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How to remove weather widget from W11

The latest Windows 11 update has brought with it not so popular widget from Windows 10, the weather widget that will reside into the taskbar and constantly show stuff like temperature, weather conditions, etc. The weather widget is not a bad thing but most users found it a little annoying and turned it off in Windows 10. If you wonder how can you do the same but this time inside Windows 11 please keep reading.

weather widgetThe first step is to right-click  anywhere on the taskbar (in empty space) and choose Taskbar settings

Once the taskbar settings are opened, find Widgets and click on the switch on the far right to turn it off, immediately no more information will be shown on the taskbar and it will be free again. And that is all there is to it.

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Guide to Fixing the Error 0x800CCC90 Quickly

What is the error code 0x800ccc90?

The 0x800ccc90 is a common Outlook Express error. This error occurs when Outlook Express fails to connect to the mail server that handles incoming and outgoing emails.

The error is usually displayed as:

“There was a problem logging onto your mail server. Your User Name was rejected.”

Though this error does not pose any security threats to your PC if it is not fixed immediately, it may limit your ability to send and receive emails on your Outlook email address.

Error Causes

The error 0x800ccc90 is usually triggered by the following causes:

  1. Authentication problem- This happens when your account details are not authenticated by the server. In this case, you will see a pop up message displaying ‘Server:’pop3.example.com’, or ‘Secure (SSL): No, Server Error: 0x800ccc90’.
  2. Failure of POP3 server

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you come across the error 0x800ccc90, then don’t you worry! You don’t have to hire a professional to resolve this issue. In fact, you can fix it all by yourself. Here are some DIY solutions to repair this problem.

Solution 1:

  • Go to the ‘Tools’ tab and select ‘Accounts’
  • As you click on the accounts tab, an internet accounts box will appear on the screen
  • Now double click on the account property box.
  • After that go to the server tab and click it.
  • Now check on the box that says ‘My Server Requires Authentication.’
  • Once you check on this option now click on apply to accept changes and then close the window.
  • To bring the changes into effect, restart Outlook and then try to send emails again. Hopefully, this will work.

Solution 2:

However, if you are still unable to resolve the problem, then this means the PST files are corrupt and damaged and there is no problem from the server's end. When this happens, then the best way to resolve this problem is to download a PST repair tool.

We suggest downloading the PST repair tool from a trusted website.

After downloading it, run and scan it on your PC to detect errors. You will have to be patient because scanning may take a couple of minutes. Once the scanning is complete, click on repair to resolve the problem.

So, next time when you are unable to send or receive emails on your Outlook Express and you see the 0x800ccc90 error message, then try using the solutions given above to resolve the error right away.

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How to Fix Runtime Error 339

What is Runtime Error 339?

Runtime Error 339 is a common error code format that appears when a computer overloads with too much data. However, in some cases, it may occur due to the missing registry keys, DLL files, or during installation. It may lead some programs to shut down all of a sudden and may also corrupt files on the system.

Solution

Download Available to Completely Repair Runtime Error 339

Restoro box imageError Causes

This error code is alarming as it is a critical sign of an unstable system followed by improper maintenance of the computer. The potential risks associated with the Runtime Error 339 include:
  • System startup issues
  • Slow PC performance
  • System crash and failure
  • System file corruption
Therefore, to avoid these risks and system failure, it is advisable to fix the runtime error 339 immediately.

Further Information and Manual Repair

If you have a Runtime Error 339 issue on your computer, here is a great way how you can fix it right away:

Scan For Viruses

Improper maintenance of the computer indicates that your system might be exposed to viruses and malware. Viruses can modify the Windows registry and lead to Runtime Error 339. Therefore, first, it is important to scan for viruses on your PC.

Identify Software that Causes Errors

Scanning will help you identify software that produces this error on your PC. Once you identify them, either uninstall them or update the program. To uninstall the program, go to the Control Panel and then click on the Add/Remove program if you have Windows XP, if not then click on the Programs and Features item. Now delete the program from your system.

Obtain the Latest Version of the Installer and Re-install the Deleted Program

Once you get your hands on the latest version of the installer, run it on your system by following the on-screen instructions. Install the program. There is also another way to fix Runtime Error 339 and that is by downloading the Runtime Error tool.

Use a Professional Runtime Error Fixer Tool

To fix the error you can also use a professional Runtime Error fixer tool to scan for viruses on your PC. It is available for free download here. Download the tool and install it on your computer. Simply scan your PC after installation. Click the repair button once the scan is complete. This tool fixes problems in just a few minutes.
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TeamViewer stuck on Initializing Display
One of the popular tools that allow a user to offer or obtain remote assistance on a computer is the TeamViewer. It is available on all the major computer and mobile platforms which makes it a lot useful to every kind of user, even on the go. If you are one of the users who frequently use TeamViewer, then you must be familiar with this one sentence that states, “Initializing display parameters”. In common cases, this sentence will appear for a second and load the other user’s screen. However, some users reported that TeamViewer gets stuck on that stage and did not move ahead even a bit. If you experience the same problem, read on as this post will guide you in fixing this issue with TeamViewer on your Windows 10 computer. At the time of writing, the cause of this issue is still unclear. It could be due to the quality of internet connection, conflicts in process, misconfiguration of Remote Access, and many more. To fix this issue, you can try to update TeamViewer for both the users or have it reinstalled with Unattended Remote Access, or reconfigure the Remote Access. You can also try to kill any conflicting processes or optimize your internet connection. For more details, refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Reboot your router

The first thing you can try to do to fix the error is to simply restart your router. All you need to do is reboot the router from its Admin panel or you can also turn it off manually and turn it back on after a couple of seconds so that it can completely reboot. Once you’re done, try accessing your server again and see if the error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to update TeamViewer on both users’ end

You might have to update the TeamViewer on both ends and to do that, you need to start the TeamViewer installer again. Once it is installed, run the program and click on the Help option in the Menu ribbon and then select the “Check for updates…” option. If an update is found, you will be notified within a couple of seconds through a pop-up mini window. From there, click on Update and then follow the next onscreen instructions that appear and choose your TeamViewer version to update.

Option 3 – Try reinstalling TeamViewer via the Unattended Remote Access

If the first two given options didn’t work, you might have to reinstall TeamViewer from the Windows 10 Settings app or Control Panel.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility and type “regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • Here, navigate to this registry key: Computer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE Wow6432Node TeamViewer
  • Next, look for the TeamViewer key and right-click on it, and select Delete.
  • After that, restart your PC to apply the changes made and then start TeamViewer again, and then click on Connection > Open Management Console.
  • Then sign in or sign up to get registered and select the Add new device radio button under Add > Add computer located on the top-right corner and then select the Download now option.
  • Now follow the next onscreen instructions that appear to complete the installation and then check if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 4 – Try reconfiguring the Remote Access

You can also try to reconfigure Remote Access in case there is some misconfiguration that might have caused the problem with TeamViewer.
  • On your Desktop, right-click on This PC and click on Properties.
  • Next, go to the left side of the navigation panel and click on Remote Settings.
  • From there, make sure that the “Allow Remote Assistance Connections to this computer” checkbox is checked under the Remote Assistance section.
  • Once done, click on the Advanced button. This will open a new mini window where you’ll have to check the “Allow this computer to be controlled remotely” option under the Remote Control section.
  • Then click on OK and see if it fixed the problem.

Option 5 – Try to kill any conflicting processes

  • Tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to open the Task Manager.
  • Then navigate to the Processes tab and right-click on the BGInfo process.
  • Now select the End Task option to kill its process and then start TeamViewer again and check if the problem is resolved.

Option 6 – Try to optimize the quality of connection

You need to take care of two things under this option – first, you have to disable the loading of the Wallpaper of the computer which is the one that you’re trying to access remotely. To do that, you have to select the Extras menu from the menu ribbon and then select Options. And under the Remote Control section, check the “Remove remote wallpaper” option. The next thing you have to do is to optimize the quality for the speed by selecting the “Optimize Speed” for the menu of Quality still under the Remote Control section.
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How to Fix Error Code 0x80072EE2 in Windows 10

Error Code 0x80072EE2 – What is it?

Windows 10 error code 0x80072EE2 usually occurs as a result of a disruption during the upgrade process when users attempt to upgrade their operating system using Windows Update. The disruption may be caused by a loss of Internet connection. Error code 0x80072EE2 may also occur due to problems related to one’s firewall. Common symptoms of this error code include the following:

  • Upgrade process fails to complete
  • A message box pops up highlighting the presence of error code 0x80072EE2

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Upgrade error codes like error code 0x80072EE2 usually occur when disruptions or problems related to system files, or third-party apps prevent Windows Update from completing an upgrade. In the case of error code 0x80072EE2, the most likely cause is a bad Internet connection.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Windows 10 error codes are numerous and so are the solutions to fixing these problems. In most cases, Windows users have access to several manual repair solutions depending on the error code present on their device. These manual repair methods are usually easy to implement, with the exception of a few solutions that require technical knowledge and skills. In such cases, you may need to consider using an effective automated tool or you may contact a Windows repair technician to assist you.

In terms of error code 0x80072EE2, however, no technical skills are required. Manual repair solutions for this error code involve checking and troubleshoot network problems if your connection was disrupted. Also, you may need to check your firewall settings and disable it temporarily to verify whether or not your firewall is preventing you from accessing the upgrade. Further details are provided below.

Method One: Verify Internet Connection

If for whatever reason you lost Internet connection while attempting to upgrade your operating system via Windows Update, your upgrade will time out and error code 0x80072EE2 in Windows 10 may occur. For this reason, it is important for you to check your connection once you notice the presence of error code 0x80072EE2 on your device.

There are many ways you can verify your Internet connection but one of the simplest ways is to first open your preferred Internet browser and type the web address of a site you normally visit. Once you are able to access the website, you will know for sure that your connection is not an issue. Simply restart your PC and reattempt the upgrade.

If you are unable to complete the upgrade process, however, this simply means that there is another issue causing error code 0x80072EE2 to occur. Proceed to the next manual repair method. This method may also apply if you were unable to connect to the Internet.

Method Two: Troubleshoot Network Problems

Though you may be able to access a website or open your Internet browser, there may be other issues affecting your network that are causing the error code to occur. To verify for certain whether or not the issue causing error code 0x80072EE2 in Windows 10 is related to your network, troubleshoot your network using the Network Troubleshooter tool found on your PC.

  • Step one: Type Network Troubleshooter in the search box near the Start button
  • Step two: Select Identify and repair network problems
  • Step three: Wait until the troubleshooter has verified and fixed problems related to the network
  • Step four: Restart PC

Once the issue has been resolved, it is time to verify if the error code is fixed. Open Windows Update then select the option which enables you to access the latest upgrades to your machine. Wait to see if the error code reoccurs or if you can now access the upgrade to your operating system. If the error code reoccurs, move to the next manual repair method.

Method Three: Disable Firewall Settings

Another issue that may be causing an error code to occur is your firewall. To verify if your firewall is preventing you from accessing the upgrade, disable your firewall. If you are using third-party security software, simply open the security app and check its firewall settings. Select disable or turn off the firewall.

Restart your computer, then open Windows Update to reattempt to upgrade your device. If this proves successful, you will be able to access the upgrade. Error code 0x80072EE2 in Windows 10 will no longer be present.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

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Hive ransomware on Exchange servers

Hive ransomware has been targeting Microsoft exchange servers lately vulnerable to ProxyShell security issues in order to deploy various backdoors. Once the backdoor has been placed various attacks can be performed including but not limited to network reconnaissance, stealing admin accounts, taking valuable data, and even installing and deploying file-encrypting algorithms.

hive ransomware

ProxyShell wide abuse

ProxyShell is a set of three vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange Server that allows remote code execution without authentication on vulnerable deployments. The flaw has been used in past by various ransomware like Conti, BlackByte, Babuk, Cuba, and LockFile.

Security vulnerabilities have been reported to be fully patched on May 2021 but how Hive was able to still be successful in exploiting PowerShell and infiltrating into the system there seems to be still some unpatched and open issues.

Hive

Hive has gone a long way since it was first observed in the wild back in June 2021, having a successful start that prompted the FBI to release a dedicated report on its tactics and indicators of compromise.

In October 2021, the Hive gang added Linux and FreeBSD variants, and in December it became one of the most active ransomware operations in attack frequency.

Last month, researchers at Sentinel Labs reported on a new payload-hiding obfuscation method employed by Hive, which indicates active development.

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How to remove Ammyy Admin

What is Ammyy Admin

AmmyyAdmin is a software developed by Ammy. This software allows you to manage network computers and servers remotely without complicated NAT settings adjustments or Firewall problems. The program is similar in marketed function to TeamViewer or LogMeIn. This software does not require installation and it lets you control other computers or share files over the software. It usually comes bundled with other software. This software copes files into your computer and sometimes creates new startup keys that allow it to start each time your computer is restarted. AmmyAdmin might display additional ads in your browser as well as pop-up ads. Due to its ability to silently install and run remote administration, it could be used maliciously by those who intend to damage your computer or steal data. AmmyyAdmin is flagged for optional removal, and if you did not intentionally install it, removal is highly recommended

What is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

If you’ve ever downloaded freeware or shareware, odds are high that your computer can get installed with a bunch of unwanted programs. A PUA / PUP (potentially unwanted application / potentially unwanted program) is a software program that comes bundled with freeware/shareware and you agree to install it on your computer system. These are programs you definitely don’t want on your system simply because it does not give any beneficial service. PUP doesn’t involve malware in the traditional sense. One simple difference between malware and PUP is distribution. Malware is typically dropped through vulnerability exploitation and in contrast, PUP gets installed with the consent of the end-user, who consciously or unknowingly authorizes the PUP installation on their computer. A PUP might not be viewed as malicious or harmful but nonetheless, it is a common cause of clunky operating systems; some PUPs are a lot more aggressive by deliberately slowing down your PC.

How PUPs affect you?

Potentially Unwanted Programs appear in different forms and varieties, but most times, they are adware programs that exhibit irritating pop-up adverts and advertisements on web pages you explore. In addition, most free software nowadays comes with quite a few unwanted add-ons; in many instances a web browser toolbar or browser modification like a homepage hijacker. They’ll modify browser settings, change default search provider, substitute the default home page with their very own websites, decelerate internet speed, and will damage your computer as well. They could look harmless but PUPs are usually spyware. Some might carry dialers, keyloggers, web browser hijackers, and tracking components that will collect system details, or tracks customer habits and relays these records to third-party organizations. Because of this unwanted program, your application might freeze, your security protections could get disabled which may leave the computer susceptible, your system may get damaged, and the list goes on and on.

Tips on protecting yourself from unwanted software

• When installing anything on your PC, always read the fine print, including the EULA. Do not accept terms of use that are for bundled programs. • Select the “custom” install whenever downloading a software program. Particularly, pay attention to those small boxes which have been checked as default, where you might ‘agree’ to receive advertisements or install software bundlers. • Use anti-PUP software. Security applications like Safebytes Anti-Malware offer the very best real-time protection from PUPs and also other malware. • Be alert if you download and install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Avoid downloading and installing browser extensions and programs you are not knowledgeable about. • Use only official product sites for downloading applications. Avoid download websites completely since the majority of websites force users to download the software using their own download manager, which is often bundled with some kind of unwanted program.

Safebytes Anti-Malware scans and detects malware for free. To complete removal, and ensure full PC protections, a paid license key is required.

Malware could potentially cause a lot of damage to 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 check out. It could also block you from installing anything on your computer, particularly anti-virus programs. If you are reading this article now, you’ve perhaps recognized that a malware infection is a reason behind your blocked net connectivity. So what do if you need to download and install an anti-virus application like Safebytes? There are a few solutions you can attempt to get around with this issue.

Boot Windows in Safe Mode

The Windows-based PC includes a special mode called “Safe Mode” where only the minimum required programs and services are loaded. In the event the malware is blocking internet connection and affecting your PC, running it in Safe Mode enables you to download antivirus and run a scan while limiting potential damage. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is booting up or run MSCONFIG and locate the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can try to download and install your anti-malware software program without the hindrance of the malicious software. Following installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate most standard infections.

Obtain the security program in an alternate web browser

Certain malware may target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. If you seem to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate browser with built-in security features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes.

Create a portable anti-malware for removing malware

Here’s another solution which is utilizing a portable USB antivirus software that can check your system for malicious software without the need for installation. Adopt these measures to run the anti-malware on the infected computer system. 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the exe file to run the installation wizard. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the program. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. Now you can utilize this portable anti-virus on the affected computer system. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the flash drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all sorts of malware. These days, an anti-malware program can protect your computer from different forms of online threats. But how to select the right one amongst countless malware protection software that is available in the market? As you might be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are great, some are ok types, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You have to choose one that is reliable, practical, and has a strong reputation for its malware source protection. One of the strongly recommended software is SafeBytes AntiMalware. SafeBytes has a superb reputation for quality service, and customers appear to be very happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time anti-malware application that is created to assist everyday computer users in safeguarding their computers from malicious internet threats. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application will assist you to eradicate multiples types of malware like computer viruses, PUPs, trojans, worms, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. There are many wonderful features you will get with this security product. Below are some typical features found in this software: Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Built on a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application has the capacity to find and get rid of various obstinate malware threats like browser hijackers, PUPs, and ransomware that other common antivirus software will miss. Real-time Protection: Malware programs attempting to get into the system are identified and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. They are very effective in screening and eliminating different threats because they’re constantly improved with the latest updates and alerts. Internet Security: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re going to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Light-weight: This software program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not notice any performance problems when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Online Support: Skilled technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will promptly resolve any technical issues you might be experiencing with your security software. SafeBytes has come up with a wonderful anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. Once you’ve installed SafeBytes Anti-Malware, you will no longer need to bother about malware or other security worries. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.
Files: %APPDATA%AMMYY C:%DOCUMENTS%%%USER%%LocalTemp$inst.tmp C:%DOCUMENTS%%%USER%%LocalTemp$insttemp_0.tmp C:%DOCUMENTS%%%USER%%LocalTempAA_v3.exe C:%DOCUMENTS%%%USER%%LocalTempencrypted.exe C:Documents and Settings%USER%Application DataCasablanca C:Documents and Settings%USER%Application DataBl 430 493 557.ADO C:Documents and Settings%USER%Application DataDakar C:Documents and Settings%USER%Application DataMegaloblast.a C:Documents and Settings%USER%Application DataCrypto.dll C:%DOCUMENTS%%%USER%%LocalTempnsh2.tmpSystem.dll Key: HKUS-1-5-21-1801674531-413027322-2147225017-500SoftwareAmmyy Key: HKLMSOFTWAREAmmyy
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Virtual desktop with different wallpapers
Virtual desktopThe feature that was originally planned for now scrapped Windows 10X is included in Windows 11. You will be able to customize your Virtual desktop with different wallpapers for each screen. In order to fully customize your virtual desktops with different wallpapers follow this easy step-by-step guide.
  1. Click on the Task View button in the taskbar
  2. When the Task View opens, select the desktop on which you want to set wallpaper
  3. The view will switch to the selected desktop. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select personalize
  4. In personalization settings, click on the background
  5. Select wallpaper which you would like to have on the desktop by clicking on browse and navigating to the desired one
  6. Close the settings
  7. Repeat for each virtual desktop you would like to customize
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Stopping automatic redirects in Browsers
As you know, the internet has changed the world immensely. Nowadays, JavaScript is pushing the modern web ahead. One of the things that make these experiences with the internet seamless and with less clutter is redirection. It is often used on web pages and there are times when a user is prompted about them and most of the time, we barely notice them. However, there are also instances when things can go wrong with redirects as they could become a loop that could mess things up. And since the browser takes a lot of system resources, redirection can result in a poor user experience. That’s why in this post, you will be guided on how you can stop these automatic redirects on browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, on your Windows 10 computer. To get started, refer to each one of the options provided below to stop automatic redirects in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

Option 1 – Configure the browsers to stop pop-ups and deceptive contents

There are a lot of browsers with built-in settings that allow users to stop pop-ups and deceptive content. To configure these settings, refer to these steps:
  • Microsoft Edge:

    • Click on the three horizontal dots icon or the menu button.
    • Next, click on Settings and select Privacy & Security from the left side navigation.
    • After that, scroll down on the right-side panel and look for Block pop-ups and Windows Defender SmartScreen and then turn their toggle buttons to On.
  • Google Chrome:

    • Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots icon for the menu located in the top right corner of the browser.
    • Next, click on Settings and scroll down until you see the Advanced option. Click on it to open the Advanced Settings.
    • Now scroll down until you reach the Privacy and Security section and look for the Safe browsing option and turn its toggle button to On.
  • Mozilla Firefox

    • Open Mozilla and click on the three horizontal lines icon for the menu button located in the top right corner of the browser and click on Options.
    • Next, go to the Settings section and click the Privacy & Security tab and scroll down and then click on Permissions.
    • From there, make sure that the Block pop-up windows checkbox is checked.
    • Finally, scroll down until you reach the Security section and make sure that the checkbox for the Block dangerous and deceptive content is checked.

Option 2 – Try to reset Winsock, TCP/IP & Flush DNS

To stop redirects, you can also reset Winsock and the TCP/IP as well as flush the DNS cache. To do so, follow these steps:
  • Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator) so you can pull up an elevated Command Prompt.
  • After that, execute each one of the commands listed below. And after you typed in one after the other, you have to hit Enter.
  1. netsh winsock reset – type in this command to reset Winsock
  2. netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt – type in this command to reset TCP/IP
  3. ipconfig /flushdns – type in this command to flush the DNS cache
  • Next, restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 3 – Edit your Hosts File

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open then type in %WinDir% and then click OK.
  • Go to System32/drivers/etc.
  • Open the host file using Notepad.
  • Delete all the suspicious entries.
  • After that, save the changes you’ve made and close the file.
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Fixing Windows 10 stuck at “Preparing Security Options”
There are cases when your Windows 10 PC can encounter an issue where it gets stuck and will display a message that says, “Preparing Security Options”. If this is happening to your Windows 10 PC, you won’t be able to use your keyboard or even mouse and your screen will only be stuck on the screen as mentioned above. As your computer is still stuck, you will be left with no choice but to shut it down and restart it. Tap the F11 key as soon as your PC powers on. This will take you to the Advanced Startup options where you can carry out some steps. If it still didn’t work, you have to boot your Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode and then try out the troubleshooting options below.

Option 1 – Try using System Restore

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.

Option 2 – Uninstall the Windows Updates you’ve installed recently

The issue could be caused by Windows Updates so you need to check if it’s indeed the case. The best way you can do so is via Safe Mode.
  • Boot your PC into Safe Mode and then tap the Win + I keys to open Settings.
  • After that, click on Update and Security and then select Windows Update from the left side menu column.
  • Next, select the “View installed update history” option on the right-side column and click on Uninstall Updates which will open a window that will show the list of all the installed updates on your PC.
  • From there, select the update you want to uninstall and click the Uninstall button located in the lower right corner of the window.

Option 3 – Try disabling the Fast Startup

  • Boot your PC into Safe Mode.
  • Then tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Next, type in “control” to open Control Panel.
  • After that, select Hardware and Sound and click on Power Options.
  • Select “Choose what the power buttons do” from the left side menu pane and click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Afterward, uncheck the “Turn on fast startup (Recommended)” entry and click on Save Changes.
  • Now restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 4 – Try running both the SFC scan and CHKDSK utility

You can do both SFC and CHKDSK using Safe Mode and Advanced Startup options. For Advanced Startup options, click on the Command Prompt option and proceed with the steps. And if you have booted your computer into Safe Mode, follow these steps:
  • Tap the Win + X keys or right-click on the Start button and click Command Prompt (admin).
  • After that, type in this command and tap Enter to run the System File Checker or SFC – “Sfc /scannow”.
  • Alternatively, you can use this command instead if the previous command didn’t work – “sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c: /offwindir=c:windows”.
  • Wait until the SFC scan is done with the process and then restart your PC.
  • Next, run the CHKDSK utility and once it’s done checking your disk for errors and then reboot your PC to save the changes made.

Option 5 – Try resetting Windows 10

You can reset your Windows 10 PC using either the Advanced Startup Options or by booting into Safe Mode.
  • Tap the Win + I keys and go to Update and Security > Recovery.
  • Then click on Get Started under the Reset this PC section.
  • After that, follow the on-screen instructions with how you want to reset your PC and what files and settings you want to revert.
  • Then it will reset your PC by reinstalling it

Option 6 – Try to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

In this option, the Command Prompt is supposed to be like the one in option 4. You can use both ways there to open the Command Prompt.
  • Open an elevated Command Prompt as admin and type in the commands below and tap Enter right after you typed in each one of them
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop bits
  • rename c:windowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start bits
Note: You can also rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to “SoftwareDistribution.bak” or “SoftwareDistribution.old” after you boot your PC into Safe Mode.

Option 7 – Try rebuilding BCD

Rebuilding the BCD can help you in fixing the stuck Windows 10.
  • You can start by booting into the installation environment for Windows 10 from an installation media.
  • After that, click on Repair your computer and on the blue screen, select Troubleshoot and then select the Advanced options menu.
  • Next, select Command Prompt and type in the commands below one by one, and tap Enter right after you do so.
  • exe /FixMbr
  • exe /FixBoot
    • exe /RebuildBcd

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Mapped network drives are not working
When you have to connect to a drive that’s on a different computer or on external storage, that’s where the mapped network drives come in. Mapped network drives make accessing files a lot easier. However, there are times when it won’t work for some reason. Windows will notify you about the unavailability of mapped network drives in several ways. For one, Windows might display a red X on the network drives or it could be that its status will be unavailable when you try to use it from the Command Prompt or via a notification. It is recommended that you run a few scripts when you log in to your PC as it may so happen that the network drive takes more than usual to connect. Before you start troubleshooting the problem using the given options below, keep in mind that some workouts might only work under certain scenarios. You might need some network access at logon or you might need access to the Group Policy settings. So you need to choose what you prefer more. You can try the given workarounds below if the mapped network drives are not showing or connecting or working on your Windows 10 computer. These workarounds use scripts to make sure that you are connected to them as soon as you start to use your PC. As mentioned, before you can troubleshoot, you need to create scripts first. There are two scripts here namely MapDrives.ps1 which is executed by the second script named MapDrives.cmd and is done at a regular and non-elevated Command Prompt. Follow the steps below to get started.
  • You have to create a script file named “MapDrives.cmd” first and then save it on a place where the files are safe. To do that, open a text editor like Notepad and then copy and paste the following script:
PowerShell -Command "Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope CurrentUser Unrestricted" >> "%TEMP%StartupLog.txt" 2>&1 PowerShell -File "%SystemDrive%ScriptsMapDrives.ps1" >> "%TEMP%StartupLog.txt" 2>&1
  • After that, save the file and name it “MapDrives.cmd”.
  • Next, create a script file named “MapDrives.ps1” and then copy and paste the following content. Just make sure to save both scripts in the same folder.
$i=3 while($True){     $error.clear()     $MappedDrives = Get-SmbMapping |where -property Status -Value Unavailable -EQ | select LocalPath,RemotePath     foreach( $MappedDrive in $MappedDrives)     {         try {             New-SmbMapping -LocalPath $MappedDrive.LocalPath -RemotePath $MappedDrive.RemotePath -Persistent $True         } catch {             Write-Host "There was an error mapping $MappedDrive.RemotePath to $MappedDrive.LocalPath"         }     }     $i = $i - 1     if($error.Count -eq 0 -Or $i -eq 0) {break}     Start-Sleep -Seconds 30 } Note: Now that you’ve created the script files, it’s time for you to proceed to the options given below.

Option 1 – Try creating a startup item

Note that this option only works on devices that have network access at login. So if it’s not there, the script will fail to reconnect the network drivers automatically. To create a startup item, here’s what you have to do:
  • Open the Startup folder located at %ProgramData%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsStartUp.
  • From there, copy and paste the MapDrives.cmd.
  • After that, open the Scripts folder located at %SystemDrive%Scripts copy-paste MapDrives.ps1 and then copy and paste MapDrives.ps1 in there.
Note: After you complete the steps above, a log file named “StartupLog.txt” will be created in the %TEMP% folder. Now all that’s left for you to do is to log out of your computer and then log back in. This will ensure that the mapped drives are open.

Option 2 – Create a scheduled task

It is possible to create a scheduled task that runs as soon as you log in to your computer. To create a scheduled task, follow the steps below.
  • You have to copy the MapDrives.ps1 script file to the scripts folder of Windows located at %SystemDrive%Scripts.
  • After that, open the Task Scheduler and select Action > Create Task.
  • Next, type a name and description of the task in the General tab.
  • Then click on the Change User or Group button and select a local user group and click OK.
  • Now check the box labeled “Run with highest privileges” and switch to the Triggers tab.
  • From there, create a new trigger with the “At Logon” option in the Begin the task drop-down menu and then click OK.
  • After that, switch to the Actions tab and create a new action then choose to Start a program.
  • Next, type “Powershell.exe” in the Program/Script field, and in the Add arguments (optional) field, type the following:
-windowsstyle hidden -command .MapDrives.ps1 >> %TEMP%StartupLog.txt 2>&1
  • And in the Start in the (optional) field, type “%SystemDrive%Scripts” as the location of the script file.
  • Now under the Conditions tab, select the “Start only if the following network connection is available” option and then select Any connection and click OK.
  • Restart your computer or log off from your account and then log back in so that the task will be executed.

Option 3 – Use the Group Policy settings

You need this option if the mapped network drives are defined via Group Policy settings. You have to update the action of the drive maps to Replace. As a result, it will delete the existing mapped drive and create the mapping on each logon again. However, any settings on the mapped drive that are changed from the Group Policy settings will be gone on each logon. So if the changes don’t work, you need to run the gpupdate command together with the /force parameter in order to refresh the Group Policy setting quickly.
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