Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402c

Video Download Converter is a potentially unwanted toolbar distributed by Mindspark Interactive network. This toolbar offers users the ability to download and convert youtube and other online videos.

While this may seem useful at the start, this toolbar monitors user browsing activity and records visited websites, clicked links, and even personal data, that it later uses to display injected ads through your browsing session. When the toolbar is installed, it will automatically hijack your home page and search engine setting them to MyWay.com. This search engine uses google to display your search results, however, it injects ads into the search results to generate ad revenue. Several anti-virus scanners have detected VideoDownloadManager as a Browser Hijacker, and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a form of unwanted software, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the browser’s settings. There are lots of reasons why you might experience a browser hijack; however commercial, marketing, and advertising are definitely the key purposes for their creation. Usually, it will force users to predetermined sites which are looking to increase their advertising campaign earnings. It may seem naive, but the majority of these sites are not legitimate and can pose a major threat to your online safety. Browser hijackers can also allow other harmful programs without your knowledge to further damage the computer. How to determine if your browser has been hijacked There are many symptoms that indicate the internet browser has been hijacked: the home page of your browser is changed suddenly; you find yourself constantly directed to a different web page than the one you intended; the main web browser settings are modified and unwanted or insecure resources are added to the trusted websites listing; unsolicited new toolbars are added to your web browser; you may find numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; you can’t navigate to certain websites, such as computer security software related websites.

So how does a PC get infected with a browser hijacker?

Browser hijackers can enter a PC by some means or other, for example via file sharing, downloads, and e-mail too. Many web browser hijackings originate from add-on applications, i.e., toolbars, browser helper objects (BHO), or extensions added to browsers to provide them additional features. Some browser hijackers spread in user’s computers using a deceptive software distribution method called “bundling” (commonly through freeware and shareware). Some of the popular hijackers are VideoDownload Converter, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, OneWebSearch, Sweet Page, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijackers might record user keystrokes to gather potentially invaluable information leading to privacy concerns, cause instability on computers, drastically disrupt user’s browsing experience, and eventually slow down the PC to a point where it becomes unusable.

The best ways to remove browser hijackers

Certain kinds of browser hijackers can be easily removed from your PC by uninstalling malicious software programs or any other recently added shareware. However, many hijacking codes are not very easy to get rid of manually, since they go deeper into the operating system. Moreover, manual removal demands you to do many time-consuming and complex procedures which are very difficult to carry out for beginner computer users. You can go for automatic browser hijacker removal by simply installing and running reliable anti-malware software. Safebytes Anti-Malware has a cutting-edge anti-malware engine to help you prevent browser hijacker infection in the first place, and clean up any pre-existing issues. Together with anti-malware, a PC optimizer tool, similar to Total System Care, could help you resolve registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure online privacy, and improve overall system performance.

What to Do if Malware Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Anything?

Every malware is detrimental and the magnitude of the damage will vary greatly depending on the type of malware. Some malware sits in between your PC and the internet connection and blocks a few or all internet sites which you want to visit. It would also block you from adding anything to your system, particularly anti-malware software. If you are reading this article, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer. There are a few steps you can take to circumvent this problem.

Eliminate viruses in Safe Mode

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in safe mode should prevent it. Just bare minimum required programs and services are loaded when you boot your computer into Safe Mode. Here are the steps you need to follow to take out viruses in Safemode. 1) After switching on the computer, press the F8 key before the Windows splash screen begins to load. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you should have an internet connection once again. Now, utilize your web browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware. 4) Right after installation, run a complete scan and let the software remove the threats it detects.

Obtain the security program using a different browser

Some malware mainly targets particular browsers. If this sounds like your situation, employ another web browser as it could circumvent the virus. If you appear to have a trojan attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to a different browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Install security software on a USB drive

Here’s yet another solution which is utilizing portable USB anti-malware software that can scan your computer for viruses without the need for installation. Adopt these measures to use a USB drive to fix your corrupted computer system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Windows Defender Offline onto a clean PC. 2) Mount the pen drive on the same PC. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose a thumb drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you wish to install the application. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. 5) Transfer the pen drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program from the thumb drive. 7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

Detect And Remove Viruses With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

If you’re looking to purchase anti-malware for your computer system, there are lots of brands and applications for you to consider. Some of them are good and some are scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your personal computer. Make sure you choose a company that builds industry-best anti-malware and it has attained a reputation as reliable. One of the recommended software by industry analysts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Windows computers. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, highly effective protection tool made to help users of all levels of IT literacy in detecting and removing harmful threats from their PC. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application will assist you to remove several types of malware including computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes has got a plethora of amazing features which can help you protect your computer from malware attack and damage. Here are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes. Active Protection: SafeBytes offers a completely hands-free real-time protection that is set to monitor, block and kill all computer threats at its very first encounter. It will continuously monitor your computer for hacker activity and also provides end-users with sophisticated firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware application goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your personal computer. Fast Scan: SafeBytes Anti-Malware possesses a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5 times faster than any other antivirus software. Web Protection: Through its unique safety ranking, SafeBytes tells you whether a website is safe or not to visit it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your safety when browsing the web. Light-weight: This software is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not find any performance troubles when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Support: You could get high levels of support around the clock if you are using their paid software. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is pretty great for securing your computer against all sorts of malware threats. There is no doubt that your PC will be protected in real-time once you put this software program to use. So if you’re looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we suggest the SafeBytes Anti-Malware software program.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not want to use malware removal software and like to remove VideoDownload Converter manually, you may do so by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and deleting the offending software; in cases of web browser extensions, you could uninstall it by going to the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You may even want to reset your internet browser settings, and also delete temporary files, browsing history, and cookies. Finally, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. Please keep in mind that this is for advanced users only and could be difficult, with wrong file removal causing additional PC errors. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is recommended.

Code 0x800F0923 – What is it?

The Error Code 0x800F0923 is one that appears only when attempting to update from older versions of Microsoft Windows to Microsoft Windows 10. This error does not occur with every install and is believed to be the result of a driver incompatibility issue. It is unclear which specific drivers are having the compatibility issues, though it is widely believed that DuplexSecure's SPTD drivers are the ones at fault. When operating correctly, without errors, the update process should not take longer than 30 minutes. Common symptoms include:

• Error message window/pop-up during the install process, giving the Error Code 0x800F0923
• Inability to install and update from older versions of Microsoft Windows to version 10

Solution

Error Causes

There are various relevant factors associated with the error code 0x800F0923 incompatibility issue in Windows 10 installation/upgrade. These factors include but are not limited to:

• The Operating System (OS) upgrading does not support older hardware.
• Your computer’s specs did not meet the minimum requirements.
• Not enough hard disk space.
• The new software might lack software drivers for older hardware

Further Information and Manual Repair

Microsoft has recently released its Windows 10 operating system. While there are still a few kinks to be worked out, overall the reviews have been positive. As with any new Microsoft update, compatibility issues can arise. If you are unsure whether your current PC will be able to handle the new Windows 10, here is an easy way to check your system.

Method 1: Check if your computer is compatible

• Locate the “Get Windows 10” application icon in your notification tray (bottom right corner of your screen, white Windows logo).
• Right-click on this icon, then select the “check your upgrade status” option.
• Be prepared for the menu to take a few minutes to open.
• Click on the menu on the upper left-hand corner of this new dialog box. (It looks like three blue horizontal lines)
• Select “check your PC”
• After the system checks for compatibility, it will let you know whether or not your PC has the appropriate drivers, etc. (Keep in mind that this is not a foolproof method for checking compatibility status).

Method 2: Download or upgrade your drivers/software

If you have already attempted to update to Windows 10, and have received the Error Code 0x800F0923, this is the simplest way to solve the issue yourself.

1. Open the “Get Windows 10” application. 2. Open the menu in the upper left corner, looks like three blue lines. 3. Select “Check your PC”. 4. The system will tell you which drivers are incompatible. 5. Go to the Microsoft Support website to install and/or update the drivers that proved to be an issue. 6. Once the driver issue is corrected, retry the Windows 10 update.

Method 3: Create space on your computer

If your computer does not have sufficient space to accept the upgrade, you might want to clear up some space on your computer. Here’s how to do it. If you have not attempted to install Microsoft Windows 10 yet, it is a good idea to check your system's compatibility prior to installing. While it is not absolutely necessary, it will save time and frustration. Microsoft Support suggests contacting them directly if you are unable to solve your driver compatibility issues, or if the above do-it-yourself method is unsuccessful. To resolve this compatibility issue and get your upgrade going use a powerful and user-friendly tool to clean up the problem. Click here to download Restoro. Users should also be aware that those who choose to upgrade to Windows 10 have 30 days in which they may decide that they would rather use their old system. However, reverting back to the older system may not be a smooth process, and some data could be lost.

The new razer modular table looks like something that came out from Star Trek. Project Sophia is a desk but, it is a special kind of desk. It comes with modules that attach themselves underneath the table itself for customization purposes so each user can somewhat create a layout on the table itself as he or she desires. The table itself comes packed with intel CPU and Nvidia GPU but it is said that this component and PC parts will overall be easily upgraded to different ones as users desires. The table itself looks very basic and it comes with a very large OLED screen between two different sizes depending on your table choice. You can choose between 65” or 77” screen sizes and OLED is mounted on the table itself so you cannot move it or adjust the angle of it that I somewhat find annoying but that comes from th4e fact I am used to adjusting my screens, but for this large screen maybe you do not need to adjust its rotation in order to get best viewing angle. Modules themselves will offer some on-the-fly information and quick settings for the PC itself while being modular in a sense they could be mounted in different positions on the table itself providing some customization and order to suit users needs. Modules, for now, are: THX Spatial Surround Sound Controls, system monitoring, programmable hotkey module, Thunderbolt™ Powered eGPU, RAID Controller, Network Performance Module, 15W Wireless Charger, Thunderbolt™ 4 Hub, Media Controls. Of course table, itself will have Razer chroma RGB on its surface and Razer says it will have a total of 13 different modules available on launch for a true level of personalization.

Conclusion

Is this Razer table something that you really need or just another expensive toy? Personally, I would not mind this table at all but I would choose modules for work, not gaming. Having some things like media controls or RAID controllers all the time at your fingertips is a great time saver and productivity asset. Razer also advertises some modules and setup already for streamers, creators, or team members and has some according modules like touch screen digitizer with stylus and similar.

Realtek sound device not playing sound is a common Windows issue.  It happens occasionally and luckily it can be solved with a little effort and in a short time period. Today in this article we will explore the most common reasons and solutions for driver malfunction for Realtek inside Windows 10. If you have this particular problem, go from step 1 to the last step since all steps are meant to go from simplest to the most complex. All of that being said let us fix your Realtek driver issue.

1. Check Speakers or/and Headphones first

   The first thing would in any troubleshooting be to check are your speakers turned on or are your headphones connected and the volume or switch on them is set properly. Nothing more embarrassing than spending an hour or so troubleshooting only to find out that issue was in a malfunction of speakers or them not being turned on.

2. Check the Volume control in Windows

   Same as the previous step where you have checked hardware, now it is time to check to see if the volume control is set properly and not by any chance muted or volume is brought all the way down.

3. Check if the Device Manager is reporting an error and update the driver

   If both hardware is functioning properly and volume control in Windows is set correctly then the issue might be in Windows not detecting device or driver malfunction. In any case, the Device Manager will be the one who will report this problem. In order to check to see if the driver is properly working press ⊞ WINDOWS + X to open the hidden start menu. Once it opens, click on Device Manager to open it, If you have a driver device error inside Windows, you should see it immediately when entering the Device Manager, it will have a yellow exclamation mark beside it. Right-click on it and choose update driver.

4. Reinstall driver

   If driver update failed or you already have the latest drivers, reinstalling them could fix the issue since drivers might have corrupted during installation of some update or application. Follow steps from point 3 to get to the driver in Device Manager, then right-click on it but instead of update choose to uninstall. Reboot Windows once the driver is uninstalled and Windows will install a new one.

5. Check Windows update

   Check to see if the latest Windows update is installed, update your Windows if needed

6. Fix driver issue with DRIVERFIX

   If everything else fails, get DRIVERFIX, a premium solution for your PC issues, and fix driver errors.

The Error Code 0x80070057 is rather typical with Win7. Customers of Win7 maintain reporting that each moment they strive to install this Operating system, it shows this problem error. Often, the total information that comes with this specific error is:

"Error Code 0x80070057: The parameter is wrong"

When this problem happens, you will end up struggling to move private documents from one person to another.

Solution

Error Causes

You could get the error message when you attempt installing Win7,

"An Internal Error has occurred. Incorrect parameters".

If this happens to you, realize that you are dealing with malfunction code 0x80070057. This error occurs mostly when you are trying to build a full backup of your Windows 7 OS.

The primary source of Error 0x80070057 is huge registry values.

Extensive registry values usually occur when you are trying to back up your Windows 7 OS. This means that you need to immediately create a bigger virtual memory space to avert the occurrence of the error.

Error Code 0x80070057 can be a result of incompatibility between the motherboard and some drivers.

Check whether the computer's motherboard and the installed drivers are compatible. If you can't do this effectively on your own, it might be a good idea to enlist the services of a qualified technician.

The Problem Signal 0x80070057 has a close Connection with RAID Installations

RAID installations have a tendency of sparking off the Error Code 0x80070057. If you experience this error while using RAID, first turn off the RAID setup and check whether that resolves the problem.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Error Code 0x80070057 is repairable. Thus, there's absolutely no cause for alarm when you see it with respect to your own Windows 7 Operating System. So what can you do to resolve it? a) Increase Virtual Memory: This is perhaps the most common solution to Error Code 0x80070057. In most cases, simply raising the virtual memory especially on Windows 7 Operating-System completely eliminates the error. Moreover, you don't have to be technically advanced to effect the change. Simply follow these steps:-

• Click the Start Button and visit Control Panel
• Click System Security, and proceed to System.
• Click the Advanced System Settings, subsequently proceed to the Advanced Level Tab.
• Click Change, which can be under the Virtual Memory
• Change the virtual memory value. For instance, you can customize entirely from 2000MB to 6000MB.
• Click Set, then Ok. You are done

As with each additional change you make with respect to your Computer, you will have to conclude by re-booting it. This way you make certain that they'll stay as you've established them and apply the necessary modifications. If the error still persists after attempting the preceding fix, download a registry-cleaning software. The software will clean up your disk and free up memory thus increasing the available virtual memory for your computer. This should solve your persistent Error Code 0x80070057.

This post will guide you in what to do if the DisplayLink in Windows 10 is not working. There are several users who reported that their DisplayLink device has stopped working with the Windows 20 Anniversary or the Creators update all of a sudden. According to users, this issue occurs right after they finish installing a big Windows Update like the Anniversary Update or the Creators Update or right when the DisplayLink driver is updated using Windows Update. DisplayLink is a graphics transport technology that allows users to connect to any computer that supports USB or Wi-Fi. Aside from that, it is also an excellent universal docking solution to any platform which makes it a great solution for enabling multiple displays. Thus, it can be quite annoying when DisplayLink suddenly stops working. There really is no actual error message when it happens. The only telltale sign is that all the devices that use the DisplayLink technology will also stop functioning. There could be tons of reasons why DisplayLink stopped working. It could be due to an incompatible driver, or the DisplayLink driver itself is corrupted or is connected to a USB 2.0 port. In addition, the problem could also be due to the Nvidia Share (ShadowPlay) that conflicts with DisplayLink or that the Universal Serial Bus is broken. To resolve the issue, refer to the following options laid out below.

Option 1 – Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

As you know, Windows comes with a built-in tool that you can use to troubleshoot the problem with DisplayLink. You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. For further instructions, follow these steps:

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

Option 2 – Try to uninstall DisplayLink and reconnect the docking station

If the Hardware and Device troubleshooter is of no help, you can try uninstalling DisplayLink and reconnecting the docking station. To do so, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the docking station or any other device that uses DisplayLink.
• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “cpl” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features.
• From there, look for DisplayLink, right-click on it and click Uninstall.
• After that, follow the next on-screen instructions that appear on your screen to completely remove DisplayLink from your computer.
• Once you’ve uninstalled DisplayLink, click this link to download and install DisplayLink again.
• Now reconnect the docking station as well as other devices that use DisplayLink and follow the next on-screen instructions to reinstall the required drivers in your computer.
• Restart your computer and then check if DisplayLink is now working fine or not.

Option 3 – Try using a USB 3.0 port

If you are experiencing this issue with DisplayLink with a monitor that you’re trying to connect using DisplayLink, then you have to make sure that you are using a USB 3.0 port. Based on some reports, there are certain monitors that will not work with DisplayLink while connected to a USB 2.0 port since they have insufficient power to run the monitor. Like pointed out earlier, the problem with DisplayLink might have something to do with the Nvidia ShadowPlay. This streaming feature was often reported to crash the DisplayLink monitors which is why you might want to try disabling it for a while to check if it’s really true. Once you’ve disabled Nvidia ShadowPlay, restart your computer and check if your DisplayLink monitor now works.

Option 5 – Reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller

You can also reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller to fix DisplayLink since a malfunctioning USB port can sometimes cause issues with DisplayLink.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
• From there, look for the Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand its drop-down menu.
• Next, right-click on every Host Controller and then click on Uninstall Device.
• After uninstalling every entry, restart your computer to force your system to reinstall the drivers you’ve just uninstalled.
• Once your computer has rebooted, wait until the drivers are reinstalled and then try opening DisplayLink again.

Option 5 – Reinstall the Universal Serial Bus controller

You can also try to perform a System Restore as it can also help you fix DisplayLink. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.

Losing an internet connection is not a pleasant thing, especially if it happens often. If you are a gamer this phenomenon can be very disturbing since it can stop your progress or even get your account banned if you are playing competitively. Luckily we have the solution for this annoyance, keep on reading and follow the guide.

1. Update your driver

   Outdated or wrong drivers can cause a lot of issues and the device can exhibit strange behavior this way. To update driver Right-click on Start Click on Device Manager Locate your network adapter, wifi card, or device you are using for internet access right-click on it and choose update driver

2. Renew IP

   Right-click on Start Click on command prompt (admin) In command prompt type ipconfig /renew and press ENTER

3. Reset Winsock API

   Right-click on Start Click on command prompt (admin) In command prompt type netsh winsock reset catalog and press ENTER then type netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log and press ENTER reboot PC

Regular and gaming headphones have many differences between them and not knowing what they are can lead you to get yourself the wrong one. In this article, our goal is to analyze the differences between them so you can choose the right one for you.

Price

One thing that goes in both worlds is that the cheapest models on both sides are not really worth the purchase since both the quality and longevity will be very low. If we compare high-end models, regular headphones are far far more expensive than gaming ones. Hi-end gaming models can go as far as 400$, perhaps a little more but hi-end audio regular headphones are going even for over 2000$.

If we compare same-price headphones generally regular ones will offer you a little better sound quality but gaming headphones will offer some features such as positional audio that regular ones do not have.

Surround sound and positional audio

One of the main advantages of gaming headsets is positional audio and true surround sound. this technology is built-in so you can hear more clearly where your enemy is coming from that is a big help in competitive games. This is achieved by positioning multiple speakers in various positions and angles inside them. Each speaker has a different sound channel that is mixed with another speaker in order to provide you with a full surround experience.

Regular headphones have typically one or two speakers on both sides aimed at the same angle and can not offer precise surround or positional audio.

Noise cancellation

Both gaming and hi-fi headphones offer some sort of noise cancelation to minimize outside noise but if you really want to focus and have good noise cancelation you will have to look out for headphones with active noise cancelation or ANC.

Microphone quality

Let us say this right at the start, most middle and quality regular audio headphones do not have a microphone at all, and ones that might pack one usually have it at a lower quality than gaming ones. This of course makes perfect sense since regular headphones will focus on audio, and gaming ones will focus on playing games where having a good microphone is essential in order to game properly.

Speaker and sound quality

Speaker quality will reflect directly on the sound quality and fidelity. This is where audio regular headphones have an advantage over gaming ones. Since they do not have many small speakers positioned at various angled and instead have just a few, usually 2 or 1 large one, that one is of much better quality and range for audio than a pack of small ones. If you are searching for clarity and quality of the audio itself, especially if you are listening to some FLAC uncompressed music, then regular HiFi ones are a much better choice.

Longevity and durability

Another area where regular ones have an advantage but that is no surprise since their price goes far up compared to gaming ones. Most of the time everything in hi-end audio headphones is made from quality materials and designed to last a long time and therefore advantage. Most of the time gaming headphones will come in plastic versions whereas higher quality audio ones pack a lot of durable metal in frames and in buds making them much more durable. Of course, we are talking here about proper headphone use, not extreme cases of throwing, etc.

SD memory cards have surfaced as standard cards for digital cameras and microSD as phone standard memory cards. Most people have and use at least one daily, so naturally copying files and even formatting SD cards is a natural thing to do, but what if you cannot copy files or format SD cards? Fear not because we had this issue and tried several things in order to overcome the problem and after some time here is a list of what can you do if you are facing this exact issue. The list is written from most simple solutions to more complex ones and it is advisable to follow it as presented. That being said, let's dive into solving the problem.

1. Remove Write Protection on SD card

First and in my experience the most usual thing preventing deleting, copying files, and formating SD card is due to write protection. Take an SD card out of the laptop, camera, or card reader and visually inspect it. On side of almost every SD card, there is a hardware lock switch and mark where it needs to be positioned in order to be locked. Even if the switch is positioned on unlocked state, switch it to locked and then back to unlocked. Sometimes this easy moving of switch can resolve some contact issues and the card will start working normally. Another type of lock that could be turned ON is a software one. If for any kind of reason data protection has been turned ON, you will need to turn it off in order to be able to format an SD card. In order to do this follow this guide:

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog
2. In run dialog type in diskpart and press ENTER
3. Once diskpart is opened in command prompt type in: list disk and press ENTER
4. Locate your SD card and type in select disk x, where x is disk number followed by ENTER
5. After the SD card is selected type in: attributes disk clear read-only and press ENTER

This process will clear the software lock on the SD card, after following this method try to format the card again, if the problem still exists go to the next solution.

2. Format SD card using Command prompt

Command prompt is a great tool and can perform some commands that are not been able to be completed using file explorer or another tool inside Windows.

1. In the taskbar search box, search for cmd and select the Command prompt
2. On the right part select run as administrator
3. If needed click on YES on UAC prompt
4. Inside command prompt type in diskpart and press ENTER
5. type in list disk followed by ENTER
6. Select your SD card by locating its number in the list and typing select disk X, where is X SD cards number in list and press ENTER
7. Once SD card is selected type in format fs=ntfs quick and press ENTER

This should format SD card but if for reason even this step is provided as unproductive, go to the next solution.

3. Format your card with the Disk Management tool

1. Go into the taskbar and search for Disk Management and open it
2. Select SD card partition that you wish to format
3. Right-click on the partition and select format
4. After the format is done, enter the volume label, file system, and allocation unit size. Confirm with OK
5. Press OK again to confirm the formatting process.

If you have not managed to format your SD card even with this method go to the next solution.

4. Repartition card with Disk part

If all previous solutions have failed there is a chance that the SD card has bad sectors on it. If this is the case that we will need to partition cards in order to isolate bad sectors and use healthy ones.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the Run dialog
2. In run dialog type in diskpart and press ENTER
3. Once diskpart is opened in command prompt type in: list disk and press ENTER
4. Locate your SD card and type in select disk x, where x is disk number followed by ENTER
5. Type in Clean and press ENTER
6. Type in Create partition primary and press ENTER
7. To select a new partition type select partition 1 followed by ENTER
8. Make partition active by typing active and pressing ENTER
9. Format the drive by typing format fs=ntfs label=SDCard quick followed with ENTER
10. Assign a letter to drive by typing assign letter=h followed with ENTER
11. Type exit to close Command prompt followed again by ENTER and open File Explorer to check if the drive is active

5. Try a dedicated SD card formating fool

If anything failed so far, one last thing you could do is to download and try a dedicated SD card formatting tool. One that I would recommend is SD Memory Card Formatter, which is free software make specifically for formatting SD memory cards.