Since its release, Hearthstone has changed and innovated how digital card games are played. From its cross-platform matchmaking to interesting random mechanics and making the game free to play from day 1 have paved the road to Hearthstone's success. If you by any chance get lost connection to game server error and find yourself unable to play please stay awhile and listen
Keep reading and try provided solutions as they are presented to fix this issue and continue gaming.
If you aren’t able to pull up any website and instead got the ERR QUIC PROTOCOL ERROR error message in Google Chrome then read on as this post will help you resolve the problem. When you encounter such an error in Chrome, you will see the following error message:
“This site can’t be reached, The webpage at [website URL] might be temporarily down or it may have moved permanently to a new web address, ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR”
This kind of error message pops up when the URL is down. However, if you are certain that the site is not down and you’re still seeing this error message, then troubleshoot further using the suggestions given below.
Option 1 – Try to disable the QUIC Protocol
QUIC is an experimental transport layer network protocol that is present in Google Chrome in order to establish a connection between two endpoints over UDP. So if there is any problem on the development side, you will most likely encounter ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR on your Google Chrome browser when you try to open any website. Thus, you have to disable the QUIC protocol in order to resolve the error. How? Simply follow the steps below.
Open your Google Chrome browser.
Now type in “chrome://flags/” in the address bar and hit Enter.
After that, look for the Experimental QUIC protocol which should be set by default.
Then expand the drop-down menu and select Disable.
Restart Google Chrome and see if the error is fixed or not.
Option 2 – Disable VPN
As mentioned, if you are using VPN, this could be the reason why you’re getting the Windows Update error 0x800F0922 so the most obvious thing to do is for you to turn off the VPN and try to run the Windows Update once more. And if you use a VPN software that works using their software, you can just completely exit or log-off from its account. On the other hand, if you are using a built-in Windows 10 VPN, you can simply turn it off or delete all the settings you have created there. Although it’s understandable that you might have to use a VPN connection to connect to the work network, you really have to disable it at least until the Windows Update is no longer stuck in the error 0x800F0922. It would be best if you do this when you are not working.
Option 3 – Disable the Proxy server
You can also try to disable the Proxy server to fix the ERR_QUIC_PROTOCOL_ERROR in Chrome. Refer to these steps to do so:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
Restart your PC.
Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.
The author of the famous software library mode-ipc that gets over a million downloads per week found that it has some questionable code inside. The code itself behaves like this: if it finds out that your location is within Russia or Belarus it will try to replace the contents of all files on the computer with a heart emoji.
One important thing is that we here are not supporting the current Ukrainian situation and are against any type of violence or war but we also do not support this kind of behavior as well. If we look at this only from a technical perspective, we would then classify the mode-ipc library as malware and a harmful piece of code no matter the motivation behind it.
So this so-called protestware is well basically malware, but not always, it will protest when certain conditions are met. The issue with this is that companies and users should not be placed under harm if they do not share the personal view of the code author. Imagine if, for example, I would publish code to delete all pictures from your computer if my code found out that you do not like metal music. I guess you not liking metal music and war in Ukraine are two very different things but the source is the same, unreliable code that invades your privacy in order to serve one purpose, punishment for disagreeing with my personal views and that should not be allowed.
Not all protestware are equal, some will not harm your computer on purpose, they will just annoy you with some messages like viruses did in their infancy stages, others might place some developer sanctions but no matter the outcome basic principle is the same, it does something without user consent and without informing the user that something like that might happen.
On the internet, many blog posts and discussions were open about this issue and its morality. Discussion is still active with different takes on the situation and how to prevent it. Our take on this matter is that professional developers should have standards and not submit to doing harm for the sake of personal views and feelings.
In the long run, this kind of behavior and practice can only harm developers involved in this kind of entanglement. Infected libraries will in time stop being used since people would not trust them and authors will have a stain on their name as impulsive or not trustworthy.
Many times we were talking and writing here on Errortools.com about security, privacy, hacking, identity theft, etc. We tried to raise important security questions and I hope I have managed to at least shed some light and change maybe some bad behaviors for some, helping them embrace better routines about their security on their PC.
In this light, I will today present you with one neat and awesome piece of software, a password manager worth your time and money (if you want premium features): BitWarden.
What BitWarden offers?
The first thing that it offers is the completely free basic plan, granted BitWarden is not an open-source project nor completely free but it has an unlimited free basic plan that will cover 90% of user needs. There is also a free basic unlimited plan for Organizations letting you and one more user share files and other stuff via BitWarden making it a cool option if you need it.
Premium features offer you encrypted sharing of files, two-step login, 1GB file attachments (encrypted), Bitwarden Authenticator (TOTP), Vault Health Reports, Emergency Access, and Priority Support. The cost for all of these additional features is 10 USD per year for an individual plan or 40 USD per year for organizations where you will get an increase of maximum users from 2 to 6. Yes, you read that correctly, only 10 USD per YEAR for the whole set of features. Granted if you do not need any of them, enjoy the free version forever.
Besides very low premium cost BitWarden will offer you compatibility with all major browsers and devices including both Android and iOS platforms making it a great cross-platform solution to login and maintain your passwords anywhere with just one click.
Once installed all you need to do is set one master password and be very careful not to lose or forget this one, if you do all of your other generated passwords will be lost forever.
Features
Secure Password Sharing
Share your encrypted data quickly and easily, and only with the users or teams who need access
Cross-Platform Accessibility
Access critical data in your Bitwarden vault from any location, browser, and device
Cloud-Based or Self-Host
Get up and running in minutes in the cloud or you can self-host Bitwarden for complete data control
Security Audit & Compliance
Open source and third-party audited, Bitwarden complies with Privacy Shield, GDPR, CCPA regulations
Vault Health Reports
Access insightful reports to reveal weak, reused passwords, and other helpful data security metrics
Directory Sync
Our powerful Directory Connector streamlines user and group onboarding and keeps them in sync
Always-On Support
Our Customer Success agents are available to support you around the clock
Detailed Event Logs
Bitwarden creates audit trails to help you keep track of user and group access to sensitive data
Flexible Integrations
Unite your existing systems with Bitwarden using SSO authentication, Directory services, or powerful APIs
Conclusion
There are many password managers out there but via recommendation I have tried BitWarden and truth to be told, I really never felt the need to try anything else, it is great at what it does and it is moving forward with features and it is constantly updated and maintained.
Dxgkrnl.sys is a file related to the Microsoft DirectX driver – a suite of technologies developed by Microsoft to provide hardware acceleration for heavy multimedia applications like 3D games as well as HD videos. However, there are times when you encounter Blue Screen errors for this system file which is quite a lot. So when you encounter a Blue Screen error that’s related to this file, then it could be that the dxgkrnl.sys file is infected with some virus or malware and this might go unnoticed since antivirus programs regard dxgkrnl.sys as a system file. Here are some Blue Screen errors related to the dxgkrnl.sys file:
SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION .
BAD_POOL_HEADER
STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
STOP 0x0000001E:
KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
STOP 0x00000050:
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
To fix the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error, here are some suggestions you have to check out.
Option 1 – Try running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool
Since the dxgkrnl.sys error has something to do with the DirectX Graphics APIs, you can run the DirectX Diagnostic tool to resolve the problem.
Option 2 – Try updating or re-installing DirectX
If the DirectX Diagnostic tool didn’t work, you can try to update or reinstall DirectX instead. This can help in fixing the problem because when you reinstall or update DirectX, it will replace the incompatible or corrupted components of DirectX from your computer.
Option 3 – Try to run the DISM commands
You might want to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also trigger the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:
Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error is now fixed.
Option 4 – Try updating or reinstalling your Graphics drivers
Updating or reinstalling the Graphics drivers in your computer can also help in resolving compatibility issues between the operating system and the driver that also cause this kind of BSOD error.
First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
After that, 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. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
Now restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.
Option 5 – Try to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter
As you know, the Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like dxgkrnl.sys. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
Option 6 – Try disabling the SLI Technology in NVIDIA Control Panel
In case you don’t know, there is a technology called SLI that comes with the NVIDIA graphics cards. With the help of this technology, the usage of various GPUs is allowed on a computer and hence helps in triggering the Alternate Frame Rendering and boosts the Graphics Performance directly. This is why this option to disable the SLI technology is suitable in fixing the problem if you are using an NVIDIA Graphics card.
Search for NVIDIA Control Panel in the Cortana Search box and then click on the related search result or you can also right-click on the NIVIA icon located in the system tray and then select the NVIDIA Control Panel to open it.
After that, navigate to the 3D settings section.
Then select the “Set SLI Configuration” option and click on the “Do Not Use SLI Technology” option.
Now click on Apply located at the bottom-right corner of the window to save the changes made.
Restart your computer.
Option 7 – Try turning off NVIDIA Surround
Note that this option is only applicable if your computer is using the NVIDIA Graphics card.
In the Cortana Search box, search for NVIDIA Control Panel and click on the related search result.
After opening the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to 3D Settings > Configure Surround, PhysX.
Now uncheck the “Span displays with Surround” option and then click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in today's world. Plenty of software and plenty of hardware is working on it without any issues. In order for Windows to deal with this ever-growing hardware and in order for hardware manufacturer's to have stable products in the Windows environment is accomplished via Drivers.
A driver is a small piece of software whose sole purpose is to control and communicate with specific hardware and create a bridge between it and Windows itself. it is made in such a way that even if it brakes the rest of the operating system will continue working uninterrupted.
Having updated drivers means better performance and better stability for device performance so it is crucial to have the latest drivers installed. Outdated drivers can also lead to some security issues which could be exploited by malicious applications.
Here, in today's article, we are presenting you with 4 ways on how to keep your drivers updated and tidy for best performance and stability. The list goes from the most simple way to the most complex and time-consuming one.
Use one-click solution, DRIVEFIX
The most simple and most straightforward solution, install DRIVEFIX, and with only one click on a mouse button, you can have all drivers fixed and updated. This application is made for this purpose and it is doing its job pretty well.
Update Windows
Windows updates come with new drivers for new hardware and with newer versions of existing ones, do update on regular basis and you should have all of your drivers up to date.
Download drivers from the manufacturer's website
Go to the manufacturer's website for your device and download and install the latest driver package.
Use device manager to update drivers
Go to the device manager and right-click on the device which you would like to update the driver. Choose update device driver.
Thorconnwndclass error is an Outlook error that has recently reared its head.
Known to create several problems in the proper functioning of the Outlook application, this error is essentially a constituent of the Norton Antivirus Crash Guard Symantec component. That’s why those using the Norton Antivirus program are most likely to encounter this error.
Solution
Error Causes
When the Thorconnwndclass error occurs, the Outlook closes unexpectedly, users encounter problems while sending or receiving emails and, performance of Outlook is degraded and this happens because issues arise while accessing the PST file. Because of this damaged PST file, stored data is unavailable for access.
Other factors that trigger the Thorconnwndclass error are listed below.
Corrupt or damaged Outlook Add-ins
Corrupt or damaged Outlook bar
Unfinished Outlook installation
Faulty settings
Thorconnwndclass Norton is being used with Outlook
Regardless of the underlying factors that lead up to the occurrence of this error, it's of paramount importance that workarounds are implemented to ensure desired performance of Outlook in the long run.
Further Information and Manual Repair
While there are several ways to rectify this error, some of the most common ones are listed below as follows.
The most effective solution is the PST file repair tools available online. These tools use a complex algorithm and thoroughly scan the PST file and repair it as needed. This resolves the Thorconnwndclass error that one encounters in Outlook. Usually such software have an easy to use interface and can easily be used, without the need for the user to have a strong technical background. Another advantage of using these software available online is that they not only repair the file, but they often play a pivotal role in retrieving inaccessible or lost data.
Some other tips for manually resolving this problem are listed below as follows.
First and foremost, disable your Norton Antivirus program if it’s installed on your system. Now, open the Outlook application in Safe Mode. Since this problem may also be triggered by damaged or corrupt Outlook add-ins, it is strongly advised that you disable or uninstall them. Now, you will come across some .dat files. Rename them by changing the existing .dat files to new .dat.
Another useful approach is to employ the Inbox Repair tool offered by Outlook.
Finally, one can also use the scanpst.exe file to fix any problem or error that resides within the Outlook application.
In previous versions of Windows changing the system, the font was a pretty straightforward process, but it seems Microsoft did not want this feature to keep for whatever reason and there is no option as of the time of the writing of this article to do it in standard options in Windows 10.
But do not worry, you are still able to customize your Windows and choose which font would you like to see inside it in all of its dialogs. You can choose whichever font you desire, the only prerequisite is it to be installed on your system.
This guide will require you to change values in the registry of Windows itself so please follow step-by-step instructions and always make a backup of the registry before changing it in order to prevent some permanent Windows issues.
All of that being said, let's start.
Setting new font
First thing is to open notepad, in the notepad paste the next block of code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]"Segoe UI (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Light (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)"="""Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)"=""[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]"Segoe UI"="NEW_FONT"
Where in "Segoe UI"="NEW_FONT" instead of NEW_FONT you need to write the exact name of the font that you wish to use as a system font.
Once you have replaced the default system font with your desired one, go to File and save as, from file type drop-down menu, choose all files and save this file as .REG type giving it whatever name you wish.
When the file is saved, close notepad, right-click on the saved file and choose the merge option. Confirm with YES and click on OK. Reboot your system and your Windows will now use the font of your choice as its default system font.
Restoring default font
If you wish to return the old default system font as it was, follow the same steps but in your notepad paste this code:
RadioRage is a potentially unwanted application developed by Mindspark Inc. This browser add-on is compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Google Chrome and claims to enhance the Internet browsing experience by allowing users to listen to their favorite music via the installed toolbar.
RadioRage Toolbar is categorized as adware since it infiltrates computers and after successful installation, this browser extension redirects browsers to home.tb.ask.com. And changes your default search engine to myway.com.
While active on your computer RadioRage collects user information such as browsing data, website clicks, and sometimes even sensitive user information, that it later sells / forwards to its ad distributors.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijacking is regarded as the internet’s constant risk that targets web browsers. It’s a type of malicious software that modifies your internet browser’s settings so that you are redirected to websites or pages that you had no intention of checking out. They are made to interfere with browser programs for many different reasons. These are typically used to force visitors to a specific website, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Most people assume that the browser hijacker is just a harmless website but that is not the case. Nearly all browser hijackers pose an actual threat to your online safety and it is necessary to classify them under privacy dangers. In a much worst case, your browser can be hijacked to download malicious software that will do a great deal of damage to your PC.
Key signs that your web browser has been hijacked
The typical signs that signify having this malicious software on your computer are:
1. your web browser’s home page is suddenly different2. you get re-directed to internet sites you never intended to visit3. The default search page of the browser is modified4. you see multiple toolbars on the web browser5. you might notice many pop-up ads on your screen6. web pages load slowly and sometimes incomplete7. you cannot go to specific sites such as home pages of security software.
So how does a browser hijacker infect a PC
There are many ways your computer could become infected with a browser hijacker. They typically arrive by way of spam email, via file-sharing websites, or by a drive-by download. They may also be deployed through the installation of a web browser toolbar, add-on, or extension. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s computers by using a deceptive software distribution method known as “bundling” (often through freeware and shareware). Well-known examples of browser hijackers include Conduit, CoolWebSearch, Coupon Server, OneWebSearch, RocketTab, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search.
Browser hijackers might record user keystrokes to collect potentially valuable information leading to privacy concerns, cause instability on systems, drastically disrupt the user experience, and finally slow down the computer to a point where it becomes unusable.
Browser hijacker removal methods
One thing you can try to eliminate a browser hijacker is to locate the malware within the “Add or Remove Programs” list of the Windows Control Panel. It might or might not be there. When it is, try to uninstall it. But, the majority of hijackers are really tenacious and require specialized tools to get rid of them. Inexperienced PC users should never attempt the manual form of removal, as it demands detailed system knowledge to carry out repairs on the computer registry and HOSTS file.
What To Do If You Cannot Install Any Anti-virus?
Every malware is detrimental and the effects of the damage will vary based on the specific kind of malware. Some malware is meant to restrict or prevent things that you wish to do on your computer system. It may well not permit you to download anything from the internet or it will prevent you from accessing a few or all websites, especially the anti-virus sites. So what should you do if malware keeps you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? Refer to the instructions below to eliminate malware through alternate methods.
Use Safe Mode to resolve the issue
If the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should avoid it. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded when you boot your computer or laptop into Safe Mode. Listed below are the steps you need to follow to eliminate viruses in Safemode.
1) At power on, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press ENTER.3) As soon as this mode loads, you will have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal software you want by utilizing the browser. To install the application, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard.4) As soon as the software is installed, allow the scan run to eliminate viruses and other threats automatically.
Switch over to some other web browser
Certain viruses might target vulnerabilities of a particular browser that block the downloading process. When you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by malware or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the ideal plan of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Firefox, Chrome, or Safari to download your favorite computer security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.
Run anti-malware from a pen drive
Another approach is to download and transfer an antivirus program from a clean PC to run a virus scan on the infected system. Follow these steps to employ a flash drive to fix your infected system.
1) Make use of another virus-free computer system to download Safebytes Anti-Malware.2) Insert the pen drive onto the same computer.3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, with a .exe file format.4) Select the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the file. Follow activation instructions.5) Now, transfer the flash drive to the infected computer.6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the software.7) Hit the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.
Let's Talk About SafeBytes Security Suite!
These days, anti-malware software can protect your laptop or computer from various forms of online threats. But wait, how to select the right one amongst several malware protection software that’s available in the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some are really worth your money, but many aren’t. When looking for anti-malware software, purchase one which gives solid, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. One of the recommended software programs is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a really good reputation for top-quality service, and clients seem to be very happy with it.
SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and user-friendly protection tool that is designed for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. This application could easily detect, remove, and protect your personal computer from the most advanced malware attacks including spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, PUPs, worms, parasites as well as other possibly damaging software programs.
There are numerous amazing features you’ll get with this particular security product. Listed below are a few of the great ones:
Real-time Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your computer limiting malware intrusions in real-time. It’ll continuously monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also gives end-users sophisticated firewall protection.
Antimalware Protection: Built upon a greatly acclaimed antivirus engine, this malware removal application is able to find and remove several obstinate malware threats such as browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common anti-virus applications will miss.
Web protection: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety ranking to every site you visit and block access to webpages considered to be phishing sites, thus protecting you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software.
Light-weight: This application is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not find any performance problems when SafeBytes is working in the background.
24/7 On-line Tech Support: Support service is accessible 24 x 7 x 365 days via email and chats to answer your questions.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you wish to manually remove RadioRage 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 RadioRage
Disk partitioning is a concept that’s been around for so long, but is still only familiar to few. If done right, it can help get your computer in perfect order.
Today we bring you a simple definition of disk partitioning, its pros and cons, and a quick tip on how to do it properly to reap its full benefit!
Definition and purpose
The simplest way to define disk partitioning would be: it’s exactly what it sounds like. It means taking a hard disk drive and separating it into different segments. These segments are called partitions. You can visualize it as cutting a cake into smaller pieces - not necessarily of the same size, though.
So what is the purpose of these pieces?
Well, when you first get a hard drive, it’s basically just a bunch of unallocated storage space. Until there’s at least one partition, this space is unusable to your operating system. Once you create a partition, your OS will recognize it as usable storage space.
You can choose to create a single partition and use it for all your files, from program files to personal data. A lot of off-the-shelf computers come with one primary partition like this and a small secondary one reserved for recovery purposes.
Whether or not you want to split your disk into more than one segment is up to you. We would generally recommend it, though. The whole point of partitioning is for each segment to have its own purpose.
So treating all your storage space as a single unit containing different file types would be like constructing an office building with only one massive room for everything - day-to-day work, conferences, interviews, etc. And all of this for different departments of the company. You can see how this might get a little messy.
Creating multiple partitions eliminates the task of running several different types of files from the same place. This takes a heavy load off the entire process of accessing data.
Disk partitioning also brings a ton of other benefits to the table. An important disclaimer, though: there are disadvantages too. We will walk you through both sides to help you get an objective idea and make an informed decision.
Source: Kina on Unsplash
What are the benefits of disk partitioning?
1. Better file organization
This is the most obvious and perhaps the biggest advantage of partitioning your hard drive.
As we already mentioned, partitioning allows you to create separate segments for different file and data types. You wouldn’t want to use the same partition for your system files and for games, would you?
If organization and time management are important to you, then multiple partitions are the right solution. Searching for specific files will be much easier overall. Say you have one hard drive, but three partitions: C for the system files alone, D for multimedia files and documents, and E for games and apps. Your computer loads the system from C without interference from the other two, and you know exactly where to look when searching for a file.
2. Easy reinstallation
File management isn’t the only thing made faster and simpler thanks to partitioning. If you opt for creating multiple segments on your drive, reinstalling Windows will be easy peasy.
That’s because all you need to do is format the partition your system is on. Then you reinstall the OS on it, and there you go. Now you have a clean installation, with all your files saved on other partitions intact. You can even make a copy of your system partition, so you can revisit the exact same installation in the future if you want. And the whole time your pictures, music, documents stay exactly where you left them.
Source: Andrew M on Unsplash
3. Possibility of using multiple file systems
By now you’ve understood that partitions function completely separately. This means that, if for some reason you need multiple file system capabilities, partitioning will allow that.
One segment could be used for, say, an NTFS file system, while another could run ext or APFS.
4. Running different OSes
You’re an avid Windows user but need to use Linux on the side? No problem. You don’t need to buy a separate computer or anything. The possibility of running different file systems also means you can use partitioning to run multiple operating systems.
Doesn’t that sound enticing? One machine for multiple totally different uses!
5. Backup and recovery made simple
Data loss can happen on any disk, partitioned or not. However, it’s much easier to get it back on a partitioned one. You know where you stored what, and each partition can be backed up exactly as it is. It’s also a lot faster to back up single partitions than entire hard drives.
Ultimately this also means a faster path to recovery. If you lose or accidentally delete important files and data, you might want to use a recovery tool like Recuva to scan for them and get them back. Recuva is even powerful enough to recover data from damaged hard drives. But no matter how powerful, scanning a whole drive is strenuous for any recovery tool. Scanning independent partitions is a lot more convenient than that, and will get you to your goal more efficiently.
6. Optimized performance
Now, let’s keep in mind that computer performance is influenced by a number of factors. Partitioning alone isn’t what makes it better or worse. However, it can contribute to optimization. It’s easier for your computer to scan, say, a 40 GB partition to fetch the system file it needs than scanning the entire capacity of your drive.
7. Improved security (possibly*)
Separate partitions can help make your system more secure. Firstly, they minimize file corruption. If one partition gets corrupted, the others should remain unaffected. And keeping in mind the previous point about backup and recovery, ‘fixing’ the damaged partition would be much easier than fixing the entire hard drive.
Partitioning also improves security in terms of malware protection. A malicious attack on one partition is easier to deal with than malware on the whole drive. If your system partition gets infected, you can simply reinstall your OS and that should do the trick.
*Do keep in mind that partitioning can’t defend you against more advanced attacks. So make sure not to give in to a false sense of security.
What are the disadvantages of partitioning?
1. Data is still vulnerable
Yes, it’s easier to back up and recover data from independent partitions. And yes, partitioning may help protect separated files and data to a higher degree. But remember: everything is still on a single physical drive. So while digital errors and issues may be easier to deal with on partitioned drives, physical damage obviously won’t be.
If your hard drive is destroyed in some way, all data on it will be gone. That’s why, if you have crucial files on your PC, it’s important to give them the proper backup treatment before it’s too late.
2. Disbalance of space
Allocating storage space on separate partitions may be a little more tricky than you think. You may fill up one partition a lot faster than another. So on one side you’re struggling with space, and on another you have too much of it to spare. Imagine nearly filling up your system partition and then it turns out you need a lot more space for its updates than you thought.
That’s why you really have to be sure you actually have enough files of different types that you need help managing efficiently. Otherwise you’ll just create a struggle and disbalance in terms of storage.
3. Increased risk of error
If done incorrectly, partitioning can lead to more harm than good. Aside from space disbalance, there is an increased risk of incorrect partition sizes and formatting. Plus, human error is also a factor: in a moment of distraction, you may erase one partition when you meant another. Undoing such mistakes will definitely be tedious and time-consuming.
4. SSDs eliminate the need of partitioning
SSDs (solid-state drives) don’t function in the same way that HDDs do. They have faster read times and can organize files on their own. This quite literally eliminates the need for organization on your part.
Partitioning: yes or no?
The bottom line is that multiple partitions might not be necessary for the average user. But if you’re planning on storing many file types or different file and operating systems on the same PC, then you should give it a shot. It’s also an excellent solution for businesses, of course.
And if our pros and cons list isn’t enough to help you decide, you can always send us a message and we’ll help you make the right choice.
Decided to partition your hard drive?
If you’ve decided to give it a go, you definitely should make sure to do it right.
The two most effective and reliable ways to partition are using the built-in options on Windows or investing in a dedicated partitioning tool, like the EaseUS Partition Master. Which one you'll opt for depends on your specific needs.
Option 1 may be more suitable for users with at least some level of experience. In this case, you’d have to know exactly which steps to take without making errors. This is done in Disk Management on Windows 10/11. From there, you can select the partitions you’d like to split into different volumes of selected sizes.
If this is your first time partitioning, we highly suggest you either consult professionals for this or move on to option 2. The EaseUS partitioning software is specifically designed for beginners, with an intuitive interface helping you succeed in the process. All you need to do is pick the Partition Master package tailored to your needs and follow their guide.
Each package offers technical support as well, and even free upgrades (to varying degrees based on your subscription). Plus, all of this is valid for not one, but two PCs.
It’s the perfect solution for a smooth and error-free partitioning process. If you want to organize your hard drives efficiently and make the most of all your space without doing irreparable damage, it’s definitely worth the investment.
If you’re suddenly unable to launch or open Google Chrome or unable to load web pages, then it’s most likely that the files in Chrome have been corrupted or some plugin is taking up a lot of resources which is why you encounter an error message saying, “Google Chrome has stopped working”. And when you try to check the Task Manager, you’ll see that Chrome is really taking up lots of resources, however, when you check the Taskbar, strangely, you will see nothing. If you are currently facing this issue in Chrome on your Windows 10 PC, follow the given options below.
Option 1 – Kill Google Chrome’s process in the Task Manager
If you aren’t able to open Chrome, then maybe its process is running in the background and you don’t see the browser windows. If that’s the case, you may have to force quit the browser and then try to open it again.
First, right-click on the Taskbar then select the Task Manager. And if the Task Manager is not responding, you can just use the Alt + Ctrl + Del keys and then select the Task Manager.
After opening the Task Manager, under Processes, look for Google Chrome’s process which would most likely be named “chrome.exe”.
Right-click on Google Chrome’s process and then select the End task option.
Now try to open Google Chrome again.
Option 2 – Try checking if your antivirus program is blocking Google Chrome
There are instances when due to false-positive, a security or antivirus program might block Chrome which is why it failed to open properly. Thus, you can just disable the security program temporarily and then check if you can now open Chrome or not.
Option 3 – Delete the User Profile in Chrome
You can also try deleting the User Profile folder in Chrome. To do so, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Then copy and paste “%USERPROFILE%AppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser Data” and hit Enter.
From there, look for a folder named “Default folder” and then copy the folder to another drive as a backup.
After creating a copy of the folder, delete the Default folder.
Next, open Google Chrome again and go to Settings > Advanced > Reset.
Option 4 – Disable the Extensions in Chrome
There are instances when issues on a browser are triggered or caused by some problematic extension. To find out which one of your extensions is causing the problem, disable them all first and then enable them back one by one.
Click on the three-dotted icon for the menu located at the top-right corner of your screen.
Then click on the More tools option and go to Extensions.
From there, you will see a list of all the installed extensions in Chrome.
Disable all these extensions and restart the browser.
Now enable them back one by one to figure out which one of them is the culprit. You could also remove extensions that you no longer use.
Option 5 – Run the Chrome Cleanup tool
You might also want to try running the Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool in Chrome. This is a built-in tool that can help you get rid of any unwanted pop-ups, banners, ads, unusual startup pages, toolbars, and malware. Thus, it can help you to resolve the issue in Chrome.
Option 6 – Try to reinstall Chrome
If running the Malware Scanner & Cleanup tool in Chrome didn’t work out for you, you can try reinstalling it. To do so, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app and go to System > Apps & features.
From there, look for Chrome and uninstall it from your PC.
Then go to the official website of Google Chrome and download its latest version and install it.
Many times we were talking and writing here on Errortools.com about security, privacy, hacking, identity theft, etc. We tried to raise important security questions and I hope I have managed to at least shed some light and change maybe some bad behaviors for some, helping them embrace better routines about their security on their PC.
In this light, I will today present you with one neat and awesome piece of software, a password manager worth your time and money (if you want premium features): BitWarden.
Error Causes
