How to see your Wi-Fi password in Windows 11

Malware Guide: How to Remove BitCoinMiner

What is BitCoinMiner Malware?

BitCoinMiner is a Malware created with the intent to force computer systems to generate crypto-currency, namely Bitcoin. This is done without the consent and knowledge of a computer/system holder. This unwanted file bears no digital signature or publisher since the creators of such a heinous invention do not wish to be known. Technical details about BitCoinMiner Malware include:

Product Version: 1.0.0.0 Original File Name: crss.exe Entry Point: 0x000C5AAE

Assessment of BitCoinMiner Malware

After installation of the BitCoinMiner Malware, there were no visible signs of an infection or program files installed. However, based on research, BitcoinMiner Malware utilizes the CPU’s resources (est. to be about 50%). Computer users have reported that they recognized an unknown process utilizing the majority of their processing space. the bitcoin miner is used by the creators to penetrate a user’s system, in effect coercing each infected system to mine Bitcoins covertly. After years of mining, a user might discern that their computer is moving slouchy and may even encounter various forms of BSODs. After Bitcoins have been mined in the infiltrated system, the cyber currency is then returned/ sent to the creator of the malware. This venture is a sly and deceptive way to earn Bitcoins since the currency is gaining much popularity.

Further Information on BitCoinMiner

BitCoinMiner works covertly. There are no obvious traces of this program running on a computer system. However, once a computer system is infiltrated, the computer user will realize that their CPU resources are strangely being used up, even while the computer idles. Another expression of BitCoinMiner is the addition of cookies of various sorts to a computer system. These include:

Tracking cookies
Advert (Adware) cookies
Casale Media (Spyware) cookies
Atwola (Spyware) cookies
Adtech (Spyware) cookies

Once BitCoinMiner is present on a computer system, it can potentially slow it down and also create back doors as a means to install other unwanted and harmful programs. To completely remove BitCoinMiner Malware from your computer, click here to download and install Spyhunter.

What to do if Windows 10 Store is not downloading Apps

The store is not downloading Apps: As you know, the Windows Store is one of the places where you can download Windows apps. However, there are times when you might not be able to do so for some reason. For instance, if you search for an app and click on the get it now button, instead of downloading the app, nothing happens and there are also cases when the download will start but the page will refresh after half a second. When this issue happens, you won’t be seeing any error message or warning at all. So you’ll just have to look at the download get started where the page will refresh and you’ll be back at the Get button. This issue in the Windows 10 Store only happens for a few apps so even though you are able to download some apps, you might be able to do on other ones. Note that the apps affected are random and there is no specific set of apps that cause this issue while downloading and that this problem will repeat again each time you click on the Get it now button. This issue is definitely caused by Windows itself and has something to do with a bug in the Windows store which was brought by the latest Windows Update. It’s already a known issue among other Windows 10 users who are also suffering the same dilemma. So until Microsoft releases another update to fix this bug, you will have no choice but to deal with it in the meantime. On the other hand, you can also try a couple of suggestions laid out in this post. Follow the steps in every option given below to fix the issue with the Windows 10 Store.

Option 1 – Try signing out from the Microsoft Store

A lot of Windows 10 users were able to resolve the problem by simply signing out and signing back into the Microsoft Store. How? Follow these steps:

Go to the Microsoft Store.
Next, go to the Get page of the app you were trying to download.
And then click on your account picture located in the top right corner of the window and select your account.
Sign out from your account and after that, click the Get button to download the app.
After that, a new window will appear where you’ll have to select your account and click on Continue.
Now enter your credentials. Once you do, the app should be downloaded automatically after you’re signed in. And that’s about it.

Note: Keep in mind that this option is merely a temporary solution to the problem and once you close the Microsoft Store and open it back again, you will be back to square one.

Option 2 – Wait for the Windows Update

As mentioned, this is already a known issue and a lot of Windows 10 users have already complained about it to Microsoft so a bug fix will be soon released in the latest Windows Updates.

Fixing Folder Size Issue in Windows 10

Recently, several Windows 10 users have reported an issue with the Windows folder sizes in their PCs. If you are one of these affected users, read on as this post will walk you through fixing this issue. For instance, if you have a folder with 100 GB worth of data and when checking its size using its properties, you see the wrong size instead of 100GB. The size displayed will most likely be a random number which can either be bigger or smaller than the real size of the folder. This incorrect folder size issue does not happen to any specific drive or certain kinds of folders as any folder can be affected by this incorrect folder size issue. When you try to rename the affected folder, the size will change but its size still remains to be incorrect. The root cause of this particular issue is in Windows 10 itself. It is a known bug that came along with one of the latest Windows Updates which prevents the File Explorer to accurately read the metadata of a certain folder or file and leads to displaying incorrect and unexpected file sizes and the reason why you might also notice that your drive is also not correct. Since this is brought upon by one of the recent or latest Windows Updates the good thing is that Microsoft will most likely release a fix on its next upcoming updates but until then, you will be left with no choice but to deal with an incorrect folder or file size. To remedy that, here are some suggestions you can try that might fix the problem.

Option 1 – Try using the System File Checker

The System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be causing the incorrect folder or file size in Windows 10. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

Tap Win + R to launch Run.
Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Option 2 – Try resetting Windows 10

To fix the folder and file size issue, you can try resetting Windows 10. Doing so won’t get rid of any file in your system – instead of erasing all your media files and documents, this reset option resets all the system settings and files. That way, you won’t have to deal with inaccurate folders or file sizes as you browse and use your files.

Option 3 – Wait for the Windows Update

As mentioned, this is already a known issue and a lot of Windows 10 users have already complained about it to Microsoft so a bug fix will be soon released in the latest Windows Updates.

Easy Remove FreeRideGames PUP Removal Tutorial

Free Ride Games is a desktop casual game program and potentially unwanted application. It sets its player to run in startup boot with Windows and installs additional files outside of its designated installation folders. The software reads PC information to display targeted advertising and runs a background process that cannot be shut down even by exiting the FreeRide Player. The player runs in full screen with no visible window controls to exit or minimize, and contains unskippable advertising in its function. While not malicious, the FreeRide Player possesses many traits that as of publication time have caused some AntiVirus programs to designate it as potentially unwanted adware. It has also been associated with adware distribution toolbars such as GameVance.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious code has power over and modified the settings of your browser, without your consent. Browser hijacker malware is created for a variety of reasons. Typically, hijackers will force hits to websites of their preference either to increase web traffic generating higher ad earnings, or to gain a commission for each and every user visiting there. Many people think that such websites are legitimate and harmless but that is incorrect. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it is vital to categorize them under privacy risks. When the malware attacks your computer or laptop, it begins to mess things up a whole that slows your system down to a crawl. In the worse case, you will be pushed to deal with serious malware threats as well.

Browser hijacking signs

There are numerous signs that could indicate a browser hijacking: 1. you find unauthorized modifications to your Internet browser’s home-page 2. when you enter a URL, you find yourself regularly directed to some other website than the one you actually intended 3. the default web engine and the default browser settings are modified 4. discover new toolbars that you didn’t add 5. you might find numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen 6. your internet browser has become unstable or starts running sluggishly 7. you are blocked to access those sites of security solution providers.

How it infects your computer

Browser hijackers could use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or even an email attachment to reach a targeted computer. They can also come from any BHO, extension, toolbar, add-on, or plug-in with malicious objectives. Also, certain freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your computer through the “bundling” technique. An example of some notorious browser hijacker includes Conduit, Anyprotect, Babylon, DefaultTab, SweetPage, Delta Search, and RocketTab, but the names are constantly changing. Browser hijacking can lead to serious privacy issues and also identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control of outbound traffic, substantially slows down your personal computer by depleting a lot of resources and lead to system instability as well.

How to remove a browser hijacker

Some hijackers could be removed by just uninstalling the related freeware or add-ons through the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. However, most hijackers are difficult to eliminate manually. Regardless of how much you attempt to get rid of it, it might keep returning again and again. Furthermore, manual removals demand in-depth system knowledge and therefore can be an extremely difficult task for beginner computer users.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of Malware? Try This!

Malware can cause all kinds of damage when they invade your system, from stealing your personal details to erasing files on your computer system. Some malware sits in between the computer and your net connection and blocks a few or all internet sites that you really want to check out. It might also prevent you from adding anything on your PC, particularly anti-malware applications. If you are reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Even though this sort of problem can be harder to get around, there are a few actions you can take.

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

If the virus is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could block the attempt. Only minimal required applications and services are loaded when you boot your computer or laptop into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, please do as instructed below. 1) At power on, hit the F8 key while the Windows splash screen begins to load. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you should have online access once again. Now, get the malware removal application you want by using the browser. To install the software, follow the directions in the setup wizard. 4) Following installation, run a complete scan and let the program delete the threats it discovers.

Download the antivirus program in an alternate browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a specific web browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you appear to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to a different web browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your favorite antivirus program – Safebytes. Make a bootable USB antivirus drive Another option is to save and operate an anti-malware software program entirely from a USB drive. To run anti-malware from a USB drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free PC. 2) Plug in the pen drive into the clean computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, which has a .exe file extension. 4) Select flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you exactly where you wish to install the application. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Remove the flash drive. Now you can use this portable antivirus on the infected computer. 6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the thumb drive to run the software. 7) Click on the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove viruses automatically. How SafeBytes Anti-Malware Keep your Machine Virus Free"]If you are planning to buy anti-malware for your desktop, there are numerous brands and applications for you to consider. Some are very good ones, some are decent, while some are merely bogus anti-malware applications that will damage your computer themselves! You have to look for a tool that has gained a strong reputation and detects not just viruses but other types of malware also. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious end user. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, highly effective protection tool made to assist end-users of all levels of computer literacy in detecting and removing malicious threats from their PC. After you have installed this tool, SafeBytes sophisticated protection system will make sure that no viruses or malicious software can seep through your PC. SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to other anti-malware programs. The following are some typical features found in this software: Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It will check your computer system for suspicious activity continuously and its unrivaled firewall protects your PC from unauthorized access by the outside world. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can detect and eliminate the malware threats hiding in your computer system effectively. Web Protection: SafeBytes checks and gives a unique safety rating to each and every website you visit and block access to webpages considered to be phishing sites, thus safeguarding you from identity theft, or known to contain malicious software. Faster Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its advanced scanning engine, provides extremely fast scanning which can quickly target any active online threat. Light-weight: This software is lightweight and will work silently in the background, and that does not have an effect on your computer efficiency. 24/7 Online Tech Support: You can get 24/7 technical support to promptly resolve any concern with your security tool.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove FreeRideGames without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. 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.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by FreeRideGames.

Files: C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:WINDOWSsystem32msxml3r.dll C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32rsaenh.dll C:Documents and SettingsUSERLocal SettingsTemp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32shdocvw.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32stdole2.tlb c:autoexec.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDMLog.log C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDM_DB_143.xml C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpIKernel.ex_ C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempIEC4.tmp C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32temp.000 C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpSetup.exe C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe -RegServer01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:WINDOWSsystem32msxml3r.dll C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:WINDOWSsystem32msxml3r.dll C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32rsaenh.dll C:Documents and SettingsUSERLocal SettingsTemp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32shdocvw.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32stdole2.tlb c:autoexec.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDMLog.log C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDM_DB_143.xml C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpIKernel.ex_ C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempIEC4.tmp C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32temp.000 C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpSetup.exe C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe -RegServer01235B C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32rsaenh.dll C:Documents and SettingsUSERLocal SettingsTemp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32shdocvw.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32stdole2.tlb c:autoexec.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:WINDOWSsystem32msxml3r.dll C:21984fa691bd80870e3e3f15cc83121a5862cef4abf2989844d858b2c64b0f C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:WINDOWSRegistrationR000000000007.clb C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32rsaenh.dll C:Documents and SettingsUSERLocal SettingsTemp_uninsep.bat C:WINDOWSsystem32shdocvw.dll C:WINDOWSsystem32stdole2.tlb c:autoexec.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143%#MANIFEST#%01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDMLog.log C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDM_DB_143.xml C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpIKernel.ex_ C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempIEC4.tmp C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32temp.000 C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpSetup.exe C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe -RegServer01235B C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143cmhelper.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143ExentCtlInstaller.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143resourceDll.dll C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDMLog.log C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143SDM_DB_143.xml C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpIKernel.ex_ C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempIEC4.tmp C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32temp.000 C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143Free Ride Games.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsep.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1TempSDM143FreeRideGames.exe C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temp_uninsdm.bat C:DOCUME1USER1LOCALS1Temppft3.tmpSetup.exe C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldEngineIntel 32IKernel.exe -RegServer

Types of Malware Attacks & How to Battle Them

Afraid of the growing threats online? As you should be. But we’re here to show you what kinds of malware are out there and what you can do to keep them at bay.

Malware definition

Malware comes from the term malicious software. It’s software designed to attack and exploit devices and networks to the advantage of the hacker who made it.

Malware can be transmitted in different ways. Most commonly this happens via infected USB drives, downloadable files or malicious websites. Depending on the type and ultimate goal, the consequences of a malware attack can range from negligible to catastrophic.

What kinds of malware are there?

1. Virus

A virus is typically spread via infected files, websites or links. It’s one of the oldest malware types and one of the most difficult to get rid of. That’s because, once activated, it replicates itself - hence the name.

It can perform different kinds of attacks, depending on what the creator wants to achieve. The main characteristic of a virus is that it really doesn’t show itself until you activate the host. So that’s a scary thought for sure.

2. Adware

Sometimes an ad blocker isn’t enough to fight off unwanted ads. And some of them can, unfortunately, be malicious. They may redirect you to infected sites or prompt downloads of risky files. Even just opening a malicious site can lead to data theft.

So, definitely be careful when clicking around. Even if an ad seems completely legitimate, you can never be too sure.

3. Ransomware

Through ransomware, cybercriminals gain access to a user’s data and use it to extort them for money. Basically, the user is threatened with data deletion or even exposure if a ransom isn’t paid by a specific deadline.

This is a particularly nerve-wracking type of malware. If it targets an individual, it preys upon their sense of anxiety, fear, guilt and even shame. If it targets a business (which is a lot more common), it preys upon not only that business’s profit but also every single one of their customers and their data.

4. Trojans

This type of malware disguises itself very well as a legitimate-looking program. Once you download it, hackers can get full access and control of your device, data and network. They can even be hidden in games, apps and attachments. They cannot self-replicate, though, so we guess that’s… good news?

5. Worms

Worms can replicate, just like viruses, but you don’t need to actually activate the infected program for them to get going. They can be used for various purposes, ranging from data deletion to file encryption to support a ransomware attack.

6. Spyware

Spyware refers to malicious software that stays hidden on your computer and monitors your activity. The best-known type is keyloggers. This can be used to steal sensitive data like passwords and banking information.

7. Rootkits

Rootkits are among the most dangerous types of malware. They allow administrative access and full control of a device, which lets hackers continue hijacking all your data and monitoring your activity without your knowledge.

8. Botnets

Botnets are networks made up of bots - computers that cybercriminals have infected with malicious software. Bots and botnets give hackers remote access to users’ devices and allow them to spy on your camera, take screenshots, memorize passwords and launch Distributed Denial of Service attacks. This one truly makes your hair stand on end.

What can you do about it?

You know the old adage - better safe than sorry. And trust us, malware attacks are such a pain in the you-know-what that you really don’t want to be sorry.

Luckily, there are simple solutions that can shield you from most digital threats these days. What you want to be looking at is a solid antivirus program. Well, technically, you need an antimalware program, but since the latter evolved from the former, we still mostly refer to them as antivirus software.
The majority of antimalware programs these days don’t just shield you from potential risks online, but include additional features as well. For example, some Bitdefender antivirus packages also include parental control and a VPN. And Bitdefender is not just for PCs either - it offers protection for your beloved iPhone or Android as well. You can throw in a password manager in there too, for an additional layer of security.

If you aren’t too concerned about all these various threats or feel like you don’t need extra security, you can at least take a step to protect your information from being exposed to lurking cybercriminals as you’re browsing. This can be done through a good VPN like Surfshark, which hides your identity in the digital space and prevents your data from being tracked.

Choosing the right protective software is especially important if you have children with access to the Internet, since they’re unfortunately even more vulnerable to malicious attacks. If you aren’t sure what the right kind of antimalware program is right for you, you can reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help keep your entire household or office digitally secure.

The bottom line

The truth is that there’s no way to be 100% protected in the online world. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to infiltrate our devices. But malware-battling software evolves along with them and there’s still plenty you can do to keep risks away. Stay safe!

Removing TranslationBuddy from your PC

TranslationBuddy is a browser extension developed by MindSpark Inc. for Google Chrome. This extension allegedly offers users the ability to translate any text to any language. From the Author: Now enjoy immediate access to the FREE web, email, and text translations, Multilanguage Virtual Keyboards, words of the day, and more! This extension configures your New Tab page to TranslationBuddy™ to provide these features.

Get FREE translations instantly. An easy way to translate web pages, texts, and emails.

Unfortunately, this extension hijacks your browser's new tab page, and default search engine, changing it to MyWay. While installed, it monitors browser activity such as visited websites, clicked links, downloaded information, and sometimes even personal information that it later uses to display additional unwanted ads in your browser.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a type of unwanted program, usually a web browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijackers are capable of doing a number of things on your PC. Generally, browser hijacking is used for earning advertising revenue from forced advert clicks and site visits. Though it might appear harmless, these tools are made by vicious people who always try to take advantage of you, so that hackers can earn money from your naivety and distraction. Some browser hijackers are designed to make particular modifications beyond the browsers, like altering entries in the system registry and letting other malware further damage your machine.

Indications of browser hijack

There are several symptoms that point to a browser hijacking: you see unauthorized modifications to your Internet browser’s home page; bookmark and the new tab are likewise modified; The default search page of browser is modified; unwanted new toolbars are added to your web browser; unstoppable flurries of popup advertisements appear on your computer screen; your web browser gets sluggish, buggy, crashes very often; you’re blocked to access the websites of computer security solution providers.

Exactly how they invade computer systems

Browser hijackers can enter a PC by some means or other, for example via file sharing, downloads, and email also. They may also come from any BHO, browser extension, toolbar, add-on or plug-in with malicious intent. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s computers using a deceptive software distribution strategy called “bundling” (commonly through shareware and freeware). Browser hijacking may lead to severe privacy problems and even identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control over outbound traffic, substantially slows down your computer or laptop by deleting lots of resources, and cause system instability at the same time.

Removing browser hijackers

Some hijackers could be removed by deleting the free software they came with or by deleting any add-ons you’ve recently added to your computer system. Having said that, many hijackers are extremely tenacious and require specialized applications to remove them. Inexperienced PC users shouldn’t ever attempt the manual form of removal, as it demands thorough system knowledge to perform fixes on the system registry and HOSTS file. You might opt for automatic browser hijacker removal methods by simply installing and running an efficient anti-malware program. One of the recommended tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It will help you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your system and provides you real-time monitoring and protection from the latest internet threats. Together with the anti-malware tool, a system optimizer could help you in deleting all associated files and modifications in the registry automatically.

How To Get Remove Virus That Is Preventing Anti-Malware Downloads?

Malware can cause all kinds of damage when they invade your system, from stealing sensitive details to deleting data files on your PC. Certain malware variants modify browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configurations. In these cases, you’ll be unable to visit certain or all websites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to eliminate the malware. If you are reading this article now, you might have perhaps realized that virus infection is the reason behind your blocked net connectivity. So how to proceed if you want to download and install an antivirus program such as Safebytes? Refer to the instructions below to remove malware through alternative ways.

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you are able to modify Windows settings, uninstall or install some programs, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses. In the event, the malicious software is set to load automatically when the PC starts, switching to this mode may prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the system is booting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in safe mode, you can try to install your anti-malware software application without the hindrance of the malware. After installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate most standard infections.

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Malicious code may exploit vulnerabilities on a particular internet browser and block access to all antivirus software sites. If you seem to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch over to an alternate browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your preferred anti-malware program – Safebytes.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another approach is to download and transfer an anti-malware application from a clean PC to run a scan on the infected computer. Adopt these measures to run the antivirus on the affected computer system. 1) On a virus-free PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the USB flash drive as the location for saving the file. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Disconnect the pen drive. Now you can use this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes tool from the pen drive. 7) Hit the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove malware automatically.

Let's Talk About SafeBytes Security Suite!

Today an anti-malware program can protect your computer from various kinds of internet threats. But wait, how to choose the right one amongst the many malware protection software that’s available out there? As you might be aware, there are numerous anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in getting rid of malware threats while some will damage your PC themselves. You need to be careful not to choose the wrong product, especially if you purchase a premium program. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended software program for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes anti-malware is really a powerful, very effective protection application made to assist users of all levels of computer literacy in finding and removing malicious threats out of their PC. Using its cutting-edge technology, this application can assist you to eliminate several types of malware which include viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware takes computer protection to a totally new level with its enhanced features. Below are some typical features found in this software: Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your laptop or computer. This utility will constantly monitor your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the newest threats. Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware program goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean out your personal computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep inside your computer. “Fast Scan” Features: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5 times faster than any other protection software. Web Protection: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety ranking that helps you to have an idea of whether the website you are about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Light-weight: SafeBytes provides total protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its enhanced detection engine and algorithms. 24/7 Online Support: You could get high levels of support around the clock if you’re using their paid software. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers great protection combined with very low system resource usage with both great malware prevention and detection. Now you may know that this tool does more than just scan and remove threats from your PC. So if you are looking for the best anti-malware subscription for your Windows-based PC, we suggest SafeBytes Anti-Malware software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to carry out the removal of TranslationBuddy manually rather than using an automated software tool, you may follow these steps: Proceed to the Windows Control Panel, click on the “Add/Remove Programs” and there, select the offending application to uninstall. In case of suspicious versions of web browser plugins, you can easily get rid of them via your web browser’s extension manager. Additionally, it is recommended to factory reset your browser to its default condition to fix corrupt settings. To ensure the complete removal, manually examine your hard drive and registry for all of the following and eliminate or reset the values accordingly. But bear in mind, this is often a challenging task and only computer professionals could carry it out safely. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. It is recommended that you carry out the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.

Files: %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\TranslationBuddy_5eEI952%PROGRAMFILES%\TranslationBuddy_5eEI943 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\UserData\Default\Extensions\pdokjdabepficcifddlfndkildpcgdne934 %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\pdokjdabepficcifddlfndkildpcgdne925chrome-extension_pdokjdabepficcifddlfndkildpcgdne_0.localstorage746chrome-extension_pdokjdabepficcifddlfndkildpcgdne_0.localstorage-journal737http_translationbuddy.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage-journal728http_translationbuddy.dl.tb.ask.com_0.localstorage719translationbuddy.dl.tb.ask1.xml7010 %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Translation BuddyTooltab1311%LOCALAPPDATA%\Translation BuddyTooltab12 Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\TranslationBuddy_5e HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy AppIntegrator 32-bit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy AppIntegrator 64-bit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy Search Scope Monitor HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: a3c5f699-f046-47e7-8011-06269bc6ed24 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: a3c5f699-f046-47e7-8011-06269bc6ed24 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy EPM Support HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: TranslationBuddy Search Scope Monitor HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\TranslationBuddy_5eService HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\TranslationBuddy_5eService HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\TranslationBuddy_5eService HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\AppDataLow\Software\TranslationBuddy_5e HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432NodeTranslation Buddy HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Translation Buddy HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\translationbuddy.dl.myway.com HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\translationbuddy.dl.tb.ask.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\APPLICATION\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller Translation BuddyTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer

Chrome automatically opens a new tab

Recently, a number of users reported that their Google Chrome browsers keep on opening new tabs no matter what they do. This issue could be due to lots of reasons but the main ones are corrupt installation, background applications, adware, dubious browser extensions, malware, and so on. Although there are a lot of possible causes for this particular issue in Chrome, its potential fixes are straightforward so you should not have any problem following the given options below.

Option 1 – Get rid of any conflicting browser extensions

As mentioned, shady browser extensions can cause unusual behavior in a browser. Chances are, these extensions or toolbars might be conflicting with the loading of the website. Thus, you have to get rid of these unwanted extensions and toolbars to fix the issue.

Open Chrome and press Alt + F keys.
Go to More tools and click Extensions to look for any suspicious browser extensions or toolbars.
Click the Recycle bin and select Remove.
Restart Chrome and press Alt + F keys again.
Proceed to On Startup and mark Open a specific page or set of pages.
To check if the browser hijacker is still active, click Set pages, if it is active, overwrite the URL.

Option 2 – Try to disable applications from running in the background

Open Google Chrome and then click on the menu button located in the top-right corner.
From the drop-down, select Settings and then scroll down until you see the Advanced button. Click on it.
Next, turn off the toggle for “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed” under the System section.
Now restart Chrome and check if it is working properly.

Option 3 – Try to configure the search settings of Chrome

Open Google Chrome and type any search query in the address bar and then tap Enter.
After that, it will open the Google search engine. From the top-right corner, click the Settings button.
Next, select Search settings from the drop-down menu.
Then scroll down to the new page that appears and make sure that the “Open New Window for each result” option is set to Uncheck.
Once you’re done, save the changes made and restart Google Chrome.

Option 4 – Reset Chrome

Resetting Chrome can also help you fix the error. This means that you will be restoring its default settings, disabling all the extensions, add-ons and themes. Aside from that, the content settings will be reset as well and the cookies, cache, and site data will also be deleted. To reset Chrome, here’s what you have to do:

Open Google Chrome, then tap the Alt + F keys.
After that, click on Settings.
Next, scroll down until you see the Advanced option, once you see it, click on it.
After clicking the Advanced option, go to the “Restore and clean up option and click on the “Restore settings to their original defaults” option to reset Google Chrome.
Now restart Google Chrome.

Option 5 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome

There are instances when programs leave files behind after you’ve uninstalled them and the same thing can happen to Chrome so before you reinstall Chrome, you have to make sure that you have deleted the User Data folder. To do so, refer to the following steps:

Hit the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
Next, type “%LOCALAPPDATA%GoogleChromeUser Data” in the field and hit Enter to open the User Data folder.
From there, rename the default folder and name it something else, e.g. “Default.old”.
After that, install Google Chrome again and check if the issue is now fixed.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the error when accessing the security settings or properties of a folder or file might be due to a virus or malware. It could be that it had made some modifications that prevents you from accessing security settings or properties. To eliminate it, 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.

Fixing DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Stop Error on Windows 10

If you’ve been using your Windows 10 PC for a long time now, you might have come across a couple of issues – from minimal ones to critical ones like the Blue Screen of Death or BSOD stop errors. One of these BSOD errors you can encounter is the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen error. This particular BSOD error is caused by iaStorA.sys, iaisp64 sys, Netwtw04.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, ndis.sys, wrUrlFlt.sys, and other driver files on Windows 10. This error indicates that a kernel-mode driver tried to access pageable memory at a process IRQL that was too high. When you encounter this error, just like a typical BSOD error, your computer will abruptly stop and you will see a blue screen with an error message saying:

“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. (100% complete) If you’d like to know more, you can search online later for this error: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (wrUrlFlt.sys)”

The iaStorA.sys file is a software component that’s related to the Intel Rapid Storage Technology by Intel. It is a software solution supported by Intel Smart Response Technology which allows the PC to communicate with the hardware as well as externally connected devices. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology enables the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express or PCIe storage support, serial ATA RAID or Redundant Array of Independent Disks 0, 1, 5, and 10 support, and the PUIS or power-up in standby is also supported. To resolve this kind of BSOD error, you have to update, roll back or fresh-install the problematic driver. Refer to the options laid out below for detailed instructions.

Option 1 – Try removing the Intel Rapid Storage Technology or IRST drivers

The first thing you can try is to fix the Wi-Fi driver or the Ethernet driver on your computer to resolve the BSOD error. Take note that this option works not only on Windows 10 but also other Windows versions.

Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After opening the Device Manager, click on the “IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller” entry and expand it.
Next, right-click on all the driver entries that are appropriately labeled, and then click on Uninstall device.
Now restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed or not. If not, proceed to the next given option below.

Option 2 – Try updating the Intel Rapid Storage Technology or IRST drivers

If you’ve already tried uninstalling the IRST driver but you’re still getting the DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Blue Screen error when you use your Windows 10 PC, then this means that the drivers might be corrupted or not compatible with the operating system version that you are using right now. So to fix the problem, you have to update your drivers. To do that, follow the steps below.

The first thing you need to do is to go to your OEM’s website.
Once you’re already on the OEM’s website, go to the Drivers section and get the latest version for your device and then try to overwrite it.

Alternatively, you can also update the drivers via the Device Manager:

Tap the Win + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type “devmgmt.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After opening the Device Manager, click on the “IDE ATA/ATAPI Controller” entry and expand it.
Next, right-click on all the driver entries that are appropriately labeled, and then click the Update driver option.
Now restart your PC and check if the BSOD error is fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try using the System File Checker via Command Prompt

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be causing the DRIVER IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL Blue Screen error. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

Tap Win + R to launch Run.
Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow

The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Fix Kernel Power Blue Screen in Windows

To function properly and as intended, Windows 10 depends on a number of resources and software components. Even with a simple task as powering the machine, there are already several smaller software components supporting it. However, if any of these resources or components experience issues, it will affect the overall function of the computer. One of the errors reported is the Kernel Power Blue Screen error which is triggered by the Windows Kernel that mostly comes with a Windows Kernel Event ID 41 error. This kind of error can turn off and reboot the computer randomly. Here’s an example of a Bugcheck code entry with the same event:

“EventData BugcheckCode 159 BugcheckParameter1 0x3 BugcheckParameter2 0xfffffa80029c5060 BugcheckParameter3 0xfffff8000403d518 BugcheckParameter4 0xfffffa800208c010 SleepInProgress false PowerButtonTimestamp 0Converts to 0x9f (0x3, 0xfffffa80029c5060, 0xfffff8000403d518, 0xfffffa800208c010)”

This kind of BSOD error is caused by an issue with the Power Supply components in both the software and hardware parts of your computer. In such cases, if your computer is stuck in a reboot loop, you need to troubleshoot the problem via Safe Mode or in the Advanced Startup options screen.

Option 1 – Try disabling Overclocking

If you have enabled Overclocking, you might have to disable it as some users reported that the Kernel-Power Blue Screen error started to appear right after overclocking. To disable it, follow the steps below.

Go to the Start Menu and open Settings.
Next, select Update and Security and go to the Recover tab.
From there, click on Restart now in Advanced startup. This will restart your computer.
Once you’re in the Advanced startup, go to Troubleshoot and then select Advanced Options.
From there, select the UEFU Firmware Settings.
Now click on Restart. Once your computer has restarted, it will automatically open BIOS.
From the BIOS, go to the Advanced tab and navigate to Performance and then look for Overclocking.
Once you’ve found Overclocking, make sure that it is disabled. If it’s not, then disable it and then save the changes made by tapping the F10 key.
Start your computer normally and check if the Kernel-Power Blue Screen error is now fixed.

Option 2 – Try to run the Power troubleshooter

The next thing you can do is to run the Power troubleshooter. To do so, follow these steps:

Go to Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
After that, look for the “Power” option from the given list of built-in troubleshooters and click on it.
Next, click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Power troubleshooter.
Once the troubleshooter is done identifying the problems, follow the next on-screen instructions to resolve the problem.

Note: You could also try to run the Blue Screen troubleshooter to fix the Kernel-Power BSOD error. You can find it under the same page as the Power troubleshooter.

Option 3 – Try to replace the Power Supply Unit

You could also try to consider physically replacing the Power Supply Unit or PSU of your computer and see if that helps or not.

Option 4 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Since this error could be caused by some issues in the memory, you can try running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and see if it helps.

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

Note: After you select the option, your PC will restart and check for memory-based issues. If it finds any issues, it will automatically fix them and if there’s no issue found, then it’s most likely not a memory-based issue so you should try the other options given below.

Option 5 – Try to check physically check your RAM

In this option, you have to check your RAM physically especially if you tend to use multiple physical RAMs on your computer so it can be quite tricky and technical. You have to check first if they are of the same frequency and then verify if the chip is compatible or not. You also have to check if the sockets are attached using some adapter or non-recommended apparatus as it can cause some problems while giving performance hit to your computer.

Option 6 – Try to update the BIOS

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

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

Note: If updating the BIOS didn’t help, you might want to consider resetting it instead.

Option 7 – Disable Fast Start-up

If you want your computer to boot faster, then you might have enabled Fast Start-up. This feature is ideal for computers that are using a hard disk drive. However, turning on this feature also means that when the computer boots, it might lag some drivers that are loaded when it initially boots up. Thus, it might be the potential cause of the Kernel-Power BSOD error. Thus, you need to disable Fast Start-up. To do that, follow these steps:

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 for the changes to take effect and then check if the problem’s fixed afterward.

How to Fix Fmod.dll Error Code

Error Fmod.dll - What is it?

This is a type of DLL error code. DLL is the abbreviation of Dynamic Link Library. DLL files contain small programs which are similar to executable files. One DLL file may be used to load and run several programs. Fmod.dll is created by Electronic Arts Inc. and associated with Crysis. This file is developed for the Windows OS. This error code occurs when you are unable to access, run and load programs supported by Crysis on your PC. Fmod.dll error code message is displayed in different formats such as:

"Fmod_event.dll not found."
"The file fmod_event.dll is missing."
"This application failed to start because fmod_event.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
"Cannot start Crysis. A required component is missing: fmod_event.dll. Please install Crysis again."
"Fmod_event.dll Access Violation."
"Cannot register fmod_event.dll."
"Cannot find C:\Windows\System32\fmod_event.dll."

Error Fmod.dll may pop up when you start-up or shut down the PC or even during the installation of a program.

Solution

Error Causes

Narrowing down to one cause for Fmod.dll error code is impossible virtually because this error may result due to different reasons on your system. Some of the common causes associated with this error code are:

Viral Infection
Hardware failure
Missing, Corrupt, or Deleted Fmod.dll file
Improper program installation
Registry issues

No matter what the underlying cause of the reason may be, it is recommended to resolve the issue immediately to avoid serious PC threats.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To resolve this error on your system, try the methods discussed below:

Method 1 - Check the Recycle Bin

As mentioned above, Fmod.dll is a DLL file that is used to run and load a variety of programs on your system. There is a possibility that you uninstalled a program that was supported by the Fmod.dll file and accidentally deleted it. In such a scenario, the easiest way to resolve the Fmod.dll error code is to re-install the deleted file from the recycle bin. For this, go to the recycle bin and search for the file. If you find it reinstall if you can’t then simply download the Fmod.dll file from a reliable website.

Method 2 - Scan for Malware

Malware usually enters through phishing emails and downloads. These malicious programs then hide in your system disguising as either DLL or EXE files. The occurrence of fmod.dll file error may be due to malicious programs hiding in your system. Therefore scan your entire PC with a powerful anti-virus. An antivirus detects and removes all malicious software programs such as viruses, malware, Trojans, spyware, and adware. Try this, to resolve error code Fmod.dll and see the results.

Method 3 - Fix Hardware Problems

Fmod.dll file error may also pop on your screen due to hardware failure. If this is the reason, then we advise you to use the Device Manager an in-built tool in Windows 7 and 8 to fix hardware failures. For this go to the start menu then control panel. Now click on the ‘hardware and sound link’ and then click on the Device Manager. If you find any devices in red exclamation point, then this means this device is problematic. Uninstall the driver for that hardware device and then update the driver. Install the latest version to resolve. Remember, hardware problems are mostly related to outdated drivers.

Method 4 - Restore Points

Use System Restore, an in-built utility also known as the recovery tool, to restore points and ensure your PC is back to its previous working condition before the error code occurred. Simply put, it helps undo recent changes. You can find the System Restore tool in the System Tools folder.

Method 5 - Clean and Repair the Registry

The registry is that part of your PC that stores all the information, activities performed, and files including the junk files, invalid keys, bad entries, and cookies. When these files accumulate on your PC, they take up all the registry space and corrupt the important system and DLL files also stored in the registry, thereby generating such errors. Now you can clean the registry manually. But this process can be time-consuming and slightly technical, hence we advise you to download Restoro. This is a PC Fixer integrated with a registry cleaner. It is easy to use deployed with an intuitive interface. The registry cleaner scans the entire PC and removes all registry errors. It wipes out all the obsolete files and repairs the damaged DLL and system files. Click here to download Restoro.

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What is BitCoinMiner Malware?

Assessment of BitCoinMiner Malware

Further Information on BitCoinMiner

Option 1 – Try signing out from the Microsoft Store

Option 2 – Wait for the Windows Update

Option 1 – Try using the System File Checker

Option 2 – Try resetting Windows 10

Option 3 – Wait for the Windows Update

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking signs

How it infects your computer

How to remove a browser hijacker

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware due to the presence of Malware? Try This!

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

Download the antivirus program in an alternate browser

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by FreeRideGames.

Malware definition

What kinds of malware are there?

1. Virus

2. Adware

3. Ransomware

4. Trojans

5. Worms

6. Spyware

7. Rootkits

8. Botnets

What can you do about it?

The bottom line

Get FREE translations instantly. An easy way to translate web pages, texts, and emails.

About Browser Hijackers

Indications of browser hijack

Exactly how they invade computer systems

Removing browser hijackers

How To Get Remove Virus That Is Preventing Anti-Malware Downloads?

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

Switch to an alternate internet browser

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Let's Talk About SafeBytes Security Suite!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

Option 1 – Get rid of any conflicting browser extensions

Option 2 – Try to disable applications from running in the background

Option 3 – Try to configure the search settings of Chrome

Option 4 – Reset Chrome

Option 5 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

Option 1 – Try removing the Intel Rapid Storage Technology or IRST drivers

Option 2 – Try updating the Intel Rapid Storage Technology or IRST drivers

Option 3 – Try using the System File Checker via Command Prompt

Option 1 – Try disabling Overclocking

Option 2 – Try to run the Power troubleshooter

Option 3 – Try to replace the Power Supply Unit

Option 4 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Option 5 – Try to check physically check your RAM

Option 6 – Try to update the BIOS

Option 7 – Disable Fast Start-up

Error Fmod.dll - What is it?

Solution

Error Causes

Further Information and Manual Repair

Method 1 - Check the Recycle Bin

Method 2 - Scan for Malware

Method 3 - Fix Hardware Problems

Method 4 - Restore Points

Method 5 - Clean and Repair the Registry