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How to Permanently Disable Active History

What is Active History? A new feature has been introduced in Windows 10 that allows users to stay connected to their tasks across their devices. This new feature is called “Windows Timeline” and using this feature, users could continue their tasks all over their Windows 10 computers as well as on devices that run Android and iOS as well.

This new feature was included in Microsoft Launcher and Microsoft Edge on Android devices as well as in Microsoft Edge for iOS devices. In order for the feature to work, you have to send either Basic or Full data and diagnostics of your computer to Microsoft which would sync it all over your devices with the help of the cloud. And now since all your data is stored on your Windows 10 computer and with Microsoft under your account, it is easier for you to access the back and start where you left off. This kind of option is called Active History. In this post, you will be guided on how you can permanently disable Active History using either the Windows Registry or Group Policy.

Before you go on further, it is recommended that you create a System Restore Point first in case anything goes wrong. This is a precautionary measure you must take so that you can easily undo the changes you’ve made. After creating a System Restore Point, proceed to the given instructions below.

Option 1 – Disable Active History via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type in “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsSystem
  • From there, check if you can find a DWORD named “PublishUserActivities”. If you can’t find this DWORD, just create one with the same name and make sure that the base is selected to Hexadecimal.
  • After that, double-click on the DWORD and change its value from 1 to 0 to disable Active History.
  • Restart your computer to apply the changes you’ve made successfully.

Option 2 – Disable Active History via Group Policy Editor

Note that this second option won’t work if you are using the Home edition of Windows 10. This is because the Group Policy Editor does not come with Windows 10 Home. So if you are not using Windows 10 Home, follow the given steps below.

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run box.
  • Then type in “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this path: Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesSystemOS Policies
  • After that, double click on the configuration listing named “Allow publishing of User Activities” to open the configuration page which has the following description:

“This policy setting determines whether User Activities can be published. If you enable this policy setting, activities of type User Activity are allowed to be published. If you disable this policy setting, activities of type User Activity are not allowed to be published. Policy change takes effect immediately.”

  • Now you have to select Disabled or Not Configured if you want to disable Publishing of User Activities or Enabled to Enable Publishing of User Activities depending on your preferences.
  • Next, click OK and exit the Group Policy Editor and then restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.

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Internet disconnected when VPN is connected
If your VPN software blocks and disconnects the Internet or Wi-Fi connection as soon as it is connected, read on as this post will give you fixes to resolve the problem. This kind of issue is odd but not unheard of. Many users use VPN for privacy and security but if it causes internet connection problems, you have to pin down the root cause of the problem and fix it in order to continue browsing the internet with privacy and security. Here are some suggestions you need to check out to resolve the issue between your VPN software and network.

Option 1 – Try installing the latest version of the TAP adapter

Since all VPN software uses a TAP adapter which is mostly from OpenVPN, you might want to download and install the TAP adapter driver to resolve the problem.

Option 2 – Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

  • Open the Search bar on your computer and type in “troubleshoot” to open the Troubleshoot settings.
  • Next, scroll down and select the “Network Adapter” option from the right pane.
  • Then click on the Run Troubleshooter” button.
  • After that, your computer will check for any possible errors and will pinpoint the root cause of the problem if possible.

Option 3 – Configure the client computer to use the default gateway

This kind of connection problem can occur when you configure the VPN connection as the default gateway on the remote network. In such a case, the VPN settings override the default gateway settings (TCP/IP settings). Thus, you have to configure the client computers in order to use the default gateway setting on your local network for internet traffic as well as a static route on the remote network for VPN-based traffic.

Option 4 – Try to use the Google Public DNS

You might want to change your DNS to Google Public DNS as it could help you resolve the internet connection problem caused by your VPN. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • The first thing you have to do is right-click on the network icon in the Taskbar and select Network and Sharing Center.
  • Next, click on the “Change Adapter Settings” option.
  • After that, search for the network connection that you are using to connect to the internet. Note that the option might be “Wireless Connection” or “Local Area Connection”.
  • Right-click on your network connection and click on Properties.
  • Then select the new window to choose the “Internet Protocol 4 (TCP/IPv4)” option.
  • After that, click on the Properties button and click the checkbox in the new window for the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
  • Type in “8.8.8.8” and “8.8.4.4” and click OK and exit.

Option 5 – Try checking the settings of your VPN software

If your VPN software has a built-in “kill switch” it prevents any internet usage every time there is a problem in connecting with the VPN server which explains why your internet connection is disconnected when your VPN software is connected. In addition, you could also try to change your VPN software’s protocol since all VPNs support multiple protocols. It could be that the protocol your VPN uses is blocked so try changing to another protocol and see if it fixes the problem.

Option 6 – Update the Network Adapter drivers

You might also want to update the Network Adapter drivers by following these steps:

  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “devmgmt.msc” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
  • Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand it.
  • Then right-click on each one of the Network drivers and update them all.
  • Restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the BSOD error.
Note: If updating the network drivers didn’t help in fixing the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error, you can also try to uninstall the very same drivers and restart your Windows 10 PC. After that, the system itself will reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled. Alternatively, you can also download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website directly.

To reinstall the network adapter driver, refer to these steps:

  • Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
  • After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
  • Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
  • Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
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The proxy server is refusing connections
If you receive an error message saying, “The proxy server is refusing connections” while trying to open a website on your Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browser in Windows 10, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this error. This kind of error occurs when you have a wrong or dead proxy configuration or when you are using some VPN service. However, this kind of error could also mean that your computer might be infected by malware which caused some changes in the internal settings. Whatever triggered the error, here are some suggestions that could help in fixing it.

Option 1 – Check the proxy settings in your browser

Like other browsers, Firefox allows users to set up proxy in several ways. However, if you’ve made any changes recently which might have caused the error, the first thing you can do is to check the proxy settings in your Firefox browser. Follow the steps below to do so.
    • Open the browser and go to Menu and then click Options.
    • After that, go to the General tab and scroll down and click the Settings button under Network Settings.
  • From there, make sure that the Use system proxy settings option is set. If not, you have to enable No proxy and then save the changes made.
  • Now check if the “The proxy server is refusing connections” error is fixed or not.
Note: If you want to use a proxy in Firefox, you have to select the Manual proxy configuration and set it up properly. And if your network has a proxy setting and you want to grab that, you have to opt for the Auto-detect proxy settings for this network option.

Option 2 – Try disabling the proxy server for your LAN

If your PC was just attacked by some adware or malware as of late, it is possible that it has changed the network settings in the system and might display spam advertisements. Thus, you have to disable the proxy server for your LAN. To do that, refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
  • After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
  • From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
  • Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
  • Restart your PC.
Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 3 – Try disabling the manual proxy setup from Settings

In case you miss it, there is actually an option in the Settings panel that you can use to set up a proxy in your Windows 10 computer. So if you encounter the “The proxy server is refusing connections” error, you should disable manual proxy for the meantime and check if it fixed the error or not.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Windows Settings.
  • Then go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
  • And on your right-hand side, ensure that the Automatically detect settings are enabled and that the Use a proxy server option under the Manual proxy setup is disabled.
  • Now try to open any website again and see if the problem’s fixed.

Option 4 – Check your VPN

If you are using a VPN application, there are times when it causes some issues like this error. If that’s the case, you can try to disable your VPN temporarily and see if the error is resolved or not and if turns out that your VPN is the culprit, you have to uninstall it and install a new one or its latest version. To uninstall it, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box
  • Then type “appwiz.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to open the Programs and Features in Control Panel.
  • From there, look for the VPN service you are using, select it and then click on Uninstall to remove it.
  • After that, restart your computer and try to install the latest version of the program again. It should work now. If not, proceed to the next available option below.

Option 5 – Clear your browser’s internet cache

You actually have the option to Hard Refresh in order to clear the cache of your browser either pressing key combination Ctrl +F5.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the “The proxy server is refusing connections” might be caused by some malware in the system and so to eliminate the malware, you have to scan your computer using security programs like 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.
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Fix Hello Errors 0x801c004d or 0x80070490
As you know, Windows Hello offers you quick access to computers since you can log in to your Windows devices three times faster compared to passwords with the help of the camera via Face recognition and fingerprint reader. This way, Windows Hello will recognize you right away. However, there are also times when you might encounter some problems when using Windows Hello. For one, if you are trying to add the PIN method to Windows Hello on your Windows 10 computer but you suddenly encountered an error code of 0x801c004d or if you are trying to use your existing pin and you encounter an error code of 0x80070490 along with an error message that says, “Not recognized”, then read on as this post will guide you on how you can fix both of these errors. Here is the complete content for both errors:
  • 0x801c004d – Unable to enroll a device to use a PIN for login”
  • 0x80070490 - Not recognized, Pin and fingerprint are no longer options for signing in”
If you got any of these two errors, there are several potential fixes you can check out to resolve them. You can try to check for any Windows Updates or create the PIN again or check the CNG Key Isolation Service. You could also try to reset the TPM or create a new User Account. For more information, follow the instructions provided below.

Option 1 – Try checking for any available Windows Updates

The first thing you can do is to check for any available Windows Updates. It is possible that your computer may be outdated and is the reason why you’re having troubles with Windows Hello. To check for Windows Updates, just go to Settings and from there, head over to the Update and Security section and click on Windows Updates located on the left pane, and then click on the Check for Updates option. Wait until the process of checking updates is completed and if it finds new updates, install it. After you install the new Windows Updates, check if you can now add the PIN on Windows Hello or not.

Option 2 – Try creating the PIN again

The next thing you can do is to create the PIN again by signing out and signing in again and then try creating the PIN once more. If this does not work, you can try restarting your computer and creating the PIN again. You could also try removing the PIN and then change it.
  • Remove the PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  • From there, go to the PIN section and click on the Remove button.
  • You will be asked to verify your account to proceed in removing the PIN, enter your credentials.
  • Restart your computer and then set up a new PIN.
  • Once you’re done, restart your computer and check if the error is gone now.

Option 3 – Try checking the CNG Key Isolation Service

The CNG Key Isolation Service is the one that stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with the common criteria requirements and it is possible that the error could be related to this service. This service is hosted in the LSA processes and provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the common criteria. Thus, you need to check this service to see if it’s the one that’s causing the error.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
  • Next, locate the “CNG Key Isolation Service” and once you find it, double click on it to open its Properties box.
  • After opening its Properties, check its Startup type and select Manual. This is the default setting and if it is Disabled, then it’s no wonder why you’re getting errors with Windows Hello, thus, you need to enable it.
  • Once done, restart your computer and check if you can now add the PIN to Windows Hello. If you still get the error, then you might want to try setting the CNG Key Isolation Service from Manual to Automatic and then click on the Start button and see if it fixes the error or not.

Option 4 – Try to reset the Trusted Platform Module or TPM

You might also want to try resetting the Trusted Platform Module or TPM to fix the error. You can do this by opening Windows PowerShell and then executing the “Clear-Tpm” command. After that, check if the error is now resolved.

Option 5 – Try to create a new User Account

You could also try to create a new User Account on your Windows 10 computer to fix the Windows Hello error. Once you have created a new local user or administrator account in Windows 10, check if you are now able to add the PIN from this newly created user account.
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Enable or disable Fast User Switching
When your computer is slow, you don’t have much choice but to wait until it gets done with a task at its own pace, albeit a slow one. So if you want to switch user accounts on your computer a couple of times daily, then a slow computer can get really irritating. What makes system processes slow is that the accounts have some programs or applications running and resources allocated to them. And besides, if your computer is already low on performance, it will kill the natural fluidic flow of the user. But worry not, for this post will guide you in switching user accounts with the help of some minor tweaks in your Windows 10 computer. To disable or enable Fast User Switching, you have two methods to do that using the Registry Editor and the Group Policy Editor. Either way, refer to the instructions laid out below.

Option 1 – Enable or disable Fast User Switching via Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • After that, type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, go to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesSystem
  • Then right-click on System and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name this newly created DWORD as “HideFastUserSwitching”.
  • Now double click on it. If you want to enable Fast User Switching, input “0” as the value, and if you want to disable it, input “1” as its value.
  • Restart your PC to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Enable or disable Fast User Switching via Group Policy Editor

Take note that this option will not work if you are using the Windows 10 Home edition since the Group Policy Editor does not come with Windows 10 Home. Refer to the steps below to enable or disable Fast User Switching using Group Policy Editor.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type in “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this path inside the Group Policy Editor: Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesSystemLogon
  • Now double click on the configuration listing labeled as “Hide entry points for Fast User Switching” to open the configuration page.
Note: On the configuration page, you will see the following description:
“This policy setting allows you to hide the Switch User interface in the Logon UI, the Start menu, and the Task Manager. If you enable this policy setting, the Switch User interface is hidden from the user who is attempting to log on or is logged on to the computer that has this policy applied. The locations that the Switch User interface appears in the Logon UI, the Start menu, and the Task Manager. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the Switch User interface is accessible to the user in the three locations.”
  • From there, you can choose to enable or disable the Fast User Switching depending on your preferences. After you’ve selected, click OK and exit the Group Policy Editor.
  • Now restart your PC to apply the changes made successfully.
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CD/DVD icon is not showing in File Explorer
In the past, CDs, DVDs, and floppy drivers used to be the primary sources of external storage for many users – that is until the USB storage devices took over. These days, a lot of devices no longer have a built-in CD or DVD writer or reader as it contributes to the thickness of the device. On the other hand, there are still various devices that still come with a built-in CD or DVD writer or reader. However, recently, users who still use CD or DVD on their devices reported a problem where the CD or DVD icon is not visible in the File Explorer as well as in “This PC” or the My Computer page. The cause of this issue is still unknown at the time of writing, but there are still some potential fixes you can try to fix it. You can try to update or roll back the device drivers or apply some tweaks in the Registry Editor. For more details, refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Try to update or rollback device drivers

The first thing you can try to fix the missing CD or DVD icon is to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.
  • Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
  • Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties. Note that the concerned drivers will be listed under the DVD/CD-ROM drives section as well as the IDE/ATAPI Controllers section.
  • From there, look for the following drivers:
    • ATA Channel 0.
    • ATA Channel 1.
    • Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller.
  • Now, right-click on each one of the listed drivers and update them all. You could also try to roll them back to their previous versions.
Note: You can also directly download the relevant drivers of your computer from the manufacturers’ website. So if you have an SSD, the issue might be due to an old storage driver.

Option 2 – Try to use the Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and then tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlClass{4D36E965-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}
  • After that, look for the DWORD values named “UpperFilters” and “LowerFilters”.
  • Right-click on each one of these DWORD values and select Delete.
  • Now restart your computer and see if it fixes the problem.

Option 3 – Try creating a new Registry entry

There is another option you can try in the Windows Registry to fix the missing icon of the CD/DVD. You can try adding a new entry. How? Refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win ­+ R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • After that, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesatapi
  • From there, right-click on “ATAPI” and select New > Key.
  • After that, name it is “Controller0” and right-click on the sub-key and then select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  • Now name it as “EnumDevice1” and double click on it and then set its value data to “1”.
  • Click OK and restart your computer to apply the changes made successfully.
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A command is not recognized Error in Windows
A command is not recognized Error, what it is? If you are constantly using programs like CMD or DISM directly from the Run prompt, you might have wondered how they launched instantly and how is it that the Windows operating system is able to find them right away. For instance, when you create a shortcut of a program, the shortcut knows where exactly the program is located and launches it quickly. The Windows operating system keeps a list of paths where the most common system programs are located so when you use the Run prompt, it opens easily. The list kept by Windows is called the Windows Environment Variables. If something goes wrong with this list, the programs won’t work. So in this guide, you will be guided on how you can troubleshoot the problem where any command you use is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program, or batch file. Before you start troubleshooting the problem, you need to make sure that the program you are trying to run really exists. In fact, this can also happen to the Run program which is pulled up using the Win + R shortcut. To check, go to C:\Windows\System32 and there, check if the program exists or not or you can also try searching for the EXE in the System 32 folder. After making sure that the program exists, refer to the instructions given below.

Modify the Windows Environment Variables:

  • Step 1: Tap the Win + X keys and then select System. After that, it will open the section where you can see all the properties on your computer.
  • Step 2: Next, select the Advanced system setting located on the left pane and click on the Environment Variables.
  • Step 3: After that, locate Path under the System Variables and select EDIT.
  • Step 4: Before you edit, you need to copy the entire string and paste it into the Notepad app so that in case something went wrong, you can paste it back.
  • Step 5: Next, look for the directory path, “C:\Windows\System32”. If you can’t find it, try adding a semi-colon at the end.
  • Step 6: Afterwards, click OK to save the changes made and then exit.
  • Step 7: Now restart your computer as all the paths are picked up when your computer restarts.
Note: Now all you have to do is to try executing the programs once again – the ones where you got the error, “ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file” every time you open them and then see if you can now open these programs or not.
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RebateInformer Hijacker removal guide for windows

RebateInformer is a browser extension for Google Chrome. This extension monitors the web pages the user is visiting and checks against an affiliate database for various rebates and coupons related to the context of the products being shown in the browser.

This extension analyzes websites your browser visits and attempts to find deals associated with the merchant’s product offerings. If an offer is found, it is injected into the deals page even if it's sold by a different merchant at a higher price. Several anti-virus scanners have marked this extension as Potentially Unwanted, and due to its data mining behavior, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is regarded as the web’s constant problem that targets web browsers. It is a type of malicious software that alters your web browser’s settings and redirects you to sites or webpages that you had no intention of visiting. Browser hijacker malware is created for numerous reasons. It redirects you to the sponsored sites and injects adverts on your internet browser that helps its creator generate ad revenue. It could seem naive, but the majority of these websites are not legitimate and may pose a serious threat to your online safety. Additionally, hijackers can make the whole infected system fragile – other dangerous malware and viruses will use these opportunities to intrude into your computer system effortlessly.

Browser hijacking symptoms

There are many different symptoms that indicate the web browser has been highjacked: your browser’s home page is suddenly different; new bookmarks pointing to porn websites are added to your bookmarks; the default internet search engine and the default browser settings are modified; unsolicited new toolbars are added to your browser; numerous pop-up adverts show up and/or your browser pop-up blocker is disabled; your web browser starts running slowly or displays frequent errors; you’re blocked to access the websites of computer security solution providers.

How browser hijacker infects computers

There are several ways your PC could become infected with a browser hijacker. They usually arrive through spam e-mail, via file-sharing networks, or by a drive-by-download. They also come from add-on applications, also called browser helper objects (BHO), browser extensions or toolbars. Sometimes you may have inadvertently accepted a browser hijacker as part of an application package (generally freeware or shareware). An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, however, the names are continually changing. Browser hijackers could record user keystrokes to collect potentially valuable information that leads to privacy concerns, cause instability on systems, drastically disrupt the user experience, and eventually slow down the computer to a point where it becomes unusable.

Browser hijacker removal

Some browser hijacking can be simply stopped by finding and removing the corresponding malware software through your control panel. Unfortunately, many of the software packages utilized to hijack a web browser are deliberately built to be hard to detect or remove. Furthermore, manual removals require in-depth system knowledge and thus could be a very difficult job for novice computer users. Professionals always suggest users remove any malicious software including browser hijacker by using an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer, and quicker than the manual removal technique. Safebytes Anti-Malware features a state-of-the-art anti-malware engine to help you prevent browser hijacker infection in the first place, and mop up any existing problems. And employ a PC optimizer to erase all associated files in the registry and fix browser problems.

Can’t Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of a Virus? Try This!

Malware can cause all sorts of damage once they invade your system, from stealing your personal information to deleting data files on your computer. Some malware sits in between the computer and the net connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you would like to visit. It could also block you from the installation of anything on your system, especially the anti-malware program. If you’re reading this right now, you’ve perhaps recognized that a malware infection is the real cause of your blocked web traffic. So how to proceed when you want to install an anti-virus application such as Safebytes? Refer to the instructions below to eliminate malware by alternate methods.

Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking

In Safe Mode, you can actually modify Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and get rid of hard-to-delete viruses. If the malware is set to load automatically when the computer boots, shifting into this mode may prevent it from doing so. In order to enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the computer is booting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. As soon as you reboot into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove standard infections.

Obtain the anti-malware software using an alternate web browser

Web-based malware can be environment-specific, targeting a particular web browser or attacking specific versions of the web browser. The ideal solution to avoid this issue is to choose a browser that is renowned for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you secure online.

Install anti-malware on a thumb drive

Here’s another solution which is using a portable USB antivirus software that can check your system for malicious software without needing installation. Do these simple steps to clean up your infected PC by using a portable antivirus. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free computer. 2) Connect the USB flash drive to a USB port on the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the uninfected computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to begin the virus scan.

Review of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

These days, an anti-malware program can protect your computer or laptop from different types of internet threats. But how to select the right one amongst various malware protection application that’s available in the market? You may be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few are very good ones, some are ok types, and some are simply just bogus anti-malware programs that can damage your PC themselves! You need to be very careful not to pick the wrong application, particularly if you purchase a premium application. With regards to commercial antimalware tool options, many people go with popular brands, such as SafeBytes, and are quite happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a reliable tool that not only protects your PC permanently but is also quite user-friendly for people of all skill levels. With its most advanced virus detection and repair technology, this software will help you protect your personal computer against infections brought on by different types of malware and other internet threats, including spyware, adware, trojans, worms, computer viruses, keyloggers, potentially unwanted program (PUPs), and ransomware. SafeBytes has got a plethora of features that can help you protect your computer from malware attacks and damage. Here are some typical features found in this application: Real-time Protection: SafeBytes provides round-the-clock protection for your computer restricting malware intrusions instantly. It will check your PC for suspicious activity regularly and its unparalleled firewall guards your PC against illegal entry by the outside world. Robust, Anti-malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine detects and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your PC. Safe Web Browsing: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety rating that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is really a lightweight tool. It consumes a very small amount of processing power as it runs in the background so you won’t notice any system performance issues. 24/7 Online Support: Expert technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will quickly fix any technical issues you may be experiencing with your security software. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers superb protection combined with an acceptable low system resources usage with great malware detection and prevention. You now may know that this particular tool does more than just scan and delete threats on your computer. So if you are looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we strongly recommend the SafeBytes Anti-Malware tool.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not wish to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of RebateInformer manually, you may do so by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and removing the offending software; in cases of browser plug-ins, you can uninstall it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You will definitely also want to reset your browser. Lastly, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries following an uninstallation. However, this can be a difficult task and only computer professionals could perform it safely. Also, some malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. It is highly recommended that you carry out the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: Search and Delete: baddomaindb.dat domaindb.dat chrRebateInformerSetup.exe RebateBlast.com.url RebateInformer.lnk Help.url RebateBlast.com.url RebateInformer.lnk Settings.lnk Uninstall RebateInformer.lnk npUniPlugin.dll RebateI.dll RebateInf.exe unins000.dat unins000.exe Folders: %APPDATA%\RebateInformer\ %PROGRAMS%\Inbox.com Toolbar\ %PROGRAMS%\RebateInformer\ %PROGRAMFILES%\Inbox.com\ %PROGRAMFILES%\RebateInformer\ Registry: key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\CToolbar\PlugIns\REBATEINF key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Rebate Informer key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CToolbar\PlugIns\REBATEINF key HKCU\Software\CToolbar key HKLM\SOFTWARE\CToolbar key HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.crdownload key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\4EF645BD-65B0-4F98-AD56-D0437B7045F6_is1 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\CToolbar_UNINSTALL key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UserData\Crawler key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Browser Helper Objects\CCB69577-088B-4004-9ED8-FF5BCC83A039 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\RebateInf.RebateInfObj key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\RebateI.RebateInformImageGen key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\RebateI.Rebate Informer BHO key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CToolbar.TB4Server key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CToolbar.TB4Script key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\ctbcommon.Buttons key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CToolbar.TB4Client key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CShared.TB4Server2 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CShared.TB4Server key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CShared.TB4Script key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CShared.TB4Client key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\E79BB61D-7F1A-41DF-8AD0-402795E3B566 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\506F578A-91E1-46CE-830F-E2F4268E9966 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\TypeLib\438B047C-C041-4D15-98CF-A97C6B366C28 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\PROTOCOLS\Handler\rebinfo key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\E9BBD270-4B87-4EE2-912F-6635674986C0 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\B3BA5582-79A9-464D-A7FA-711C5888C6E9 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\604EA016-1EDE-41E6-A23E-76CF8F2A4808 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\41349826-5C7F-4BF0-8279-5DAF1DE6E9AE key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\Interface\01C78433-6FDF-4E5A-A82D-B535C32E03DF key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\EFB46ED3-8FD8-4051-8FD6-DD9CE7E63BEF key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\DB35C569-5624-4CFC-8043-E5139F55A073 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\CCB69577-088B-4004-9ED8-FF5BCC83A039 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\AF808758-C780-404C-A4EE-4526323FD9B6 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\8736C681-37A0-40C6-A0F0-4C083409151C key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\54ECA872-DB2A-4C6B-BBB2-F3777C6786CC key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\4EF645BD-65B0-4F98-AD56-D0437B7045F6 key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\1DDA201E-5B42-4352-933E-21A92B297E3B key HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\183643C8-EE67-4574-9A38-927852E34163 Value [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions][email protected]=[%PROGRAM_FILES%]\REBATE~1\Firefox\ Value [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]RebateInformer=[%PROGRAM_FILES%]\REBATE~1\REBATE~1.EXE /STARTUP Value [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions][email protected]=[%PROGRAM_FILES%]\RebateInformer\Firefox\ Value [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]RebateInformer=[%PROGRAM_FILES%]\RebateInformer\RebateInf.exe /STARTUP
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How to Fix Windows 10 Error 80240020

Error Code 80240020 – What is it?

Users who receive Error Code 80240020 when attempting to install and/or upgrade to Microsoft Windows 10, are receiving the error because the Windows 10 installation folder is either corrupted or unfinished. As a result of this error code, your download and the subsequent update will not process correctly. Users who receive this code do not have to do anything specific, as it might mean that they are attempting to update before their system is ready. These users can simply wait for their computer to prompt them for the update, and then follow the on-screen instructions for the update. However, if a user is seriously wanting to update to Microsoft Windows 10 prior to the prompt, there are ways around error code 80240020. Common symptoms include:
  • A dialog box appears with the Error Code 80240020
  • Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade is unsuccessful or freezes in the process of updating and displays the error code message.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

This error is only caused by one type of issue, and that is unfinished or corrupted files being present in the Windows 10 installation folder.
  • Files that are unfinished in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of the download not processing correctly, therefore the update is not successful because your computer does not have the files that it needs.
  • Files that are corrupted in the Windows 10 installation folder are a result of either a faulty download or preexisting corrupted files that need to be purged.
Until your system is ready to download the new Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade, you will be unable to install the upgrade. As stated, you have the option of waiting for your system to prompt you to download (which means that your system has made the necessary changes to its own files and is ready for the upgrade), or you can use the following steps to correct the issue yourself.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Users and Microsoft Tech Support personnel have discovered three methods to correct error code 80240020. Each of these methods should be attempted by someone who is comfortable with computer software and programs. Anyone who is not comfortable with software should either contact Microsoft Support or wait for their computer to prompt them for the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.

Method 1:

  1. Back up the Registry of your operating system.
  2. Find the Registry Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionWindowsUpdateOSUpgrade]
  3. Note: this Registry Key should already exist, if it does not exist, create it.
  4. Create a brand new DWORD Value that is named AllowOsUpdate
  5. Set the Value to 0x00000001.
  6. Close and reopen your Control Panel.
  7. Restart the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.

Method 2:

  1. Download the Microsoft Windows 10 ISO (installation device) from the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
  2. Users must select the appropriate ISO, either 32 bit or 64 bit, depending upon their individual computer.
  3. Extract the ISO file to a separate USB device or burn the program to a compact disc.
  4. Run the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade directly from the software that you have thus created.

Method 3:

  1. Access the files on your computer via MY COMPUTER
  2. Under the C: drive, access the WINDOWS folder
  3. Select the SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION folder, followed by the DOWNLOAD folder.
  4. Delete any files within this download folder.
  5. If you are unable to delete these files, open the command prompt (CMD) as the administrator, and type “net stop wuauserv” into the CMD prompt window. Press ENTER. This should allow you to delete the files from step 4.
  6. Once the files are deleted, open and run the CMD as the administrator and type “wuauclt.exe /updatenow”. Press ENTER.
  7. Access the WINDOWS UPDATE folder from your control panel, the update and download should resume without further interference from the user.
As with any other error codes, if the above methods do not rectify the issue, it may be necessary to download and install a powerful automated tool to rectify error code 80240020.
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Create BlueTooth shortcut on desktop
If you have a BlueTooth device on your computer, you know that each time you need to receive or transfer the file you need to find the icon in the system tray, right-click on it and choose the desired option. But there is a simpler solution, create a Bluetooth icon on the desktop so it is always easy to access. Open File Explorer by pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + E Go to C:\Windows\System32 Find fsquirt.exe Right-click on it and choose copy Go to the desktop and right-click, choose paste Rename the file to Bluetooth And, you are done!
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Fixing TV screen resolution on PC
When you connect your TV via HDMI cable Windows will recognize it as another monitor and will control the display settings for your HDMI connection. In most cases using it as the extended desktop will work fine, issues will arise when you play video on it. Video playing applications can override Windows settings which can lead to strange results on the screen. Here in this guide, we will tackle with reasons and solutions to this particular issue. Solutions provided are not meant to be followed in the way they are presented but as a silent rule, they go from most common one to most rare so it is advisable to try them in the order presented.

FIXING RESOLUTION ISSUES

The first thing when experiencing resolution issues on your TV connected to a PC is to check TV settings. There is very likely a chance that you will need to manually adjust picture settings on the TV itself using TV controls. On older models of TV, there is an overscan option which can lead to different resolutions and screen sizes. Overscan is a technology that was used in order to help content creators to deliver consistent pictures on different screen sizes and aspect ratios but how technology has advanced and everything including aspect ratio was standardized overscan itself has become a relic of the past. If you are unable to access or see edges of your desktop on the TV screen it is very likely that overscan is the issue. In order to fix this be sure to select HDTV's aspect ratio to fit the screen setting in the picture setting. Sadly finding this option on your TV will be different from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model of the same manufacturer so we can not cover all models but in most cases option is located under picture settings or advanced options. Sometimes you will face even different overscan settings instead of classic ft to screen options, in this case, experiment with the setting until you find one which will work. If you have it, find settings in the user manual of your TV. Luckily you have managed to find the proper option on your TV set and have chosen the right aspect ratio for display. If everything works ok there is no need for the next step but if you experience a different resolution than desired on your TV follow this next guide on how to change the resolution of the TV on your PC.
  1. Press the ⊞ Windows and type Change Display Settings. Click on the top result.
  2. Once the Display Settings App opens, you’ll see two screens (or more if you’ve got multiple HDMI outputs connected). Make sure you select the right display for the HDMI TV before making any changes. You can do this by clicking on Identify.
  3. You’ll see the number from the screenshot above displayed on the monitors for a brief period. Depending on which screen is set to your primary display, make sure you change the settings for the HDMI monitor.
  4. Select the HDMI monitor from the available displays.
  5. Scroll down until you see the current resolution settings for your HDMI monitor.
  6. You can change the resolution settings and test different values that match your HDMI TV’s configuration.
  7. Once you change the setting, Windows will apply the new resolution for a limited time and revert if you don’t accept the new setting.
  8. Once you’ve found the best resolution for your TV, select Keep Changes to keep the new resolution.
You are all set now, make sure that you have the latest drivers on your system and enjoy using your TV as a second monitor.
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