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How to Fix Unknown Hard Error in Windows 10

The “Unknown Hard” error that keeps on appearing in Windows 10 can put users in an unpleasant situation. This kind of error leads to the freezing of the taskbar, blackening of the screen, and sudden disappearance of the icons on the Desktop. And each time you try to open Windows, the system will only give you an error message saying that it’s a critical error and some applications like Start and Cortana won’t work.

Upon analysis, it seems that the “sihost.exe” is not responding and that it is the one that’s causing the c000021a Unknown Hard error to pop up. Sihost.exe files represent the Shell Infrastructure Host which is an essential component in the Windows operating system. The Windows Shell Infrastructure Host is primarily responsible for handling some graphical elements of the operating system interface such as the Start menu and the taskbar transparency. And so if the Shell Infrastructure or Sihost.exe has stopped, has been removed, or corrupted, you will most likely have issues with the overall functionality of the Windows operating system and you’ll get the Unknown Hard error

In addition, the ctfmom.exe Unknown Hard error may also occur due to incompatible drivers installed on your PC. Ctfmom is a process that identifies inputs such as handwriting, languages, and many more. It’s the one that controls the functions of background behavior. To resolve this issue, you need to first try to identify which application is the one that’s running the sihost.exe file. And if needed, you need to either update or reinstall or completely uninstall the problematic application.

Option 1 – Try to run the System File Checker

The SFC Scan or System File Checker, us a built-in utility in Microsoft Windows that can be found in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. This tool allows users to scan and restore any corrupted system files in Windows that might be causing the Unknown Hard error to appear. Before you use this tool, make sure to find out whether the sihost.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you have to remove or if it’s a file that belongs to a trusted Windows application. Once you have that sorted out, follow the steps below.

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

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

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

Option 2 – Try to use System Restore

You can also try using System Restore. This is one of the ways you can use it to back up your PC. Since restore points are created automatically each week by System Restore, you can use System Restore to restore your computer back to an earlier good point in time.

Option 3 – Try to troubleshoot the error in a Clean Boot State

Putting your PC in a Clean Boot state can help you diagnose and troubleshoot the issues in your system. During this state, you can start the system with a minimum number of drivers and startup programs that will surely help you in isolating the root cause of the Unknown Hard Error.

  • 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.

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Fix System Interrupts high CPU usage
System Interrupts are operating system processes that function as an alert system for the CPU. So whenever a scenario needs the attention of the CPU, it alerts the CPU about it. In turn, the CPU suspends what it is doing, saves it, and then takes care of that important job and once that job is completed, it resumes back to what it was doing. This indicates that although System Interrupts appears as a process, it’s actually not. As a matter of fact, it is like a manager that reports to the CPU about all interrupts that happen on a hardware level, e.g. hardware interrupts. And if there are lots of interrupts, this means that there might be various errors occurring on a hardware level. As a result, it may take a lot of system resources. And if you consider disabling System Interrupts, stop right there as your computer will almost become useless without it. So if you see System Interrupts consuming high CPU usage in your Windows 10 computer, you can fix it without having to disable it and cause more problems. If System Interrupts takes up more than 5 to 10% of CPU, then you definitely have a problem. This could be happening due to some hardware or driver issue. The first thing you can do is to try rebooting your computer once and see if the issue comes back or not. High CPU usage of System Interrupts is a huge backlog for the CPU and it stays in the loop. If a simple system restart didn’t fix this issue, here are some suggestions you can try.

Option 1 – Try to update the hardware drivers

As stated, the problem might have something to do with hardware drivers so you can try to update these drivers and see if it works.
  • Reboot your computer into Safe Mode with networking support.
  • Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • After opening the Device Manager, update all the outdated Hardware drivers on your computer.
  • Next, right-click on all the driver entries that are appropriately labeled, and then click the Update driver option.
  • Now restart your PC and check if the BSOD error is fixed or not.
Note: On the other hand, if a recent update has caused the System Interrupts high CPU usage, then you might want to roll back your hardware drivers to their previous versions. You can check with the Windows Update History to check out any recent updates as well as the previous ones.

Option 2 – Try to disconnect and reconnect all hardware and cables

A lot of users reported that they were able to fix the problem by disconnecting and reconnecting cables and hardware like scanners, printers, cameras can help in fixing the problem. In addition, you can also boot your computer in a Clean Boot State so that you can find the problematic hardware by hit and trial method. Refer to the steps below to do so:
  • 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.)

Option 3 – Try to enable or disable Hardware

If you do not want to remove hardware, you can just disable them using the Device Manager. Note that this can also be applied to the internal hardware.
  • Tap the Win + X + M keys to open the Device Manager.
  • Next, navigate to the device you want to disable.
  • Then right-click on it and choose to disable the device.
Note: Make sure that you disable one device at a time and then give it a couple of minutes and check if there are any changes in the CPU usage to pinpoint the hardware. And if there is no change, you need to enable the device you’ve just disabled and then proceed to disable the next hardware device. If there are changes, then it’s probably the culprit. Just keep in mind that you must no disable any device that is needed to keep your system up and running.

Option 4 – Try to update the BIOS/UEFI

Updating the BIOS/UEFI can help you fix the high CPU usage of System Interrupts 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.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 5 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter or the Performance Troubleshooter

Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter:
  • 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.
Performance Troubleshooter:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type “exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic” in the field and hit Enter to open the Performance troubleshooter.
  • Then click on Next to get started. Wait until the process is completed.
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A Guide to Resolving Error Code 32

Error Code 32 - What is it?

Code 32, a Device Manager error, pops up when a device driver and other required services related to the driver are disabled.

The error code 32 is usually displayed in the following format:

“A driver (service) for this device has been disabled. An alternate driver may be providing this functionality. Code 32”

When a driver experiences a problem, it is reported to the Device Manager. Though error Code 32 does not cause detrimental damage to your system, it can cause the loss of functionality of the hardware device whose driver is disabled.

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error 32 may be generated due to several reasons. However, the most common causes include:
  • The device driver is outdated
  • The device is not configured as the default
  • Some other device is providing default functionality
  • The device driver is disabled in the registry
  • Corruption of registry values in the CD ROM Drive Class registry key

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you come across error code 32 on your PC, then repair it immediately to ensure optimum PC performance. To resolve this error code, try the methods listed below. If you are not a computer programmer, don’t worry!

The listed solutions are easy to perform, require no technical background or expertise and more importantly, these solutions are very effective.

Simply follow the instructions to repair error code 32 on your system in just a few minutes.

Method 1 - Reboot Your PC

Sometimes Device Manager error codes may appear due to temporary issues, which may be resolved simply by rebooting your system. If you are lucky, this might actually work.

By restarting your PC, you might be able to get rid of error code 32. However, if the error still persists, then try other methods given below.

Method 2 - Uninstall and Reinstall the Driver

To resolve error code 32, uninstall and then reinstall the driver. To uninstall the driver, simply follow these steps:

  1. Go to the start menu
  2. Type Device Manager in the search bar and then press enter
  3. Now in the Device Manager, find and then double-click the category of device that you wish to uninstall, for example, click on the Display Adapter to uninstall the graphics card.
  4. Once you have located the device and the driver you wish to uninstall, simply right click on it and then click ‘uninstall’
  5. Windows will prompt you to confirm device removal changes.
  6. Click OK to confirm and proceed.
  7. After that, simply restart your system to activate changes
  8. To reinstall, go to the control panel and choose Add/Remove Hardware and add a new device.  Follow all prompts to reinstall the device.

Method 3 - Delete Both the Upper Filters and Lower Filters Registry Values

As discussed above, sometimes error code 32 may be triggered due to corruption of registry values.

If this is the underlying cause, then delete both the upper filters and lower filters registry values from the registry. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Here’s what you have to do:

  1. Go to the start menu
  2. Type Regedit in the search box and then press enter
  3. Now locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder under  ‘My Computer’
  4. Click the |> or (+) icon next to the folder name to expand
  5. Here you will see a long list of subkeys
  6. Locate the correct class GUID for the problematic device
  7. Now click the registry subkey that corresponds to the device class GUID
  8. Locate the Upper Filters and Lower Filter values and delete
  9. Close the registry editor
  10. Restart your PC to activate changes

This will hopefully resolve error code 32 on your system if the error was generated due to registry value corruption. However, if the error continues to appear, then resort to method 4.

Method 4 - Update the Problematic Driver

Locate the problematic drivers and update them with the latest versions. This procedure is effective but time-consuming if performed manually.

It takes several minutes to identify problematic drivers and find the latest and compatible versions for each driver on the manufacturers’ website. And besides, you will have to perform updates continuously to ensure the error doesn’t occur again.

Method 5 - Download DriverFIX to Update Drivers Automatically

To avoid the hassle, download DriverFIX.

This is a cutting-edge and user-friendly software program embedded with intelligent system programming and intuitive technology that identifies problematic drivers and updates them with the latest and compatible driver versions in seconds, automatically and on a regular basis.

By installing it on your PC, you can update all the drivers and repair code 32 in no time.

Click here to download DriverFIX to resolve Device Manager error code 32 today!

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Ways to speed up your Computer
Having a PC is a great thing, more often we are enjoying it than we have issues, but as time passes it seems that our computer is slowing more and more as new applications and games are coming which demand more powerful computers. Before you decide to throw away your computer and buy a new one because you feel it is a bit slow, read through this guide where we will guide you to common tips & trick to make your PC run faster:
  1. Keep your PC clean and tidy

    Slowdowns and many other issues, even hardware failures can come from dirty PC. Make sure your PC is clean and tidy for maximum performance.
  2. Optimize airflow through PC casing

    Airflow is very important so your GPU and CPU and overall all hardware components can be kept in optimal working temperatures. If any device inside the casing is working in abnormal temperatures you will experience slowdowns and freezing on daily basis. Make sure that all fans are working and that your temperatures are in the optimal range to prevent overheating and make sure to have maximum performance.
  3. Check PC for malware

    Viruses, worms, and overall all malware can drastically reduce system performance. Make sure that your protection software is up to date with the latest definitions and that you have the latest Windows updates installed.
  4. Create a Hi-Performance power plan

    Windows power plans can be a very useful feature, especially if you are working on laptop but in order to boost performance and drain maximum, you will need to switch to a hi-performance power plan.
  5. Free space on the system drive

    Having little to no space on your Windows system drive can lead to extreme slowdowns, make sure that your hard drive is not on red when viewed from File explorer or you will experience even 50% poorer performance.
  6. Choose startup applications

    If you have many applications starting up with your Windows and many of them running in the background you will experience performance issues. Each application that runs in the background is taking RAM and CPU time for themselves which could be free and used for the program that you need.
  7. Do not open too many tabs in Browser

    Having too many tabs in Browser while working on a computer can also cause slowdowns, each tab is taking RAM for itself and even can cause Browser poor performance if a tab is LIVE and refreshing with new content all the time.
  8. Remove browser extensions

    Speaking of browser, having too many installed extensions which are active as soon as the browser is up and running can also lead to poor performances. Remove all which you really do not need and your computer will gain in speed.
  9. Make hardware upgrade

    Sometimes your system is just a little outdated, upgrading more RAM or switching to a new SSD with the greater speed can cause a world of difference in PC performance. Check to see how RAM is standard and upgrade accordingly, you can also upgrade the CPU and other bottlenecks in your system this way instead of completely buying a new PC.
  10. Format and reinstall system

    Drives, application traces, registry entries, etc. are piling up in your system over time, and if enough time is given it will clog your computer. From time to time it is a good idea to backup files and do a completely clean full format of HD and install a new and fresh copy of Windows with new and clean copies of applications and drivers.
That's it, 10 tips on how to make your Windows and PC perform better and speed it up. I hope that you found the read informative and helpful and I hope that I will see you soon.
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How to Fix MULTIPROCESSOR_CONFIGURATION_NOT_SUPPORTED error in Windows 10
If you are using a Windows 10 PC that has different processors clubbed together, chances are you might encounter an error saying, “MULTIPROCESSOR CONFIGURATION NOT SUPPORTED” during a Windows upgrade or software installation. This error is actually caused by a bug check with a value of 0x0000003E. This error also indicates that the processors in your computer are asymmetric in relation to one another. So if you want to upgrade you need to have all the processors of the same type and level. But worry not for this guide will help you in fixing this error. The MULTIPROCESSOR_CONFIGURATION_NOT_SUPPORTED error can occur in several cases such as during an installation of Windows 10, or when the driver is loaded, or when Windows Start or Shutdown and the chances of you getting a blue screen is very much high. To fix this error, refer to the options given below and make sure to follow them carefully.

Option 1 – Try to disable the Hyper-Threading in your BIOS

Hyper-Threading in the BIOS lets a processor (multi-threaded) run various tasks in a simultaneous manner. To disable this, here’s what you have to do:
  • Restart your computer and boot into it right after. To do that, tap the F2 key.
  • Once you’re in the BIOS, locate the Hyper-Threading option which should be located under the Performance section along with other options like Multi-core support, Rapid Start technology, and many more.
  • Disable Hyper-Threading and then make sure to save the changes and exit BIOS.
Note: Although Hyper-Threading is only used when necessary, there are some OEMS that don’t have the option to disable it and if that’s the case, you need to try other options given below.

Option 2 – Try to disable the Virtualization in the BIOS

Virtualization in the BIOS allows users to run a single physical resource such as the server or storage device to appear that it is running as multiple logical resources. It is also properly termed as “HYPER-V”.  To disable it, refer to these steps:
  • Boot into the BIOS as you did earlier.
  • Then look for the Security options.
  • After that, from Security options, look for Virtualization Technology or VTX among the options given.
  • Then turn it off and restart your computer.
Note: Although Windows 10 offers features such as the Device Security for Core Isolation and Memory Integrity, if you turn them off at the software level, it will not help at all. If you’re able to resolve the error, you can do some further research and see what software or hardware you can use to further help you.

Option 3 – Try checking if there are any BIOS updates available for your PC

Updating the BIOS may help you resolve the MULTIPROCESSOR CONFIGURATION NOT SUPPORTED error. You can just go to the OEM’s website as they offer utility software that can download BIOS firmware and update it without any problem. BIOS updates usually offer enhancements and fixes to some issues like this one.
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Fix Storport.sys BSOD errors in Windows
As you can notice in Blue Screen errors, most of them point out a file that’s related to the errors. One of these files is the Storport.sys file which is a system file related to the storage of data in the storage unit of a computer. This file is created by the Microsoft Storage Port Driver. So if this file ends up getting dragged on Blue Screen errors, there can be a number of reasons for why it’s happened. Blue Screen errors related to the Storport.sys file may include conflicts with the hardware, incompatible firmware issues, corrupted drivers, missing or corrupted system files, to name a few. Here are some of the common Blue Screen errors related to the Storport.sys file:
  • KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
  • KERNEL DATA INPAGE
  • PAGE FAULT IN A NONPAGED AREA
  • SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED
  • IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL
  • SYSTEM SERVICE EXCEPTION
Microsoft Windows is the one that provides the Storport.sys file a storage port driver that is suited especially for the use of high-performance buses like fiber channel buses and RAID adapters. There are a number of advantages in using Storport instead of the SCSI Port, according to Microsoft:
  • “Improved performance, both in terms of throughput and the system resources that are utilized.
  • Improved Miniport driver interface that addresses the needs of high-end storage vendors, particularly host-based RAID and fiber channel vendors.”
If you encounter any of the above-mentioned Blue Screen of Death errors, then here are some troubleshooting options that might help but before you get to them, you can try to perform a System Restore first especially if you have the habit of creating System Restore points. This might fix the problem. To perform a system restore, refer to these steps:
  • First, 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.
If System Restore didn’t help in fixing the Blue Screen error, now’s the time for you to resort to the troubleshooting tips provided below but before you get started, make sure that you create a System Restore point first. In addition, you also have to boot into Safe Mode with Networking before you carry out the troubleshooting steps below.

Option 1 – Try to update or rollback your device drivers

The first thing you can try to fix the Storport.sys Blue Screen error is to either update or roll back the 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.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties. Note that the main drivers that might be the cause behind the Storport.sys Blue Screen error will be listed under the “ID ATA/ATAPI controllers” section as well as the “Storage controllers” section.
  • After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
  • Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
  • Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
Note: You can also directly download the relevant drivers of your computer from the manufacturers’ website. So if you have an SSD, the issue might be due to an old storage driver. Option 2 – Try to recreate the Storport.sys file If the first option didn’t work, the next thing you can do is to recreate the Storport.sys file. Every time your Windows 10 PC boots up, it looks for all the system drivers in place and if it is unable to find them, it tries to create them. This is why if you remove your corrupt driver file, chances are, you might get a fixed file recreated just for you. How? Refer to the steps below.
  • Boot your Windows 10 PC in Safe Mode.
  • Then open File Explorer and navigate to this location: C:/Windows/System32/drivers
  • From there, look for the file named sys and rename it to Storport.old.
Note: As you can see, the file’s extension has changed from .sys to .old.
  • Now restart your computer and check if the Storport.sys Blue Screen error is now fixed.

Option 3 – Run System File Checker or SFC scan

System File Checker or 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 to good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
 Reboot your PC.

Option 4 – Try to run the DISM commands

You might want to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also trigger the Storport.sys Blue Screen error. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:
  • Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
  • After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the dxgkrnl.sys Blue Screen error is now fixed.

Option 5 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

Troubleshooting Blue Screen of Death errors wouldn’t be complete without the Blue Screen troubleshooter. As you know, it is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like Storport.sys. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
  • Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
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A Quick Guide to Fixing Error 2046

Error 2046 - What is it?

Error 2046 is an error code related to Adobe Flash Player. It usually occurs while watching movies or videos on the web browser. This error code may interrupt video display and hamper you from watching your favorite movies and videos.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Narrowing down the reason for the occurrence of this error code is quite difficult virtually because it may trigger due to several reasons such as:
  • There might be issues with Adobe Flash Player settings
  • Ad-blocking products
  • Windows not updated
  • Registry issues
  • Malware infection
  • Flash Player Add on not properly installed

Further Information and Manual Repair

The good news is that the error 2046 is not fatal. It is easy to fix. In fact, it is so easy to repair that you can do it all by yourself even if you are not a computer whiz. You don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars on repairs. Here are some of the many manual solutions that you can try to fix this issue on your computer screen:

Reinstall Adobe Flash Player

Since this error code is largely related to Adobe Flash Player, it is advisable to start by reinstalling the Flash Player. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you work through it.
  1. First, click start and then select the control panel.
  2. Now click on programs and then uninstall Flash Player from the program list.
  3. After that’s done, reboot your computer.
  4. Now download Adobe Flash Player from a reliable website and run it.
If it works perfectly, then the issue is resolved. If not, then try other methods given below.

Re-Enable Flash Player Add-on

Adobe Flash Player add-on is basically installed in IE (Internet Explorer) which is loaded each time you load IE. Sometimes the problem with this add-on can also generate error 2046.
  1. To resolve this, open Internet Explorer and press Alt-Key.
  2. Select tools and then manage add-ons.
  3. Now select Adobe Flash Player Active X and then click disable tab.
Once that’s done, restart the web browser and repeat the same steps but this time click enable button. This will hopefully resolve the issue.

Unblock Ad Blocking Products

Sometimes error 2046 may pop up on your screen if you use ad-blocking products like AdBlock Plus. If so, then try uninstalling ad-blocking products installed on your PC to fix the issue.

Install Window Update

Microsoft releases new updates every now and then. These updates are made with the objective of solving bugs and run-time errors like error 2046. Therefore if the error code is related to Windows updates then to resolve it is it advisable to launch the Windows update program and update your operating system. For this, click Start, All Programs, and then click Windows Update. Now click the Check for updates button and download and install the new updates. Once that is complete, restart your PC to bring changes into effect.

Scan for Malware and Look For Registry issues

Whether the issue is related to malware or the registry, it is recommended to download Restoro. This is a next-generation and a multi-functional PC Fixer embedded with a powerful antivirus and a registry cleaner. Run it on your PC and scan for viruses and registry issues and click repair to resolve. It is user-friendly and compatible with all Windows versions. Click here to download Restoro to resolve error 2046.
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Installing Wi-Fi drivers in Windows
If you don’t have the required drivers installed in your computer, the hardware that you try to connect to your computer will most likely fail. In order to keep the operating system running on your computer, manufacturers develop drivers that can work harmoniously with your devices and applications. However, internet Wi-Fi connections can fail if suitable drivers are not installed. Worry not though for this post will guide you in installing Wi-Fi drivers on your Windows 10 computer. As you know, a driver is an essential piece of software designed for a specific operating system like Windows 10, Linux, and many more. The operating system uses it to communicate with other hardware devices such as printers and mice. Most hardware manufacturers feature a support page of their own product where you can look for the necessary drivers available for download. You will see that the Windows operating system has a set of drivers that are already installed and you do not have to do anything except plug in the device. So if the driver is not locally available, it will pull it down from its web server and automatically install it for you after you connect the device. However, there are instances when you might encounter some issues while using your Wi-Fi and during these times, you might have to reinstall your Wi-Fi drivers so read on as this post will provide you guidelines in installing Wi-Fi drivers in Windows 10. Refer to the steps below to do so. Step 1: First, go to your manufacturer’s website and look for the right driver you want to install to download your Wi-Fi driver. Step 2: After that, you have to download the correct Wi-Fi driver if it’s available. You have to know the exact name and version of the driver so that you can download it and this information can be found from the Device Manager. Just make sure that you have the right wireless adapter driver downloaded. Step 3: Once done, open the setup of the new driver that you’ve downloaded earlier and run the file and then follow the next on-screen instructions that appear right after. Step 4: You’re not done yet as you need to verify if you have downloaded and installed the correct Wi-Fi driver. Refer to the sub-steps below to do so:
  • First, right-click on the Start button and select the Device Manager to open it.
  • From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand its category to make all the network adapters visible including the wireless adapter.
  • You can easily spot the wireless adapter as it has the “wireless” term in its entry.
  • Next, right-click on the wireless driver entry in the Device Manager and select Network adapters, and then click on Properties to check the version number of the driver.
  • Now select the Driver tab and view the details. If it looks well then it means that you have the right version of the driver installed.
Step 5: Restart your computer.
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How to Fix fltmgr.sys in Windows 10
The fltmgr.sys file or the Filter Manager is the one that’s responsible in making sure that all the file stored in a computer’s hard drive stays on their respective locations and is located in C:/Windows/System32/drivers. Now when you encounter a Blue Screen of Death or BSOD error saying, “Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn’t handle, and now it needs to restart. SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION”. This kind of Stop error is due to an error with the driver that’s responsible for enabling the communication between the hardware and the computer. It indicates that this driver allows direct access to the internal hardware from the CPU itself. What’s worse about the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD error is that there are times when you won’t be able to log in to your computer even after it reboots. However, you need not worry as this post will guide you into fixing this BSOD error. All you have to do is follow the given options below carefully and that before you proceed make sure that you create a System Restore point just in case something goes wrong.

Option 1 – Run the Windows Update

Obviously, since the fltmgr.sys file is a system file from Microsoft, you can try running the Windows Update and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 2 – Run the System File Checker

The System File Checker, also known as the SFC scan, is a built-in utility in Windows that can be found in the C:/Windows/System32 folder. This tool allows you to scan and restore any corrupted system files in Windows that might be causing the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD error. To use this tool, follow the steps below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
  • Restart your computer and then check if it has fixed the error or not.

Option 3 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that 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 4 – Check your hardware for any physical issues

There are times when faulty hardware can result in serious problems in the system such as the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION Blue Screen error. Thus, it is highly recommended that you check the internal components of your CPU to find out if there are any problems. And if there is any physical damage, you need to bring that to a technician to get it fixed or have it replaced.

Option 5 – Run the CHKDSK utility

You can also run the Chkdsk utility to resolve the BSOD error. The Chkdsk utility is the one that repairs hard drive errors that might be causing the problem.
  • Open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, execute the commands listed below, and don’t forget to hit Enter right after you type in each one of them and if you have installed Windows to some different directory, you must replace “C” with the name of the drive you’ve installed Windows with.
  • chkdsk C: /r /x
  • chkdsk C: /f
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Desk365 Complete Removal - PUP Removal Guide

What is Desk365?

Desk 365 is a program developed by 337 Technology Limited and is classified as a potentially unwanted application by a number of Antiviruses. While not technically malware, for many users it is unwanted as it is often distributed as a bundle with other downloads. It allows a fast way to access your shortcuts and applications. Upon installation this program will insert itself into the system registry, adding startup strings to allow it to automatically start every time your system is restarted. The software adds a scheduled windows task to allow it to reopen itself even when closed. The applications also access the internet and add firewall rules to your system, that allow it to access anything without restrictions.

The main executable file for this application is Dock365.exe. It is possible to delete this file preventing the application to run, but its monitoring services and registry entities remain hidden inside your computer.

The software sends browsing information back to its ad servers, displaying custom ads and sponsored products instead of the usual search results. And the app itself pins itself to the start menu and cannot be removed.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Have you ever discovered an unwanted program on your PC that you didn’t consciously download and never gave authorization to be installed? Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), also referred to as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA), are applications that you never wanted in the first place and often come bundled with freeware. Once installed, the majority of these applications can be difficult to eliminate and become much more of an annoyance rather than a necessity. PUPs did not actually constitute pure “malware” in the strict sense of the definition. What normally makes a PUP different from malicious software is that whenever you download one, you’re doing it with your consent – though in many instances unconsciously and unwillingly. A PUP may not be regarded as malicious or unsafe yet still, it’s a common cause of clunky OS’s; some PUPs are a lot more aggressive by intentionally slowing down your computer or laptop.

Exactly how do unwanted programs look like?

Potentially Unwanted Programs can be found in different forms and varieties, but in the majority of cases, these are typically adware programs that exhibit irritating pop-up adverts and advertisements on websites you check out. They even come in the form of browser extension toolbars and add-ons. Not only they needlessly take up space on your screen, but toolbars can also manipulate search engine results, keep an eye on your surfing activities, decrease your internet browser’s efficiency, and slow down your internet connection to a crawl. PUPs load up a dangerous bite if left unchecked. They could include keyloggers, dialers, and other program built into them which could track you or send your sensitive information to third parties. Typically, such software will disable security protections and configuration settings to take control over your computer or laptop, leaving that PC vulnerable to online hackers and data fraud. At a minimum, PUPs slow your computer down with every added program.

Tips on how to prevent PUPs

• Read the fine print so that the end-user license agreement (EULA) you are accepting is only for the software you primarily intend to download. • Choose the “custom” install whenever installing an application. Especially, look closely at those small boxes which have been checked as default, where you may ‘agree’ to receive promotions or install software bundlers. • Use an anti-PUP program. Security applications such as Safebytes Anti-Malware gives the very best real-time protection against PUPs and also other malware. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Nowadays ‘freeware’ isn’t actually freeware – but “crapware” bundling nonsense. • Always download software from trustworthy sources like official websites rather than untrustworthy sharing space. Avoid file-hosting sites where/when possible.

What To Do If You Cannot Download Safebytes Anti-Malware?

Every malware is detrimental and the level of the damage can vary greatly according to the type of infection. Some malware is designed to restrict or prevent things that you wish to do on your PC. It may well not permit you to download anything from the web or prevent you from accessing some or all internet sites, in particular the antivirus sites. If you are reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your computer system. There are a few fixes you could try to get around with this particular problem. Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking The Windows-based PC comes with a special mode known as “Safe Mode” in which just the minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malicious software is set to load immediately when PC boots, shifting into this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the system is starting up or run MSCONFIG and look for the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. After you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. At this point, you could run the anti-virus scan to eliminate viruses and malware without any hindrance from another malicious application.

Switch over to an alternate web browser

Some malware mainly targets specific internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, use another internet browser as it might circumvent the malware. If you are not able to download the anti-virus software using Internet Explorer, it means the virus could be targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you need to switch to a different internet browser such as Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes Anti-malware software.

Install and run anti-virus from your flash drive

Another option would be to create a portable anti-malware program on your USB stick. To run antivirus from a thumb drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Make use of another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the pen drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software package to run the Installation Wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place in which you want to put the software files. Follow activation instructions. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the infected PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the flash drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all kinds of malware. If all the above approaches fail to help you in downloading the anti-malware, then you’ve no alternative but to reinstall the computer’s operating system to wipe out all the data, including the malicious programs which are obstructing the anti-malware installation. If you are already our customer, technical help for Malware Removal is just a phone call away. Call 1-844-377-4107 to speak to our expert technicians and get assistance remotely.

Let's Talk About SafeBytes Anti-Malware!

To help protect your computer from many different internet-based threats, it’s very important to install anti-malware software on your personal computer. But with so many antimalware companies out there, nowadays it’s tough to decide which one you should obtain for your PC. A few are good ones, some are decent, and some are merely fake anti-malware programs that will harm your PC themselves! You need to be very careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you buy a paid program. On the list of the highly recommended tools by industry experts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, well-known security software for Windows computers. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which offer this comprehensive anti-malware software program. Using its outstanding protection system, this utility will quickly detect and eliminate the majority of the security threats, including viruses, adware, browser hijackers, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans. SafeBytes anti-malware offers an array of advanced features which sets it apart from all others. Listed below are some of the highlighted features included in the tool. Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes delivers complete and real-time security for your PC. It will inspect your computer for suspicious activity continuously and shields your personal computer from unauthorized access. Optimum AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep within your computer. Web Filtering: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the web pages you’re about to visit, automatically blocking harmful sites and ensuring that you are certain of your online safety while browsing the net. Light-weight: This software program is not “heavy” on your computer’s resources, so you will not notice any performance issues when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Online Support: You can obtain high levels of support round the clock if you’re using their paid version. Overall, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program since it has plenty of features and can identify and remove any potential threats. You can rest assured that your computer will be protected in real-time once you put this tool to use. For optimum protection and the best bang for your buck, you can’t get better than SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Desk365 without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised. The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by Desk365
Files: File $APPDATACheckRun22find.exe. File $APPDATADesk 365accelerate. File $APPDATADesk 365desk_bkg_list.xml. File $APPDATADesk 365desk_list.xml. File $APPDATADesk 365desk_settings.ini. File $APPDATADesk 365firstrun. File $APPDATADesk 365process_mgr.xml. File $APPDATADesk 365promote.xml. File $APPDATAeDownloadfindhpnt_v2.exe. File $APPDATAMicrosoftInternet ExplorerQuick Launchfind.lnk. File $COMMONPROGRAMSDesk 365Desk 365.lnk. File $COMMONPROGRAMSDesk 365eUninstall.lnk. File $DESKTOPfind.lnk. File $LOCALAPPDATAGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultExtensionsnewtab.crx. File $LOCALSETTINGSTempV9Zip_003Desk365.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365desk_bkg_list.xml. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365desk_list.xml. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365desk_settings.ini. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365desk365.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365deskSvc.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365ebase.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365edeskcmn.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365eDhelper.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365eDhelper64.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365edis.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365edis64.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365ElexDbg.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365eUninstall.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365libpng.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365main. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365ouilibnl.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365process_mgr.xml. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365promote.xml. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365recent.xml. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365sqlite3.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365svc.conf. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365TrayDownloader.exe. File $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365zlib1.dll. File $PROGRAMFILESMozilla Firefoxsearchpluginsfind.xml. File $SENDTODesk 365.lnk. Directory $APPDATADesk 365. Directory $APPDATAeDownload. Directory $COMMONPROGRAMFILES7. Directory $COMMONPROGRAMSDesk 365. Directory $LOCALSETTINGSTempDesk365. Directory $LOCALSETTINGSTempV9Zip_003. Directory $PROGRAMFILESDesk 365. Registry: Key 33BB0A4E-99AF-4226-BDF6-49120163DE86 at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerSearchScopes. Key deskSvc at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE. Key desksvc at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001Services. Key desksvc at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMControlSet001ServicesEventlogApplication. Key desksvc at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices. Key desksvc at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesEventlogApplication. Key findSoftware at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE. Key ijblflkdjdopkpdgllkmlbgcffjbnfda at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREGoogleChromeExtensions. Key lnkguard at HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware. Key V9 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWARE.
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New vulnerability found in Windows
Windows users need to be on high alert. Microsoft has confirmed a critical vulnerability has been found in all versions of Windows which presents an immediate threat, and you need to act now. A critical new zero-day hack has been found which affects all Windows versions. windows vulnerabilityTracked as CVE-2021-34484, the “zero-day” flaw enables hackers to breach all versions of Windows (including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022) and take control of your computer. Microsoft mistakenly thought it had patched the vulnerability (which was first found in August) when it was publicly disclosed in October. But the fix itself was found to be flawed, something the company admitted, and this drew even more attention to the vulnerability. Microsoft subsequently promised to “take appropriate action to keep customers protected” but two weeks later, a new fix has still not arrived. Luckily the third-party security specialist 0patch has beaten Microsoft to the punch with a ‘micropatch that it has now made available for all Windows users “Micropatches for this vulnerability will be free until Microsoft has issued an official fix," 0patch confirmed. You will need to register for a 0patch account and install its download agent before the fix can be applied, but with 0patch fast becoming a go-to destination for hot fixes which beat software companies to the punch this is a no brainer. Hopes will be high that Microsoft can release an effective patch sooner rather than later but, until then, all Windows users must act now if they want to be safe. Download 0patch here: https://blog.0patch.com/2021/11/micropatching-incompletely-patched.html
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