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Facebook messengers alternatives

People are becoming more and more concerned with their privacy and Facebook's flagship messaging application is caught between it all. While still widely popular it has becoming to lose its ground due to many unanswered questions about privacy encryption.

Lucky for all of us there are alternatives for more secure messaging.

SIGNAL

Arguably the most secure of all well-regarded messaging apps, Signal is the favorite of the European Commission, as well as newsrooms around the world. While Signal doesn’t disclose how many daily or monthly users the app has, Google’s Play Store says it has been installed more than 50 million times. While using Signal, each voice or video call connected through the app includes full end-to-end encryption.

Signal takes an extra step by hiding message metadata so that the location of the original message is missing. While it asks for your mobile number, that number isn’t used with your profile. Instead, it acts as a numeric username. Once registered, you will find 1-1 chat, audio, and video calls, disappearing or “secret” chats, and a privacy lock so nobody can access the app even if they have your phone. Best of all, it’s completely free to use.

TELEGRAM

One of the biggest competitors to Facebook Messenger (and WhatsApp), Telegram is a very strong alternative. With more than 400 million users, it offers an interface that should feel right at home for anyone coming from Messenger. Telegram offers some huge benefits over Messenger, including features like groups that can hold up to 200,000 members for a chat. There is no limit on your media or chat size, and you can share all types of files between users and in groups.

From a privacy standpoint, Telegram has robust security, but it is worth noting that only “secret” messages are end-to-end encrypted and can self-destruct. Non-secret messages can be stored on Telegram’s servers so you can pick them up between your devices quickly. That’s a consideration worth knowing prior to making Telegram your default Messenger replacement. Telegram is free across all platforms.

THREEMA

Rising in popularity, Threema is another privacy-focused alternative that has quickly become a competitor to Facebook Messenger. This paid service ($2.99 on both App Store and Play Store) is a pay-once, use forever option. Once you pay the small fee, you gain all of Threema’s touted privacy options, like open-source end-to-end encryption for both messages and calls.

Like Signal, Threema won’t require you to link any phone numbers or emails to your account. All chats are handled anonymously, and the service generates a random user ID when you first open and register for the app. No data is collected from any of your chats and no ads are shown.

The Swiss-made app does have its own servers hosted in Switzerland, which do not store any chat messages. Another privacy benefit of Threema is the notion that all of your contact lists, groups, and user profiles are hosted on your device, not on the Swiss servers. Because of that, Threema can once again state that none of your personal info is stored anywhere they have access.

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The Ins and Outs of Windows 11’s Gaming Performance

Wondering if upgrading to Windows 11 will boost your gaming experience? We can’t give you a straightforward answer, sadly. But we can take you through the tweaks you can expect if you have all the right requirements and help you make a final decision.

Is Windows 11 good for gaming?

Essentially, the answer to this question is yes. Microsoft has definitely added a bunch of enhancements and features to its latest OS to give gamers the best possible experience. However, you have to keep in mind that this may not work out smoothly for every single user.

Whether you’ll be able to fully take advantage of the Windows 11 gaming features really depends on your setup. As expected, Windows 11 has more demanding system requirements than its predecessor.

So, unless your hardware can run the new OS comfortably, you might not be able to make the most of all these gaming perks. In that case, we recommend you first upgrade your hardware and then make the switch. Be prepared to be a little surprised by a few other interesting changes in comparison to Windows 10, though!

For some of the new gaming features to work, it’ll also be necessary for you to have an NVMe SSD and an HDR-compatible monitor. So let’s take a look at 4 big improvements you can expect if your setup is compatible.

Gaming enhancements on Windows 11

1. Enjoy faster loading speed with DirectStorage

For this powerful feature to work, you need a compatible graphics card and, as stated before, an NVMe SSD. It’s also important for your GPU to support the DirectX 12 graphics API at least. And since we’re on that subject, you’ll be happy to know that Windows 11 has also introduced a new version of the API called DirectX 12 Ultimate. 

Now, what does DirectStorage do? It’s a new feature designed to make full use of the speedy storage of NVMe SSDs. It also transfers game data directly onto the graphics card, lightening the load on your CPU. Normally the CPU would have to decompress the data first, but DirectStorage helps bypass this. That’s how loading times are reduced and games run more smoothly.

2. Fully immerse yourself through Game Mode

Windows 11’s Game Mode is certainly a welcomed addition. When you turn on Game Mode, usage of background apps that aren’t essential to your game is reduced. This results in the game you’re running becoming a priority process. This way, it uses your hardware and system resources to the max. Ultimately, the Game Mode means less lag and higher frame rates so you can play undisturbed and fully enjoy your gaming session.

3. Vibrant visual experience thanks to AutoHDR

For this one you’ll absolutely need an HDR-compatible monitor. Basically, HDR (High Dynamic Range) means a wider range of contrasts and colors that can be displayed on a monitor.

Windows 10 has an HDR feature, but you have to turn it on and off manually (“Use HDR”). Plus, users have reported that, if left on, it results in an unappealing appearance of content other than movies and games. 

Windows 11 fixes that problem with its AutoHDR feature. Toggling it results in the system automatically adjusting the color contrast, balance and brightness based on what you’re currently looking at. For gamers, this means vivid imagery in every single game, resulting in a supreme visual experience. You can check out Microsoft’s own video showcasing the power of AutoHDR.

Aside from AutoHDR, another way Windows 11 improves the visual aspect is through its support for refresh rates of up to 360Hz.

4. Xbox Game Pass & Game Bar

It’s no secret that Microsoft wants to integrate Windows and Xbox. We’ve seen some attempts with Windows 10, but they’re pretty wonky compared to the new OS.

Windows 11’s built-in Xbox Game Bar enables quite a few options all gamers desire. You can take screenshots and videos of your game and send them, for starters. Furthermore, you can use it to see audio settings and monitor your PC’s performance without having to leave the game or open the Task Manager.

Microsoft Windows 11's Game Bar
Source

Widgets are also a really cool part of the Game Bar. You can choose from a wide variety of widgets, such as Xbox Achievements, Spotify, Gallery, Xbox Social and more. 

Moreover, the Xbox Game Pass has been streamlined on Windows 11. Game Pass is a subscription service that unlocks hundreds of awesome games and supports cloud streaming. Do keep in mind that the games are only unlocked for a certain period of time, as the selection rotates once in a while.

What can you do for a better gaming experience?

Windows 11 does offer tweaks that require zero input from you. However, there are a few things you can do manually to get even more out of your new OS while gaming.

  • Turn off enhanced pointer precision. Most games enhance precision by default, so having this feature on might interfere with that.
  • Make sure to select your high performance graphics card for each game. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and tap ‘Graphics’ from the ‘Related settings’ menu. Find the game you want to adjust, click on ‘Options’ and choose your high performance graphics card to be the default setting. While there, you can also turn on ‘Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling’ at the top.
  • Disable unnecessary apps and programs. As long as they aren’t essential to running your game, they might take up valuable system resources, so disable them to make space for your gaming requirements.
  • Check for pending updates and install them. It’s well-known that out-of-date software causes bugs, latency and crashes. The same goes for your GPU drivers.
  • Use the High-performance power plan (Control Panel > Power Options > Additional plans) to maximize the use of resources for the best possible performance.

Summary

Windows 11 has done quite a bit for avid gamers. We hope your setup is compatible with all these new features and you can experience these enhancements ASAP!

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Remove EmailAccountLogin PUP Removal Tutorial

EmailAccountLogin is a browser extension for Google Chrome, Mozilla, and Internet Explorer. This extension enables you one-click access to your favorite email providers, allowing you to easily check your email without typing the web address.

From the author: One-Click Access to quick links to the most popular email providers.

The Email Account Login new tab extension provides convenient, one-click access to several popular email services including Gmail, Yahoo, Facebook, Outlook, and Live mail along with providing direct access to a web search.

EmailAccountLogin is a browser hijacker, this extension hijacks your home page and replaces it with its own search engine. While active this extension monitors your website visits, links, clicks, and personal information. This information is later sold/forwarded to better server ads across its network. While using EmailAccountLogin you will see additional unwanted ads injected into your search results, sponsored links, and even sometimes pop-up ads. Several anti-virus scanners have categorized EmailAccountLogin as a Browser Hijacker and therefore, for security reasons, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a very common type of online fraud where your internet browser configuration settings are modified to make it do things you don’t intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for many different reasons. It redirects you to the sponsored sites and inserts advertisements on the browser that helps its developer generate earnings. It may seem harmless, but most of these sites are not legitimate and could present a significant threat to your online safety. As soon as the program attacks your laptop or computer, it starts to mess things up a whole that slows your PC down to a crawl. In the worst-case scenario, you may be pushed to tackle serious malware threats as well.

Browser hijacking signs and symptoms

Signs that your internet browser is hijacked include: 1. your homepage has been reset to some mysterious webpage 2. when you key in a URL, you find yourself regularly directed to a different webpage than the one you actually meant 3. default web engine is modified 4. you’re getting new toolbars you haven’t witnessed before 5. you notice numerous ads pop up on your browsers or display screen 6. your web browser starts running slowly or displays frequent errors 7. you are blocked to access the websites of computer security solution providers.

How they get into your PC

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or perhaps an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. Many browser hijackings originate from add-on applications, i.e., toolbars, browser helper objects (BHO), or extensions added to web browsers to provide them additional functionality. A browser hijacker may also come bundled up with some freeware that you inadvertently download to your computer, compromising your internet security. A good example of some notorious browser hijackers includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing. Browser hijacking can bring about severe privacy issues and even identity theft, disrupt your browsing experience by taking control over outbound traffic, considerably slows down your computer by depleting lots of resources and result in system instability also.

How to repair a browser hijack

Certain hijackers can be removed by simply uninstalling the corresponding free software or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Microsoft Windows control panel. Yet, some hijackers are far harder to find or get rid of as they might get themselves connected with some critical system files which allow it to operate as a necessary operating-system process. Furthermore, manual removal demands you to execute several time-consuming and complex actions which are very difficult to do for novice computer users. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. Safebytes Anti-Malware has a cutting-edge anti-malware engine to help you avoid browser hijacking in the first place, and mop up any existing issues. Along with anti-virus software, a PC optimizer tool will help you repair Windows registry errors, eliminate unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and improve overall system performance.

Find Out How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer system

All malware is bad and the effects of the damage can vary according to the specific type of malware. Some malware variants modify browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configurations. In these cases, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and thus unable to download or install the necessary security software to get rid of the malware. So what should you do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to get rid of malware through alternate methods.

Install the anti-malware in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you may adjust Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eradicate hard-to-delete malware. In the event, the malware is set to load automatically when the PC starts, shifting to this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on the keyboard just before the Windows logo screen comes up; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, look over the Safe Boot under the Boot tab, and then click Apply. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, as well as update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you could run the antivirus scan to eliminate viruses and malware without any interference from another application.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download security software

Some malware might target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that obstruct the downloading process. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective plan of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen computer security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Install and run anti-virus from your flash drive

Another option is to save and run an antivirus software program entirely from a USB drive. Do these simple measures to clear up your affected PC using portable anti-malware. 1) On a virus-free PC, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the thumb drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware. If no other method of downloading and installing an anti-malware program works, then you’ve no other choice than to hit the final resort: a full Windows reinstallation, which can get rid of that nasty virus and help you regain internet access. If you’re unsure which method to use, simply contact our toll-free number 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our technical team. Our experts will take you step-by-step through the malware removal process on the phone and also restore your computer remotely.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Lightweight Malware Protection for Windows PC

If you’re looking to download an anti-malware application for your computer, there are numerous tools out there to consider nonetheless, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, irrespective of whether it is paid or free software. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will harm your PC themselves! You need to choose one that is dependable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. On the list of recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes has a very good history of top-quality service, and customers are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a very effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is made for end-users of all levels of IT literacy. With its cutting-edge technology, this application can help you get rid of multiples types of malware including computer viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. There are numerous great features you will get with this particular security product. The following are some of the features you might like in SafeBytes. Robust Anti-malware Protection: This deep-cleaning antimalware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that conceals deep inside your computer. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers real-time active monitoring and protection from all known computer viruses and malware. This software will always keep track of your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the latest threats. Fast Scan: This computer software has one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are highly accurate and take a little time to complete. Internet Security: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating on the web pages you are going to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and making sure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the net. Lightweight: This application is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any overall performance problems when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Guidance: You can obtain high levels of support round the clock if you’re using their paid software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove EmailAccountLogin 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 EmailAccountLogin

Files: C:Program FilesEmail Account Login C:UserAppDataRoamingEmail Account Login C:ProgramDataEmail Account Login C:UsersUserAppDataLocalEmail Account Login %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677emailaccountlogin.exe %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftInternet ExplorerRecoveryHighActiveRecoveryStore.E2864823-7CB8-11E7-989D-0A00278A626A.dat %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftInternet ExplorerRecoveryHighActiveE2864824-7CB8-11E7-989D-0A00278A626A.dat %LOCALAPPDATA%MicrosoftInternet Explorerframeiconcache.dat %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commondbg.js %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commonimggreen-btn.png %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commonimggrey-btn.png %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commonjquery.min.js %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commonjson3.min.js %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Commonstats.js %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Finish.zip %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Finishindex.html %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Finishscript.js %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677Finishstyles.css %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677IES.zip %TEMP%CF49E01A-6F41-4B56-9743-DBC375176677IESie.png Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWpm HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet Settingsrandom HKEY_LOCAL_MachineSoftwareClasses[adware name] HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun .exe HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet Settings CertificateRevocation = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionrunrandom HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain Default_Page_URL
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Cannot Create User Account During Out Of Box Experience or Sign In, Non-Responsive Behavior (Welcome Back) Page

When you upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system to Windows 10, you’ll undergo a phase called Out of Box Experience, or simply OOBE. This phase is intended to allow users to customize their Windows 10 experience, which includes defining personal settings, creating user accounts, and more. Some users reported having issues when creating their user account during the Out of Box Experience (OOBE) on Windows 10 upgrade. Some also reported issues about non-responsive behavior (Welcome Back) page.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Unfortunately, there’s no known cause for this error. However, some users reported that this occurs when:

  • There’s a problem with the ISO or CD used to install Windows 10
  • There’s hardware malfunctioning on the computer

Further Information and Manual Repair

Your Windows 10 upgrade will not be successful if you’re not able to create a user account or finish the Out of the Box (OOBE) phase of the installation. Here are some methods that will help you fix this manually.

Method 1 – Wait and retry

Some users reported that waiting for about an hour and retrying the process again will solve this problem. It’s also recommended that you keep your computer in a ventilated place while you wait to retry the process.

Method 2 – Load default user manually

This method has 2 requirements in order to work.

  1. You need to be upgrading from a previous Windows version, and
  2. Your Windows was originally configured to automatically boot to desktop

If you meet these two requirements, you can solve the error by following the steps below:

  1. Hold CTRL+ESC keys. Windows should load the default user after doing this step.
  2. Press the Windows key + X. Then, click the Computer Management icon
  3. Choose “Local Users and Groups”
  4. Double click on Users
  5. Right-click on the right pane, and then choose “New User”
  6. Create a new user account and password

Method 3 – Power down your laptop

This method only applies if you’re a laptop user.

  1. Power down your laptop
  2. Remove the battery of your laptop
  3. Wait for about 10 minutes
  4. Connect your laptop using direct current
  5. Turn on your laptop again
  6. Create a new user account and log in

Method 4 – Create a local account if you’re trying to set up a Microsoft account

Instead of connecting to a Microsoft Account after the set-up, you might want to try creating a local account. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. Power down your computer if you are to set up a Local Account.
  2. Disconnect your computer from the Internet, either Wired or Wireless
  3. Unplug your computer, and wait for about 10 minutes.
  4. Reconnect your computer and start Windows. Do NOT connect to the Internet and make sure you’re disconnected to any devices you don’t need.
  5. Try creating a user account again

 If the steps above don’t work, you might want to try Startup repair.

Method 5 – Boot your computer from Windows 10 media

In order to do this step, you need to have official Windows 10 ISO files.

  1. Go to the “Install Now” screen
  2. Choose Repair your computer
  3. Click Advanced Options
  4. Click Safe Mode

After doing the steps above, there’s a chance you get an error message that says “installation cannot be completed in safe mode”. When you see this, just press Shift+F10. This will execute and open the command prompt of your computer.

 From the command prompt, you can try and create a new user account.

 For example, net user Username Password /add

 The username here should be replaced with the account name you want to add, and the Password here should be replaced with the password you want to use for the account.

 After replacing the username and password on the text, press the Enter button on your keyboard. You’ll know if the command is successful once you see the message, “The command completed successfully.”

You can now close the command prompt. Restart your computer and try to log in using the account you just created.

Method 6 – Use a powerful automated software

If all the above methods still don’t work, it might be best to try automated software to help you fix this problem.

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Fix Error 0x8000704ec in Windows 10
Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications are the modern application in the windows store that can be used in all the Window devices like Xbox, Hololens, Tablet, PC or Phone. Basically, UWP provides a common platform for every device that runs Windows 10. When attempting to login into these applications and receive this error:
Can’t sign in with a Microsoft account This program is blocked by group policy. For more information, contact your system administrator. 0x8000704ec
Then this post is for you. We will guide you on how to easily resolve issues, please follow the steps provided.
  1. Local group policy editor solution

    • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
    • In the Run dialog box type gpedit.msc and press ENTER to open Group Policy Editor.
    • Inside the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the path below:
    Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Polices > Security Options
    • On the right pane, double-click on Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts to edit its properties.
    • Under Local Security Setting tab, click on the drop-down and select This policy is disabled.
    • Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
    • Exit Group Policy Editor.
  2. Registry editor solution

    As always, it is highly recommended to make a backup of the registry editor just in case that something goes wrong.
    • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
    • In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit ENTER to open Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to the registry key path below:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
    • At the location, on the right pane, identify the NoConnectedUser key. The key value might be set to either 1 or 3.
    • Now, double-click the NoConnectedUser entry to edit its properties.
    • Input 0 in the Value data field and hit Enter to save the change.
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How to Repair Error Code 33

Code 33 - What is it?

Code 33 is a typical Device Manager error. This error code occurs when Windows is unable to start a device that you are trying to use on your PC. The error code 33 is usually displayed in the following format:

“Windows cannot determine which resources are required for this device. Code 33”

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error code 33 may be triggered due to two reasons. One reason can be the translator's failure to find the correct resource for the device driver.

And since this error code is associated with the Device Manager, another reason can be an outdated or corrupted device driver. In most cases, the underlying problem for Device Manager error code is outdated/corrupted drivers.

The good news is that Device Manager error code 33 is not detrimental. However, if the error is not resolved timely, it can lower the functionality and the performance of your PC. You may not be able to use the hardware device.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve code 33, you don’t need to be technically sound or hire a professional computer programmer. Just like any other Device Manager error code, code 33 is also easy to repair.

To help you fix this issue on your system, below are some of the best, easy, and effective DIY solutions.

Method 1 - Configure Hardware Device

Properly configure the problematic hardware device to fix error code 33. It is important to understand that when you install a device that is not plug-and-play, the resource settings are not configured automatically.

This means for such devices you will have to perform device configuration manually.

For device configuration, here’s what you should do:

  1. Go to the start menu
  2. Click Control Panel, then click Performance and Maintenance, and then System
  3. Now on the hardware tab, click on Device Manager and then double click the device you wish to configure
  4. Click the resources tab and then click on the check box next to the Use Automatic Setting
  5. After that click, the ‘Setting Based On’ and then click the hardware configuration you wish to change
  6. Press the ‘Resource Type’ you will like to configure in the ‘Resource Settings’ box
  7. Now go to the Change Settings tab and type a new value for the Resource Type

Method 2 - Update the Problematic Drivers

Code 33 can also be generated due to driver problems. In such a scenario, it is recommended to update the outdated or corrupted drivers.

Identifying all problematic drivers and updating them individually can be frustrating and time-consuming. Therefore to save time and avoid the hassle involved in updating drivers manually, it is advisable to download DriverFIX.

Method 3 - Download DriverFIX to Update Drivers Automatically

DriverFIX is a next-generation and user-friendly program compatible with all Windows versions.

This software is exclusively designed to repair and resolve device driver-related problems and error codes.

Once installed, its intelligent and intuitive programming system detects all outdated, corrupted, and misconfigured device drivers on your PC. It automatically updates all the problematic drivers in a few seconds. It makes sure that the driver versions are the latest and compatible with your operating system.

Furthermore, it also ensures that drivers are continuously updated whenever new versions are available. So, you don’t have to worry about keeping device drivers up to date.

Click here to download DriverFIX to resolve Device Manager error code 33 today!

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What to do if Windows 10 Taskbar Volume Control is not working
The quickest way to control and manage the volume of your Windows 10 PC is using the Volume control icon in the system tray. However, you might encounter issues in using it especially if you recently updated your PC. After the update, if it no longer responds to mouse clicks, be it a right-click or left-click, read on as this post will show you what you can do to remedy that issue. If you think that you’re the only one who has experienced this problem, you are mistaken as several users also reported that the volume icon does highlight and shows the volume level if you hover the cursor over it but it does not really do anything at all. This is definitely the quickest way to change the audio output in Windows 10 especially when you have to change from speakers to your earphone and whatnot. If you are one of the users whose Windows 10 Taskbar Volume Control icon has stopped working and every time you click on the icon and nothing happens and you’re still not able to adjust the volume of your Windows 10 computer, read on as this post will show you what you can do to fix that problem. Although the audio is working just fine, you will still not be able to adjust the volume from its control icon. The problem is most likely related to the UI interaction. There are times when icons in the taskbar also experience the same issue where you can hover your mouse over them but nothing happens when you click on them. As mentioned, the issue with the volume icon does not seem to affect the actual audio of the computer. Double-check to confirm and if it turns out that the audio is indeed working fine, you can use the hardware of your keyboard to manage and control the volume, however, the software just won’t work. This issue is really inconvenient especially for users who connect their laptops to a bigger display. To fix this issue, here are some suggestions you need to check out.

Option 1 – Try to restart the Windows Explorer

This option may sound silly but it has actually worked in fixing the issue for some users. So if anything gets stuck on the taskbar or system tray, the best way to revive them is by restarting Windows Explorer.
  • Right-click on the taskbar and then select the Task Manager.
  • Next, look for Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
  • Then right-click and select restart.
  • After that, wait for the restart process to be completed and for the user interface to refresh. Note that you will notice the Taskbar disappearing and reappearing again. It will reload the entire user interface and allows you to access the volume icon. It should work this time.

Option 2 – Restart the Audio services

Restarting the audio services in your computer can also help you fix the volume control issue and to do that, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type in “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Services.
  • From there, look for Windows Audio and then right-click on it and go to Properties.
  • After that, you have to make sure that the Startup Type is set to Automatic.
  • Then click on the Stop button. Once it has stopped, start it again.
  • Now restart your computer and see if you can now access the volume icon on the taskbar.

Option 3 – Try to update or roll back the Audio driver

If the glitch in your audio has something to do with software, chances are it might be related to the audio driver – it could be that the newest version of your Windows 10 does not work well with the old version of the driver. This is why you have to update your audio driver to the newest available version.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type in devmgmt.msc and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • Expand the section for the outdated device drivers.
  • And then select the outdated driver(s) and right-click on it/them.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the Update Driver option and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of the driver.
  • Then also click on the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Restart your PC after the installation.
Note: If updating the Audio driver didn’t work, you can go to the website of your PC manufacturer and look for the support section where you can download the drivers for your computer. You just need to take note of your PC’s correct model and model number so you can find the appropriate driver.

Option 4 – Try running the Playing Audio Troubleshooter

Since the Windows 10 operating system has the Playing Audio Troubleshooter, you can use this troubleshooter to try and fix the volume control issue on your PC. You can access this tool in the Control Panel or in the Taskbar Search and even on the Troubleshooters page of Windows 10. Run this troubleshooter and see if it can fix the issue or not.
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New Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts
New Windows brings new keyboard shortcuts, most of them are tied to new features and we are presenting you some new ones that are worth remembering. keyboad shortcuts⊞ WINDOWS + N - notification panel ⊞ WINDOWS + W - News and Interests feed With the News and Interests feed, Windows 11 offers users the ability to check the latest news, the weather, and more without opening a browser window. ⊞ WINDOWS + Z - Snap Layout Instead of the usual two windows snapping capability, Windows 11 allow users to snap their windows in a three-column layout. Users can access this by pressing Windows Key and Z to access the Snap layout. ⊞ WINDOWS + PRT SCN - taking screenshots This one isn’t exactly new, but pressing the Windows Key and Print Screen will automatically capture the entire screen and save a copy of the image on your PC. Once the screen flashes, you will know that the screenshot has been taken, after which you can find the file saved under your Pictures folder in a subfolder called Screenshot. ⊞ WINDOWS + C - Microsoft Teams chat Microsoft Teams app, the service allows anyone with a Microsoft account to quickly start a chat using the Windows + C shortcut.
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How to Quickly Fix MSI.chm Error
MSI.chm error is a common Windows Error code that occurs when the Windows OS becomes overloaded with invalid system references.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The MSI.chm error is normally triggered by the following causes:
  • Poor PC maintenance

You may experience the MSI.chm error if you don’t pay attention to its maintenance. This usually happens when you don’t run antivirus software or update programs and drivers frequently.
  • Registry files get corrupt and damaged

This error may also occur when the registry files of your PC get corrupt and damaged. This normally happens due to continuous writing, editing and deleting of information from your PCs registry over time as programs are installed, modified and deleted. Other causes include: malware and system conflicts.

Further Information and Manual Repair

When you come across the MSI.chm error on your PC, it is advisable to repair it immediately without any delays. If you procrastinate in repairing this error, your PC is likely to be exposed to risks like:
  • Slow PC performance
  • System failure and crashes
Nonetheless, to resolve this error you don’t have to get the assistance of an IT professional. The MSI.chm is easy to repair and you can resolve it in no time even if you aren’t technically adept. Here are some of the best ways to repair the MSI.chm error on your PC successfully in the shortest time:-

Cause: Corrupt and Damaged Registry Files

Quick Fix: If you think the MSI.chm Windows error on your system is related to Windows registry issues, then the best way to resolve this error is to download and install a Registry cleaner tool.  A word of advice here is to always download such tools from a reliable and a trusted website. Once you download the Restoro, run it on your PC to scan for errors. The scanning will usually take a couple of minutes. So, it is advisable to be patient. After the scanning is complete, you will see a detailed scanning report highlighting the registry errors on your PC. Now to resolve the MSI.chm error that has occurred on your PC due to registry issues, click on the ‘Repair’ button to fix the error. Once the repairing process is complete, restart your PC. Restoro helps you not only fix the MSI.chm error but it also helps improve the speed of your PC, and protects it from failure and crashes.

Cause: Poor PC Maintenance

Quick Fix: If the cause of the MSI.chm error is poor PC maintenance, then the best way to resolve the error is to update the drivers. You can do this by installing the latest drivers for the devices that you think are now old and need to be updated. Here’s what you need to do: First find which devices don’t have drivers installed. For this go to the start menu and then click on the Control Panel. Now open the Device Manager. The Device Manager will list down all the devices that don’t have drivers installed with yellow exclamation point icons next to the device name. As for the updates, the general rule of thumb if the driver does not support the program you are trying to run, then this means that you probably need to update the driver to ensure compatibility. For example your video card driver does not support a newly launched game, then you definitely need a driver update to play the game on your PC. To install or update drivers on your PC, you can either get CDs from the market or you can download updated versions of the drivers from the main manufacturer’s website for free. You can also use automated solution for all of your driver issues: driverfix boxSo, next time when you or your friends encounter this problem, try these quick fixes to repair the error without any hassle.
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Fix Windows 0x8007002C – 0x400D Error
In Installing or upgrading your Windows 10, there really is no guarantee that everything will go smoothly as there are times you encounter errors like the “ We couldn’t install Windows 10, 0x8007002C - 0x400D ” error message among other Windows update/upgrade errors. When you encounter this particular error message you will the following message on your screen:
 “We’ve set your PC back to the way it was right before you started installing Windows 10. 0x8007002C-0x400D The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE-DATA operation”
This kind of Windows upgrade error indicates that some of the files needed for the installation are locked out for some reason and that Windows was not able to migrate them to a new version. It could be that your computer does not have sufficient space for those files. Thus, no matter how many times you try to upgrade your computer, you always end up going back to the previous version of Windows. To fix the “0x8007002C – 0x400D, The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE-DATA operation” error, here are some suggestions that might help:

Option 1 – Disable your antivirus program

There are times when the antivirus program installed in your computer blocks file access and even disk access. Thus, disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when the Windows Update process does not go smoothly. So before you try updating your computer again, make sure to disable the antivirus or security program and once the Windows Update is done, don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.

Option 2 – Perform a Disk Cleanup to free up disk space

Chances are, some unnecessary files in your computer might be interrupting the installation process which explains why you’re getting the “0x8007002C – 0x400D, The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE-DATA operation” error instead so you need to perform a Disk Cleanup in order to fix the problem.
  • In the Cortana Search box, type “disk cleanup” and click on the related search result.
  • Then select the disk you want to clean and click OK.
  • Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your PC and try to install the Windows upgrade again.

Option 3 – Get rid of any file protection software

The Windows setup migrates the folder from one version to another during the upgrade. However, if some of your folders, if not all, are protected using some file protection software, then Windows won’t succeed in moving the folder and you will encounter this Windows upgrade error instead. Thus, you need to unlock all those protected files or better yet uninstall the file protection software after you remove the locked files. After that, try installing the upgrade again.

Option 4 – Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

The Software Distribution folder in the Windows operating system is a folder that can be found in the Windows directory and is used to store files temporarily which might be required to install the Windows Update on your PC. Thus, it is required by the Windows Update and maintained by WUAgent. Aside from that, it also contains all the Windows Update History files and once you delete them, you will most likely lose the Update history. As a result, the next time you run the Windows Update, it may result in a longer detection time.
  • Open the WinX Menu.
  • From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
  • After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, the Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and rename the SoftwareDistribution folder.
  • Next, got to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
  • Once all the contents in the Software Distribution folder are deleted, restart your PC and then go back to Command Prompt and input the following commands again.
net start wuauserv net start bits
Since the folder has already been flushed, it will be populated afresh the instant your restart your computer and open Windows Update.

Option 5 – Run the DISM tool

As mentioned, the “0x8007002C – 0x400D, The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE-DATA operation” error might also be caused by corrupted files in the computer. Thus, you can try using the DISM tool to repair them. Running the DISM tool can repair the Windows System Image and Windows Component Store in Windows 10.
  • Open the Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 6 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter could also help you resolve this particular Windows upgrade error. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button.

Option 7 – Try running Microsoft’s online troubleshooter

You also have the option to run Microsoft’s online troubleshooter which could help you fix Windows Update errors including the “0x8007002C – 0x400D, The installation failed in the SECOND_BOOT phase with an error during MIGRATE-DATA operation” error.
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MS Store and Electron Bot

So, what is Electron bot, and why it even matters if it is in the MS store. Electron bot is malware that somehow found its way inside MS Store via game clones of popular games temple run and subway surfer. This infiltration led to the infection of around 5000 systems over the globe in a very short period of time.

electron bot malware

This malware is a backdoor that gives complete system control to the attacker. Any type of execution can be performed remotely in real-time. Usually, this kind of attack was aimed at a spread of click fraud over popular social media like Facebook, google, youtube, etc.

Primary goal

Electron Bot's primary goals in the ongoing campaign analyzed by researchers are:

  • SEO poisoning – Create malware-dropping sites that rank high on Google Search results.
  • Ad clicking – Connect to remote sites in the background and click on non-viewable advertisements.
  • Social media account promotion – Direct traffic to specific content on social media platforms.
  • Online product promotion – Increase store rating by clicking on its advertisements.

These functions are offered as services to those who want to increase their online profits illegitimately, so the gains for the malware operators are indirect.

Publishers that contain malware

For now, users may take note of the publishers who released confirmed malicious game apps using the following names:

  • Lupy games
  • Crazy 4 games
  • Jeuxjeuxkeux games
  • Akshi games
  • Goo Games
  • Bizzon Case
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