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The server did not register with DCOM

There are times when after you upgrade your Windows operating system, the System Logs under the Event Viewer will display an error message saying, “Event ID 10010 error – The server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout”.

What is DCOM? DCOM stands for “Distributed Component Object Model”. It is a proprietary Microsoft technology that allows the Component Object Model or COM software to communicate across a network. You can consider it as an extension of COM which is equipped with the capability of solving a couple of inherent problems related to the COM model to the better use over a network. COM is a tool that’s used for advanced configuration and troubleshooting in Windows 10. Developers usually use it to configure routine components and application behavior like participation in transactions and object pooling and so on.

The Component Services needs the DCOM wire protocol in order to communicate with the Component Object Model components on other computers. By default, in a Windows-based system, the network computers are configured initially to enable DCOM.

There are also some components in Windows that might require registering themselves with DCOM. However, if they fail to do so, you will encounter the “The server did not register with DCOM within the required timeout” error. To fix this, here are some suggestions you can check out.

Option 1 – Try to use the Component Services

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “dcomcnfg” in the field and tap Enter to pull up Component Services.
  • Next, double click on the Computers folder located in the right pane and right-click on My Computer, and select the Properties option.
  • After that, switch to the COM Security tab under My Computer Properties and then go to the Access Permissions section.
  • From there, click the Edit Default button and in the new window that appears, apply the correct permission to objects under the Group or user names section.
  • Once you’re done, click OK and exit. This should fix the error.

Option 2 – Make sure that Function Discovery Resource Publication Properties Services is running

  • In the Cortana search box, type “services” and click on the Services icon to open the Services Manager. Alternatively, you can also tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run prompt and then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager.
  • Next, scroll down and look for the “Function Discovery Resource Publication” entry and double click on it.
  • Then switch to the General tab and from there, make sure that the Startup Type is set to “Manual (Triggered).
  • You also have to make sure that the service is running so if it’s not, just click on the Start button to start the service.
  • Now click on Apply to save the changes made.

Option 3 – Try resetting the default DCOM permissions

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “dcomcnfg” in the field and tap Enter to pull up Component Services.
  • After that, expand Component Services > Computers and right-click on My Computer, and then select Properties.
  • Next, go to the Default Properties tab, and in the Default Distributed COM Communication Properties section, make sure that:
    • Default Authentication Level is set to Connect
    • Default Impersonation Level is set to Identify.

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Option 1 – Try running the CHKDSK utility on Boot

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Option 3 – Try to check the hard drive’s health

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Option 2 – Try to update or reinstall the respective drivers

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Option 1 – Try to restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service

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Option 2 – Try creating Windows 10 ISO media

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  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 4 – Perform a System File Checker scan

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  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
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  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 5 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

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Option 6 – Contact Microsoft Support for assistance

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Option 1 – Update the Device drivers

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Option 2 – Uninstall any faulty device drivers

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Option 3 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

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Option 4 – Try to remove external hardware

If there is any external hardware plugged into your computer especially the new ones, you can try removing it and then check if the Blue Screen error persists. If the problem gets solved, you might want to update the driver of that particular hardware. On the other hand, if you’re still getting the error, then proceed to the next given options below.

Option 5 – Try resetting Windows 10

To fix this BSOD error, you can try resetting Windows 10. Doing so won’t get rid of any file in your system – instead of erasing all your media files and documents, this reset option resets all the system settings and files.

Option 6 – Try running the System File Checker Scan

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing the DRIVER POWER STATE FAILURE Blue Screen error. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
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If you suddenly encounter Activation Error codes such as 0xC004E016, 0xC004F210, 0xC004F034, and 0xC004F00F on your Windows 10 computer, then they all point to the same issue – Invalid Product Key or Version mismatch. When you see any of the aforementioned error codes above, it indicates that you are either entering a wrong product key or you are using an incorrect ISO when installing it on your computer. In such cases, you may see either of the following error messages:
“You are running Windows 10 Pro, but you have a valid digital license for Windows 10 Home.” Or: “The specified product key is invalid or is unsupported by this version.”
If you got the error code 0xC004F00F then it means that you’ve entered a product key for the Enterprise edition of Windows to activate Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home. It could be that you have a key from your work and you accidentally use it on your Home PC. If you got the error codes 0xC004E016, 0xC004F210, then it means that you have entered a product key that is meant for a different edition or version of Windows. On the other hand, if you got the error code 0xC004F034 instead, then it means that you have entered an invalid product key or a product key for a different Windows version. Whichever error codes you have, refer to the possible solutions given below to fix the Invalid Product Key or Version mismatch Activation Error in Windows 10.

Option 1 – Try running the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter

The first thing you can do to resolve this Activation error is to run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Go to Settings and then select Activation.
  • After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.

Option 2 – Try purchasing a new license

There is an exception offered by Microsoft – if you are connected to a Microsoft account prior to the hardware change, then you can most certainly use the same license key to reactivate Windows 10 again. Microsoft calls this an “Exception path” which should be fixed easily by the Windows Activation Troubleshooter as pointed out earlier. However, if the Windows Activation Troubleshooter isn’t able to resolve the error you can try purchasing a new license. In such rate case, even if you do have a Microsoft account available on your Windows 10 computer, and if Windows was never activated, this solution will not work. And if you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows 10 computer prior to the major hardware change, then your only option left is to purchase a new license. For you to do that here are some steps you can follow.
  • To purchase a new Windows license, the first thing you have to do is click on the Start button > Settings > Update & Security.
  • From there, go to Activation and select the “Go to Microsoft Store” option.
  • After receiving your new license, you need to go back to Update & Security then go to Activation and select the “Change product key” option.
  • Now update your Windows 10 computer using the new key and it should automatically activate your computer.
  • Next, you have to create a Microsoft account or connect to your existing local account to your online account.
  • Once the system links the key and the account, you need not buy a new license in case something like this happens again.
Note: If you are an IT administrator, you need to keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your computer. Moreover, if you don’t see any option to reactivate the license, and it is a work computer, you need to contact your organization’s tech support.

Option 3 – Try activating Windows 10 via mobile phone

Activating Windows 10 can also be done using your phone. Just note that you have to call Microsoft to do so.
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  • Next, select your country and click on Next.
  • Keep the window open and call the toll-free number of the country you’re from.
  • Afterward, a confirmation ID should be given by the automated system which you must take a note of.
  • Finally, in the box on the window, type in the confirmation ID and click on the Activate button. That should do it.
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Fix Installer encountered an error 0x800f0905

Are you trying to update your Windows 11 OS and are receiving a 0x800f0905 error? Do not sweat and do not worry we have a couple of solutions that you can try in order to fix this issue. How this error is tied to various things like misconfigured settings, corrupt system files, and more there is no way to present one simple solution that will solve everything in one click.

error 0x800f0905Therefore we are presenting a couple of solutions that will fix your issue, it is advisable to follow them as presented since they will go from the most common to the more complex one.

Run the troubleshooter

The most common fix and one that will actually repair things most of the time is simply running the Windows Update troubleshooter.

  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open the Settings app
  2. Click on System on the left
  3. Click on Troubleshoot in the right part
  4. Click on Other Troubleshooters
  5. Find the Windows Update section and click on Run
  6. Let troubleshooter finish

Reset Windows update components

If the previous solution did not work we will need to do things manually. Follow the steps as presented in order to reset Windows update components.

  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + S to open search
  2. Type in Terminal
  3. Select Run as administrator
  4. Click on Yes on the User account control (UAC) pop up
  5. Press CTRL + SHIFT + 2 to open Command prompt
  6. Inside command prompt type each line of a command followed by ENTER after each line:
    net stop bits
    net stop wuauserv
    Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%Application DataMicrosoftNetworkDownloaderqmgr*.dat”
    Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak
    Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak
    Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
    exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
    sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
    cd /d %windir%\system32
    regsvr32.exe atl.dll
    regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll
    regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll
    regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll
    regsvr32.exe browseui.dll
    regsvr32.exe jscript.dll
    regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
    regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll
    regsvr32.exe msxml.dll
    regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll
    regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll
    regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll
    regsvr32.exe softpub.dll
    regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll
    regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll
    regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll
    regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll
    regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll
    regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll
    regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll
    regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll
    regsvr32.exe ole32.dll
    regsvr32.exe shell32.dll
    regsvr32.exe initpki.dll
    regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll
    regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll
    regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll
    regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll
    regsvr32.exe wups.dll
    regsvr32.exe wups2.dll
    regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll
    regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll
    regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll
    regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll
    regsvr32.exe muweb.dll
    regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll
    netsh winsock reset
    net start bits
    net start wuauserv

Well, that was a lot of typing or copy and pasting line by line followed by ENTER after each one but hopefully, your issue is solved. These provided solutions fixed most users' issues with this error but if for some reason this is not the case for you, move to the next step.

Run the SFC scan

If you are still having 0x800f0905 error after previous attempts do the following:

  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + S to open search
  2. Type in Terminal
  3. Select Run as administrator
  4. Click on Yes on the User account control (UAC) pop up
  5. Press CTRL + SHIFT + 2 to open Command prompt
  6. Type in sfc /scannow and press ENTER
  7. Wait for the scan to finish
  8. Reboot the computer

Perform a system restore

If for any reason previous solutions have not provided you with the solution we will try to fix the issue by performing system restore.

  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + S to open search
  2. In the text box type in Create a restore point
  3. Click on the closest match in search results, should be Create a restore point
  4. Click on System Restore or on Next if there are no points created
  5. Choose to restore a point from the list and click on next
  6. Review settings and click on Finish
  7. Wait for the process to finish and for the computer to restart

Manually install update

If for any reason Windows still cannot install the update, try installing it manually.

  1. Go to Windows 11 update history and find the Knowledge base (KB) number for the latest version
  2. Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog
  3. Paste the KB number in the search box and press ENTER
  4. Click on DOWNLOAD
  5. Double click on the downloaded file to launch the installer
  6. Follow on-screen instructions and install the update

Perform Windows 11 reset

If nothing worked, reset your Windows 11 to its factory settings to fully repair and reset the whole operating system.

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Malware Guide: How to Remove Bandoo

What is Bandoo?

Bandoo application, specifically product version 5.0.2.4762, is a bundled program. What does this mean? Simply, Bandoo, upon installation, installs additional programs, extensions, and add-ons to a computer and computer’s browser, without the knowledge of the user. This version of Bandoo concentrates on providing features for entertainment and also functionality/tools for backing up your computer files. Once executed, the file installs the iLivid Download Manager Software. Additional tools installed within the bundle include a Movie Toolbar and the thriving search engine ‘Ask.com.’ Technical details about Bandoo include: 
Digital Signature/Publisher:  Bandoo Media, Inc. Product Version: 5.0.2.4762 Entry Point:  0x000038AF

Assessment of Bandoo Potentially Unwanted Program

Interestingly, before the installation of Bandoo product version 5.0.2.4762 was complete, Spyhunter detected that the software was a PUP. After the installation was complete, product version 5.0.2.4762 of Bandoo added add-ons and extensions to both Internet Explorer and Chrome Browsers (these were the only 2 browsers used within the assessment). These appeared in the form of a Movie toolbar, providing quick access to movie trailers, reviews, ratings, and other video functionality, and ‘Ask’ (Ask.com) search engine.

Areas of Infiltration by Bandoo

Bandoo product version 5.0.2.4762 infiltrated several areas of the computer system. After installation, folders were neatly placed as files within all programs. Within “All Programs” there were 3 newly added programs. These included:
  • iLivid
  • Movies Search App for Chrome
  • Movies Search App for Internet Explorer
The iLiVid application seems to be the main offer while the others, namely Movies App for Internet Explorer by Ask was featured as promotions or advertisements. Additionally, just below the 'END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT AND PRIVACY POLICY' a request was made that the user set Ask.com as both their homepage, new tab, and default search engine. This is just another well-concocted plan to get Internet users onto the 'Ask.com' search engine. Along with the 3 programs installed as a bundle,  a new folder was found within the computer's local drive. This program was termed OLBPre.

What is OLBPre?

OLBPre.exe is reputed as dangerous adware that weakens the security settings of a computer system. It's also covertly used for dropping files on a targeted computer, often without the user's consent or knowledge.

Manual Steps for Removal of Movie Search Apps

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: from your desktop, right-click on the ‘Start Button’.  A menu box will then appear.
  • Step 2: from the menu box, click ‘Search’.
  • Step 3: enter “Programs and Features” within the Input Box.
  • Step 4: locate the installed apps. You should be able to see “Movies Search App for Chrome” & “Movies Search App for Internet Explorer”.
  • Step 5: right-click on the names of the Apps (the ones you want to remove) when you’ve located them.
  • Note: you will have to remove the apps one after the other.
  • Step 6: after right-clicking the app, click the uninstall option (probably the only option available anyway).
  • Note: If a box appears asking If you wish to ‘block’ or ‘allow’, select the allow option. That’s just the Publisher’s way to annoy you out of uninstalling the app.
  • Step 7: follow instructions until the app is fully removed.
  • Step 8: Repeat steps for the other app.
Since Bandoo also changed your search engine, you’ll have to reset that manually for Internet Explorer and Chrome. Follow the steps below:
  • Step 1: Open your Internet Explorer browser.
  • Step 2: Click the tool option located in the top right-hand corner of the page.
  • Step 3: Click the “Internet Options” option.
  • Step 4: Under the “General” tab, you’ll be able to see approximately 3 buttons. Click the button labeled ‘Use Default”.
  • Step 5: At the bottom right-hand corner of the pop-up menu, select the “Apply” button and “OK”. That should do the trick.

Removal for Chrome Extension

This removal is simple.
  • Step 1: Open your Chrome browser.
  • Step 2: A pop-up box will be visible.
  • Step 3: Click the “Remove from Chrome” option.
After removing the extensions/add-ons, perform another scan with Spyhunter. You’ll pick up a few threats. The second scan should clear up everything. To completely remove Bandoo from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter.
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