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A Simple Guide to Fixing Error Code 0x80070424

Error Code 0x80070424 - What is it?

The error code 0x80070424 is a Windows PC error. It may occur when using Windows Update, Microsoft Update or while trying to change Windows Firewall settings. This error does not allow you to enable or disable the Firewall on your PC. It is quite common on Windows 7 and Vista.

Symptoms of error code 0x80070424 include Windows Firewall may not be listed on Services.msc, inability to change Windows Firewall settings and you may come across this error message when restarting your PC, “Base Filtering Engine Service could not be found in the system”.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Some of the common causes of the error code 0x80070424 include:

  • Base Filtering Engine Service file corruption
  • Registry issues

When you encounter this error code on your system, it is recommended to fix it immediately as this error can lead to serious PC damages.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the error code 0x80070424 here are some of the best DIY solutions for you. By following these solutions, you can fix the error all by yourself.

These are simple, easy, and quick PC fixers that require no technical expertise. Just follow the simple steps and the error will be resolved in the shortest time.

Re-Install Windows Firewall & Filtering Engine

If the underlying cause of the error 0x80070424 is Base Filtering Engine Service file corruption, then the best way to resolve it is to download the Firewall and register file from a reliable website. Once you download it extract the zip on your desktop.

  • Double click on both files one by one to confirm their installation on your PC. Once installed, restart your PC and click on the start button. Search file type and run and then press enter.
  • When the Run window opens, type REGEDIT and click OK. After that, from the left sidebar navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetservicesBFE.
  • Now simply right-click on BFE folder and choose permission. Once that’s done, click on add button and type everyone then press OK to confirm settings.  Here you will see the ‘everyone’ added field.
  • After that in the below permission panel, tick the box that says Full Control and confirm. Now close the window and go to the menu and type services MSC.

This will open the service window. From the list search for ‘Base Filtering engine file’ right-click on it. Now search for Windows Firewall and see if you can change the settings. This procedure is most likely to resolve the error code 0x80070424 on your PC. It is time-consuming but worth it.

Use a Registry Cleaner

None the less, if the error is triggered by registry issues, then it is advisable to download Restoro. This is an advanced and highly functional PC fixer integrated with multiple utilities including a powerful registry cleaner.

The registry cleaner utility detects all registry issues on your system and fixes them in seconds. It wipes out the excess, unnecessary, and obsolete registry entries and files corrupting your system cleans, and restores the registry.

It is user-friendly and compatible with all Windows versions. So whether you are using Windows 7, 8, XP or Vista, you can run it on all versions with ease and resolve the error code 0x80070424 generated by registry issues.

This software also includes other functional and value-added features like antivirus and a system optimizer.

Click here to download Restoro and resolve error code 0x80070424  on your PC today!

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A Quick Guide to Fixing Error Code 10

Error Code 10 - What is it?

Error code 10 is a type of Window Device Manager error code. This error code is generated when the Device Manager can’t start the hardware device or is experiencing device driver issues. It is displayed in the following format:

"This device cannot start. (Code 10)"

You can access complete details about error codes related to Device Manager such as code 10 through the Device Status area in the Device Properties.

By accessing Device Status, you can easily view the status of each device and learn about the specific device that could be causing the problem.

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error code 10 can be triggered due to several reasons. These include:

  • Outdated drivers
  • Corrupted drivers
  • Incompatible drivers
  • Device configuration issues
  • Hardware compatibility problems

Device driver corruption can cause you great inconvenience and PC performance issues. The computer’s operating system relies heavily on device drivers to communicate with the hardware.

For example, the printer driver facilitates functioning of the printer. Similarly, the graphic card driver ensures proper video output on the monitor screen.

However, your PC hardware, such as printer or keyboard, may stop functioning properly if their device drivers become outdated or corrupt. Therefore to avoid inconvenience and to ensure your PC works properly, it is important to resolve the problem immediately without any delay.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To repair error code 10, you don’t have to be a technical whiz or hire a professional computer programmer. Here are some of the best and easy to perform DIY methods that can help you fix this device error in no time.

Method 1 - Reboot Your PC

Sometimes temporary problems in Device Manager can also generate code 10 error. Therefore it is advisable to restart your PC. Rebooting your system might fix the error. Try it! If it does, great, however, if the error still persists, then try other methods listed below.

Method 2 - Reinstall Drivers

Go through the Device Status in the Device Properties to view the driver causing the problem. If any driver is tagged with a yellow exclamation point, it means that driver is the one causing problems. Once identified, uninstall that driver and then reinstall it. This will hopefully resolve the problem.

Method 3 - Update the Device Driver

Whether the error code 10 is generated due to incompatible, corrupted, or outdated device drivers, simply update the device driver to resolve. To update the driver, go to the Device Manager, then click the driver tab in the device properties dialog box.

After that, click update driver. This will start the hardware update wizard. Then follow the instructions to update the driver on your PC. During this process, you may be prompted to provide the driver path.

If you don’t have it, then you will have to download the latest driver from the hardware vendor’s official website. This can be time-consuming and stressful.

Method 4 - Install DriverFIX

Another alternative is to install DriverFIX.  It is a user-friendly device driver management software with an intuitive interface.

Its intelligent algorithm is designed to detect all the problematic drivers in seconds. It automatically updates and accurately installs appropriate drivers and ensures your PC runs at its optimum level in no time.

Click here to download DriverFIX on your system to resolve error code 10.

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Steam 2021 Winter sale official date
Each year Steam makes a couple of large sales, and each year there are speculations and leaks on the date when the sale is going to happen and when it is starting. It seemed that Steam has become aware that these leaks will not stop and that store really cannot hide that kind of important date from the public so in the latest news Steam Purley has just given the date of this year's big winter sale. steam winter saleProbably tired of even trying to hide it, Steam has released that this year's big Steam Winter sale is officially starting on December 22nd, 2021, and closing on January 5th, 2022. So if you have someone to buy a gift or just want to drop a few great games in your library at a low price this is the time when you should do it.
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The request failed due to a fatal device hardware error
When you are copying some files from your computer to your hard disk and vice versa or when you have several disks connected to your Windows 10 computer and you suddenly receive an error message saying, “The request failed due to fatal device hardware error”, then this means that there is some issue with the hardware of your computer. This issue might be caused by various reasons but whatever they may be, this post will guide you on how you can fix the “The request failed due to fatal device hardware error”. To fix the error, here are some suggestions that could help.

Option 1 – Check for any hard disk errors

  • On your desktop, right-click on the “This PC” or computer icon and then select Manage to open the Disk Management. Here you get to check your drive’s health.
  • Next, click on Disk Management on the left side panel.
  • From there, check the state of your drives. If it shows that all your partitions are healthy then it means all is good and that the problem may have something to do with some physical issues with your hard drive.

Option 2 – Run the CHKDSK utility

When it comes to some issues concerning the hard drive or removable devices, there is a utility in Windows that might help which is called “chkdsk”. This error check utility can help with several issues in the system including “The request failed due to fatal device hardware error”.
  • Tap the Win + S keys to open the Search box.
  • Then type “command prompt” in the field and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
  • After opening an elevated command prompt, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:
CHKDSK [volume [[path] filename]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/C] [: size]]
Note: In the command given above, “[/F]” will try to fix the system errors while “[/R]” will be the one to fix the bad sectors.
  • Now if you are prompted to run CHKDSK after your reboot your PC, just tap Y and reboot your PC.
  • If CHKDSK is not able to find any errors, tap the Win + E keys and navigate the access window. From there, right-click on the concerned drive and click on Properties.
  • After opening Properties, click on the tab Tools and then click on the “Check” button under the Error-checking section.
  • Wait until the process is completed and then restart your computer

Option 3 – Verify the hard drive using SMART attributes

In case you don’t know, Windows has a built-in feature of SMART analysis which analyzes the hard drive/SSD and checks all the parameters by performing some minor operations. To use it, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + S keys and type “command prompt” in the field then right-click on the related search result and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After opening Command Prompt as admin, type the “wmic disk drive get status” command and hit Enter.
  • You should get a result after that, and if you see that it’s “normal”, proceed to the next option below.

Option 4 – Format your hard disk

You can try formatting your drive since this problem also occurs on removable hard drives. In addition, if your drive is not properly initialized, this error will really pop up. Thus, you need to make sure that the hard drive is initialized and that the correct partition style is selected.
  • To get started formatting your drive, tap the Win + E keys and then go to the access page of the drive.
  • Next, right-click on the drive and select Format.
  • After that, uncheck the “Quick Format” option and then format your drive properly.
  • Now once the formatting process is finished, unplug the drive and plug it back in afterward.
  • Check if the error is already fixed. If the drive is not initialized, tap the Win + R keys and hit Enter.
  • After opening the Run dialog box, type “diskmgmt.msc” and hit Enter to open Disk Management.
  • From there, right-click on the drive volume and select Initialize Disk.
  • Next, select the correct partition type and proceed.
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FromDocToPDF Step by Step Removal Guide

FromDocToPDF Toolbar is a browser extension published by Mindspark InteractiveNetwork, that usually comes bundled with other potentially unwanted programs. The toolbar is distributed heavily through advertising networks.

This toolbar automatically sets your default search engine to MyWebSearch, it also sets your new tab to the DocToPDF welcome page. This toolbar ads startup registration tasks that allow it to start automatically with Windows, it gathers website traffic, clicks, data, and personal information and sends it to its ad network. Multiple anti-virus programs have detected FromDocToPDF as a browser hijacker and therefore is potentially unwanted and recommended for optional removal

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a form of unwanted software, commonly a web browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is developed for numerous reasons. Often, hijackers will force hits to internet sites of their preference either to increase traffic producing higher advertisement earnings, or to gain a commission for every user visiting there. While it might seem naive, these tools were created by vicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that they could make money from your naive and distraction. Furthermore, hijackers could make the whole infected system vulnerable – other dangerous malware and viruses will seize these opportunities to get into your computer system very easily.

Key signs that your web browser has been highjacked

There are several signs that could indicate a browser hijacking: home-page is changed; you see new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, typically directed to ad-filled or porn websites; the default online search engine is changed and your browser security settings have been cut down without your knowledge; unwanted new toolbars are added to your browser; your browser will display constant pop-up ads; your web browser starts running slowly or exhibits frequent errors; You can’t access specific sites, in particular anti-malware websites.

Precisely how browser hijacker infects PCs

A browser hijacker could be installed on your PC when you visit an infected website, click on an email attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. Many browser hijackings originate from add-on applications, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to give them additional functionality. A browser hijacker could also come bundled up with some free software that you unknowingly download and install, compromising your PC security. Typical examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do. The presence of any browser hijacker on your system might significantly diminish the browsing experience, track your online activities that lead to serious privacy concerns, degrade overall system efficiency, and lead to software instability also.

Tips on how to get rid of browser hijackers

Certain browser hijacking could be simply stopped by discovering and eliminating the corresponding malware application through your control panel. However, most hijackers will be more difficult to locate or eliminate as they might get themselves connected with some important computer files that enable it to operate as a necessary operating system process. Novice computer users should never try for the manual form of removal, as it demands comprehensive system knowledge to carry out fixes on the system registry and HOSTS file.

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

Malware could cause all kinds of damage if they invade your computer, starting from stealing your private details to deleting data files on your computer. Some malware sits in between your computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all websites that you would like to check out. It might also prevent you from installing anything on your PC, particularly anti-malware software. If you are reading this now, you may have perhaps recognized that virus infection is the reason behind your blocked net traffic. So what to do if you want to download and install anti-malware software like Safebytes? Although this kind of issue will be harder to circumvent, there are some actions you can take.

Download the antivirus in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Since just the minimum programs and services start-up in “Safe Mode”, there are seldom any reasons for conflicts to take place. You will have to do the following to get rid of malware in Safe mode. 1) At power on/start-up, tap the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and press Enter. 3) When you are into this mode, you should have access to the internet once again. Now, make use of your web browser normally and go to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) After the application is installed, allow the scan run to eliminate trojans and other threats automatically.

Switch to some other internet browser

Some malware only targets particular web browsers. If this is your situation, employ another internet browser as it might circumvent the malware. If you’re not able to download the antivirus software using Internet Explorer, this means the virus is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you need to switch over to another web browser such as Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes software.

Create a portable USB antivirus for removing viruses

Another solution is to create a portable anti-malware program on your USB stick. To run anti-malware using a flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer system. 2) Plug the USB drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose a USB drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you intend to install the application. Follow the instructions on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the program. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a scan on the infected computer for viruses.

Ensure the Safety of Your PC by Installing SafeBytes Anti-Malware Software

If you are planning to purchase anti-malware for your laptop or computer, there are lots of brands and packages for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in getting rid of threats while some will harm your PC themselves. You should look for a product that has obtained a good reputation and detects not just computer viruses but other kinds of malware as well. One of the recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a superb track record of top-quality service, and customers are very happy with it. SafeBytes is a powerful, real-time anti-malware application that is designed to assist the everyday computer end user in safeguarding their computer from malicious internet threats. With its cutting-edge technology, this software will let you remove multiples types of malware including viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a plethora of enhanced features that sets it apart from all others. Let’s take a look at a few of them below: Live Protection: SafeBytes gives real-time active supervision and protection from all known viruses and malware. It’ll constantly monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also provides users with superior firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Built upon a greatly acclaimed antivirus engine, this malware removal application can find and remove many obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common antivirus applications will miss. Quick Multithreaded Scanning: SafeBytes’s very fast malware scanning engine reduces scan times and extends battery life. At the same time, it’ll effectively identify and eliminate infected computer files or any online threat. Web Protection: Safebytes allots all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to get an idea of whether the website you’re about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Lightweight: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use antivirus and antimalware solution. As it utilizes very low computer resources, this application leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you. 24/7 Live Expert Support: You can get 24/7 technical support to immediately resolve any issue with your security software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove FromDocToPDF 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 FromDocToPDF

Files: C:Users%USERAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultLocal Storagehttp_fromdoctopdf.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage C:Users%USERAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultLocal Storagehttp_fromdoctopdf.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage-journal C:Users%USERAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultLocal Storagehttp_fromdoctopdf.dl.myway.com_0.localstorage C:Users%USERAppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultLocal Storagehttp_fromdoctopdf.dl.myway.com_0.localstorage-journal Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareFromDocToPDF..Uninstaller HolidayPhotoEditTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer
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Best TV streaming services 2021
We live in a world that is in a pandemic, our lives, both social and work are turned upside down. Most of our free time is spent indoors now, maybe with some close relatives or friends, no large gathering, no party. In this world keeping yourself busy and entertained is very important so we do not lose our minds and try to function as well as we can. Keep up the positive spirit, the pandemic will be over soon but in meantime, let's see some premium streaming services for tv and film so we can kill time faster with some quality entertainment.
  1. Netflix

    If you're a connoisseur of movies and/or TV, there's only one must-have player in town and that's Netflix. It is, unequivocally, the biggest and best streaming service, despite not always stocking its digital shelves with must-have new movies and TV; that said, this is the staple streamer you need to own if you ever plan on cutting the cord and surviving without it. These days, most smart TVs have Netflix apps, and finding a streaming box without it is the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. The quality of the movies and TV we tried – mostly streamed in Ultra HD – on both TV and on tablets is exquisite.
  2. Amazon Prime Video

    Like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video has its own set of original series The Expanse, Hunters, and The Boys among others – but, generally speaking, they don't receive the same fanfare as their Netflix-bred brethren. Although Netflix is as guilty for dud programming as the rest of them, it's worth mentioning Amazon Prime does get some pretty terrible new additions from time to time. So always check out the guide to the best Amazon Prime TV shows before you dive in head-first. The two big differentiators between the services are the fact that access to Amazon's streaming service comes standard with a subscription to Amazon Prime – meaning access to Amazon Music and premium delivery services.
  3. Hulu

    Video streaming service Hulu offers big-name titles like The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and South Park alongside a huge number of titles from NBC, FOX, and Comedy Central. It's also the only streaming service app on the Nintendo Switch. Hulu comes in two flavors: the standard on-demand streaming service you've always known and loved, and the new Hulu with Live TV
  4. Disney Plus

    Disney Plus doesn't feel like it's trying to be the main TV streaming offering in your life. Instead, it's a family-friendly option that feels like it lives alongside a Netflix or Amazon Prime Video subscription. It has a very specific selection of content: Disney animated movies, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and National Geographic. Essentially, if Disney owns it and kids can watch it, it's on here, and often streaming in 4K for no additional price. The real reason to sign up are big originals across those different subject areas – WandaVision, The Mandalorian, and Pixar's Soul, for example, all demonstrate an intention to invest big in blockbuster content for the platform.
  5. YouTube TV

    Ask someone what they think was the biggest internet revolution of the 21st century and they'll probably say it was YouTube. And with good reason – the user-generated video-blogging site has changed the online landscape forever. It lets anyone, however well known they are (or not), whatever the quality of their content and wherever they hail from, upload their weird and wonderful videos for anyone around the world to watch at their convenience. The beauty of YouTube is that in the blink of an eye it's taken the broadcasting power from the bigwigs and placed it right in our hands. OK, so it might not have stopped people wanting to watch a high-quality, professionally made production in their living room TVs, but it's an insight into how TV might be produced in the future. After all, with YouTube you don't need a big budget or indeed any budget at all to produce your own TV series and establish a massive following. While the free portion of YouTube will always remain the most popular (the latest statistic says that a whopping eight years' worth of content is uploaded each and every day to the site), but if you're looking for quality content, YouTube TV is also an excellent option worth considering.
  6. HBO Max

    HBO Max is a new streaming service built on top of an old one. The next evolution of HBO Go and HBO Now, it takes the basis of HBO's content – which includes many phenomenal shows, like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Barry, The Leftovers, and Succession – and adds a heap more content to make it into more of a Netflix competitor. That's why a lot of the original fare we're seeing on the service so far is a bit broader in targeting different audiences, with Anna Kendrick's Love Life kicking us off, and Kaley Cuoco's dark comedy The Flight Attendant also feeling a little different to the usual heavy HBO dramas. You'll find original movies on the service, as well as series previously available on the DC Universe app, like Titans and Harley Quinn. There's a big archive of existing shows to enjoy on there, too, like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, South Park, and Rick and Morty. The content channels on HBO Max are great, with Studio Ghibli, Adult Swim, and Cartoon Network among those in the mix.
  7. Sling TV

    Sling TV is a kind of cure-all for the cord-cutting generation, something that we knew we needed but no company stepped up to make. That said, it's everything cable's not. It's affordable. It's no-obligation. And there are absolutely zero sales reps trying to stop you from canceling your contract. Best of all, you won't have to give up some of the perks cable provided in the last few years like the ability to pause live TV or watch something that aired up to 72 hours ago.
  8. Crunchyroll

    Crunchyroll is the best streaming service any anime, manga, or East-Asian cinema fan in your life has always wanted and never knew about. Founded by Berkeley graduates back in 2006, Crunchyroll started as a bootleg website of sorts where users uploaded their favorite shows without the permission of the original owners. Not the humblest of beginnings. But now it's an essential offering for anime fans. While you won't find genre staples like Dragon Ball Z, Digimon or Pokémon around, most of the site's 200-plus series are available to watch for free in SD
  9. Apple TV Plus

    Apple's newest streaming service has money bags and talent on its side. Launching back in 2019 with The Morning Show, an expensive drama starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell, as well as See with Jason Momoa, Apple is flexing its muscles to get the best talent. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a deep content library, which is what the platform would need to be the best streaming service in 2021
  10. Peacock

    NBC Universal's attempt to enter the streaming market is buoyed by one big benefit: it's free to sign up and use, with an ad-supported tier letting you enjoy a healthy helping of its content for absolutely nothing. That said, a lot of the better stuff is behind a paywall – $4.99 per month if you want to access all of it with ads, and $9.99 if you want to enjoy without ads.
  11. Twitch

    For a certain crowd, Twitch (formerly known as Justin.tv) is about the best invention since sliced bread. Essentially it's a live-streaming platform that focuses primarily on videogames where you can find everything from world tournament coverage to someone muddling their way through that indie darling you had your eye on buying. It's not traditional by any means, but you'll find plenty to see and do on Twitch. Best of all the app is free on almost any platform you can think of: iOS, Android, Xbox One, PS4, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV … you name it, it probably has a Twitch app.
If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
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Types of Malware Attacks & How to Battle Them

Afraid of the growing threats online? As you should be. But we’re here to show you what kinds of malware are out there and what you can do to keep them at bay.

Malware definition

Malware comes from the term malicious software. It’s software designed to attack and exploit devices and networks to the advantage of the hacker who made it.

Malware can be transmitted in different ways. Most commonly this happens via infected USB drives, downloadable files or malicious websites. Depending on the type and ultimate goal, the consequences of a malware attack can range from negligible to catastrophic.

Credit: Ed Hardie on Unsplash

What kinds of malware are there?

1. Virus

A virus is typically spread via infected files, websites or links. It’s one of the oldest malware types and one of the most difficult to get rid of. That’s because, once activated, it replicates itself - hence the name. 

It can perform different kinds of attacks, depending on what the creator wants to achieve. The main characteristic of a virus is that it really doesn’t show itself until you activate the host. So that’s a scary thought for sure.

2. Adware

Sometimes an ad blocker isn’t enough to fight off unwanted ads. And some of them can, unfortunately, be malicious. They may redirect you to infected sites or prompt downloads of risky files. Even just opening a malicious site can lead to data theft.

So, definitely be careful when clicking around. Even if an ad seems completely legitimate, you can never be too sure.

3. Ransomware

Through ransomware, cybercriminals gain access to a user’s data and use it to extort them for money. Basically, the user is threatened with data deletion or even exposure if a ransom isn’t paid by a specific deadline.

This is a particularly nerve-wracking type of malware. If it targets an individual, it preys upon their sense of anxiety, fear, guilt and even shame. If it targets a business (which is a lot more common), it preys upon not only that business’s profit but also every single one of their customers and their data.

4. Trojans

This type of malware disguises itself very well as a legitimate-looking program. Once you download it, hackers can get full access and control of your device, data and network. They can even be hidden in games, apps and attachments. They cannot self-replicate, though, so we guess that’s… good news?

5. Worms

Worms can replicate, just like viruses, but you don’t need to actually activate the infected program for them to get going. They can be used for various purposes, ranging from data deletion to file encryption to support a ransomware attack.

Credit: Growtika on Unsplash

6. Spyware

Spyware refers to malicious software that stays hidden on your computer and monitors your activity. The best-known type is keyloggers. This can be used to steal sensitive data like passwords and banking information.

7. Rootkits

Rootkits are among the most dangerous types of malware. They allow administrative access and full control of a device, which lets hackers continue hijacking all your data and monitoring your activity without your knowledge.

8. Botnets

Botnets are networks made up of bots - computers that cybercriminals have infected with malicious software. Bots and botnets give hackers remote access to users’ devices and allow them to spy on your camera, take screenshots, memorize passwords and launch Distributed Denial of Service attacks. This one truly makes your hair stand on end.

What can you do about it?

You know the old adage - better safe than sorry. And trust us, malware attacks are such a pain in the you-know-what that you really don’t want to be sorry.

Luckily, there are simple solutions that can shield you from most digital threats these days. What you want to be looking at is a solid antivirus program. Well, technically, you need an antimalware program, but since the latter evolved from the former, we still mostly refer to them as antivirus software.
The majority of antimalware programs these days don’t just shield you from potential risks online, but include additional features as well. For example, some Bitdefender antivirus packages also include parental control and a VPN. And Bitdefender is not just for PCs either - it offers protection for your beloved iPhone or Android as well. You can throw in a password manager in there too, for an additional layer of security.

Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash

If you aren’t too concerned about all these various threats or feel like you don’t need extra security, you can at least take a step to protect your information from being exposed to lurking cybercriminals as you’re browsing. This can be done through a good VPN like Surfshark, which hides your identity in the digital space and prevents your data from being tracked.

Choosing the right protective software is especially important if you have children with access to the Internet, since they’re unfortunately even more vulnerable to malicious attacks. If you aren’t sure what the right kind of antimalware program is right for you, you can reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help keep your entire household or office digitally secure.

The bottom line

The truth is that there’s no way to be 100% protected in the online world. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to infiltrate our devices. But malware-battling software evolves along with them and there’s still plenty you can do to keep risks away. Stay safe!

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Fix Power surge on the USB port
USB ports, just like any other ports, also comes with a power rating. The default power output of a standard USB port is 0.5 amperes and if you notice, mobile phones charge slowly on USB ports which explains why. There are times when Windows may throw an error or warning that says, “Power surge on the USB port”. This kind of error occurs when a connected device tried to draw more power and the error comes as a part of that notification so when you select it, it will say,
“A USB device has malfunctioned and exceeded the power limits of its hub port. You should disconnect the device”.
To easily fix the problem, you can try to disconnect the device and click on Reset and if you click on Close, the port will not work until you unplug it and then restart your computer. On the other hand, if disconnecting the device did not resolve the problem, you can try running the Hardware & USB troubleshooter or use a USB hub. You can also try to reinstall, uninstall or roll back the USB drivers or run the OEM diagnostics. For more information, refer to each one of the potential fixes provided below.

Option 1 – Try to run the Hardware & USB troubleshooter

  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.
Note: You could also try to run the USB troubleshooter as it could also resolve the problem.

Option 2 – Try to use a USB hub

If you’ve encountered the error on a specific device, then it is possible that the device requires more voltage. To fix this error, you can try to use the same device on another computer and if you still got the same error, you might want to use a USB hub that comes with its power source. USB hubs come with high-speed charging ports that should be able to supply the power needed for the device.

Option 3 – Update, rollback or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller driver

If updating the drivers of the device did not fix the “The device is not ready” error, you can try to update, rollback, or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers instead of using the Device Manager. Refer to the following steps:
  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.
Note: If it is a regular USB drive, then it will be listed as a USB Mass Storage Device but if you have a USB 3.0 device, then look for a USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Note: If updating the USB Controller drivers didn’t work, you can try to reinstall them instead.

Option 4 – Try running OEM Diagnostics if you have any

If the laptop or desktop computer you are using is a branded one, OEMs usually include software to diagnose issues in the computer like the USB port error. So if you have this software, try to run it for diagnosis and use any given suggestions to fix the error.
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15 Deep WEB sites you need to visit
Deep WEBA not long time ago we had an article about the deep WEB and dark WEB here on errortools.com explaining its origins and its purpose. The article can be found here if you are interested: https://errortools.com/windows/what-is-deep-and-dark-web/ Now at this point in time, we want to present you with 15 great Deep WEB sites that could offer you some information not found anywhere else, that could offer you some privacy, or simply to have some fun and safely explore how it is like to be part of deep WEB. Take notice that for successful visiting of given sites you will need to have installed TOR browser. More about Tor browser itself can be found here: https://errortools.com/blog/software-review-series-tor-browser/ and its official website for download here: https://www.torproject.org/download/ Make sure that you copy the onion link and paste it into your TOR browser in order to access the site. That being said, let’s begin.

Mail2Tor

http://mail2tor2zyjdctd.onion/ If you want secure and private ways of sending your emails then look no further. Mail2Tor uses a webmail client and encrypts each email received or sent, combine that for not storing IP addresses and you have a private and safe environment for your emails.

The Hidden Wiki

http://zqktlwiuavvvqqt4ybvgvi7tyo4hjl5xgfuvpdf6otjiycgwqbym2qad.onion/wiki/index.php/Main_Page The Hidden Wiki is the go-to site if you want to explore more of deep WEB since it is the site of collected .onion sites. Think of it as a registry of onion sites that want to be accessed publicly but offer anonymity.

TorLinks

http://torlinksd6pdnihy.onion/ TorLinks is another site focusing on .onion site listings. Site themselves are divided into categories and are easy to find. Take note that .onion sites come and go so make sure to visit frequently both The Hidden Wiki and TorLinks in order to be updated.

Torch Search Engine

ttp://xmh57jrzrnw6insl.onion/ Torch is the oldest and most well-known search engine for dark web links, with its database of over a million .onion websites there is a chance that you will find what you are looking for on it.

DuckDuckGo

http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion/ Integrated into TOR itself as a default search engine DucDuckGo has proven itself to be a great competitor and challenger to Google. But unlike Google, DuckDuckGo will not track you nor store your search activities making it a great general private search engine.

Facebook

https://www.facebookwkhpilnemxj7asaniu7vnjjbiltxjqhye3mhbshg7kx5tfyd.onion/ Yup, Facebook has its own .onion version of its popular platform. Now since Facebook itself is a social media platform anonymity is out of the question but with .onion routing, you can have and maintain a Facebook account from locations where you normally could not like in some countries where Facebook.com is banned.

Galaxy3

http://galaxy3bhpzxecbywoa2j4tg43muepnhfalars4cce3fcx46qlc6t3id.onion/ Galaxy3 is also a social platform, the site is mostly populated with code experts and other individuals posting all kinds of stuff.

The Dark Lair

http://vrimutd6so6a565x.onion/index.php/Board Dark Lair was the first image exchange website that evolved into a social network. One difference from the other two mentioned is that you can engage in the website without registration as an anonymous user.

Pro Publica

https://www.propub3r6espa33w.onion/ The aim of the five-time Pulitzer Prize winner ProPublica is “To expose abuses of power and betrayals of the public trust by government, business, and other institutions, using the moral force of investigative journalism to spur reform through the sustained spotlighting of wrongdoing.” It’s the first major online publication to have a .onion address. The non-profit newsroom is funded by organizations such as the Sandler Foundation and has made countless contributions to the fight for free speech and privacy.

Soylent News

http://7rmath4ro2of2a42.onion/ Soylent news is an onion site that well brings news. The difference from other sites of the same content is that Soylent news is community moderated without any big names involved so it is authentic in its content.

CIA

ttp://ciadotgov4sjwlzihbbgxnqg3xiyrg7so2r2o3lt5wz5ypk4sxyjstad.onion/ Tor’s history is an unlikely tale. It was created by the U.S Navy with the purpose of helping informants in foreign nations to communicate safely over the Internet. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), in that spirit, released a .onion site so that people from across the globe can browse their resources securely and anonymously.

Secure drop

https://secrdrop5wyphb5x.onion/ Secure drop is a platform for changing leaked information and for journalists to communicate with their leads in private. It is used by Washington Post, Pro Publica, and The Guardian.

Hidden Answers

http://answerszuvs3gg2l64e6hmnryudl5zgrmwm3vh65hzszdghblddvfiqd.onion/ Hidden Answers is Reddit or Quora of the dark web but as in the spirit of the dark web, all discussed topics and stories are in total anonymity.

SCI-HUB

http://scihub22266oqcxt.onion/ With over 50 million research papers in the domain of science shared freely, Sci-Hub eliminates all barriers of free knowledge and offers a unique approach to education and scientific information.

Smartmixer.IO

http://smrtmxdxognxhv64.onion/ Smartmixer is a bitcoin mixer. The service scrambles your bitcoin with other users making your purchases completely anonymous. And that's it. 15 dark WEB onion sites you need to visit. I hope that you enjoyed the list and found something useful in it. Also, note that onion links can change overnight so if any of provided links do not work just go to DuckDuckGo and search for the site with the onion at the end.
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How to remove PC Fix Speed from your Windows PC

PC Fix Speed is a Potentially Unwanted Program designed to improve the speed of your computer. This program usually comes bundled with other software, and when installs automatically scan your PC and displays exaggerated messages on the status of the PC’s performance, to get users to pay for the PRO version of the software. It also adds registry entities that allow it to run each time the computer is started, and the application itself will constantly keep reminding users that they have errors by putting the application windows on top.

From the Author: The Service is provided by PCRx through Crawler, LLC. Clean and repair your PC’s registry, optimize PC performance and free up disk and memory space. With everything you do on your PC, including adding on devices, a new entry is created in your Windows® registry, and seldom are any removed after they’re no longer needed. As a result, your PC gets bogged down with unnecessary entries, slowing your PC speed, the start-up, and your Internet browser. PC Fix Speed cleans up registry entries and puts your PC back on track for optimal performance. PC Fix Speed is an essential application that should be a part of every computer. PC Fix Speed especially helps computers that are unusually slow, freeze up often or show error messages, by cleaning the system registry and improving overall performance.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever downloaded software from the internet (shareware, freeware, etc,), it’s quite possible you’ve unconsciously installed unwanted programs on your computer system. A Potentially Unwanted Program, often known as PUP, in short, is software that contains adware, installs toolbars, or has other hidden goals. These kinds of programs are usually bundled up with free applications that you download from the internet or will also be bundled inside the custom installers on many download sites. It’s clear by its name – unwanted programs – but did not actually constitute “malware” in the traditional sense. An important difference between malware and PUP is distribution. Malware is normally dropped through vulnerability exploitation while PUP gets installed with the consent of the user, who intentionally or unwittingly approves the PUP installation on their computer. PUP developers can argue their programs aren’t malicious software however, it can nevertheless be unsafe software and put your PC at risk much the same way malware does.

Exactly how do PUPs look like?

Unwanted programs come in various forms. More often, they can be found in adware bundlers which are known to utilize aggressive and misleading advertising. Most bundlers install many adware programs from a number of vendors, each of which possesses its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware entirely eliminates this threat and safeguards your computer against unwanted programs or adware infection. Several PUPs also show up as toolbars or add-ons, mounted on your preferred web browser. These toolbars change your homepage and your search engine in the installed browser, track your web activities, control your search results with redirects and sponsored links, and eventually slow down your browser and diminish your web browsing experience. Potentially Unwanted Programs occasionally act very much like viruses or spyware. Some PUPs carry keyloggers, dialers, and other software to collect your personal details that can cause identity theft. Because of this unwanted program, your application may freeze, your security protections can get disabled which could leave your computer susceptible, your system may get ruined, and the list goes on and on.

Some tips on protecting yourself from PUPs

• Read meticulously before you install anything. Don’t click accept until you have read the fine print. There could be a clause about PUPs. • Use ONLY custom or manual install method – and don’t blindly click Next, Next, Next. • Use good anti-malware software. Try Safebytes Anti-malware which can spot PUPs and handle them as malware by flagging them for removal. • Be alert if you install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Disable or eliminate toolbars and browser extensions you don’t really need. • Only download applications from the original providers’ websites. Avoid download portals since they use their very own download manager to pack additional programs together with the initial download. Remember the fact that although PUPs could cause damage and hinder the proper function of the computer, they can’t get into your system without your consent, so be watchful not to provide them with it.

What To Do If You Cannot Install Any Antivirus?

Malware could cause a great deal of damage to your PC. Some malware sits in between your PC and your net connection and blocks some or all internet sites that you would like to check out. It could also prevent you from adding anything to your PC, especially the antivirus program. So what should you do when malware prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? Although this kind of issue will be tougher to get around, there are some steps you can take.

Start your computer in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your laptop or computer into Safe Mode. Listed below are the steps you should follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out the Microsoft website for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs). 1) At power-on/startup, tap the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you will have an internet connection again. Now, use your web browser to download and install an anti-malware program. 4) After the application is installed, allow the diagnostic scan run to eliminate trojans and other threats automatically.

Switch to an alternate web browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a particular internet browser or attacking specific versions of the web browser. The ideal way to avoid this problem is to select an internet browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you safe online.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using a portable USB anti-malware software package that can check your computer for malware without needing installation. To run anti-virus from a USB drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Make use of another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the pen drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose a USB drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the application. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes tool right from the thumb drive. 7) Click the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

SafeBytes AntiMalware Overview

Want to download the best anti-malware software program for your system? There are various applications available that come in free and paid versions for Microsoft Windows systems. A few are good ones, some are decent, while some are merely bogus anti-malware programs that can damage your personal computer themselves! When searching for an anti-malware tool, select one which gives dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. On the list of highly recommended software is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a superb track record of excellent service, and customers appear to be happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is created to assist the typical computer end user in protecting their PC from malicious threats. This tool can easily detect, remove, and protect your computer from the most advanced malware intrusions including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, parasites, and other potentially harmful software programs.

There are plenty of amazing features you will get with this particular security product. Here are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Active Protection: SafeBytes provides a totally hands-free active protection that is set to observe, block, and remove all computer threats at its first encounter. This utility will always keep track of your PC for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat landscape. Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that hides deep inside your PC. Web protection: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the web. Low Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use anti-virus and antimalware solution. As it uses very little computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. 24/7 Premium Support: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and updates for the best user experience. SafeBytes has developed a wonderful anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. You can rest assured that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software to use. So if you need sophisticated forms of protection features and threat detections, purchasing SafeBytes Anti-Malware will be well worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of PC Fix Speed manually, you might do so by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending software; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could un-install it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You will definitely also want to reset your browser. Finally, examine your hard drive for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to remove leftover application entries after uninstalls. However, this is a tough task and only computer professionals can perform it safely. Moreover, some malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to get rid of. It is advised that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Folders: C:\Program files\PC Fix Speed\ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start menu\Programs\PC Fix Speed\ C:\Program filesx7Help\ Registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\PCFixSpeed HKCU\Software\PCFixSpeed HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\PCFixSpeed
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Printer not activated, error code 30
If your printer has been working just fine and you suddenly get an error message saying, Printer not activated, error code 30”, then something is definitely wrong and it’s not good especially if you have lots of things to do. Worry not, as this post will help you resolve the printer issue. Simply follow each one of the given options below carefully.

Option 1 – Try running the Printer Troubleshooter

The first thing you can to resolve the printer issue is running the Printer Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter can detect and automatically fix the problem for you. To use it, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “msdt.exe /id PrinterDiagnostic” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the Printer Troubleshooter.
  • Then click the Next button and follow the next on-screen instructions to fix the issue with the printer.

Option 2 – Check if the concerned printer is set as the default one

It could be that the printer you are trying to use is not set as the default printer. This is mostly the case so to fix the issue, you need to set the concerned printer as default. To do that, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
  • After opening Settings, select Devices from the menu and then click the Printers and scanners option.
  • From there, look for the printer you are using among the list of options. After you find it, click on it and select the Manage option.
  • Now click on the “Set as Default” option to set the printer as default.

Option 3 – Try updating the driver for USB Composite Device

The problem with your printer might also be caused by the USB Composite Device. It could be that the USB Composite Device is acting up. Thus, you need to remove and reinstall it. How? Follow the steps below.
  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the USB Composite Device option and right-click on it, and select the Update Driver from the options.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
  • Now uninstall and remove the printer driver software and reinstall it then refresh.

Option 4 – Try updating all the drivers for your Printer

  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. Look for Print queues from the list of drivers displayed and click on it to see all the Printer drivers.
  • Next, right-click on each one of the drivers and select “Update driver” to update the driver. Do it for all the Printer drivers
  • After that, select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
  • Restart your PC and try printing a document again and see if the “Printer not activated, error code -30” no longer pops up.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your printer manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it.
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