How to Fix the Low Disk Space Notification on Windows 10

What is the Error Code 0x6d9?

If you have a firewall installed on your system, you may come across the error code 0x6d9.  This error occurs when opening Windows Firewall with advanced security. The error code 0x9d9 is displayed as:

“There was an error opening the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in. The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in failed to load. Restart the Windows Firewall service on the computer you are managing. Error code: 0x6D9”

This occurs when the Windows Firewall service is missing. The service doesn’t start due to permission errors on various registry keys. It is a critical blue screen of death error code that turns the computer screen blue and causes the Windows to shut down. If this error code is not fixed it may start appearing more and more frequently resulting in total system corruption.

Solution

Error Causes

Virtually, the underlying cause for Windows Firewall error code 0x6d9 is a damaged registry. The registry is the database of the system that saves all the activities including web browsing and programs installed and uninstalled and junk files on the PC. The registry saves all the information in the RAM, your hard disk. As the disk gets filled with files, it then requires more power to run which impacts the performance of the PC and slows it down. Simultaneously, since the hard disk is overloaded with data, it exposes the registry to file damages, fragmentation, and corruption which then eventually causes hindrance in running calling programs and running them on your system because files are either corrupt or missing. Other than cluttered disk issues, registry errors also occur due to viral and malware attacks. If the Firewall is inaccessible, your system is prone to malware.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix the error code 0x6d9 on your system, you don’t have to be a computer programmer or hire a professional. You can fix it all by yourself with Restoro. Restoro is an advanced, intuitive, user-friendly, and multi-functional repair tool with a comprehensive suite of powerful PC fixing utilities, all in one. From registry errors like the blue screen of death error codes including 0x6d9 to viral infection and system slowdowns, Restoro is your one-stop solution for all PC errors. With this software, you don’t need any technical expertise. You don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty of finding the deep-rooted cause for the error code 0x6d9 and then searching and installing a PC tool designed to solve that specific cause for the error. Restoro has an intuitive and sophisticated interface combined with an automated algorithm that enables it to detect, scan and identify all the underlying and deep-rooted causes for errors on your PC in seconds and resolves them all. All you have to do is hit the scan button and the Restoro takes care of the rest.

Restoro features

Restoro is also easy to use and has simple navigation making it easy for all levels of users including beginners and intermediates to use. This PC Fixer is both a high-functional registry cleaner and a powerful anti-virus. This means whether the error code 0x6d9 occurs due to disk overload or viral infection this helper can be used to fix the error in both scenarios. Its in-built registry cleaner cleans and clears up the hard disk in a few seconds. It removes all the unnecessary and obsolete files cluttering the system and repairs the damaged registry. For data safety during repair, it has a built-in back feature. This feature allows you to save and create backup copies of all your files. Its smart privacy error detector feature checks for viruses, spyware, adware, and malware invasion on your system. Such malicious software if not removed from your PC can expose you to data security risks.  Such software allows easy access to hackers. And since error code 0x6d9 hampers you in using Firewall, your system will have higher chances of getting infected by viruses and data security dangers. Nonetheless, by running Restoro on your system, you can easily remove this malicious software and resolve the error code 0x6d9. Unlike other repair tools, Restoro is compatible with all Windows versions.

How to get Restoro

So, what are you waiting for? It will take just 3 steps. To get started all you need to do is:

1. Click here to install Restoro
2. Run it to Scan for errors
3. Hit the repair button to resolve

To prevent the error code 0x6d9 from reoccurring on your PC for a while proper PC maintenance is advisable to run Restoro on a weekly basis on your system so that the registry is not cluttered and your system is not exposed to viruses. Timely detection of errors and repair is the best way to keep your system performing smoothly and at its optimum speed.

Update and Shutdown/Restart is not working. As you have probably noticed, every time a new update is released and is downloaded on your Windows 10 computer, the operating system replaces the Restart and Shut down button with “Update and Restart” as well as “Update and Shut down”. This is most likely done so that you won’t miss the update. However, some users noticed that there are times when these buttons still continue to display the same message even if they’ve already performed the required operations such as shutting down or restarting their PCs. Cases like this happen when an update wasn’t installed properly or has failed which is why your computer keeps on prompting you to Update and Shutdown every time. To fix this dilemma, follow the options laid out below.

Option 1 – Try restarting the File Explorer

Restarting the File Explorer can definitely help you fix lots of issues especially when there is some issue with the user interface including this one.

• On the right side of the Taskbar, right-click on any open spot.
• Then click on Task Manager.
• Next, scroll down until you see Windows Explorer.
• After that, right-click on it and select Restart.
• If you are able to kill its process, you have to tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “explorer.exe” in the field, and hit Enter to launch the Windows Explorer.

Option 2 – Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

As you know, Windows 10 has various auto-repair built-in tools to help users fix small issues which used to get fixed manually. And in this case, you will need the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix the issue.

• Go to Settings and click on Update and Security.
• From there, click Troubleshoot and click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” option.
• After that, it will try to detect and automatically fix common issues in the Windows Updates which can be resolved by Windows itself. Note that the process may take several minutes before it completes so you need to wait until it’s done. Once it’s done, in case you have some pending update that wasn’t realized by the system early on, it will apply the fix right away and restart the Windows Update service.

Option 3 – Try setting the Power button to Shut down

In case the first two options didn’t work out, you can try changing what the power button does. To do that, refer to these steps:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• From there, select the “Choose what the power buttons do” option from the left side.
• Then set the Power button setting the “When I press the power button” option to “Shut down”. After that, it will shut your computer down without installing the updates but obviously, this is only a temporary fix.

Option 4 – Turn off your PC instantly without updating it

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Type in “shutdown -s -f -t 0” in the field and hit Enter if you really want to turn off your computer without any delay.
• You could also tap the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys and select Shut down from the bottom right menu.

Just like the third option, this is also only a temporary fix.

Option 5 – Try running the Windows Module Installer

The Windows Module Installer is a built-in service in Windows 10 that allows you to fix the stuck Windows Updates in your computer. To use it, follow these steps:

• In the Cortana search box, type in “cmd” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option from the context menu.
• Once you’ve opened Command Prompt as admin, type the SC config trustedinstaller start=auto command and tap Enter.
• After the command is executed, you will see the “[SC] ChangeServiceConfig SUCCESS” message displayed on the Command Prompt console.
• Now exit Command Prompt and then check if the buttons are now back to normal.

Option 6 – Put your PC in a Clean Boot State

• 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” check box.
• 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.

DuckGoGo a popular private search engine is releasing its first browser soon that is focused on privacy like its search engine. From the recent blog, Gabriel Weinberg, CEO of DuckDuckGo, has stated:

“Like we’ve done on mobile, DuckDuckGo for desktop will redefine user expectations of everyday online privacy,”

From everything that we have learned so far, the browser will be focused on making privacy super easy and simple, eliminating tons of different settings about privacy, and making the whole environment robust privacy protection all set by default. Settings will be applied in all fields, across search, browsing, email, and more. Gabriel also said that aim of the browser is not just a privacy browser, it is meant to be built and used as your everyday browser, for everyday use that protects your privacy as a bonus. One interesting thing that was stated is that browser itself is built upon OS-provided rendering engines instead of typical Chromium. DuckDuckGo says this approach will strip away a lot of the unnecessary cruft and clutter that's accumulated over the years in major browsers. Also, the company stated that when compared to Chrome, the DuckDuckGo app desktop is cleaner, way more private and that early tests have found out that it is significantly faster as well. Is this just corporate advertising or reality? We will see once the browser is released, or once it is released for public testing. Until then take care and happy holidays.

Distributed Component Object Model or DCOM is a module on Windows computers that allows computers to run programs over a network to another computer. It is a software component from Microsoft that allows COM objects to communicate with each other while that program is remotely running over the network. The COM Model is another extension of the DCOM model which both work together in order for the intended task to be executed. To make this module work, there are three components needed such as the Class Identifier or CLSID, the Programmatic Identifier or PROGID, and the Application Identifier or APPID. However, DCOM does not always work as expected as it could still encounter some errors. One of them is error 1084. Because of this error, the execution of programs in a remote computer on the network would be interrupted. So if you encounter the DCOM error 1084 when you try to start a service like running the DISM tool or in other scenarios on your Windows 10 computer, then this post could help you. Refer to the instructions given below to start troubleshooting the problem.

Option 1 – Try checking the status of DCOMLAUNCH Service or DCOM Server Process Launcher and its 3 dependencies

The DCOM Server Process Launcher service launches both COM and DCOM servers in response to object activation requests. This is why if this service is stopped or disabled, the programs that are using COM and DCOM won’t properly function. So you need to make sure that the DCOMLAUNCH service is running.

• In the Cortana search box, type “services” and click on the Services icon to open the Services Manager. Alternatively, you can also tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run prompt and then type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Services Manager.
• Next, check the following services:
  • DCOM Service Process Launcher
  • Background Tasks Infrastructure Service
  • Local Session Manager
  • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• Then right-click on each one of the services and click on their Properties.
• After that, select Automatic from the drop-down menu of Startup Type and make sure that all the aforementioned services are Running.
• Now click OK for each one of the services.

Option 2 – Troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing DCOM error 1084. 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” check box 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” check box.
• 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.)
• From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 3 – Try to use the DISM tool

You might want to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also trigger the DCOM error 1084. 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 DCOM error is now fixed.

Option 4 – Reset your computer

• Tap the Win key or click on the Start button located in the Taskbar.
• Then click on the Power button at the bottom right portion of the screen.
• Next, press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard and then click on Restart. This will restart your Pc into the Advanced Startup options.

Note: Once you have access to the Advanced Startup options, you have to go to the setting which allows you to Reset your Windows 10 PC. All you have to do is select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC to reach the following screen Afterward, select either the “Keep my files” option and then proceed to the next on-screen instructions that follow to reset your Windows 10 computer without losing your files.

DigiSmirkz is a Browser Extension by Mindspark Inc. This extension offers users the ability to enrich their emails or chats with tons of new emojis. When installed it will replace your default new tab page with a variety of search.myway.com, hosted at hp.myway.com. This search engine uses information about you, collected by the extension to display unwanted targeted ads by Mindspark Partners and Ad Networks.

While surfing the internet with this extension installed and enabled, you will see additional pop-up ads, inserted ads into search results and sponsored content on web pages.

Several anti-virus applications have marked this extension as a Browser Hijacker and is therefore recommended to be removed from the Computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes referred to as hijackware) are a kind of malicious software that modifies web browser settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or consent. These hijacks appear to be rising at an alarming rate worldwide, and it could be really nefarious and often harmful too. Browser hijacker malware is created for a variety of reasons. Typically, hijackers will force hits to sites of their choice either to get more traffic generating higher ad earnings or to obtain a commission for every user visiting there. Although it may seem harmless, these tools were created by vicious people who always look to take advantage of you, so that they can easily make money from your naive and distraction. They not only ruin your internet browsers, but browser hijackers can even modify the computer registry, making your PC vulnerable to other types of attacks.

Major signs that an internet browser has been hijacked

There are many symptoms that indicate your browser is highjacked: 1. your homepage is reset to some unfamiliar webpage 2. your internet browser is constantly being redirected to porn websites 3. the default web engine and/or the default browser settings are modified 4. unsolicited new toolbars are added to your web browser 5. your internet browser will display constant pop-up windows 6. your web browser starts running slowly or presents frequent errors 7. you can’t navigate to particular webpages, like security software-related websites.

How they get into your PC

Browser hijackers can enter a PC by some means or other, for example via file sharing, downloads, and e-mail too. They may also come from any BHO, extension, add-on, toolbar or plug-in with malicious purpose. A browser hijacker could also be installed as a part of freeware, shareware, demoware and fake programs. Some of the most popular hijackers are DigiSmirkz, Conduit Search, Babylon Toolbar, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijackers can interrupt the user’s web surfing experience severely, track the websites frequented by users and steal private information, cause difficulty in connecting to the web, and eventually create stability issues, causing applications and system to crash.

How you can fix a browser hijack

Certain hijackers could be removed simply by uninstalling the related freeware or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows control panel. But, many browser hijackers are hard to get rid of manually. Irrespective of how much you attempt to get rid of it, it may keep returning over and over again. You should think of undertaking manual repairs only if you are a tech-savvy person, as there are possible risks associated with tinkering around with the computer registry and HOSTS file. Industry experts always suggest users remove any malicious software including browser hijacker by using an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer, and faster than the manual removal method. To remove any type of browser hijacker from your system, you can download this particular top-notch malware removal software – SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Virus Blocking Internet And All Antivirus Software? Do This!

Practically all malware is bad and the degree of the damage will vary greatly with regards to the type of infection. Certain malware types alter internet browser settings by adding a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS configurations. When this happens, you will be unable to visit some or all sites, and thus not able to download or install the necessary security software to clear out the computer virus. If you are reading this article, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection which is preventing you to download and/or install Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Follow the instructions below to get rid of malware by alternate ways.

Make use of Safe Mode to resolve the issue

If any malware is set to load immediately when Windows starts, stepping into safe mode may block this attempt. Since only the bare minimum programs and services start-up in Safe Mode, there are rarely any reasons for issues to happen. Below are the steps you should follow to take out viruses in Safemode. 1) Tap the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your system boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts appears. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you will have an internet connection once again. Now, get the malware removal software you want by utilizing the browser. To install the software, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Once the software is installed, let the scan run to eliminate viruses and other malware automatically.

Switch to an alternative browser

Malicious program code might exploit vulnerabilities in a specific internet browser and block access to all anti-virus software sites. The most effective solution to avoid this problem is to choose a web browser that is renowned for their security measures. Firefox has built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you safe online.

Run anti-virus from a pen drive

Another solution is to create a portable anti-malware program on your USB stick. Adopt these measures to run the anti-malware on the affected computer. 1) Use another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the USB drive on the same system. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has an .exe file format. 4) Select USB flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the application. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the clean PC to the infected computer. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the USB drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Click the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

Protect Your Computer Against Malware and Viruses With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

If you are looking to purchase anti-malware for your computer system, there are lots of brands and packages for you to consider. Some of them are great while some are scamware applications that pretend as legitimate anti-malware software waiting around to wreak havoc on the computer. You need to select a company that creates industry-best anti-malware and it has got a reputation as reliable. On the list of highly recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes has a good track record of excellent service, and clients are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy software that not only secures your computer system completely but is also very user-friendly for people of all ability levels. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software protects your PC against infections brought on by various kinds of malware and similar internet threats, including spyware, adware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, potentially unwanted program (PUPs), and ransomware.

There are many wonderful features you will get with this particular security product. These are some of the highlighted features included in the product.

World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning antimalware application goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine detects and disables hard to remove malware that conceals deep inside your personal computer. Live Protection: SafeBytes provides real-time active checking and protection against all of known viruses and malware. This utility will always monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the latest threats. Web Protection: Safebytes allots all sites a unique safety rating that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you are going to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Faster Scanning: SafeBytes’s very fast malware scanning engine reduces scan times and extends battery life. Simultaneously, it will effectively detect and remove infected files or any online threat. Low CPU and RAM Usage: SafeBytes gives you total protection from internet threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its advanced detection engine and algorithms. Fantastic Tech Support Team: You can obtain absolutely free 24/7 technical assistance from their computer experts on any product queries or PC security issues. SafeBytes will keep your computer safe from latest malware threats automatically with hardly any input needed from you again. You now may realize that this particular tool does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your PC. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you spend on SafeBytes Anti-Malware subscription, there is no doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you want to do the removal of DigiSmirkz manually rather than employing an automated software tool, you can follow these simple steps: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click on the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending program to remove. In case of suspicious versions of web browser extensions, you can actually remove it through your browser’s extension manager. You may also want to reset your home page and search engine providers, and also clear your web browser cache and cookies. In order to ensure complete removal, manually examine your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that only advanced computer users should try to manually edit the registry because removing any single critical system file leads to a serious problem or perhaps a computer crash. Moreover, certain malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to remove. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is suggested.

0x0000007c error inside Windows 11 is a printer error that is manifested when Windows users are trying to connect to a shared network remote printer. Error is displayed by the message:

Windows cannot connect to the printer. Operation failed with error 0x0000007c.

If you are experiencing this type of annoyance, fear now we are providing you with several solutions to this problem.

Update Windows 11

1. Open the Start menu, click on the settings app
2. Select Windows update tab
3. Click on Check for updates
4. Click on Advanced options
5. Inside select Optional updates
6. If there are optional updates click on Download & Install

Run the printer troubleshooter

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
2. Click on Troubleshoot navigation on the system tab
3. Select Other trouble-shooters
4. Click on the Run for printer troubleshooter
5. If the error is found click on Apply this fix

Restart the Print Spooler Service

1. Right-click on the Start button
2. Click on RUN
3. Type in services.msc and press OK
4. Right-click on Printer Spooler service and select Restart

Clear the Print Spooler

1. Open services like in the previous step
2. Right-click Print Spooler and select STOP
3. Open File explorer
4. Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\x64\3 (64-bit Platform) C:\Windows\System32\spool\drivers\W32X86\3 (32-bit Platform)
5. Delete everything inside folders
6. Go back to services, right-click on Print Spooler and select RESTART

Reinstall Driver for printer

1. Right-click on Start and select device manager
2. Double click on the Print queues category
3. Right-click on the printer and select Uninstall device
4. Click on Uninstall on prompt
5. Right-click on the Print queues category and select Scan for hardware Changes

If you suddenly encountered the PDC WATCHDOG TIMEOUT BSOD Blue Screen stop error with a bug check value of 0x0000014F, then it’s probably due to a system component that has failed to respond with the allocated period which prevents the system from exiting connected standby. This kind of Blue Screen error could be caused by both hardware and software components. To fix this Stop error, here are some possible fixes you can try that might help but before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point first and boot your computer into Safe Mode with Networking.

Option 1 – Try to rollback, update or disable drivers

The next thing you can do to fix the PDC_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Stop error is to roll back, or update, or disable device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• After opening the Device Manager, look for the device driver named “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers” and expand it.
• Then look for the SATA AHCI Controller entry and right-click on it. If you haven’t updated this driver in a while, select the “Update Driver” option. On the other hand, if you’ve just updated this driver, then select the Uninstall Device option.
• Next, follow the screen option to update or uninstall it.
• Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically if you have chosen to uninstall them.

Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.

Option 2 – Try to disconnect or disable 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 PDC_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Blue Screen error.

Option 3 – Try running the Memory Diagnostic Tool

The Memory Diagnostic tool in windows can help resolve the PDC_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Blue Screen error by checking and automatically fixing any memory-based issues. To run it, refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open Run and type mdsched.exe and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
• After that, it will give two options such as:
  • Restart now and check for problems (Recommended)
  • Check for problems the next time I start my computer
• Once your computer has restarted, perform a basic scan or you could also go for the “Advanced” options such as “Test mix” or “Pass count”. Simply tap the F10 key to start the test.

Option 4 – Try to update the BIOS

Updating the BIOS can help you fix the PDC_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT BSOD error but as you know, BIOS is a sensitive part of a computer. Even though it is a software component, the functioning of the hardware depends on it largely. Thus, you must be careful when modifying something in the BIOS. So if you don’t know much about it, it’s best if you skip on this option and try the other ones instead. However, if you are well-versed in navigating the BIOS, then follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “msinfo32” in the field and press Enter to open System Information.
• From there, you should find a search field on the bottom where you have to search for the BIOS version and then press Enter.
• After that, you should see the developer and version of the BIOS installed on your PC.
• Go to your manufacturer’s website and then download the latest version of BIOS on your computer.
• If you are using a laptop, make sure that you keep it plugged in until you have updated the BIOS.
• Now double click on the downloaded file and install the new BIOS version on your computer.
• Now restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 5 – Try running the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like PDC_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT. It can be found in 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.

Error Code 28- What is it?

The error code 28 is a driver error. This is one of the many device manager error codes. When this error occurs on your computer, the following message is displayed:

“The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28)”

Another driver device error message you might encounter is error code 41. 

Error Causes

Error 28 occurs because of unsuccessful device driver installation. This usually happens when you try to update new drive versions on your system. It is advisable to repair this error right away as it can hamper your ability to use certain hardware. For example, if error 28 occurs due to the unsuccessful installation of the USB driver, then it if not fixed and resolved it may prevent you from using hardware devices. Unsuccessful driver installation means you either didn’t install it properly or your computer has registry issues. If it’s the registry then you must fix it without any delay because it can expose your PC to serious threats like system crash and failure. To avoid such inconvenience, repair it.

Further Information and Manual Repair

When it comes to repairing the error code 28, here’s what you can do: Simply go to the control panel and click on the Device Manager option:

• In the details pane with the list of devices, locate the device for which you want to reinstall the driver software.
• Double click on it to open the properties dialog box.
• Now click on the driver tab and then click update driver.

After updating, try using that device again if it doesn’t work and shows the error code 28 on your computer screen then this means the underlying cause is the registry.

Interesting information has come out from Microsoft, Windows 11 dark theme will include a different sound theme from its standard light one. When in dark mode on Windows 11, the system sounds generally become softer, and they echo a bit, creating a more soothing experience that matches the overall look and feel of the dark mode. Flipping back to light mode brings the system sounds back to their normal level. However, even though the light model has slightly louder sounds than the dark mode, Microsoft has taken great care to make sure the audio is more soothing, according to a report from CNBC. The designers of Windows 11 took inspiration from an approach called calm technology. Microsoft’s Christian Koehn and Diego Baca wrote about calm technology in a post on Medium. In it, they said, “Windows 11 facilitates this through foundational experiences that feel familiar, soften formerly intimidating UI, and increase emotional connection.” According to a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to CNBC, “The new sounds have a much rounder wavelength, making them softer so that they can still alert/notify you, but without being overwhelming.”

If your USB keeps disconnecting and reconnecting after you connect your USB device on its own randomly, then the problem might have something to do with a hardware or driver issue. The first thing you have to do in such a case is to make sure that the device is working on another computer. This will help you isolate the problem and if it turns out that it works, then the problem lies in your computer and not your USB device. To fix this connection problem between your USB device and Windows 10 computer, you can use the options given below as a reference.

Option 1 – Update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller driver

Since it could be a driver issue, you can try to update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers 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 2 – Try to change the USB port

You might want to change the USB port since modern computers have a variety of USB ports. So if your USB drive supports USB 3.0 or 3.1, make sure that you plug it inside a USB 3.0 or 3.1 ports. If you’re not sure which port, just keep in mind that the USB 3 port is usually blue or you can also use your computer’s documentation or manual as a reference to locate it.

Option 3 – Try to turn off the Power Saving option

You could also try to turn off the Power Saving option to resolve the problem. All you have to do is switch to Power Management after you select the Properties of the USB device and from there, uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off the device to save power” option. On the other hand, if you are using a laptop and did not use the USB device for a long time, then it could be powered off. This will ensure that the system does not turn off the USB device.

Option 4 – Try to reinstall the latest Universal Serial Bus controller drivers in Compatibility Mode

If you were unable to install the Universal Serial Bus controller drivers you’ve downloaded, you can try installing them again but this time using Compatibility mode. Follow the steps below to do so:

• You need to download the driver and place it on your desktop.
• After that, right-click on it and select Properties.
• Next, switch to the Compatibility tab where you should see two options:
  • Compatibility troubleshooter, and let Windows figure out what works best for you. If it fails, follow the next.
  • Manually choose the version of Windows it was correctly working.
• Now right-click on the file and select the “Run as administrator” option to install. After that, you should now be able to change your screen aspect ratio to what you were using early on.

Note: If you have other programs that won’t work on the existing version of Windows, then make sure to run the program in a Compatibility mode.

Option 5 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooters

• The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
• After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
• From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
• Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
• After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.