Logo

How to Fix Error Code 0x80073afc

Error Code 0x80073afc - What is it?

Error code 0x80073afc deals with an antivirus program first built into Windows 8/8.1 This error occurs when Windows Defender, the built-in anti-virus software in Windows 8/8.1 and higher, does not start automatically and users attempt to manually start the program. During the initialization period of the program start-up, something goes wrong and users get a 0x80073afc Error message. The error message states there was a problem with the initialization of the program. Windows Defender provides protection of your computer and it is advised by the Microsoft Corporation that you ensure it starts up automatically on every start-up.

Solution

Restoro box imageFurther Information and Manual Repair

Users have found several manual repairs that have fixed the problem without needing to contact technicians for extra help. While the methods below should solve your problem easily, if this is the first time you have encountered the issue you may want to do a simple restart. This has fixed the problem for some users and is the easiest first troubleshooting move. If it doesn’t work move on to the methods listed below, which are easily completed without extra help.

Before trying any of these methods, please make sure that you are logged into a profile that is listed as the administrator of the computer of his administrative powers enabled. If this is not the case you will not be able to complete the following methods. Please log out and log back in on the administrator profile.

Method 1:

First, check to see if you have a third-party anti-virus program installed on your computer. Some users believe that the built-in Windows Defender program is not powerful enough to handle the safety of their computer so they usually download a third-party program. However, that program may have caused a conflict with Windows Defender and may not allow it to open. If you do have a third-party program installed, try uninstalling it then manually starting Windows Defender.

Method 2:

If method one does not work, you may be infected by malware or a virus that has tampered with the settings on your computer and will not allow Windows Defender to start automatically or manually.

First, open Run by holding the “Win” key and pressing the “R” key. Then type “Regedit”. The program will ask for permission to follow through with this action. Click on “Yes” and the Open Registry Editor will open.

Find the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionImage File Execution Option and check to see if there are any files similar to MSASCui.exe or MpCmdRun.exe. If there are any file entries that resemble that, you will want to right-click on them before selecting the “Delete” option. If you do not see any entries that match, this is not the issue with your Windows Defender and you will want to try another method.

The Registry on your computer is very important. It helps tell your computer what programs are safe to run, what programs should be run, and what programs should not be run. If it is tampered with by a virus or Malware, multiple system operations can be affected.

However, if you did find similar file names, and you deleted them, try to start Windows Defender manually. If it does not work again, move on to the next method. 

Method 3:

If the first two methods do not work for your issue, and you are still receiving error code 0x80073afc when attempting to start Windows Defender, this step should solve the problem if you have Restore Point installed on your computer, which you most likely do.

For this method, we will be restoring your computer to a previous Restore Point. First, just like in method two, hold the “Win” key and press the “R” key. This will open run. Next type “Rstrui.exe” and click “ok”. After some time, you will see System Restore Windows. Click “Next” and select the restore point that you would like to go back to. After your computer has restored to the point you selected, check to ensure that Windows Defender has started correctly.

If the above methods aren't able to rectify the issue, you might have to download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

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

Share this article:

You might also like

How to Fix INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR in Windows
This post will guide you through fixing the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen Error on your Windows 10 computer. If you encounter this kind of Blue Screen of Death error, this means that the policy manager experienced a fatal error which in turn means that it can happen because of Drivers or Software or even due to external hardware. And so to resolve the issue, here are some suggestions that might be of help.

Option 1 – Update the Device drivers

As mentioned, the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR BSOD error might have something to do with the drivers. It could be that the drivers are outdated so you need to update them in order to resolve the issue.
  • 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. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any drivers with a label saying, “Unknown device”, you need to update them as well.
  • Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
  • Restart your PC.

Option 2 – Check the Device performance and health

You can also try checking the device's performance and health in the Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Open the Windows Defender Security Center.
  • From there, check if there is a yellow exclamation icon in the Device performance and health section.
  • After that, click on the View report option and you might see Health Report that points towards Storage Capacity, Device Drivers, or Apps and Software which should give you an idea of what the root cause of the problem really is.

Option 3 – Try to run the Chkdsk utility

Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen error. If your hard drive has issues with integrity, the update will really fail as the system will think that it’s not healthy and that’s where the CHKDSK utility comes in. The CHKDSK utility repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, execute the following command and hit Enter:
chkdsk /f /r
  • Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your computer.

Option 4 – Try increasing the size of the Hibernation file

  • In the Cortana search box, type “command prompt” in the field, and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Next, type in the following command and hit Enter to execute it:
powercfg /hibernate /size 100
  • Note that the default size of the Hibernation file is 75% and after executing the command, it should increase to 100%. Now exit Command Prompt and check if the problem’s now fixed or not.

Option 5 – Try to run the troubleshooters

Blue Screen Troubleshooter:

  • 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.

Performance Troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “msdt.exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the Performance troubleshooter.
  • Then click on Next to get started. Wait until the process is completed.

System Maintenance Troubleshooter:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “msdt.exe /id MaintenanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the System Maintenance Troubleshooter.
  • After that, click on Next to start troubleshooting the problem and wait until it’s done then check if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 6 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently

Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.
  • In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
  • After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
  • From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.
Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it.

Option 7 – Run Windows Defender offline

You also have the option to run Windows Defender offline and scan your computer to see if any malware has infected the computer and the one that’s causing the INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR Blue Screen Error.
Read More
USB Security key is not working on Windows
As you know, the USB security keys are a secure medium to validate a lot of components in a computer. They can be used to log in to Windows 10. Now with the advancement of APIs, you can authenticate across the website as well using the same key. However, there are times when it may not work and it could be caused by several factors. It could be due to corrupted or incompatible drivers or it could also be due to compromised integrity of the key, and many more. So if you happen to encounter an issue with the USB security key on your Windows 10 computer, then there are several potential fixes you can try. You can try toggling the Internet Options settings or reinstall the respective USB drivers. You could also try changing the PIN of the security key or disable the antivirus program on your computer or troubleshoot the web browser. Refer to the potential fixes provided below to fix the problem.

Option 1 – Try to toggle the settings of the Internet Options

  • In the Windows Search box, search for Internet Options to open it.
  • Next, go to the Security tab and drag the security slider to the lowest possible security for all the given zones.
  • After that, click on OK to save the changes made and close the Internet Options.
Note that this option is only a temporary measure as it can make your computer vulnerable. Make sure to press the Reset all zones to default level button.

Option 2 – Try to update or reinstall the respective drivers

If updating the drivers of the device did not fix the problem with the USB security key, you can try to update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers instead of using the Device Manager. Refer to the following steps:
  • 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 “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.
Note: If it is a regular USB drive, then it will be listed as a USB Mass Storage Device but if you have a USB 3.0 device, then look for a USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller.
  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.
Note: If updating the USB Controller drivers didn’t work, you can try to reinstall them instead.

Option 3 – Try to change the PIN of the security key

If the first two options didn’t work, you can try changing the PIN of the security key. There are instances when the PIN for the security key might have been corrupted. Thus, resetting it can help you resolve the problem.

Option 4 – Temporarily disable Firewall and third-party antivirus

Firewall and antivirus programs are known to block the proper functioning of the USB security key. 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 5 – Try to troubleshoot the web browser

Troubleshooting your web browser can also help you fix the USB security key problem. You can do that by checking if your web browser supports the security key and you can do that by checking on the official website of your browser. You can also try to update your web browser to its latest version but if it didn’t help, you can try to reinstall it or switch to another web browser.
Read More
Restore default Display Color settings in Windows 10
The color settings in a Windows computer certainly matter a lot especially when it comes to printing pictures. Users who are found or edit photos for a living change their computer’s color settings in order to ensure that the printout looks like the actual colors. However, those settings might not be appropriate for computer display and you can really tell right away that there something’s not right in the display. You might also notice some weird tint which isn’t easy to get rid of. You can’t actually tell the difference at first, not until you look at some other computers and then wonder what’s wrong with yours so, in this guide, you will know how to restore the display color settings back to their default state on your Windows 10 PC. Make sure to follow each one of the steps laid out below carefully to restore the default Display Color settings.

Step 1: Set the Color Management Settings to default.

  • In the Start search box, type in “color management”. Once you see it in the search results, open it.
  • Once you’ve pulled up the Color Management window, go to the Advanced tab. From there, make sure that every single option is set to default – from all the options in both the “Windows Color System” and “ICC rendering intent to WCS gamut mapping”.
Note: You also have the option to reset it for everyone by simply clicking on the “Change system defaults” button.
  • Finally, you can also try to calibrate your display.

Step 2: Set the Graphics Properties to default.

After making changes in the Color Management settings, you need to also set the Graphics Properties to default.
  • Start by right-clicking on any empty space on your desktop.
  • Then select the Graphics properties from the context menu. From the Graphics properties window, you will see that most sections have to restore defaults.

Step 3: Try using Nvidia Color Settings for Desktop

The next thing you can try is using the Nvidia Color Settings if you have Nvidia graphics installed on your Windows 10 PC. Just the Control Panel to reset the color settings.
  • From the system tray, launch the Nvidia control panel.
  • Next, go to Display > adjust desktop color settings.
  • From there, select the display and then select the Nvidia Settings.
  • After that, change the options accordingly in order to get the correct combination though you can always leave them to default.
Read More
Fix Error 0164, Memory size decreased
Computer upgrades are the most common and most efficient ones. RAM upgrade is one of the easiest ones you can do and the most common ones but even as simple an upgrade as this one can cause certain issues. If you are experiencing error 0164, memory size decreased after RAM upgrade we are offering you solutions on how to fix this particular error and get your computer back in working order.
  1. Change BIOS settings

    Enter your motherboard BIOS (usually by pressing the del key on startup) Load BIOS defaults Save changes and exit If the Error 0164: Memory size decreased issue persists even after loading setup defaults, then it must be configured manually inside the BIOS.
  2. Clear CMOS

    Follow the instructions precisely:
    • Turn off all peripheral devices connected to the computer.
    • Disconnect the power cord from the AC power source.
    • Remove the computer cover.
    • Find the battery on the board. The battery may be in a horizontal or vertical battery holder or connected to an onboard header with a wire.
    If the battery is in a holder, note the orientation of the + and – on the battery. With a medium flat-blade screwdriver, gently pry the battery-free from its connector. If the battery is connected to an onboard header with a wire, disconnect the wire from the onboard header.
    • Wait one hour, then reconnect the battery.
    • Put the computer cover back on.
    • Plug the computer and all devices back in.
    • Power on the computer.
Read More
Do-It-Yourself Guide to Fixing Runtime Error 5

Runtime Error 5 - What Is It?

Runtime Error 5 is one of those errors that Windows users encounter at least once in their life. Generally, when Runtime Error 5 occurs, the message that appears says ‘Invalid Procedure Call or Argument’. Runtime Error 5 occurs because the Quality Analyst function that resides within the Operating System behaves in an abnormal manner and the user receives a warning.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

As explained above, Runtime Error 5 is caused because of the unexplained behavior of the Quality Analyst function. The problem occurs when the function is lost and is not mapped to any drive. As a result, Windows is unable to find and load it and displays the error message. Runtime Error 5 is also caused by other reasons listed below as follows.
  • When files of programs like Visual Basic use bad entries in the registry.
  • When a user attempts to load Internet Explorer and a global cash of browser occurs, this also causes Runtime Error 5.
Since these types of errors can easily be fixed, it is strongly advised that a user takes the necessary actions to keep them from occurring in the future.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Some instructions for users to fix Runtime Error 5 as soon as it appears are listed below as follows.
  1. Users are recommended to restart their computers. However, prior to doing so, it is advised that any programs that are opened are closed and work is saved to prevent data loss. Once the computer restarts, users should load the program that triggered Runtime Error 5 once again to determine whether or not the error recurs.
  2. If the problem persists, the best approach is to uninstall the program causing the error. This can be accomplished by going to the ‘Control Panel’ and selecting the ‘Add/Remove programs’ option if one is using Windows XP or Windows 95. However, if a user is running Windows 7, the same task can be accomplished in the ‘Program and Features’ option. If there’s an option that allows you to clear personal settings and preferences, the box should be checked.
  3. Now reinstall the program using the latest version of the installer to stop encountering this error. Use any patch for the program if available. Run installer while following the instructions on the screen. Check the default settings as well.  It is suggested to instantly install any patches if available.
  4. Another piece of advice is to simultaneously press ‘Ctrl, Shift, and Esc’. Windows task manager will appear. Go to the “processes” tab and select a process that doesn’t look familiar to you. Note the filename and click on the ‘End Process’ button. Load the program again and find out if the error occurs. Once the program causing the error is identified, the user can perform the steps listed above to resolve the problem.
Read More
How to use Windows maps offline
If you like to travel but you do not have a navigation device and a place where you are traveling does not have internet coverage do not worry, Windows offline maps are here to help. Traveling in today's world often requires that we have some sort of navigation system, wherever that be a dedicated navigation device, maps on your mobile phone, or something similar. Maps on mobile-phone are nice but they drain the battery of the phone fast and being on a road might require that we have access to our phone, just in case of an emergency call, and dedicated navigation devices often cost a lot of money. Lucky for us Windows comes with a maps feature where you can check local maps and orientate with their help and even if you are in an area where you do not have internet coverage you can still use maps via offline mas mode in Windows. This feature will require that you sacrifice little HDD space because you will need to download maps that you will need and some time preparing in order to find and download maps that you will need but in the end, it is worth it, you have a full map system completely offline and independent of the internet. So in order to prepare all maps that you will need, follow this guide step by step and enjoy your trip.
  1. Select Settings from the Start menu.
  2. Click System.
  3. Select Offline maps.
  4. Click the + button next to "Download maps".
  5. Select the continent where your desired country is located.
  6. Select the region you want to download. Depending on the area, you can download a whole country or you'll have to drill down to a smaller region (for example, with Canada and the USA).
  7. Repeat for any additional regions you want to have as offline maps. You can download more maps while other maps are currently downloading.
  8. Pack your bags
  9. GO!
Read More
Run File Explorer with admin privileges in W11
Typical use of file explorer will probably not need any kind of elevated privileges, but from time to time you might encounter some tasks that will require administrator rights in order to perform them. If this is the case you will need to run file explorer with these rights but inside Windows 11 that is somewhat hidden and not 1 click away. File Explorer W11How this is the case we have decided to put a little tutorial on how to accomplish this very task and run file explorer with administrator privileges.

Open File Explorer via EXE file

  1. Open File Explorer typically
  2. Navigate to This PC > Windows (C:) > Windows
  3. Locate file explorer application
  4. Right-click on it and select Run as Administrator
  5. Run File Explorer
A new instance of file explorer will pop with elevated administrator privileges.

Run it as an administrator using the Task Manager

  1. Open the Task Manager ( CTRL + SHIFT + ESC )
  2. Click on More details (at the bottom)
  3. After the task manager expands click on the File tab
  4. Click on Run New Task
  5. Type in explorer.exe and check the box next to it that says Create this task with administrative privileges
  6. Click on OK
File Explorer will now run as administrator.
Read More
How to Manually Fix 0x8004210A Error Code on Your System

Error 0x8004210A - What is it?

0x8004210A is a typical POP3 email error message. This error may sometimes occur when you try to check your Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3) email account. 0x8004210A error code hampers your ability to both send and receive e-mails on your Outlook account. Error 0x8004210A is displayed in any one of the following formats on your PC:
The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server 0x8004210a Task 'SMTP server name - Sending and Receiving reported error' (0x8004210A): 'The operation timed out waiting for a response from the receiving (POP) server. If you continue to receive this message, contact your server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).'

Error Causes

Error 0x8004210A occurs due to several reasons. However, some of the most common reasons include:
  • Wrong port number for the POP incoming server
  • Your connection to the mail server is too slow
  • Incoming and outgoing emails are being scanned and stopped by an antivirus installed on your system
  • The Outlook send and receive job is being blocked by Firewall
  • You are sending and receiving large series of emails or large email attachments
  • Registry issues
No matter what the cause of this error is, to resume email communication via Outlook and to ensure your work productivity is not affected, it is recommended that you resolve this 0x8004210A error code on your PC immediately.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix error 0x8004210A, here are some of the most efficient and easy manual methods that you can try:

Method 1

If the cause of the error is related to the internet connection then here’s what you need to do. Try freeing up your internet connection by closing any other online activities in progress or downloads being carried on your system.

Method 2

Try to increase your server time-out periods. To do this, go to the Outlook File menu and choose account settings. Now double click on your email account and more settings. Now click advanced and increase your server timeout period to resolve.

Method 3

If you are trying to send or receive large and heavy emails on your Outlook account, the error 0x8004210A may pop up. This happens because when transferring heavy files the email account automatically locks until the task is complete, however, if it takes more time the next Send and Receive job starts while the first one is still not complete. In such an event, the email server then times out and shows you the error. Therefore to resolve, you will have to show patience. Simply wait for the large email to be sent or received before you start sending another email.

Method 4

If the antivirus installed on your system is the reason for the error pop up, then disable it for a while until the operation is complete. Then enable it once the task is performed successfully.

Method 5

Similarly, if the Firewall installed on your system is preventing Outlook from reaching your mail server, then simply disable the Firewall to resolve.
Read More
Disable Windows insider in Windows 10
In their search for making Windows, a better operating system Microsoft has come up with an insider program that will collect telemetry and send it to Microsoft in order to provide enough information to make a better OS. Being in an insider program is per choice basis and it is not forced to anyone. This guide will cover how to turn off the insider program since its constant updates and telemetry can slow down the internet. So if you decided that you no longer want to be part of this program here is how to turn it off.
  • Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog keyboard with windows and r marked
  • Type in dialog gpedit.msc and press ENTER
  • You will find yourself in the Local Group Policy Editor Window. Inside windows find: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Component > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business
  • Move to the right pane and double-click on the Manage Preview Builds option
  • Inside the Manage Preview Builds window, check the Enabled radio button
  • Go to the Options section, and using the drop-down menu, set the preferred release channel
  • Select Apply and then OK
Read More
Renaming items in the Win+X menu
As you know, the Win + X menu, which is the shortcut context menu, is a useful way to launch several utilizes in Windows such as Power Options, Windows PowerShell, Event Viewer, Device Manager, and so on. However, there are times when you might experience difficulty in identifying the required utility. This is actually a part of the Windows 10 shell that goes out of scope in the customization of Windows 10. However, there is an easy trick you can use to do that. So in this post, you will be guided on how you can rename the options in the Win + X menu in Windows 10. In case you don’t know, the context menu is divided into three groups. Microsoft has categorized the bottom-most part as Group 1, while the middle part is categorized as Group 2 and the first part as Group 3. To rename these options, you need to use File Explorer and follow the instructions laid out below. Step 1: First, tap the Win + E keys to open File Explorer. Step 2: Next, navigate to this path: %LocalAppdata%MicrosoftWindowsWinX Step 3: From there, you should see three folders as Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3. Open the appropriate folder of your choice. Step 4: After that, right-click on the shortcut option you want to rename and then select Properties. Step 5: Next, navigate to the Shortcut tab under the Properties window. Step 6: Now in the text field of Comment, enter the new name of the option you selected. Step 7: Click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made. Note: You can now either Sign back in or sign out of your Windows 10 User Account to see the result of the changes you’ve made. You could also restart the process of File Explorer via Task Manager. This will close the File Explorer as well as the shell components and then only launch the shell components again. In addition, you can check the Win + X menu to see the customized name that you’ve just set for a particular option. As you can see, even though it does not add anything extra, it is still a lot better in knowing how you can customize it.
Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status