Logo

A Guide to Fixing Error Code 0x8007007b in Windows 8

Error Code 0x8007007b – What is it?

This error code occurs when users fail to activate their Windows operating system. It is one of the more popular Windows error codes since it affects many versions of Windows including Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Error code 0x8007007b has common symptoms which include the following:

  • Inability to activate a Windows installation
  • Message box highlighting error code 0x8007007b

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error code 0x8007007b in Windows 8.1 usually results due to one or more main clauses. Windows 8.1 users may experience this error due to the use of volume-licensed media. The error code may also arise if the activation wizard is unable to connect to Key Management Service (KMS) host computer or if corrupted system files are present on your computer.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Windows error codes such as Error code 0x8007007b can be a complicated issue, requiring the use of technical knowledge and skills. For this reason, we have listed instructions in the simplest of forms to enable even average users to successfully complete manual repair methods that will resolve error code 0x8007007b.

The same approach has been applied to all our error code solutions. See also Error Code 0x00000024 and Error Code 0x80004005.

Below are the two main methods for correcting this issue.

Method One: Use Multiple Activation Key (MAK) to Activate Windows

This method involves the use of a Multiple Activation Key (MAK) instead of the Key Management Service (KMS) to activate the Windows operating system you intend to use on your PC. This manual repair method requires the use of Command Prompt so ensure you follow the instructions provided carefully so as to avoid the risks of causing harm to your system.

  • Step one: Select Windows log key + X.
  • Step two: Click Command Prompt, then Admin
  • Step three: Type in admin password if Command Prompt requests it
  • Step four: Type slmgr -ipk followed by the MAK product key. Note that the product key should have 25 characters with dashes between them like this xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

Attempt to activate your Windows installation once you’ve completed the exact instructions above. If you are unable to complete this process, consider getting help from a Windows repair technician or simply move to the next manual repair method listed below.

Method Two: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) enables Windows users to scan and repair errors or corruption on system files. Since such errors within your system files can cause error code 0x8007007b to occur, follow the steps below to fix this error code.

  • Step One: Go to Start and type Command Prompt or CMD.
  • Step Two: Run as Administrator
  • Step Three: Type sfc /scannow with a space between “sfc” and “/scannow”.

The System File Checker tool will begin scanning your machine for corrupted or missing files in need of repair. If these files are found on your system, the tool will repair and replace them. Once this is done, restart your computer then check to see if you can now activate your Windows operating system.

Method Three: Use an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

Our Team of Experts May Help
Troubleshoot.Tech Experts are There for You!
Replace damaged files
Restore performance
Free disk space
Remove Malware
Protects WEB browser
Remove Viruses
Stop PC freezing
GET HELP
Troubleshoot.Tech experts work with all versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 11, with Android, Mac, and more.

Share this article:

You might also like

FreeDownloadManager Removal Tutorial

Free Download Manager is a software program developed by FreeDownloadManager.ORG. According to the publisher:

This software downloads files and converts videos. Its features include integration with all browsers, support of downloads from RapidShare, BitTorrent support, adjusting traffic usage, resuming broken downloads, and adds BitTorrent support, flash video download, upload manager, portable mode, and remote control.

During setup, the program creates a startup registration point in Windows in order to automatically start when any user boots the PC. It adds a browser extension to help it cache files you are downloading over your browser. The software is designed to connect to the internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with. It also hooks up to start automatically and cache every download even if it's turned off.

This software comes bundled with video converters that some anti-virus programs marked as malware and therefore it is considered a potentially unwanted program.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you’ve ever downloaded freeware or shareware, odds are high that your computer can get installed with a bunch of unwanted programs. These unwanted applications, officially known as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), often come bundled with other software and install themselves on user’s computers without their knowledge. They might not look like computer viruses to some individuals, but they can create huge annoyances and lead to serious difficulties for users. It’s clear by its name – unwanted programs – but did not really constitute “malware” in the traditional sense. What makes a PUP different from malware is the fact that when you download one, you’re doing it with your approval – even though in most cases unconsciously and unwillingly. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that PUPs continue to be bad news for PC users as they can be incredibly detrimental to your computer in several ways.

How does unwanted software affect you?

Unwanted programs come in various forms. Usually, they could be found in adware bundlers that are known to use aggressive and deceptive advertising. The majority of bundlers install multiple adware applications from a number of companies, each of which has its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-Malware entirely eliminates this threat and safeguards your PC against PUP or adware infection. They will also come in the form of web browser extension add-ons and toolbars. Not just they needlessly fill up space on your computer screen, toolbars could also manipulate search results, keep an eye on your web browsing activities, decrease your internet browser’s efficiency, and slow down your net connection to a crawl. Potentially unwanted programs utilize aggressive distribution methods to get in your computer. They will often include things like information gathering code that will collect and send your private information to other companies. Due to this unwanted program, your application may freeze, your security protections may get turned off that can leave your computer susceptible, your system could get damaged, and this list goes on and on.

Tips to prevent PUPs

• Always read the license agreement and privacy statement. Don’t agree unless you understand exactly what you are acknowledging. • Always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation and don’t blindly click the Next button, which will allow you to uncheck any foistware software programs you do not want. • Install an ad blocker/pop-up blocker; Add anti-malware products such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. These applications could establish a wall between the computer and cybercriminals. • Be alert if you install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Nowadays ‘freeware’ is not really freeware – but ‘crapware’ bundling nonsense. • Always download software from trusted sources like official websites instead of untrustworthy sharing space. Avoid file-hosting sites wherever possible.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of Malware? Do This!

Malware could cause plenty of damage to your PC. Some malware types modify browser settings by including a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configurations. In these cases, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all of the internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the required security software to remove the infection. If you are reading this article, you may have got infected by malware that stops you from installing a computer security program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are some fixes you can attempt to get around with this obstacle.

Get rid of viruses in Safe Mode

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Only minimal required programs and services are loaded whenever you boot your PC in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, do as instructed below. 1) Tap the F8 key continuously as soon as your PC boots, however, before the large Windows logo appears. This would conjure up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit Enter. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have an internet connection once again. Now, use your browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Following installation, run a complete scan and let the software program remove the threats it discovers.

Obtain the anti-malware program using an alternate browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, targeting a particular web browser or attacking particular versions of the web browser. In case you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective thing to do would be to switch to a different browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen computer security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Run antivirus from your pen drive

Here’s yet another solution which is creating a portable USB antivirus software package that can scan your computer for malicious software without the need for installation. Try these simple steps to clear up your infected computer by using a portable antivirus. 1) On a virus-free PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Put the pen drive into the clean PC. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Unplug the pen drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-virus on the affected computer system. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a scan on the infected computer for malware.

Features and Benefits of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

If you are looking to purchase anti-malware for your computer system, there are numerous brands and applications for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in getting rid of malware threats while some will ruin your PC by themselves. You must choose a product that has gained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other kinds of malware too. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the strongly recommended software for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a very effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is created for users of all levels of IT literacy. Once you’ve got installed this software program, SafeBytes superior protection system will make sure that no viruses or malware can seep through your computer. SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of advanced features that sets it aside from all others. The following are some of the good ones: World-class AntiMalware Protection: Safebytes is made on the very best virus engine in the industry. These engines can detect and remove threats even during the early stages of a malware outbreak. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It will monitor your personal computer for suspicious activity at all times and shields your PC from unauthorized access. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its advanced scanning engine, provides super-fast scanning that can immediately target any active online threat. Safe Web Browsing: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes notifies you whether a website is safe or not to access it. This will ensure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the online world. Lowest Memory/CPU Usage: This software is lightweight and will work silently in the background, and that does not have an effect on your PC efficiency. 24/7 Live Expert Support: You can obtain high levels of support round the clock if you’re using their paid software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove FreeDownloadManager without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by FreeDownloadManager

Files: C:WINDOWSsystem32netmsg.dll C:DocumentsUserLocalTempfdminst.exe C:DocumentsUserLocalTempis-FJKMF.tmpfdminst.tmp C:WINDOWSsystem32msctfime.ime C:DocumentsUserLocalTempis-FN3E3.tmp_isetup_shfoldr.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32shfolder.dll C:DocumentsUserLocalTempis-FN3E3.tmpfdminno.dll C:DocumentsUserLocalTempis-FN3E3.tmpnsProcessW_modified.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32shell32.dll C:Documents and SettingsUserStart Menudesktop.ini C:Documents and SettingsUserStart MenuProgramsdesktop.ini C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:WINDOWSwin.ini Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareCodeGearLocales HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareCodeGearLocales HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareBorlandLocales HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareBorlandDelphiLocales HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionIMM HKEY_USERSS-1-5-21-1547161642-507921405-839522115-1004SoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsLayers HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftCTF HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftCTFSystemShared HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionFontSubstitutes HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersion HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareFreeDownloadManager.ORGFree Download Manager 5 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionShellCompatibilityObjects20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309DInProcServer32 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDriveshellexFolderExtensions HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDriveshellexFolderExtensionsfbeb8a05-beee-4442-804e-409d6c4515e9 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Folders HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Folders HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlSession Manager HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Folders HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerMountPoints2CPCVolume HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerMountPoints2CPCVolume475c7950-e3d2-11e0-8d7a-806d6172696f HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerMountPoints2CPCVolume475c7952-e3d2-11e0-8d7a-806d6172696f HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerMountPoints2475c7952-e3d2-11e0-8d7a-806d6172696f HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerMountPoints2475c7950-e3d2-11e0-8d7a-806d6172696f HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectory HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectoryCurVer HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectory HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectoryShellExIconHandler HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTDirectoryClsid HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTFolder HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTFolderClsid HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftwindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAutoComplete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftwindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAutoComplete HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAutoComplete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAutoComplete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftCOM3 HKEY_USERSS-1-5-21-1547161642-507921405-839522115-1004_Classes HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesREGISTRYUSER HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062TreatAs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocServerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062LocalServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocHandler32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocHandlerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062LocalServer HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2765-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062TreatAs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383TreatAs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383InprocServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383InprocServerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383LocalServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383InprocHandler32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383InprocHandlerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383LocalServer HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383TreatAs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062TreatAs HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocServerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062LocalServer32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocHandler32 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InprocHandlerX86 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062LocalServer HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062TreatAs HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID3C036F1-A186-11D0-824A-00AA005B4383InProcServer32 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareClassesCLSID0BB2763-6A77-11D0-A535-00C04FD7D062InProcServer32 HKEY_CURRENT_USERsoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEsoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionFontSubstitutes HKEY_USERSS-1-5-21-1547161642-507921405-839522115-1004 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionLanguagePackSurrogateFallback HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallFree Download Manager_is1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstallFree Download Manager_is1 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareFreeDownloadManager.ORGFree Download ManagerSettingsCommunity HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareFreeDownloadManager.ORGFree Download ManagerSettingsNetworkBittorrent HKEY_CURRENT_USERKeyboard LayoutToggle HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftCTFLangBarAddIn HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftCTFLangBarAddIn
Read More
Microsoft removed password as a requirement
ms password goneAs of the time of writing this article you no longer need or are required to have a password if you plan to log in to your Microsoft account. Microsoft explored various options for account security and came to the conclusion that passwords are obsolete. Microsoft is letting you access your account through the Microsoft Authenticator app, Windows Hello, a security key, SMS verification, or email verification code. All of these methods are way better in terms of security than passwords.

How to turn these features on?

To get rid of your Microsoft password, the process is simple. You simply need to go to your Microsoft account, click “advanced security options,” then “enable passwordless accounts” under the Additional security section.
Read More
Everything You Need to Know About Disk Partitioning

Disk partitioning is a concept that’s been around for so long, but is still only familiar to few. If done right, it can help get your computer in perfect order. 

Today we bring you a simple definition of disk partitioning, its pros and cons, and a quick tip on how to do it properly to reap its full benefit!

Definition and purpose

The simplest way to define disk partitioning would be: it’s exactly what it sounds like. It means taking a hard disk drive and separating it into different segments. These segments are called partitions. You can visualize it as cutting a cake into smaller pieces - not necessarily of the same size, though. 

So what is the purpose of these pieces?

Well, when you first get a hard drive, it’s basically just a bunch of unallocated storage space. Until there’s at least one partition, this space is unusable to your operating system. Once you create a partition, your OS will recognize it as usable storage space. 

You can choose to create a single partition and use it for all your files, from program files to personal data. A lot of off-the-shelf computers come with one primary partition like this and a small secondary one reserved for recovery purposes. 

Whether or not you want to split your disk into more than one segment is up to you. We would generally recommend it, though. The whole point of partitioning is for each segment to have its own purpose.

So treating all your storage space as a single unit containing different file types would be like constructing an office building with only one massive room for everything - day-to-day work, conferences, interviews, etc. And all of this for different departments of the company. You can see how this might get a little messy.

Creating multiple partitions eliminates the task of running several different types of files from the same place. This takes a heavy load off the entire process of accessing data.

Disk partitioning also brings a ton of other benefits to the table. An important disclaimer, though: there are disadvantages too. We will walk you through both sides to help you get an objective idea and make an informed decision.

Several 4TB hard disks in a unit.
Source: Kina on Unsplash

What are the benefits of disk partitioning?

1. Better file organization

This is the most obvious and perhaps the biggest advantage of partitioning your hard drive. 

As we already mentioned, partitioning allows you to create separate segments for different file and data types. You wouldn’t want to use the same partition for your system files and for games, would you? 

If organization and time management are important to you, then multiple partitions are the right solution. Searching for specific files will be much easier overall. Say you have one hard drive, but three partitions: C for the system files alone, D for multimedia files and documents, and E for games and apps. Your computer loads the system from C without interference from the other two, and you know exactly where to look when searching for a file.

2. Easy reinstallation

File management isn’t the only thing made faster and simpler thanks to partitioning. If you opt for creating multiple segments on your drive, reinstalling Windows will be easy peasy. 

That’s because all you need to do is format the partition your system is on. Then you reinstall the OS on it, and there you go. Now you have a clean installation, with all your files saved on other partitions intact. You can even make a copy of your system partition, so you can revisit the exact same installation in the future if you want. And the whole time your pictures, music, documents stay exactly where you left them. 

A laptop with list of apps on a desk.
Source: Andrew M on Unsplash

3. Possibility of using multiple file systems

By now you’ve understood that partitions function completely separately. This means that, if for some reason you need multiple file system capabilities, partitioning will allow that.

One segment could be used for, say, an NTFS file system, while another could run ext or APFS.

4. Running different OSes

You’re an avid Windows user but need to use Linux on the side? No problem. You don’t need to buy a separate computer or anything. The possibility of running different file systems also means you can use partitioning to run multiple operating systems.

Doesn’t that sound enticing? One machine for multiple totally different uses!

5. Backup and recovery made simple

Data loss can happen on any disk, partitioned or not. However, it’s much easier to get it back on a partitioned one. You know where you stored what, and each partition can be backed up exactly as it is. It’s also a lot faster to back up single partitions than entire hard drives.

Ultimately this also means a faster path to recovery. If you lose or accidentally delete important files and data, you might want to use a recovery tool like Recuva to scan for them and get them back. Recuva is even powerful enough to recover data from damaged hard drives. But no matter how powerful, scanning a whole drive is strenuous for any recovery tool. Scanning independent partitions is a lot more convenient than that, and will get you to your goal more efficiently.

6. Optimized performance

Now, let’s keep in mind that computer performance is influenced by a number of factors. Partitioning alone isn’t what makes it better or worse. However, it can contribute to optimization. It’s easier for your computer to scan, say, a 40 GB partition to fetch the system file it needs than scanning the entire capacity of your drive.

7. Improved security (possibly*)

Separate partitions can help make your system more secure. Firstly, they minimize file corruption. If one partition gets corrupted, the others should remain unaffected. And keeping in mind the previous point about backup and recovery, ‘fixing’ the damaged partition would be much easier than fixing the entire hard drive. 

Partitioning also improves security in terms of malware protection. A malicious attack on one partition is easier to deal with than malware on the whole drive. If your system partition gets infected, you can simply reinstall your OS and that should do the trick.

*Do keep in mind that partitioning can’t defend you against more advanced attacks. So make sure not to give in to a false sense of security.

What are the disadvantages of partitioning?

1. Data is still vulnerable

Yes, it’s easier to back up and recover data from independent partitions. And yes, partitioning may help protect separated files and data to a higher degree. But remember: everything is still on a single physical drive. So while digital errors and issues may be easier to deal with on partitioned drives, physical damage obviously won’t be.

If your hard drive is destroyed in some way, all data on it will be gone. That’s why, if you have crucial files on your PC, it’s important to give them the proper backup treatment before it’s too late.

2. Disbalance of space

Allocating storage space on separate partitions may be a little more tricky than you think. You may fill up one partition a lot faster than another. So on one side you’re struggling with space, and on another you have too much of it to spare. Imagine nearly filling up your system partition and then it turns out you need a lot more space for its updates than you thought.

That’s why you really have to be sure you actually have enough files of different types that you need help managing efficiently. Otherwise you’ll just create a struggle and disbalance in terms of storage.

3. Increased risk of error

If done incorrectly, partitioning can lead to more harm than good. Aside from space disbalance, there is an increased risk of incorrect partition sizes and formatting. Plus, human error is also a factor: in a moment of distraction, you may erase one partition when you meant another. Undoing such mistakes will definitely be tedious and time-consuming.

4. SSDs eliminate the need of partitioning

SSDs (solid-state drives) don’t function in the same way that HDDs do. They have faster read times and can organize files on their own. This quite literally eliminates the need for organization on your part.

Partitioning: yes or no?

The bottom line is that multiple partitions might not be necessary for the average user. But if you’re planning on storing many file types or different file and operating systems on the same PC, then you should give it a shot. It’s also an excellent solution for businesses, of course.

And if our pros and cons list isn’t enough to help you decide, you can always send us a message and we’ll help you make the right choice.

Decided to partition your hard drive?

If you’ve decided to give it a go, you definitely should make sure to do it right. 

The two most effective and reliable ways to partition are using the built-in options on Windows or investing in a dedicated partitioning tool, like the EaseUS Partition Master. Which one you'll opt for depends on your specific needs. 

Option 1 may be more suitable for users with at least some level of experience. In this case, you’d have to know exactly which steps to take without making errors. This is done in Disk Management on Windows 10/11. From there, you can select the partitions you’d like to split into different volumes of selected sizes.

If this is your first time partitioning, we highly suggest you either consult professionals for this or move on to option 2. The EaseUS partitioning software is specifically designed for beginners, with an intuitive interface helping you succeed in the process. All you need to do is pick the Partition Master package tailored to your needs and follow their guide

Each package offers technical support as well, and even free upgrades (to varying degrees based on your subscription). Plus, all of this is valid for not one, but two PCs.

It’s the perfect solution for a smooth and error-free partitioning process. If you want to organize your hard drives efficiently and make the most of all your space without doing irreparable damage, it’s definitely worth the investment.

Read More
Quick Fix Guide for Error 1310
Error 1310 is a fairly common type of error encountered by Windows users. Error 1310 usually generates while a user is attempting to install Adobe Photoshop or some Adobe product on Windows. The message displayed to the user usually states: ‘Error 1310. Error writing to file. Verify you have access to that directory’. Once the error message appears, the installation process will be terminated.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

While there are different conditions that may trigger this error, most likely, they are generated because of the lack of privileges a user has on a Windows log-on. When this happens, the operating system doesn’t allow the user to access the installation files. Another reason Error 1310 may occur is that often users attempt to log on to the system and choose the ‘Only for me’ option rather than the recommended ‘Anyone who uses this computer’. Because of this reason, the data is locked for all the other users. Since Error 1310 can easily disrupt your workflow on the system and may also lead to annoying consequences, it is best advised to treat it as quickly as possible.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are different solutions to resolve these errors that are briefly listed below as follows.
  • First and foremost, restart the installation by logging onto your computer from the administrator account. This error will most likely disappear because there is often a lack of privileges that will trigger it. When you will log on from the admin account, you will have access privileges and such errors will be rectified.
  • Fix any corrupt system files that exist on your system. If the file resides in the Windows directory, this error will be generated. Check if any of your system files are corrupt or damaged. If yes, make sure you repair and return them back to their original position.
  • This error is sometimes caused because of incorrect registry entries. If the setup program shows errors, it is possible that it is because the system is having problems retrieving data stored in the system registry.
  • Another way, this error can be avoided is to run the setup in compatibility mode. Compatibility issues are a common occurrence. However, when an installation is performed in the compatibility mode, one can easily steer clear of such errors.
Implement any of the solutions listed above and protect your system against Error 1310.
Read More
Edge and Store apps are not connecting
If your Microsoft Edge browser and Windows Store apps are now unable to connect to the internet after you have just installed the newly released Windows 10 v1809 October 2018 update, then this post might help. As you know, Microsoft has made a change recently and because of this, some users are getting the “Hmm, we can’t reach this page” error when they try to open Microsoft Edge as well as other pre-installed apps like News, Mail, and so on. Aside from that, you also won’t be able to connect the Microsoft Store apps to the internet. What’s strange is that you can connect to the internet using other programs like Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and many more. Apart from checking your internet connection, there are other things you can to resolve the problem. If your Windows Store apps are not able to connect to the internet and you’re only getting the Error 80072EFD, then you might have to enable IPv6 as the new Windows 10 v1809 requires IPv6 to be enabled so that you can use the UWP apps. And so you have to enable IPv6 in the network card along with IPv4. To do so, follow the steps below. Step 1: Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Step 2: After that, type “ncpa.cpl” and hit Enter or click OK to open Network Connections. From there, you will see your currently connected network profile. Step 3: Right-click on your network profile and select Properties and then go to the Networking tab and look for the “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)” and select its corresponding checkbox. Step 4: Now click the OK button to save the changes made and restart your computer.
Read More
Upcoming Windows 11 features

22H2 update for Windows 11 will arrive later this year and although Microsoft is not releasing anything big there will be some interesting improvements and fixes. We take a look at some that caught our attention.

windows 11 new fetures full screen widgets

Phishing protection

One of the most interesting upcoming features is enhanced phishing protection. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen will be upgraded to alert users when they try to store passwords in plain text files and also if they accidentally type in a Microsoft account password on phishing sites.

"These enhancements will make Windows the world's first operating system with phishing safeguards built directly into the platform and shipped out of the box to help users stay productive and secure without having to learn to be their own IT department,"

Microsoft

File Explorer gets tabs, a modern sidebar, and contextual suggestions

Finally, Windows File explorer is getting tabs that will allow much easier management of folders and files inside it.

It is confirmed that Microsoft is also working on a new 'HOME' sidebar that should be modern in design and in features including OneDrive so you can find everything in one place.

Pinning of favorite files was also mentioned so you can easily pin favorites for quick access.

Full-screen widgets

Windows 11 has brought back widgets in a new way and from all the feedback users are loving them. Currently, you have a widget sidebar on the left part of the screen where you have your chosen store widgets but from the Microsoft teaser, we will have soon the option to have them in full screen.

If you are using a widget for reading news, blogs, etc. this feature will be very good since you will be able to use your whole screen for information and not just a part of it.

Suggested actions

Another new feature is 'suggested actions' which is going to be particularly useful in apps like Microsoft Teams. With this new feature, you can highlight a date in a Teams message and Windows will suggest actions.

For example, if you highlight a date, you'll see a recommendation to create an event in Microsoft Calendar for that day.

Read More
Fix Defender, The Threat Service has stopped
There are times when you see a message in Windows Defender saying, “The Threat Services has stopped, Restart it now” when you try to use it. This kind of error is usually fixed by simply clicking on the Restart now button. However, if the error still appears even after you restart your computer and you see another message that says, “Unexpected error, Sorry, we ran into a problem”, then continue reading as this post will guide you in resolving this issue in Windows Defender. Before you proceed with the given fixes below, you have to create a System Restore point first. This way, you can always undo any changes you’ve made in case something goes wrong.

Option 1 – Make sure that the Windows Defender Services are started

The Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection service is the one that protects your computer from advanced threats by monitoring and reporting security events that happen on your computer. This is why you have to make sure that this, as well as other required services in Windows Defender, are set to their default values and are started. To do so, follow these steps:
  • 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
  • After opening the Services Manager, look for the following services and make sure that their Startup type is set to their default values:
    • Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Network Inspection Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Antivirus Service – Manual
    • Windows Defender Firewall Service – Automatic
  • You can right-click on each one of the listed services and then select Start to start them.
  • And if some of the services don’t have their default values, just double-click on the Services to change the Startup types and select the correct option from the drop-down menu of the Startup type under the Properties box.
  • Next, set up the Startup type of these services to Automatic and then click on the Start button if the services are not running yet.
  • Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made and then see if it fixed the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try modifying some entries in the Windows Registry

If the first option didn’t work in fixing the problem, you can try to alter some entries in the Windows Registry using the Registry Editor.
  • First, tap Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry path: HKLMSoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender
  • From there, look for the “DisabledAntivirus” and “DisableAntiSpyware” DWORDS from the right pane and change each one of their values to “0”. On the other hand, if you don’t see any of these DWORDS, you can create them instead and give each one of them a 0 value.
  • To create a DWORD, simply right-click on any empty space and select New > DWORD. Then name them both as “DisabledAntivirus” and “DisableAntiSpyware”.
  • Afterward, set the value of the newly-created DWORDS to 0.
  • Now exit the Registry Editor and reboot your PC to apply the changes made and then check if it has fixed the error in Windows Defender or not.
Read More
Enable or Disable Windows 10 Boot Log
Booting the Windows computer system includes loading it from the various boot devices such as drivers, network as well as USB drives when the computer is turned on. The instant the startup sequence is done loading the operating system the system hardware will be ready to perform some complex operations – in this process, the Boot Log in Windows 10 is a record that maintains the list of success or failure of many pieces of Windows 10 system during the booting process. In other words, the Boot Log is the one that keeps a record of all that has happened while loading from the computer storage system to the memory during the boot process. It is available for several devices like network, hardware devices, and the operating system which assist in detecting issues during the boot process and other issues with regards to troubleshooting. Through Boot Log, you’ll know which drivers were unloaded and loaded from the start of the system during the boot process. You have the option to either disable or enable this feature on your Windows 10 PC. Named as “ntbtlog.txt”, the log file lists all the successfully loaded processes and the unsuccessful ones during the boot process. It is saved to the drive C:Windowsntbtlog.txt. As mentioned, you can enable or disable this feature in two ways – the first one is by using the System Configuration or MSConfig while the second one is using the Command Prompt. In this post, we’ll show you how you can enable or disable Boot Log in Windows 10 either way.

Option 1 – Enable or Disable Boot Log using System Configuration

Enable Boot Log:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type in “msconfig” and click OK to open System Configuration.
  • After that, go to the boot tab and check the checkbox labeled “Boot Log” under the Boot options so that you can enable the Boot Log feature.
  • Then click on OK to save the changes made.
  • Next, click on the Restart button in the prompt window to get started with the Boot Log process.
  • After restarting your PC, go to C:Windowsntbtlog.txt to open the boot log.
Note: As pointed out earlier, the log file contains a list of all the successfully loaded drivers and also the list of drivers that failed to load during the boot process and every time you restart the system, the boot log file will keep on updating and will eventually increase the list of entries. For you to locate the drivers and make your troubleshooting a lot easier, I advised disabling the boot log after troubleshooting. To disable the boot log using System Configuration, refer to the steps below. Disable Boot Log:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type in “msconfig” and click OK to open System Configuration.
  • After that, go to the boot tab and unmark or uncheck the checkbox labeled “Boot Log” under the Boot options so that you can disable the Boot Log feature.
  • Then click on OK to save the changes made.

Option 2 – Enable or Disable Boot Log using Command Prompt

Enable Boot Log:
  • Go to the Start Menu and then type in “command prompt” in the search bar.
  • After that, right-click on the Command Prompt option and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in “bcdedit” and tap Enter.
Note: You have to find the Identifier of the current operating system first to enable the Boot log. You can find it under the Windows Boot Loader section in the “Description” field and in this case, it’s Windows 10. You can also find the operating system identifier under the Windows Boot Loader section next to the field name identifier.
  • To check if the boot log entry is disabled or enabled, go check the “Bootlog” field under the Windows Boot Loader. And if it turns out that the “bootlog” entry is enabled, the entry will be “Yes”. Otherwise, the entry will be “No”.
  • Next, type in the following command with the operating system identifier to enable the boot log.
bcdedit /set {identifier} bootlog Yes
Note: In the command given above, make sure that you replace the given system identifier with your computer’s system identifier. For instance: In this example, the identifier was replaced with the actual operating system identifier as current.
bcdedit /set {current} bootlog Yes
  • Afterward, restart the system to start the Boot log process.
  • After the restart, go to C:Windowsntbtlog.txt to open the boot log.
Note: Every time you restart your computer, the boot log file will keep on updating which will increase the size of the log eventually. So if you want seamless and easier troubleshooting, it is advised to disable the Boot log after you troubleshoot. To disable it using the Command Prompt, here’s what you have to do. Disable Boot Log:
  • Go to the Start Menu and then type in “command prompt” in the search bar.
  • After that, right-click on the Command Prompt option and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • Once the Command Prompt is opened, type in the following command and then tap Enter to disable the boot log feature.
bcdedit/ set {identifier} bootlog No
Note: In the command given above, you need to replace the given system identifier with your computer’s system identifier. For instance: In this example, the {identifier} was replaced with the actual operating system identifier as {current}.
bcdedit /set {current} bootlog No
  • Now close the Command Prompt.
Read More
How to map a network drive in Windows 11
windows 11 network driveMapping network drive has many benefits in terms of speed and ease of access of files via network. It lets you access the hard drive over the whole network like it was the hard drive inside your PC case. In order to easily and quickly map a folder as a network drive follow the guide below.
  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Click on the three dots icon in the Toolbar
  3. Select Map Network Drive
  4. Click the Drive drop-down menu
  5. Select a driver letter that you wish to assign as a network drive
  6. In the folder field enter network device and share name (click on browse to see all devices on local network)
  7. Check the box beside Reconnect at sign-in if you wish to automatically connect to a network drive on Windows startup
  8. Check Connect Using Different Credentials if you wish to connect to a network drive using different credentials that one used to login into Windows.
  9. Click Finish
After finishing setting Windows 11 will try to connect to the network drive and if successful drive icon will appear inside File Explorer and the drive will open up to see its content. If for any reason it cannot connect try checking user credentials, cables, network adapters, etc.
Read More
How To Fix Error 0x00000050

0x00000050 - What is it?

0x00000050 is a type of stop error code. It is also known as a Blue Screen of Death error. It usually occurs when you try to start your PC or load a program. It can also occur while running a program. This error may also pop up when you restart your PC after installing Windows XP Service Pack (SP1) on your computer. Unlike some PC related errors, 0x00000050 error code occurs without any warning. The stop 0x00000050 error is displayed in a blue screen and interrupts you from carrying your desired activities on your PC smoothly. This error message is prompted in the following format:

Stop 0X00000050 (parameter1, 0, parameter3, parameter4) PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Stop 0x00000050 error code may pop up on your Windows computer screen due to multiple causes. The most common causes for this error code include:
  • Poor PC maintenance
  • Registry issues- Bad registry keys, invalid entries, corrupt and damaged registry
  • Incompatible DLL files
  • Corruption of system files- Pool corruption in the Srvnet.sys file
  • Spyware and viruses
  • Overheating of PC components
  • The conflict between Windows XP SP1 and the display adapter drivers that are currently installed on your PC.
It is advisable to resolve 0x00000050 error code on your PC right away. BSOD errors are fatal errors and can pose serious threats to your PC. If not fixed timely it can lead to system crash, failure and valuable data loss.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To prevent data loss and system failure, there are some effective methods to resolve Stop 0x00000050 error code on your PC.  To implement these solutions on your PC, you don’t need to be a technical whiz or a computer programmer.

Method One

If the error cause is the conflict between Windows XP SP1 and the display adapter drivers then here’s what you need to do to resolve it:
  1. First start Windows in safe mode. To do this, restart your computer and press F8. On the Windows Advanced Options Menu, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode.
  2. Once you select it press enter. Now use the arrow keys to select the operating system, press enter to start your computer in safe mode.
  3. Go to Start, click Run and then type ’msinfo32’ in the open box and press OK to continue. Then under the System Summary option, expand Components and then click Display to note the information that corresponds to the INF File Item. And then simply quit the utility.
  4. After that, go to the start menu again and then the My Computer and Properties option.
  5. Press the Hardware Tab and then click the Device Manager tab. Go to the ‘Display Adapters’ option and press the option ‘Uninstall. To confirm action press OK.
  6. Once again, go to the start menu and run and then type the following commands as illustrated below and after each command press enter.
  • ren %systemroot%infINF file name from Step 5.inf *inf.old
  • ren %systemroot%infINF file name from Step 5.pnf *pnf.old
This procedure may look pretty lengthy but it is worth it. Once you insert the commands, close all open windows and then reboot your system. Now download the latest drivers for your display adapter and install them. This will hopefully resolve the 0x00000050 error code on your system.

Method Two

Sometimes 0x00000050 BSOD error may occur due to temporary issues like overheating PC components. In times like these, all you need to do to fix the issue is to switch off your computer and allow the components to cool down. Try starting your PC after a few hours.

Method Three

If the issue is triggered by malware, then it is advisable to download a powerful antivirus. Scan your entire PC to detect and remove viruses affecting your PC and generating BSOD errors on your system.

Method Four

However, if the error still persists after trying all the methods stated above, then this means the cause of the error is deep-rooted. It is related to the Windows registry. Registry stores all your system files and activities performed on your PC. It usually gets damaged and corrupt if it is not cleaned frequently. The registry loads with unnecessary and obsolete files like junk files, cookies, internet history, bad registry keys and invalid entries. These files if not removed, accumulate and damage the registry, DLL files, and system files too thereby generate BSoD errors like 0x00000050 error messages. You can clean and repair the registry manually but it requires a great deal of expertise. The ideal and easiest way to clean it is to download Restoro. This is highly functional and easy-to-use software. It is embedded with multiple powerful utilities including such as a registry cleaner, an antivirus and a system optimizer. The registry cleaning feature scans for all errors related to the registry. It removes obsolete files, invalid entries, restores damaged DLL and system files. The antivirus feature simultaneously detects and removes all kinds of malware. These include viruses, Trojans, spyware, and adware affecting your PC. While the system optimizer feature ensures that your PC functions at its optimum speed. It is a safe and powerful PC Fixer. It has a user-friendly interface and compatible with all Windows versions. Click here to download Restoro and Fix Error 0x00000050
Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status