • Unnecessary or redundant program installations

Further Information and Manual Repair

Repairing Error Code 0x80240017 in Windows 8/Windows 8.1

Method 1:

Resetting Windows Store app:
  1. Press and hold the Windows key and press R. This will open up the Run command
  2. Now, type exe and hit Enter
  3. Just wait for it to finish and it will re-launch Windows Store. Now, try and install the app you were trying to install which was previously showing an error.
This basic solution will delete the cache and reset Windows Store.

Method 2:

Using Windows troubleshooter:
  1. Click on Search on the Charm bar and type Troubleshooting. Click on the very first option.
  2. A new window will open. Click View all from the left pane.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Windows update.
  4. Troubleshooter window for Windows update will pop up. Click on NEXT. It may ask you for administrative permission.
  5. The troubleshooter will automatically detect problems and fix them.
  6. Now, close this window and try download/install the app which was previously showing an error.

Method 3:

Disable Proxy Settings: Disable proxy server on Internet Explorer
  1. Press the Windows + R Run window will appear.
  2. Type cpl and hit Enter
  3. Click the Connections tab and click LAN settings
  4. Under proxy server uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN”
  5. Click OK
Now try to install apps from Windows Store.

Method 4:

Boot in Safe Mode:
  1. Open Run command as previously described
  2. Type MSConfig
  3. Click on the Boot tab
  4. Tick Safe boot in Boot option
  5. Select Network
  6. Click Apply and OK
  7. Reboot your system
Your system will boot in Safe mode with Networking. You may now try and open Windows Store and should not see any errors.

Method 5:

Note: It is recommended that you back up your files and folders before attempting this step:
  1. Move the mouse cursor over to the upper right side of the screen.
  2. A menu will pop up on the left. Click on the “Settings” feature on the menu.
  3. On the Settings window, click on the “Change PC settings.”
  4. Now, left-click on the “Update and recovery” feature.
  5. For the next step, left-click on the “Recovery” feature.
  6. There is an option here saying “Refresh your PC without affecting your files.” There, left-click on the “Get started” button.
  7. Now, follow the instructions on the screen to finish the Refresh process.
  8. After the Refresh process has finished restart your Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 device.
  9. Check again to see if the error 0x80240017 has been fixed.
If you do not possess the technical expertise required to accomplish this yourself or do not feel comfortable doing so, download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.
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Easy PrivateSearchPlus Removal Guide

PrivateSearchPlus is a browser extension that redirects all your searches through yonto. This way the extension claims you are browsing privately.

From the author: Search the web without tracking your search history or any personally identifiable information Access quickly to popular websites with icons sliding from this homepage is easy speedy and accessed ..Google Search, Yahoo, Aol, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, and more from all world without login However, PrivateSearchPlus monitors your browsing activity, the websites you visit, the links you click, and stores personal information that is later sent to server ads. This extension changes your default search engine to Yonto, it displays additional unwanted ads, may display pop-up ads, and hijacks your home page. Several anti-virus scanners have classified this extension as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a type of unwanted program, commonly a web browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in web browser’s settings. There are several reasons why you might have a browser hijack; but commercial, marketing, and advertising are the main purposes for their creation. In general, hijackers are made for the benefit of internet hackers often through income generation from forced ad clicks and site visits. Nonetheless, it’s not that innocent. Your web safety is compromised and it is also very irritating. Browser hijackers could also allow other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

How to know if your browser has been hijacked

When your web browser is hijacked, the following might happen: your browser’s homepage is suddenly different; you see new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or pornography websites; the default browser settings have been changed, and/or your default search engine is altered; you see unsolicited new toolbars added; you notice numerous ads show up on your web browsers or display screen; webpages load slowly and at times incomplete; Inability to navigate to particular sites, especially antivirus and also other security software websites.

So how does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers might use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. They could also come from add-on applications, also referred to as browser helper objects (BHO), web browser extensions, or toolbars. Other times you may have unintentionally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Some of the most well-known hijackers are EasySearchPlus, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, OneWebSearch, Sweet Page, and CoolWebSearch. The presence of any browser hijacker malware on your system might drastically diminish the web browsing experience, monitor your internet activities that lead to major privacy concerns, produce system stability problems and ultimately cause your PC to slow down or to a nearly unusable state.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

Some browser hijacking could be quite easily stopped by finding and eliminating the corresponding malware program from your control panel. Sadly, many of the software programs used to hijack an internet browser are intentionally created to be hard to detect or remove. Inexperienced PC users shouldn’t ever try for the manual form of removal methods, as it demands thorough computer knowledge to do repairs on the computer registry and HOSTS file.

What to Do if Virus Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Anything?

Malware can cause all sorts of damage once they invade your PC, ranging from stealing your personal details to erasing data files on your computer. Certain malware types alter internet browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In these instances, you will be unable to visit certain or all websites, and therefore unable to download or install the necessary security software to get rid of the computer virus. So what to do if malware keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? There are some options you can try to get around with this particular problem.

Install in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in Safe Mode should avoid it. Since only the minimal applications and services start-up in “Safe Mode”, there are rarely any reasons for issues to take place. You will need to do the following to eliminate malware in Safe mode. 1) Press the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo appears. This will conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, make use of your web browser to download and install Safebytes. 4) After installation, run a complete scan and let the software program get rid of the threats it detects.

Obtain the antivirus program using an alternate web browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a specific browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. The best way to overcome this problem is to pick a browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating malware

Another method is to download and transfer an antivirus application from a clean computer to run a scan on the affected computer. Follow these steps to employ a flash drive to fix your corrupted computer. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Microsoft Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose a thumb drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you wish to install the software. Do as instructed on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, plug the pen drive into the infected system. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the thumb drive. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove malware automatically.

A Look at the Best Anti-Malware Program

To help protect your computer from various internet-based threats, it is very important to install an anti-malware program on your computer system. However, with so many anti-malware companies in the market, these days it is tough to decide which one you should obtain for your personal computer. A few are very good ones, some are ok types, while some are just fake anti-malware programs that can ruin your PC themselves! You have to pick a product that has got a good reputation and detects not only computer viruses but other sorts of malware as well. While considering the reliable applications, Safebytes Anti-Malware is certainly the strongly recommended one. SafeBytes is a highly effective, real-time anti-spyware application that is created to assist regular computer users in safeguarding their computers from malicious internet threats. With its cutting-edge technology, this software will allow you to get rid of several types of malware like computer viruses, PUPs, trojans, worms, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware takes computer protection to a totally new level with its advanced features. Some of them are given as below: Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes provides an entirely hands-free live protection that is set to check, prevent and get rid of all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also gives users advanced firewall protection. Anti-Malware Protection: Safebytes is based on the best virus engine within the industry. These engines can detect and eliminate threats even during the initial phases of a malware outbreak. Web Security: SafeBytes checks the links present on a webpage for possible threats and notifies you whether the website is safe to view or not, through its unique safety rating system. “Fast Scan” Abilities: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its enhanced scanning engine, offers extremely fast scanning which can promptly target any active online threat. Light-weight: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-to-use anti-virus and antimalware solution. As it uses very low computer resources, this tool leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. 24/7 Live Expert Support: For any technical questions or product support, you may get 24/7 professional assistance via chat and e-mail.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove PrivateSearchPlus 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 PrivateSearchPlus

Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREsupWPM HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWpm HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain Default_Page_URL HKEY_LOCAL_MachineSoftwareClasses[PUP.Private Search Plus] HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall[PUP.Private Search Plus]
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Fix Windows Update Error 0x80240034
There are cases when you encounter some issues while updating your Windows 10 computer. One of these issues is the error 0x80240034. This particular error is a Windows Update Error that appears on the Windows Update pane every time an update fails to install. When this happens, your Windows Update will only get stuck at 1% and nothing happens afterward and eventually fails. If you click on the View Installed Update History, you will see the error code 0x80240034 for the failed updates. You will see this error each time you try to update your Windows PC. Take note that this issue doesn’t only happen to a specific version of the Windows Update but on various different Windows builds based on many users. What’s more, is that some users are also seeing a different error code when their Windows Update fails but they still end up seeing the error code 0x80240034 when they check the Windows Update history. At the time of writing, it isn’t determined yet what really causes this error but it’s most likely due to some corrupted files in the computer which is why the most common solution you can try is resetting the Windows Update cache. On the other hand, other users also resolved the issue by using the ISO and selecting the “Do not keep previous settings” option during the Windows Update so it might be something to do with transferring the previous settings through the update client. For clear instructions in fixing this issue, refer to the two options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to clear the Windows Update Cache/Distribution Folder

As mentioned earlier, a lot of users tried clearing the Windows Update cache to fix the problem and so far it has worked. Like them, you can try clearing the Windows Update cache by simply deleting the contents of the folder named “SoftwareDistribution” since Windows apparently can’t clear and re-download the update contents once they are corrupted. Thus, deleting the contents of this folder will make Windows download the contents again which will fix the problem. To do that, follow the steps below.
  • Step 1: Tap the Windows key once.
  • Step 2: Next, type in “command prompt” in the Windows Start Search, and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option from the context menu.
  • Step 3: After opening Command Prompt, type in “net start wuauserv” and hit Enter.
  • Step 4: Then type in “rmdir %windir%SoftwareDistribution /S /Q” and hit Enter.
  • Step 5: Now type in “net start wuauserv” and hit Enter. Once it’s done, try updating your Windows PC again, it should now work just fine.

Option 2 – Update Windows via ISO file

If option 1 didn’t work for you, you can try this second option of updating your Windows 10 computer using an ISO file which means that you will have to create a Windows 10 bootable media and use it to install the latest Windows 10 version. The most user reported that this option works and the reason why it does have something to do with the Windows Update client since the Windows Updates downloaded from the regular Windows Update client seems to create issues such as the error 0x80240034. However, issues like this one don’t occur when the very same Windows Updates are downloaded and installed via an ISO file. Take note that when using a Windows ISO file, you will be asked to choose what you want to do with the previous settings and apps. A lot of users opted for the “Not to keep the old Windows settings” option which has resolved the issue. So if you want to keep the previous settings then you must try to update Windows first while keeping the old settings. However, if it doesn’t work, you have to try installing the latest version of Windows without keeping the previous settings.
  • Step 1: Click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
  • Step 2: Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
  • Step 3: Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
  • Step 4: After that, you should now have an ISO file.
  • Step 5: Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
  • Step 6: Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with an option and then select File Explorer.
  • Step 7: Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either: Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings since it doesn’t really work.
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Capture screen with Windows 10
if you were following our articles you are aware that Windows 10 has a build-in-game mode that you can summon by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + G. But did you know that you can use this to capture and record your screen? Hello and welcome to another great tutorial about how to get the maximum out of your Windows 10, today our topic will be recording your screen using Windows 10 game mode.
  • In order to start recording first, we need to bring game mode by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + G
  • In the Game Bar overlay screen, look for the “Capture” window.
  • If you don’t see it, click the Widget menu icon on the left. It looks like several lines with bullet points to their left.
  • A drop-down list will appear; click “Capture.” The “Capture” shortcut may also be in the Game Bar toolbar.
  • Look for the “Capture” widget window in the overlay. There are four buttons on the Capture widget (from left to right):
    • Screenshot: Takes a screenshot of the active window.
    • Record last 30 seconds: Creates a recording of the previous 30 seconds.
    • Start recording: Starts recording your active window.
    • Turn on the mic while recording: If this option is enabled, Windows 10 will capture audio from your computer’s microphone and include it in the recording.
  • You’ll notice text underneath the buttons. This is how you’ll know what the active window is, aka what will be recorded. For example, if you’re browsing the web, it will show the title of the open tab.
  • To start recording your screen, you must first decide whether you want to use your mic, which is useful if you’re trying to explain something on the screen.
  • Next, simply click the Start Recording button.
  • The screen recording will begin, and you’ll see a little toolbar appear in the corner of the screen. It will show the running time of the recording, and it also has buttons to stop recording and toggle the microphone.
  • When you’re finished, click the Stop icon to end the recording.
  • From the Capture widget, click “Show All Captures” to see your recording.
  • Your recording will be at the top of the list. Click the folder icon to see all recordings and screenshots in File Explorer.
  • These recordings are stored under your Windows user folder at C:\Users\NAME\Videos\Captures by default.
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A Quick Guide to Fixing the Flash.ocx Error on Your PC

Flash.ocx Error - What is it?

To understand this error, first, it is important to understand what Flash.ocx actually is. Flash.ocx is basically a flash plug-in or ActiveX file that is responsible for the adobe flash player to work on the system. The Flash.ocx error triggers due to issues in the Adobe flash player.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The error Flash.ocx may occur due to many reasons. These include:
  • Flash player corruption
  • Corrupted and broken Active X components
To this error code is not fatal but nonetheless it is still advisable to fix it right away to avoid inconvenience when using Flash player. The inability to run the Flash Player smoothly will hinder you from watching videos on your PC and playing exciting web-based games.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error on your system, you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars. This error code is quite easy to fix. You don’t need to be technically sound to resolve this error code. Simply follow the methods give below to fix the Flash.ocx error code in a few minutes.

Method 1: Reinstall the Flash Player

If the error occurs due to the corruption of the Flash Player, then it is advisable to reinstall the player on your PC. However, before you do that first remove the previous versions of Adobe Flash Player on your system. If the previous corrupted version is not removed properly, then you will be unable to re-install it properly on your PC again. Go to the Add/Remove Programs and find the Flash Player and uninstall it. Make sure the files are also removed from the registry. Once you have successfully uninstalled the corrupted version, now go to the official website of Adobe Flash Player and download the utility from the website. Install it and run it on your system. If it works, then this means the error is resolved. However, if the error still persists, then try method 2.

Method 2: Download Restoro to Fix Active X components

Another reason for Flash.ocx error code can be broken or corrupted Active X components. If this is the issue, then the best way to resolve it is to download Restoro. This is a multi Reimagefunctional and advanced PC Fixer deployed with multiple high-performance scanners including Active X and Class scanner. The Active X and Class scanner perform an entire PC scans for corrupt and broken Active X entries along with missing software paths and invalid combinations. After the scanning process is complete, it repairs and restores the components back to normal. Thereby resolving the Flash.ocx error right away and ensuring smooth video browsing over the web. Restoro is an efficient and a safe program. It has a user-friendly interface and easy navigations. It can be used by all level of users. Besides the Active X scanner, it includes 5 more value-added utilities like a registry scanner and an antivirus to name a few. It is compatible with all Windows versions Click here to download Restoro on your PC and resolve Flash.ocx error code now!
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