Folder shortcuts in Windows 11 on Start menu

Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications are the modern application in the windows store that can be used in all the Window devices like Xbox, Hololens, Tablet, PC or Phone. Basically, UWP provides a common platform for every device that runs Windows 10. When attempting to login into these applications and receive this error:

Can’t sign in with a Microsoft account This program is blocked by group policy. For more information, contact your system administrator. 0x8000704ec

Then this post is for you. We will guide you on how to easily resolve issues, please follow the steps provided.

1. Local group policy editor solution

   • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
   • In the Run dialog box type gpedit.msc and press ENTER to open Group Policy Editor.
   • Inside the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the path below:
   Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Polices > Security Options
   • On the right pane, double-click on Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts to edit its properties.
   • Under Local Security Setting tab, click on the drop-down and select This policy is disabled.
   • Click Apply > OK to save the changes.
   • Exit Group Policy Editor.

2. Registry editor solution

   As always, it is highly recommended to make a backup of the registry editor just in case that something goes wrong.
   • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog.
   • In the Run dialog box, type regedit and hit ENTER to open Registry Editor.
   • Navigate to the registry key path below:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
   • At the location, on the right pane, identify the NoConnectedUser key. The key value might be set to either 1 or 3.
   • Now, double-click the NoConnectedUser entry to edit its properties.
   • Input 0 in the Value data field and hit Enter to save the change.

If you got the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error on your Windows 10 computer then it is most likely caused by various factors. It could be caused by an incomplete installation or uninstallation of some applications or program, or it could also be caused by some exploit that intervenes with the normal functioning of the computer, as well as bad sectors on the hard disk, damaged system files, malfunctioned system drivers, modified Windows Registry files, or a Blue Screen occurrence during a Windows Update and many more. Getting this bug check means that a single-bit error was found on this page. It also indicates that this is a hardware memory error and to resolve it, you need to follow the suggestions laid out below but before that, it is recommended for you to create a System Restore Point first so that if anything goes wrong, you can always go back to the previous state.

Option 1 – Run a Memory Check to test RAM

Since the problem might have something to do with hardware memory, you need to test RAM by running a Memory Check using the Windows Memory Diagnostic. Refer to these steps to do so.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic.
• After that, the Windows Memory Diagnostic will give out two options such as:

1. Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
2. Check for problems the next time I start my computer

• Select any of the given options. After that, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues upon the restart. If there are any issues, it will automatically them.

Option 2 – Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or 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 with good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error. 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.

Option 3 – Check for conflicting or incompatible programs by putting your PC in a Clean Boot state

As mentioned, the FAULTY_HARDWARE_CORRUPTED_PAGE Blue Screen error might be caused by some problematic programs that clash with your existing operating system. Several users reported that numerous programs that are supposedly designed to enhance computer performance are causing conflict in the system instead. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 4 – Update or rollback drivers

If the first few options didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
• After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
• Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
• Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.

Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.

So, what is Electron bot, and why it even matters if it is in the MS store. Electron bot is malware that somehow found its way inside MS Store via game clones of popular games temple run and subway surfer. This infiltration led to the infection of around 5000 systems over the globe in a very short period of time.

This malware is a backdoor that gives complete system control to the attacker. Any type of execution can be performed remotely in real-time. Usually, this kind of attack was aimed at a spread of click fraud over popular social media like Facebook, google, youtube, etc.

Primary goal

Electron Bot's primary goals in the ongoing campaign analyzed by researchers are:

• SEO poisoning – Create malware-dropping sites that rank high on Google Search results.
• Ad clicking – Connect to remote sites in the background and click on non-viewable advertisements.
• Social media account promotion – Direct traffic to specific content on social media platforms.
• Online product promotion – Increase store rating by clicking on its advertisements.

These functions are offered as services to those who want to increase their online profits illegitimately, so the gains for the malware operators are indirect.

Publishers that contain malware

For now, users may take note of the publishers who released confirmed malicious game apps using the following names:

• Lupy games
• Crazy 4 games
• Jeuxjeuxkeux games
• Akshi games
• Goo Games
• Bizzon Case

DirectX function GetDeviceRemovedReason error is a DirectX error that comes up during playing games on Windows 11 operating system. Usually, the error occurs in gaming systems powered by AMD and very rarely if any times at all on Nvidia or intel platforms. If you are one of the gamers affected by this error, fear not because we have a solution for you. Follow provided fix guide in order to correct this error and get back to gaming asap.

1. Update drivers

The first thing of course is to update your graphic card driver, you can do this with your graphic cards panel software or directly in Windows itself but the best practice and one that I would recommend is to go to your graphic card manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver there, and then install it inside Windows 11.

2. Change power mode

Changing power mode inside Windows 11 can solve this issue since sometimes Windows power manager if it is set to anything except best performance can interfere with the proper functioning of the graphic adapter, and because of this error. To change the power setting do the following:

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
2. Click on the System tab
3. Select power & battery on the right part
4. Click on the menu beside power mode
5. Select the best performance

3. Run SFC scan

Corrupted system files can also cause this error and if previous steps have not resolved it we will use Windows built-in tool SFC scan to find and repair all bad files in windows.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + S to open the search menu
2. Type in Windows terminal and run it as administrator
3. If prompted click on YES on UAC
4. Press CTRL + SHIFT + 2 to run command prompt
5. Type in sfc /scannow and press ENTER
6. Wait for the whole process to finish and then reboot your system

4. Reinstall the problematic game

Sometimes game files can get corrupt and maybe even overwritten, try with game reinstallation if the problem still persists.

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

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

From the Author:

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

About Browser Hijackers

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

How to know whether the web browser is hijacked?

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

Exactly how browser hijacker infects PCs

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

Removing browser hijackers

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

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

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

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

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

Switch to some other internet browser

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

Install and run anti-malware from your flash drive

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

Detect And Destroy Viruses With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

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

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

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

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually remove MyScrapNook without the use of an automated tool, it might be actually possible to do so by deleting the application from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser plug-ins, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. It’s also advised to reset your browser settings to their default state. If you opt to manually delete the system files and Windows registry entries, use the following list to ensure that you know precisely what files to remove before executing any actions. Please be aware that this is for professional users only and may be challenging, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware keeps replicating which makes it difficult to get rid of. Doing this in Safe Mode is recommended.

In Windows 11 if you do not own a mouse or it has suddenly malfunctioned you can still move your arrow on-screen using the numeric pad. In this guide, we will guide you on how to turn this option ON, follow this easy guide step by step.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings
2. Click on Accessibility on left
3. Scroll down to reach the interaction section on the right and click on Mouse
4. Click on Switch beside Mouse keys under accessibility options
5. Set your preferences
6. Close settings

Settings will be as always automatically applied.

During Windows 10 installation, you will see all the beautiful user interfaces, however, what’s more, important are the drivers, your processor, and free storage disk in order for the installation to be successfully completed. So if you are getting the CompareExchange128 error during the installation of Windows 10, this means that the CPU lacks a very important instruction known as “CMPXCHG16B”. Thus, if you don’t have CMPXCHG16B, then it will result in the CompareExchange128 error when you install Windows 10. In fact, CMPXCHG16B, PrefetchW as well as LAHF/SAHF is a criterion for you to be able to use Windows 10 64-bit version when upgrading from an earlier version of Windows. So what exactly is the CMPXCHG16B instruction? The CMPXCHG16B instruction is the one that performs an atomic compare-and-exchange on 16-byte values. This instruction can also be referred to as “CompareExchange128”. The atomic compare-and-exchange means that the CPU compares the contents of a memory location with a given value. So if the values are the same, it modifies the contents of that memory location to a new given value. Note that this kind of issue only happens to the 64-bit Windows 10 version and the only way to resolve it is by getting an update on the hardware level from the OEM. On the other hand, if nothing really works, it’s maybe time for you to get a new CPU but before you resort to that, in the meantime, you can try following the options given below to fix the CompareExchange128 error during the installation of Windows 10.

Option 1 – Try to update the BIOS and Chipset Drivers

One of the best things you can do to fix the CompareExchange128 error is by updating the BIOS and chipset drivers which is why you need to check if your OEM has an update available for your computer’s BIOS as well as the related chipset drivers. But before that, you need to first check the BIOS version. To do so, follow these steps:

• Type “msinfo32” in the search bar and hit Enter to open the System Information Tools.
• After opening the System Information Tools, check the BIOS version.
• Then take note of that BIOS version. You also need to use the BIOS utility that came with your computer and use it for the upgrade. Note that it is different for every computer and if you don’t have it, you can just go to the OEM website and see if there is an option to download it there.

Option 2 – Try to downgrade to the 32-bit Windows 10 version

If option 1 didn’t work as the BIOS update is not available, you can also try downgrading to the 32-bit version of Windows 10. Keep in mind that this will bring restrictions on the amount of RAM installed and other places but that won’t be a problem as you can still switch.

Option 3 – Try buying a new hardware

If none of the first two options didn’t work for some reason then maybe it’s time for you to purchase new hardware especially if your computer is way too old. In such cases, it’s better to buy new hardware or better yet, a new computer that can keep up for the next couple of years.

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.

What is error code 0x80070103?

When visiting the Windows Update Website or the Microsoft Update Website to download the latest update for hardware drives, you could possibly receive Error Code 0x80070103 when clicking on the update driver. This error code occurs when Windows tries to download a piece of identical hardware for a second time. It could also occur when Windows tries to update a currently installed driver to an unsuitable version of that driver.

Solution

Further Information and Manual Repair

There aren’t many ways to handle this issue. Below are two methods of fixing Error Code 0x80070103.

Method 1:

• Visit the Microsoft Update Website
• After the "scan for updates" is complete, click the Welcome or Custom page.
• Next, click Hardware, in the navigation panel, and then on the tab for "optional hardware Updates", the Update client will display the available updates.
• For the graphics card, scan the second update after which you'll click to select the option that says "do not show this update again".
• Hit the "Review and install updates" button.
• Confirm that the second update for the graphics card is not present, then move on the installing the updates.
• Click on the start button, go to All Programs, and then click on Windows Update.
• Hit the "Check for updates" tab.
• After the "scan for updates" is over, click the"Optional updates" link.
• In the "Select the updates you want to install" section, right-click the update that is not needed and hide them.
• Hit the OK button.
• To install any additional updates that are selected, click "Install Updates". Close Windows Update if no other updates are selected,
• For touch screens, swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Search (or point to the upper-right corner of the screen if you're using a mouse, moving the pointer down, before clicking Search). Enter "Windows Updates" in the search box, click Settings, and then click "Check for updates".
• After the scan is complete, click the"Optional updates are available" link.
• Right-click or Tap and hold the update you want to hide, select"Hide update", and then select OK.
• If any other updates are available, save all work in "other programs", then restart the computer to the install updates; otherwise, opt out of the Windows Update window.

Open the search window and type “Windows Update” in the search box.

Method 2:

When trying to repair error code 0x80070103, if you find method one hard to follow, can contact Microsoft directly. Call up the help center number listed on their website, and a technician will be able to walk you through the process of ensuring the updater is not attempting to download multiple copies of hardware or trying to install unusable updates on your computer. Because the Windows Updater is set to a generic method of searching for updates, it may not be set to optimize the personal computer's settings. This is why you must select all of the optional update options and why this process is so long. It may be made easier by having a computer repairs technician walk you through it. However, if you want to automate the process of getting that problem solved, you can use a powerful tool to get the job done.

You can prevent starting of app installations files if they have not come from the MS store inside Windows 11. This can make your PC more secure because all apps in the store will have to be digitally signed and overall it can provide you with more control over what will be installed. Follow the guide below to find out how can you easily turn this feature ON.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings
2. Select Apps and then choose Apps & Features
3. Click on Choose where to get apps to bring a drop-down menu
4. Select The Microsoft Store only (Recommended)
5. Close settings

Settings will apply changes immediately and you continue using Windows right away. With these settings turned ON if you want to install a downloaded application or run the installer you will not be able to, and message The app you’re trying to install isn’t a Microsoft-verified app will show on your screen. You can always reverse this setting by choosing Anywhere in settings instead of Microsoft store only.