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Could not configure one or more components

If you are trying to install or upgrade your Windows 10 computer but suddenly encountered an error message saying, “Windows Could not configure one or more system components”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix the problem.

You are not alone in experiencing this problem as other users also reported having the same scenario. Some of them reported getting the following error message:

“Windows could not configure one or more system components. To install Windows restart the computer with error code 0xc1900101-0x30018.”

When you check on the Windows 10 rollback log, you will see a part with the “iisetup.exe” that’s related to the abort. Usually, the upgrade process completes over 50% and gets stuck and then rolls back later on and generates the error logs. This kind of error, in most cases, appears during the upgrade of Windows 10 and is related to the Internet Information Services or IIS in Windows 10. For some unknown reason, it restricts the installation or the upgrade which causes the error to appear. To fix the “Windows could not configure one or more system components” error, you can try to remove the IIS from the Windows Features or rename the “inetsrv” folder. You could also move all the folders related to IIS to another drive. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to remove the IIS from Windows Features

The IIS is installed from the Windows Features and you can find it at Control Panel > Programs. From there, uncheck the checkbox for the Internet Information Services. Once done, click on the OK button to save the changes. Note that this process will get rid of all the related programs, services, and folders from Windows 10. So if you want to, you can just install them later on or use an offline installer from the official site of Microsoft.

Option 2 – Try renaming the inetsrv folder

The next option you can check out to resolve the problem is to rename the “inetsrv” folder. If you have uninstalled IIS from the Windows Features, this should remove the folders as well, however, it didn’t remove the folder then you have to delete the folders that are related to the IIS by following these steps:

  • First, you have to boot into the Advanced Recovery Mode and from there, open Command Prompt.
  • Next, execute this command to rename the folder from this location, C:Windowssystem32inetsrv: rename C:/Windows/system32/inetsrv/inetsrv.old
  • Once done, boot into your computer normally and try to upgrade Windows 10 again, and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try to move the folders related to IIS to a different drive

  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
  • Next, look for the Application Host Helper Service from the list of services and stop it.
  • Once done, take ownership of the “WinSxS” folder and then move the *windows-iis*.*” folders to another drive. You can just search using the “*windows-iis*.*” keyword in the Start Search.
  • Next, tap the Ctrl + X keys and paste the folders to another drive.
  • After that, start the update process for Windows 10 again.

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Setting up USB tethering in Windows
In this post, you will be guided on how you can set up the USB tethering feature on your Windows 10 computer and share your mobile device’s mobile data so other devices can also access the internet. Tethering is usually known as Wi-Fi tethering which allows users to share mobile data to any device with Wi-Fi, laptops included. This is really useful especially when you have no other way to access the internet. For instance, if you are using a desktop computer and there is no way for you to connect to the Ethernet, and you have no Wi-Fi adapter that you can use to connect to a router as well, you can use USB tethering instead to access the internet. It is almost similar to Wi-Fi tethering except that it works over a USB connection instead of a Wi-Fi adapter. USB tethering is almost quite the same as an Ethernet connection except that it’s faster compared to Wi-Fi tethering as well as Bluetooth tethering. Just like Wi-Fi tethering, USB tethering is free unless your network carrier has blocked it. Thus, it’s better if you make that clear with your operator. Once you have that covered,

Follow the instructions provided below to set up USB tethering on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: First, connect your mobile device to your Windows 10 computer using a USB cable. Step 2: If it asks you to enable the file transfer feature, just cancel it. A prompt that says, “Tethering or Hotspot active—Tap to setup” should be available as soon as you get connected – tap on it. Note: If there is no prompt, just go to Settings > Network and Internet > Hotspot and Tethering and from there, toggle on the USB tethering option. Step 3: Afterwards, the setup will create a new network adapter in Windows 10 automatically and your computer should now be connected to the internet using USB tethering. Note: You have to make sure that the Wi-Fi connection in your mobile device is turned off and if it is connected to an existing network, the USB tethering will be disabled but if you see its status as enabled, then the USB tethering setup is successfully done. In addition, keep in mind that the location of tethering can be different for every phone, especially on a customized operating system such as RealMe, Redmi, Samsung, and any other mobile device although they are clubbed in the section of Mobile and Data Network. In case you encounter some problems when using USB tethering in your Windows 10 computer, there are troubleshooting tips you should follow. The NDIS-based Internet Sharing Device network adapter is what Windows 10 uses to make USB tethering possible so if it stops working, follow the options provided below.

Option 1 – Perform basic check

The first thing you can do if you encounter problems in USB tethering is to do a basic check like checking if Wi-Fi is enabled automatically as well as check if the USB cable is disconnected or if you’ve turned off USB tethering accidentally.

Option 2 – Try installing or updating the USB RNDIS adapter

RNDIS or Remote Network Driver Interface Specification can also help you resolve any USB tethering problem. If the pre-installed driver does not help you in connecting to the internet, then you can try installing the USB RNDIS driver that is, if it’s not installed yet. If it is already installed, you can try to update it instead.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open Run and type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
  • Next, expand the Network adapters section and look for the Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. But if you are using a Samsung smartphone, you might see “Samsung” instead of under Network adapters.
  • Right-click on it and then select the “Update driver” option.
  • Then select the “Browse my computer for driver software” option.
  • After that, select the “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer” option.
  • Now uncheck the checkbox for “Show compatible hardware”.
  • From the given list on your left-hand side, look for Microsoft and then select the Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device on your right-hand side.
  • Click on Next. A new popup will appear where you have to click on Yes. This will install the driver.
  • Now click on the Close button and restart your computer.
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Fix Folder Redirection Failed in Windows
If you got an error message saying, “Folder Redirection Failed, Failed to build the list of regular subfolders, Access is Denied” after you configured a new Group Policy Object or GPO which redirects User folders to a new network share or when you click on Reset default location under the Windows File Explorer or Folder Options, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will show you how to resolve this kind of error on your Windows 10 computer. Follow the given options below carefully to fix the “Folder Redirection Failed” error.

Option 1 – Take Ownership of the folder

If you are not able to access the folder could be one of the reasons why you’re getting the “Folder Redirection Failed” error and so you need to take ownership of the folder to resolve the problem. Before you proceed, make sure that your account is an admin account.
  • First, locate the concerned folder and right-click on it then select Properties.
  • Next, click on the Edit button in the Properties window and click OK to confirm if you got a User Account Control elevation request.
  • After that, select user/group from the permission windows or click on the Add button to add another user or group. It would be best if you add “Everyone” to give permission.
  • Then check “Full Control” under the “Allow” column to assign full access rights control permissions.
  • Now edit the permission to Full Control for “Everyone”.
  • Click OK to save the changes made and then exit.

Option 2 – Try to add Authenticated Users or Domain Computers

Make sure that the Folder Redirection group policy removal option is set to “Redirect the folder back to the user profile location when the policy is removed” when using the Folder Redirection. After that, you have to add Authenticated Users group with the “Read” permissions on the Group Policy Objects or GPOs. And if the Domain computers are part of the group of “Authenticated Users”. Note that by default, the “Authenticated Users” have these permissions on any new Group Policy Objects or GPOs. Once again, you have to add just “Read” permissions and not “Apply Group Policy” for “Authenticated Users”. Furthermore, to fix the “Failed to build the list of regular subfolders” errors, here are some options that could help.

Option a – Try to clear disk space

You might have to check if your disk is running out of space because if it is, then it will fail to create a list abruptly. And so you need to free up some disk space. You can either check on the files manually especially if you tend to keep your files at random places in your disk drive.

Option b – Find the Target route

You need to find the target route of the folder and then restore it if you are getting the “Failed to build the list of regular subdirectories” when you try to relocate the folder to the original location.

Option c – Try to change Ownership/Reset Defaults for all the User folders

If the “Failed to build the list of regular subdirectories” error pops up when you are trying to move a large number of files from one location to another, then you need to change the ownership of the folders as pointed out earlier.
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EasyPDFCombine Complete Removal Guide

EasyPDFCombine is a browser extension by Mindspark Inc. This extension claims to offer users an easy and fast way to combine different PDF documents into a single file for easy access and sharing.

When installed this extension changes your default search engine to MyWay.com, it also hijacks your home page and new tab page, also changing it to search powered by MyWay. While browsing the internet with this extension you will see additional pop-up ads, injected ads in search results, and sponsored content throughout your browsing sessions. This extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus programs and it is not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a common type of internet fraud where your web browser settings are altered to allow it to carry out things you do not intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for a variety of reasons. In general, browser hijacking is used for earning ad revenue from forced advert clicks and website visits. While it may seem harmless, these tools were created by malicious individuals who always look to take full advantage of you, so that hackers could make money from your naivety and distraction. They not only screw up your web browsers, but browser hijackers can also modify the system registry, making your computer susceptible to other malicious programs.

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

There are many symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them: 1. the browser’s homepage is modified 2. you find yourself regularly directed to a different webpage than the one you intended 3. the main web browser settings are modified and undesirable or insecure resources are put into the trusted sites list 4. you are finding new toolbars you haven’t witnessed before 5. you see a lot of pop-up ads on your computer screen 6. your web browser gets sluggish, buggy crashes often 7. Inability to navigate to certain websites, especially antivirus as well as other security software websites.

How browser hijacker infects computers

Browser hijackers attack computers via malicious email attachments, downloaded infected computer files, or by checking out infected sites. They may also originate from any BHO, browser extension, add-on, toolbar, or plug-in with the malicious objectives. Also, certain shareware and freeware can put the hijacker in your computer through the “bundling” technique. A good example of a well-known browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malicious software known as “Fireball”, which has infected 250 million computers around the world. It acts as a hijacker but can be turned into a fully functioning malware downloader later on. The presence of any browser hijacker malware on your system can drastically diminish the web browsing experience, monitor your internet activities that result in severe privacy concerns, develop system stability issues and ultimately cause your PC to slow down or to a practically unusable condition. How you can remove browser hijackers Certain browser hijacking can be easily stopped by finding and removing the corresponding malware program from your control panel. At times, it could be a challenging job to identify and delete the malicious program because the associated file will be running as part of the operating system process. You should think of doing manual repairs only if you’re a tech-savvy individual since there are risks associated with tinkering around with the system registry and HOSTS file. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. Among the best tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It helps you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your computer and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest threats.

What you can do if Virus Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Antivirus?

Malware could potentially cause all kinds of damage when they invade your system, starting from stealing your personal details to erasing data files on your PC. Some malware is meant to hinder or prevent things that you’d like to do on your PC. It may not allow you to download anything from the web or prevent you from accessing a few or all websites, especially antivirus sites. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your PC. Follow the instructions below to remove malware through alternate ways.

Download the anti-virus in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to run automatically when Windows starts, entering Safe Mode may block this attempt. Since only the minimal programs and services launch in safe mode, there are rarely any reasons for issues to occur. The following are the steps you need to follow to start into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out Microsoft site for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you will have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal application you need by using the web browser. To install the program, follow the directions in the setup wizard. 4) After installation, do a complete scan and let the software program delete the threats it discovers.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download antivirus software

Some viruses might target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that block the downloading process. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate web browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install anti-malware on a USB drive

To successfully remove the malware, you should approach the problem of installing anti-virus software on the affected PC from a different angle. To run antivirus using a USB pen drive, follow these simple measures: 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free PC. 2) Insert the USB drive onto the same computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, with a .exe file format. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place where you would like to store the software files. Do as instructed on the screen to finish up the installation process. 5) Unplug the USB drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-malware on the affected computer. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the program. 7) Click on the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You

In order to protect your PC from various internet-based threats, it is important to install an anti-malware program on your computer system. But with countless numbers anti-malware companies in the market, these days it is hard to decide which one you should purchase for your personal computer. A few are really worth your money, but many aren’t. While looking for anti-malware software, choose one that offers solid, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes is a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is made to assist the common computer end user in safeguarding their PC from malicious internet threats. This program could easily detect, remove, and protect your personal computer from the most advanced malware threats including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, PUPs, worms, parasites as well as other potentially harmful software applications.

There are lots of great features you will get with this security product. Below are some of the features you may like in SafeBytes.

Live Protection: SafeBytes offers 100 % hands-free live protection and is set to observe, prevent and eliminate all threats at its very first encounter. It will continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also gives users superior firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can find and remove the malware threats hiding in your computer effectively. “Fast Scan” Abilities: This software has got one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are very accurate and take a little time to complete. Web Security: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety rating to every single website you visit and block access to web pages known to be phishing sites, thus protecting you against identity theft, or known to contain malware. Very Low CPU and RAM Usage: SafeBytes gives total protection from internet threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its advanced detection engine and algorithms. Premium Support: SafeBytes gives you 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and upgrades for the best user experience. SafeBytes can keep your personal computer protected from most advanced malware threats automatically with little or no input needed from you again. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software program to use. So if you are looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we suggest the SafeBytes Anti-Malware application.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually remove EasyPDFCombine without the use of an automated tool, it might be possible to do so by deleting the program from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser. Finally, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries following an uninstallation. Please keep in mind that only experienced users should try to manually edit the system files simply because deleting any single vital registry entry results in a major problem or even a computer crash. Additionally, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. It is advised that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\kpocjpoifmommoiiiamepombpeoaehfh %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\kpocjpoifmommoiiiamepombpeoaehfh %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\kpocjpoifmommoiiiamepombpeoaehfh %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\kpocjpoifmommoiiiamepombpeoaehfh %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\EasyPDFCombine_ce %LOCALAPPDATA%\EasyPDFCombine_ce %USERPROFILE%\Application Data\easypdfcombine_ceIE %USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\easypdfcombine_ce %PROGRAMFILES%\easypdfcombine_ceEI %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eoijigimapijneedmehmjccmmdknkbef %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\eoijigimapijneedmehmjccmmdknkbef %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\kpocjpoifmommoiiiamepombpeoaehfh chrome-extension_eoijigimapijneedmehmjccmmdknkbef_0.localstorage %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\EasyPDFCombineTooltab %LOCALAPPDATA%\EasyPDFCombineTooltab Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\easypdfcombine_ce HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 0D159187-1DDE-426D-8D17-74B6CEF7D9E3 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 1930D4C0-D0E6-4CF1-B6A4-A09140F88475 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 4E8A04A7-E70B-4391-9AF3-1C0CC98AE8DA HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\easypdfcombine_ceService HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\easypdfcombine_ceService HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\easypdfcombine_ceService HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EasyPDFCombine AppIntegrator 32-bit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: easyPDFCombine AppIntegrator 64-bit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: easyPDFCombine EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EasyPDFCombine AppIntegrator 64-bit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EasyPDFCombine EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: EasyPDFCombine Search Scope Monitor HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 4e8a04a7-e70b-4391-9af3-1c0cc98ae8da HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 4e8a04a7-e70b-4391-9af3-1c0cc98ae8da HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\1930d4c0-d0e6-4cf1-b6a4-a09140f88475 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\1930d4c0-d0e6-4cf1-b6a4-a09140f88475 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\easypdfcombine.dl.myway.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\easypdfcombine.dl.myway.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\easypdfcombine.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\easypdfcombine.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\EasyPDFCombine
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How to Fix Error Code 0xC004C020

Error Code 0xC004C020 (Code 0xC004C020) – What is it?

Error code 0xC004C020 (Code 0xC004C020) is an error that occurs when you attempt to activate a copy of Windows 7 with a key, but the key has already been activated multiple times. When receiving this error code, it means that you are trying to exceed the number of times that the Windows 7 key is allowed to be activated. Common symptoms include:
  • Attempting to install Windows 7 with a key and a dialog box with the code 0xC004C020 is displayed.
  • The computer is unable to install Windows 7 with the key.
  • Certain features will refrain from working until the correct key has been entered.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error Code 0xC004C020 occurs when you are not able to install Windows 7 using a previously purchased key code that has been installed numerous times previously on the same computer.
  • You are not able to use your previously used key to install Windows 7.
  • You have used the Windows 7 key the maximum number of times allowed.
Error code 0xC004C020 simply means that the Windows 7 code that you are trying to use to install Windows 7 has already been used the maximum number of times allowed, even when installing it on the same computer that it was previously used on. This would indicate that the key is what is known as a volume key- meaning that there is a cap on the number of uses.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Many people encounter this problem when they are doing software development or testing and need to reinstall Windows 7. Some people might also encounter this error code when installing Windows 7 with a key that was used too many times previously. It should be noted that there are several ways to fix this problem, but if nothing is working, you should contact a computer repair technician.

Method One

Activate by phone- the long method.
  1. Click the start button, right-click Computer, click Properties, and then click Activate Windows.  This will open Windows Activation.
  2. Click on “Show me other ways to activate”.
  3. Find and enter the Windows 7 key, then click Next.
  4. Click on “Use the automated phone system”. If you are prompted for an administrator password or a confirmation, confirm or type the password now.
  5. Select the location nearest to you and then click the Next button.
  6. There will be a list of available phone numbers, choose one and call it. There will be an automated system that will guide the activation process.
  7. Enter the installation ID when prompted, it will be listed on your computer screen.
  8. The phone system will give you a confirmation ID, write this down.
  9. Type this confirmation ID into the space that is provided by step 3. This will be in the activation dialogue. Then, click NEXT and follow the instruction.
  10. If this is not successful, stay on the line and be transferred to a customer service representative that will assist you.

Method Two

Activate by phone- this is a much simpler method.
  1. Click on Start, type: slui.exe 4 into the Search box
  2. Press Enter on the keyboard.
  3. Pick your country.
  4. Choose the Phone Activation option; stay on hold to speak with a customer service representative.

Method Three

Error code 0xC004C020 occurs if you have used your Windows 7 activation key on multiple computers, or multiple times on the same computer. You are not allowed to exceed the uses of the key—you should consider purchasing a new key if this is the case. A Windows 7 key is available for purchase online through the Microsoft website, in the shop section. The new product key must then be activated within 30 days, or it becomes no longer valid. It can be activated online or through the telephone. If it is not activated on time, features will stop working until the new key has been activated. This should be the last resort method, as you should not have to purchase a new Windows 7 key code if it is not necessary. If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
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How to Turn off Advertising ID in Windows
In case you don’t know, Microsoft hooks up every machine that is running Windows 10 with an Advertising ID which helps them in providing Windows 10 users with relevant ads. These ads are delivered to users in the Action Center, Start Menu as well as the ads inside the UWP Applications. What makes these advertisements relevant is that they keep track of your browsing trends, likes and dislikes, with the help of the Advertising ID. However, if you are not fond of advertisements and you do not want this feature of Microsoft to track your usage, worry not for you actually have the option to disable targeted ads on your Windows 10 computer by turning off the Advertising ID. And you can do that during Windows 10 Setup or using the Group Policy Editor. For more details, refer to the instructions provided below for each one of the methods.

Option 1 – Turn off Advertising ID during Windows 10 setup

If you are about to install Windows 10, then during the installation process, your computer boots into the Install and Configure Windows 10 screen with Cortana that assist you during the setup. Once you reach the last page which is “Choose privacy settings for your device”, you will see the Advertising ID of your computer. Under the Advertising ID, you have to disable or toggle off the “Apps can use advertising ID to provide more personalized advertising in accordance with the privacy policy of the app provider” option. After you disable it, click on the Accept button to proceed with the installation. After that, the copy of your Windows 10 you are using will have the Advertising ID disabled by default.

Option 2 – Turn off Advertising ID via Group Policy Editor

  • First, tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility.
  • Then, type “gpedit.msc” in the field and click OK or tap Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this group policy setting: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > User Profiles
  • Now double click on the “Turn off the advertising ID” option and set the radio button to Enabled. Once you do, you will see the following description on your screen:
“This policy setting turns off the advertising ID, preventing apps from using the ID for experiences across apps. If you enable this policy setting, the advertising ID is turned off. Apps can’t use the ID for experiences across apps. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, users can control whether apps can use the advertising ID for experiences across apps.” Note that setting the radio button to Enabled or Not Configured will turn off the data collection of the Advertising ID.
  • Finally, exit the Group Policy Editor and then restart your computer to apply the changes made successfully.
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Command prompt tips and tricks
Hello and welcome to errortools articles. Today we will talk about some great and awesome tips and tricks for the command prompt. Commands which can make your life easier and your workday more pleasant. That being said let's dive in right into muddy waters and swim out with new knowledge.

Tip 1: Read Motherboard information

There are a lot of reasons why you would like to read information from your motherboard, maybe you would like to upgrade your BIOS, perhaps you would like to know the serial number, maybe even the version number. Well, you can, type the following code into the command prompt and you will receive all information about your motherboard.
wmic baseboard get product,version,serialnumber,product

Tip 2: Copy command output to clipboard

Getting information from the command prompt to a word processor, into an email or any other medium can be somewhat troublesome, usually, people tend to screenshot or write from a command prompt into another destination, which could induce errors, and let's be honest, it is not practical. You can copy command output directly into the clipboard ready for pasting it anywhere with | clip. So for example if you would like to paste the directory structure of your c drive command would look like: dir c: | clip, now output would be placed into the clipboard ready to be pasted anywhere needed.

Tip 3: Erase data permanently

When you delete data on your hard drive, what really happens is that files are marked with a marker which marks that space for new data writing, but the data itself is still present and can be brought back. This sometimes could impose problems but if you would type: cipher /w:c Windows will write random data over each marked file deleting it forever without means to be brought back.

Tip 4: Manage your IP address

If you would like to play with your IP address and do fancy stuff with it do the following: ipconfig /release to release your IP address ipconfig /renew to renew your IP address ipconfig /flushdns to flush down DNS information and enjoy a new browsing start.

Tip 5: Check to see are packets reaching the desired location

You installed a new LAN printer, or a new switch, maybe you want to check if your new site is up and running. Use ping destination in order to see if TCP packets are reaching desired information, you can use it with a specific address like ping 192.168.1.1 or you can type a web address, for example, ping google.com and see if a connection can be established.

Tip 6: Get information about a specific command

So you learned some command prompt commands, but you do not know all of their configuration or switches? No worries, just type command/? to get a list of available switches for it. For example ipconfig/? will write you a list of available switches for ipconfig command.

Tip 7: Link and execute multiple commands one after another.

Let us say that for example, you would like to copy files into a different folder, then rename some and delete others and you need to do a couple of times. Instead of writing command after command once each one is finished link them with && and they will execute one after another.

Tip 8: Scan and repair files.

In order to scan files and repair broke or corrupted ones write in the command prompt: sfc /scannow. Please know that this command can take a long time since it is solely dependant on the number of files, their size, and the power of the computer.

Tip 9: Manage and configure your computer energy

Command powercfg will let you manage and see the power configuration of your computer. Just write powercfg/? and see what you need and want to change or get information about.

Tip 10: Associate files with applications

Windows already has some file associations defined, and some applications take over some type of files but if you want to take control into your own hand use assoc command. For example assoc.txt= "APPLICATION NAME" will associate txt files with the provided application.

Tip 11: Hide files and folder.

Do you have some folder or file with information that you do not want to be seen when someone opens file explorer? Use attrib +h <name of file> and hide file or attrib +h /D <folder name> to hide folder.

Tip 12: Get a list of installed computer drivers

Want to know which drivers are installed in your system? Use driverquery and take a look.

Tip 13: Find and locate shared folders

have you shared a folder but forgot which one and where? Do not bang your head on the wall, we have a simple solution for you. just type in command prompt net share and see everything.

Tip 14: Run commands as an administrator

You do not have administrator privileges? Do you want to bypass common blockades?
runas /user:yourdomainadministrator command
That is all that we have for you today, I certainly hope you have found something useful here and that we have managed to teach you some valuable things.
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Fix Origin Error when loading the webpage
If you encounter a blank page with an error message saying, “Origin Error” when you try to load a webpage, then this post will surely help you resolve this error. As you can see, this error is a very uncommon one and it is not about the popular game known as Origin where all you have to do is reinstall the client. Although this error message is a very uncommon one, you will see a blank page with a message saying, “Origin Error” when you attempt to load a webpage. To fix this error, this post will provide you some potential fixes that might help. Follow the fixes given below carefully and see which one fixes the problem.

Option 1 – Use Ctrl + F5 keys to clear browser cache

The first thing you can try is to “Hard Refresh” to clear the cache of your browsers. You can do that by using the Ctrl + F5 keys on your keyboard. On the other hand, you can also clear the cache manually for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Option 2 – Remove the Proxy

You might also want to try removing the Proxy as it could also help you in fixing the Origin error. Here’s how you can do it:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
  • After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
  • From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
  • Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
  • Restart your PC.
Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 3 – Try to flush the DNS, reset Winsock and the TCP/IP

You might also want to flush the DNS and reset Winsock as well as reset TCP/IP as it could help in fixing the Origin error. To do so, refer to these steps:
  • Click the Start button and type in “command prompt” in the field.
  • From the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After opening Command Prompt, you have to type each one of the commands listed below. Just make sure that after you type each command, you hit Enter
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /all
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /renew
    • netsh int ip set dns
    • netsh winsock reset
After you key in the commands listed above, the DNS cache will be flushed and the Winsock, as well as the TCP/IP, will reset.
  • Now restart your computer and open Google Chrome then try opening the website you were trying to open earlier.

Option 4 – Try using Google Public DNS

You might want to try changing your current DNS to the Google Public DNS. All you have to do is change the DNS settings explicitly on your operating system by using the DNS IP addresses. Here’s are the steps to do that:
  • The first thing you have to do is right-click on the network icon in the Taskbar and select Network and Sharing Center.
  • Next, click on the “Change Adapter Settings” option.
  • After that, search for the network connection that you are using to connect to the internet. Note that the option might be “Wireless Connection” or “Local Area Connection”.
  • Right-click on your network connection and click on Properties.
  • Then select the new window to choose the “Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.
  • After that, click on the Properties button and click the checkbox in the new window for the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
  • Type in “8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4” and click OK and exit.
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Turn On or Off the Recommended Troubleshooting
For a while now, Microsoft has been working hard to add various built-in troubleshooters in Windows 10. In fact, there is a troubleshooter for almost every standard or common error in Windows 10. And now with the newly released Windows 10 v1903, Microsoft has added the Recommended Troubleshooting which allows Windows 10 to automatically fix a lot of critical issues on your computer, and in this post, you will be guided on how you can turn on or off the Recommended Troubleshooting in Windows 10. The Microsoft Diagnostic & Feedback data only provides two settings – Basic and Full. So if you want to turn off the Recommended Troubleshooting for some reason, the only way to do so is to stop it from collecting complete data from your PC. And to turn it on or off, you can choose to switch between them. To do that, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback and from there, select Basic under the Diagnostic Data section. After that, go back to Settings and go to Update & security > Troubleshoot. Once you’re there, you should see a warning message saying, “Share Full Diagnostic data to get additional troubleshooting recommendations”. Based on the message, Microsoft will only offer the recommended troubleshooting based on the Full Diagnostic data which it collects from your computer. On the other hand, if you know how to navigate and use the Windows Registry, then you can enable or disable the Recommended Troubleshooting via Registry Editor but before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point. Once that’s covered, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoft
  • From there, look for the key named “WindowsMigration”. If you can’t find it, just right-click on the left pane and create a new key and then name it “WindowsMigration”.
  • After that, create a DWORD “UserPreference” and double click on it to set its value to “0” if you want to turn it off or “1” if you want to turn it on.
  • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made.
Note: The Recommended Troubleshooting functionality can look into the error logs sent back to the Microsoft team and use an algorithm to set up a solution for you and they’re nothing but Diagnostics and Feedback data that Windows collects and sends back to Microsoft. Moreover, the recommendations are only visible if you are connected to the internet, else it will show the same message.
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Completely Remove iLivid Malware Removal Guide from PC

iLivid is a video download manager for YouTube and other third-party video-hosted websites. iLivid download manager has powerful features that make it the fastest and easiest way to download hosted files. iLivid includes XBMC plug-ins that let you play almost all popular audio and video formats, in any available protocol and in any media type: streaming, CDs, DVDs, and RAR and archived files from your hard drive.

Livid is a program developed by Bandoo Media Inc. Upon installation, it defines an auto-start registry entry which allows the program to run on each boot for the user who installed it. A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times. The software is designed to connect to the Internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with.

Multiple Anti-Virus scanners have detected iLivid as a possible Malware and are therefore not recommended.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Have you ever discovered an unwanted program running on your computer system and wondered how the heck it got there? These unwanted programs, which are referred to as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUP briefly, typically tag along as a software package when downloading the program and could cause serious problems for computer users. The term PUP was actually coined to identify this downloadable crapware as something other than malicious software. The primary reason for this is the fact that the majority of PUPs get into users’ computers not because they exploit security weaknesses, for instance, but mainly because the users grant consent to install it – unwittingly in many instances. However, it is obvious that PUPs continue to be bad news for PC users as they could be really detrimental to your computer in numerous ways.

How does unwanted software affect you?

PUPs come in various forms; having said that, many are classified as adware, which always displays irritating ads and advertising banners on internet pages that you’re exploring. Additionally, they come in the form of web browser extension add-ons and toolbars. Not only they entirely fill up space on your computer screen, but toolbars could also manipulate search engine results, monitor your web browsing activities, decrease your web browser’s efficiency, and slow down your web connection to a crawl. PUPs load up a nasty bite if left unchecked. Some PUPs carry keyloggers, dialers, and other software to gather your personal details which might lead to identity theft. Often, such software will turn off security protections and settings to take control over your computer, making that computer susceptible to online hackers and data thieves. At a minimum, PUPs slow your PC down with every added program.

Preventing unwanted programs

• When installing anything on your desktop, always study the fine print, including the EULA. Don’t accept terms of use that are for bundled programs. • Choose the “custom” install whenever installing an application. In particular, focus on those tiny boxes that have been checked as default, where you may ‘agree’ to get advertisements or install software bundlers. • Use an advert blocker/pop-up blocker; Deploy anti-malware products such as Safebytes Anti-malware. These software programs will establish a wall between your computer and cybercriminals. • Avoid installing applications you don’t really need. Do not ever install software programs that appear suspicious or malicious. • Don’t download programs from popups, internet advertising, file sharing sites, and also other unreliable sources; be cautious about any preset, unwanted options when downloading software. Avoid going to weblogs and sites that promote pirated software.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware because of a Virus? Do This!

Malware could potentially cause a lot of damage to your personal computer. Some malware is designed to interfere with or prevent things that you wish to do on your computer. It may not allow you to download anything from the net or it will stop you from accessing some or all of the internet sites, particularly the anti-virus websites. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer system. There are a few solutions you could try to get around with this issue.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into Safe Mode may block the attempt. Since just the bare minimum programs and services launch in safe mode, there are hardly any reasons for conflicts to take place. Below are the steps you have to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (visit Microsoft site for directions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs). 1) After switching on the computer, hit the F8 key while the Windows splash screen begins to load. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter. 3) Once this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, make use of your web browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) Immediately after installation, run a full scan and allow the software program to get rid of the threats it finds.

Switch to an alternate browser

Web-based malware could be environment-specific, targeting a particular internet browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. If you seem to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to a different internet browser with built-in safety features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.

Run anti-virus from your USB drive

Another option is to save and run an anti-malware software tool entirely from a Pen drive. Follow these steps to use a USB drive to fix your corrupted computer. 1) On a virus-free computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Put the USB drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software package to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Unplug the USB drive. Now you can use this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system. 6) Double-click the antivirus program EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all kinds of malware.

Let's Talk About SafeBytes Security Suite!

If you’re looking to download an anti-malware application for your computer, there are various tools in the market to consider nonetheless, you should not trust blindly anyone, no matter whether it is a free or paid program. Some of them are excellent, some are decent, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You have to select a company that creates industry-best anti-malware and has earned a reputation as reliable. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended tool for the security-conscious individual. Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which offer this complete anti-malware application. This software program could easily identify, eliminate, and protect your PC from the most advanced malware attacks such as spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, and other possibly damaging software applications. There are lots of amazing features you will get with this security product. Here are some popular features present in this software: Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes gives complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It will check your personal computer for suspicious activity at all times and safeguards your personal computer from unauthorized access. Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware application goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine detects and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your PC. Web Security: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the net. High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers super-fast scanning that can promptly target any active online threat. Lowest CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes gives you complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load due to its enhanced detection engine and algorithms. 24/7 Online Technical Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any problem with your security application.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually get rid of iLivid without using an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by deleting the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and uninstalling it. It is also recommended to factory reset your browser to its default condition to fix corrupt settings. If you decide to manually remove the system files and registry entries, utilize the following list to ensure that you know exactly what files to remove before executing any actions. However, editing the registry is really a complicated job that only advanced computer users and professionals should try to fix the problem. Moreover, certain malicious programs are capable to defend against its deletion. It is recommended that you do the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.
Folders: %Application Data%iLivid Registry: Key HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareiLivid Key HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstalliLivid Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTSOFTWAREClassesApplicationsiLividSetupV1.exe HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.torrent HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTiLivid.torrent HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagnetDefaultIcon HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagnetshellopencommand HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareiLivid HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.torrent HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.torrentUserChoice HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareTrolltechOrganizationDefaultsQt Factory Cache 4.8com.trolltech.Qt.QImageIOHandlerFactoryInterface:C:Users N A M E AppDataLocaliLivid HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareTrolltechOrganizationDefaultsQt Plugin Cache 4.8.falseC:Users N A M E AppDataLocaliLivid
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Choosing right LINUX distribution
LINUX has become more than just a dedicated server Operating system, more and more it is gaining ground in home computers as well and as services like Steam and Gog are offering their titles for LINUX it is gaining more and more ground daily.

Why LINUX?

So, what makes LINUX so good? First of all security, no other Operating system has that high level of security like LINUX and that is the reason why it is widely used as a server. Other advantages are it is less resource hungry and its architecture is made in such a way that it does not has applications remains and traces which remain in the system, once an application is deleted from OS, it is deleted and every trace is removed from OS. Apple OS is based on LINUX kernel but made specifically for their hardware.

LINUX popularity

So naturally, the question pops up why LINUX is not more popular? One of the reasons is its difficulty, to work in LINUX you need to have some level of computer knowledge, Windows is more user-friendly and a lot of people prefer the ease of use to features. This is somewhat been fixed sort of speak in last years since we have LINUX distributions which aim to be more simple and user friendly but it is far from easy of use of one Windows. Another big reason was software support. Altho some powerhouse software has its LINUX versions and works just fine, even better than on Windows, your typical user applications lack and games were almost non-existent making LINU users rely on Windows emulation software for simple applications, and often it did not work properly. This has also changed for the better in later years but as with the previous point, it is still far from being Windows wide.

What is LINUX distro?

Linux comes in different versions called distributions. What this means is that the basic core of the Operating system is the same though all LINUX versions and all LINUX drivers and software will work on anyone, they will visually and feature-wise be different. Also, they will be more complex for use or they will have different hardware requirements. Choosing the right LINUX distribution is no easy task and we are here to help you by offering you certain points and guides in hopes to direct you on the right path.

What Do You Need the Distro for?

This might be perhaps the most crucial question when trying to decide which LINUX distribution you want to install. Depending on your preferences and goal like work, games, security, media you will need to consider the best distributions in the field of your preference. A very good place to get this kind of information is on DistroWatch. When on-site, navigate to the Distribution category search filter and choose the option best suited to your needs.

What Kind of Software Will You Be Using?

Like the previous question, this one is also your personal preference but it will make difference if you are planning to use a different type of software. If your plans are gaming for example you will want the latest and greatest LINUX kernel version for maximum hardware compatibility. If you are a regular desktop user you will aim for a distro that is updated constantly so you are working with the latest versions of Chrome or Firefox. In some cases, depending on your software you might want to run older but faster distribution.

What Kind of Hardware Will You Be Using?

If your computer is up to date you can run any distribution that you like but if it is an older rig your options might be a little limited. Now depending on the technical characteristics of your computer and its age it may come down to just a few available distributions which are specially tailored to run on old hardware. These kinds of distributions are lightweight and do not take much space but sadly can not offer you the latest and greatest in software but for usual everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, email viewing, etc they work perfectly fine. You can have a great office machine with proper lightweight distribution offering you all that you need to be able to work.

How Much do you know about computers?

As stated before, LINUX is not as user-friendly as WIndows and your overall technical knowledge can play a big role in deciding which LINUX you want to adapt. If you are more of a casual user then avoid technical distributions which will require to manually tweak tons of stuff, go for more automated ones. If you are a power user however and enjoy wrestling with each detail then perhaps some distro with more command-oriented nature.

What Kind of Community Are You Looking For?

Now you might ask what does community has to do with the operating systems but the same as Windows, LINUX also can have some issues, and sometimes installing drivers will require certain steps to be taken. How it is much easier to find a solution when having a great community surrounding the project I suggest not dismissing this part when choosing your distro. Every community is helpful, but they’re all helpful in different ways. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
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