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Fix ndis.sys failed BSOD error on Windows 10

NDIS or Network Driver Interface Specification is a programming interface for the network interface cards that aids in the proper functioning of a system driver in a computer network. The NDIS helps the computer system in order to communicate with other connected devices and hardware components on a computer network. In relation, the ndis.sys file is a critical system file developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system. As you know, sys files or system files are important parts of the Windows operating system as well as a repository of system driver settings used by Windows to communicate with the connected hardware and devices.

The ndis.sys files are stored mostly in a driver folder at C:/Windows/System32/drivers and as mentioned, these files are essential for the system to function properly. Although the presence of ndis.sys system file is not yet known to affect the normal functioning of the Windows OS, some of the Windows 10 users reported that they encountered ndis.sys blue screen errors on their PCs. Blue Screen of Death errors or Stop errors usually occurs when you open a program or a function. Moreover, it could also occur when the driver gets loaded during the system startup or during system shutdown.

It isn’t yet clear what really causes the ndis.sys blue screen error. However, like other Stop errors, it may occur due to corrupted files, misconfigured device drivers, bad drivers, corrupted Windows Registry, missing or damaged system files, and malicious programs. Aside from the aforementioned reasons, the ndis.sys blue screen error might also occur if your hard disk is damaged and if the RAM is corrupted. In such cases, a lot of users usually disable the ndis.sys file. However, it won’t really resolve the issue since the file is required for the normal functioning of the operating system and even when you disable the file, it’s pretty useless as the file will start all over again. In addition, you might want to disable security programs or firewalls and antivirus programs in the meantime to check if these programs are the ones that are causing the error. And if you’ve determined that none of the security programs or firewalls and antivirus programs are to blame, refer to the options below that might help you resolve the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL or ndis.sys Blue Screen of Death error.

Option 1 – Try to update or reinstall the PC device driver

The Ndis.sys Blue screen error can occur when the device driver in your computer is outdated or corrupted. Thus, you either have to update or reinstall it to fix 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 “Unknown device”, you need to update it 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 – Rollback your Network drivers

If you have updated the driver software as of late and you suddenly got this BSOD error, you might have to roll back the device driver – in other words, switch back to the previous working version. To do that, follow these steps:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “devmgmt.msc” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
  • Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand it.
  • Next, select the driver entries that are labeled appropriately other than anything in the context of the WAN Miniport.
  • Then select each one of them and double-click to open a new mini window.
  • After that, make sure that you’re on the Driver tab and if you are not, just navigate to it then click the Roll Back Driver button to switch back to the previous version of your Network adapters.
  • Now restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 3 – Try running the System File Checker

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing the ndis.sys Blue Screen of Death error. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 4 – Try running the CHKDSK utility

Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the Netwtw04.sys failed BSOD 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 5 – Run the DISM Tool

The DISM tool is another command-line tool in the Windows operating system that could help users fix various corrupted system files. To use it, follow these steps:

  • Open the Command Prompt as admin.
  • Then type in this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • The DISM command you entered will repair the corrupted system image. Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.
  • Restart your PC.

Option 6 – Perform a System Restore

Performing a System Restore on your computer can also help you fix the ndis.sys Blue Screen of Death error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

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FreeMaps Removal Tutorial

FreeMaps is a google chrome extension by Mindspark powered by Ask or MyWay. This extension offers users a quick and easy way to find the routes or locations that they desire. While all of this may seem appealing, this extension was classified as a Browser Hijacker by many anti-virus applications and was marked for removal.

When installed FreeMaps will change your home page, new tab and default search engine to MyWay.com, it will monitor your browsing activity and send it back to Mindspark ad servers. This data is later used/sold to better display targeted ads depending on your search queries.

While browsing the internet with this extension active you will see additional pop-up ads, sponsored links, and injected ads displaying throughout your browsing sessions, and even injected into websites that should be ad-free. Due to poor code optimization, these ads can sometimes cover a part of the page, making it unreadable or inaccessible.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a form of unwanted software, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijackers are capable of doing more than simply changing home pages. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to earn ad revenue. It could seem naive, but most of such websites aren’t legitimate and could present a major threat to your online safety. As soon as the malware attacks your laptop or computer, it begins to mess things up a whole that slows your computer down to a crawl. In the worse case, you will be forced to tackle serious malware threats too.

How you can know whether the browser is hijacked?

Signs that your web browser is hi-jacked include: your browser’s homepage is suddenly different; bookmark and the new tab are likewise modified; default web engine is modified; find new toolbars which you didn’t add; unstoppable flurries of popup adverts show up on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; you cannot visit specific websites such as home pages of anti-malware software.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer

A browser hijacker could be installed on your PC if you check out an infected website, click an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They can also be deployed via the installation of a web browser toolbar, extension, or add-on. Some browser hijackers spread in user’s computer systems by using a deceptive software distribution method known as “bundling” (usually through freeware and shareware). Typical examples of browser hijackers include Conduit, CoolWebSearch, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search. Browser hijackers can record user keystrokes to gather potentially invaluable information that leads to privacy issues, cause instability on systems, drastically disrupt user’s browsing experience, and eventually slow down the system to a point where it becomes unusable.

Tips on how to remove browser hijackers

Some types of browser hijackers can be removed from your PC by deleting malicious software applications or any other recently installed shareware. Having said that, many hijackers are very tenacious and require specialized tools to eliminate them. You should think of carrying out manual repairs only if you are a tech-savvy person since there are dangers associated with messing around with the computer registry and HOSTS file. Professionals always suggest users to remove any malicious software including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer and faster than the manual removal procedure. One of the best tools for repairing browser hijacker malware is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It will help you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your pc and provides you real-time monitoring and protection against the latest threats.

How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer

All malware is inherently harmful, but certain kinds of malware do a lot more damage to your computer or laptop than others. Certain malware goes to great lengths to prevent you from downloading or installing anything on your PC, especially antivirus applications. So what should you do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to get rid of the malware in alternate ways.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

In the event the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Only the bare minimum required programs and services are loaded when you start your PC in Safe Mode. Here are the steps you should follow to start your computer into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (visit Microsoft website for directions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) Hit the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts comes up. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you will have an internet connection. Now, obtain the malware removal software you want by utilizing the internet browser. To install the program, follow the directions within the setup wizard. 4) After installation, run a full scan and let the program get rid of the threats it discovers.

Obtain the anti-malware software in a different internet browser

Some malware mainly targets specific browsers. If this sounds like your case, employ another web browser as it could circumvent the virus. If you appear to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate internet browser with built-in safety features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install antivirus on a flash drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using portable USB anti-malware software that can scan your system for viruses without the need for installation. Abide by these steps to run the anti-virus on the affected computer system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Microsoft Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free PC. 2) Insert the USB drive into the clean PC. 3) Double click on the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select the flash drive as the location for saving the software file. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the thumb drive from the uninfected computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the program. 7) Press the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Protect your PC from Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

In order to protect your computer from many different internet-based threats, it is important to install an anti-malware application on your laptop. However, with so many anti-malware companies out there, these days it’s tough to decide which one you should purchase for your PC. Some of them are great while some are scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to be very careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you purchase a premium application. When it comes to commercial anti-malware software options, the majority of people go with popular brands, like SafeBytes, and they are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and user-friendly protection tool that is designed for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. This program could easily detect, remove, and protect your PC from the latest malware intrusions including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, parasites, worms, PUPs, along with other potentially harmful software applications.

SafeBytes has fantastic features when compared with other anti-malware programs. The following are some of the great features included in the software.

Live Protection: SafeBytes gives real-time active supervision and protection from all known viruses and malware. It’ll continuously monitor your pc for hacker activity and also provides end-users with advanced firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Safebytes is built on the best virus engine in the industry. These engines will detect and remove threats even during the initial stages of a malware outbreak. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a web page for possible threats and tells you whether the website is safe to explore or not, through its unique safety rating system. “Fast Scan” Features: Safebytes AntiMalware, using its advanced scanning engine, gives ultra fast scanning which can quickly target any active online threat. Lowest CPU/Memory Usage: This software is lightweight and can work quietly in the background, and will not impact your computer efficiency. Premium Support: You can get 24/7 technical assistance to immediately resolve any issue with your security application. To conclude, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is really great for securing your laptop or computer against all kinds of malware threats. Now you may realize that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats in your PC. If you’re searching for the best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind spending some dollars for it, go for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually get rid of FreeMaps without the use of an automated tool, it may be actually possible to do so by removing the program from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. It’s also suggested to factory reset your browser settings to their default state. If you opt to manually remove the system files and registry entries, use the following list to ensure that you know precisely what files to remove before executing any actions. Please remember that this is for professional users only and may be challenging, with incorrect file removal resulting in additional PC errors. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is advised.
Files: %LOCALAPPDATA%\FreeMapsTooltab\TooltabExtension.dll %TEMP%\nsf516A.tmp\nsDialogs.dll %TEMP%\nsf516A.tmp\System.dll %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\[email protected][1].txt %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Recovery\High\Active\RecoveryStore.E9B13F93-5957-11E6-93FC-0A00273BA4BE.dat %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\T1CS2ORS\installerParams[1].jhtml %TEMP%\nsf516A.tmp\installerParams
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How to Add Safe Mode to Windows 10 Boot Menu Options
In any Windows operating system, Safe Mode is definitely a special environment used for troubleshooting issues as well as system diagnostics. Safe Mode allows you to remove any malware in your computer and troubleshoot issues that can’t be fixed when you’re in desktop mode. This is why Microsoft made sure that the Safe Mode option is not available directly and can only be accessed by pressing function keys such as F2, F8 (depends on what PC you are using) or via MSConfig. To make it easier for you to access Safe Mode, this post will guide you on how you can add Safe Mode to the Boot Menu options in Windows 10. As you know, Windows 10 now has Advanced Startup options that allow you to boot directly into Safe Mode without having to restart your PC and then tapping the special key a couple of times. However, if you really have to always use Safe Mode, it’s best to add it in the Boot Menu options. To do that, simply follow the steps below.
  • Select Command Prompt (Admin) option from the WinX menu to open Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type the bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Safe Mode" command and hit Enter.
  • Once the command is executed, you will see a message saying, “The entry was successfully copied to {74a93982-9486-11e8-99df-00270e0f0e59}”. This message indicates that Safe Mode was successfully added in the Boot menu option which means that you can now directly access it and boot your Windows 10 PC in that mode.
To check if Safe Mode was really added in the Boot menu options, you have to open Msconfig. From there, you will also have to use it to configure the boot settings for the Safe Mode entry. To do so, follow the given steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “MSConfig” in the field and click OK.
  • Next, go to the Boot tab and find the Safe Mode option which should be located under the default Windows 10 mode.
  • Afterward, you need to select the Sage boot option and Minimal. You also have to select the Make all boot settings permanent option.
  • Make sure to increase the timeout to at least 10 seconds which will ensure that the menu does not disappear right away.
Note: In similar steps as above, you can add the Safe Mode with Networking and Safe Mode with Command Prompt entries as well. Just simply select “Network” for Safe Mode with Networking and “Alternate Shell” for Safe Mode with Command Prompt. Once you’re done adding any of them, click on Apply and restart your PC. In addition, if you wish to remove the entry, you just have to open MSConfig again and select the entry you want to remove, and then click Delete.
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Fix PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR in Windows
If you suddenly encounter a PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR Blue Screen error, then this post can help you out. The PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR BSOD usually occurs when any new hardware that is mostly the Plug and Play type is attached. In such cases, when the device is plugged, and the driver for that device crashes or isn’t found or is not compatible, you will most likely encounter this particular BSOD error. There are several error codes that come under this category, some of them are 0x000000CA (0x01681690, 0xEA96A7BE, 0x938A81AD, 0xF8362881. This BSOD error can also occur at any time. However, the only constant thing here is when you plug a PNP device like earphones, microphones, USB drives, and many more. The PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR bug check has a value of 0x000000CA which indicates that the Plug and Play Manager encountered some severe error which is most likely have something to do with a problematic Plug and Play driver. To fix this error, here are some possible solutions that could help.

Option 1 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

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

Option 2 – Try disabling or removing newly installed hardware

In this option, you will have to disable or remove the hardware you’ve just installed recently since external devices could be the one that’s causing the Blue Screen of Death error to appear. To do that, just disconnect any external device that’s connected to your computer physically and then check if it fixes the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR Blue Screen error.

Option 3 – Try disabling BIOS Memory options namely Caching Shadowing

Disabling the BIOS Memory options such as Caching and Shadowing can help you in fixing the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR Blue Screen error. All you have to do is enter the BIOS first and then use the Arrow and Enter keys to select your choices. And if you can’t seem to find it, look for specific instructions from your OEM or you could also look out for instructions from the manufacturer of your motherboard.

Option 4 – Try to run the CHKDSK utility

Running the CHKDSK utility might also help you resolve the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_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 5 – Try to uninstall programs you’ve 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.

Option 6 – Update the Device drivers

  • 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. Look for the device driver you and then select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall device”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
  • Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
  • If you have chosen to uninstall the driver, follow the screen options to complete the process and then restart your PC.
  • Connect the device and Scan for hardware changes – you can see this option under Device Manager > Action.

Option 7 – Perform a System Restore

Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the PNP_DETECTED_FATAL_ERROR Blue Screen error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
  • Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
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How to Fix Tcpip.sys Blue Screen Error in Windows 10
If you have received a BSOD error message that says, “Tcpip.sys”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix the problem. The “Tcpip.sys” means Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol. It is a library of a set of rules that are used to interconnect different devices all over the internet. The Tcpip.sys file is a driver and if a BSOD error message includes this one, it could only mean that the driver file is corrupted or incompatible with your system or there are some conflicting programs installed in your computer. To fix this error, you can try the following workarounds. Make sure to carefully follow each one of them.

Option 1 – Check for conflicting or incompatible programs by putting your PC in a Clean Boot state

As mentioned, the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error might be caused by some problematic programs that clash with your existing operating system. Several users reported that numerous programs that are supposedly designed to enhance computer performance are causing conflict in the system instead. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps are given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third-party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:
  • From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
  • After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
  • Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
  • Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
  • Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
  • Restart your PC when prompted.

Option 2 – Disabling Antivirus Software

There are cases when the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error is caused by the antivirus program installed in your computer that’s blocking some essential operations. Because of this, the operating system fails which throws up the BSOD error. As you know, the antivirus program is designed to protect the computer and monitor every action in the system. However, there are instances when the antivirus program gives false positives and shuts down some modules even if it’s harmless. So this could be the case for the “tcpip.sys” error. To verify if the problem is indeed caused by the antivirus program in your computer, you need to temporarily disable it. After you’ve disabled it, restart your PC and then check if the problem’s fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try to update all your Drivers

From time to time, drivers get corrupted or outdated so it’s no surprise that they conflict with the operating system and cause errors like the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error. To fix the problem, you need to update all your drivers especially the network driver since the “tcpip.sys” error is closely related to this driver. Follow the steps below to update your drivers.
  • 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 “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
  • Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
  • Restart your PC.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it. After that, you could also check if there’s a new update of the game you’re getting the issue of the black bar.
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Fix The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk
Both the DISKPART utility and the Disk Management are useful tools in Windows 10 that manage the disk space allocation, and so on. But these tools are not without errors as you could also encounter some when you run them. Recently, some users reported getting an error that says, “The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk when trying to use the DISKPART utility”. Here’s the exact message of the error:
“The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk. The ACTIVE command can only be used on fixed MBR disks.”
This kind of error only occurs when you try to activate a disk partition on a UEFI system partition. However, the command works only if your computer is based on BIOS/MBR. The UEFI method has no concept of the active partition and since you have a UEFI system, the disk type is GPT instead of MBR. To simply put it, your BIOS needs the MBR disk type while the UEFI needs the GPT disk type. To fix the “The selected disk is not a fixed MBR disk when trying to use the DISKPART utility” error, there are various potential fixes you can try. You might have to disable Secure Boot, convert the disk to MBR or fix the Boot Manager. For more instructions, follow the options provided below.

Option 1 – Disable the Secure Boot in the BIOS

Disabling the Secure Boot in the BIOS settings is definitely recommended to resolve the issue. To disable Secure Boot, here’s what you have to do:
  • First, boot your computer into Windows 10.
  • Next, go to Settings > Windows Update. From there, check if there is anything that you have to download and install if you see any available updates. Usually, OEMs send and update the list of trusted hardware, drivers, and operating systems for your computer.
  • After that, go to the BIOS of your computer.
  • Then go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced Startup options. If you click on Restart Now, it will restart your computer and give you all the advanced options.
  • Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options. As you can see, this screen offers you further options including System restore, Startup repair, Go back to the previous version, Command Prompt, System Image Recovery, and UEFI Firmware Settings.
  • Select the UEFI Firmware Settings which will take you to the BIOS.
  • From there, go to the Security > Boot > Authentication tab where you should see Secure Boot. Note that every OEM has its own way of implementing the options so it varies.
  • Next, set Secure Boot to Disabled and set Legacy Support to On or Enabled.
  • Save the changes made and exit. Afterward, your computer will reboot.

Option 2 – Try converting the disk to MBR

You can try to change the File System of the drive from GPT to MBR but before you do so, make sure that you create a backup copy of your data to an external drive. Once you have that covered, follow the steps below.
  • Create a bootable Windows 10 media and boot your computer from it.
  • Next, click on the “Repair your computer” option on the first Windows 10 installation setup window.
  • Afterward, select the operating system partition from the given options and click on Next.
  • Now select Command Prompt within the System Recovery options box and execute this command to initiate the Diskpart utility: diskpart
  • Then type either one of these commands to view the list of all the Disk connects or the partitions on those disks formed: list disk or list volume
  • After that, execute another one of these commands depending on the command you previously entered to select the disk or partition you want to select: select disk # or select volume #
  • Now execute this command to clean your drive: clean
  • Finally, execute this last command to convert the selected disk or partition as MBR: Convert MBR
  • Restart your computer and check if the error is fixed.

Option 3 – Try to fix the Boot Manager

  • You can start by booting into the installation environment for Windows 10 from an installation media.
  • After that, click on Repair your computer and on the blue screen, select Troubleshoot and then select the Advanced options menu.
  • From there, select Command Prompt and once you open it, enter each one of the commands given below by sequence.
    • bootrec /FixMbr
    • bootrec /FixBoot
    • bootrec /RebuildBcd
  • Once you’re done executing the commands given above, type “exit” to close the Command Prompt window and then restart your computer and see if it fixed error code 0xc000014c.
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RealOnlineRadio removal Guide

RealOnlineRadio is a Browser Extension for Google Chrome. This extension offers users the ability to listen to radio stations across the web. From the Author: Real Online Radio is different, as it is a simple radio aggregator. This means Real Online Radio puts together thousands of independent radio stations from all parts of the world in a browser extension that is free and easy to use. It is made for people, who want to have control over their radio streaming. With our simple radio widget, you can get an overview of thousands of radio stations both from your hometown and from the rest of the world. With Real Online Radio, you can listen to your favorite radio station or get an impression of all styles and sorts of music – without being guided in a specific direction by anybody – or anything (such as those radio bots). Real Online Radio returns the control to you, to discover exactly the kind of music that you love.

While this may look useful, this extension changed your default search engine and hijacks your home page. While this extension is active, all your searches are redirected through fileupsticks.com, where a database of your search queries is kept to better server ads that are later delivered through the Yahoo search engine.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (also known as hijackware) are a type of malware that changes internet browser configurations without the user’s knowledge or approval. These kinds of hijacks happen to be rising at an astonishing rate across the world, and they can be truly nefarious and sometimes harmful too. Nearly all browser hijackers are created for marketing or advertising purposes. These are generally used to force visitors to a specific website, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Even though it might appear naive, these tools are designed by vicious individuals who always attempt to take full advantage of you, so that they could make money from your naive and distraction. Browser hijackers can also allow other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your PC.

Signs of browser hijacker malware

Below are some signs and symptoms that indicate your internet browser has been hijacked: your browser’s home page has been reset to some mysterious site; you find redirected to websites you never intended to visit; the default web browser settings are changed and/or your default search engine is altered; you find multiple toolbars on the browser; you’ll find random pop-ups start showing regularly; your internet browser starts running sluggishly or displays frequent glitches; you can’t visit certain sites such as homepages of antivirus software.

How it infects the computer

Browser hijackers can get into a computer by some means or other, including via file sharing, downloads, and e-mail as well. They may also be deployed via the installation of an internet browser toolbar, add-on, or extension. A browser hijacker could also be installed as a part of freeware, shareware, demoware, and fake programs. An example of some infamous browser hijackers includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, SweetPage, DefaultTab, Delta Search, and RocketTab, however, the names are continually changing. The presence of any browser hijacker malware on your system can substantially diminish the web browsing experience, record your online activities that lead to serious privacy concerns, develop system stability issues and finally cause your PC to slow down or to a nearly unusable condition.

Browser Hijacker Malware – Removal

The one thing you could try to eliminate a browser hijacker is to locate the malicious software in the “Add or Remove Programs” list in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. It might or might not be there. If it is, try and uninstall it. However, the majority of hijacking codes are certainly not very easy to get rid of manually, as they go deeper into the operating system. Also, browser hijackers can modify the Computer registry so it could be very tough to restore all the values manually, particularly if you are not a tech-savvy person. You can go for automatic browser hijacker removal by just installing and running a reliable anti-malware application. SafeBytes Anti-Malware will counter persistent browser hijackers and provide you real-time PC protection against all types of malware.

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

Practically all malware is detrimental and the level of the damage will differ greatly in accordance with the type of infection. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from installing anything on your computer, especially anti-virus software programs. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer system. There are some actions you can take to get around this problem.

Install anti-malware in Safe Mode with Networking

If the virus is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, stepping into safe mode could very well block the attempt. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded when you start your personal computer into Safe Mode. You need to do the following to get rid of malware in Safe mode. 1) After switching on the computer, hit the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This will conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, obtain the malware removal software you need by utilizing the web browser. To install the application, follow the directions in the installation wizard. 4) Immediately after installation, run a complete scan and allow the software to delete the threats it detects.

Download the security program using an alternate web browser

Certain viruses may target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that block the downloading process. If you’re not able to download the security application using Internet Explorer, this means the virus is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you should switch to an alternate web browser like Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes Anti-malware software.

Install and run anti-malware from the Thumb drive

To successfully get rid of the malware, you have to approach the issue of installing an anti-virus software program on the infected computer system from a different perspective. Adopt these measures to run the antivirus on the affected computer system. 1) Download the anti-malware software on a virus-free computer. 2) Put the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, select the location of the USB drive as the place where you would like to put the software files. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the clean PC to the infected computer. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the USB drive to run the software. 7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Overview of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

These days, anti-malware software can protect your laptop or computer from various kinds of internet threats. But exactly how to choose the right one amongst countless malware protection application that’s available out there? As you may be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some are really worth your money, but most aren’t. When searching for an anti-malware program, choose one that gives dependable, efficient, and total protection against all known computer viruses and malware. One of the recommended software programs is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a good track record of excellent service, and customers seem to be happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only protects your computer completely but is also extremely user-friendly for people of all ability levels. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will instantly detect and remove the majority of the security threats, which include browser hijackers, viruses, adware, PUPs, trojans, worms, and ransomware. There are many great features you’ll get with this security product. Listed here are some of the great ones: Real-time Active Protection: Malware programs trying to enter the system are discovered and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes real-time protection shields. This tool will always keep track of your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat situation. Best AntiMalware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is made to find and remove threats that are concealed deep in your computer’s operating system. Safe Web Browsing: Safebytes assigns all websites a unique safety rating that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you are about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Low CPU/Memory Usage: This software is lightweight and will work quietly in the background, and will not have an effect on your computer efficiency. Fantastic Tech Support: You will get 24/7 technical assistance to quickly resolve any concern with your security application. SafeBytes has put together a wonderful anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. Malware issues will become a thing of the past when you put this tool to use. If you want sophisticated forms of protection features and threat detections, purchasing SafeBytes Anti-Malware could be worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you would like to carry out the removal of RealOnlineRadio manually instead of utilizing an automated software tool, you may follow these steps: Navigate to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending program to remove. In cases of suspicious versions of browser plugins, you can actually get rid of it via your browser’s extension manager. You will probably also want to reset your internet browser. Finally, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your registry manually to remove leftover application entries following uninstalls. However, this is often a tricky task and only computer professionals could perform it safely. In addition, some malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. Doing this in Safe Mode is recommended.
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Gigabit internet showing as 100MB in Windows
In today's world setting up a LAN network or internet connection is no longer a daunting task that will require having a bachelor's degree in computer science nor a specialized technician. But even in the present-day environment issues and problems can occur. One of these problems is detecting or running a network at a slower 100MB speed instead of 1GB. Troubleshooting of this nature is somewhat more complex than your typical troubleshooting issue because several things including hardware could be involved in this particular problem but do not worry, we are here to back you up and guide you Setting up a home or small office network no longer requires a specialist technician to constantly monitor and optimize the LAN routers and connected PCs. As Windows networking has improved and new features have become available on the hardware, configuring a 1GB network should be as simple as connecting the LAN to a router that came with this capability. If however the network’s rated speed only gives 100MB, troubleshooting the issue is more complex. To find the problem, you’ll need to check the hardware devices, cable connections, and the software you are using to connect and manage the network.

Hardware checks

If you are using the switch in your LAN configuration check its hardware details as well to see if it can handle 1GB speeds.
The next step is network cables, some cables are not designed and their copper can not transfer 1GB of flow, check to see if your cable is classified for the desired speed. To visually check cables do the following
  1. Check both connection jacks to see if it has any loose or frayed wires. If any of the wires are loose, it can be the cause of the performance issue. You should replace the cable if you discover damage to the connectors.
  2. Inspect the entire length of the cable and check if the harness shows any clear signs of damage. A bent or damaged cable can reduce the amount of information it’s capable of transferring between the PC and LAN router. If you find any damage to the cable, replace it to restore your network speed.
  3. Is the cable capable of transferring 1GB speeds? Different network cables support different network speeds. A Cat-5 cable will only provide 100MB transfers, while a Cat-5e or Cat-6 can support up to 10GB transfers. Check the cable’s labels to make sure you are using a Cat-5e or higher-rated data cable.

Now when the hardware issue is out of the way we can focus a little more on the software part.

Let's try the first easy solution, run Windows built-in troubleshooter

  1. Click the Windows button and type Control Panel. Then select the top result.
  2. If your Control Panel shows the Category View, change it to display Small Icons instead.
  3. From the list of available applications, select Network and Sharing Center.
  4. In your Network and Sharing Center, you can see the active network, set up a new network connection, troubleshoot problems, or change your adapter settings. Before making changes to your device properties, you can let Windows run a troubleshooter on your adapters to see if it can automatically fix your connection issues.
  5. Click on Troubleshoot Problems from the Change Your Network Settings section.
  6. In the Troubleshooter Application, scroll down and find the Network Adapter option.
  7. Click on Run Troubleshooter to let Windows check your network adapter’s configuration for any issues.
  8. Select the Ethernet Adapter you’re currently using from the list and click Next to proceed.
  9. Wait for the process to complete and check the results. If Windows detects any issues, it will recommend a fix. However, if the configuration of your network adapters does not have any problems, you’ll see a message that Windows couldn’t detect any problems.
  10. If there are any issues with the cable, the troubleshooter will detect the connection issue and request you replace the cable and connect it to your PC.
  11. It can occur that even after inspecting the cable and you didn’t find any visible damage on the housing or connectors, it could still be faulty. Replace the cable with a new one and rerun the troubleshooter to see if the cable is working as required.

If the troubleshooter finished and you received a Windows Couldn’t Detect Any Issues result, you’ll need to verify your adapter’s speed settings.

  1. In your Network and Sharing Center, select the Change Adapter Settings option from the left menu.
  2. On the list of adapters, choose the one you’re using and click the Right Mouse Button to open the context menu.
  3. Select Properties from the Context Menu to access your adapter’s settings.
  4. On the Ethernet Properties window, you can enable or disable different features and install additional protocols. To change the device settings, click on Configure to continue.
  5. This will open the Device Controller Properties window where you can check the status, make changes to the settings, find out information about the driver, or check historical events on the device. Select the Advanced tab to access the device settings.
  6. On the Advanced tab, locate the Speed and Duplex setting.
  7. The Auto-Negotiation option may cause network performance issues on certain Ethernet adapters and routers. The setting allows your adapter to change the speed settings according to the LAN configuration you connect to your PC. If you connect to different LAN networks regularly with different speeds, it can occur that the setting doesn’t update from 100MB to 1GB while switching.
  8. Change the Value to match the network speed of the LAN you’re connecting to your PC and use the manual speed setting.
  9. Click OK to apply the setting and test your network performance. If your adapter doesn’t have the 1GB setting available but you know the rating should go up to that speed, it could indicate that you aren’t using the right driver for the device.

If you don’t have the setting available or the device still only provides 100MB speeds after changing the Speed setting to a manual value, you may have to update the driver for the device.

  1. On the Ethernet Properties Window, once again click on Configure to access the Device Properties Window. Then select the Driver Tab to access your driver details.
  2. Select Update Driver from the available options.
  3. On the Update Driver window, select the option to let Windows Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
  4. Windows will connect to the internet and search for the latest drivers online. If a newer driver exists, Windows will download and install the driver for you. If you’re using the latest driver, Windows will inform you that no updated drivers are available.
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How to Fix Propsys.dll Error
Isn’t it annoying when you get an error message pop up stating ‘Cannot find propsys.dll” or “propsys.dll not found” when you start your computer or open a particular program? The propsys.dll file is crucial to the Windows operating system. This file is located in one of the following locations: "C:\Windows", C:\Program Files, C:\WINDOWS\system32, or C:\Program Files\Common Files". And the propsys.dll error indicates that the propsys digital library file is damaged and corrupt. The propsys.dll error may lead to a very unstable operating system. It may also hamper your ability to access many programs on your computer, lead to program and system crash and slow down the system’s performance. Therefore, to avoid these system threats, it is advisable to fix the error immediately.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The common causes of propsys.dll file error are:
  • Registry problem
  • The propsys.dll file is damaged due to a virus or spyware
  • Improper software removal
  • Hardware Failure
The propsys.dll error message is displayed in either of the following forms:
  • Propsys.dll not found
  • Cannot find [Path]propsys.dll
  • This application failed to start because propsys.dll was not found. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem
  • The propsys.dll file is missing

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are many ways to fix the propsys.dll error. However, for optimum results from the fix, you must first identify the cause of the error and then choose the solution accordingly.
  • Recommended Solution for Registry Issue
If you use your system daily the resulting wasted/invalid/junk entries may dilate the registries. This can result in registry malfunctioning which may result in a propsys.dll error on your screen. When this happens, it is advisable to use a registry cleaner to fix the problem. Registry cleaner helps clean up the junk entries and repairing the corrupted registries. For this, you will first have to download a registry cleaner repair tool. Download and install the software on your computer. After downloading it, click the start scan button to run. This helps scan and diagnose system errors on your computer in seconds. Once the scanning is complete, click on the fix button to repair the registry problem.
  • Recommended Solution for File Damage and Corruption
Use the ‘System Restore’ option to restore corrupt and damaged files.  The ‘System Restore’ function will help you get a fresh copy back and simultaneously help fix the error. Here’s how to use and access the ‘System Restore’ function on your computer: Simply go to the start menu and in the search box type restore. Once you type, it will show you the system restore option. Now select ‘choose a different restore point’. After this, you will be presented with a list of restore points. Choose a point that you believe happened before the propsys.dll error. Confirm your selection and restart. Another alternative solution for file damage is to run a virus scan of your entire system; the damage could be related to a virus or malware infection.
  • Recommended Solution for Hardware Failure
If a propsys.dll error occurs due to hardware failure, then it is advisable to update the drivers for hardware devices that you think are related to propsys.dll. For example, if you receive the propsys.dll error when you play a 3D video game, then try updating the driver for your video card.
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How to get Dynamic Wallpapers in Windows 10
Dynamic Wallpapers introduced with Mojave Update in macOS are pretty cool. Dynamic Desktop is a feature introduced in macOS Mojave (10.14), in which the desktop background changes according to the time of Mac's current location. If Location Services are turned off the Privacy pane of the System Preferences, then the time zone specified in the Date & Time preferences will be used. To apply macOS Dynamic Wallpaper on Windows 10 we need to download & use WinDynamicDesktop, a free application that lets you apply macOS Dynamic Wallpaper. After the installation, you will be asked to Configure the Schedule. While doing that you need to make sure that you enter your location correctly. You can even set specific sunrise and sunset timing by selecting “Use specific sunrise and sunset times” and changing the Sunrise and Sunset times manually. Now, you will be greeted with some of the coolest dynamic wallpapers in the market. Select a theme of your choice, click on the Download button (file size can range between 20-200 MB), and click Apply to enjoy macOS Dynamic Wallpaper on Windows 10. If for some reason you want to go back to the default Windows theme but not necessarily delete the application then right-click on the WinDynamicWallpaper icon from the taskbar, click Select Theme, select None (from the theme section) and click Apply.
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A Guide to Fixing Error Code 80070490

Error Code 80070490 - What is it?

This error 80070490 code may occur when you try to update your PC either through the Microsoft Update website or with a Windows update. The error message is displayed in the following format:
Error 80070490 (Element not found)

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error Code 80070490 is triggered because of a couple of reasons. It indicates the file CBS Manifest that is needed to install Windows update is corrupt or damaged. CBS (Component Based Servicing) Manifest is the file that is used to help your computer recognize various components inside your PC. Another reason for error occurrence is registry corruption. If the registry that stores all the information and activities performed is not cleaned frequently, the obsolete files saved in the registry like the junk files, bad entries and cookies eventually accumulate and corrupt it thereby generating such error codes.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some effective and proven methods that you can try by yourself to resolve error code 80070490 on your PC.

Method 1 - Use the System Update Readiness Tool

Download the System Update Readiness Tool from the Windows website and run it on your PC. This tool is designed to detect and scan for abnormalities and inconsistencies that could be preventing and causing problems during the system update. Once you have downloaded and scanned your PC, try to install the updates again. If the error still persists, try other methods illustrated below.

Method 2 - Repair Windows

Here are the steps that you need to follow to repair Windows:
  • First, close all programs and then reboot your PC. Insert the Windows DVD into the computer’s disk drive and wait for the setup to begin.
  • If for any reason, the setup doesn’t start automatically, then don’t worry simply click start, then type Drive: setup.exe in the search box. Please note, in the drive insert the letter of your computer’s DVD drive for example D:setup.exe.
  • Now in the programs list, click setup.exe  And then click install now.
  • After that click ‘go online to obtain the latest updates for installation’, if you are asked for the Windows Product Key, then simply type it to proceed.
  • In the ‘Which kind of Installation do you want?’ option, click Upgrade.
When the Windows installation is complete, restart your PC and then run Windows update.

Method 3 - Clean the Registry

If the cause of error code 80070490 on your PC is related to registry corruption, then it is advisable to download Restoro. This is an advanced and easy-to-use PC Repair Tool embedded with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner scans your entire PC, removes all obsolete and unnecessary files corrupting the registry, and cleans it right away. Click here to download Restoro to repair error code 80070490
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