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dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen Error in Windows

Dxgkrnl.sys is a file related to the Microsoft DirectX driver – a suite of technologies developed by Microsoft to provide hardware acceleration for heavy multimedia applications like 3D games as well as HD videos. However, there are times when you encounter Blue Screen errors for this system file which is quite a lot. So when you encounter a Blue Screen error that’s related to this file, then it could be that the dxgkrnl.sys file is infected with some virus or malware and this might go unnoticed since antivirus programs regard dxgkrnl.sys as a system file. Here are some Blue Screen errors related to the dxgkrnl.sys file:

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION .
  • BAD_POOL_HEADER
  • STOP 0x0000000A: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL.
  • STOP 0x0000001E:

KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

  • STOP 0x00000050:

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

To fix the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error, here are some suggestions you have to check out.

Option 1 – Try running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool

Since the dxgkrnl.sys error has something to do with the DirectX Graphics APIs, you can run the DirectX Diagnostic tool to resolve the problem.

Option 2 – Try updating or re-installing DirectX

If the DirectX Diagnostic tool didn’t work, you can try to update or reinstall DirectX instead. This can help in fixing the problem because when you reinstall or update DirectX, it will replace the incompatible or corrupted components of DirectX from your computer.

Option 3 – Try to run the DISM commands

You might want to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also trigger the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:

  • Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
  • After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error is now fixed.

Option 4 – Try updating or reinstalling your Graphics drivers

Updating or reinstalling the Graphics drivers in your computer can also help in resolving compatibility issues between the operating system and the driver that also cause this kind of BSOD error.

  • First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  • After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
  • Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
  • After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.

Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.

Option 5 – Try to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

As you know, the Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like dxgkrnl.sys. 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 6 – Try disabling the SLI Technology in NVIDIA Control Panel

In case you don’t know, there is a technology called SLI that comes with the NVIDIA graphics cards. With the help of this technology, the usage of various GPUs is allowed on a computer and hence helps in triggering the Alternate Frame Rendering and boosts the Graphics Performance directly. This is why this option to disable the SLI technology is suitable in fixing the problem if you are using an NVIDIA Graphics card.

  • Search for NVIDIA Control Panel in the Cortana Search box and then click on the related search result or you can also right-click on the NIVIA icon located in the system tray and then select the NVIDIA Control Panel to open it.
  • After that, navigate to the 3D settings section.
  • Then select the “Set SLI Configuration” option and click on the “Do Not Use SLI Technology” option.
  • Now click on Apply located at the bottom-right corner of the window to save the changes made.
  • Restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try turning off NVIDIA Surround

Note that this option is only applicable if your computer is using the NVIDIA Graphics card.

  • In the Cortana Search box, search for NVIDIA Control Panel and click on the related search result.
  • After opening the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to 3D Settings > Configure Surround, PhysX.
  • Now uncheck the “Span displays with Surround” option and then click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
  • Restart your computer.

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Completely Remove SweetIM From Computer

SweetIM Toolbar for Internet Explorer is a browser add-on which adds various shortcuts to your browsers for easy access. This toolbar also changes your homepage to home.sweetim.com. The toolbar is typically bundled with the free Sweet Instant Messenger program and does not necessarily get uninstalled when Instant Messenger is removed from the user’s PC. Additionally, if the home page and search settings were modified by this toolbar, they need to be manually reverted back by the user.

This extension injects various ads into your browser search results and changes your default search engine. While you are browsing the internet, this software records your website surfing data, clicks, and possibly private information. Several Anti-virus programs have classified SweetIM Toolbar as a potentially unwanted application and are not recommended to keep.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means that a malicious program code has power over and modified the settings of your web browser, without your approval. They are made to disrupt browser functions for many different reasons. Generally, the idea would be to force users to visit particular sites that are looking to increase their visitor traffic and produce higher ad revenue. Most people assume that such websites are legitimate and harmless but that is incorrect. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it is vital to categorize them under privacy dangers. On top of that, hijackers can make the whole infected system vulnerable – other harmful malware and viruses would grab these opportunities to intrude into your system effortlessly.

Major signs that an internet browser has been highjacked

The common signs that indicate having this malicious software on your PC are: the home page of your respective browser is changed unexpectedly; bookmark and the new tab are also modified; the default search engine and the default web browser settings are altered; discover new toolbars that you didn’t add; you find lots of pop-up ads on your computer screen; web pages load very slowly and sometimes incomplete; Inability to navigate to particular sites, particularly antivirus and also other computer security software websites.

Exactly how they get into your computer or laptop

There are several ways your computer can get infected with a browser hijacker. They usually arrive by way of spam e-mail, via file sharing websites, or by a drive-by download. Many browser hijackings originate from add-on software, i.e., toolbars, browser helper objects (BHO), or extensions added to browsers to give them additional features. A browser hijacker may also come bundled up with some freeware that you unwittingly download to your computer system, compromising your internet security. A good example of some notorious browser hijackers includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, RocketTab, and Delta Search, but the names are continually changing. Browser hijackers can record user keystrokes to gather potentially invaluable information that leads to privacy concerns, cause instability on systems, severely disrupt the user experience, and eventually slow down the PC to a stage where it becomes unusable.

Removal

Some browser hijacking could be quite easily corrected by identifying and removing the corresponding malware application through your control panel. But, many browser hijackers are hard to eliminate manually. Regardless of how much you attempt to remove it, it may keep returning over and over. You should consider doing manual repairs only if you are a tech-savvy person, as there are risks associated with tinkering around with the computer registry and HOSTS file. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing the anti-malware application on the affected computer. One of the finest tools for repairing browser hijacker malware is Safebytes Anti-Malware. It will help you get rid of any pre-existing malware on your computer and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from new internet threats. Along with the antivirus tool, a PC optimizer will help you in getting rid of all related files and modifications in the registry automatically.

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

Viruses could potentially cause a great deal of damage to your personal computer. Certain malware variants alter browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit certain or all internet sites, and thus unable to download or install the necessary security software to remove the infection. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your system. Although this kind of issue will be difficult to get around, there are some actions you can take.

Eliminate malware in Safe Mode

The Windows-based PC has got a special mode referred to as “Safe Mode” in which only the minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malware is blocking access to the internet and affecting your computer, launching it in Safe Mode enables you to download anti-virus and run a diagnostic scan while limiting potential damage. To boot into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on the keyboard just before the Windows logo screen shows up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, check the Safe Boot under the Boot tab, and then click Apply. As soon as you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you can actually run the anti-virus scan to remove computer viruses and malware without any hindrance from another malicious application.

Switch over to an alternate browser

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

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another solution is to create a portable antivirus program onto your USB thumb drive. Follow these steps to run the anti-virus on the affected PC. 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the USB drive onto the same computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you want to install the application. Follow activation instructions. 5) Disconnect the USB drive. You may now utilize this portable antivirus on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes program from the thumb drive. 7) Click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for viruses.

Overview of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Nowadays, an anti-malware program can protect your laptop or computer from different forms of online threats. But wait, how do choose the best one amongst plenty of malware protection applications that’s available on the market? You may be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few of them are good, some are ok types, and some will affect your computer themselves! You should go with a product that has gained a strong reputation and detects not just viruses but other kinds of malware as well. On the list of highly recommended applications by industry, analysts are SafeBytes Anti-Malware, a well-known security application for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trusted software that not only protects your system completely but is also very user-friendly for people of all ability levels. Once you’ve got installed this application, SafeBytes advanced protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malicious software can seep through your PC. There are many great features you’ll get with this security product. Listed below are some of the great ones: Active Protection: SafeBytes offers complete and real-time security for your laptop or computer. This tool will constantly monitor your PC for suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the latest threats. Antimalware Protection: With its advanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware elimination tool can identify and remove the malware threats hiding within your computer system effectively. Web protection: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the net. Lightweight Tool: This program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any overall performance difficulties when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Live Expert Support: Support service is available 24 x 7 x 365 days via chat and email to answer your concerns.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove SweetIM 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 SweetIM

Files: File %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerconfusersmain_user_config.xml. File %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerdatacontentdbcache_indx.dat. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerdefault.xml. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengermgYahooMessengerAdapter.dll. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengermsvcp71.dll. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengermsvcr71.dll. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesAudibleButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesDisplayPicturesButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesEmoticonButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesGamesButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesKeyboardButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesNudgeButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesSoundFxButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimagesWinksButton.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerSweetIM.exe. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerdefault.xml. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesabout.html. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesaffid.dat. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesbasis.xml. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesbing.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesclear-history.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcescontent-notifier.js. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcescontent-notifier-anim.gif. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcescontent-notifier-anim-over.gif. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesdating.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesdictionary.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcese_cards.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceseye_icon.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceseye_icon_over.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesfind.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesfree_stuff.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesgames.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesglitter.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesgoogle.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceshelp.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceshighlight.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceslocales.xml. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceslogo_16x16.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceslogo_21x18.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceslogo_32x32.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourceslogo_about.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesmore-search-providers.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesmusic.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesnews.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesoptions.html. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesphotos.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcessearch-current-site.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesshopping.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet ExplorerresourcesSmileySmile.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet ExplorerresourcesSmileyWink.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcessweetim_text.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcestoolbar.xml. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesversion.txt. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesvideo.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesweb-search.png. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesweb-toolbar.js. File %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresourcesyahoo.png. Registry: Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerconfusers. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerconf. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerdatacontentdb. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerdata. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerlogs. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessengerupdate. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMMessenger. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorercache. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorer. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIMToolbars. Directory %COMMONAPPDATASweetIM. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresourcesimages. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessengerresources. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMMessenger. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerconf. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet ExplorerMicrosoft.VC90.CRT. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorerresources. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbarsInternet Explorer. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIMToolbars. Directory %PROGRAMFILESSweetIM. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named SWEETIE.IEToolbar.1, plus associated values. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named SWEETIE.IEToolbar, plus associated values. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named SweetIM_URLSearchHook.ToolbarURLSearchHook.1, plus associated values. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named SweetIM_URLSearchHook.ToolbarURLSearchHook, plus associated values. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named Toolbar3.SWEETIE.1, plus associated values. Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named Toolbar3.SWEETIE, plus associated values. Key 4D3B167E-5FD8-4276-8FD7-9DF19C1E4D19 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib. Key 82AC53B4-164C-4B07-A016-437A8388B81A at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key A4A0CB15-8465-4F58-A7E5-73084EA2A064 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key EEE6C35B-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key EEE6C35C-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key EEE6C35C-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects. Key EEE6C35D-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key EEE6C35E-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib. Key EEE6C35F-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib. Key EEE6C360-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchScopes. Key EEE6C360-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchScopes. Key 878E59AD181B66344A3316549572708A at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInstallerProducts. Key E54D4DC11584D69448F0C2E257E2FC7B at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTInstallerProducts. Key Install at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSweetIM. Key Messenger at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESweetIM. Key SweetIM.exe at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionApp Paths. Key SweetIM at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware. Key SweetIM at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE. Key Toolbars at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSweetIM. Key Toolbars at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESweetIM. Value (Default) at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionApp PathsSweetIM.exe. Value EEE6C35B-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbarWebBrowser. Value EEE6C35B-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar. Value EEE6C35D-6118-11DC-9C72-001320C79847 at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerURLSearchHooks. Value Path at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionApp PathsSweetIM.exe. Value simapp_id at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSweetIM. Value simapp_id at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARESweetIM.
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Apple M2 Chip review

Direct replacement for Apple M1 Chip is near. There were some M1 Chips versions like M1 MAX and M1 ULTRA that were upgrades of the existing M1 chip, but the new and upcoming M2 is something different and it is aiming to replace M1 completely.

apple m2 chip

Made in a 5-nanometer design, with 20 billion transistors and 100GB/s of unified memory bandwidth is meant to increase performance over M1. It has the same M1 8 core design with 4 high-efficiency cores and 4 high-performance ones.

All CPU and GPU cores are faster than their M1 equivalents and Apple states that when running M1 and M2 at the same power level M2 will perform 25% faster. The first version of the chip will place focus on power efficiency so if you are more on side of being a power user wait for the MAX or ULTRA version of M2.

Tech details of M2

M2 system on a chip like its predecessor M1 combines both CPU and GPU on a single chip with shared memory in order to increase performance compared to systems that have separate CPU and GPU. M2 so far has been only announced for MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro that suppose to hit the market somewhere around July this year. Of course, we expect that M2 is included in future iPad series or Mac Mini series as well.

  • CPU Cores: 8
  • GPU Cores: Up to 10
  • Unified Memory: Up to 24 GB
  • Neural Engine Cores: 16
  • Number of Transistors: 20 billion
  • Process: Second Generation 5nm
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HolidayPhotoEdit Removal Guide for Windows

Holiday Photo Edit is a Browser Extension for Google Chrome developed by Mindspark Inc. and offers users a basic photo editing tool alongside links to some popular editing websites.

When installed this extension changes your default search engine to MyWay and hijacks your New Tab page, changing it to HolidayPhotoEdit. It monitors user browsing activity recording visited websites and clicked links in order to learn more about the user, this data is later used/sold to better target Injected Ads.

While browsing the internet with the HolidayPhotoEdit extension enabled, users will experience more ads throughout their search results, additional sponsored links to partner products, and sometimes even pop-up ads with special giveaways designed to lure users to buy something.

Popular anti-virus scanners have marked HolidayPhotoEdit as a Browser Hijacker, and it is recommended to remove it from your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes called hijackware) are a type of malware that changes internet browser configuration settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or approval. These hijacks appear to be increasing at an alarming rate across the world, and they could be actually nefarious and often dangerous too. Practically all browser hijackers are made for advertising or marketing purposes. In most cases, it will drive users to particular sites which are trying to boost their advertising campaign revenue. Though it might appear naive, all browser hijackers are harmful and therefore always regarded as security risks. Browser hijackers can even permit other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your PC.

Find out how to identify a browser hijack

The typical signs that signify having this malicious software on your PC are: 1. the home page of the web browser is changed suddenly 2. you observe new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or pornography websites 3. the essential web browser settings are modified and unwanted or unsafe resources are put into the trusted sites list 4. unwanted new toolbars are added to your browser 5. many pop-up ads appear and/or your web browser pop-up blocker is disabled 6. your web browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you have prohibited entry to particular websites, for example, the website of an anti-malware software developer like SafeBytes.

How does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers can get into a PC by some means or other, including via file sharing, downloads, and email also. They also come from add-on software, also called browser helper objects (BHO), web browser plug-ins, or toolbars. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s PC using a deceptive software distribution method called “bundling” (generally through freeware and shareware). A good example of some well-known browser hijackers includes Anyprotect, Conduit, Babylon, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing.

Removing browser hijackers

Certain hijackers can be removed by just uninstalling the related free software or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. However, many hijackers are quite tenacious and require specialized tools to get rid of them. And there is no denying the very fact that the manual fixes and removal methods could be a difficult job for an amateur computer user. Furthermore, there are various risks associated with tinkering around with the pc registry files. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. To eradicate any kind of browser hijacker from your PC, you could download this particular professional malware removal program – SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Together with the antivirus tool, a system optimizer, such as SafeBytes’s Total System Care, could help you in deleting all related files and modifications in the registry automatically.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware because of Malware? Try This!

Malware could potentially cause many different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware variants modify internet browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configuration settings. When this happens, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the required security software to clear out the computer virus. If you’re reading this right now, you may have probably realized that a malware infection is the cause of your blocked internet traffic. So how to proceed if you need to download and install an anti-malware program such as Safebytes? Even though this kind of issue will be difficult to get around, there are a few actions you can take.

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should prevent it. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your computer in Safe Mode. You will have to do the following to eliminate malware in Safe mode. 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When this mode loads, you should have internet access. Now, use your web browser normally and go to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) After installation, run a full scan and allow the program to delete the threats it discovers.

Utilize an alternate internet browser to download anti-malware software

Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities on a particular internet browser and block access to all anti-virus software websites. The ideal way to overcome this issue is to select an internet browser that is renowned for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to help keep you secure online.

Create a bootable USB antivirus drive

Another way is to download and transfer an anti-malware program from a clean PC to run a scan on the infected computer. Adopt these measures to employ a flash drive to clean your corrupted PC. 1) On a clean computer, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the antivirus. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, insert the pen drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the flash drive to run the software. 7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your PC and Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

To protect your PC from various internet-based threats, it’s very important to install an anti-malware application on your PC. However, with countless numbers anti-malware companies in the marketplace, nowadays it’s hard to decide which one you should purchase for your personal computer. Some of them are great and some are scamware applications that pretend as authentic anti-malware software waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to look for a product that has got a good reputation and detects not just computer viruses but other types of malware too. One of the recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes has a superb reputation for top-quality service, and clients are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is made for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. After you have installed this software program, SafeBytes advanced protection system will ensure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your computer.

SafeBytes anti-malware offers an array of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. Some of them are given as below:

Live Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It’ll continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also gives end-users sophisticated firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Built upon a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can identify and get rid of many obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other typical antivirus programs will miss. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety ranking to each and every website you visit and block access to web pages known to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software. Lightweight Application: SafeBytes is a lightweight and user-friendly anti-virus and antimalware solution. As it utilizes minimal computer resources, this tool leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. Fantastic Tech Support Team: You could get high levels of support 24/7 if you’re using their paid software. SafeBytes has developed a wonderful anti-malware solution to help you conquer the latest computer threats and virus attacks. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software program to use. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes anti-malware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of HolidayPhotoEdit manually, you may accomplish this by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending software; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could uninstall it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You’ll probably also want to totally reset your internet browser to its default configuration settings. Lastly, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. But bear in mind, this is often a challenging task and only computer experts could accomplish it safely. Furthermore, some malware keeps replicating which makes it difficult to remove. Completing this task in Safe Mode is recommended.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\HolidayPhotoEditTooltab %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\www.holidayphotoedit.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\PreferenceMACs\Default\extensions.settings, value: ompcmhnafgchjgmdcdopfhlebohkgall HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\holidayphotoedit.dl.myway.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\holidayphotoedit.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\HolidayPhotoEdit HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\HolidayPhotoEdit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller HolidayPhotoEditTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer
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Problem prevented document from being scanned
If an error suddenly pops up that states, “A problem prevented the document from being scanned” when you’re scanning a document in your computer, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you on how exactly you can fix the problem. A lot of users have reported that they receive a two-layer error message when they try to scan their documents – the first screen throws an error message that says, “Error applying Settings to Driver” while the next error message states, “A problem prevented the document from being scanned”. As a result, the scanning won’t be completed which defeats the whole process of buying a printer with a scanner. As you can see the two error messages point to two different situations, while the other one is pointing at the driver, the second one points to the scanning problem. To resolve these issues, there are several suggestions you need to check such as follows:

Option 1 – Run the Printer Troubleshooter

One of the first basic troubleshooting you can perform to resolve the printer issue is running the Printer Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter can detect and automatically fix the problem for you. To use it, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “msdt.exe /id PrinterDiagnostic” in the field and click OK or hit Enter to open the Printer Troubleshooter.
  • Then click the Next button and follow the next on-screen instructions to fix the issue with the printer.

Option 2 – Try updating the Printer drivers

You might also want to try updating your printer drivers. All you have to do is locate the USB Composite Device. For complete details, follow the steps below.
  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the USB Composite Device option and right-click on it, and select the Update Driver from the options.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Note: You also have the option to download the latest version of your Printer from the manufacturer’s website.

Option 3 – Try to reset the settings of the Printer or reinstall it

If none of the two options given above worked, you can try to either reset the printer settings or reinstall the printer so that it can go back to its default state. However, if it doesn’t work, you can try to uninstall the printer as well as its related drivers. To do so, follow these steps:
  • First, go to Settings > Devices > Printer and Scanners.
  • After that, select the printer and select the Remove Device option.
  • Once done, restart your computer and check again and see if the error is now fixed.

Option 4 – Try to modify the Registry settings for the Still Image devices

In case you don’t know, Windows has Registry settings for the Still Image devices like Scanners and Printers. And these devices have vendor-specific settings that if ended up getting corrupted or misconfigured then you will most likely encounter errors like “A problem prevented the document from being scanned”. Thus, to fix this error, you can try modifying the Still Image devices registry settings, and to do that, you need to follow the instructions below but before that, make sure that you create a System Restore Point first.
  • Once you’ve created a System Restore point, tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field, and then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlStillImage
  • From there, right-click on the “StillImage” registry key and delete it.
  • After that, exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
  • Once your computer has restarted, Windows will recreate the settings of the Still Image devices back to their default settings.
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Software review series: KRITA
Krita Desktop is a free and open-source painting application. Krita is a full-featured free digital painting studio for artists who want to create professional work from start to end. Krita is used by comic book artists, illustrators, concept artists, matte and texture painters, and in the digital VFX industry. Krita has been in development for over 10 years and has had an explosion in growth recently. It offers many common and innovative features to help the amateur and professional alike. Krita has a user-friendly interface. The dockers and panels can be moved and customized for your specific workflow. Once you have your setup, you can save it as your own workspace. You can also create your own shortcuts for commonly used tools. In addition to painting, Krita comes with vector, filter, group, and file layers. Combine, order, and flatten layers to help your artwork stay organized. There are also three different views on how to see the layers. Krita supports full color management through LCMS for ICC and OpenColor IO for EXR, allowing you to incorporate Krita into your existing color management pipeline. Open PSD files that even Photoshop cannot open. Load and save to PSD when you need to take your artwork across different programs. Krita is the only dedicated painting application that lets you open, save, edit and author HDR and scene-referred images. Furthermore, with OCIO and OpenEXR support, you can manipulate the view to examine HDR images, and use it in the most cutting-edge workflows from the film and visual effects industries.
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A Quick Guide to Resolving Uncdms.dll Error Code

Uncdms.dll Error Code - What is it?

Uncdms.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file and a crucial part of the Windows Desktop Search Software. It is used to search emails, documents, photos, videos, and folders instantly. However, the Uncdms.dll error pops on the screen, when the Windows Desktop Search Software fails to start. The error message is displayed in one of the following formats:
  • “Uncdms.dll cannot be found.”
  • “Windowssearch.exe – cannot find the component. This application has failed to start because uncdms.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix the problem.”
  • “The file uncdms.dll is missing.”

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Uncdms.dll error code may pop on your screen due to multiple reasons. These usually include but are not limited to:
  • Viral infection
  • Issues with Windows Desktop Search
  • Registry corruption
  • Uncdms.dll accidentally deleted during program un-installation

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you experience an Uncdms.dll error code on your system, fix it right away. This error is easy to resolve. You don’t have to be technically sound to resolve the uncdms.dll error code. Try the methods listed below to resolve without any hassle:

Method 1 - Check Your Recycle Bin and Restore the Deleted Uncdms.dll File

Since DLL files are shared files, there is a possibility that you accidentally deleted them while uninstalling some other program. To fix the issue, simply go to the recycle bin and look for the file. If you locate it, reinstall it. If you can’t, then it is advisable to download the Uncdms.dll file from a trusted DLL file website.

Method 2 - Uninstall and Then Re-install Windows Desktop Search

If the error code is related to issues with the Window Desktop Search application, then simply uninstall this software and re-install to resolve. To do this, click the start button, go to the control panel and then add/ remove programs. Now choose Windows Desktop Search from the list of programs and click Remove. After that, reboot your PC to activate changes. Now download the software and follow the same process and reinstall the Windows Desktop Search program on your PC. To activate changes, reboot. This will hopefully resolve the issue.

Method 3 - Update Windows

As this file is included in the service pack, try updating the Windows Utility to resolve the Uncdms.dll error code. To get started, click start and then go to the control panel, now choose Windows update. Follow the instructions to install Active X and then click install to update Windows Utility. Restart your system to bring the changes into effect.

Method 4 - Scan for Viruses and Repair the Registry

Whether the underlying cause of the Uncdms.dll error code is viral infection or registry corruption, it is advisable to download Restoro. It is an advanced and multi-functional PC Repair Tool integrated with 6 powerful utilities including antivirus and a registry cleaner. It scans and removes all types of viruses. The registry cleaning utility works simultaneously and removes all the unnecessary files corrupting the registry including cookies, temporary files, internet history, and junk files, and repairs it in seconds, thereby resolving the Uncdms.dll error immediately. Click here to download Restoro - PC Fixer
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Recent Items aren't visible under Taskbar
In this post, you will be guided on what to do if the Recent Items are no longer visible in the Taskbar icons in Windows 10. This can be quite inconvenient especially if you work simultaneously on many files and documents together and would require you to visit them regularly to incorporate changes. Thus, if you find that the Recent items are not visible in the Windows Taskbar, read on. In order for the Recent Items to appear on the taskbar icons in Windows 10 again, there are four potential fixes you can check out. You can try to show the recently opened items via Settings or clear the cache of the recent items. You could also make some changes in the Windows Registry or use the Group Policy Editor. But before you proceed with these potential fixes, it’s best if you create a System Restore Point first just in case something goes wrong after you made changes in the system. The System Restore Point allows you to undo these changes and bring back the previous state of your computer. Thus, you need to create one and then carefully follow the given options below.

Option 1 – Show the recently opened items via Settings

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is to show the recently opened items through the Settings app.
  • Open the Settings app and select Personalization.
  • From there, select the Start option and scroll down until you see the “Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start or the taskbar” option.
  • Make sure that its toggle button is turned on.

Option 2 – Try to clear the Recent Items cache

  • Tap the Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  • Next, copy and paste this link on the address bar: %AppData%Microsoftwindowsrecentautomaticdestinations
  • Once you’re in the given location, you should see multiple files. Now select all these files and completely delete them.
Note: These files are automatically recreated when you interact with the system like performing tasks such as opening apps or accessing files.
  • After that, go to this next location: %AppData%Microsoftwindowsrecentcustomdestinations
  • Once there, delete all of its files and restart your computer. This should resolve the problem.

Option 3 – Try making changes via Registry Editor

The next thing you can do to fix the problem is to apply some tweaks in the Registry by following these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry sub-path: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion
  • From there, select the Policies Explorer folder located in the left pane.
  • Then move to the right pane and look for the “NoRecentDocsHistory” entry and right-click on it.
  • Now delete this entry.
Note: This entry is the one that stores the Group Policy setting for “Do not keep the history of recently opened documents. The Group Policy adds this entry to the registry with a value of 1 if you enable the “Do not keep the history of recently opened documents” policy. On the other hand, if you disable the policy by setting it to “Not configured” or deleting it, the Group Policy will delete the entry from the registry, and the system will act as though the value is 0 – for instance, it keeps the history of the recently opened files in your computer.

Option 4 – Try to use the Group Policy Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “gpedit.msc” in the field and tap Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  • Afterward, double click on the “Do not keep a history of recently opened documents” policy located on the right panel. This is the policy that lets you enable or disable recent items and frequent places.
  • Now to enable the recent items, as well as the frequent places, feature, click on the “Disabled” or the “Not Configured” option.
  • Once you’re done, close the Group Policy Editor and restart your PC.
Note: If you choose to enable this setting, the system and Windows programs will not create shortcuts to documents opened while the setting is in effect. Aside from that, they also stay but won’t display the existing document shortcuts and the system will empty the Recent Items menu on the Start menu and the Windows programs won’t also display shortcuts in the Start Menu. In addition, the Taskbar won’t also show the recently opened or frequently used folders, files, or websites.
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Best MMO games to play during this winter
How summer is slowly slipping away and winter is coming people will spend more time indoors, and on top of that delta variant of Covid-19 is rampaging through the world. Being the gamer is now maybe the best time to be, sitting in the comfort of your home, safely isolated from viruses and people, just pushing buttons and emerging yourself in a vast world and new adventures. But games cost money, and sometimes being a gamer can be expensive, also the COVID situation makes it even more difficult to spend some time with friends. Do not worry, we are here to help. I am presenting you the list of MMO games that you should try or play during this COVID Winter, and since they are MMO games, you can play them with your friends and hang out in the virtual world. Some of them are also free to play so they will not cost you any money to enjoy them. The following list is not set in any particular order and remember that this is not a ranked list. There is no best MMO and I will not try to place any of these titles as one dominant, I will just point their style and who they might be for, it is up to you to decide which one you will pick and enjoy.

Best MMO’s in no particular order

EVE Online

eve online MMOEVE Online is one of the earliest MMO games out there but since its release, it is still actively developed and is receiving updates. This science-fiction Sandbox will offer space lovers everything they need and more. Large scale PvP, mining, pirating, etc. It can be daunting and complex for beginners but take your time to get familiar with its systems and you will be rewarded greatly with an immersive and complex game worth the time. Open PvP in some zones might not be everyone’s cup of tea and seeing only your ship might be a turn-off for some players, but if you do not mind these things give it a go. It is free to play with an item shop.

Final Fantasy XIV

ff14 mmoFF14 had a tough start, so tough that it was scrapped and destroyed and has been remade again and that idea was great. The game now is better than ever and at this time it is experiencing large players from other games surging into it. This on the rails fantasy MMO will offer you a great story and great leveling experience. It has a free trial where you can play the whole original game for free but if you wish to continue playing you will have to buy the expansion and pay a monthly subscription but the content is well worth the money.

World of Warcraft

wowLet’s be honest, not a single list of MMO games cannot be without a once greatest and most successful MMO ever made, World of Warcraft. But instead of me praising the game why it was the greatest and why you should play it and how great it is I am going to take a little different approach. I am going to recommend you World of Warcraft classic, yup, you read it correctly, classic. Now World of Warcraft is a retail game with a subscription service but with that one subscription you will be able to access three games in the World of Warcraft universe: World of Warcraft retail (standard game), World of Warcraft Classic (vanilla WOW without expansions offering you experience as it once was when it was released) and World of Warcraft the Burning Crusade classic (same as WOW classic but with the first expansion the Burning Crusade). Among all solutions, I would really urge you to play either WOW classic or WOW TBC classic simply for reason that they are far superior games in comparison to typical retail ones, but if you like easier game go for retail, it is included in the sub anyway.

Guild Wars 2

gw2Guild Wars 1 was one of my favorite games and I sank a lot of times in it and once Guild Wars 2 came I must admit I was pleasantly surprised with it and I would recommend it highly. The base game is completely free to play with only expansion to be purchased and it is buy to play model without monthly fees. It has specific mechanics different from other games and interesting classes to try. The living world is a great feature of the game and it is still very strong with its player base.

Star Wars: old republic

Star-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThis game is made for people who enjoy, love, and like Star Wars. Mechanically besides being able to have henchmen with you and space battles (which I do not really like how they are done) game itself does not offer anything special. Where it shines is in the story and overall Star Wars experience. If you look at this game as a single-player game with multiplayer dungeons you will have a great time, since the story is really good but sadly end game lacks in comparison.

Elder Scrolls Online

Blackwood-release-date-on-TESO-when-will-the-new-chapterI am going to admit something here, I was not fond of the idea to make the beloved Elder Scrolls series into MMO, but in time I gave it a go and I am really glad I did. This game is great and it is getting better and better as time progresses. It is buy to play without monthly fees and basic game free, same as FF14 but without fees. It has a decent community and offers a really good Elder Scrolls experience and now it is packing Morrowind expansions and other great areas. Highly recommended for any Elder Scrolls fan.

Lord of the Rings Online

Lord-of-the-Rings-Online-to-Receive-VisualTech-Updates-asThis one is troublesome to recommend, on one side you have free to play games deeply inside Tolkien Lord of the Rings lore, on the other side, you have outdated graphics and some stupid item shop decisions like buys specific classes. But if you look past stupid item shop decisions and can live with playing free class in the game you will be pleasantly surprised. The game itself is surprisingly good, the story is great as expected from the game infused with lore taken from one of the best books series ever written, and the feeling when visiting iconic landscape is epic. But if I need to be real as I should, I would recommend this one to people appreciate good story and lore and ones that are fans of Lord of the Rings itself.

Neverwinter

Neverwinter-Sharandar-Artwork-001Neverwinter is a premium and licensed D&D MMO game and it is well strange. The free-to-play model of the game will let you enjoy it until you hit the end game, then you will have to shell real money if you want to be competitive but the journey until then is great. I would recommend it to D&D lovers and people that love to try other people's maps, yup you read it correctly. Neverwinter has a map editor making it one of a kind MMO game where you can create your own dungeons and post them for other players to play, this user-generated content makes it a very specific beast in this list, and for that feature alone it has my recommendation.

Tera

tera-classes-guideAnother one of the older titles, Tera will offer you nor depth nor anything new in terms of leveling, quests, or end game except… the COMBAT. This is maybe the greatest MMO Combat game ever created and it is quite fascinating that even after so many years no other game has managed to create a better combat system than one of Tera. If you enjoy action combat and like some specific aesthetics Tera is a game for you.

Albion

Albion-Online-LaunchAlbion is a sandbox game with open-world PvP and building mechanics where you can build your own forest, house, etc. You know, sandbox stuff, including a lot of crafting and well, other sandbox stuff. If you want great quests and some occasional play then skip Albion, this game is made for a more hardcore player base not being afraid to die and spend some time crafting and going through the economy. The best comparison might be with EVE but in fantasy settings.

Black Desert

bdoBlack Desert is also a sandbox game but different from Albion, here you can organize and hire a workforce and send them to different nodes on a map to harvest resources and build an economy while you are on some epic adventure. Housing is also included but you can buy already made houses instead of making your own in the world. Combat is a game that comes very close to Tera combat and it is very enjoyable. The end game is money sink and PvP based so be careful when choosing this one.

Secret World Legends

the-secret-world-relaunching-as-1200x675If you like occult and supernatural with new world order themes and conspiracy theories, Secret World Legends is the game for you. Somewhat little clunky its setting and story really set it apart in many many ways. It has semi-action combat and it is free to play with item shop but all the content can be experienced for free. Recommended for fans of deeper gameplay and horror lore.

Runescape

runescapeWhen I said no MMO list can be without World of Warcraft, it also cannot be without Runescape, one of the oldest games it was revamped with newer mechanics and graphics, free to play all the way and you can also pick old school Runescape if you really want to go all the way on a nostalgia trip. I would recommend a newer one for newer players, the game offers a great story and unusual quests infused with puzzles and interesting storylines. If you like really good quest design without fetch and grind quests along with interesting story this is a game for you.

AION

aionLast on my list would be AION, a very interesting game made also a long way back, but the fact that is completely free with the cosmetic shop will make it as one to recommend since you can experience the whole game for free. It has some limited flying mechanics in it and later game zone are open PvP zones, story is interesting and leveling process is enjoyable. Also game itself is not really easy and if not careful you can get yourself in danger quite quickly. Recommended for old-school feeling.

Conclusion

That's it, there are many more MMO games out there but some are on verge of closing down and some are plainly bad. I hope that I have made your choice easier and that you will find one or a few from this list to spend your time in it. Remember, stay safe and take care of yourself.
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Malware Guide: How to Remove DownloadAdmin

What is DownloadAdmin/ Updateadmin?

As a digital creation of Blueis, the DownloadAdmin application peruses your computer system for programs/applications that are outdated. This program then makes the necessary updates/installation on your computer, as if it were the Administrator. While most people might consider this application harmful, scrutinizing the Digital Publisher/Creator of the application should be reason enough to remove DownloadAdmin (and any other associated program) from your computer. Why? Blueis is infamous for producing/distributing “adware type software”, according to herdProtect Anti-Malware. Is that not a plausible reason for you to remove applications associated with that publisher? Additionally, DownloadAdmin not only updates your outdated applications, but it installs additional programs - usually utility tools and search toolbars. This is a sly way to promote third-party software and to get ads loaded onto your computer system. Technical details about DownloadAdmin include:
Digital Publisher: Blueis Product Version: 4.0.0.1 Original File Name: DownloadAdmin Entry Point:  0x0000234A

Assessment of DownloadAdmin

For this assessment, the DownloadAdmin file was obtained and installed on a test computer. After the DownloadAdmin/Updateadmin application was installed, it made several modifications to the computer system. These modifications may class the newly installed file as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Outlined below is what took place after the file was installed.
  • Updated an outdated application installed on the computer

Subsequent to the update made by Updateadmin, I thought the PUP had run its course. However, it was not quite finished. It was after scanning the contents/programs of my Local Drive, I stumbled on an additional program, one that I did not download or install, at least not intentionally. As predicted, the DownloadAdmin application scanned through the computer system (in the blink of an eye), during installation and made adjustments to an application already installed. This program was the Mozilla Firefox. Since Mozilla Firefox was rarely used on the PC in question, the DownloadAdmin application thought it quite appropriate to revive the Mozilla Firefox browser, by replacing it with the latest or more contemporary version.
  • Installed a search toolbar

While DownloadAdmin did request permission to install an updated version of my Browser, it provided no warning about installing a search toolbar. This is quite shady and deceptive. In addition to updating the Internet Browser, DownloadAmin also installed the SearchProtect toolbar (Conduit). This toolbar is no stranger to the market as I’ve encountered it on several occasions during my assessment of malware.

Should you remove DownloadAmin?

That decision is totally yours to make. However, here are some reasons why most people would consider that program unwanted
  • It updates your outdated programs

In most cases, at least those I’ve seen, if a user has a program installed, they don’t necessarily want a new version of that program. In fact, this PUP could spell trouble since some programs, especially paid, require a license to use the software. When that program is updated/ upgraded, you might have to acquire a new license to get it to work.
  • Unnecessary program

If you’re totally lackadaisical and loathe the idea of doing work yourself, this program might come in handy. Many users will update their computers manually by using Microsoft’s preinstalled/pre-programmed updater in their computer’s Control Panel. This option searches for and installs all the necessary programs to keep your computer safe and secure. The DownloadAdmin program only occupies needed space and resources on your computer. However, what’s good about this program is that it doesn’t operate at the start time so it doesn’t necessarily cause unnecessary lags on your computer.
  • Modifies your search experience

By installing a search toolbar called SearchProtect, Updateadmin modifies or changes the browsing experience you’re accustomed to. SearchProtect hijacks your browser and changes your homepage to their choice while removing yours. This is often hard to reverse since the publisher created this software to remain once installed. To completely remove DownloadAdmin from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter
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Five Ways of Fixing Error Code 37

What is Error Code 37?

Error Code 37 is a Device Manager Error Code that you may come across when you are unable to use an installed hardware device on your PC. It will pop up on your screen with the following display:

“Windows cannot initialize the device driver for this hardware. (Code 37)”

If you receive the above message, it means that your operating system was unable to acknowledge the drivers for a particular peripheral device.

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error Code 37 mainly occurs due to device driver corruption. However, there are other factors that can trigger this error code, some of which are the following:

  • Missing device drivers
  • Out-of-date device drivers
  • Presence of malware or spyware in the system
  • The particular device is not compatible with your PC

Device driver corruption or other data corruption is not uncommon and part of everyday PC use.

From an installation gone wrong to an unexpected shutdown, commonly generated data errors are considered the main culprit behind error codes.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Just like most PC error codes, Error Code 37 isn’t that difficult to get rid of. There are many DIY methods you can try to have your PC running smoothly in no time. Here are a few methods to resolve this issue:

Method 1: Restart your PC

It is possible that the display of the error code is merely due to a temporary issue with your peripheral device and not anything serious.

Therefore, the quickest and easiest method to solve the error code 37 is to simply restart your PC.

Method 2: Scan for Viruses

If restarting does not do the trick, a quick scan for viruses and removing them is another simple method you can follow to fix your PC.

Since the error code is due to corruption of data, viruses such as malware or spyware create error in your PC’s registry and eliminating them can help restore some of the corrupt data, which also speeds up your PC.

Method 3: Undo recent changes

A possible explanation for the error code may be the recent changes in your Device Manager or due to the peripheral device installation. You can thus undo the changes by either:

  • Remove or change settings of the installed peripheral device
  • Roll back the version of the driver to the one before the update.
  • Use System Restore to reverse the changes made in the Device Manager

Method 4: Manually uninstall and reinstall the drivers

If the above stated methods do not help in speeding up your PC and is still giving you an error code, you may want to manually uninstall and reinstall the corrupt or missing drivers. Here are the following steps:

  • Double-check if the installed external device is properly connected and working smoothly
  • Open Device Manager and double click on the device that is causing problems
  • When it opens, click on the ‘Driver’ tab and click ‘Update Driver’

Method 5: Use DriverFIX

However, updating the missing or corrupt drivers can be time consuming and may also require having a hardware documentation ready that contains specific details about the driver that you should download.

To avoid this time-consuming process, you can use DriverFIX software.

DriverFIX will help you to download the required driver without you having to waste your precious time and effort looking it up in a user manual. This latest software technology is embedded with its own database that tracks the missing or corrupt driver according to your PC’s motherboard version and specific details.

It is user-friendly, which means that it will relieve you from the frustration of such PC error codes appearing from time to time and enable your PC to work efficiently in no time.

Click here to download DriverFIX to resolve Device Manager error code 37 today!

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