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Fix Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211

If you got an Activation Error 0xC004F211 after having installed or upgraded your Windows 10 PC, then this indicates that some hardware in your computer has changed which’s causing the error to pop up. Windows might not be able to determine if the key is used on a new computer or if it’s still the same one if you have just removed or upgraded old hardware. But worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211 on your Windows 10 computer.

When you encounter this error, you will see the following error message on your screen:

“Cannot activate Windows 10. Try activating again later. If that doesn’t work, contact support. Error code: 0xC004F211.”

Note that although hardware changes cause this error, the minor ones don’t really cause any issues with activation, however, if you have made any significant hardware change such as replacing your motherboard, it will most likely cause the activation error. In such cases, the Windows Activation system will treat this as new hardware and you will need a new license for that.

Even if your Windows 10 computer has a genuine key, it might still fail to get activated which results in the Windows Activation Error 0xC004F211. Thus, before you do other troubleshooting steps, you need to run the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter first. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings and then select Activation.
  • After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.

In addition, there is an exception offered by Microsoft – if you are connected to a Microsoft account prior to the hardware change, then you can most certainly use the same license key to reactivate Windows 10 again. Microsoft calls this an “Exception path” which should be fixed easily by the Windows Activation Troubleshooter as pointed out earlier. However, if the Windows Activation Troubleshooter isn’t able to resolve the error you can try purchasing a new license. In such rate case, even if you do have a Microsoft account available on your Windows 10 computer, and if Windows was never activated, this solution will not work. And if you haven’t connected your Microsoft account with your Windows 10 computer prior to the major hardware change, then your only option left is to purchase a new license. For you to do that here are some steps you can follow.

  • To purchase a new Windows license, the first thing you have to do is click on the Start button > Settings > Update & Security.
  • From there, go to Activation and select the “Go to Microsoft Store” option.
  • After receiving your new license, you need to go back to Update & Security then go to Activation and select the “Change product key” option.
  • Now update your Windows 10 computer using the new key and it should automatically activate your computer.
  • Next, you have to create a Microsoft account or connect your existing local account to your online account.
  • Once the system links the key and the account, you need not buy a new license in case something like this happens again.

Note: If you are an IT administrator, you need to keep in mind that there is a limit to the number of times you can reactivate Windows on your computer. Moreover, if you don’t see any option to reactivate the license, and it is a work computer, you need to contact your organization’s tech support.

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Fix Winload.efi file missing error
The Winload.efi file is an Extensible Firmware Interface or EFI file. EFI files are executable files for the firmware of the computers that are mainly based on UEFI and execute the tasks of loading the files to the bootloader of the computer. They are used for a specific set of tasks such as turning on the computer, installing Windows, restarting the computer or resetting it, and so on. This is why the Winload.efi file is a significant file so if it gets corrupted, lost, or damaged, it would be impossible for the Windows operating system to proceed. Here are some errors you can encounter that are related to the Winload.efi file:
  • efi is missing
  • efi cannot be found
  • efi is missing or contains errors
  • This program can’t start because winload.efi is missing from your computer
  • This application requires the file winload.efi, which was not found on this system.
  • There was a problem starting [path]winload.efi. The specified module could not be found.
In addition, the 0xc0000225 , 0xc00000e and 0xc0000001error codes are also associated with the Winload.efi file. Before you start troubleshooting the problem, you can try to perform System Restore first. This will help undo any changes you’ve made in your computer that might have triggered the Blue Screen error. To perform System Restore, here’s what you have to do:
  • First, press 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 your create a System Restore point first.

Option 1 – Try rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) and repairing MBR

  • Once you get to the Welcome Screen part, click on Next.
  • Afterwards, click on the Repair your computer option located on the bottom-left part of the window.
  • Then click on Troubleshoot.
  • Next, select the Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
  • Once Command Prompt has been pulled up, the following commands to rebuild BCD files and repair MBR. Don’t forget to hit Enter right after you type each command.
    • bootrec /repairbcd
    • bootrec /osscan
    • bootrec /repairmbr
  • Once the command line is successful in finding out a Windows installation, hit Y to let it boot from the list which will successfully rebuild BCD.
  • Now type “exit” to close Command Prompt and then restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Disable the Secure Boot in the BIOS

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

Option 3 – Run System File Checker scan

You might also try running the System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the error. System File Checker is a command utility built into your computer that helps restore corrupted files and missing files. Refer to the following steps to run it:
  • Hit the Win + R keys 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 computer.

Option 4 – Disable the Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

  • You need to restart your computer in the Start Menu first while holding down the Shift key on your keyboard.
  • After that, it will restart your computer to Startup Settings.
  • Now ensure that the 8th option is labeled as “Disable early launch anti-malware protection.
  • Then tap the F8 key since the aforementioned option above is listed at number 8. This should launch and load Windows on your PC with the Early Anti-malware protection disabled for that session only when you try to carry out the same task and then check if the error related to the Winload.efi file is now fixed.
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Domain Users Sign in using Biometrics
The use of Biometrics is supported by Windows 10. Aside from that, it also supports PIN, password, picture password on all computers and if your computer has the proper hardware, Windows 10 also supports facial scanning, iris scanning, and even fingerprint scanning. You can see all these exciting features inside Settings > Accounts > Sign In Options. On the other hand, you can’t really expect to make use of all the above-mentioned features since it depends if the hardware is available to support them. One of the most interesting features is the use of Biometrics which is really useful in workplaces and so this post will show you how you can enable or disable the Domain Users Sign In on Windows 10 using Biometrics via Registry Editor or Group Policy Editor. But before you go on, you need to create a System Restore Point first since the modifications you’re about to do might affect the functioning of your computer. So in case something went wrong, you can always undo the changes you’ve made.

Option 1 – via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • After that, navigate to the following registry path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftBiometricsCredential Provider
  • From there, right-click on the right-side panel and click on New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • And then set the name of the newly created DWORD as “Domain Accounts”.
  • Afterward, click on “Domain Accounts” and set its value to “1”. This will allow the domain users to sign in to Windows 10 using Biometrics. While the value of 0 will disable the domain users sign in to Windows 10 using Biometrics.
  • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Option 2 – via Group Policy Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • After that, navigate to the following setting:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Biometrics
  • Then double click on the following entries located on the right-side panel and set the radio button to Enabled on all of them.
    • Allow the use of Biometrics.
    • Allow users to log on using Biometrics.
    • Allow domain users to log on using biometrics.
  • Now exit the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made properly.
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KFConsole enters the console competition
Yes, you read that right, KFC is making a console partnered with Cooler Master. Bizzare at it sounds, it is even more bizarre that the console is designed to keep your food warm!!! You can pull out the drawer from the console out on its top and place some food there in order to keep it warm. kfconsole drawerThe console itself is coming in cylindrical shape powered by Intel CPU and ASUS GPU of the unknown chipset. It has Seagate Baraccuda 1TB SSD and it is VR-ready. The console will have raytracing and will be 4K ready.

My thoughts

Well, my thoughts are somewhat strange, on one side I am not really sold on food heating gimmicks and without specific hardware specifications, it is difficult to say how much power the console will have. Price is also not leaked so that is also a stumbling stone for making an informed opinion. I am a little puzzled and concerned about this whole heating food thing because personally, I can see 2 issues: Console overheating and fat dripping on inside hardware, I am sure they have somehow eliminated this but I would be very interested to see how.
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Update cannot currently check for updates
If you receive an error message saying, “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because updates on this computer are controlled”, while trying to change the Windows Update preferences or manually update, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing it. You can mostly encounter this error in managed systems where an Administrator controls the permission on the operating system. The reason why you are not able to modify the Windows Update preferences or manually update your system is that a group policy prevents you from doing so and that the only user who can do these things is none other than the administrator of the system. Troubleshooting this kind of problem is the same as when you troubleshoot an error message that says, “Some settings are managed by your organization”. In such cases, you need to check both the Windows Update Group Policy and Registry settings. If you’re just a standard user, you have to contact your system administrator regarding this issue and if you are the administrator, you can make adjustments to the system settings via the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. Refer to the instructions given below for detailed instructions.

Option 1 – via the Registry Editor

If you are using the Home edition of Windows 10 and you want to change the policy for non-admin users on your local computer, then you can use the Registry Editor for that. Here’s how you can do it:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • After that, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows
  • From there, look for the key named “WindowsUpdate” in the Windows folder and if it does not exist, you can just right-click on the Windows folder and select New > Key.
  • Now name the new key “WindowsUpdate” and create a new sub-key under the newly created key and input “AU” as its name.
  • Keep AU selected and then right-click anywhere in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Then name the Value as “AUOptions” and right-click on AUOptions and select Modify.
  • Next, change the value of the Value data to “5” and click OK to save the changes made to the settings. Note that the Value Data of 5 refers to the policy to allow the local admin to choose the setting.
  • Now restart your computer once you’re done and check if non-admin users can now modify the Windows Update settings or update Windows.

Option 2 – via Group Policy Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this folder: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
  • Now look for the “Configure Automatic Updates” policy on the right pane and double click on it to open its Properties.
  • After that, shift the Radio button to “Enabled” and from the drop-down menu for Configure automatic updating, select option 5: Allow local admin to choose the setting.
  • Then click on Apply and OK to save the changes made to the settings.
  • Restart your computer and check if the problem’s fixed or not.
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Removal guide for Movie Mode Potentially Unwanted Program

MovieMode is a Potentially Unwanted Program developed by GenTechnologies Apps that allegedly ads a “Lights Off” function to video streaming websites like Youtube. This feature allows a user to dim the entire background around the video, allowing for better video focus. Although this sounds interesting and useful, upon further inspection it was discovered that this program does not work with modern browsers.

While installed, MovieMode may modify your browser settings, changing your home page, displaying additional ads, and other suspicious behavior. From the Terms Of Use: “Applications may be automatically enabled on your web browsers following installation. Applications or advertisements may require changing your web browser’s default home page, default page, or set of pages on startup, default search provider, and other browser settings. So that Applications can function most efficiently and with the least annoyance, Applications may modify or disable certain web browser or operating system features including, but limited to load time alerts, accelerator features, and Content Security Policy functionality. Applications may also include features to notify you when you are launching an application or visiting a web domain that may interfere with your installed Applications. “

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

What is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

Have you ever detected an unwanted program running on your computer and wondered how the heck it got there? These unwanted programs, which are referred to as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUPs in short, usually tag along as a software bundle when downloading the program and could cause significant problems for users. From the technical perspective, a PUP is not true “malware”. A basic difference between PUP and malware is distribution. Malware is normally dropped via vulnerability exploitation while PUP gets installed with the consent of the end-user, who knowingly or unintentionally approves the PUP installation on their computer system. On the other hand, it is obvious that PUPs are still bad news for computer users as they could be quite dangerous to the computer in lots of ways.

How do unwanted programs impact you?

Unwanted programs can be found in many forms. Typically, they will be found in adware bundlers that are known to use aggressive and deceptive advertising. Most bundlers install numerous adware applications from various vendors, each of which has its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware completely eradicates this threat and safeguards your PC against unwanted programs or malware infection. Additionally, most free software programs these days include a few unwanted add-ons; in many instances an internet browser toolbar or browser modification like a homepage hijacker. Not only they needlessly use up space on your screen, but toolbars may also manipulate search results, track your browsing activities, decrease your web browser’s overall performance, and slow down your web connection to a crawl. They could seem innocent but PUPs are sometimes spyware. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the spyware, adware, and keystroke loggers that may hide inside. Most PUPs don’t have any significant value or advantages. As soon as they are installed, they could waste your valuable system resources and also drastically slow down computer performance. Many of these programs are harmful to computer systems and put your private information and perhaps your identity at stake.

The best ways to stop PUPs

• Always study the license agreement and privacy statement. Don’t agree unless you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to. • Always pick the custom if you’re provided a choice between Recommended and Custom Installations – never ever click Next, Next, Next blindly. • Use an ad blocker/pop-up blocker; Install anti-malware products such as Safebytes Anti-malware. These kinds of programs can establish a wall between your computer and online criminals. • Avoid adding freeware software you simply won’t utilize. Avoid downloading and installing browser extensions and applications you aren’t familiar with. • Always download applications from the original site. The majority of PUPs find their way to your computer is through download portals, so stay away from it entirely.

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

Malware could cause all sorts of damage after they invade your computer, from stealing your private details to deleting files on your PC. Some malware goes to great lengths to prevent you from downloading or installing anything on your computer system, especially antivirus software programs. If you’re reading this, you probably have infected by malware that prevents you from installing a computer security program like Safebytes Anti-Malware. There are a few fixes you can attempt to get around with this particular problem.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Just bare minimum required applications and services are loaded whenever you boot your computer or laptop into Safe Mode. You will need to do the following to get rid of malware in Safe mode. 1) At power on/start-up, press the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This will invoke the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have internet access again. Now, utilize your web browser normally and go to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Immediately after installation, do a complete scan and let the program get rid of the threats it detects.

Obtain the anti-malware program using an alternate browser

Some malware only targets certain internet browsers. If this is your situation, utilize another web browser as it might circumvent the malware. If you are not able to download the security software using Internet Explorer, this means the virus could be targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you must switch to an alternate internet browser such as Firefox or Chrome to download Safebytes Anti-malware software.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another option is to create a portable anti-malware program on your USB stick. Follow these steps to use a thumb drive to clean your infected computer. 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the pen drive on the same system. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file extension. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you want to install the software. Follow activation instructions. 5) Disconnect the USB drive. Now you can use this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system. 6) Double-click the antivirus software EXE file on the pen drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

Are you looking to download the best anti-malware software for your system? There are plenty of applications in the market that comes in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows systems. Some of them are good, some are ok types, and some will ruin your computer themselves! While looking for antimalware software, pick one which gives dependable, efficient, and total protection against all known viruses and malware. On the list of recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes carries a really good reputation for excellent service, and customers are happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and user-friendly protection tool that is designed for users of all levels of IT literacy. With its most advanced virus detection and repair technology, this software protects your personal computer against infections caused by various kinds of malware and similar threats, including adware, spyware, trojans horses, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs). SafeBytes has outstanding features when compared to other anti-malware programs. Here are some of the features you might like in SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Real-time Protection: SafeBytes gives complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It’ll monitor your computer for suspicious activity regularly and safeguards your computer from illegal access. Most Reliable AntiMalware Protection: Built on a greatly acclaimed antivirus engine, this malware removal tool has the capacity to find and remove several obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other typical antivirus software will miss. Safe Browsing: Safebytes assigns 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. Lightweight: SafeBytes provides total protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load due to its advanced detection engine and algorithms. Premium Support: You can get 24/7 technical assistance to quickly resolve any concern with your security application. Overall, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program since it has loads of features and can identify and remove any potential threats. Malware problems can become a thing of the past once you put this application to use. If you need advanced forms of protection features and threat detections, purchasing SafeBytes Anti-Malware could be well worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you don’t wish to use malware removal software and like to get rid of Movie Mode manually, you could possibly accomplish this by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending program; in cases of browser add-ons, you can remove it by visiting the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You may even want to reset your browser settings, and also clear your web browser cache and cookies. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and computer registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values as needed. Having said that, editing the Windows registry is often a hard task that only advanced computer users and professionals should attempt to fix it. Moreover, some malware keeps replicating which makes it difficult to get rid of. It is advisable that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.
Files: C:\ProgramData\MovieMode\MovieMode.exe C:\ProgramData\MovieMode\MovieModeService.exe C:\ProgramData\MovieMode\Uninstall.exe C:\Users\All Users\MovieMode\MovieMode.exe C:\Users\All Users\MovieMode\MovieModeService.exe C:\Users\All Users\MovieMode\Uninstall.exe C:\ProgramData\MovieMode C:\Users\All Users\MovieMode
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Turn On or Off the Recommended Troubleshooting
For a while now, Microsoft has been working hard to add various built-in troubleshooters in Windows 10. In fact, there is a troubleshooter for almost every standard or common error in Windows 10. And now with the newly released Windows 10 v1903, Microsoft has added the Recommended Troubleshooting which allows Windows 10 to automatically fix a lot of critical issues on your computer, and in this post, you will be guided on how you can turn on or off the Recommended Troubleshooting in Windows 10. The Microsoft Diagnostic & Feedback data only provides two settings – Basic and Full. So if you want to turn off the Recommended Troubleshooting for some reason, the only way to do so is to stop it from collecting complete data from your PC. And to turn it on or off, you can choose to switch between them. To do that, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback and from there, select Basic under the Diagnostic Data section. After that, go back to Settings and go to Update & security > Troubleshoot. Once you’re there, you should see a warning message saying, “Share Full Diagnostic data to get additional troubleshooting recommendations”. Based on the message, Microsoft will only offer the recommended troubleshooting based on the Full Diagnostic data which it collects from your computer. On the other hand, if you know how to navigate and use the Windows Registry, then you can enable or disable the Recommended Troubleshooting via Registry Editor but before you proceed, make sure that you create a System Restore point. Once that’s covered, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoft
  • From there, look for the key named “WindowsMigration”. If you can’t find it, just right-click on the left pane and create a new key and then name it “WindowsMigration”.
  • After that, create a DWORD “UserPreference” and double click on it to set its value to “0” if you want to turn it off or “1” if you want to turn it on.
  • Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made.
Note: The Recommended Troubleshooting functionality can look into the error logs sent back to the Microsoft team and use an algorithm to set up a solution for you and they’re nothing but Diagnostics and Feedback data that Windows collects and sends back to Microsoft. Moreover, the recommendations are only visible if you are connected to the internet, else it will show the same message.
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Removing FlightSearchApp from your computer

FlightSearchApp is a browser extension for Google Chrome. This extension claims to be a simple tool to provide updates regarding flight arrivals, flight departures, flight tracking, and access to time zone converters. However, it is a potentially unwanted program which is also known as a browser hijacker.

This extension hijacks your browser home page and search engine changing it to MyWay. While this extension is active you will see additional ads, sponsored links, and sometimes even pop-up ads appearing through your browsing sessions. It also keeps track of your browsing data, recording your browsing activity, website visits, clicks, and potentially personal information. It also adds a toolbar to the browser header which can lag the browser while also reducing usable screen size.

Several anti-virus scanners have marked this extension as a Browser Hijacker, and is therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is regarded as the internet’s constant risk that targets web browsers. It is a kind of malicious software that alters your web browser’s configuration settings so that you are redirected to websites or webpages that you had no intention of visiting. Basically, nearly all browser hijackers are made for marketing or advertising purposes. The idea would be to force users to visit particular websites which are looking to improve their visitor traffic and produce higher ad earnings. It might appear naive, but the majority of such sites are not legitimate and will pose a serious threat to your on-line safety. Some browser hijackers are designed to make certain modifications beyond the web browsers, like changing entries in the computer registry and allowing other malware to further damage your PC.

How one can know whether the browser is hijacked?

Symptoms that your browser is hi-jacked include: 1. the browser’s homepage is changed 2. you see new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, typically directed to ad-filled or pornography websites 3. The default search page of your web browser is altered 4. unsolicited new toolbars are added to your web browser 5. many pop-up ads show up and/or your browser pop-up blocker is disabled 6. your web browser has become unstable or starts running slowly 7. You can’t access particular websites, in particular anti-virus sites.

How it infects your PC

Browser hijackers can get into a computer by some means or other, for instance via file sharing, downloads, and email too. They are generally included with toolbars, add-ons, BHO, plugins or browser extensions. Some browser hijackers spread in user’s computer systems using a deceptive software distribution technique known as “bundling” (usually through freeware and shareware). Browser hijackers may record user keystrokes to collect potentially valuable information that leads to privacy issues, cause instability on computers, significantly disrupt user’s browsing experience, and finally slow down the computer to a point where it will become unusable.

Browser hijacker removal tips

Some types of browser hijackers can be quickly removed from your PC by uninstalling malicious programs or any other recently installed freeware. At times, it can be a challenging task to identify and eliminate the malicious component since the associated file could be running as part of the operating system process. On top of that, manual removal expects you to execute many time-consuming and intricate procedures that are very hard to carry out for new computer users. You might opt for automatic browser hijacker removal methods by just installing and running an efficient anti-malware program. One of the recommended tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It assists you eliminate any pre-existing malicious software on your system and provides you real-time monitoring and protection against new threats. Utilize a system optimizer along with your anti-malware to fix various registry issues, remove computer vulnerabilities, and enhance your computer's overall performance.

Virus Blocking Internet And All Anti-Malware Software? Do This!

Every malware is bad and the degree of the damage will differ greatly with regards to the type of infection. Some malware is meant to interfere with or prevent things that you wish to do on your personal computer. It may not allow you to download anything from the net or prevent you from accessing a few or all of the websites, particularly the anti-malware websites. If you’re reading this now, you have perhaps realized that a malware infection is the real cause of your blocked internet traffic. So how to proceed if you want to download and install an anti-malware program like Safebytes? There are some solutions you could try to get around with this issue.

Download the application in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode is a unique, simplified version of Windows in which just bare minimum services are loaded to prevent malware and other troublesome applications from loading. If the malware is set to load immediately when PC starts, switching into this mode can prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on your keyboard just before the Windows boot screen shows up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, check “Safe Boot” under Boot tab, and click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can attempt to download and install your antivirus program without the hindrance of the virus. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove standard infections.

Utilize an alternate web browser to download an anti-malware program

Some malware mainly targets specific browsers. If this is your situation, use another internet browser as it could circumvent the malware. The ideal solution to overcome this issue is to opt for a browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Run anti-virus from your pen drive

Another solution is to save and run an antivirus software program completely from a USB drive. Follow these steps to run the antivirus on the affected computer system. 1) Download the anti-malware software on a virus-free PC. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select the USB stick as the location for saving the software file. Do as instructed on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the clean PC to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware software EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Hit the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove malware automatically.

Features and Benefits of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

In order to protect your computer or laptop from many different internet-based threats, it is important to install anti-malware software on your computer. But with countless numbers of anti-malware companies out there, these days it is tough to decide which one you should buy for your PC. Some of them do a good job in getting rid of malware threats while some will damage your PC by themselves. When looking for an anti-malware tool, purchase one which gives dependable, efficient, and comprehensive protection against all known viruses and malware. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended software program for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your system permanently but is also extremely easy to use for people of all ability levels. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software protects your personal computer against infections caused by different kinds of malware and other threats, including spyware, adware, viruses, worms, trojans, keyloggers, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), and ransomware. SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. The following are a few of the great ones: World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware application goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your PC. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that hides deep inside your computer. Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes offers completely hands-free real-time protection and is set to check, block and get rid of all computer threats at its first encounter. It will regularly monitor your pc for hacker activity and also gives end-users sophisticated firewall protection. Safe Web Browsing: SafeBytes checks the links present on a webpage for possible threats and informs you whether the site is safe to visit or not, through its unique safety rating system. “Fast Scan” Features: Safebytes AntiMalware, with its advanced scanning engine, gives ultra fast scanning which can quickly target any active online threat. Minimal CPU Usage: SafeBytes is really a lightweight application. It use up a very small amount of processing power as it operates in the background so you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you really want. 24/7 Online Support: You may get absolutely free 24/7 technical support from their IT experts on any product queries or computer security concerns. All in all, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is a solid program since it has plenty of features and can identify and eliminate any potential threats. Once you’ve downloaded and installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you no longer have to bother about malware or any other security concerns. If you’re searching for the absolute best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind spending some money for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you want to manually get rid of FlightSearchApp without using an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by deleting the application from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of web browser plug-ins, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and uninstalling it. You may even want to reset your home page and search providers, as well as delete temporary files, browsing history, and cookies. Lastly, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstalls. Please remember that only experienced computer users should try to manually edit the registry because incorrect file removal results in a serious problem or even a PC crash. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.
Files: %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\FlightSearch_fo %PROGRAMFILES%\FlightSearch_fo %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\FlightSearchTooltab %LOCALAPPDATA%\FlightSearchTooltab Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msmpeng.exe Debugger = svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe Debugger = svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\free.flightsearchapp.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings WarnOnHTTPSToHTTPRedirect = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore DisableSR = 1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\ekrn.exe Debugger = svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msascui.exe Debugger = svchost.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run 3948550101 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run xas HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\free.flightsearchapp.com
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Can't Connect to Blizzard Battle.net App
Blizzard is one of the most beloved game company which brought some of the most and greatest titles in PC gaming. Blizzard has released its own launcher in which you can launch games, sadly sometimes launcher does not want to work and fails to connect. If this happens to you be sure to:
  1. Reset your network devices to make sure your router hasn't become flooded with data.

    Power cycling your modem and router allows them to reset and re-establish a connection to your ISP. Follow these steps to completely power cycle the devices in your network connection:Note: If your modem has a battery backup, you will need to take the battery out or use the reset button on the modem.
    1. Shut down all computers connected to the modem/router.
    2. Power down and unplug the modem and the router if you're using one.
    3. Allow to sit for 60 seconds unplugged.
    4. Plug in and turn on the modem and router, and allow them to completely boot up until the front panel connection lights on the modem show a steady connection.
    5. Start the computer and allow it to completely boot up.
  2. If you're using a wireless connection, optimize your internet connection to rule out a connection issue.

    If you're experiencing issues with your low-speed or wireless internet connection, follow the steps below to troubleshoot the problem.
    1. Try plugging your computer directly into your modem.
    2. Shut down other programs that access the internet, such as other games or download programs.
    3. Satellite, mobile phone, and WiMax internet connections are not stable connections and may cause further connection issues when playing Blizzard games. If possible, consider switching to a more stable connection.
  3. Update your drivers and operating system to resolve any compatibility issues.

    Out-of-date drivers and operating systems can cause a variety of issues and are one of the first things to check when a game is having problems. The instructions below will help you check and update your drivers.
    • Even new computers can have out-of-date drivers and operating systems because updates are released routinely.
    • Some games and programs might run fine on a system with old drivers, but outdated drivers can still create technical issues with specific games or programs.
    • Check our supported video cards articles to make sure your hardware is compatible:
    Refer to the steps below to update drivers and software for your operating system.
  4. Release and renew your IP and flush your DNS to resolve any network conflicts.

    1. While on the desktop, press Windows Key and type CMD.
    2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
    3. Type ipconfig /release in the command prompt.
    4. Wait a few seconds for a reply that the IP address has been released.
    5. Type ipconfig /renew in the command prompt.
    6. Wait a few seconds for a reply that the IP address has been re-established.
    7. Type ipconfig /flushdns in the command prompt.
    8. Close the command prompt and attempt to make a connection.
  5. Close all other applications to resolve software conflicts and free up resources.

    Before trying the steps below, close unnecessary programs and restart your computer. Identify Problematic Startup Items
    1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
    2. Click More Details.
    3. Select the Startup tab.
    4. Right-click on each item and select Disable.
    5. Restart the computer.
    If this resolves the issue, enable the startup application one at a time to determine which one is causing the problem. You will need to restart between each application you enable. Note: To re-enable startup applications, follow steps 1-4 and select Enable.
  6. Delete the Battle.net Tools folder to automatically rebuild outdated or corrupt files.

    1. Close Blizzard processes.
      1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up the Task Manager.
      2. Click the Processes tab.
      3. Select all Agent, Blizzard Battle.net desktop app, and game processes, and click End Process.
    2. Navigate to the folder containing the Battle.net directory:
      1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue.
      2. Type C:\ProgramData\ into the Open field and press Enter.
    3. Delete the Battle.net folder.
    4. Run Battle.net and update the game to see if the issue persists.
    If the error persists after you try these steps, another program may be causing the problem. Restart your computer and delete the Battle.net folder one more time.
    Note: The above steps may cause the Blizzard Battle.net desktop app to forget game install locations. If your games can’t be found, you will see Install on the Blizzard Battle.net desktop app game tab instead of Play. To find your installation, click Locate this game or run the game launcher.
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How to Fix 0x8007043c Error Code

What is 0x8007043c Error Code?

Have you ever come across 0x8007043c error message pop up on your PC? If yes, then you should know that this error message is generated when any corresponding process or operation cannot be completed successfully by the application. This is a critical Windows OS Error message that should be fixed immediately.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

The 0x8007043c error code is usually triggered by the following reasons:
  • Missing or corrupt registry files
  • Failure to update Windows Installer
  • Viruses and Spyware
Common signs of this error code are pop-up messages, program lock-ups, problems with opening documents, and screen freeze.

Further Information and Manual Repair

As soon as you experience this error on your PC, it is advisable to repair it immediately because this error poses high-security risks. Malwares and viruses are notorious for data theft. To fix the 0x8007043c error on your PC, you don’t need to take on the services of an IT professional. This error code is rated as easy to repair. By following the instruction and repair solutions given below, you can easily fix this Window error 0x8007043c in a couple of minutes by yourself. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Scan for Viruses and Spyware

To stop hackers from sneaking into your PC and stealing your confidential data, you must first scan your computer for viruses and spyware on your PC. It is advisable to use a powerful antivirus to ensure your computer is totally virus and spyware clean.

Step 2: Download and Install a Registry Cleaner

After you scan for viruses, you should now download and install a registry cleaner. This is needed because an antivirus does not detect corrupt registry entries. To detect such entries, the registry cleaner tool is the best. After you download a registry cleaner on your system, click the scan button. You will have to wait for a few seconds for the scanning to finish. Once the scanning is complete, click on the ‘Repair’ button to fix the errors. After fixing all the errors, restart your computer. This is important because the registry changes will only come into effect after the system restarts. By following these 2 simple steps, you can easily resolve the 0x8007043c error on your system. However, to prevent this error from occurring again, it is recommended to run the antivirus every time you use your PC.
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Fix Windows Update Error 0x8007042B
There are times when you encounter some issues while your Windows 10 computer. One of the errors you can encounter in the update process is the “Something went wrong, error code 0x8007042B”. This kind of error might be caused by several reasons and it could also pop up in lots of cases like upgrading to a new feature update or a new build using the Media Creation tool or Windows Update Assistant. There are times when the Windows Update error code 0x8007042B is followed by another error code like 0x2000d. Whatever the extra error code that follows, the core issue still remains the same. To resolve the problem, here are some options that could help. And while going over these troubleshooting tips, you have to keep clicking the Update button right after you carry out a troubleshooting option.

Option 1 – Try to restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service

The Background Intelligent Transfer Service or BITS is a part of the Windows Update service and is the one that manages the background download of Windows Update, as well as scans for new updates and so on. And if Windows Update is experiencing some problems, you can try restarting BITS but make sure that you have admin privileges to do so.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
  • From the list of Services, look for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and double-click on it to open Properties.
  • After that, you need to set the Startup type to “Automatic (Delayed Start) and click on Apply.
  • Now click the Stop button to stop BITS and then click the Start button to restart the service.
  • Click OK to save the changes made and then restart your PC.

Option 2 – Try creating Windows 10 ISO media

In this option, you will have to create a Windows 10 bootable media and use it to install the latest Windows 10 version. The most user reported that this option works and the reason why it does have something to do with the Windows Update client since the Windows Updates downloaded from the regular Windows Update client seems to create issues such as the Windows Update error code 0x8007042B. However, issues like this one don’t occur when the very same Windows Updates are downloaded and installed via an ISO file. Take note that when using a Windows ISO file, you will be asked to choose what you want to do with the previous settings and apps. A lot of users opted for the “Not to keep the old Windows settings” option which has resolved the issue. So if you want to keep the previous settings then you must try to update Windows first while keeping the old settings. However, if it doesn’t work, you have to try installing the latest version of Windows without keeping the previous settings.
  • Click this link and then click the Download Tool Now button.
  • Next, click the “Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)…” option and follow the next given instructions on the screen.
  • Now select the ISO file option in step 5.
  • After that, you should now have an ISO file.
  • Next, go to the location where you’ve downloaded the ISO file.
  • Then right-click on the Windows 10 ISO file and select the Open with option and then select File Explorer.
  • Now click on “setup.exe” and follow the next instructions that appear on the screen. When asked, you have to select either the Nothing (clean install) or the Keep personal files only option. Take note that you must not select the “Keep personal files, apps, and Windows settings since it doesn’t really work.

Option 3 – Run the DISM tool

You can run the DISM tool as well to help fix the error code 0x8007042B during Windows Update. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth”.
  • Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 4 – Perform a System File Checker scan

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing the Windows Update Error 0x8007042B to appear. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 5 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update Error 0x8007042B. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 6 – Contact Microsoft Support for assistance

If you’re at your wits’ end in trying to update your Windows 10 computer, you should consider contacting Microsoft Support for help as they can offer you various options that would make fixing Windows Update Error 0x8007042B a lot easier and faster.
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