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What software are you using to keep your information and all your files and memories safe? 

None? Yikes. Let’s hope no damage has been done to your data yet then. Because with how the digital world has evolved, your data might be getting leaked and you have no idea.

Why do you need to invest in security software?

There’s really no good excuse not to purchase a quality platform for PC protection. Especially since top security solutions are available at such affordable prices nowadays, your wallet would barely even notice it.

At this point, only people who barely use their PCs and have zero sensitive information on them can get away with simply using the built-in Windows 10/11 security software. But we guarantee that those people are extremely hard to find and that you’re not one of them, and here’s why.

Even if you don’t use your computer for things that are very obviously sensitive, such as internet banking, you still have some personal data at risk of being stolen. How so? Well, think about the data you enter into your social media profiles, for example. How devastating would it be if somebody got a hold of any of it? Yep, that’s what we thought.

In the hands of a skilled cybercriminal, your phone number alone could put you at risk of scams, ransomware, identity theft and more. Also think about the stuff you share in texts and social media chats. Think about the websites you visit and how many times you may have accidentally clicked on an ad, which could very well contain malicious software. Those all seem harmless until someone’s actually used them against you. 

Now imagine the dangers involved when you actually store truly confidential data on your PC and browsers. Sends shivers down your spine, doesn’t it?

In the case of a successful cyberattack of whatever type (virus, phishing, worms, etc.), there’s so much that is at stake. Businesses/legal persons will suffer from financial loss and damaged reputation, at the very least. Natural persons may be threatened or exploited, get their banking or medical information and even their identity stolen, etc. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

These are our biggest reasons for investing in Windows PC protection software:

• Cyberthreats are constantly evolving to the point where built-in or free software won’t cut it anymore.

• Those working remotely can have peace of mind knowing both personal and business data is completely secure.

• Businesses using top security solutions ensure their customers trust them. 

• Data breaches are a pain in the you-know-what to handle. Fighting a cyberattack and going back to normal is a demanding process, and not to mention the stress it’ll cause. We’d rather prevent all that by using trustworthy security products!

• It helps parents worry a little less about their children’s safety in the online world. 

• Added bonus: with most products, you get an ad-free browsing experience!

Obviously, there are a lot more reasons to get your PC secured. But we think you get it. So let’s cut to the chase and take a look at our 6 favorite protection solutions and the wonders they can do for you.

*Note that in this article we’re looking at products primarily suited for households and home offices, some for small businesses. No enterprise solutions will make the list today, but stay tuned for a future article on those.

Top 6 best PC protection solutions

1. Bitdefender Total & Internet Security\

One of the biggest security product vendors out there, Bitdefender offers several awesome solutions. We want to introduce two of our favorites, Bitdefender Total Security and Bitdefender Internet Security.

Bitdefender Total Security is great for both households and smaller offices. You can choose to protect 5 or 10 devices, and not necessarily just Windows devices. It also works for macOS, Android and iOS. It offers a range of powerful features, such as:

• Real-time data protection
• Webcam and microphone protection
• Device optimization options
• Anti-phishing/-fraud/-spam technology
• Ransomware protection
• Anti-loss and anti-theft tools
• VPN and privacy firewall 
• Anti-tracking technology
• Parental controls
• 24/7 support

Bitdefender Internet Security shares almost all of these features, but there are a few important differences to note. Unlike Total Security, Internet Security has more options in terms of the number of protected devices: 1, 3, 5 or 10. However it’s only compatible with the Windows platform and it doesn’t offer device optimization tools or anti-theft options. Whether or not this is a deal-breaker depends on your needs alone - we still find it a great security tool.

2. ESET Internet Security

An award-winning Windows security product, ESET Internet Security is essential on this list. It has an outstanding protection rate of 99.9% and a range of amazing options you’ll definitely want to make use of. It can be installed on up to 10 devices, making it an awesome tool for your household, home office or a small business. It’s also compatible with macOS and Android.

These are ESET Internet Security’s best features:

• Protection against ransomware and spyware
• Protection against malware specifically designed to avoid detection
• In-depth scans when the computer is not in use
• Firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your PC
• Anti-spam tool
• Anti-phishing and botnet protection technologies
• Tool to scan your router and smart devices for vulnerabilities
• Special browser for secure internet banking 
• Parental controls
• Prevention of unauthorized webcam access 

If you ask us, ESET has it all!

3. Kaspersky Total & Internet Security

Having a deja vu? Didn’t you just read Total Security and Internet Security somewhere? Oh, that’s right - the first entry on our list! But here we’re talking about Kaspersky, a vendor you’ve also definitely heard about before.

Just like Bitdefender, Kaspersky is another one of those renowned names in the cybersecurity world that always make it to every ‘best of’ list. And for good reason - its products really fulfill their purpose. So let’s take a closer look at the two we chose.

These are the features both Kaspersky Total Security and Kaspersky Internet Security have in common:

• Real-time virus and spyware blocking
• Webcam protection
• Wi-Fi security notifications
• Advanced identity theft protection
• Free technical support on several channels
• Remote security management
• Multiple devices (up to 10)

The main difference between Kaspersky Total Security and Internet Security is that the former offers more capabilities. These are the features KTS offers that KIS does not:

• System cleanup
• File shredding
• Password management
• Data backup and encryption

Both are excellent security tools, though we do prefer KTS a little more because of these additional options.

4. Norton 360 Deluxe

Of course one of the industry-leading solutions makes the list. Norton 360 Deluxe can protect up to 5 devices, be it Windows, iOS, macOS or Android. It’s worth noting that its features are best developed for Windows. Here’s what you get with Norton 360 Deluxe:

• Protection against viruses, hackers, malware
• 100% virus protection promise
• VPN included for all devices
• Unlimited VPN on Windows
• Password manager
• Parental controls

So is there anything aside from these standard protection features that makes it such a favorite among us techies? Let us tell you! Norton added a little bit of spice here with two really powerful capabilities. The Deluxe product offers 50GB of cloud backup and dark web monitoring. The latter means the software notifies you if any of your personal information is found on the dark web, which helps protect you against identity theft.

5. McAfee Antivirus

Don’t be misled by the name of this product. Antivirus software may have started as protection against viruses only, but it’s developed quite a lot. The name simply stuck. All that to say that McAfee Antivirus - another award-winning security solution - protects you against several different threats.

The basic and essential plan allow 1 and 5 devices respectively, while McAfee+ Premium and Advanced work on an unlimited number of devices. The latter two also offer more capabilities, as you can imagine. Here’s what you can expect from all of them:

• Secure unlimited VPN
• File shredder to delete sensitive files completely
• Ultimate safety while browsing
• Protection against hackers
• 100% virus protection promise
• Advanced firewall to block dangerous traffic
• Online support from specialists
• Protection score (shows how safe you are and detects vulnerabilities)
• Identity monitoring (notifies you if any of your information is on the dark web)
• Password management

Unlike the previous products, McAfee Antivirus does not offer parental controls. Otherwise it’s a pretty strong and comprehensive protection tool and might just be the right choice for you!

6. Trend Micro Maximum Security

Last but definitely not least, we’ve got Maximum Security by Trend Micro. And yes, you guessed it, Trend Micro is also an award winner in terms of cybersecurity. Its products have been recognized as industry-leading security solutions by AV-Test since 2003. Among all its fantastic solutions, our favorite for households or small offices is Maximum Security.

You can use Trend Micro Maximum Security to protect 3-5 devices for a year or two years before needing to renew your license. Aside from Windows, it’s compatible with iOS, Android, Mac and Chromebook devices. Here’s what you can expect from this protection software:

• Powerful malware protection
• Phishing detection and prevention (email)
• Password management and protection
• Maximum security for online banking and shopping
• System optimization
• Social media privacy protection
• Parental controls 
• 24/7 technical support
• No notifications during gaming

It’s truly one of the most effective platforms out there dedicated to protecting your digital life. Using this product, ransomware, identity thieves and malicious websites don’t stand a chance.

The bottom line

If you’ve made it all the way here, congratulations, you’ve made the right choice: to invest in securing your valuable data! Now the question is: which one of these 6 awesome antivirus/antimalware products to select?

The paradox of choice is a very real thing - we feel you. As mentioned, it comes down to what your specific needs are. So before you go ahead and purchase your security software, make sure to explore all options.

And if you really can’t handle the decision-making anxiety, feel free to reach out. We’ll happily assist you in finding the right product to keep your digital life secure!

The Adaptive Brightness setting in Windows 10 is a useful setting you can use in adjusting your computer’s brightness. It helps you get the brightness automatically based on the light around your computer. However, there are times when it does not work or it doesn’t turn off when you want it to. If this issue happened right after you update or install Windows 10, then read on as this post will give you a couple of options you can try to resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to run the Power Troubleshooter

The first thing you can do to resolve the issue with Adaptive Brightness is to run the Power Troubleshooter as the problem could occur due to some conflicted power settings. To use it, refer to the following steps:

• Open the Windows 10 Settings panel and go to Update & Security and then to Troubleshoot.
• After that, scroll down to your left-hand side and click the Power option.
• From there, you should see the “Run the troubleshooter” button. Click on it to fix the problem.
• Afterward, follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.

Option 2 – Try disabling or turning off the corresponding options in GPU settings

The problem might be due to the Graphics card settings. If you are using either an AMD graphics card or the HD graphics of Intel, you may have to disable the power-related options in the GPU settings. To be specific, you have to disable the Vari-Bright in AMD graphics card settings or the Display Power Saving Technology under Intel’s Graphics panel.

• AMD users:
  • Open the AMD Radeon settings panel.
  • Then go to Preferences. From there, select Radeon Additional Settings.
  • Next, go to the Power tab and click the PowerPlay option.
  • You should find an option called “Enable Vari-Bright” located on your right-hand side. Remove the mark from its checkbox and then save the changes you’ve made.
• Intel users:
  • Open the Intel Graphics and Media Control Panel from your Desktop.
  • Then select the Basic mode and go to the Power tab.
  • From there, select “On battery” as Power Source and then you’ll get the Display Power Saving Technology option. It should be set to enabled by default.
  • Now remove the mark from the checkbox and then save the changes you’ve made.

Option 3 – Try resetting the Power Plan defaults

You might also want to use a command-line tool to resolve the problem. This command-line tool is known as PowerCfg. It is a command utility tool that will scan your computer for 60 seconds to know its power. This tool gives detailed results in the form of an HTML report that will help you in evaluating the real cause of the battery drain issues. You can also use this tool to reset the Power Plan defaults of your computer. To use it, follow the steps below.

• Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
• Then type in the following command and tap Enter to execute it:

powercfg –restoredefaultschemes

• After the command has been executed, restart your computer.

Option 4 – Try updating your Graphics drivers

• First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
• After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
• After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
• Now restart your computer.
• After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.

Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.

Option 5 – Try disabling adaptive brightness via Registry Editor

Since you will be dealing with Registry files in this post, you need to create a System Restore point first. Once you have that covered, proceed to the following steps:

• 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 this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREIntelDisplayigfxcuiprofilesMediaBrighten Movie
• Now double click on the “ProcAmpBrightness” and set its value to “0”.
• Now go to this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREIntelDisplayigfxcuiprofilesMediaDarken Movie
• From there, double click on “ProcAmpBrightness” and set the value to “0”.
• Then close the Registry Editor and restart your PC and then see if the problem’s fixed or not.

It is a fact that Blue Screen of Death errors can give you a headache for you will have a hard time fixing it as it is one of the most difficult errors you can encounter on your Windows computer. One of these BSOD errors is the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. If you receive this kind of error then it means that the operating system was not able to catch a trap or an exception generated by the CPU. This BSOD error has an error code 0x00000007F and indicates that the Intel CPU generated a trap that the kernel failed to catch. One of the most likely causes is hardware failure due to faulty memory. Aside from this cause, you also have to track down other probable causes for this problem like corrupted system files, incompatible drivers or programs, faulty hardware, and even dusty components, and so on. To fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP BSOD error, here are some suggestions that might help.

Option 1 – Uninstall the programs you installed recently

Chances are, some programs that you just installed might be the one that’s causing the BSOD error. Thus, you need to uninstall the program to resolve the problem.

• In the search box, type in “control” and then click on Control Panel (desktop app) among the search results.
• After that, select Programs and Features from the list which will give you a list of all the programs installed on your computer.
• From there, look for the concerned program and select it and then uninstall it.

Note: If you have downloaded the app from the Windows Store, you can simply right-click on it from the application list and then uninstall it. In addition, you might also want to check the hardware components of your computer that might not support the operating system itself. You can disconnect all the external devices like USB drives, scanners, printers, etc., and then reboot your PC. After that, add the devices again one after the other and check if the BSOD error is now fixed or not. Moreover, you can also perform a clean boot to make things easier for you.

• 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.)

Option 2 – Update your device drivers

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
• Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
• After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. Look for the device driver you and then select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall device”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
• Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
• If you have chosen to uninstall the driver, follow the screen options to complete the process and then restart your PC.
• Connect the device and Scan for hardware changes – you can see this option under Device Manager > Action.

Option 3 – Use the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that helps users in fixing BSOD errors like UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP. It can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
• Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 4 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

You can use the Memory Diagnostic tool in Windows to check RAM. Before you use this tool, make sure you save all your important work.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type in “mdsched.exe” in the field and hit Enter to open Memory Diagnostic.
• After that, the Windows Memory Diagnostic will give out two options such as:

1. Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
2. Check for problems the next time I start my computer

• Select any of the given options. After that, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues upon the restart. If there are any issues, it will automatically them.

Option 5 – Disable Memory caching in the BIOS

You can also disable memory caching in the BIOS to fix the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error.

• Open the BIOS Setup screen.
• Next, go to Advanced > Cache Memory and then disable it.
• Tap the F10 key to save the changes made and restart your computer.

Option 6 – Run System File Checker

• Tap Win + R to launch Run.
• Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
• After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
• Restart your computer once the scan is completed.

Option 7 – Clean your hardware components for dust

Cleaning your computer’s hardware components for dust might also help in resolving the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. Make sure to use a soft cloth in cleaning the hardware as well as a small blower. Moreover, ensure that you do not damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you’re at it.

Error Code 48 – What is it?

Error Code 48 is a device driver error code that users can encounter on any Windows 2000 operating system and later versions.

It occurs when the connected peripheral device cannot be run as the Windows operating system’s driver required to install the programs for peripheral devices has either been corrupted or is incompatible with the system.

It prompts the user with the following message on the screen:

The software for this device has been blocked from starting because it is known to have problems with Windows. Contact the hardware vendor for a new driver. (Code 48)

Solution

Error Causes

Like most other Windows error codes, error code 48 is triggered by the following factors.

• Corrupted system registry files
• Presence of viruses in the device
• The device driver is out-of-date

If this error code is not rectified, it could give birth to other driver device errors such as error code 52.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Method 1 – Run a complete scan for malware and spyware

Identifying and removing the viruses in the system registry and in the connected devices is the easiest method to fix the corrupted registry files.

Viruses such as spyware and malware infect the registry entries and eat up the files that lead to incomplete or missing data. This creates problems for installing external devices as the driver required to install them is not complete.

Method 2 – Use System Restore

You can also use system restore to eliminate the problem. Here is how you can use it:

• Log in using an Administrator account
• Click ‘Start’ button and select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
• Click ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’ and click ‘Next’
• Select the last Windows to restore point from the ‘On this list, click a restore point’ list, and click ‘Next’
• Click ‘Next’ on the confirmation window to proceed
• Restart your PC after restoration is complete

By restoring the system via the last saved system checkpoint, you can obtain undamaged Windows system registry files that can help resolve the error code.

Method 3 – Manually uninstall and reinstall the device driver

Since Error Code 48 is due to a missing or an out-of-date device driver, uninstalling and then reinstalling the device driver can help solve the error.

You can do this by firstly logging in as Administrator and opening Device Manager. Select the device that is causing the problem and double click it; make sure that the peripheral is connected properly to the PC.

Upon opening, click on the ‘Driver’ tab and then select ‘Update Driver’. Make sure to refer to the system documentation that you received with your PC or computer to check for the motherboard details and driver specifics.

Method 4 – Use software to automatically download the driver

Manually uninstalling and reinstalling the driver will do the trick; however, it may be time-consuming especially when you would have to resort to your hardware user manual. Therefore, using a program such as DriverFIX can save you a lot of time and frustration in having your device work properly on your computer. DriverFIX, with its user-friendly approach to help you fix your PC issues, comes with an integrated database that detects which drivers you need to reconfigure within just a few seconds and downloads it automatically. It further ensures that your drivers are installed in their entirety leaving no room for any incomplete files to remain that create Error Code 48. It also has the added advantage of being able to backup and restores your files should there be the slightest possibility of system file damage. DriverFIX is the answer to fixing your PC error codes accurately and quickly. Click here to download DriverFIX to fix Error Code 48 quickly and effectively!

Error Code 0xd0000272 – What is it?

Error code 0xd0000272 is an activation error code that occurs when Windows users are unable to activate their Windows operating system. This error code features common symptoms which include the following:

• Inability to activate Windows 10 operating system
• Message box with error code 0xd0000272

Solution

Error Causes

When error code 0xd0000272 occurs in Windows 10, it is usually due to issues related to the Windows activation servers. In such a case where the error code occurs due to an activation server that is temporarily unavailable, users may need to wait for a few hours until the activation server is available. Their copy of Windows will then be automatically activated. Once the activation process is not done accordingly, you might encounter other Windows 10 errors such as error code 0xc004f034. 

Further Information and Manual Repair

As is the case with many activation error codes, Windows 10 users can perform several manual repair methods to determine the cause as well as fix the error code affecting their device. Instead of passively waiting to see if your activation error code will be fixed on its own, resolve error code 0xd0000272 through the manual repair methods available. Below are simple instructions that when followed can lead to your success.

Method One: Verify Internet Connection

Check Settings to verify if your machine is connected to the Internet. This is one of the causes of various error codes which affect Windows 10. Also, this manual method is a simple process that can help Windows users recognize or eliminate factors that may or may not be affecting their system. To check your Internet connection, follow the simple instructions below.

• Step one: Click the Start button and select Settings
• Step two: Select Network & Internet
• Step three: Click the Status section of the Network & Internet tab

Once you’ve been able to verify an Internet connection or troubleshoot any issues related to your network, go to Update & security. Make an attempt to activate your system. If you are successful, you will be able to access all the features and benefits offered via your copy of Windows. However, move to the next manual method below if error code 0xd0000272 reoccurs.

Method Two: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Your inability to activate Windows 10 may be related to an issue with Windows Update. To verify whether or not Windows Update is functioning properly, run Windows Update Troubleshooter.

You’ll need to visit the Microsoft website to access their Windows Update Troubleshoot tool. Once you’ve downloaded the troubleshooter, run the tool. After running the tool, check if you are able to access Windows Update services as well as activate Windows 10.  If the problem with error code 0xd0000272 persists, however, follow the instructions provided for manual repair method three detailed below.

Method Three: Disable Proxy Settings

Another option available to individuals experiencing error code 0xd0000272 in Windows 10 is to manually disable their machine’s proxy settings. After disabling the proxy settings, remember to open the Windows Update tab to complete the activation process. See the instructions provided below to disable proxy settings.

• Step one: Press Windows key + R
• Step two: Type control then click OK
• Step three: Select Settings then go to Network & Internet
• Step four: View connection settings
• Step five: Click on the Network tab
• Step six: Click Proxy -- turn off proxy

Once you have successfully disabled your proxy settings, open Windows Update. Select the activation option to access your copy of Windows 10. If you are unable to complete the activation process, however, contact a Windows repair technician.

Method Four: Use an Automated Tool

Error codes in Windows often occur due to poor maintenance of one’s PC. To improve your system and reduce your machine’s risk of experiencing error codes, download a powerful automated tool. This tool is both powerful and user-friendly, making its benefits accessible to even the most non-technical Windows users.

DirectX encountered unrecoverable error usually face gamers when they try to star certain game. In this guide, we will help you to get over it and solve the issue. Follow steps in this guide one after another since they go from most simple ones to complex ones so following is advised in order not to waste a ton of time and resources doing wrong tasks.

1. Check your game page and your DirectX

   The first and most common thing that can cause this type of error is when your installed DirectX is not the same version that the game requires. Check the game store page to see system requirements and write down which DirectX version it requires in order to run. Then press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to bring run dialog and type in it DXDIAG and press ENTER DX diagnostic window will pop up and at the bottom, you can find which DirectX version is installed on your system. If versions are different, install the required DirectX version and run the game.

2. Update or reinstall GPU drivers

   DirectX can get corrupted via bad driver update, in order to fix this, reinstall or update your Graphic drivers to the latest version from the official manufacturers' website.

3. Set custom scaling to 100

   Go into Windows settings and set custom Display scaling to a value of 100, sign out, and then sign back in.

4. Delete registry key

   Note that you should do this as the last option and be very careful since you can crash whole Windows in this way. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog and type RegEdit in it to open the registry editor. Find this key: ComputerHKEY_CLASSES_ROOTPROTOCOLSFiltertext/XML and delete it from the registry, you might want to do a backup of the registry first, just in case.

If you encounter the “Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error when trying to downgrade or upgrade your Windows 10 computer, this signifies that there are some compatibility issues with the installation process and that Windows was not able to either downgrade or upgrade to another version. Usually, this error occurs when you are using the built-in options in Windows 10 upgrade or downgrade to another version of Windows. This option is mostly used as it keeps the user settings as well as data intact. Thus, you need to keep in mind a lot of parameters before you proceed with the installation because if there is any conflict in the process, you certainly won’t be able to downgrade or upgrade your Windows computer. To resolve the issue, here are some suggestions that might help.

Option 1 – Try running in Compatibility mode

This is the first thing you can try to resolve the issue instead of going right ahead on making a bootable device. So if you are downgrading Windows, you can try to run the installer in the compatibility mode for that specific Windows version.

• Look for the setup file.
• Once you find it, right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu.
• After that, go to the Compatibility tab and mark the checkbox for “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and from the drop-down list, select either Windows 7 or Windows 8.
• You also have to check the “Run as administrator” option.
• Now click the Apply button and then click OK to save the changes made and check if it has resolved the issue or not.

Option 2 – Option 2 – Try troubleshooting compatibility

This option is almost the same as the first one except it is an alternative way of fixing the “Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error in case the first one didn’t work. In this option, you will troubleshoot the compatibility issue.

• Look for the setup file.
• Then right-click on it and select the “Troubleshoot compatibility” from the context menu.
• After that, click on the “Try recommended setting” option. Once the process is done, the error message should be gone.

Option 3 – Try to use the setup file instead of an image

If you are running the Windows ISO image for the installation, you can try running the setup file instead. This is because when you try to install Windows from an image file directly, it has to be loaded into a virtual CD drive first, and then from there, further operations are carried out. And so, you can just bypass this mechanism to avoid getting the “Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error.

• First, you need to extract the disk file to an accessible location.
• After that, go to Sources > Setup.exe.
• Now run the setup file to upgrade or downgrade the Windows version. Just make sure that you do run the setup file as an administrator.

Option 4 – Try to do the upgrade or downgrade in a Clean Boot state

Putting your PC in a Clean Boot state can also help when you want to upgrade or downgrade your version of Windows without any trouble because, 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 issue.

• 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 that, try to install the Windows Updates or upgrade again.

Option 5 – Try to use the Media Creation tool

The Media Creation tool in Windows allows you to use the ISO installation file to make a bootable device that you can use to install Windows on your PC. Note that this is kind of different from the usual installation process as it could erase your computer’s current settings and data on the primary drive. Thus, before you proceed, you need to backup all your data into some removable drive and then use the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable drive.

• After making the bootable drive, you need to plug it into your computer and then reboot.
• Next, tap the F10 or Esc key to open the boot options.
• Now set the boot priority of the removable drive the highest. Once the setup comes forth, follow the next onscreen instructions and install Windows without any problems.

What Is Sndvol32.exe Error?

Sndvol32.exe is actually an important part of the Windows operating system. Responsible for managing the sound-card volume and running programs properly, the problem occurs when error messages appear. The user will be unable to listen to music on the system. Usually, Windows XP users encounter the Sndvol32.exe error.

Solution

Error Causes

Sndvol32.exe error can be caused by any one or several of the reasons listed below.

• Accidental deletion of the DLL file from the system
• Damage to the DLL file due to spyware or virus infection
• Improper removal of software
• Unintentional overwriting on the DLL file by a mismatched version
• Obsolete hardware drivers
• Several obsolete/invalid registry entries
• Corrupt registry entries

Regardless of what triggers the Sndvol32.exe error, it is of utmost importance to take immediate measures to fix the problem and to keep it from occurring again.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you are looking for ways to fix this error manually, the Windows functionality of System Restore will come into play in this particular scenario. In case the error is caused by a damaged or corrupt file, performing System Restore is an ideal choice as it will allow you to not only get a fresh copy of the operating system, it will be possible for you to remove the error at the same time as well. The procedure for performing System Restore is outlined below as follows.

• Click on the Start menu and type ‘System Restore’ in the search box.
• When the icon for ‘System Restore’ appears, click on it.
• Now type ‘Restore’ in the search box that appears on the start menu.
• The window for the System Restore center will now appear.
• Now you have two options. You can either opt for “Recommend Restore” which is the case where the system itself will choose a restore point for you or you can select “Choose a different restore point”. Users are advised to choose the latter option as it is more customizable.
• Users can now select from a list of restore points that have been created before. If you observe closely, you will realize that one of the restore points is prior to the occurrence of the Sndvol32.exe error.
• Click on the restore point. Once you have confirmed your selection, your system will restart and it will roll back to its previously selected restore point.

One recommendation is to perform the system restore in Windows Safe Mode. This is just to ensure that the System Restore is performed smoothly and any potential problems are kept at bay.

As you know, aside from making computing a lot easier, mouse and touchpad, it also makes computing more efficient and less time-consuming. And so life is unimaginable without these useful devices. However, it is a known fact that you can’t customize these devices since all touchpads and mice come with their own default scrolling direction but worry not for in this post you will be guided on how you can reverse their default scrolling directions. Every user has their own different preferences when it comes to scrolling directions. You might want the scrolling directions to look like the page is being scrolled in the same direction in where you move your fingers over the touchpad or you might prefer it in an inverted way. Reversing the scroll direction for your device’s touchpad is really easy as Windows by default offers this customization. So if you are trying to find a way to reverse the scrolling direction of your mouse, then you have to follow a tricky little method which will be provided in this post. It is apparent from the number of settings the touchpad is available that it has become more customizable. You can configure everything, from its gestures, taps, sensitivity, and even its scrolling direction. And now, if you want to reverse its scrolling direction, here’s what you have to do: Step 1: Tap the Win + I keys to open Settings. Step 2: From there, go to Devices and select Touchpad from the menu. Step 3: Next, look for the Scrolling Direction setting. Step 4: Then click on the drop-down and select your preferred setting.  If you want the same direction scrolling, just select the “Downwards motion scrolls down” option, and if you want the opposite select the other one. After you carry out these steps, the settings will be applied right away and you will see the changes. On the other hand, if you want to change the scrolling direction for your mouse, the procedure is not as simple as it was for the touchpad.

To reverse the scrolling direction for a mouse, refer to these steps:

Step 1: In the Start Search, type “device manager” and click on the appropriate result to open the Device Manager. Step 2: After opening the Device Manager, look for your Mouse under the “Mice and other pointing devices” section. It is mostly listed as an “HID-compliant mouse”. Step 3: Right-click on your mouse and click Properties. Step 4: From there, go to the Details tab and from the drop-down menu, select Device Instance Path. Step 5: Now take note of the value displayed on its value field and then tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Step 6: Type in “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor. Step 7: Next, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetEnumHID

Step 8: From this folder, you have to start matching the values in the first part of the value you’ve taken note of. Step 9: Open the folder which has the same value and repeat this for the second part of the value. Step 10: Afterwards, click on the Device Parameters and look for a property named “FlipFlopWheel” and invert its value from 0 to 1 or 1 to 0 to reverse the scrolling direction. And then restart your PC to apply the changes made. After you restart your PC, you should see the changes in the scrolling direction of your mouse. Note that you can change the value back to its original value or just use the registry backup to undo the changes you’ve made.

Error 1512 - What is it?

Error 1512 is a type of runtime error code. This error may hamper your ability to run and load your desired programs on Windows PC. There are increased chances of runtime error 1512 occurring when system files go missing or get corrupt. Symptoms of this error code include:

• Slow PC speed
• Window System freeze

Solution

Error Causes

There are several for the occurrence of runtime error 1512. These include:

• Faulty or outdated drivers
• Poor Program installation
• Damaged Windows Registry
• Viruses tampering the system settings/memory
• Broken or incorrect Registry entries
• Damaged Windows registry

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this issue you don’t have to hire a professional and spend hundreds of dollars to get it fixed. Here are some of the best and easy do-it-yourself methods to repair error 1512 on your system in a few minutes. These methods are very easy to work around and do not require any kind of technical expertise.

Method 1 - Uninstall and then reinstall the Same Program

Sometimes this runtime error may pop up due to poor program installation. In such an event, it is advisable to uninstall the program and then reinstall it again properly. To do so, go to the start menu, and click on control panel. Now select the program & features option. Here you will find the option Add/Remove Program. Remove the program causing error 1512. Once the program is removed, reinstall it again.

Method 2 - Run an Antivirus Program

Computer viruses are capable of tampering with system settings. Due to this reason you might experience runtime errors like 1512 on your PC. These malicious programs usually enter the system through phishing emails or website downloads. To resolve the issue, you need to run a powerful antivirus program. An antivirus removes all sorts of malicious programs hiding in your PC like malware, spyware, and malware that are responsible for generating runtime errors.

Method 3 - Update the Outdated Drivers on your PC

If the error still persists, then it is suggested to update outdated drivers. Faulty and outdated drivers can also trigger runtime error 1512. To do this, go to the Device Manager. Here use the Driver update wizard to make updates.

Method 4 - Remove the Invalid Registry Entries and Repair the Damaged Registry

The best way to perform both tasks is to download Restoro. It is embedded with a registry cleaner that is quite easy to use. The registry cleaner removes all invalid entries in seconds, cleans the cluttered registry by wiping out all the redundant and unnecessary files. The damaged registry is then repaired and resumes its normal function. Click here to download Restoro and resolve runtime error 1512.