Fix Windows Update Error 0x80072EE2

Error Code 0x8007007e – What is it?

Error code 0x8007007e occurs in Windows 8 or 8.1 when users attempt to, but fail to successfully use Windows Update. When this occurs, Windows 8 or 8.1 users will not be able to access updates or certain web pages. This error manifests itself via the following common symptoms:

• Inability to complete tasks via Windows Update
• Message box displaying error code 0x8007007e message

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 0x8007007e is usually caused by a malfunction within your system. This malfunction may be due to several issues such as malware on your device, or the accidental removal of a registry entry or system file.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To correct issues related to error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8.1, users may need to employ one or several manual repair methods. Users will not necessarily need technical skills to accomplish this task. However, if you are uncertain of your skills or you are unable to resolve the issue after completing the tasks below, consult a Windows repair technician or use an automated tool.

Method one: System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) enables users to check their system for corrupt or missing system files. You will need to use Command Prompt. To access System File Checker on Windows 8 or 8.1, follow the instructions below.

• Step one: Tap or use the mouse to click Search
• Step two: Type Command Prompt in the Search box
• Step three: Select Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator
• Step four: Type password if prompted by Command Prompt to do so or simply click Allow

Whether you run Windows 8 or 8.1 operating system on your computer, System File Checker will begin to find and repair missing or corrupted system files. If, however, you are unable to successfully complete the task via Command Prompt, repeat the steps above. You may also consider help from a professional or simply move to the next manual repair method listed below.

Method two: Perform a Clean Boot

A Clean Boot will help users determine if error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8.1 is caused by a problem associated with startup programs. Problems may arise when there is conflict among programs that run in the background when users turn on their device. To run a clean boot, follow the steps below:

• Step one: Click the Start button and type msconfig in the search box
• Step two: Click Services tab
• Step three: Click Hide all Microsoft Services box then select Disable All
• Step four: Click Startup tab
• Step five: Select Disable All, then OK
• Step six: Restart the computer then check if you can now update the system

If the Clean Boot is successful, you will be able to successfully update your system without receiving error code 0x8007007e. However, if the error code reappears while you attempt to access updates or web pages, proceed to the next manual repair method below.

Method three: Scan for Malware

Since error code 0x8007007e in Windows 8 or 8.1 can be caused by issues related to malware, it’s important for users to check their system using a powerful antivirus or anti-malware software. If you do not have one on your system, you will need to download such software as soon as possible.

Once you have the software on your PC, run a scan to check if your computer has been infected. If malware is indeed on your device, remove it using the anti-malware tool.

Method four: Run System Restore Tool

Another effective manual repair method relates to System Restore. This tool enables Windows users to restore their computer to an earlier period of time in which the error code was not present. When done properly, it can effectively resolve error code 0x8007007e. Before running this tool, however, be sure you select a time in which all important files and programs are present so as not to lose them.

Method Five: Use an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

Hello and welcome to How To Speed Up PC Startup where we will explore how to make your PC boot-up system faster. When your computer gets older, you'll see a decrease in your PC's load time. This can be very annoying and frustrating, especially if you're not accustomed to exercising patience. Your computer's boot time does not need to be sluggish, even if it's old. While there are reasons why your computer is acting up and giving you the 'slow' sign, there are ways that you can optimize how fast your PC starts up at the beginning. Once you start speeding things up, you’ll never look back!

Start With your BIOS

You may need to tweak your PC’s start-up menu. Since the majority of issues encountered on your PC might not be related to the software running in the back end, you can focus on your computer's hardware. The ideal way to speed up your PC startup is to access your computer's BIOS when booting up. This can be accessed by holding the DEL key or whichever button is used to tap into your BIOS. You can change where your computer boots from. You can opt to put your hard disk right at the top which would elude searching for CDs and other storage media devices when your PC starts up.

Tweak Startup Programs

There are many programs that execute when your computer starts up. These programs normally run in the back end. Most times back-end programs are unnecessary and do not contribute to the productivity or performance of your computer when in use. Instead of allowing these programs to execute when your PC boots up, why not disable them?  By deactivating these programs, you'll be reducing the amount of CPU usage which will accelerate your PC performance. Additionally, there are some installed programs that you never use. Instead of leaving these programs to occupy needed space on your computer system, you can uninstall these to create more room on your computer. This actually increases your PC startup speed.

Put Malware on a Leash

Malware and spyware can cause problems for your start-up. A slow computer is an indication that your computer is plagued by malware. This affects your computer's boot time and whether or not it'll startup as quickly as you intend it to. If your computer gives you the 'virus alert', you need to download an antivirus program that will be able to eradicate all virus threats. Be mindful of where you download antivirus programs since many of them are viruses or have viruses attached to them. Some viruses are tough on your computer. This means that if an antivirus works for your best friend, it may not work for you. Since malware differs in functions and the havoc they cause, it's best to know what you're up against by doing research.

Clean Your Registry

You should also clean out your registry. The fewer unused registry keys you have lying around on your computer, the faster your computer will go. Getting a good registry cleaner from a clean source can help tremendously, but be careful; registry cleaners have the potential to be very dangerous so make sure you backup everything on your computer and only download registry cleaners from a reliable source. By implementing the above tips, you'll see quick improvements when using your computer.

The Microsoft Store error 0x80073d12 occurs when you try to download software from the store. In order to solve the issue follow the presented guide step by step in the order presented.

1. Check do you have enough hard drive space for installation

   Store locates and assigned space on the hard drive before it installs the application, if there is not enough space available it will return the given error. Go to file explorer and check is there enough space available.

2. Check that game is not expansion

   If you are trying to install expansion for the game without owning the required base game, you will receive the mentioned error. Check the store page to see if there are some prerequisites for the game like other games or packs.

3. Install the game from my library

   Press Start. Open the Microsoft Store App. Click the See more … button at the top right of the MS Store app’s window. Click Download and updates on the menu. Click Downloads on the left to open My library. Then click Ready to install to open a list of apps. Click the Install button for the game app that you need to install.

4. Install on another partition

   It was reported that an error vanishes if installation is placed on another partition instead of the default C drive.

Internal Error 2324 - What is it?

Internal Error 2324 occurs when you try to upgrade Firefox on your Windows 7 PC. The program fails to install and run successfully. The following error message is displayed:

‘The installer encountered an unexpected error installing this package. This may indicate a problem with this package. The error code is 2324.’

Solution

Error Causes

This error may occur due to different reasons. These include:

• Viral infection
• Bad registry entries (cookies or traces of old version of Firefox program)
• Other programs running on your PC during Firefox program installation
• Installation was not performed from the Administrator account

To use the Firefox web browser successfully on your PC, you first need to resolve error 2324 on your system.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To repair error 2324, try the following methods:

Method 1 - Perform a Clean Reinstall.

This means to remove the Firefox program completely from your PC and then reinstall it. To do this, remove the Firefox installation folder saved in one of the locations by default: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox Now download the latest Firefox version on your PC and save the setup file on your computer. After that double click, the downloaded installation file and follow the steps illustrated in the wizard to install Firefox on your PC.

Method 2

Sometimes Firefox installation may fail because of the interference from other programs running on your PC. Therefore, it is advisable to close all programs running in the background when upgrading the Firefox program. You can also disable programs like Logitech QuickCam and Spybot Tea Timer.  These are some of the many programs that are notorious for interfering with Firefox updates.

Method 3 - Scan for viruses to resolve.

Viruses are malicious programs that often enter computers through files downloads from unreliable websites and phishing emails. These programs then hide in your PC and infect it. You may often experience problems during program installation if your PC is infected by viruses. To fix the issue and ensure smooth Firefox program installation on your system, simply run an antivirus. Antivirus scans and detects all viruses in a few minutes. Upon detection, remove them right away to ensure your PC is free from such malicious programs. Now try updating Firefox on your system again. If it is updated smoothly, then the error is resolved.

Method 4

The registry of your system stores all the activities performed on your PC. You may have uninstalled the old Firefox version from the Control Panel but the traces of the uninstalled program may still remain in the registry as bad entries. These bad entries may be causing error 2324 to pop up on your PC. To resolve, you need to remove these entries from the registry. For quick removal, download Restoro. It is a user-friendly PC Fixer with a registry cleaner that scans and removes all obsolete files stored in the registry such as incorrect registry keys, bad entries, cookies, and junk files. Click here to download Restoro.

Aro2012 is a PC Optimizer Software that typically comes bundled with other software. Even though Aro2012 poses no threat itself, the programs that it comes bundled with may pose a problem to your computer.

From the Author: ARO is an advanced repair and optimization utility designed to help improve and maintain computers running the Windows operating system (both 32- and 64-bit). ARO focuses on finding errors that hide out in the Windows registry, identifying PC and web browser clutter that may be hindering PC performance, and ensuring computers have adequate security solutions installed and up to date. With its advanced scanning engine, ARO provides deep scanning capabilities to identify and repair registry errors. ARO also searches for and removes “junk” files that accumulate over time and can put a damper on PC performance.

When installed Aro2012 creates a startup entry that allows it to run each time the computer is started. It also adds a task scheduler that allows it to run at various times.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Have you ever found an unwanted program on your computer system and pondered how it got there since you are sure you didn’t purposefully download and never gave authorization to be installed? A PUA / PUP (potentially unwanted application / potentially unwanted program) is a piece of software that comes bundled with freeware/shareware and you agree to install on your computer. These are programs you definitely don’t want on your PC since it doesn’t give any beneficial service. The term PUP was first coined to outline this downloadable crapware as something other than malicious software. The reason is, most PUPs get into a PC not because they slip via the security holes, for instance, but because the users have installed them by themselves – 100 % unintentionally needless to say. PUPs might not be malware but nevertheless, they are dangerous programs for your laptop or computer. At best, these types of unwanted programs provide hardly any benefit, and at worst, they can be quite harmful to your computer.

What do PUPs do on your PC, precisely?

Most Potentially Unwanted Programs comes in the form of adware, which typically aims to exhibit lots of annoying pop-up ads, banners, coupons, and bargains on web pages you explore. PUPS also comes in the form of unwanted toolbars or browser plug-ins. Not only they entirely take up space on your computer screen, but toolbars could also manipulate search engine results, track your surfing activities, decrease your internet browser’s overall performance, and slow down your internet connection to a crawl. They could appear innocent but PUPs tend to be spyware. And in the large majority of the cases, end-users will not be aware that they’re installing an unwanted program. These are software programs that don’t do anything useful to you; in addition to taking up space on your hard disk drive, they will also slow down your computer, often modify settings without your permission, and the list of frustrating features goes on and on.

How can you avoid ‘crapware’

• Read the fine print so that the end-user license agreement (EULA) you’re accepting is only for the program you actually intend to download. • Always choose “Custom” or “Advanced” installation and never blindly click the Next button, which should let you uncheck any “foistware” software programs you do not want. • Have a solid anti-virus program such as Safebytes Anti-malware that can protect your computer from PUPs. As soon as you install this software, protection from malware and PUPs is already turned on. • Avoid installing a freeware application you will not use. Nowadays ‘freeware’ isn’t actually freeware – but “crapware” bundling nonsense. • Don’t download software programs from pop-ups, online advertisements, file sharing websites, as well as other unreliable sources; look out for any preset, unwanted options when downloading the program. Avoid visiting blogs and sites that support pirated programs.

What To Do When You Cannot Install Any Anti-Malware?

Practically all malware is inherently unsafe, but certain kinds of malicious software do a lot more damage to your computer than others. Some malware is designed to interfere with or prevent things that you’d like to do on your computer. It may well not permit you to download anything from the net or it will prevent you from accessing some or all of the websites, especially the antivirus sites. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer. Although this type of issue will be harder to get around, there are some actions you can take.

Install in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Only minimal required applications and services are loaded when you start your computer into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have internet access. Now, get the virus removal application you need by using the internet browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines within the setup wizard. 4) Immediately after installation, do a complete scan and let the software get rid of the threats it detects.

Download the antivirus program in a different internet browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a particular internet browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you seem to have a trojan attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to a different internet browser with built-in security features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-malware from a Thumb drive

Another option is to create a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. Adopt these measures to use a thumb drive to clean your corrupted system. 1) Make use of another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the USB drive on the same computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Now, insert the pen drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the flash drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a scan on the affected computer for viruses.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware: Lightweight Malware Protection for Windows PC

Want to install the very best anti-malware software for your laptop or computer? There are plenty of applications available that come in paid and free versions for Windows systems. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will ruin your PC themselves! You need to pick out a product that has obtained a good reputation and detects not only viruses but other kinds of malware also. On the list of strongly recommended applications by industry experts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is designed to assist the typical computer user in protecting their computer from malicious threats. Using its outstanding protection system, this software will quickly detect and get rid of most of the security threats, including adware, viruses, browser hijackers, ransomware, trojans, worms, and PUPs. SafeBytes has got a plethora of wonderful features that can help you protect your computer from malware attacks and damage. A few of them are given as below: Active Protection: SafeBytes provides round-the-clock protection for your personal computer limiting malware attacks instantly. It’ll continuously monitor your laptop or computer for hacker activity and also gives users superior firewall protection. Most Reliable AntiMalware Protection: With a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes gives multilayered protection which is designed to catch and remove viruses and malware which are concealed deep in your computer. Extremely Speed Scanning: SafeBytes’s very fast malware scanning engine lessens scanning times and extends battery life. At the same time, it will effectively detect and remove infected computer files or any internet threat. Website Filtering: Through its unique safety ranking, SafeBytes notifies you whether a website is safe or not to access it. This will ensure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the web. Minimal CPU and RAM Usage: This software is lightweight and will run quietly in the background, and will not affect your computer efficiency. Premium Support: Support service is readily available for 24 x 7 x 365 days through email and chats to answer your queries.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate Aro 2012 manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Control Panel and choose the program you want to get rid of. For web browser plug-ins, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you intend to disable or remove. It is also advised to reset your web browser to its default state to fix corrupt settings. To ensure complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and remove them or reset the values accordingly. Please keep in mind that only professional users should try to manually edit the registry because removing any single critical system file results in a serious issue or perhaps a PC crash. Additionally, some malicious programs have the capability to defend against its deletion. Completing this task in Safe Mode is advised.

Recently, a number of users reported that they were not able to use the “Run as administrator” context menu option when they tried using it or opening a program with administrator privilege. If you are one of these users facing this problem, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you in fixing this issue. At the time of writing, it isn’t clear what the cause of the issue is but there are potential fixes you can try to fix the problem. You can try turning on the User Account Control or clean up the Context Menu items change the Group Membership. On the other hand, you can also perform both SFC and DISM scans via Command Prompt or troubleshoot the problem in a clean boot state as it is possible that some third-party programs are the ones that are causing the problem. You could also run an anti-malware scan using Windows Defender or your antivirus program.

Option 1 – Try to turn on the User Account Control

When you open a program with administrator privilege, the User Account Control or UAC prompt will pop up asking you to confirm the permission. However, if you have disabled the User Account Control by mistake or some malware has disabled it, then it’s no wonder why the “Run as administrator” option is not working. Thus, you need to check if UAC is turned on or not. All you have to do is go to the User Account Control settings.

Option 2 – Try changing the Group Membership

• First, you need to sign in with your administrator account or ask your administrator to sign in for you. So if you only have a Standard User account, you have to add that account to the Administrators group.
• In the taskbar search box, type “netplwiz” and check the search results.
• From there, select your user account and click the Properties button.
• After that, go to the Group Membership tab and select Administrator.
• Now click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made and then sign in to your computer again and see if the “Run as administrator” option is working or not.

Option 3 – Try to create a new Administrator User account

If you have a standard account, you can try creating a new account but this time, you create an administrator user account and then see if you can now use the Run as administrator option or not. Note that you have to sign in with your main account before you can create an admin account.

Option 4 – Run the DISM tool

You can run the DISM tool as well to help fix the problem with the “Run as administrator” option. 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 5 – 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 problem with the “Run as administrator” option on your Windows 10 computer. 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.

• Once done, restart your computer.

Option 6 – Put your computer in a Clean Boot State

You can also troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot state. It could be that there are some third-party applications in your computer that are preventing you from using the “Run as administrator” option and to isolate this possibility, you need to boot your computer in a Clean Boot State and then try to use the Run as administrator again. Putting your computer in this state can help you identify which program is the culprit and thus isolates the problem. In a Clean Boot state, your computer will start using only the pre-selected minimal set of drivers and startup programs. Note that you have to disable and enable one process at a time.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• After you’ve set your computer into a Clean Boot State, try to check if the error is now fixed and that you can now view the Properties.

Option 7 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, if your computer was recently infected with some malware, it is possible that the malware changed the User Account Control settings which is why you’re not able to use the Run as administrator option. Thus, you need to scan your computer using Windows Defender.

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
• Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
• Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.

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

Option 1 – Try to rollback, update or disable drivers

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

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

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

Option 2 – Try to disconnect or disable newly installed hardware

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

Option 3 – Try running the Memory Diagnostic Tool

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

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

Option 4 – Try to update the BIOS

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

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

Option 5 – Try running the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

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

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

What is Mastodon? Mastodon is an open-source microblogging network very similar to Twitter. You can make 500 characters post messages called toot (tweet), share videos or images, and follow other people. But unlike Twitter, Mastodon is decentralized, meaning the entire Mastodon is not run by a single company pulling all strings.

Mastodon can be used directly in your web browser or through a mobile client on a smartphone or tablet. It includes features that seem copied from Twitter-like replies, boosts (retweets), favorites (loves), a timeline view, blocking, and voluntary content warnings that hide sensitive content.

Mastodon also has some great features that Twitter does not have like automated post deletion for the older post of a certain age, requiring approval for follows without restricting your account, and opting out of search engine indexing.

Currently, there are also no ads on Mastodon meaning no ad tracking or ad network surveillance.

How Does Mastodon Work?

Mastodon is a social media network made of nodes called servers or instances each running special software meaning anyone can run their own Mastodon instance (if they have a proper dedicated server). When you have your own instance it can be linked in the federation or remain private, so individuals or companies can have control over individual Mastodon servers.

The software itself is open source based on the social networking protocol ActivityPub which was developed by WWW Consortium.

While using Mastodon, people sign up for accounts with specific instances. Once logged in, you can view a local timeline (of posts from that instance only) or, if the instance is federated with others, see a federated timeline comprised of toots from people in other instances. Mastodon users can send messages to each other using their Mastodon account names that are similar to email addresses in that they feature the server address as well as the user name.

What is DownloadAdmin/ Updateadmin?

As a digital creation of Blueis, the DownloadAdmin application peruses your computer system for programs/applications that are outdated. This program then makes the necessary updates/installation on your computer, as if it were the Administrator. While most people might consider this application harmful, scrutinizing the Digital Publisher/Creator of the application should be reason enough to remove DownloadAdmin (and any other associated program) from your computer. Why? Blueis is infamous for producing/distributing “adware type software”, according to herdProtect Anti-Malware. Is that not a plausible reason for you to remove applications associated with that publisher? Additionally, DownloadAdmin not only updates your outdated applications, but it installs additional programs - usually utility tools and search toolbars. This is a sly way to promote third-party software and to get ads loaded onto your computer system. Technical details about DownloadAdmin include:

Digital Publisher: Blueis Product Version: 4.0.0.1 Original File Name: DownloadAdmin Entry Point:  0x0000234A

Assessment of DownloadAdmin

For this assessment, the DownloadAdmin file was obtained and installed on a test computer. After the DownloadAdmin/Updateadmin application was installed, it made several modifications to the computer system. These modifications may class the newly installed file as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). Outlined below is what took place after the file was installed.

• Updated an outdated application installed on the computer

Subsequent to the update made by Updateadmin, I thought the PUP had run its course. However, it was not quite finished. It was after scanning the contents/programs of my Local Drive, I stumbled on an additional program, one that I did not download or install, at least not intentionally. As predicted, the DownloadAdmin application scanned through the computer system (in the blink of an eye), during installation and made adjustments to an application already installed. This program was the Mozilla Firefox. Since Mozilla Firefox was rarely used on the PC in question, the DownloadAdmin application thought it quite appropriate to revive the Mozilla Firefox browser, by replacing it with the latest or more contemporary version.

• Installed a search toolbar

While DownloadAdmin did request permission to install an updated version of my Browser, it provided no warning about installing a search toolbar. This is quite shady and deceptive. In addition to updating the Internet Browser, DownloadAmin also installed the SearchProtect toolbar (Conduit). This toolbar is no stranger to the market as I’ve encountered it on several occasions during my assessment of malware.

Should you remove DownloadAmin?

That decision is totally yours to make. However, here are some reasons why most people would consider that program unwanted

• It updates your outdated programs

In most cases, at least those I’ve seen, if a user has a program installed, they don’t necessarily want a new version of that program. In fact, this PUP could spell trouble since some programs, especially paid, require a license to use the software. When that program is updated/ upgraded, you might have to acquire a new license to get it to work.

• Unnecessary program

If you’re totally lackadaisical and loathe the idea of doing work yourself, this program might come in handy. Many users will update their computers manually by using Microsoft’s preinstalled/pre-programmed updater in their computer’s Control Panel. This option searches for and installs all the necessary programs to keep your computer safe and secure. The DownloadAdmin program only occupies needed space and resources on your computer. However, what’s good about this program is that it doesn’t operate at the start time so it doesn’t necessarily cause unnecessary lags on your computer.

• Modifies your search experience

By installing a search toolbar called SearchProtect, Updateadmin modifies or changes the browsing experience you’re accustomed to. SearchProtect hijacks your browser and changes your homepage to their choice while removing yours. This is often hard to reverse since the publisher created this software to remain once installed. To completely remove DownloadAdmin from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter

Hello everyone and welcome to another tutorial on errortools.com, Windows itself when it is installed has a general idea about certain file types and how to open them, for example, image files would be opened with application photos, web links with the edge, etc. So when we double click on the known file type, Windows will start the default application for that type and open the file in it. But what if we do not want to open files in applications Microsoft thinks we should? What if we want to open the website in firefox or images in photoshop, or whatever. Luckily we can easily change which application Windows uses for which file type. Click on ⊞ WINDOWS to open the start menu and choose settings. On the settings screen, choose Apps. When the Apps screen opens on the left click on Default apps. On right, you will get a list of Windows default applications for certain types of files. Click on any application you would like to change and choose from the drop-down list a new one. Click on it and you are done.