Fixing Folder Size Issue in Windows 10

The Windows 10 Orange Screen of Death, unlike Blue Screen of Errors, is quite an uncommon error where the hardware is the culprit which is mostly caused by some issues with the GPU. If you are currently facing this problem, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on what you can do to fix it. There have been reports from users that the Orange Screen of Death is caused by various reasons. Some users reported that they encountered Orange Screen of Death when they were watching a YouTube video, while some were not able to boot into their Windows 10 PCs and encountered an error instead of that either says, FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE or WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR error. In addition, this error can also occur when your computer wakes up from Sleep or while using BitLocker, or while you use a second monitor. Whatever the case is, you can try updating your drivers or lower the clock speed of the GPU. You could also try to fix the DRIVER_IRQL issue in case it’s the one that triggers the error or performs Automatic Repair or uninstalls any recently installed software.

Option 1 – Update your Graphics card drivers

One of the possible reasons why you’re getting the Orange Screen of Death error is most likely related to the Graphics card drivers in your computer. Thus, the first thing you can do to resolve it is to update these drivers by following these steps:

• First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
• After that, 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. 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 2 – Try to uninstall software you’ve installed recently

If you have installed a software or two recently and then suddenly encounter this Orange Screen of Death, then they are most likely the culprits. The best thing you can do is to first check the System Log in the Event Viewer for any additional information in case it’s not the GPU but some other driver or device that’s causing the error. Once you have identified the culprits, uninstall them and see if the error is fixed.

Option 3 – Try disabling Overclocking

If overclocking is enabled, you might have to disable it as some users reported that the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR 0x00000124 error started to appear right after overclocking. To disable it, follow the steps below.

• Go to the Start Menu and open Settings.
• Next, select Update and Security and go to the Recover tab.
• From there, click on Restart now in Advanced startup. This will restart your computer.
• Once you’re in the Advanced startup, go to Troubleshoot and then select Advanced Options.
• From there, select the UEFU Firmware Settings.
• Now click on Restart. Once your computer has restarted, it will automatically open BIOS.
• From the BIOS, go to the Advanced tab and navigate to Performance and then look for Overclocking.
• Once you’ve found Overclocking, make sure that it is disabled. If it’s not, then disable it and then save the changes made by tapping the F10 key.
• Start your computer normally and check if the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR 0x00000124 error is now fixed.

Option 4 – Use the Driver Verifier Manager

The Driver Verifier Manager is another tool in Windows that could help you fix driver-related issues. And so if you want to fix the Wdf01000.sys Blue Screen error, you need to use the Driver Verifier Manager:

• Type in the keyword “Verifier” in the Cortana search box to search for Verifier in Windows 10.
• After that, select the option “Create custom settings”.
• Make sure that you have checked everything except the options “DDI compliance checking” and “Randomized low resources simulation”.
• Next, select the option “Select driver names from a list” option.
• Afterward, you have to select all the drivers from any unofficial or third-party provider. To simply put it, you have to select all the drivers that are not supplied by Microsoft.
• Then click on the Finish button.
• Open Command Prompt as administrator and execute this command – verifier /querysettings
• The command you just executed will display the Driver Verifier settings so if you see any of the flags enabled boot your Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode.
• Open the Command Prompt as admin again and run this command – verifier /reset
• The command will reset the Driver Verifier. Once the process is done, restart your PC and check.

Option 5 – Try to run the Automatic Repair Utility

You might also want to use Automatic Repair in fixing the error. To do so, follow the steps below.

• You can start by creating and booting from a bootable Windows 10 USB Stick.
• After that, click on Repair your computer located on the bottom left corner when you are on the initial Windows Startup screen.
• Next, click on Troubleshoot, and then on the other screen, click the Startup Repair option.
• Now select the operating system you want to repair. Once you do that, it will start to repair your operating system. Wait until the process is completed and then check if the problem’s now fixed.

It is no secret that Fortnite is one of the most played games in the world. Epic has done a great job offering it to plenty of other platforms with cross-play feature meaning that you can play with your friends no matter on what platform they are on. But how Fortnite is a piece of software which is constantly updated and maintained it is pretty normal to have some bugs or issues from time to time. One of the before-mentioned issues is a connection issue or unable to connect to game servers. In our article, we will go through common fixes and solutions in order to get you back in-game as fast as possible. Keep on reading.

Check the Epic Games Status page

Check the Epic Games Server Status page to make sure all systems are operational. If the issue you’re experiencing is related to an outage or system-wide issue, you won’t be able to connect to the Epic Games Launcher or Fortnite until it's resolved.

Use a wired connection

Wireless connections are not as stable as wired connections. This means that the signal can be unreliable and result in packet loss, connection problems, or higher latency or ping. Connect directly to your modem or router with an Ethernet cable to eliminate this possibility and have the fastest connection possible.

Disable your firewalls

Often the quickest way to fix connection problems due to firewalls is to temporarily uninstall and/or disable it.

Windows Firewall disable guide:

1. Click on Start.
2. Click on Control Panel.
3. Click on System and Security.
4. Click on Windows Firewall.
5. Click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off (You might need to provide the Administrator password at this step)
6. Under each Network location, select the Turn off Windows Firewall option

Uninstall any other firewalls

Using a third-party firewall may prevent you from being able to connect to the Epic Games Launcher, Fortnite, or another Epic Games product. We recommend removing any third party firewalls temporarily to see if this resolves your issue. If it does resolve the problem, make sure to add the following executables as exceptions to your firewall:

Epic Games Launcher

• C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Engine\Binaries\Win64\EpicGamesLauncher.exe
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Epic Games\Launcher\Engine\Binaries\Win32\EpicGamesLauncher.exe

Fortnite

• C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping.exe
• C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_BE.exe
• C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteClient-Win64-Shipping_EAC.exe
• C:\Program Files\Epic Games\Fortnite\FortniteGame\Binaries\Win64\FortniteLauncher.exe

Contact your firewall manufacturer for instructions on how to add these as exceptions to it as this varies between them.

Unblock your network ports

Network ports allow certain types of data to be successfully sent over a network that is used by our services. If you have any of these blocked, it may result in you being unable to connect to our games or use our services properly. To unblock your ports on your router do the following:

Windows

First, you will need to get your default gateway and internal IP address:

1. Click on Start.
2. Type cmd and press Enter.
3. Type ipconfig and press Enter.
4. Take note of your Default Gateway and IPv4.

Configuring your router to unblock the ports

1. Open your web browser.
2. Type your Default Gateway into the address bar and press Enter. (A common Default Gateway is 192.168.1.1)
3. You may be asked for a username and password. This varies for each router. Before entering anything, try just hitting OK. If that doesn't work, try the common default username and password below: Username: admin Password: password If these don't work, you can check this website for a list of usernames and passwords based on your router model.
4. Locate the Port Forwarding page in the administration tool and click on it.
5. Make sure you have Port Forwarding selected and not Port Triggering as this is completely different.
6. On this screen, you will need to enter the ports and port ranges below with the correct protocol and local IP of which you took note of above: 80 (TCP/UDP), 433 (TCP), 443 (TCP), 3478 (TCP/UDP), 3479 (TCP/UDP), 5060 (TCP/UDP), 5062 (TCP/UDP), 5222 (TCP), 6250 (TCP/UDP), and12000-65000 (TCP/UDP).

If you have any trouble doing the above on your router, make sure to check out the router manufacturer's support site for additional instructions as these will vary from router to router.

VPN and Proxy Servers

Do NOT use VPN or Proxy Servers. These cause issues that can't be resolved by us without having you disable them. Check out this article for information on how to disable your proxy server.

Switch Domain Name Systems (DNS)

Switching your DNS can result in better connectivity and performance for your internet connection. There are two different DNS services we recommend to have you try if you are having issues with your connection. Below are the followings links with instructions on how to change your DNS:

• GoogleDNS
• CloudflareDNS

Epic Games Launcher: Edit your Engine.ini file (Windows only)

Editing these settings can result in better download speeds using the Epic Games Launcher:

1. Click on Start.
2. Type %localappdata% and press Enter.
3. Open the EpicGamesLauncher
4. Open the Saved
5. Open the Config
6. Open the Windows
7. Open ini and add the following lines to it: [HTTP] HttpTimeout=10 HttpConnectionTimeout=10 HttpReceiveTimeout=10 HttpSendTimeout=10[Portal.BuildPatch] ChunkDownloads=3 ChunkRetries=20 RetryTime=0.5
8. Save the file and open the Epic Games Launcher.

Windows 10 has displayed one of the most efficient and user-friendly interfaces. However there have been many issues on the backend of this commonly praised operating system: For example, Windows Update is still a wonky and error-laded system application. One example of this error is Windows Update Error 0x80073712 which stands in the way of users just wanting to keep their PCs updated hassle-free. The error code 0x80073712 signifies that a file needed by Windows Update to function is either damaged, missing, or corrupted. However, this does not mean that your Windows version will forever stay as-is with no mode to update it. Windows Update Error 0x80073712 is perfectly fixable with the set of provided steps below and some of Windows’ built-in troubleshooting steps:

Solution 1: Open Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open the Windows Update Troubleshooter by pressing the Window Key and  “S” keys simultaneously.
2. Enter the word “Troubleshoot” in the search box and select the Troubleshoot result
3. On the new window, select “Windows Update” to troubleshoot.
4. Run the troubleshooter, then open Windows Update and try to install the update again.

Solution 2: Run the DISM tool

1. Open the command prompt by pressing Windows Key and “S” key simultaneously
2. Enter “cmd” in the search box. Right Click command prompt among the results and select “Run as administrator”
3. In the Command Prompt window type the following and press the Enter key after every command

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

4. To close the Administrator: Command prompt window, type Exit, and then press Enter.
5. Run Windows Update again.

Solution 3: Rename the Software Distribution folder

1. Open the command prompt as previously mentioned
2. Input the following command pressing Enter after every line net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver exit
3. Restart the PC and run the updater if it works again.

Solution 4: Restart Windows Update Services

1. Press the Windows logo key and R together to open Run -> Input services.msc -> and press Enter
2. Search for the Windows Update service -> Check its status
3. If it is not indicated, right-click on the service and select Start to force start your Windows Update
4. If you see an error, locate the Startup Type option and set it to Automatic
5. Now you should reboot your computer and see if your Windows Update is OK

Solution 5: Fix Registry Issues

If after all the aforementioned solutions, you still experience problems with Windows Update, the problem may lie in the registry that is either damaged or corrupted. You may choose to do manual editing of your Windows registry by opening your Windows registry editor. But doing so is risky as one wrong letter may do incalculable damage to your system. To do so safely for more inexperienced users., we recommend using a third-party registry cleaner/tools, many of which can be found online.

MSASCui.exe is a digitally signed file from Microsoft located in folder C:\Program Files\Windows Defender. It is a component of Microsoft Windows Defender Antispyware. This file is responsible for performing spyware scans. It is already installed in Windows Vista operating system. MSASCui.exe becomes an error code when it is found in another path. It is categorized as a Windows runtime error.

Solution

Error Causes

The cause of MSASCui.exe error is triggered by:

• Corrupt or damaged registry entries
• Virus Infection

The potential risks of MSASCui.exe error are:

• Slow PC performance
• Data loss

When this file becomes an error, it will display messages like:

“This application has failed to start to run on Windows because MSASCUI.exe cannot be found.” “Windows Defender cannot work properly and protect the Windows system effectively”

The message will keep popping up on your computer screen time and again.

Further Information and Manual Repair

When you experience an MSASCui.exe error on your PC, it is advisable to fix and repair it immediately before it causes serious damages to your system. Here are some DIY quick solutions to repair MSASCui.exe error:

Solution 1:

If the speed of your PC reduces significantly and you also see MSASCui.exe error message pop on your screen, then in this case it is advisable to uninstall the Windows Defender program from your PC. To do so, follow these instructions:

• First, open the Windows Task Manager by pressing the “Ctrl, “Alt” and “Delete” keys on the keyboard.
• Now click the ‘Processes’ tab. This will show the currently running processes on your system.
• Scroll down and click on “MSASCui.exe” and then end the process. This will stop the program from running on your PC.
• After this go to the start menu and double click on ‘My Computer’ and click on the C drive.
• Choose the option ‘Program Files’ and then click on the ‘Windows Defender’ folder.
• Now to delete this folder, right-click and select ‘delete’. This will uninstall the program, fix the MSASCui.exe error, and also improve the performance of your PC.

Solution 2:

If you find the MSASCui.exe file located in some other path, then this is an indication of a virus. In this case, it is recommended to run an antivirus program on your PC to scan and delete all viruses. If you don’t have an antivirus program already installed on your system, then you should download it. Once antivirus software is downloaded, simply run it to scan viruses and then click on delete to remove all the viruses on your system. This will help you resolve the MSASCui.exe error caused by malware on your PC right away.

FormFetcherPro.com is a Browser Extension for Google Chrome developed by Mindspark Inc. This extension offers users quick and easy access to various forms required for visas and other documents. While this may seem appealing, all this extension does is point you to the most popular websites online that can easily be found by searching. When installed it hijacks your new tab page and changes it to search.myway.com, enabling it to better target ads.

While browsing the internet with this extension enabled you will see additional sponsored content, additional ads, and sometimes even pop-up ads displaying throughout your browsing sessions. Several anti-virus programs have marked this extension as Potentially Unwanted and as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore recommended to remove it from your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious code has taken control over and altered the settings of your web browser, without your permission. Browser hijackers are capable of doing more than just changing home pages. Usually, hijackers will force hits to internet sites of their preference either to increase targeted traffic generating higher ad earnings, or to obtain a commission for every user visiting there. Many people believe that these types of sites are legitimate and harmless but that is incorrect. Nearly all browser hijackers pose an actual threat to your online safety and it is necessary to classify them under privacy dangers. Browser hijackers can even let other destructive programs without your knowledge further damage your computer.

Key signs that your web browser has been highjacked

When your web browser is hijacked, the following could happen: you find unauthorized changes to your web browser’s home page; your internet browser is constantly being redirected to adult sites; the default browser configurations have been changed, and/or your default search engine is altered; you see many toolbars on your internet browser; you’ll find random pop-ups start showing regularly; your web browser starts running slowly or exhibits frequent errors; Inability to navigate to certain sites, especially antivirus and other security software websites.

How it infects the computer

Browser hijackers can enter a PC in some way or other, for example via file sharing, downloads, and email as well. They sometimes are included with toolbars, add-ons, BHO, plugins, or browser extensions. Browser hijackers sneak into your pc in addition to free software application downloads also that you unwittingly install alongside the original. Common examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, RocketTab, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do.

How you can fix a browser hijack

Some types of browser hijackers can be removed from the computer by uninstalling malicious software or any other recently added shareware. Having said that, the majority of hijackers are really tenacious and require specialized applications to eliminate them. Also, browser hijackers might modify the Windows registry so that it can be very tough to restore all the values manually, particularly when you are not a very tech-savvy individual. Anti-malware software is very efficient when it comes to catching and removing browser hijackers that regular anti-virus software has missed. SafeBytes Anti-Malware will counter relentless browser hijackers and provide you active PC protection against all types of malware. Utilize a pc optimizer (such as Total System Care) together with your anti-malware to repair various registry issues, eliminate system vulnerabilities, and improve your computer performance.

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

Practically all malware is bad, but certain kinds of malware do more damage to your computer or laptop than others. Some malware sits in between your PC and your internet connection and blocks some or all sites that you would like to check out. It would also prevent you from the installation of anything on your PC, especially antivirus software. If you are reading this article right now, you’ve perhaps realized that a malware infection is a reason for your blocked internet traffic. So what to do if you want to install an anti-virus program like Safebytes? There are a few actions you can take to get around this issue.

Use Safe Mode to resolve the issue

In Safe Mode, you can modify Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eradicate hard-to-delete malware. In case the malicious software is set to load automatically when the PC starts, shifting to this particular mode can prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is booting up or run MSConfig and locate the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, and update anti-malware software from there. Now, you are able to run the anti-virus scan to remove viruses and malware without interference from another malicious application.

Switch to a different internet browser

Some malware mainly targets certain web browsers. If this is your case, utilize another browser as it could circumvent the malware. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a trojan or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the best course of action would be to switch over to a different internet browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari to download your chosen security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another approach is to download and transfer an anti-malware application from a clean computer to run a scan on the affected computer. To run anti-virus from a USB pen drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Use another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the pen drive on the same computer. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, select the location of the pen drive as the place in which you would like to store the software files. Do as instructed on the screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Unplug the flash drive. Now you can use this portable anti-virus on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes tool right from the thumb drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for viruses.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Overview

If you are planning to buy anti-malware for your PC, there are many brands and utilities for you to consider. Some are very good ones, some are ok types, while some are simply just fake anti-malware software that can harm your personal computer themselves! When looking for anti-malware software, select one that gives reliable, efficient, and comprehensive protection against all known computer viruses and malware. On the list of strongly recommended software by industry, analysts are SafeBytes Anti-Malware, popular security software for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, highly effective protection software designed to help end-users of all levels of computer literacy in finding and removing harmful threats out of their computer. When you have installed this program, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC.

SafeBytes has outstanding features when compared with other anti-malware programs. Listed below are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Most effective AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning antimalware program goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine detects and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep inside your PC. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. This tool will continuously keep track of your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the constantly changing threat scenarios. Internet Security: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes tells you whether a website is safe or not to visit it. This will ensure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the internet. Minimal CPU and RAM Usage: This application is not “heavy” on your computer’s resources, so you’ll not find any performance troubles when SafeBytes is working in the background. Premium Support: For any technical inquiries or product guidance, you may get 24/7 professional assistance through chat and email. SafeBytes can keep your computer protected from the latest malware threats automatically, thereby keeping your web experience safe and secure. Malware trouble can become a thing of the past once you put this tool to use. So if you’re searching for the best malware removal tool out there, and when you don’t mind spending some money for it, go for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To get rid of FormFetcherPro manually, go to the Add/Remove programs list in the Control Panel and select the program you want to get rid of. For browser plug-ins, go to your browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you intend to disable or remove. You will most probably also want to reset your web browser to its default settings. To make sure of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and delete it or reset the values accordingly. However, this is a tough task and only computer professionals can carry it out safely. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. Carrying out this in Safe Mode is recommended.

What software are you using to keep your information and all your files and memories safe? 

None? Yikes. Let’s hope no damage has been done to your data yet then. Because with how the digital world has evolved, your data might be getting leaked and you have no idea.

Why do you need to invest in security software?

There’s really no good excuse not to purchase a quality platform for PC protection. Especially since top security solutions are available at such affordable prices nowadays, your wallet would barely even notice it.

At this point, only people who barely use their PCs and have zero sensitive information on them can get away with simply using the built-in Windows 10/11 security software. But we guarantee that those people are extremely hard to find and that you’re not one of them, and here’s why.

Even if you don’t use your computer for things that are very obviously sensitive, such as internet banking, you still have some personal data at risk of being stolen. How so? Well, think about the data you enter into your social media profiles, for example. How devastating would it be if somebody got a hold of any of it? Yep, that’s what we thought.

In the hands of a skilled cybercriminal, your phone number alone could put you at risk of scams, ransomware, identity theft and more. Also think about the stuff you share in texts and social media chats. Think about the websites you visit and how many times you may have accidentally clicked on an ad, which could very well contain malicious software. Those all seem harmless until someone’s actually used them against you. 

Now imagine the dangers involved when you actually store truly confidential data on your PC and browsers. Sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it?

In the case of a successful cyberattack of whatever type (virus, phishing, worms, etc.), there’s so much that is at stake. Businesses/legal persons will suffer from financial loss and damaged reputation, at the very least. Natural persons may be threatened or exploited, get their banking or medical information and even their identity stolen, etc. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

These are our biggest reasons for investing in Windows PC protection software:

• Cyberthreats are constantly evolving to the point where built-in or free software won’t cut it anymore.

• Those working remotely can have peace of mind knowing both personal and business data is completely secure.

• Businesses using top security solutions ensure their customers trust them. 

• Data breaches are a pain in the you-know-what to handle. Fighting a cyberattack and going back to normal is a demanding process, and not to mention the stress it’ll cause. We’d rather prevent all that by using trustworthy security products!

• It helps parents worry a little less about their children’s safety in the online world. 

• Added bonus: with most products, you get an ad-free browsing experience!

Obviously, there are a lot more reasons to get your PC secured. But we think you get it. So let’s cut to the chase and take a look at our 6 favorite protection solutions and the wonders they can do for you.

*Note that in this article we’re looking at products primarily suited for households and home offices, some for small businesses. No enterprise solutions will make the list today, but stay tuned for a future article on those.

Top 6 best PC protection solutions

1. Bitdefender Total & Internet Security\

One of the biggest security product vendors out there, Bitdefender offers several awesome solutions. We want to introduce two of our favorites, Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security.

Bitdefender Total Security is great for both households and smaller offices. You can choose to protect 5 or 10 devices, and not necessarily just Windows devices. It also works for macOS, Android and iOS. It offers a range of powerful features, such as:

• Real-time data protection
• Webcam and microphone protection
• Device optimization options
• Anti-phishing/-fraud/-spam technology
• Ransomware protection
• Anti-loss and anti-theft tools
• VPN and privacy firewall 
• Anti-tracking technology
• Parental controls
• 24/7 support

Bitdefender Internet Security shares almost all of these features, but there are a few important differences to note. Unlike Total Security, Internet Security has more options in terms of the number of protected devices: 1, 3, 5 or 10. However it’s only compatible with the Windows platform and it doesn’t offer device optimization tools or anti-theft options. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker depends on your needs alone - we still find it a great security tool.

2. ESET Internet Security

An award-winning Windows security product, ESET Internet Security is essential on this list. It has an outstanding protection rate of 99.9% and a range of amazing options you’ll definitely want to make use of. It can be installed on up to 10 devices, making it an awesome tool for your household, home office or a small business. It’s also compatible with macOS and Android.

These are ESET Internet Security’s best features:

• Protection against ransomware and spyware
• Protection against malware specifically designed to avoid detection
• In-depth scans when the computer is not in use
• Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your PC
• Anti-spam tool
• Anti-phishing and botnet protection technologies
• Tool to scan your router and smart devices for vulnerabilities
• Special browser for secure internet banking 
• Parental controls
• Prevention of unauthorized webcam access 

If you ask us, ESET has it all!

3. Kaspersky Total & Internet Security

Having a deja vu? Didn’t you just read Total Security and Internet Security somewhere? Oh, that’s right - the first entry on our list! But here we’re talking about Kaspersky, a vendor you’ve also definitely heard about before.

Just like Bitdefender, Kaspersky is another one of those renowned names in the cybersecurity world that always make it to every ‘best of’ list. And for good reason - its products really fulfill their purpose. So let’s take a closer look at the two we chose.

These are the features both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security have in common:

• Real-time virus and spyware blocking
• Webcam protection
• Wi-Fi security notifications
• Advanced identity theft protection
• Free technical support on several channels
• Remote security management
• Multiple devices (up to 10)

The main difference between Kaspersky Total Security and Internet Security is that the former offers more capabilities. These are the features KTS offers that KIS does not:

• System cleanup
• File shredding
• Password management
• Data backup and encryption

Both are excellent security tools, though we do prefer KTS a little more because of these additional options.

4. Norton 360 Deluxe

Of course one of the industry-leading solutions makes the list. Norton 360 Deluxe can protect up to 5 devices, be it Windows, iOS, macOS or Android. It’s worth noting that its features are best developed for Windows. Here’s what you get with Norton 360 Deluxe:

• Protection against viruses, hackers, malware
• 100% virus protection promise
• VPN included for all devices
• Unlimited VPN on Windows
• Password manager
• Parental controls

So is there anything aside from these standard protection features that makes it such a favorite among us techies? Let us tell you! Norton added a little bit of spice here with two really powerful capabilities. The Deluxe product offers 50GB of cloud backup and dark web monitoring. The latter means the software notifies you if any of your personal information is found on the dark web, which helps protect you against identity theft.

5. McAfee Antivirus

Don’t be misled by the name of this product. Antivirus software may have started as protection against viruses only, but it’s developed quite a lot. The name simply stuck. All that to say that McAfee Antivirus - another award-winning security solution - protects you against several different threats.

The basic and essential plan allow 1 and 5 devices respectively, while McAfee+ Premium and Advanced work on an unlimited number of devices. The latter two also offer more capabilities, as you can imagine. Here’s what you can expect from all of them:

• Secure unlimited VPN
• File shredder to delete sensitive files completely
• Ultimate safety while browsing
• Protection against hackers
• 100% virus protection promise
• Advanced firewall to block dangerous traffic
• Online support from specialists
• Protection score (shows how safe you are and detects vulnerabilities)
• Identity monitoring (notifies you if any of your information is on the dark web)
• Password management

Unlike the previous products, McAfee Antivirus does not offer parental controls. Otherwise it’s a pretty strong and comprehensive protection tool and might just be the right choice for you!

6. Trend Micro Maximum Security

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Maximum Security by Trend Micro. And yes, you guessed it, Trend Micro is also an award winner in terms of cybersecurity. Its products have been recognized as industry-leading security solutions by AV-Test since 2003. Among all its fantastic solutions, our favorite for households or small offices is Maximum Security.

You can use Trend Micro Maximum Security to protect 3-5 devices for a year or two years before needing to renew your license. Aside from Windows, it’s compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and Chromebook devices. Here’s what you can expect from this protection software:

• Powerful malware protection
• Phishing detection and prevention (email)
• Password management and protection
• Maximum security for online banking and shopping
• System optimization
• Social media privacy protection
• Parental controls 
• 24/7 technical support
• No notifications during gaming

It’s truly one of the most effective platforms out there dedicated to protecting your digital life. Using this product, ransomware, identity thieves and malicious websites don’t stand a chance.

The bottom line

If you’ve made it all the way here, congratulations, you’ve made the right choice: to invest in securing your valuable data! Now the question is: which one of these 6 awesome antivirus/antimalware products to select?

The paradox of choice is a very real thing - we feel you. As mentioned, it comes down to what your specific needs are. So before you go ahead and purchase your security software, make sure to explore all options.

And if you really can’t handle the decision-making anxiety, feel free to reach out. We’ll happily assist you in finding the right product to keep your digital life secure!

What is Webguard?

Developed by Interesting Solutions, Webguard is a tool supposedly used for tracking those online who’ve developed a habit of tracking you. The application would provide logical analysis into a user’s website history, providing insight on what websites you’ve visited and also how persons are able to track your every move while browsing. While Webguard is unable to dispose of who specifically is tracking your computer usage, they’re able to determine what computer installed tracking codes or cookies on your computer system. In this case, it’s then left up to the user’s discretion to determine who they want to allow or block from tracking their online use.  Overall, this application allows the user some measure of freedom and control over their online experience. Like any other application, however, which has landed themselves a spot on Virus Total, Web guard has hidden agendas. At a distance, Webguard installs a service for Windows but later distributes advertisements. Technical details about Webguard include:

Product Version: 1.0.0.0 Original File Name: crss.exe Entry Point:  0x000C5AAE

Assessment of Webguard Potentially Unwanted Program

While Webguard claims to track your computer usage, information reported by the application isn’t sufficient for the common computer user. This brings us back to the ulterior motive or principal objective of developing Webguard – to advertise and generate revenue from clicks made by users on Ads displayed on Internet Browsers – namely Chrome, Internet Explorer and Firefox. Why should a computer user remove Webguard? Simply, it compromises one's Internet privacy and security and it keeps abreast of your Internet history. If you’re online for an extended period, you’ll see what Webguard does. While the publishers behind the application did not alert users to the use of web beacons, cookies for tracking, and other related tracking technology, that’s not why Webguard is considered unwanted. The program is potentially unwanted because of the unpredictable advertisements it displays. Not all sites are trusted and so it’s difficult to determine, in some cases, what websites are legit for business.

Remove Webguard with Spyhunter

In most cases, at least from what I’ve seen, Webguard is installed as a single application. After it was installed for this assessment, it could be found in ‘All Programs”. This meant that one could manually delete the application from their computer system (see manual steps below). However, is that really sufficient to completely rid your PC of Webguard’s blueprints? While you might opt to remove Webguard manually – maybe because it’s more economical – an automated process is able to completely eradicate hidden threats from Webguard. In comparison to manually removing Webguard, Spyhunter penetrates your computer system for all infections. In most cases, nasty threats are unable to be removed manually. Additionally, Spyhunter not only removes installed threats, but it detects incoming ones – hence, acting as a preventative tool. Furthermore, Spyhunter detects cookies placed on your computer by Webguard. These are all undetectable threats and so an automated tool, as Spyhunter, should be used to remove Spyhunter effectively from your computer.

Manual Steps for Removal of Webguard

I found this removal pretty simple. Depending on your Operating System, there will be slight discrepancies in the manual removal steps. Using the Windows 8 (8.1) OS on your computer:

• Step 1: Locate the CONTROL PANEL on your computer using the SEARCH option.
• Step 2: Once the search box appears , input 'CONTROL PANEL'.
• Step 3: The Control Panel option will then appear. From the menu, choose the "Programs" option.
• Step 4: Another menu will appear. Select "All Programs and Features".
• Step 5: From the 'Programs list', search for the Webguard application.
• Step 6: Right-click on Webguard when it's found.
• Step 7:  Choose the "Uninstall" option.
• Step 8:  Follow the uninstall wizard instructions until the Webguard application is fully removed.

To completely remove Bandoo from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter

What is Babylon?

Babylon is a self-published computer dictionary and translation program. Babylon is a tool used for translation and conversion of currencies, measurements, and time, and for obtaining other contextual information. The program also uses a text-to-speech agent so users hear the proper pronunciation of words and text. Babylon’s translation software adds the Babylon toolbar identified as a browser hijacker. This toolbar may modify the homepage of the browser. It adds a Scheduled Task, Startup file, and Registry Keys that allow it to run at any time. A Windows Firewall exception is also added for the software, allowing it to connect to the internet without content.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a type of unwanted software program, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in browser settings. Browser hijackers will do a number of things on your computer. Often, hijackers will force hits to internet sites of their choice either to increase targeted traffic generating higher ad revenue, or to obtain a commission for each and every user visiting there. It could seem harmless, but the majority of these websites aren’t legitimate and can present a significant risk to your online safety. Additionally, hijackers can make the entire infected system fragile – other harmful malware and viruses will take hold of these opportunities to get into your PC effortlessly.

Signs of browser hijacker malware

There are several symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them: the home page of your browser is changed all of a sudden; new bookmarks pointing to porn websites are added to your favorite pages; the default browser settings have been modified and/or your default search engine is altered; unsolicited new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you notice a lot of pop-ups on your computer screen; your web browser gets sluggish, buggy, crashes frequently; you cannot go to certain sites such as homepages of anti-malware software.

How it infects your computer

Browser hijackers may use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or perhaps an email attachment in order to reach a targeted computer system. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious intent. Sometimes you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (usually freeware or shareware). Examples of well-known browser hijackers include Fireball, GoSave, Ask Toolbar, CoolWebSearch, Babylon Toolbar, and RocketTab. The existence of any browser hijacker on your system will considerably diminish the browsing experience, monitor your online activities that lead to troublesome privacy issues, produce system stability issues and finally cause your PC to slow down or to a nearly unusable state.

Browser hijacker removal tips

Some hijackers can be easily removed by deleting the free software they were included with or by eliminating any add-ons you’ve recently added to your computer system. Sadly, most of the software packages used to hijack a web browser are intentionally designed to be hard to eliminate or detect. And there’s no denying the fact that manual fixes and removal can be quite a difficult task for an inexperienced PC user. Besides, there are numerous risks associated with fiddling around with the pc registry files. Anti-malware application is extremely efficient when it comes to picking up and eliminating browser hijackers that regular anti-virus program has overlooked. To get rid of any kind of browser hijacker from your PC, you could download this top-notch malware removal tool – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

What To Do If You Cannot Install Safebytes Anti-Malware?

Practically all malware is inherently unsafe, but certain types of malicious software do much more damage to your computer than others. Certain malware types alter browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS configurations. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all websites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to clear out the infection. So what you should do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? Even though this sort of problem can be tougher to get around, there are some actions you can take.

Boot Windows in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Just the minimum required applications and services are loaded when you start your laptop or computer into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) After switching on the computer, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, make use of your internet browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Immediately after installation, do a full scan and allow the software to delete the threats it detects.

Obtain the antivirus software using a different browser

Certain malware may target vulnerabilities of a particular browser that obstruct the downloading process. The best way to overcome this problem is to opt for a web browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox comprises built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Install security software on a flash drive

Another option is to store and run an antivirus program completely from a Thumb drive. Try these simple actions to clear up your affected computer using a portable antivirus. 1) Use another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the USB drive onto the same PC. 3) Double-click the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the pen drive as the place in which you would like to store the software files. Do as instructed on the screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. You may now utilize this portable anti-malware on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Press the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan. If all the previously mentioned methods are not able to help you in downloading and installing the anti-malware, then you have no option but to reinstall the computer’s operating system to wipe out all of the data, including the harmful programs which are obstructing the anti-malware installation. If you are unclear regarding which method works best for you, simply call 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our computer professionals who can walk you through the process to fix your infected computer system.

SafeBytes AntiMalware Overview

Today an anti-malware program can protect your PC from different kinds of internet threats. But how to decide on the best one among countless malware protection application that is available in the market? You may be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in eradicating malware threats while many will harm your computer themselves. While looking for an anti-malware program, pick one which provides dependable, efficient, and total protection against all known computer viruses and malware. With regards to commercial application options, many people select popular brands, like SafeBytes, and they are quite happy with it. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which offer this all-inclusive anti-malware program. When you have installed this software, SafeBytes' sophisticated protection system will make sure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC. SafeBytes anti-malware provides a myriad of enhanced features which set it apart from all others. The following are some of the great features included in the tool. Optimum AntiMalware Protection: With its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can detect and remove the malware threats hiding within your computer system effectively. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers entirely hands-free real-time protection and is set to monitor, block, and destroy all computer threats at its very first encounter. They’re highly efficient in screening and getting rid of numerous threats because they’re regularly revised with new updates and safety measures. Web Filtering: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes notifies you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will ensure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the world wide web. Light-weight: This program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance difficulties when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Guidance: You can obtain totally free 24/7 technical assistance from their IT experts on any product queries or PC security concerns. SafeBytes has put together an excellent anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest computer threats and virus attacks. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software to use. So if you’re trying to find a comprehensive antivirus program that’s still easy to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you need!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Babylon 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 Babylon

There are instances when you have to connect to another Windows 10 PC via remote connection from another Windows 10 PC. However, when you encountered an error saying, “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” while doing so then read on as this post will walk you through how you can fix it. Here is the full content of the error message:

“Your password may have expired, or the remote PC might not accept blank passwords. Try connecting again. If this keeps happening, ask your admin or tech support for help.”

It is unknown what the exact cause of the error message is as it could involve several factors. Even so, there are still various potential fixes you can try to fix this kind of error. You can try to check if your password has expired or troubleshoot any issues with the network. You could also use a remote desktop application or configure the settings of firewall or restart the remote desktop service. For more details, refer to each one of the given options below. But before you proceed, make sure that you have someone to help assist you on the other side to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Option 1 – Try to check if the password has expired

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is to check if the password has expired as it could be the reason why you’re experiencing this problem. You have to make sure that you are using a user account that is on the remote computer and then check if the user account password has not expired yet. And if your PC is not within your access, then you can just ask someone to verify the password for you.

Option 2 – Try to troubleshoot network issues

To troubleshoot network-related issues that might be the one that triggers the error, you need to run the Network Troubleshooter. To get started, refer to these steps:

• Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
• Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
• Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
• After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.
• Restart your computer.

Option 3 – Try to use a remote desktop software

A number of users reported that the issue occurred when they used the universal app for Remote Desktop and they were able to fix it by switching to the Remote Desktop application. Thus, you can try to switch to the remote desktop software and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try to configure Firewall settings

You might also want to configure the settings of the Firewall as it could also help in fixing the problem. It is possible that the firewall is blocking the incoming connection on the remote computer. To check if whether the firewall is the culprit or not, follow the steps below.

• Go to Windows Security and then go to Firewall and network application.
• Next, click on the Advanced Settings link. This will open the classic Windows Defender Firewall and Advanced Security application.
• From there, look for the rule named “Remote Desktop – User Mode (TCP-In)” under inbound rules and check if it has been disabled or not.
• If the rule is disabled, you have to enable it.
• Once done, check if the error is now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try to restart the Remote Desktop service

If none of the four given options given above worked, you might want to restart the Remote Desktop service as it can help you in fixing the problem. To do so, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• Next, from the list of services, look for the Remote Desktop Service and right-click on it, and then click on the Restart option.
• Once done, check it was able to fix the “Your password may have expired or the remote pc might not accept blank passwords” error or not.

Error Code 1627 - What is it?

Error Code 1627 is a type of HP printer installation error. It usually occurs when you try to install an HP printer on your PC. The error code 1627 pop-up hampers your ability to install an HP printer successfully. This error code is usually displayed in the following format:

Installation Error: Call to Driver Package Install returned error 1627 for package C:ProgramFilersHPHP deskjet 2510 seriesDriver storePipelinehpvplog.inf

Solution

Error Causes

Like every device installed on your PC, printers also need software called drivers to function on Windows Operating System. Although Windows supports several computer devices since many drivers are already installed in Windows but there are some devices that do need additional software to get started and operate smoothly on Windows such as Hewlett-Packard HP printers. Installing a Hewlett-Packard printer driver is slightly more time-consuming and complex than any other driver. Causes for HP printer installation usually include:

• Driver issues
• Bad Registry Keys

Though this is not a fatal error, it is still advisable to fix it right away to avoid inconvenience.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error on your PC, you don’t necessarily have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars in repair. The good news is that HP Installation error code 1627 is quite easy to fix. Here are some of the best and proven DIY methods to resolve error code 1627:

Method 1 - Uninstall and then Reinstall HP Printer Driver

HP printer installation errors can occur due to driver issues.  If the driver is not installed properly or is outdated, you will never be able to install an HP printer on your PC successfully. Therefore to solve this issue, first, make sure the driver used for printer installation is up to date. If it is outdated, then update it. On the other hand, if the printer driver is up to date but not installed properly then reinstall it. In both situations, first, you must uninstall the driver. Uninstalling the previous installation will help you clean the system. Once the system is clean you can reinstall the HP drivers again. To uninstall, go to the start menu and then the control panel. Now go to the Add/Remove program option and uninstall the driver. To activate changes, reboot your PC. Now install the updated version again.

Method 2 - Clean the Registry

If the printer software installation fails while updating, then this means the removal of the failed software was not successful. It may not show up in the Control Panel program list. This means the entries of the failed software are still present in the registry of your PC. In this scenario, you need to clean the registry and remove the bad entries from there to successfully install the HP printer driver on your system. Though this can be done manually this can be both time-consuming and slightly challenging if you are not technically sound. Therefore, to remove bad entries from the registry in seconds in just a few clicks download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Repair Tool deployed with a powerful registry cleaner. The registry cleaner scans your entire PC, detects and removes all bad entries and files corrupting the registry right away. Once the registry is cleaned, you can try installing the printer driver again. This is most likely to resolve the issue. Click here to download Restoro.

Method 3: Locate and Install the Driver

As was pointed out, you might need to reinstall the printer driver again. Using DriverFIX, you'll be able to automatically update your computer system and install the drivers your computer needs to operate smoothly.