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Fix Windows is not starting

Hello everyone and welcome to how to fix Windows when it is not starting tutorial. Here we will tackle some common problems and solutions in order to help you to get back both your computer and Windows in working order.

Windows not booting and loading is an annoying issue that can even result in complete loss of your data and can also consume a lot of time if no other solution than clean install remains. Also if you are not tech-savvy, this issue can cost you as well since you will have to hire a professional to solve this problem for you.

Here at Error Tools, we aim to help so you can overcome your PC issues yourself by providing you daily with tutorials, tips, and tricks and helping you with all of your Windows issues.

All of that being said, let's see what are issues that can prevent your computer or Windows from booting up and get around them so everything is back in working order.

  1. Use repair tool

    Windows 10 comes with a startup repair tool that has the goal to repair and fix errors preventing Windows from booting up. To use this tool however you will need Windows 10 bootable USB stick. You can create a bootable USB directly on the Microsoft site. Once you have it ready, plug it in and reboot your computer, choose to boot from USB. When you are on the Windows setup screen, click on next and then on Repair your computer.
    Go to troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup repair.
    When Startup repair is clicked, Windows will boot, scan files for issues, and if they are found he will automatically fix them.

  2. “Windows Failed to Start” 0xc00000f error

    If you get this error on your boot of Windows, then you have corrupted boot configuration data. In order to fix this error, you will also need a bootable USB with Windows 10 on it. Make one on the Microsoft site if you don't have it and reboot your computer, boot from USB, on the setup screen click on next and then on Repair your computer. Click on Troubleshoot and then on the command prompt. In the command prompt type the following:
    bootrec /FixMbr
    bootrec /FixBoot
    bootrec /ScanOs
    bootrec /RebuildBcd
    exit
    Reboot your PC without a USB

  3. Boot into safe mode

    Safe mode for Windows loads only its core without drivers and with minimal services. If you can boot into safe mode then the issue is with some application or driver causing the problem. Try the selective boot option to eliminate what is causing the error.

  4. Make sure your hardware is connected

    Some RAM or hard drive out of socket can cause Windows not to be able to boot, check all connections just in case.

If everything else fails, perform a clean Windows installation. The reason for Windows not booting up can be caused by various viruses and malware also if that case it would be best to format and perform a clean install.

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A Quick Guide to Resolving Error 0x80070571

Error 0x80070571 - What is it?

If you are a Windows 7 user and you also have a Maxtor One Touch 4 external hard drive installed on your PC, then you may come across the error code 0x80070571. The error code is displayed in the following format:
"The disk structure is corrupt and unreadable. Error 0×80070571"

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Here are some of the common causes of the error 0×80070571:
  • Changed Windows files or settings
  • Maxtor 750G driver damaged or corrupt
  • Damaged or corrupt registry keys
  • System files are missing or broken
In short, the error code 0×80070571 indicates an unhealthy system and is a surefire sign of poor PC maintenance. It is advisable to repair and resolve the error immediately especially if the underlying cause of the error is related to the registry. Such errors can expose your PC to serious threats like system failure, crashes, and valuable data loss. And retrieving data is often the hardest.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve the error 0×80070571 on your system, you don’t need to be a computer programmer or hire a technician either. We have listed down the best and simplest ways to fix this error on your system. These solutions are so easy to follow and execute that it requires no technical expertise whatsoever. So, let’s get started:

Solution 1: Update The Maxtor 750G Driver

The best way to fix the error 0×80070571 on your system is to update the Maxtor 750G driver. This can be easily done by either contacting the manufacturer or downloading the updated version from Maxtor’s official website.

Solution 2: Update Windows

For the smooth running of the PC, it is crucial to keep Windows updated. Therefore, update Windows on your PC. To do this, go to the Windows Update option in the control panel. This will show your updated status. Turn it on and click on update.

Solution 3: Clean the Registry

The registry basically stores all the activities and information on your PC. This includes both important and unimportant data including the junk files, cookies, internet history, bad registry keys and invalid entries. Such files if not removed, take up a lot of disk space. It corrupts the registry and damages the system files as well. Furthermore, it also leads to disk fragmentation because of which new files are stored in fragments in different locations and this is exactly why it takes a long time to call system files. The registry damage and corruption then generates various errors on your PC and one of them is error 0×80070571. The best way to clean and restore the registry is to download Restoro. This is a highly functional and next-generation registry cleaner. It is embedded with a smart algorithm that detects and scans all registry issues and errors on your system in seconds. It removes all the unnecessary and obsolete files accumulated and cluttering your PC. Furthermore, it fixes the damaged system files and restores the registry right away. It has a sophisticated and an easy to use interface that enables users to work around it without any hassle or technical expertise. It is compatible with all Windows versions. In addition to this, this tool is also deployed with several other value-added utilities such as an antivirus, a system optimizer and Active X controls, and a class ID scanner. It is safe and efficient. Click here to download Restoro on your PC and repair error 0×80070571 today!
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How to Fix Windows 10 Error Code 0xc004c008

Error Code 0xc004c008 - What is it?

This specific Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 error code has to do with the number of times you can use your license number to install windows programs on computers. All windows activation codes are licensed to be used one time for a device, to control piracy, but what happens when your PC crashes, or you have to change a hard drive component and are forced to re-install Windows Operating System. Luckily, there is an easy fix for this issue.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Basically, when you need to re-install the Windows operating system that you have previously bought and installed on another computer an error code will be displayed with a message telling you that the activation server determined that the specific key could not be used for activation. This occurs because the key has already been used on that computer, or a different one, to install operating systems. There are a few easy fixes for this issue, and most of them should be easily completed on your own.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There aren’t many explanatory ways to repair Error Code 0xc004c008. Below are two methods to go about addressing this issue.

Methods 1:

  1. The first step is to open the “Run” Window. You can do this in two ways. First, press the “Window” key and press the “R” key simultaneously. This will open the “Run” menu. Or you can start the “run” window by going to the Start menu and selecting Run.
  2. In the Run window type “SLUI 4” and click enter.
  3. A Phone Activation window will open up, after which you'll need to select a few options.
  4. First chose the country in which you registered the product for the first time.
  5. Choose your country and a phone number will be displayed specific to your choice. You will now need to call the number provided.
  6. After you’ve dialed you will be prompted to write your “Installation ID”. Type your “Installation ID” on the phone.
  7. After that step, you will be asked how many copies of Windows have been installed using this license. Choose “1”, should anything else be chosen but “1”, this will not work.
  8. After the process is completed, you will be given a confirmation ID and should be able to proceed as normal with installation. You will have a workable product key again.
  9. Install whatever copy of the Windows Operating System you are attempting to with the new product key.

Method 2:

If the first method did not work, the only other option is to call Microsoft and walk through the process with a technician. To do this, dial “1-800-936-5700”. Explain the error that you received and the steps in the update process during which it was displayed. The technician will be able to walk through the steps from getting a new product key to finishing the installation.

If you're not a tech-savvy individual but would like to solve this problem without the aid of a technician, download a powerful automated tool to fix error code 0xc004c008.

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Capture screen with Windows 10
if you were following our articles you are aware that Windows 10 has a build-in-game mode that you can summon by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + G. But did you know that you can use this to capture and record your screen? Hello and welcome to another great tutorial about how to get the maximum out of your Windows 10, today our topic will be recording your screen using Windows 10 game mode.
  • In order to start recording first, we need to bring game mode by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + G
  • In the Game Bar overlay screen, look for the “Capture” window.
  • If you don’t see it, click the Widget menu icon on the left. It looks like several lines with bullet points to their left.
  • A drop-down list will appear; click “Capture.” The “Capture” shortcut may also be in the Game Bar toolbar.
  • Look for the “Capture” widget window in the overlay. There are four buttons on the Capture widget (from left to right):
    • Screenshot: Takes a screenshot of the active window.
    • Record last 30 seconds: Creates a recording of the previous 30 seconds.
    • Start recording: Starts recording your active window.
    • Turn on the mic while recording: If this option is enabled, Windows 10 will capture audio from your computer’s microphone and include it in the recording.
  • You’ll notice text underneath the buttons. This is how you’ll know what the active window is, aka what will be recorded. For example, if you’re browsing the web, it will show the title of the open tab.
  • To start recording your screen, you must first decide whether you want to use your mic, which is useful if you’re trying to explain something on the screen.
  • Next, simply click the Start Recording button.
  • The screen recording will begin, and you’ll see a little toolbar appear in the corner of the screen. It will show the running time of the recording, and it also has buttons to stop recording and toggle the microphone.
  • When you’re finished, click the Stop icon to end the recording.
  • From the Capture widget, click “Show All Captures” to see your recording.
  • Your recording will be at the top of the list. Click the folder icon to see all recordings and screenshots in File Explorer.
  • These recordings are stored under your Windows user folder at C:\Users\NAME\Videos\Captures by default.
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The proxy server is refusing connections
If you receive an error message saying, “The proxy server is refusing connections” while trying to open a website on your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser in Windows 10, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this error. This kind of error occurs when you have a wrong or dead proxy configuration or when you are using some VPN service. However, this kind of error could also mean that your computer might be infected by malware which caused some changes in the internal settings. Whatever triggered the error, here are some suggestions that could help in fixing it.

Option 1 – Check the proxy settings in your browser

Like other browsers, Firefox allows users to set up proxy in several ways. However, if you’ve made any changes recently which might have caused the error, the first thing you can do is to check the proxy settings in your Firefox browser. Follow the steps below to do so.
    • Open the browser and go to Menu and then click Options.
    • After that, go to the General tab and scroll down and click the Settings button under Network Settings.
  • From there, make sure that the Use system proxy settings option is set. If not, you have to enable No proxy and then save the changes made.
  • Now check if the “The proxy server is refusing connections” error is fixed or not.
Note: If you want to use a proxy in Firefox, you have to select the Manual proxy configuration and set it up properly. And if your network has a proxy setting and you want to grab that, you have to opt for the Auto-detect proxy settings for this network option.

Option 2 – Try disabling the proxy server for your LAN

If your PC was just attacked by some adware or malware as of late, it is possible that it has changed the network settings in the system and might display spam advertisements. Thus, you have to disable the proxy server for your LAN. To do that, refer to these steps:
  • 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.

Option 3 – Try disabling the manual proxy setup from Settings

In case you miss it, there is actually an option in the Settings panel that you can use to set up a proxy in your Windows 10 computer. So if you encounter the “The proxy server is refusing connections” error, you should disable manual proxy for the meantime and check if it fixed the error or not.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Windows Settings.
  • Then go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  • And on your right-hand side, ensure that the Automatically detect settings are enabled and that the Use a proxy server option under the Manual proxy setup is disabled.
  • Now try to open any website again and see if the problem’s fixed.

Option 4 – Check your VPN

If you are using a VPN application, there are times when it causes some issues like this error. If that’s the case, you can try to disable your VPN temporarily and see if the error is resolved or not and if turns out that your VPN is the culprit, you have to uninstall it and install a new one or its latest version. To uninstall it, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box
  • Then type “appwiz.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features in Control Panel.
  • From there, look for the VPN service you are using, select it and then click on Uninstall to remove it.
  • After that, restart your computer and try to install the latest version of the program again. It should work now. If not, proceed to the next available option below.

Option 5 – Clear your browser’s internet cache

You actually have the option to Hard Refresh in order to clear the cache of your browser either pressing key combination Ctrl +F5.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the “The proxy server is refusing connections” might be caused by some malware in the system and so to eliminate the malware, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
  • Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
  • Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
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How to Fix Media disconnected error message on Windows 10
A computer with no internet connection is like a mobile phone that can’t call nor text though you can still use it for other things. So if you are having problems with your computer’s internet connection, worry not as there are some basic things you can try before you go over the actual troubleshooting. Just make sure that you really have working internet. To verify it, try connecting your other devices. Aside from that, you must also make sure that your computer is connected properly over cable or connected to the router over the Wi-Fi. Once you have all these things covered, now’s the time to start troubleshooting the problem with the help of the instructions prepared below. To be more specific, this guide will walk you through what you can do when you encounter a particular internet connection problem where you get the Media State Media disconnected error message on your Windows 10 computer.

Before you troubleshoot the problem, you need to first check the internet connection status on your computer. To do that, follow these steps:

  • Type in “cmd” in the Cortana search box.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
  • After opening Command Prompt with administrator privileges, type in the ipconfig /all command and hit Enter.
  • After you enter the command, you will see a list of all the connected media like the Ethernet, Wi-Fi along with its status, and more. From there, you need to check everything closely. I notice a message that says, “Media State . . . . . Media disconnected”, then your internet connection is indeed having issues.
Refer to the options below to fix the Media State Media disconnected error message on your Windows 10 PC.

Option 1 – Try resetting WINSOCK and IP Stack

  • Type in “cmd” in the Cortana search box.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in each one of the commands listed below
    • netsh winsock reset catalog – This command will reset the WINSOCK entries.
    • netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log – This command will reset the IPv4 TCP/IP stack.
    • netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log – This command will reset the IPv6 TCP/IP stack
  • Once you’ve executed the commands listed above, restart your PC to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Check if your Network Adapter is disabled

If you’ve disabled the network adapters on your computer, then it’s most likely the reason why you’re getting the Media State Media disconnected error message. Thus, you need to enable it back.
  • Open Settings and go to Network and Internet > Select Ethernet > Change adapter options.
  • From there, right-click on the adapter and enable it.

Option 3 – Check the Wi-Fi Properties

Though this case is not common, Wi-Fi sharing has actually caused issues for some users. That’s why you need to check the Wi-Fi properties. Go to Network Connections and right-click on Wi-Fi and select Properties. From Properties, go to the Sharing tab and select the first option and click OK.

Option 4 – Try updating the Network driver

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type in devmgmt.msc and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • Expand the section for the outdated device drivers.
  • And then select the Network driver or any other outdated driver(s) and right-click on it/them.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the Update Driver option and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of the driver.
  • Then also click on the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Restart your PC after the installation.
Note: If updating the Network driver didn’t work, you can go to the website of your PC manufacturer and look for the support section where you can download the drivers for your computer. You just need to take note of your PC’s correct model and model number so you can find the appropriate driver.
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TeamViewer stuck on Initializing Display
One of the popular tools that allow a user to offer or obtain remote assistance on a computer is the TeamViewer. It is available on all the major computer and mobile platforms which makes it a lot useful to every kind of user, even on the go. If you are one of the users who frequently use TeamViewer, then you must be familiar with this one sentence that states, “Initializing display parameters”. In common cases, this sentence will appear for a second and load the other user’s screen. However, some users reported that TeamViewer gets stuck on that stage and did not move ahead even a bit. If you experience the same problem, read on as this post will guide you in fixing this issue with TeamViewer on your Windows 10 computer. At the time of writing, the cause of this issue is still unclear. It could be due to the quality of internet connection, conflicts in process, misconfiguration of Remote Access, and many more. To fix this issue, you can try to update TeamViewer for both the users or have it reinstalled with Unattended Remote Access, or reconfigure the Remote Access. You can also try to kill any conflicting processes or optimize your internet connection. For more details, refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Reboot your router

The first thing you can try to do to fix the error is to simply restart your router. All you need to do is reboot the router from its Admin panel or you can also turn it off manually and turn it back on after a couple of seconds so that it can completely reboot. Once you’re done, try accessing your server again and see if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to update TeamViewer on both users’ end

You might have to update the TeamViewer on both ends and to do that, you need to start the TeamViewer installer again. Once it is installed, run the program and click on the Help option in the Menu ribbon and then select the “Check for updates…” option. If an update is found, you will be notified within a couple of seconds through a pop-up mini window. From there, click on Update and then follow the next onscreen instructions that appear and choose your TeamViewer version to update.

Option 3 – Try reinstalling TeamViewer via the Unattended Remote Access

If the first two given options didn’t work, you might have to reinstall TeamViewer from the Windows 10 Settings app or Control Panel.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility and type “regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Here, navigate to this registry key: Computer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Wow6432Node TeamViewer
  • Next, look for the TeamViewer key and right-click on it, and select Delete.
  • After that, restart your PC to apply the changes made and then start TeamViewer again, and then click on Connection > Open Management Console.
  • Then sign in or sign up to get registered and select the Add new device radio button under Add > Add computer located on the top-right corner and then select the Download now option.
  • Now follow the next onscreen instructions that appear to complete the installation and then check if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try reconfiguring the Remote Access

You can also try to reconfigure Remote Access in case there is some misconfiguration that might have caused the problem with TeamViewer.
  • On your Desktop, right-click on This PC and click on Properties.
  • Next, go to the left side of the navigation panel and click on Remote Settings.
  • From there, make sure that the “Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this computer” checkbox is checked under the Remote Assistance section.
  • Once done, click on the Advanced button. This will open a new mini window where you’ll have to check the “Allow this computer to be controlled remotely” option under the Remote Control section.
  • Then click on OK and see if it fixed the problem.

Option 5 – Try to kill any conflicting processes

  • Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to open the Task Manager.
  • Then navigate to the Processes tab and right-click on the BGInfo process.
  • Now select the End Task option to kill its process and then start TeamViewer again and check if the problem is resolved.

Option 6 – Try to optimize the quality of connection

You need to take care of two things under this option – first, you have to disable the loading of the Wallpaper of the computer which is the one that you’re trying to access remotely. To do that, you have to select the Extras menu from the menu ribbon and then select Options. And under the Remote Control section, check the “Remove remote wallpaper” option. The next thing you have to do is to optimize the quality for the speed by selecting the “Optimize Speed” for the menu of Quality still under the Remote Control section.
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How to Fix Black Screen During Installation Windows 10

Black Screen During Installation - What Is It?

Many are upgrading their OS to Windows 10, however, it’s not always smooth sailing because users have been reportedly experiencing different bugs including Black Screen after a successful update.

One common issue in installing Windows 10 is the appearance of a black screen after installation. This usually occurs when the user restarts the computer. Initially, there will be a black screen only appearing on the monitor. There are also cases where a mouse cursor is present, while some cases have no cursor at all.

Not only that, it seemed that you’ve lost all your desktop icons when experiencing this bug.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Just like the other bugs experienced by Windows 10 users, booting to a black screen has reasons. Before you even try to look for the solution, you first have to determine the cause of the error, in this case, the error would be black screen when booting.

  • Error on external devices such as printer or mouse.
  • Having outdated display/video drivers that normally result in black screen when OS is updated.
If error messages are left unsolved, you may encounter other Windows 10 related issues such as error code 0xc0000142

Further Information and Manual Repair

Before you even think of upgrading your OS to Windows 10, you need to know that there are specific system requirements and specifications to be able to successfully update your operating system.

  • Minimum of 1 gigahertz (GHz) Processor
  • Either 1 (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) Ram
  • You need at least 16 GB of free hard disk space
  • A Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or later with WDDM 1.0 driver graphics card
  • 800 x 600 display
  • A Microsoft account and Internet access.

There are more system requirements in order to use other certain Windows 10 features, but we’ll focus on solving your black screen problem in this article.

IMPORTANT NOTE: While it’s possible that you’ll be able to find the solution for your black screen during Windows 10 update, contacting the service of a professional technician or using an automated tool is advisable if you’re not confident in performing the methods to be discussed.

Method 1: Windows 10 DVD Boot

  1. Hit Repair your computer at the Install Now screen.
  2. Press Advanced Options
  3. When you’re in the Advanced Options find Troubleshoot and click it.
  4. Proceed to pressing Startup Repair
  5. Simply follow the instructions of the screen and check if that helps solve the black screen problem.

Method 2: Safe Mode from Windows 10 DVD Boot

  1. Go to Install Now screen
  2. Hit Repair your computer button
  3. Go to Advanced Options
  4. Click Safe Mode option

There’s a chance that you’ll get an error prompt saying, “installation cannot be completed in safe mode.” If this happens, simply press Shift + F10. This command will redirect you to the Command Prompt. You just open Device Manager by keying in devmgmt.msc then disable the display adapters, now check if you’ll be able to successfully boot in normal mode.

This process will normally allow you to complete the Windows 10 installation, if that’s the case you can just update the display adapter drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Restart your computer and see if this solves the problem.

Method 3: Driver Roll Back

  1. Hit Windows Key + X then press the Device Manager
  2. Expand the Display Adapters option
  3. Right-click the listed Display Adapter and press on properties
  4. Find the Driver Tab and click on it, then press Roll Back Driver

Do take note, however, that the Roll Back Driver option is not available if there was no previous version installed.

Method 4: Check External Devices

Since one common cause of black screen during a Windows 10 update is the external devices you use in your computer, you might want to consider these steps as well.

  1. Simply unplug all of the external devices you currently use
  2. Restart your computer
  3. If in case this solved your black screen problem, carefully plug back the devices one at a time to determine which of the device is the culprit.
  4. Update the drivers for the outdated hardware using a reliable third party tool.

Method 5: Fast Startup Disabled

Some Windows 10 users had success in solving their black screen problem by disabling the fast startup.

  1. Go to the Control Panel, find Power Options and press “Choose what the power button does,” which is located in the left pane of the panel.
  2. Hit the “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
  3. Make sure to unmark the checkbox button saying, “Turn on fast startup.”
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PrivacyAssistant Malware Removal Tutorial

PrivacyAssistant is a browser extension developed by SearchAssistant.net. These extensions allegedly offer users a safer way to browse the internet and some other tools to customize the home page with background wallpapers and one-click links that can be added. While all this may sound appealing, PrivacyAssistant also monitors your browser activity, search quarries, clicks, visits, and possibly personal information.

This extension changes your default home page to SearchAssistant.com and rerouting all searches through its search portal, displaying sponsored links instead of your typical search results. While active you may see unwanted ads and even pop-up ads appearing while browsing the internet.

Several anti-virus programs have classified this extension as a Browser Hijacker, and are, therefore, for security reasons, not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is amongst the web’s constant risks that target internet browsers. It’s a kind of malicious software that alters your internet browser’s configuration settings and redirects you to websites or pages that you had no intention of checking out. They are created to disrupt browser functions for many different reasons. Usually, hijackers will force hits to internet sites of their choice either to increase traffic producing higher advertisement earnings, or to gain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Most people believe that these kinds of websites are legitimate and harmless but that is not the case. Almost every browser hijacker poses an existent threat to your online safety and it’s important to categorize them under privacy dangers. When the program attacks your PC, it starts to mess things up a whole that slows your computer down to a crawl. In the worst-case scenario, you might be forced to deal with serious malware threats as well.

How one can recognize a browser hijack

There are numerous symptoms that point to a browser hijacking: your browser’s home page is suddenly different; you get re-directed to sites you never meant to visit; the default web engine has been changed and your web browser security settings have been lowered without your knowledge; find new toolbars that you simply did not add; you might find many pop-up ads on your computer screen; your web browser starts running slowly or displays frequent errors; you have prohibited entry to certain web pages, for example, the website of an antivirus software developer like SafeBytes.

So how exactly does a browser hijacker infect a PC

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or perhaps an email attachment in order to reach a targeted computer system. They can also originate from any BHO, extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious intent. Other times you might have unintentionally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program bundle (generally freeware or shareware). A good example of some popular browser hijackers includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, however, the names are constantly changing. Browser hijacking can lead to serious privacy problems and even identity theft, disrupt your browsing experience by taking control over outgoing traffic, considerably slows down your personal computer by consuming lots of system resources, and result in system instability at the same time.

How to repair a browser hijack

Some hijackers can be removed by uninstalling the free software they were included with or by deleting any extension you’ve recently added to your browser. But, the majority of hijackers are extremely tenacious and require specialized applications to eradicate them. Furthermore, manual removal requires you to execute many time-consuming and tricky procedures which are hard to carry out for inexperienced computer users.

How To Get Rid Of Virus That Is Preventing Antivirus Installation?

Viruses can cause a great deal of damage to your computer system. Some malware sits in between the computer and your net connection and blocks some or all sites that you really want to visit. It will also prevent you from installing anything on your computer, especially anti-malware software. So what to do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Although this sort of problem can be difficult to circumvent, there are some actions you can take.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the problem

In Safe Mode, you can actually change Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eliminate hard-to-delete malware. In case the malware is set to load immediately when PC boots, switching into this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is starting up or run MSCONFIG and look for the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in safe mode, you can try to install your anti-malware program without the hindrance of the malicious software. Following installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Switch over to some other web browser

Some malware mainly targets specific browsers. If this is your situation, use another internet browser as it can circumvent the malware. In the event you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the best approach is to switch over to a different internet browser like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your favorite computer security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Run anti-virus from a USB drive

Another solution is to create a portable anti-malware program on your USB thumb drive. Try these simple actions to clean up your affected PC using a portable antivirus. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Microsoft Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer system. 2) Plug the pen drive into the uninfected PC. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, which has a .exe file format. 4) Choose the flash drive as the location for saving the file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Transfer the pen drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes tool from the pen drive. 7) Click “Scan Now” to run a scan on the infected computer for viruses.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

If you are looking to download an anti-malware application for your computer, there are several tools out there to consider nonetheless, you cannot trust blindly anyone, no matter whether it is paid or free software. Some are really worth your money, but many aren’t. While looking for an anti-malware program, choose one that offers solid, efficient, and complete protection against all known computer viruses and malware. One of the highly recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a very good track record of quality service, and customers appear to be happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, very effective protection tool created to assist users of all levels of IT literacy in finding and eliminating malicious threats out of their PC. Once you’ve got installed this software, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will make sure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your PC. SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a plethora of enhanced features which sets it aside from all others. Listed below are some of the highlighted features included in the tool. Robust Anti-malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard to remove malware that conceals deep inside your personal computer. Active Protection: SafeBytes gives round-the-clock protection for your PC limiting malware attacks in real-time. They’re extremely effective in screening and removing various threats since they’re constantly improved with the latest updates and alerts. Web protection: SafeBytes checks the links present on a web page for possible threats and alerts you whether the website is safe to explore or not, through its unique safety ranking system. Light-weight: The program is lightweight and will work quietly in the background, and that does not impact your computer efficiency. 24/7 Premium Support: Support service is readily available for 24 x 7 x 365 days through email and chats to answer your queries.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove PrivacyAssistant 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 PrivacyAssistant

Registry: HKLMSOFTWAREClassesAppID.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainStart Page Redirect=http://.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionvirus name HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon Shell = %AppData%.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun Random HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionRandom HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREsupWPM HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWpm HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallPrivacyAssist HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Optionsmsseces.exe HKLMSOFTWAREClassesAppIDrandom.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain Default_Page_URL
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Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys are not working
This post will guide you on what to do if your keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys are not working on your Windows 10 computer. A lot of users use hotkeys as they make things easier for them as they use their computer. However, there are instances when these hotkeys suddenly stop working. It’s actually one of the most common problems with keyboards. And so to resolve this problem, you can try out some suggestions prepared on this post.

Option 1 – Clean the keyboard keys physically

Your keyboard might not be working properly due to some dirt or other corrosion. First, you need to shut down your computer and then unplug the keyboard if you are using a desktop computer and then prepare it for cleaning. After that, use a small cotton ear cleaning tool to get between the creases and clean them. You can dip it slightly in alcohol to make it more efficient in cleaning dust and dirt. And if you can, you have the option to pull apart the keyboard completely and then wipe away all the corrosion from the inside. Once you’re done, put the keyboard back together and then plug it back into your PC. Now turn your PC on and check if the hotkeys are now working.

Option 2 – Try running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is by running the Hardware Troubleshooter. Although it won’t make much of a difference, there’s still a possibility that it could automatically fix the problem with these function keys. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • 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.

Option 3 – Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port

The problem might have something to do with the USB port that’s currently in use by your keyboard. It could be that it’s not working so it makes sense to unplug it and attach it to another USB port. You can also clean the USB port on both ends to ensure that they are not affected by corrosion.

Option 4 – Uninstall previously installed keyboard software

If you have been previously using another keyboard, it might be better if you make sure that the software for the old device has been removed since there are instances when multiple software can cause problems due to similarities in actions.

Option 5 – Update the keyboard driver

You can also update the keyboard driver to fix the problem. There are cases when an outdated or corrupted driver can fix the problem. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • From there, look for the keyboard driver and click on it.
  • Next, right-click on the keyboard driver and select the Update driver option.
  • After that, click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option to proceed.

Option 6 – Reinstall the keyboard driver

If updating the keyboard driver didn’t help, then you might want to reinstall it. How? Follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in 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 keyboard driver, right-click on it and then select “Uninstall device”.
  • After that, unplug the device and restart your PC.
  • Then plug your device back in. Assuming your device is connected to your PC, open the Device Manager again.
  • Next, click on the Action button and click the Scan for hardware changes button. That should fix the problem.
Note: You could also completely uninstall the driver and go directly to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your hardware and then install it.

Option 7 – Enable Human Interface Device (HID) Service

Another thing to consider is the Human Interface Device Service. If this service is disabled, then no wonder why your hotkeys are not working. Thus, you need to enable this service. Refer to the following steps to do that:
  • Tap the Win + R key to launch the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Services.
  • After opening Services, scroll down until you see the Human Interface Device service.
  • Double click on HID and make sure that its Startup Type is set to “Automatic” and then click OK.
  • Restart your PC and check if the hotkeys are now working or not.

Option 8 – Try resetting the keyboard

You might also want to try resetting the keyboard as it can also help in fixing the problem. Setting it back to its default state will surely help.
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MyScrapNook Complete Removal Tutorial

MyScrapNook is a browser extension for Google Chrome that allows users to easily find scrapbook templates, layouts, and graphics. This extension requires the use of Adobe Flash Player and does not work with Chrome’s built-in flash player.

When installed MyScrapNook will change your home page and default search engine to MyWebSearch.com. It will also inject unwanted ads and sponsored links into your search queries. This extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus applications and is recommended to remove it from your PC.

From the Author:

FREE scrapbooking templates, layouts, and graphics! Get creative with tons of FREE scrapbooking features. With MyScrapNook, you can make beautiful, custom scrapbooks — with just a few clicks. Let us help you capture the memories with FREE scrapbook templates. The MyScrapNook extension offers convenient web search and features from the Chrome New Tab page.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a common type of internet fraud where your web browser configurations are altered to make it do things you don’t intend. Basically, nearly all browser hijackers are created for marketing or advertising purposes. These are generally used to force visitors to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Many people assume that such websites are legitimate and harmless but that is not the case. Nearly all browser hijacker pose an existent threat to your on-line safety and it is important to classify them under privacy dangers. Browser hijackers can even allow other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

There are numerous signs of browser hijacking. Below are some of them: the browser’s home page is changed; bookmark and the new tab are likewise modified; the default online search engine has been changed and your browser security settings have been cut down without your knowledge; you notice many toolbars on the web browser; numerous pop-up ads show up and/or your browser popup blocker is disabled; your web browser gets slow, buggy, crashes often; You cannot access particular websites, especially anti-virus sites.

Exactly how browser hijacker infects PCs

There are several ways your computer can become infected by a browser hijacker. They typically arrive through spam e-mail, via file-sharing websites, or by a drive-by-download. They also come from add-on application, also known as browser helper objects (BHO), web browser extensions or toolbars. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker within your PC through the “bundling” technique. An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, however, the names are constantly changing. Browser hijackers can interrupt the user’s web browsing experience greatly, track the websites visited by users and steal sensitive information, cause problems in connecting to the net, and then finally create stability problems, causing applications and system to freeze.

Removing browser hijackers

Some hijackers can be removed by deleting the free software they came with or by eliminating any extension you have recently added to your browser. Sometimes, it could be a difficult job to discover and remove the malicious component because the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. And there is no denying the very fact that the manual fixes and removal methods can certainly be a difficult job for an amateur computer user. On top of that, there are plenty of risks associated with fiddling around with the system registry files. Experts always recommend users get rid of any malicious software including browser hijacker by using an automatic malware removal tool, which is easier, safer, and faster than the manual removal process. If you’d like to eliminate persistent hijackers effectively, install the top-rated, award-winning anti-malware software Safebytes Anti-Malware. Together with the anti-virus tool, a system optimizer, like SafeBytes’s Total System Care, will help you in deleting all linked files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.

Learn How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected PC

All malware is bad and the degree of the damage can vary greatly with regards to the type of infection. Some malware sits in between your computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you want to visit. It might also block you from installing anything on your computer, especially the antivirus program. If you’re reading this, you may have infected by malware that prevents you from installing security software such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are some steps you can take to get around this issue.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

In the event the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in safe mode should prevent it. Since only the bare minimum programs and services start-up in “Safe Mode”, there are rarely any reasons for issues to take place. Here are the steps you have to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista or 7 computers (go to Microsoft site for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) Press the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your computer boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts shows up. This will invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and press ENTER. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, utilize your browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) Immediately after installation, run a complete scan and allow the software program to delete the threats it finds.

Switch to some other internet browser

Malicious code could exploit vulnerabilities in a specific browser and block access to all anti-virus software sites. If you seem to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-malware from your flash drive

Another solution is to store and run an antivirus program completely from a USB drive. Abide by these steps to run the anti-malware on the affected computer. 1) Make use of another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Connect the USB flash drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Pick a thumb drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you want to install the software. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the uninfected computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program from the thumb drive. 7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

Detect And Destroy Viruses With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Want to download the very best anti-malware software program for your desktop? You can find many applications on the market that comes in free and paid versions for Windows computers. A few are really worth your money, but most aren’t. You have to be very careful not to select the wrong product, particularly if you purchase a paid software. One of the highly recommended software by industry experts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a popular security application for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only protects your computer system completely but is also very user friendly for people of all ability levels. Once you’ve got installed this software program, SafeBytes superior protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malware can seep through your personal computer.

There are many great features you will get with this particular security product. Here are a few popular features found in this computer software:

Anti-Malware Protection: With a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is intended to catch and get rid of threats that are concealed deep inside your computer’s operating system. Live Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your PC limiting malware intrusions in real-time. This software will always keep track of your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat situation. “Fast Scan” Features: This software program has got one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are extremely accurate and take a short amount of time to complete. Safe Web Browsing: SafeBytes inspects the links present on a web page for possible threats and tells you whether the site is safe to view or not, through its unique safety ranking system. Light-weight: This software program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any performance troubles when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Premium Support: You can obtain high levels of support 24/7 if you’re using their paid version. SafeBytes has created a wonderful anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. Malware trouble will become a thing of the past once you put this tool to use. If you’re seeking the very best malware removal tool out there, and if you don’t mind paying out some dollars for it, go for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually remove MyScrapNook without the use of an automated tool, it might be actually possible to do so by deleting the application from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser plug-ins, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. It’s also advised to reset your browser settings to their default state. If you opt to manually delete the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to ensure that you know precisely what files to remove before executing any actions. Please be aware that this is for professional users only and may be challenging, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware keeps replicating which makes it difficult to get rid of. Doing this in Safe Mode is recommended.
Folders: %LOCALAPPDATTA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\lbapdklahcjljfincdglncfpdgfhckcf %LOCALAPPDATTA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\lbapdklahcjljfincdglncfpdgfhckcf %LOCALAPPDATTA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\lbapdklahcjljfincdglncfpdgfhckcf %LOCALAPPDATTA%\My Scrap NookTooltab Registry: key My Scrap Nook at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ key My Scrap NookTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\
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