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How to block websites in Windows

There are a lot of reasons to ban or block different websites in your Windows. From wanting to limit yourself from distraction to block certain sites for sake of kids not going into them. Whatever your reason might be, keep reading in order to find out how you can block any website inside Windows for all browsers.

The technique I am going to share with you is universal and not tied to Windows versions, they will work in any Windows from XP onward. Also, the technique will block desired websites on any browser, already installed or even ones that will be installed after doing the trick. And we will also be looking at applications that can help you in this task if you do not wish to do it manually.

Block websites using dedicated software

A small free application called Focal Filter which can be found here: https://www.focalfilter.com/ is a software solution for your needs. It is a pretty straightforward and easy-to-understand application and not really much can be said here about it. You simply download and install it, set your websites, and you are done, the app does rest.

Blocking manually via host file

Another method besides mentioned one using the dedicating application is to manually set site addresses inside the Windows host file.

The first thing, of course, is to open the host file, run a notepad with administrator privileges, go to file open, and navigate to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.

Once the file is opened go all the way down and add:

127.0.0.1 SITENAME

For example: 127.0.0.1 www.youtube.com or 127.0.0.1 www.facebook.com

This way each time user on a PC tries to access a listed website computer will reroute it to the given address which is your PC's local address and asked website will not be able to load.

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NoteHomepage removal guide

NoteHomepage (by MyWay) is a browser extension that may be bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet, or delivered via other advertising means. When installed NoteHomepage will set the homepage and search engine for your web browser to http://search.myway.com. While installing this extension will gather information from your browsing sessions, including website visits, clicked links, and sometimes even private information, that it later sends back to display unwanted ads into your browser. Several anti-virus scanners have marked this extension as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer. It is considered potentially unwanted, and many users wish to remove it, so it is flagged for optional deletion.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a form of unwanted software program, usually a web browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijacker malware is developed for many different reasons. Generally, browser hijacking is utilized for earning advertising revenue from forced advert mouse clicks and site visits. Even though it might seem harmless, these tools are designed by malicious individuals who always look to take full advantage of you, so that they can earn money from your naivety and distraction. Some browser hijackers are programmed to make certain modifications beyond the browsers, like altering entries on the system registry and letting other malware further damage your machine.

Find out how to identify a browser hijack

Below are some signs and symptoms that suggest your browser has been hijacked: the home page of your browser is changed unexpectedly; your browser is constantly being redirected to adult websites; the default search engine is changed; you are getting browser toolbars you have never noticed before; never-ending pop-up advertisements show up and/or your web browser popup blocker is disabled; your web browser gets sluggish, buggy, crashes regularly; Inability to navigate to certain websites, particularly anti-malware and also other security software websites.

So how exactly does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers might use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted PC. They could also come from add-on programs, also called browser helper objects (BHO), web browser plug-ins, or toolbars. Browser hijackers sneak into your computer in addition to free software application downloads also that you unknowingly install alongside the original. A good example of some infamous browser hijackers includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, however, the names are regularly changing. Browser hijackers will affect the user’s web surfing experience severely, track the websites frequented by users and steal personal information, cause difficulty in connecting to the web, and eventually create stability problems, causing software programs and systems to crash.

Learn how to remove browser hijackers

Some hijackers can be removed by just uninstalling the corresponding freeware or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows control panel. But, many browser hijackers are difficult to get rid of manually. No matter how much you try to get rid of it, it might keep returning again and again. Additionally, manual removals demand in-depth system knowledge and thus can be a very difficult job for novices. Industry experts always suggest users remove any malicious software including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is easier, safer, and quicker than the manual removal method. Employ a PC optimizer along with your anti-malware software to solve various registry issues, remove computer vulnerabilities, and boost your computer performance.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

If the malware is set to run immediately when Windows starts, stepping into safe mode may block the attempt. Just minimal required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your laptop or computer in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) At power on, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press ENTER. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal software you want by utilizing the web browser. To install the program, follow the directions in the installation wizard. 4) Immediately after installation, run a full scan and let the software remove the threats it discovers.

Switch over to an alternate browser

Some viruses may target vulnerabilities of a particular web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you’re not able to download the anti-virus software program using Internet Explorer, this means malware is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you need to switch to a different internet browser such as Firefox or Chrome to download the antivirus program.

Run anti-virus from a pen drive

To successfully get rid of the malware, you have to approach the problem of installing anti-malware software on the affected computer system from a different perspective. Adopt these measures to run the anti-virus on the affected computer system. 1) Download the anti-malware software on a virus-free computer. 2) Plug the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you wish to install the application. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-malware on the affected computer. 6) Double-click the anti-malware software EXE file on the USB drive. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate NoteHomepage manually, navigate to the Add or Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and select the program you want to get rid of. For web browser plug-ins, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the add-on you want to disable or remove. You might also want to reset your home page and search providers, as well as clear your web browser cache and cookies. Finally, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to remove leftover application entries after uninstalls. Please be aware that this is for professional users only and could be challenging, with incorrect file removal resulting in additional PC errors. In addition to that, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. You’re advised to do this procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\lamecoaceiheggdhlnjnmciaonfdamlg.600.11.14900_0 C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\lamecoaceiheggdhlnjnmciaonfdamlg C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\lamecoaceiheggdhlnjnmciaonfdamlg C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\NoteHomepageTooltab C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\profile\extensions\[email protected] C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\profile\extensions\[email protected]\chrome C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\profile\extensions\[email protected]\META-INF C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\profile\notehomepage_j Registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\AppID\NoteHomepage Toolbar.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Opera Software\Explorer\Main\Start Page Redirect=http://random.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NoteHomepage HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon Shell = %AppData%\IDP.ARES.Generic.exe HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Random HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Random. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\NoteHomepageTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\NoteHomepage
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Fix rtwlane.sys Blue Screen error in Windows
This post will walk you through fixing the rtwlane.sys Blue Screen error. This kind of BSOD error belongs under the category of the “DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL” Stop errors. If you encounter this kind of Stop error then it means that a kernel-mode driver tried to access pageable memory at a process IRQL that was too high. The main issue with the rtwlane.sys Blue Screen error has something to do with the Realtek PCI-E Wireless LAN PCI-E NIC driver. In other words, it has some issues with the wireless card of your computer which is built by Realtek. And since it this error concerns your wireless card, you might also experience some connectivity problems with your computer as the wireless card refuses to find any network connections and even randomly disconnects. To resolve this problem, you need to refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like rtwlane.sys Blue Screen error. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 2 – Try to update or rollback your Network driver

If you have updated the driver software as of late and you suddenly got this BSOD error, you might have to roll back the device driver – in other words, switch back to the previous working version. To do that, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “MSC” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
  • Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand it.
  • From the list of Network Drivers, look for “Realtek <Model> Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC” and then right-click on it and select Update Driver.
  • Restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the BSOD error.
Note: If you see any of the following entries under the Network drivers, you might want to download their latest available versions from each one of their manufacturer’s websites.
  • Realtek High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver
  • Realtek Card Reader Driver
  • Realtek Local Area Network (LAN) Driver
On the other hand, if updating the Network driver didn’t help, you can also try to roll back to its previous version.
  • Open the Device Manager again and then look for Network Drivers.
  • Next, select Realtek <Model> Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC from the list of Network Drivers and then double click to open a new mini window.
  • After that, make sure that you’re on the Driver tab and if you are not, just navigate to it then click the Roll Back Driver button to switch back to the previous version of the Realtek driver.
  • Now restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 3 – Try running the System File Checker Scan

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing the Netwtw04.sys failed BSOD error. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
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A Quick Guide to Resolving Photoviewer.dll Error

Photoviewer.dll Error - What is it?

Photoviewer.dll is a shared library for SampleRes.dll and x3daudio1_1.dll in computers installed with Microsoft Windows 7, 8, Vista, and XP including 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems. Photoviewer.dll is associated with 1728000 system files. The Photoviewer.dll error occurs when you upgrade your Windows operating system to a new version like Windows 7 or 8 on which this shared library is used. Once you upgrade the Windows and you right-click on JPG images, the Photoviewer.dll error pops up. This error message is displayed as the following:
  1. Photoviewer.dll missing/not found
  2. Photovewer.dll entry point not found/application can’t initiate

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Photoviewer.dll error can pop up due to several reasons. These include:
  • Modification of .dll files during Windows installation
  • Infection of Trojan virus
  • Photoviewer.dll missing /broken
  • Photo Gallery was earlier your default image editor before you upgraded your system
It is advisable to repair this issue timely to avoid inconvenience and serious PC threats especially if the cause of this issue is viral infection or registry damage.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best ways to help you resolve Photoviewer.dll error on your system:

1. Rebuild the Windows Photo Gallery

If you were previously using Vista and then you upgraded your system to Windows 7, then try this:
  • Go to the Start menu, click on the control panel and go to the folder options.
  • Then select the view tab option. Here you’ll find the Advanced setting window, select the show hidden files and folders tab.
  • Now click Ok to continue. Navigate to the following folder( %user% is the name of the account with the problem) C:\Usersusername\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Photo Gallery.
  • Then copy files to another location as a backup and delete them from the Windows Photo directory. Once the files have been deleted, try to start Windows Photo Gallery again. If this seems difficult, install Windows Photo Gallery application from the internet on your system.

2. Repair Broken Photoviewer.dll files and Remove Malware

Another way to fix the photoviewer.dll error is to download Restoro. This is an advanced, user-friendly, and multi-functional PC fixer smoothly integrated with a registry cleaner. By running it on your system you can resolve all Photoviewer.dll error causes in seconds. Restoro has an easy-to-use interface and a neat layout. It is safe, efficient, and bug-free. In addition to this, it is compatible with all Windows versions. The registry cleaning utility is deployed with an automated algorithm that scans your entire PC and detects Photoviewer.dll file errors in seconds. It fixes damaged, misconfigured, and broken Photoviewer.dll files, clears up disk space from unnecessary and obsolete files like the files from the uninstalled Windows programs which could be generating Photoviewer.dll error on your system. It repairs the registry and modifies the registry keys to their correct configuration thus repairing the Photoviewer.dll error on your PC. The powerful privacy error detector is integrated with all the properties and characteristics of an anti-virus. It scans for malware and viruses like Trojans and removes them from your system right away. Besides these utilities, other features integrated into this repair tool include a system stability scanner and Active X and class error detector. It resolves Photoviewer.dll error while optimizing your computer’s speed and performance. Click here to download Total System Care on your system to resolve the Photoviewer.dll file error today!
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How to Fix The Rtl70.bpl Error on Your System

Rtl70.bpl Error - What is it?

To understand Rt170.bpl error code, it is important to have a good understanding of .bpl files first. BPL is the abbreviation of Borland Package Library. BPL is a developer file format used by Borland. It contains dynamic link libraries which are used for constructing Borland programs. BPL files are most commonly used for Borland Delphi programs. Delphi competes with Visual Basic as an offering for an object-oriented visual programming approach to application development. There are many programs/applications on your system that use rtl70.bpl file format to run successfully on Windows PC. The rtl70.bpl error occurs when this file gets damaged or corrupted. It fails to execute the command and run the application on your system. When your computer experiences this problem with this file, the following error messages are likely to appear:
  • rtl70.bpl is not responding
  • Runtime error: rtl70.bpl
  • Symantec User Session has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Application Name: rtl70.bpl
This error code exposes you to system freeze, crash, abrupt system shutdowns, blue screen of death errors, and it also reduces your PC performance.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The potential causes of rtl70.bpl error code includes:
  • DLL file was damaged due to viral infection or spyware
  • DLL file was overwritten by an incompatible version
  • Poor program installation
  • Too many invalid and obsolete registry entries stored in the RAM
  • Related Registry entries are corrupt

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best yet simple solutions for you to resolve rtl70.bpl error on your PC:

1. Reboot Your PC

Sometimes this error can be resolved by simply restarting your system. Try rebooting your system and running .bpl supported program. If the program runs after you reboot your PC, then that’s great! But you should keep in mind that this is a temporary solution. The error may reappear anytime soon. So, it is advisable to consider a long-term solution for repairing the error code for the longest time.

2. Uninstall and then Reinstall the Program Causing the Error

If the error occurred after a certain program installed on your system,  it is advisable to uninstall it and then reinstall the program. Simply go to the control panel, select Add/Remove program option and uninstall the program that you recently installed that could be triggering the rtl70.bpl error code. Now reinstall and run it on your system. If the error is resolved, then this means the poor installation was the cause. If not, then this means the cause of the error is related to the registry.

3. Registry Restore to Fix rt170.bpl error

There are two ways to go about it. The first one is to click on the start menu, type registry editor, and press run. This will open the registry editor. Now click on the computer option then click file and import. This helps restore the registry but it is possible that the problem might persist. The error code may pop up again. Also, if the registry is damaged due to viral infection, then this solution may not work and you may still experience the error on your system. Then you will also have to download an antivirus which may further reduce the speed of your PC. However, the best way to restore the registry and to get rid of the error code for the longest time is to download Restoro. This is a new, user-friendly, high and multi-functional repair tool that functions as a registry cleaner and a system optimizer. It cleans the registry by scanning and removing all the unnecessary and obsolete files saved in RAM such as junk files, internet history, invalid registry entries, and more. It also repairs the damaged dll files and restores the registry thereby resolving the rtl70.bpl error. Restoro is easy to use, safe, efficient, and compatible on all Windows versions. To get started and resolve the rtl70.bpl error code in just a few seconds on your system click here and download Restoro.
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Jailbreak Amazon Fire TV stick

Sometimes we need and want some apps that are not part of the official Amazon Appstore but having their Fire TV stick prevents us from installing anything that's not in their store, or does it?

amazon tv stick

You can quickly "jailbreak" given stick and unlock additional installations via different providers. Although the term jailbreaking is associated with illegal and hacker activities rest assured that in this case there is nothing illegal about this procedure and that you are entirely safe.

Jailbreaking process

In order to do this procedure firstly you will have to allow the installation of apps obtained from outside the Amazon Appstore. To do this open the settings menu on your Fire TV Stick and inside settings choose My Fire TV. On the My Fire TV page select Developer Options and inside select Apps From Unknown Sources. The prompt screen will open, choose Turn On to activate the option.

APK installation is enabled now and the next step is to download an app like Downloader that will allow you to get your favorite apps. Downloader is free to download manager fully available on the Amazon Appstore and with it, you can download any kind of file to your device including APKs.

Once installed open the Downloader app and type in the URL or search term in order to find your application of choice but please do get all of your APK from trusted sources in order to avoid exploits and getting malware.

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How to fix Windows 10 Error 0x803f7000

Error code 0x803f7000 -What is it?

Error code 0x803f7000 refers to an issue in Windows 10 with downloading apps through Windows Store. When you choose the app or game to download, it heads to Downloads in the Store app. Then it says it is acquiring a license but then fails. When you click the “See details” link, you see the error code 0x803F7000. It could mean that the date and time or region settings in your Windows 10 are incorrect or there are some problems with the Windows Store Cache.

Symptoms

  • This error appears when you are running Windows 10 and trying to download an app through the Microsoft store. The error code may appear with this message: Something went wrong. The error code is 0x803f7000, in case you need it
  • You might also see this message along with the error code: "It looks like you've reached your device limit for installing apps and games from the Store on your Windows 10 device. If you want to install apps and games from the Store on another Windows 10 device, remove a device from the device list."

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

There may be several reasons for this error:
  1. This problem may arise if the date and time in Windows 10 are incorrect.
  2. If the region has been set incorrectly.
  3. Problems with Windows store cache.
  4. Windows store server overloaded.
  5. The Windows version you are using is pirated.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Method 1:

Correcting date and time:
  • Open up Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region.
  • Then click on Date & Time.
  • Now click on Change date & time to correct your time.

Method 2:

Correcting region:
  • Navigate to Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region.
  • Then click on Region.
  • Then click on the Location tab.
  • Now set your actual region from Home location section.
  • Click Apply & OK.

Method 3:

Resetting Windows Store:
  • Press Windows Flag Key + X from your keyboard. Then select Command Prompt (Admin). It will launch Command prompt as administrator.
  • Then type wsreset and hit Enter.
  • Wait for a few seconds. It will automatically open Windows Store.
  • Then try to download any apps.

Method 4:

  1. Open Command prompt in local machine and type in the Windows Store reset tool exe
  2. Activate Windows by going to Settings>Updates and Security
  3. Run the Modern UI/metro app troubleshooter from Microsoft
  4. Keep trying it several times.
  5. Try changing locale and time zone to the United States as shown below
  6. Go to control panel, Language settings
  7. Select location to the United States
  8. This will reset the language to US English. After this try downloading the apps again.
  9. Try restarting the Windows Updater service or restart the machine once.
You must make sure that you have a good internet connection. You need that for the updates and downloads complete without disruption.

Method 5:

Make sure the app isn’t blocked by the Windows firewall: To make your PC more secure, some apps are blocked by Windows Firewall by default. For proper functioning, you might need to enable an app to receive info through the firewall. For more info, see the "Allow an app to receive info through the firewall," and follow the procedure from start to finish.

Method 6:

Check with your system admin: If your PC is part of a network in an organization, like a business, school, or government agency, your system administrator might have turned off the use of certain apps using the Group Policy. Contact your system admin if you believe that Group Policy is preventing you from using an app.

Method 7:

Make sure your apps are up-to-date: To make the apps working properly, you must keep your apps up-to-date. This could be done by turning on automatic updates in the Windows Store.

Method 8:

Contact the app publisher To view the publisher’s app support info, follow these steps:
  1. On the Start screen, tap or click Store to open the Windows Store.
  2. Search or browse for the app, and then tap or click it.
  3. Scroll to the Details section of the app's description page, and then tap or click the support link for the app under Learn more. The link will open an email message for you to contact support or will take you to a support website.
If you do not possess the technical expertise required to accomplish this yourself or do not feel comfortable doing so, download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.
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Fix microphone not working in Windows 10
The microphone has become from exclusive niche hardware to everyday requirements. In today's world when we live in a pandemic most of the work has shifted from office to home where people need working computers with microphones, working microphones. So what do we do when the microphone stops working? Keep reading on to find out and hopefully, we will fix this as fast as possible.

Check Microphone Privacy Settings

In 2019, Microsoft introduced new privacy features to Windows that give you more granular control over which apps are accessing your microphone. The side effect of this is that certain apps may be blocked from using your microphone without you even knowing. To find out if this is the issue, go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone. Click Change and make sure the slider is set to On. This will broadly mean that the mic is now enabled on your PC.
Next, make sure the slider under Allow apps to access your microphone is set to On, then look through the list of Microsoft Store apps to make sure the apps you want to use are selected.
You’re likely to be using many apps, not from the Microsoft Store, so to make sure these are enabled, scroll down even further and set the Allow desktop apps … slider to On.

Check Microphone Driver

The outdated or corrupted driver could be the issue for the microphone not working in Windows 10. To check the driver status, follow these steps:
  1. In your Start menu search for Device Manager
  2. In the device manager window search for sound and expand it.
  3. Once expanded, you should see your audio drivers. Note that the names of these will vary depending on the manufacturer.
  4. On Audio, right-click, and select properties. On the General tab, check to see if the device is working properly.
  5. If it is not working properly, click on the driver tab and select the update option.
  6. Repeat for the other audio drivers.
  7. Restart the computer.

Check the Sounds setting

  1. In the taskbar, right-click on the speaker icon at the far-right corner and select the sound option.
  2. On the Recording tab, click on the microphone and select the Properties option.
  3. Select the levels tabs and increase the volume for both microphone and microphone boost.
  4. Go to the Enhancement tab of the same pop-up and make sure that the immediate mode checkbox is checked.
  5. Click Ok and restart the computer.

The sound troubleshooter

  1. Right-click on the sound icon at the far-right corner of the taskbar and select troubleshoot sound problems.
  2. The computer will detect any fault that exists with your audio and recommend fixes for you. You just need to read through the prompts and click the options that you think will work for you.

Try microphone on another computer

If previous steps have not produced results, try the microphone on another computer, if it is not working there then it is a hardware malfunction
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An Easy Guide to Fixing Libvlc.dll Error

Libvlc.dll Error Code - What is it?

Libvlc.dll error is a type of DLL file error. Libvlc.dll is a type of Dynamic Link Library file associated with 3rd party software developed by the Videolan Team for the Windows OS. Libvlc.dll file contains small programs similar to EXE executable files which allow multiple software programs to share the same functionality. It helps load and run certain programs developed by Videolan Team on your system. The Libvlc.dll error pops up when the file fails to load and run your desired program. This error is usually triggered during program installation while a Libvlc.dll related software is running on the PC or during Windows start-up or shut down. Libvlc.dll error code may appear on your Windows computer in any of the following formats:
"Libvlc.dll not found." "The file libvlc.dll is missing." "Cannot register libvlc.dll." "Cannot find C:WindowsSystem32\libvlc.dll." "Libvlc.dll Access Violation." "Cannot start Third-Party Software. A required component is missing: libvlc.dll. Please install Third-Party Software again." "This application failed to start because libvlc.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
Though Libvlc.dll error is not a fatal error code but nonetheless it is advisable to resolve it immediately to avoid any inconvenience.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Libvlc.dll error code may occur due to several reasons including but not limited to:
  • Corrupt Libvlc.dll registry entry
  • Malware infection
  • Hardware failure
  • Deleted or missing Libvlc.dll file
  • Another program overwrote the required version of Libvlc.dll

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best and easy-to-work-around methods that you can try to resolve Libvlc DLL error on your system in minutes. Let’s get started:

Method 1: Re-install the Deleted Libvlc.dll file

Since DLL are shared files, sometimes the error code may pop up if it is deleted accidentally while uninstalling a program that is also run by the same file. In such a situation, to resolve the Libvlc.dll error all you have to do is re-install the deleted file by going into the recycle bin. If you find it reinstall, but if you don’t then simply download Libvlc.dll file from a reliable DLL file website and install. Hopefully this will resolve the issue. Alternatively, you can re-install VLC which should come with a complete copy of the libvlc.dll. However, if the error code still persists, then try other methods given below.

Method 2: Restore Points - Undo the Recent Changes

Another way to resolve Libvlc dll error is to restore your Windows system to an earlier point. System Restore can return your PC system files and programs back to a time when everything was working absolutely fine. This can help you avoid hours of troubleshooting headaches. This can be easily done by going to the start menu. In the search box type System Restore and press enter. Now click System Restore and enter administrator password if prompted. Follow the steps in the Wizard to choose a restore point and then reboot to activate changes.

Method 3: Repair the Registry

The Libvlc dll error can be triggered by invalid registry entries. To resolve, simply download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and multi-functional PC Fixer embedded with a powerful registry cleaner. It removes all the invalid files, repairs the damaged DLL files, and cleans the registry in seconds. Click here to download Restoro and resolve Libvlc dll error today!
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MS Edge Can’t connect to the proxy server
If you are trying to connect to the internet using the Microsoft Edge browser but encountered an error message instead that says, “Can’t connect to the proxy server”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix this error. This kind of error in Microsoft Edge could be caused by incorrect proxy settings or worse, malware. To fix this error, here are some suggestions you need to check out:

Option 1 – Try to check your internet connection

The first thing you can do to resolve the “Can’t connect to the proxy server” error in Microsoft Edge is to check your internet connection. There are times when your internet connection or Wi-Fi router can cause such problems. In such cases, you have to ensure that you have a valid internet source and if you are using a Wi-Fi router, you can try to use another connection and then see if the error is gone or not.

Option 2 – Try to disable the manual proxy set up from the Settings

In case you miss it, there is actually an option in the Settings panel that you can use to set up proxy in your Windows 10 computer. So if you encounter the “Can’t connect to the proxy server” error, you should disable manual proxy for the meantime and check if it fixed the error or not.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Windows Settings.
  • Then go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  • And on your right-hand side, ensure that the Automatically detect settings are enabled and that the Use a proxy server option under the Manual proxy setup is disabled.
  • Now try to open any website again and see if the problem’s fixed.

Option 3 – Try disabling the VPN

Like pointed out earlier, if you are using VPN, this could be the reason why you’re getting the “Can’t connect to the proxy server” error so the most obvious thing to do is for you to turn off the VPN and try to load a website in Edge again. And if you use a VPN software that works using their software, you can just completely exit or log-off from its account. On the other hand, if you are using a built-in Windows 10 VPN, you can simply turn it off or delete all the settings you have created there.

Option 4 – Disable the proxy server for your LAN

If your PC was just attacked by some adware or malware as of late, it is possible that it has changed the network settings in the system and might display spam advertisements. Thus, you have to disable the proxy server for your LAN. To do that, refer to these steps:
  • 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 5 – Temporarily disable Firewall and third-party antivirus

Firewall and antivirus programs are known to block files the instant it detects a threat to the system. However, there are some cases when it can also block a file even when it’s a safe one. Thus, your antivirus or firewall programs might be the reason why you can’t download anything on your Windows 10 computer. To isolate the issue, you need to temporarily disable both the Firewall and antivirus programs and then check if you can now download anything from the internet. Do not forget to enable them again as disabling them can leave your computer vulnerable to cyber threats.

Option 6 – Clear the browsing data of Microsoft Edge

  • Open Microsoft Edge.
  • Then click on the three horizontal dots to open the menu.
  • From there, click on Settings. And under Settings, click the “Choose what to clear” button under the Clear browsing data section.
  • Next, check all the checkboxes and then click the Clear button to clear the browsing data in the Edge browser.
  • Restart Edge.

Option 7 – Try to reset, repair or reinstall Edge via Settings

You can reset, repair or reinstall the Edge browser through Settings. If none of it helped, you can try the following:
  • Open File Explorer and then go to this path – C:/Users/YourUsername/AppData/Local/Packages
Note: Before you type in the path in the Address bar, make sure that you put your user account name in place with the “YourUsername”.
  • Tap Enter to proceed.
  • Next, look for the folder named “MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe” then right-click on it.
  • Click on Properties and uncheck the option “Read-only” under the General tab in the Properties window.
  • Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes made.
  • After that, look for the MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe folder again and delete it. And if a prompt stating “Folder Access Denied” appears on your screen, just click on the Continue button to proceed – doing so will delete most of the content inside the folder except for the folder named “AC”.
  • Restart your PC.
  • Now all you have to do is to re-register Microsoft Edge using PowerShell. In the Start Menu, search “Windows PowerShell”.
  • Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • Type in this command in the PowerShell windows and tap Enter – Cd C:/Users/YourUsername
Note: Once again, make sure that you key in your user account name in place of “YourUsername.
  • After that, type in this command and tap Enter – Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml" -Verbose}
  • Restart your PC.

Option 8 – Scan your computer for malware using Windows Defender

Your computer could be infected with malware which might have triggered the “Can’t connect to the proxy server” error. To fix this, you need to scan your computer using a reliable program like Windows Defender.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
  • Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
  • Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
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How to Fix 'We Couldn't Install Windows Technical Preview 0x80070070 - 0x20005' Error Code on Windows 10

We Couldn't Install Windows Technical Preview 0x80070070 - 0x20005 -- What is it?

Some Windows users have been experiencing errors in an attempt to upgrade to Windows 10 OS. This includes the “We Couldn’t Install Windows Technical Preview 0x80070070 – 0x20005” error code. If you’re one of the many users who’ve encountered this error, you might want to check the available space on your device. Error code 0x80070070 – 0x20005 occurs when you do not have the required space to be able to install the upgrade.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Just like the other alternatives of error code 0x80070070 – 0x20005 such as 0x80070070 – 0x50011, 0x80070070 – 0x50012, and 0x80070070 – 0x60000, We Couldn't Install Windows Technical Preview 0x80070070 - 0x20005 is most likely caused by the following:
  • Insufficient disk space in your computer
  • Incomplete installation or improper deletion of applications
  • The device is infected with virus or malware

Further Information and Manual Repair

In order to upgrade to Windows 10, you need to have at least 40 to 50 GB of free space in your device. Thus, you need to free up some space in order to successfully upgrade your system to Windows 10. See below for the manual methods you can employ to solve your problem.

NOTE: It would be best to seek help from an experienced technician if you are not confident enough to perform the manual methods yourself or you can alternatively make use of an automated tool.

Method One: Clean Up Your Device

  1. Click Start then browse Afterwards, click on This PC.
  2. Right-click on Local Disk (C:) then choose
  3. Under the General tab, click on Disk Cleanup.
  4. Once the Disk Cleanup window appears, check all items you want to clear down, making sure that the recycle bin is empty and clear any temp files, as well as error logs. Click OK once you’re done.
  5. Repeating the same process above, clear down your system files as well to ensure that the old OS files from your previous system are taken down by clicking on Clean up system files in the Disk Cleanup window.

 Method Two: Uninstall Unused Applications

Sometimes, there are unused applications just lying around your device. This may take up your needed space from your device for a system upgrade. Uninstalling these applications can make space that will eventually elude error code 0x80070070 – 0x20005 along with its alternatives – code 0x80070070 – 0x50011, code 0x80070070 – 0x50012, and code 0x80070070 – 0x60000.

  1. Open the Control Panel then select Programs and Features.
  2. Check on unused applications on your device
  3. Right-click on the unused application then select

 Method Three: Remove or Archive Files

If there are tons of images, media, videos, or documents that you rarely use but will still be needing in the future, you can move these files to another drive where Windows 10 will not be installed on.

If there are no secondary drives in your device, consider using a USB Drive or external hard disk. Another option you can do is making use of cloud storage programs like One Drive or Google Drive. In this way, you’ll still have access to these files even if it’s not in a physical location while making larger space in your device.

Method Four: Scan Your Device For Viruses

Most Windows users download applications or software regularly. These applications or software might come from unsafe sites where you might have accidentally downloaded a virus or malware along with the legit application or software you intended to download.

With that said, it is highly recommended to download and install in your device a reliable and powerful antivirus. Using an antivirus, you can now perform an overall scan of your device’s system. Once you’re able to detect and remove any suspected virus or malware, you’ll now be able to get rid of the error code 0x80070070 – 0x20005. After solving the issue, you can now resume upgrading to Windows 10.

Method Five: Download An Automated Tool

Can’t seem to put up with the long and technical manual repair process? You can still fix this error by downloading and installing a powerful automated tool that will surely get the job done in a jiffy!

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