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Enable Windows Sandbox on Windows

One of the most common ways cybercriminals use to inject suspicious code into devices is by tricking users into installing a malicious program on a targeted device. Oblivious users are vulnerable to such tricks, which is why Microsoft has been working hard in the background to address this issue. Recently, Microsoft announced the availability of a sandboxed version of Windows 10 that runs inside Windows 10 in order to isolate suspected software to run inside it and protect the system from potential threats.

This Windows Sandbox feature is a new feature that keeps your computer secure. It is a virtual disposable environment that you can enable. So if suspect any software of being malicious, you can run this software in an environment and ensure that it won’t interfere with any normal processes and would not jeopardize files on your computer. To simply put it, “Windows Sandbox is a new lightweight desktop environment tailored for safely running applications in isolation”. So if the Sandbox is closed, all the residual files, software, and other data are deleted permanently. To enable Windows Sandbox, refer to the instructions provided below.

Step 1: You have to make sure that you are running either Windows 10 Enterprise Editions or Windows 10 Pro and that your computer is running build 18305 or newer.

Step 2: After that, you have to enable Virtualization to let another instance of Windows 10 running in Sandbox mode.

Step 3: Next, search for Windows Features on and off in the search box and then select the appropriate entry.

Step 4: From the list, go to the mini window and check the Windows Sandbox and then click on OK.

Step 5: Afterwards, in the Cortana Search box, search for “Windows Sandbox” and select the related entry to run it in an elevated window.

Step 6: Then from your main computer (host), copy the executable file and paste it inside the Windows Sandbox environment.

Step 7: Now run the executable file in the Sandbox environment and use it as you normally do.

Step 8: Once you’re done, close the Windows Sandbox application and as mentioned, every data regarding the executable file and the temporary environment will be deleted.

Step 9: And for the sake of safety, ensure that there are no modifications made to the host because of the executions in the Sandbox environment.

You have the option to contact Microsoft for feedback related to Windows Sandbox. You can use the traditional Feedback Hub if you have any suggestions or any issues. Just fill in the appropriate details and select Windows Sandbox for the feature category under the Security and Privacy section. And if you have any issues related to the execution of and within Windows Sandbox, simply choose “Recreate my problem” then select Start capture to reproduce the issue, and once you’re done, select Stop capture.

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How to Fix: Not a Valid Win32 Application Error

Not a Valid Win32 Application Error - What is it?

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

Error Causes

The ‘Not a Valid Win32 Application’ is triggered due to multiple reasons such as:
  • Unsuccessful program installation due to damaged disc/CD
  • Corrupted or incompatible file
  • The hard drive is loaded with bad and invalid entries
  • Malware invasion or viral infection
When you come across this error code on your PC, it is advisable to resolve it as it will cause you a great deal of inconvenience hampering program and file accessibility. Furthermore, if the error code occurs due to malware or viruses, then it can lead to severe data security threats and privacy issues.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the Not a Valid Win32 Application error on your PC, you don’t need to be a technical expert or hire a professional. Though this error might be crucial it is easy to fix. Here are some of the many methods that you can try to resolve this error code on your PC:
  • Check for File Compatibility
If you downloaded a file that is not compatible with your Windows version then you will come across this error. In this case, it is advisable to download the file version that is compatible and can run easily on the Windows version installed on your system. Nonetheless, if the file is compatible but still doesn’t run on your PC, then it’s possible that the file became corrupt during the download. Try downloading the file again.
  • Check if the CD is Clean
You may also come across the Not a valid Win32 application error code if the program installation from the CD is unsuccessful. This happens when the CD is dirty or it is scratched. The program does not copy properly onto the computer from the damaged CD. So, if the CD is scratched and dirty, buy a new CD and try installing the program again.
  • Verify the Program You Want to Run is Still on the Computer
If you are running the program from a shortcut, then verify that the program is still installed on your PC. This error may occur if the program is no longer installed on the computer. If you find the program is not installed on your system, then reinstall and try running the program again.
  • Wrong File Name Issue
Make sure the program or the file you are attempting to run on your system does not contain the same name as the long filename directory it is saved in. For example, running a file named ‘program’ in the ‘program files’ directory can cause errors in some Windows versions. If this is the issue, then try installing the program in a different directory.
  • Repair Hard Drive
If the hard drive is bad or corrupted, it can also generate the not a valid Win32 application. And because of this error files and programs fail to execute successfully as not all data can be read from the hard drive. To repair this issue first you need to run defrag and ScanDisk Microsoft built-in tools. These tools check for errors on the hard drive.
  • Run an Antivirus
If the error code occurs due to a viral infection or malware attack on your system, then you must download an antivirus, scan, and remove such malicious software. However, antivirus may slow down the speed of your PC. So, to resolve speed issues and boost the performance of your system, you may have to download a system optimizer.
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Fixing Error 0xc0000005 in Windows
If you encounter Error 0xc0000005 when you try to launch a program on your Windows 10 computer then this means that Windows was unable to process the files and the configuration correctly needed in order to run the program properly. You can encounter this kind of error with an installed program and even as the installer for a particular program. To fix this error, this post will provide you with some potential fixes that might help. Error 0xc0000005 occurs due to Access Violation which happens when a user tries to open a program and this error code may be accompanied by any of the following three error messages:
  • The application was unable to start correctly
  • Access violation Exception Error
  • Windows Installation Error
To fix this error, you need to follow the given options below carefully but before you do that, you can try to use System Restore Point first to put your computer back to its previously known stable state.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
After performing System Restore check if Error 0xc0000005 is now fixed or not. If not, then make sure to use the options given below to resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Update or rollback drivers

If the System Restore didn’t work, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.
  • Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
  • After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
  • Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
  • Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.

Option 2 – Try running the System File Checker Scan

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing Error 0xc0000005. SFC is a built-in command utility which helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
 Now restart your computer.

Option 3 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Since this error could be caused by some issues in the memory, you can try running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and see if it helps.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open Run and type exe and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
  • After that, it will give two options such as:
    • Restart now and check for problems (Recommended)
    • Check for problems the next time I start my computer
  • Once your computer has restarted, perform a basic scan or you could also go for the “Advanced” options such as “Test mix” or “Pass count”. Simply tap the F10 key to start the test.
Note: After you select the option, your PC will restart and check for memory-based issues. If it finds any issues, it will automatically fix them and if there’s no issue found, then it’s most likely not a memory-based issue so you should try the other options given below.

Option 4 – Try recreating the Boot records

If your system files are infected and modified by some malware, then it’s no wonder why you’re getting Error 0xc0000005 since this error can also be due to malware. To fix this, you can try to recreate the boot records on your computer. How? Follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “cmd” in the field and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
  • After that, type in each one of the following commands below and hit Enter right after you input each one of them.
    • Del D:WindowsSystem32xOsload.exe
    • Del D:WindowsSystem32xNtKrnl.exe
    • Del D:WindowsSystem32Driversoem-drv64.sys
    • attrib c:bootbcd -h -r –s
    • ren c:bootbcd bcd.old
    • bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • After you input the listed commands above, it will recreate all the files needed inside the boot record.

Option 5 – Try turning off Data Execution Prevention or DEP

You might want to turn off Data Execution Prevention or DEP if it could be the one that’s blocking your process to run a particular program. To disable DEP, refer to the steps below.
  • Type “cmd” in the Start Search and then right-click on Command Prompt from the results and select Run as Administrator.
  • After that, type the following command and hit Enter to disable DEP:
bcedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff
  • Restart your computer.

Option 6 – Try to fix Registry

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • After that, go to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWindows
  • From there, double click on LoadAppInit_DLLs located at the right side of the panel and change its value from “0” to “1”.
  • Now restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try checking RAM

You can also check RAM physically and see if it is in an operable condition. You might want to consider replacing it and see if it fixes the error.

Option 8 – Try to disable your antivirus program temporarily

Disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer might help in resolving the error since there is a good chance that it’s blocking the program from execution due to suspicious behavior. Just don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.

Option 9 – Troubleshot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing Error 0xc0000005. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 10 – Try resetting Windows 10

To fix this error, you can try resetting Windows 10. Doing so won’t get rid of any file in your system – instead of erasing all your media files and documents, this reset option resets all the system settings and files.
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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
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Fixing Your Firefox profile cannot be loaded
Caching is used to enhance the performance of applications in Windows and other operating systems. It helps applications to load faster but there are times when the cache can get damaged or corrupted and as a result, you might encounter some issues. One of them is in the Firefox browser where the “Your Firefox profile cannot be loaded, It may be missing or inaccessible” error message may appear. You could also encounter this kind of error when Firefox is unable to access or find the profile folder. In case you don’t know what the profile folder is, it is where Firefox stores your user data and settings by default. Firefox pulls information from this folder each time you choose to open it. You can find this default Firefox profile folder under the %APPDATA%MozillaFirefoxProfiles folder. If you experience issues when trying to access the Profile Manager, you have the option to create a new default Firefox profile folder. This will fix the “Your Firefox profile cannot be loaded, It may be missing or inaccessible” error. How? Simply follow the given steps below. Step 1: Tap the Win key or click the Windows Start button to open the Start menu. Step 2: Next, type “%appdata%” in the field and hit Enter to open the hidden AppDataRoaming folder. Step 3: Now double click the Mozilla folder as well as the Firefox folder. Step 4: From there, look for the “profiles.ini” file and delete it. Make sure that you don’t delete the Profiles folder which should have the icon of a file folder. Note: Keep in mind that the .ini file extension is identified as the file that features a gear icon beside the “Configuration settings” or “Application settings”. Step 5: Once you open Firefox, a new profile will be created. On the other hand, if you know where your profile exists, you can try the following steps below to help Firefox locate it.
  • First, you need to move the profile folder back to its original location.
  • Next, restore the profile folder’s original name if you have modified it.
  • Then create a new profile using the Profile Manager and give it an appropriate name.
  • Now click on the Choose Folder button and select the profile folder you have moved or renamed before you exit the Create a new profile wizard.
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Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 monitor review
samsung Odyssey Neo G9Odyssey Neo G9 is a successor to Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor and it is aimed again at the gaming community with its specifications but of course, it can be used for work as well. Gapping at a stunning $2500 USD price it is not really a cheap piece of hardware so it is normal to see what do you get for this kind of price and do features justify it, so let’s dive in.

Size and resolution

The first thing that you can notice about the screen is that it is big and curved, 49 inches big which is pretty big, and with it, I believe you can forget about using 2 or 3 screens because this single one will cover everything you need really. Going as far as 5120 X 1440 resolution is the strange definition, basically, this is 5K which is kind of nice but I do not see the advantage. Sure it is larger than 4K, but for the price of $2500 I expected an 8K monstrosity so if the resolution is not the main price justification then what is? Let’s move on and find out.

Odyssey tech specs

The monitor comes with HDR and 240Hz refresh rate which is very nice and coupled with 1ms pixel response time, adaptive sync, and Variable Refresh Rate you get pretty good other tech specs. All of this is very nice but the monitor's strongest selling point is Mini Led tech. Mini Led is a next-gen tech currently found only in high-end TVs. With this technology, monitors can produce truer blacks sort of speak thanks to a greater number of dimming zones. Odyssey Neo G9 is rated at 2000 nits in the brightness values and local dimming zones go to stunning 2048. It comes also with Quantum HDR that supports 10+, Freesync, and G-Sync capability. In connection, the department monitor comes with a single display 1.4 port and two HDMI 2.1 ports. It also includes a headphone jack along with two USB 3.0 ports.

Conclusion

While the resolution of the monitor is nothing impressive for the given price, its size and the rest of the tech specs surely are. Now I will not lie, the price is still a little too high but if you could afford it easily I think you should.
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Recover or set a BIOS or UEFI Password
If you have been using Windows for quite some time now then you’re probably aware of the BIOS or UEFI password. This password lock is the one that ensures you enter the set password even before your Windows PC boots up. However, there’s just one downside with the BIOS or UEFI password – there is no recovery option, unlike your Microsoft account. Worry not though for this post will guide you on how you can set or recover a BIOS or UEFI password on your Windows computer. The BIOS or UEFI passwords are stored at the hardware level which means that unless the OEM wants or has configured a way to recover the password, it is pretty much impossible to reset it. There are times when they are so strict that the only way to get through it by contacting customer care. Note that any Windows computer with this lock can’t be unlocked by trying to reinstall Windows. In this post, you’re going to have to remove the CMOS battery temporarily, clear unknown BIOS/UEFI passwords using the bios-PW website as well as call customer care. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Remove the CMOS battery temporarily

In case you didn’t know, every motherboard comes with a CMOS battery which helps the computer system to keep the clock ticking and in making sure that the BIOS settings are not lost when the computer is powered down. Every time a computer is turned on, the CMOS battery ensures that the information is available for the computer to boot up. So when you remove the CMOS battery temporarily, say about 30 seconds or a minute, the settings will be lost. There are some motherboards that are built-in ways that when you remove the battery for long, it will reset everything including the password for the BIOS or UEFI.

Option 2 – Clear the unknown BIOS or UEFI passwords using a bios-PW website

If the first option didn’t work, you can try using this BIOS Password website at http://bios-pw.org/ to clear the password.
  • When prompted by the BIOS, enter the wrong password a couple of times as doing so will lock you out of the system.
  • After that, you will see a new number or code on the screen which will include a message about System Disabled [XXXXX] Service TAG [YYYYY].
  • Next, open the BIOS Password website and enter the XXXXX code in it and make sure to tap the Shift + Enter keys or just enter.
  • Now it will open multiple unlock keys which you can use to clear out the BIOS or UEFI lock on your Windows PC.

Option 3 – Call the customer care

If the second option still didn’t work, you have to call customer care and follow their suggestions for they will walk you through fixing the problem using the service tag or might suggest that you visit a service center to make things easier for you. Note: You also have the option to set a BIOS or UEFI password. Although it isn’t recommended, you still can do it if you really want to. Remember that the BIOS or UEFI interface varies from OEM to OEM so you must find something related to either PASSWORD or SECURITY. You will have the following similar options:
  • Supervisor password – it’s the same as the master password that can change important system settings.
  • User password – with this password, any user can change minor settings.
  • Master password – you can use this password for a hard drive or as a general password.
There are several OEMs that offer micro-control where you have to enter the BIOS password. For instance, you’ll have the option to skip for a normal restart, or when you select a boot device while you might have to enter the password for unattended reboots or when your PC is powered on, etc. And if you are here to remove the password, you need to find a remove password option in the same section. You will be prompted to enter the set password once and if it’s correct, it will remove the BIOS password. After that, you have to save and exit the BIOS then restart your computer and check if the settings are properly applied.
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Troubleshoot Error 651 on Your PC

Error 651 - What is it?

Are you a Windows 7 PC user? Are you experiencing error 651? If yes, then read on. We will discuss what is this error, the causes, and easy DIY solutions to help you resolve this issue immediately. Error 651 is a common Windows 7 error. This error occurs when you try to connect using your PPPoE connections. The error message is displayed in the following format:
“Error 651: The Modem (or other connecting device) has reported an error.”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The error code 651 occurs due to multiple reasons. However, some of the most common error causes include:
  • The raspppoe.sys file saved in the wrong location
  • IP setting  issues
  • Registry issues

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best and easiest solutions to resolve the error code 651 on your system immediately. These solutions are so easy to perform that you don’t need any technical expertise or knowledge to get started. So here we go!

Solution 1: Reset TCP/IP Settings

To reset TCP/IP settings on your PC, here’s what you need to do. Simply replace the RAS PPPoE driver. First open a command prompt, then write the following command in the command prompt:  TAKEOWN /F"C:Windowssystem32driversraspppoe.sys" ICACLS "C:Windowssystem32driversraspppoe.sys" /grant administrators:F. After that, press enter to continue. Now close the command prompt and go to the folder C:\Windows\system32\drivers, here rename the raspppoe.sys file to raspppoe2.sys. Now right click on save the link as Vista RAS PPPoE Driver and save it in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder. Once this process is complete, to activate changes made, restart your PC. This is most likely to resolve the error code 651 on your system.

Solution 2: Try Power Cycling your Modem and your Router

This is another way to resolve error 651. However, before you try this solution, it is recommended that you save all your work on your system, close all your open applications, and then shut down your PC. After that first turn your router off and wait for about 2 minutes. Then turn off your modem too. Now disconnect all the Ethernet cables that are connected to your modem, router and your system. Reconnect them again and make sure that the connections are not loose. After reconnecting the cables, reboot your PC and switch on the modem first. After your modem gets initialized, turn on the router. See if this procedure works. If it does, then that’s great the issue is resolved. However, if the error persists, then this indicates deeper problems. The error message is triggered due to registry issues.

Solution 3: Clean and Repair the Registry

Sometimes the underlying cause of error 651 is a corrupt and damaged registry. Registry is the database where operating system stores all the information associated with installed programs and activities performed on your PC. Registry issues typically result due to poor PC maintenance. When you don’t clean the registry the unnecessary and obsolete files accumulate and acquire a lot space. It damages the registry and DLL files. This often leads to disk fragmentation and files are then saved in segments in different locations. This also slows down your PC performance. This could also be the reason for why the raspppoe.sys file is saved in the wrong location. Though you can repair the registry manually but it may be complex for you especially if you are not technically sound. And besides, it is also slightly time-consuming.

Restoro - Premier Registry Cleaner

Therefore, to resolve errors like 651 triggered by the registry issues on your system in seconds, it is advisable to download Restoro. Restoro is a cutting-edge and multi-functional PC Fixer. It is deployed with a powerful intuitive algorithm and multiple highly functional utilities designed to resolve practically all types of PC errors. It includes utilities like a registry cleaner, an antivirus, and a system optimizer. The registry cleaning feature scans for all types of registry issues and errors and resolves them instantly. It wipes out unnecessary and redundant files like cookies, internet history, junk files, and bad/ invalid registry entries. It cleans the registry freeing up space. Furthermore, it also repairs the damaged files and restores the registry back to normal.

Restoro Special Features

Other features include an antivirus that removes all types of malicious software hiding in your PC including viruses, Trojans, spyware, malware, and adware. The system optimizer feature ensures that your computer performs at its optimal level at all times. Restoro is safe and bug-free. Its user-friendly interface and simple navigations makes it quite easy for users to operate it without any difficulty. Furthermore, compatibility is not an issue with this software. You can download it on any Windows version. Click here to download Restoro and fix error 651 on your PC today!
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Fix NETWORK_FAILED error in Chrome
Although the Google Chrome browser is one of the most used browsers, a lot of things could still go wrong when browsing the web using it. One of the errors you might encounter is the “ NETWORK_FAILED ” error. This kind of error in Chrome indicates that Chrome wasn’t able to send your request through the network connection. It could be that your computer has trouble connecting to a stable internet connection or there is some plugin in your Chrome browser that is causing the issue. The worst-case would be malware. But worry not for this post will guide you on what you can do when you encounter the NETWORK_FAILED error in Google Chrome. Make sure to follow each one of the options given below and see which one of them worked best for you.

Option 1 – Disable or remove any unwanted extensions in Chrome

As you know, browser extensions help in enhancing the browsing experience but there are also times when it does exactly the opposite, and such is the case with the NETWORK_FAILED error in Chrome. It could be that one of the extensions in your browser is the one that’s causing the trouble. To disable or remove these unwanted extensions, here’s what you have to do:
  • Launch Google Chrome, press Alt + F, move to More tools, and click Extensions.
  • Look for Search.tb.ask.com or any other unwanted add-ons, click the Recycle Bin button, and choose Remove.
  • Restart Google Chrome, then tap Alt + F, and select Settings.
  • Navigate to the On Startup section at the bottom.
  • Select “Open a specific page or set of pages”.
  • Click the More actions button next to the hijacker and click Remove.

Option 2 – Run the Malware Scanner and Cleanup tool in Chrome

If removing or disabling the unwanted extension didn’t help in fixing the error, you can try using the built-in malware scanner and cleanup tool in Google Chrome. These tools help you get rid of any unwanted pop-ups, ads, unusual Startup pages, toolbars, and even malware.

Option 2 – Run the Malware Scanner and Cleanup tool in Chrome

  • Launch Google Chrome and then tap the Alt + F keys.
  • After that, click on Settings.
  • Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
  • After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up the option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
  • Now restart Google Chrome.

Option 3 – Try to disable the Proxy

If you are using a proxy, you might want to consider disabling it as it could have something to do with the NETWORK_FAILED error.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “cpl” and hit Enter or click OK to open the Internet Properties.
  • After that, go to the Connections tab where you should see the LAN settings. Click on it.
  • Next, uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server for your LAN” and ensure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked as well.
  • Then click Ok and then Apply to save the changes made.
  • Restart your PC.

Option 4 – Flush DNS and reset TCP/IP

  • Click the Start button and type in “command prompt” in the field.
  • From the search results that appear, right click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After opening Command Prompt, you have to type each one of the commands listed below. Just make sure that after you type each command, you hit Enter
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /all
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /renew
    • netsh int ip set dns
    • netsh winsock reset
After you key in the commands listed above, the DNS cache will be flushed and the Winsock, as well as the TCP/IP, will reset.
  • Now restart your computer and open Google Chrome then try opening the website you were trying to open earlier.

Option 5 – Delete the WLAN Profiles

Deleting the WLAN Profiles might be a good idea if you are not able to connect to the internet on your computer and if you’re using Wi-Fi. It could be that the networks that were connected previously have gone rogue which is why it is not connecting properly. And so deleting the WLAN profiles would be for the best. That should do it.
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Could not configure one or more components
If you are trying to install or upgrade your Windows 10 computer but suddenly encountered an error message saying, “Windows Could not configure one or more system components”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix the problem. You are not alone in experiencing this problem as other users also reported having the same scenario. Some of them reported getting the following error message:
“Windows could not configure one or more system components. To install Windows restart the computer with error code 0xc1900101-0x30018.”
When you check on the Windows 10 rollback log, you will see a part with the “iisetup.exe” that’s related to the abort. Usually, the upgrade process completes over 50% and gets stuck and then rolls back later on and generates the error logs. This kind of error, in most cases, appears during the upgrade of Windows 10 and is related to the Internet Information Services or IIS in Windows 10. For some unknown reason, it restricts the installation or the upgrade which causes the error to appear. To fix the “Windows could not configure one or more system components” error, you can try to remove the IIS from the Windows Features or rename the “inetsrv” folder. You could also move all the folders related to IIS to another drive. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to remove the IIS from Windows Features

The IIS is installed from the Windows Features and you can find it at Control Panel > Programs. From there, uncheck the checkbox for the Internet Information Services. Once done, click on the OK button to save the changes. Note that this process will get rid of all the related programs, services, and folders from Windows 10. So if you want to, you can just install them later on or use an offline installer from the official site of Microsoft.

Option 2 – Try renaming the inetsrv folder

The next option you can check out to resolve the problem is to rename the “inetsrv” folder. If you have uninstalled IIS from the Windows Features, this should remove the folders as well, however, it didn’t remove the folder then you have to delete the folders that are related to the IIS by following these steps:
  • First, you have to boot into the Advanced Recovery Mode and from there, open Command Prompt.
  • Next, execute this command to rename the folder from this location, C:Windowssystem32inetsrv: rename C:/Windows/system32/inetsrv/inetsrv.old
  • Once done, boot into your computer normally and try to upgrade Windows 10 again, and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try to move the folders related to IIS to a different drive

  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
  • Next, look for the Application Host Helper Service from the list of services and stop it.
  • Once done, take ownership of the “WinSxS” folder and then move the *windows-iis*.*” folders to another drive. You can just search using the “*windows-iis*.*” keyword in the Start Search.
  • Next, tap the Ctrl + X keys and paste the folders to another drive.
  • After that, start the update process for Windows 10 again.
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WebShield Malware Removal Tutorial

Web Shield is a free application that allows you to view insightful analyses about the websites that you visit and specifically how they’re tracking you online. Web Shield cannot determine exactly who is tracking your computer usage. Instead, Web Shield allows a user to see which websites have placed tracking code onto their computer.

This software is ad-supported and displays advertisements in the form of injected banner ads, popups, and context hyperlinks in the user’s web browser. It adds Windows Background services, displays unwanted advertisements, and can modify the browser’s home page.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (also called hijackware) are a type of malicious software that modifies web browser settings without the user’s knowledge or permission. These hijacks appear to be increasing at a worrying rate across the world, and it could be really nefarious and sometimes dangerous too. There are lots of reasons why you may experience a browser hijack; but commercial, marketing, and advertising are the main reasons for their creation. The idea is to force users to visit specific sites that are looking to increase their site visitor traffic and generate higher ad income. Nevertheless, it is not that harmless. Your web safety is jeopardized and it is also very irritating. Furthermore, hijackers will make the entire infected system fragile – other destructive malware and viruses would seize these opportunities to intrude into your system very easily.

Browser hijacking signs

Here are some symptoms that indicate you have been hijacked: home-page is modified; you see new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, typically directed to ad-filled or pornography sites; the default search engine has been changed and the web browser security settings have been cut down without your knowledge; you notice many toolbars on the internet browser; you see lots of pop-up ads on your computer screen; your internet browser has become unstable or starts running slowly; you can’t visit certain websites like home pages of anti-malware software.

How does a PC get infected with a browser hijacker?

Browser hijackers might use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or even an email attachment to reach a targeted computer system. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with the malicious objectives. Some browser hijackers spread in user’s PC by using a deceptive software distribution strategy called “bundling” (usually through shareware and freeware). A good example of a popular browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malware named “Fireball”, which has attacked 250 million computers across the world. It acts as a hijacker but could be changed into a fully functioning malware downloader later on. Browser hijackers will affect the user’s web surfing experience severely, record the websites frequented by users and steal personal information, cause problems in connecting to the net, and eventually create stability issues, causing applications and systems to crash.

Browser hijacker removal

Some browser hijacking could be quite easily reversed by finding and removing the corresponding malware software from your control panel. But, most browser hijackers are difficult to get rid of manually. No matter how much you try to remove it, it can come back over and over. Moreover, manual removal requires you to carry out several time-consuming and intricate actions that are hard to do for novice computer users.

Malware Blocking Access To Safebytes Website And Anti-Malware Downloads - What To Do?

Every malware is bad and the effects of the damage can vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Some malware types alter browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS settings. In these cases, you’ll be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to get rid of the malware. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your PC. Even though this type of problem can be tougher to circumvent, there are some steps you can take.

Start your system in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should avoid it. Since just the bare minimum programs and services start-up in Safe Mode, there are rarely any reasons for issues to occur. The following are the steps you need to follow to start your computer into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (go to Microsoft website for directions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) Tap the F8 key continuously as soon as your computer boots, but before the large Windows logo or black screen with white texts appears. This would conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have internet access. Now, get the malware removal program you need by using the browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines within the setup wizard. 4) Right after installation, run a complete scan and allow the program to delete the threats it detects.

Switch over to an alternate browser

Some malware only targets particular browsers. If this is your situation, make use of another internet browser as it might circumvent the malware. If you appear to have a trojan attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to a different web browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-virus from your Thumb drive

Here’s yet another solution which is utilizing a portable USB antivirus software that can scan your system for malware without the need for installation. Follow these steps to use a thumb drive to clean your infected computer system. 1) Make use of another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the USB flash drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file extension. 4) When asked, choose the location of the pen drive as the place where you want to put the software files. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the pen drive to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware software EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a scan on the affected computer for malware.

Review of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Do you want to download the very best anti-malware software program for your desktop? You can find many applications available that come in free and paid versions for Windows systems. A few of them are great, some are ok types, and some will harm your computer themselves! You need to pick one that is reliable, practical, and has a good reputation for its malware protection. When considering the reliable software programs, Safebytes Anti-Malware is undoubtedly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trusted software that not only secures your PC completely but is also quite user-friendly for people of all ability levels. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software protects your computer against infections caused by different types of malware and other threats, including spyware, adware, trojans horses, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs). SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a plethora of enhanced features that sets it apart from all others. Here are a few popular features present in this program: World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software program goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep within your PC. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers complete and real-time security for your computer system. It’ll regularly monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also provides users with advanced firewall protection. Web protection: SafeBytes checks and provides a unique safety rating to every website you visit and block access to web pages considered to be phishing sites, thus protecting you from identity theft, or known to contain malware. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and simple-to-use anti-virus and anti-malware solution. Since it uses very little computer resources, this software leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. 24/7 Guidance: You could get high levels of support 24/7 if you’re using their paid version.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually get rid of WebShield without the use of an automated tool, it may be actually possible to do so by deleting the program from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of web browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You’ll probably also want to totally reset your browser to its default settings. If you choose to manually delete the system files and registry entries, make use of the following list to make sure you know precisely what files to remove before undertaking any actions. Please keep in mind that this is for advanced users only and might be challenging, with incorrect file removal leading to additional system errors. In addition to that, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. It is recommended that you do the removal procedure in Safe Mode.
Files: %ProgramData%webshield %ALLUSERSPROFILE%Application DataWebShield %ALLUSERSPROFILE%WebShield Registry: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallmweshield] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREmweshield] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetservicesmwescontroller]
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