Fixing the Machine Check Exception Blue Screen Error in Windows 10

FileShareFanatic is a browser extension developed by Mindspark Inc. This extension offers users the ability to quickly access some of the most popular file-sharing websites. While this may sound tempting and useful at start, using this extension might prove more annoying then useful.

When installed FileShareFanatic hijacks your new tab page changing your default search engine to search.myway.com. Additionally it monitors user activity, recording visited websites, clicked links, viewed products, and whatever other information that can be used by the Ad network to display targeted Ads.

While browsing the internet with this extension you will notice an increase of ads on pages, especially in search results. This extension injects additional ads, sponsored links, and even displays pop-up ads in order to gain revenue.

FileShareFanatic has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several top anti-virus scanners, and is scheduled for deletion.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is considered the web’s constant danger that targets browsers. It is a kind of malicious software that modifies your internet browser’s configuration settings so that you are redirected to websites or pages that you had no intention of visiting. Browser hijackers can do more than simply modifying homepages. It redirects you to the sponsored sites and inserts advertisements on your browser which helps its developer generate earnings. It might appear naive, but most of these websites are not legitimate and will pose a major risk to your online safety. Browser hijackers can even let other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your PC.

Symptoms of browser hijack

There are numerous symptoms of browser hijacking: 1. you see unauthorized modifications to your internet browser’s homepage 2. you get re-directed to internet sites you never meant to visit 3. default online search engine is modified 4. discover new toolbars which you did not add 5. you observe lots of pop-ups on your screen 6. your web browser gets slow, buggy, and crashes frequently 7. Inability to navigate to certain sites, especially anti-malware as well as other security software webpages.

How they infect computers

Browser hijackers attack computers via malicious email attachments, downloaded infected documents, or by visiting infected internet sites. Many internet browser hijackings originate from add-on software, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or extensions added to browsers to give them extra features. A browser hijacker could also be installed as a part of freeware, demoware, shareware and pirated programs. Browser hijackers can interrupt the user’s web browsing experience significantly, track the websites visited by users and steal sensitive information, cause difficulty in connecting to the internet, and eventually create stability problems, making software programs and computer to crash.

Removal

The one thing you can try to get rid of a browser hijacker is to find the malware within the “Add or Remove Programs” list in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. It may or may not be there. If it is, try to uninstall it. But, most hijacking codes aren’t very easy to eliminate manually, as they go deeper into your operating system. Besides, browser hijackers could modify the Computer registry so that it could be very hard to repair manually, especially when you’re not a very tech-savvy individual. You can choose automatic browser hijacker removal by just installing and running reliable anti-malware software. If you need to get rid of persistent browser hijackers effectively, install the top-rated Anti-Malware software Safebytes Anti-Malware.

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

Malware can cause a lot of damage to your PC. Some malware types alter internet browser settings by including a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configuration settings. When this happens, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all of the sites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to remove the infection. If you are reading this, you may have infected by a virus that prevents you from downloading a security program such as Safebytes Antimalware on your PC. There are some actions you can take to circumvent this issue.

Download the application in Safe Mode with Networking

If the virus is set to load immediately when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could very well block the attempt. Since only the bare minimum programs and services launch in safe mode, there are hardly any reasons for conflicts to occur. To start your Windows XP, Vista or 7 computer in Safe Mode with Networking, please do as instructed below. 1) At power on, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen starts to load. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, utilize your browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) As soon as the application is installed, allow the scan run to eliminate viruses and other malware automatically.

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Web-based viruses can be environment-specific, aiming for a particular web browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. The best solution to avoid this problem is to opt for a browser that is known for their security measures. Firefox comprises built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to keep you safe online.

Run antivirus from a USB drive

Another option is to make a portable antivirus program onto your USB thumb drive. To run antivirus from a thumb drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Microsoft Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer system. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the USB drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Unplug the pen drive. Now you can utilize this portable antivirus on the affected computer. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the thumb drive. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

To protect your personal computer from many different internet-based threats, it’s important to install an anti-malware application on your computer system. However, with countless numbers of anti-malware companies in the marketplace, nowadays it is challenging to decide which one you should purchase for your PC. Some are good ones, some are decent, and some are simply just fake anti-malware applications that could harm your personal computer themselves! You should choose one that is trustworthy, practical and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. On the list of strongly recommended software by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, very effective protection application made to help users of all levels of computer literacy in finding and eliminating malicious threats from their computer. Once you’ve installed this program, SafeBytes state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malware can seep through your PC.

SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a totally new level with its enhanced features. These are some of the highlighted features included in the software.

World-class AntiMalware Protection: Built on a greatly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal tool can identify and get rid of several obstinate malware threats such as browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other typical antivirus programs will miss. Real-time Threat Response: Malware programs attempting to get into the computer are discovered and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. It’ll examine your PC for suspicious activity at all times and its unrivaled firewall protects your computer from unauthorized access by the outside world. Safe Browsing: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Lowest Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight tool. It consumes a really small amount of processing power as it operates in the background therefore you will not see any computer performance difficulties. 24/7 Guidance: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance and updates for best user experience. All in all, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program as it has lots of features and could identify and remove any potential threats. Once you have downloaded and installed this software, you no longer need to worry about malware or any other security worries. So if you’re searching for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based computer, we recommend SafeBytes Anti-Malware tool.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to carry out the removal of FileShareFanatic manually instead of using an automated software tool, you may follow these measures: Proceed to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, choose the offending application to uninstall. In cases of suspicious versions of web browser plug-ins, you can easily get rid of it via your web browser’s extension manager. You’ll probably also want to reset your browser. To be certain of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and remove it or reset the values appropriately. Having said that, editing the registry can be a complicated job that only advanced users and professionals should try to fix it. Furthermore, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. It is advisable that you carry out the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.

Recently, a lot of users experience issues after the Windows 10 v1903 upgrade and one of them is that the Cortana Web Preview is not functioning like it’s supposed to. Even though Microsoft has already replaced the unified search where you no longer have to use Cortana, it is still undeniably useful and is packed with some great features, one of which is the Web view. Each time you type a search query, it will open a web view where you can see the results using Bing. However, some users reported experiencing some issue wherein the web view does not show anything and appears to be broken and users have to click on the Open in Browser link. Thus, if you are one of the users who experience the same problem, then this post is for you – it will guide you on what you can do if the web preview in Cortana is not working on your Windows 10 device. To fix the Web Preview issue in Cortana, you can try to restart Cortana or reset it using the Windows Settings app or change the Search filter level. You could also try to run the Windows Store App troubleshooter or re-register or reinstall Cortana. For more details refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to restart the process of Cortana

There are times when the running process of Cortana might encounter an error and breaks a particular component of the whole service so the first thing you can do is to restart Cortana’s process in the Task Manager.

• Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
• Next, go to the Processes tab and look for Cortana’s entry.
• Once you find it, right-click on it and select the End task option.
• Afterward, open Cortana again and see if it fixes the web view problem or not.

Option 2 – Try changing the search filter level

The next thing you can do to fix the Web View is to change the search filter level. All you have to do is go to Settings > Search and change filter level and from there, modify the search filter level and then see if it fixes the problem.

Option 3 – Run the Windows Store App troubleshooter

The Windows 10 Store Apps Troubleshooter will help you in fixing the Web Preview problem in Cortana. This is a great built-in tool from Microsoft that helps users fix any app issues. To use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter, follow the steps below.

• Tap Win + I keys again to open the Windows Settings panel.
• Go to Update & Security and then go to Troubleshoot.
• Under the Troubleshoot section, on your left-hand side, scroll down to find Window Store Apps.
• Then click on the Run the troubleshooter option and follow the on-screen instructions and then see if it fixes the problem.

Option 4 – Try to reset Cortana via Settings

• Launch the Windows 10 Settings app and go to Apps > Apps & Features.
• Next, look for the entry of Cortana on the right-side panel and select it.
• After that, select the Advanced options and then select the Terminate button under the Terminate section.
• Once done, click on the Reset button under the Reset section.
• Restart your PC.
• After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 5 – Try to re-register and reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.

• First, right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows Powershell (Admin) option from the list.
• Next, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted

• After that, execute this second command to reinstall Cortana:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

• Restart your computer and check if the Web Preview in Cortana is now working.

Instaling and removing applications from your Windows can sometimes leave some traces that are unpleasant and can cause annoyances. One of these annoyances is the program in the startup section of the task manager.

If you ever opened task manager and went into the startup section trying to disable some of the startup items on your Windows boot there might be a chance that you have experienced and seen a program without any icon or information about it just sitting there.

This is due to some applications being removed from the system but for some reason, it still shows itself in startup and it is quite annoying. So here we will show you how to get rid of this annoyance so your startup is clean again without junk in it.

Removing a program from startup

Locating the source of the issue

The first thing of course is to open the task manager itself and navigate to the startup tab. Inside the startup tab right-click on the column header and tick or enable Startup type and command line. Now you will see the location of the supposed file (that is missing or you could just go there by right-clicking on the item, but here it is greyed).

99% of the time startup type will be registry since the file is missing, if it was a file fix would be just to simply delete the file in the folder but since it was installed and not properly removed registry key is still present but the file cannot be found. After confirmation that the file is indeed missing and that the startup type is registry open the registry editor by typing Regedit in search and pressing enter.

Removing the key from registry

Inside Registry editor navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. Inside on right part, you will see all auto-start entries added by installed applications.

Locate one that is causing issues by comparing its path with the path inside the task manager command line and delete the key. Once the key is deleted right-click on RUN on the left part and choose HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE to quickly jump on that key location and repeat the process of key deletion if needed. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE will delete startup entry for all users and sometimes entry will not be present here since the application is not installed for all users or there are no other users on the machine.

After the procedure is finished, reboot your systems in order to apply changes.

Support for Bluetooth hardware has always been included in the Windows 10 operating system for a long time now. And it just keeps getting better especially now with the support for the latest version of Bluetooth 5.0 LE. However, there are still times when Bluetooth experiences a couple of issues one of which is users were not able to turn on or off Bluetooth on their Windows 10 Pc since the option to turn Bluetooth off or on is missing in the Windows 10 settings app and even in the Action Center. So if you are one of the users who experience the same problem, read on as this post will guide you in resolving the issue. To resolve this Bluetooth issue, here are some suggestions that could help:

Option 1 – Try running the Bluetooth Troubleshooter

As you know, Windows 10 has various troubleshooters with user-friendly interfaces where you can utilize them to fix issues in your PC. And since you’re dealing with some Bluetooth problem, you have to run the Bluetooth Troubleshooter.

• Open the Windows 10 Settings.
• Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• You should find the option for Bluetooth on your right-hand side – click on it then click on the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
• Now follow the next screen options.

Option 2 – Try to reinstall or update the Bluetooth driver

The issue might have something to do with the Bluetooth drivers. It could be that it is outdated and needs to be updated or that you recently updated it and since then you have trouble removing the Bluetooth devices and so to fix the issue, you can update, roll back or uninstall the Bluetooth drivers. How? Follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + X keys to open the Device Manager.
• Next, look for the Bluetooth device and right-click on it.
• Select the option “Update driver”.
• After that, a new popup window will appear. In there, select the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software”.

Note: Checking the update may take a few minutes so you’ll have to wait until it finishes. If it is able to find an update, you must install it. And if you want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver, just select the “Uninstall driver” option and follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.

Option 3 – Configure the Bluetooth Services

If the first two options didn’t work, the next thing you can do is configure Bluetooth Services. How? Simply follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + R key combination to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• You will then see a list of services and from there, look for the following services and make sure that their default values are set as follows:
  • Bluetooth Handsfree Service – Manual (Triggered)
  • Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service – Manual (Triggered)
  • Bluetooth Support Service – Manual (Triggered)
  • Bluetooth User Support Service – Manual (Triggered)
• Now click on the Start button to start all the aforementioned services and then check if you can now see the option to turn Bluetooth on or on.

When you connect your TV via HDMI cable Windows will recognize it as another monitor and will control the display settings for your HDMI connection. In most cases using it as the extended desktop will work fine, issues will arise when you play video on it. Video playing applications can override Windows settings which can lead to strange results on the screen. Here in this guide, we will tackle with reasons and solutions to this particular issue. Solutions provided are not meant to be followed in the way they are presented but as a silent rule, they go from most common one to most rare so it is advisable to try them in the order presented.

FIXING RESOLUTION ISSUES

The first thing when experiencing resolution issues on your TV connected to a PC is to check TV settings. There is very likely a chance that you will need to manually adjust picture settings on the TV itself using TV controls. On older models of TV, there is an overscan option which can lead to different resolutions and screen sizes. Overscan is a technology that was used in order to help content creators to deliver consistent pictures on different screen sizes and aspect ratios but how technology has advanced and everything including aspect ratio was standardized overscan itself has become a relic of the past. If you are unable to access or see edges of your desktop on the TV screen it is very likely that overscan is the issue. In order to fix this be sure to select HDTV's aspect ratio to fit the screen setting in the picture setting. Sadly finding this option on your TV will be different from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model of the same manufacturer so we can not cover all models but in most cases option is located under picture settings or advanced options. Sometimes you will face even different overscan settings instead of classic ft to screen options, in this case, experiment with the setting until you find one which will work. If you have it, find settings in the user manual of your TV. Luckily you have managed to find the proper option on your TV set and have chosen the right aspect ratio for display. If everything works ok there is no need for the next step but if you experience a different resolution than desired on your TV follow this next guide on how to change the resolution of the TV on your PC.

1. Press the ⊞ Windows and type Change Display Settings. Click on the top result.
2. Once the Display Settings App opens, you’ll see two screens (or more if you’ve got multiple HDMI outputs connected). Make sure you select the right display for the HDMI TV before making any changes. You can do this by clicking on Identify.
3. You’ll see the number from the screenshot above displayed on the monitors for a brief period. Depending on which screen is set to your primary display, make sure you change the settings for the HDMI monitor.
4. Select the HDMI monitor from the available displays.
5. Scroll down until you see the current resolution settings for your HDMI monitor.
6. You can change the resolution settings and test different values that match your HDMI TV’s configuration.
7. Once you change the setting, Windows will apply the new resolution for a limited time and revert if you don’t accept the new setting.
8. Once you’ve found the best resolution for your TV, select Keep Changes to keep the new resolution.

You are all set now, make sure that you have the latest drivers on your system and enjoy using your TV as a second monitor.

Same as in previous Windows versions, Windows 11 will also use certain applications as default ones for opening certain file types and file extensions. And yes, same as in previous versions it will come preconfigured for certain file types and associated applications like for example photos for pictures. Of course, users usually have their own favorite applications for certain file types and much more prefer to open them inside the application of their choice instead of the default one. We can change the default application like in previous Windows versions but this time there are two ways and overall more control of this process. Windows 11 has settings for choosing default file type applications and default file extension applications giving you more control of this process.

The opening setting for apps

Whatever you wish to change default application or default extension application you will need to open settings for default application. Follow steps to quickly go into it.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
2. Select Apps on left
3. On the right part select Default Apps

Now you are in settings for choosing default applications

Choosing default application by file type extension

This is considering by Microsoft as a typical way to set default applications inside Windows 11. Once you are inside the settings app there is a box labeled Enter a file type or link type. Inside the search box, type in file extension that you wish to associate the application with like .JPG, .TXT, or other. If the file extension is not associated with any application you will be presented with a Choose a Default button, if however, the file extension is already associated with the app, you will need to click on the app box itself. In any case, a pop-up will appear and ask How do you want to open YOUR FILE EXTENSION files from now on? Choose Application from the list of presented ones and click on OK.

Choosing default file type

Another method is to select the default application by file type selecting application for it. In the settings screen, under the search box, you will have a list of installed applications. Choose the application that you would like to associate a file type with and click on it. On the next details screen scroll down and select the file type that you want to associate with the selected application and click on OK.

Other/third method

There is also the third method for choosing the default application for file type but it includes some surfing on your hard drive and it can be more time-consuming for first-time settings. But it is fairly quick when you need to only use it once on some new file type (for example you have a new application installed and want to switch just one file type extension to that application). Locate the file that you want to associate with the application and right-click on it. Select Open With from the menu and then Choose Another App. Pop up will appear, select the application that you would like to use, and check the box beside Always use this app to open CHOOSEN EXTENSION files followed by clicking on the OK button.

If you encounter an error message that states, “Your computer has lost the lease to its IP Address <IP ADDRESS> on the Network Card with network address <NETWORK ADDRESS>”, then this post might be of help to you. This kind of error due to the timeout caused by the DHCPv6 address which is used to connect the client to the user network as an independent client or a part of a domain. There are a lot of potential fixes you can try to fix this error and we will be discussing each one of them below. You can try to reboot your router, flush the DNS cache, reset the Network adapter, toggle the DHCPv6 Lease time or disable IPv6 in the Network Center. For more details, refer to the following options.

Option 1 – Try rebooting 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 flush the DNS configuration

You could also try to flush the DNS configuration in your computer to fix the error. How? Refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + X key combination and click on the Command Prompt (Admin) option or you could also search “cmd” in the Cortana search box and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results and select the “Run as administrator” option.
• After opening Command Prompt with admin privileges, enter each one of the commands given below sequentially in order to flush the DNS cache.
  • ipconfig/release
  • ipconfig/renew
  • ipconfig/flushdns
• Now type the exit command to close Command Prompt and then restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed.

One the other hand, you could also try to reset Winsock as well as the TCP/IP. Once done, just exit the Command Prompt and check if that fixes your issue. You may want to reset Winsock & reset TCP/IP as well.

Option 3 – Try to toggle the DHCPv6 Lease time

• First, you need to log in to the Admin panel of your router.
• Next, navigate to the DHCPv6 settings inside it and look for a field for Lease Time.
• After you’ve found it, increase the Lease Time value to something greater than what is already entered depending on your preference.
• Now apply the configuration and reboot your router to apply the modified settings. Just remember that if things didn’t work out, you can just change back the Lease Time value to what it was before.

Option 4 – Try disabling the IPv6 in the Network Center

• Tap the Win + X key combination and click on Network Connections.
• This will open the Settings app on a specific page. Now on the right-side panel, click on the Network and Sharing Center link.
• After that, it will open the Control Panel and from there, click on the network that your computer is connected to and then click on Properties.
• Next, uncheck the entry that says, “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” in the list that populates.
• Now click on OK and close all other windows and see if the error is fixed.

Option 5 – Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

To run the Network Troubleshooter, 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 6 – Try to perform Network Reset

You can also try to perform a Network Reset to resolve the problem. This will reset the entire network configuration including your IP address. To perform Network Reset, follow these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
• From there, go to the Network and Internet section.
• Next, scroll down and look for “Network Reset” under the status pane.
• After that, click on Network Reset and then on Reset now to start resetting the network configuration. Once done, check if it is able to fix the error or not.

As you know, Microsoft is consistent in pushing updates to its supported versions of the Windows operating systems in order to make it better and defend it from different kinds of vulnerabilities. And pushing billions of active Windows computers every now and then is really not an easy thing to do since it calls for a complex Windows Update delivery module. These complexities often give rise to various errors like the Windows Update error code 0x80004005. When you encounter this kind of Windows Update error, you will see the following error message on your screen:

“There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help 0x80004005.”

This kind of Windows Update error occurs due to an issue while either installing or downloading an update. There are several ways you can fix the problem. You can try to replace the dpcdll.dll file, reset the Windows Update-related services, run the Windows Update troubleshooter or manually install the Windows Updates. For more details, check out the options given below.

Option 1 – Try to replace the DLL file with a trusted source

The first thing you can do is to replace the dpcdll.dll file with a trusted source.

• First, you need to get the new dpcdll.dll file from another computer with preferably the same file version number as your computer.
• After that, you need to boot your PC into Safe Mode and navigate to the paths listed below and then replace the file using a USB drive or other external storage devices.
  • For x86: This PC > C:/Windows/System32
  • For x64: This PC > C:/Windows/SysWOW64
• Next, type “cmd” in the Cortana search box and right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrator privileges.
• Now type the “regsvr32 dpcdll.dll” command and hit Enter.
• Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to reset the Windows Update components

If by any chance that the third option didn’t work, you can also try resetting the Windows Update components as it could also help you resolve the Windows Update error. How? Refer to the following steps:

• Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• After that, type each one of the following commands and hit Enter after you key in one after the other.
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptsvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver

Note: The commands you entered will stop the Windows Update components such as Windows Update service, Cryptographic services, BITS and MSI Installer.

• After disabling WU components, you need to rename both the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. To do that, type each one of the following commands below and don’t forget to hit Enter after you type one command after the other.
  • ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
• Next, restart the services you’ve stopped by entering another series of commands. Don’t forget to hit Enter after you key in one command after the other.
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptsvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver
• Close Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Option 3 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update error 0x80004005. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 4 – Try downloading and installing the Windows Updates manually

Windows Update Error 0x80004005 might be due to a Windows Update that has failed. So if it is not a feature update and only a cumulative update, you can download the Windows Update and install it manually. But first, you need to find out which update has failed, and to do so, refer to the following steps:

• Go to Settings and from there go to Update and Security > View Update History.
• Next, check which particular update has failed. Note that Updates that have failed to install will be displayed under the Status column which has a label of “Failed”.
• After that, go to the Microsoft Download Center and look for that update using its KB number and once you find it, download and then install it manually.

Note: You can also use the Microsoft Update Catalog, a service from Microsoft that provides a list of software updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. With the help of this service, it can be easier for you to find Microsoft software updates, drivers as well as fixes.

Error Code 40 – What is it?

Error Code 40 is a device driver error that users encounter on any Windows 2000 and later operating systems. It occurs when the peripheral device that you connect to your PC cannot be accessed due to a change in the system registry.

This is due to the presence of invalid sub-keys of the device driver in the system registry. It is a common error that users come across and appears on your PC with either of the following messages:

“Information in the registry entry for this driver is invalid”

OR

"Windows cannot access this hardware because its service key information in the registry is missing or recorded incorrectly. (Code 40)"

Solution

Error Causes

As mentioned above, the error code is triggered when the device driver’s invalid sub-keys appear in the registry, effectively changing it. This happens when the windows system files get damaged due to the following factors:

• An incomplete program uninstallation
• An incomplete program installation
• Hardware is not removed properly
• System recovery from viruses
• An improper system shut down

Factors such as incomplete installations or uninstallations or an improper system shut down can cause files to become damaged that threaten the health of your computer.

Removing viruses from the computer is also another factor as it removes the entries in the Windows system files which contain the viruses including spyware or malware

Further Information and Manual Repair

Fixing Error Code 40 is similar to fixing other device manager error codes. Here are a few methods you can try.

Method 1 – Use System Restore

You can use system restore to eliminate the problem. Here is how you can use it:

• Log in using an Administrator account
• Click ‘Start’ button and select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
• Click ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’ and click ‘Next’
• Select the last Windows restore point from the ‘On this list, click a restore point’ list, and click ‘Next’
• Click ‘Next’ on the confirmation window to proceed
• Restart your PC after restoration is complete

By restoring the system via a last saved system checkpoint, you can obtain undamaged Windows system registry files that can help avert the error code.

Method 2 – Manually uninstall then reinstall the device driver

If using system restore also does not work in removing the error code, you may have to resort to manually uninstalling and then reinstalling the device driver causing the problem.

This would be necessary since the remaining incomplete files due to a partial removal or installation of programs is what contributes to the error code. By uninstall and reinstalling the device driver program, it would lead to the completion of the files.

You can do this by firstly logging in as Administrator and open Device Manager. Select the device that is causing the problem and double click it and make sure that the peripheral is connected properly to the PC. Upon opening, click on the ‘Driver’ tab and then select ‘Update Driver’.

Make sure to refer to the system documentation that you received with your PC or computer to check for the motherboard details and driver specifics.

Method 3 – Use software to automatically download the driver

Manually uninstalling and reinstalling the driver will do the trick, however, it may be time-consuming especially when you would have to resort to your hardware user manual.

Therefore, using a program such as DriverFIX can save you a lot of time and frustration in having your device work properly on your computer.

DriverFIX, with its user-friendly approach to help you fix your PC issues, comes with an integrated database that detects which drivers you need to reconfigure within just a few seconds and downloads it automatically.

It further ensures that your drivers are installed in their entirety leaving no room for any incomplete files to remain that create Error Code 40.

It also has the added advantage of being able to backup and restores your files should there be the slightest possibility of system file damage.

Thus, registry damage can be averted by letting the software roll back the system files to an earlier healthy checkpoint. Driver Assist is the answer to fixing your PC error codes accurately and quickly.

Click here to download DriverFIX to fix Error Code 40 quickly and effectively!

As of late, users have been reporting about getting an error saying, SAFE_OS phase error during Replicate_OC operation when they tried to upgrade their Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computers to Windows 10. Although the error code in this problem could vary, in this situation, it states:

0xC1900101 – 0x20017, The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase error during Replicate_OC operation

To fix this issue, you need to follow the given options below. But before you do, you need to create a System Restore point first so that if anything goes wrong, you can always undo the changes you’ve made.

Option 1 – Try to change the Windows 10 installation

According to security experts, one of the main causes of this error is the KB3064209Windows Update. This particular update is the one responsible for updating the CPU Microcode for processors made by Intel. Thus, if you don’t use an Intel processor, you can skip this option and proceed to the next one. However, if you use Intel, make sure to follow the instructions in this option carefully. Take note that in this solution, C: partition is referred to as the OS Partition while H: partition is referred to as the USB Pen Drive.

• First, you need to download the Windows 10 ISO from the Windows 10 Media Creation tool and then copy its contents to the Pen Drive H.
• Next, tap the Win + X keys and click on the Command Prompt (Admin0 option. If a User Account Control appears, simply click Yes.
• After opening Command Prompt, type the following command:

dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:H:sourcesboot.wim /index:1 /MountDir:C:UsersUserDesktopmount

• Now navigate to the following path in the Windows File Explorer:

C:UsersUserDesktopmountWindowsSystem32mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll

• From there, right-click on the file named “mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll and click on Properties.
• Next, go to the Security tab and click on Advanced. In the Advanced section, change the Owner to your User Account and click OK.
• And then back to the Security tab, click on the Edit button and check on Full control to make sure that your User Account has all the privileges.
• Now click on Apply and then OK.
• After that, delete the file you saw earlier which is named mcupdate_Genuine.dll.
• Then close all the Windows File Explorer instances and go back to the Command Prompt window and unmounts the image you mounted before by typing the following command:

dism /Unmount-Image /MountDir:C:UsersUserDesktopmount /commit

• Afterward, repeat the steps from mounting up until here for these files:
  • wim /index:2
  • wim /index:1
  • wim /index:2
• Now delete the mount folder and remove the USB Pen Drive and then boot with the installer.

Option 2 – Try to perform a Disk Cleanup

Chances are, some unnecessary files in your computer might be interrupting the installation process which explains why you’re getting SAFE_OS phase error during Replicate_OC operation instead so you need to perform a Disk Cleanup in order to fix the problem.

Option 3 – Try updating all your drivers

Every now and then, drivers get corrupted or outdated so it’s no surprise that they conflict with the operating system and cause errors like the SAFE_OS phase error during the Replicate_OC operation. To fix the problem, you need to update all your drivers. Follow the steps below to update your drivers.

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
• Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
• Restart your PC.

Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it.

Option 4 – Try to update your system’s BIOS

Aside from outdated drivers, outdated BIOS could also be the reason why you’re getting the SAFE_OS phase error during Replicate_OC operation which is why you need to update your system’s BIOS in order to resolve the issue.

Option 5 – Try checking the Windows Services status

• In the Cortana search box, search for “Services” and then click on the Services icon.
• After that, the Services utility will be opened in a new window.
• Next, look for the following services:
  • BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service)
  • Windows Update Service
  • Cryptographic Service
• Then right-click on each one of the services and click on Properties. From there, select Automatic from the drop-down of the Startup Type menu.
• Now click on OK for each one of them and restart your PC to apply the changes made.

Option 6 – Try to check the RAM modules

There are many times when all the components of the RAM weren’t able to be used by the computer so you need to check the RAM modules.

• You need to first turn off your PC and then take out your RAM physically.
• Next, clean it with a soft cloth and blow some air into the RAM slot in the motherboard.
• After that, put your RAM back in the same slot.
• Then try updating your computer system again.