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There has been recently discovered in the field of malware targeting Android devices. Affecting more than 10 million users of Android phones, the malware GriftHorse is doing its attacks via phishing and premium services scams. A lot of applications have been discovered that are hosts for this malware and many of them are inside the Google store and available for download. According to Zimperium zLabs, this malware that was recently detected has been doing its scams and attacks even in November of 2020 and has thus far accumulated hundreds of thousands of dollars in its scam. On the surface it looks very harmless, asking for typical permissions like internet access, calls, and other related needed functions, and then it waits. After few months the real attack happens when users get charged with premium service they never subscribed to in the first place.

List of Infected Applications that Carry GriftHorse Trojan

Zimperium zLabs listed out some of the apps with this malware. Users are advised to avoid installing them.

•     Amazing Video Editor
•     Bag X-Ray 100% Scanner
•     Bus – Metrolis 2021
•     Call Recoder Pro
•     Call Blocker-Spam Call Blocker
•     Cinema Hall: Free HD Movies
•     Coupons & Gifts: InstaShop
•     GPS Phone Tracker – Family Locator
•     Fingerprint Changer
•     Fitness Point
•     Free Calls WorldWide
•     Geospot: GPS Location Tracker
•     GPS Phone Tracker – Family Locator
•     Handy Translator Pro
•     Horoscope : Fortune
•     iCare – Find Location
•     iConnected Tracker
•     Instant Speech Translation
•     Lifeel – scan and test
•     My Chat Translator
•     My Locator Plus
•     Plant Camera Identifier
•     Racers Car Driver
•     Safe Lock
•     Screen Mirroring TV Cast
•     Slime Simulator
•     Smart Spot Locator

These are only some of the many infected apps available on the internet. Zimperium zLabs also warned that GriftHorse Trojan exists in over 70 countries worldwide. The infected app quickly changes the language and displays content depending on the user’s IP address.

Error Code 1007 - What is it?

This is a typical system error.  This error means the requested operation cannot be performed in full-screen mode. It hampers your ability to run your desired program on Windows PC. It is displayed on computer screens in the following format:

"ERROR_FULLSCREEN_MODE" and/or as the hexadecimal value 0x3EF.”

Solution

Error Causes

The system error code 1007 can be triggered due to several reasons. This includes but is not limited to:

• Windows registry damage or corruption
• Device driver conflicts
• Spyware or viral infection
• Hardware malfunction
• Software file damage or corruption

Unlike the blue screen of death error codes, this error is not fatal. But it may hamper your ability to run and work on your desired program. To avoid the inconvenience, it is advisable to fix it immediately.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Try these easy and effective do it yourself methods to repair the system error code 1007 on your PC:

Method 1 - Scan Your System for Viruses

If the underlying cause of error 1007 on your system is viral and spyware infection, then it is advisable to download a powerful antivirus and scan your entire PC. An antivirus not only detects but also removes all types of viruses including spyware, Trojans and adware. Once removed, try running your desired program again, if the program runs successfully, this means the error is resolved.

Method 2 - Update the Drivers

When the error code 1007 occurs due to driver conflict, then it is advisable to update the drivers. To do so simply use the driver update wizard from within Device Manager. The wizard will guide you through the entire driver update process, making it extremely simple for you to update the drivers in minutes.

Method 3 - Clean and Repair the Registry

You may experience the error 1077 because of registry damage or corruption. If this is the reason, then it is suggested you download Restoro. This is a user-friendly and multi-functional PC Fixer deployed with a powerful registry cleaner. It scans your entire system for registry related errors and issues, removes all unnecessary and obsolete files like cookies, junk files and bad registry entries, notorious for registry corruption. In addition to this, it also repairs the registry and damaged system files, thereby resolving the system error code 1007 immediately. Click here to download Restoro on your PC and fix system error code 1007 today!

There is a central location in Windows 10 that allows users to view all the notifications from its Action Center. Aside from viewing notifications, users can also manage them and take necessary actions in just one single place. Notifications in Windows 10 look similar to a message icon but can be at variance in function. However, recently, a number of users reported that even though they receive notifications about new actions but when opening them, they see nothing. In other words, the notification is false, and to fix this, read on as this post will provide you a couple of workarounds. The Windows 10 Notifications and Action Center notification messages might show a mismatch. For instance, Windows 10 may say that you have some notifications but when you open Action Center, you find it empty and there are actually no notifications there. Take the case of the following screenshot, the Windows 10 Notification says that there are 6 new notifications available for viewing but the Action Center says otherwise. Before you troubleshoot the problem, you might want to run System Restore especially if you’ve made some changes in your computer prior to this issue which might have messed with the Windows 10 Notifications and Action Center. To perform System Restore, refer to these steps:

• First, press 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.

If the problem wasn’t fixed and you’re still getting false notifications, you might want to troubleshoot the problem further using the options given below.

Option 1 – via Windows PowerShell

• In the Start search, type “PowerShell” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Windows PowerShell window.
• Next, copy and paste this command and hit Enter to execute it: Get-AppxPackage | % { Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppxManifest.xml” -verbose }
• After that, reboot your computer and check if the false notifications are now gone.

Option 2 – Try renaming the Usrclass.dat file

DAT errors like the ones that are associated with the Usrclass.dat file, most likely occur during computer startup, program startup, or while you try to use a specific function in your program. Even so, it can easily be fixed. How? Refer to the given steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type %localappdata%MicrosoftWindows and hit Enter to get to the location of the UsrClass.dat file.
• After that, look for a file named UsrClass.dat and once you’ve found it, right-click on it and select the Rename option.
• Now rename the file to UsrClass.old.dat and then restart your computer and see if the problem is now fixed or not.

PC Performer is a registry cleaner made by PerformerSoft. The purpose of this program is to remove redundant items from the Windows registry. Registry cleaners remove broken links, missing references within the Windows registry. PC performer is designed to automatically optimize your registry and clean it up.

PC Performer adds registry entries for the current user that allow it to run automatically each time the system is rebooted. It adds a scheduled task to Windows Task Scheduler in order to run at various times. The software connects to the internet, therefore it creates a Windows Firewall exception that allows it to connect without interference. Multiple anti-virus programs detected this software as Malware, it typically comes bundled with other software or is distributed through a pay-per-install bundle.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

People have encountered it – you download and install a piece of free software application, you then see some unwanted applications on your computer or discover a strange toolbar has been added to your browser. You didn’t install them, so how did they turn up? These unwanted programs, technically known as Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs), often come bundled along with other software and install themselves on user’s PC without their knowledge. They perhaps might not look like viruses to some individuals, but they can produce major annoyances and bring about serious trouble for users. The idea of PUP was coined to define this downloadable crapware as something other than malicious software. Much like malware, PUPs create problems when downloaded and placed on your computer, but what makes a PUP different is that you provide consent to download it – the fact is vastly different – the software installation bundle actually tricks you into agreeing to the installation. Still, there isn’t any doubt that PUPs are still bad news for computer users as they can be incredibly damaging to your computer in lots of ways.

What do PUPs look like?

The unwanted software programs after installation display loads of annoying pop-up adverts, create fake alerts, and quite often it even pushes the user to buy the software. Likewise, the majority of free software applications these days come with quite a few unwanted add-ons; in most cases a web browser toolbar or browser modification such as a homepage hijacker. Not only they needlessly use up space on your screen, but toolbars can also manipulate search engine results, watch your browsing activities, decrease your web browser’s performance, and decelerate your net connection to a crawl. PUPs employ aggressive distribution techniques to get in your computer. Some might include information gathering program code that could collect and send your private information back to third parties. Due to this unwanted program, your application may freeze, your security protections may get disabled that might leave the computer susceptible, your system may get ruined, and the list goes on and on.

Tips on how to prevent ‘crapware’

• Read cautiously before agreeing to the license agreement as it may have a clause about PUPs. • Usually, when setting up a program you will get two options, ‘Standard Installation (recommended)’ and ‘Custom Installation’. Don’t select ‘Standard’ as PUPs could be installed that way! • Use good anti-malware software. Try Safebytes Anti-Malware which will find PUPs and handle them as malware by flagging them for removal. • Be alert when you install freeware, open-source software, or shareware. Avoid downloading browser extensions and programs you are not familiar with. • Only download applications from the original providers’ sites. Avoid download portals as they use their own download manager to pack additional programs with the initial download.

What you can do if Virus Stops You From Downloading Or Installing Anything?

Malware could potentially cause several kinds of damage to computer systems, networks, and data. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from installing anything on your PC, especially antivirus applications. If you’re reading this right now, you have perhaps recognized that a malware infection is a reason for your blocked web traffic. So what to do if you need to install an antivirus program like Safebytes? There are a few actions you can take to get around this problem.

Eliminate malware in Safe Mode

If the virus is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into Safe Mode could very well block the attempt. Since just the bare minimum programs and services start-up in safe mode, there are hardly any reasons for issues to happen. The following are the steps you should follow to remove malware in Safemode. 1) At power on/start-up, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Select Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and hit ENTER. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have an internet connection again. Now, obtain the malware removal application you need by using the browser. To install the software, follow the directions in the installation wizard. 4) After installation, do a complete scan and let the software delete the threats it detects.

Switch to an alternate browser

Web-based viruses can be environment-specific, targeting a particular web browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. The best solution to overcome this issue is to opt for a browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to keep you safe online.

Install and run anti-virus from a USB drive

To successfully eliminate the malware, you will need to approach the issue of installing an anti-virus program on the infected PC from a different angle. Adopt these measures to employ a USB flash drive to fix your corrupted computer. 1) Use another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the pen drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus program to run the Installation Wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the pen drive as the place where you would like to put the software files. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, insert the pen drive into the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes program right from the flash drive. 7) Click “Scan Now” to run a scan on the infected computer for malware.

Highlights of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

Do you want to install the best anti-malware software program for your computer system? There are various applications in the market that comes in paid and free versions for Microsoft Windows systems. A few of them are great and some are scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware software waiting around to wreak havoc on your computer. While looking for anti-malware software, select one which gives dependable, efficient, and full protection against all known computer viruses and malware. On the list of recommended software is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a really good track record of top-quality service, and clients are happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is suitable for users of all levels of computer literacy. With its cutting-edge technology, this application will let you remove multiples types of malware which include viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, ransomware, adware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of advanced features which sets it apart from all others. Listed here are a few of the great ones: Anti-Malware Protection: Built on a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal tool is able to detect and remove many obstinate malware threats such as browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other typical anti-virus programs will miss. Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes offers an entirely hands-free real-time protection that is set to check, prevent and remove all threats at its first encounter. It’ll check your PC for suspicious activity continuously and shields your PC from unauthorized access. Faster Scan: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the quickest and most efficient in the industry. Its targeted scanning seriously increases the catch rate for malware that is embedded in various computer files. Safe Browsing: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you’re going to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is renowned for its minimal influence on processing power and great detection rate of countless threats. It runs silently and efficiently in the background so you’re free to use your computer at full power all the time. 24/7 Customer Support: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and software upgrades for the best user experience.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove PCPerformer 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 PCPerformer

If you are trying to open a program or a game but you suddenly see a dialog box with a message stating that the application was unable to start correctly along with the Error Code 0xC000007B , STATUS INVALID IMAGE FORMAT then this indicates that the application is not compatible with the architecture of your Windows 10 computer or is missing dependencies. Although error code 0xC000007B can also occur with other various programs, the STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_FORMAT error code also means that when you try to run an application that’s designed to run on a 64-bit system and hence gets into a termination state. In addition, if you are also pointed to the NTStatus.h file then it means that the error might be caused by some file corruption. Here’s the full context of the error message:

“0xC000007B | STATUS_INVALID_IMAGE_FORMAT | {Bad Image} %hs is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.”

When you see this error message, the first thing you can do is to click on OK to close the application and then try installing the media again to see if it fixes the issue. If not, then you can check out the suggestions given below.

Option 1 – Try installing the application with admin privileges

The first thing you can do to fix the error is to restart your Windows 10 computer and then try installing the application again and this time with admin privileges. Just right-click on the application and select the “Run as Administrator” option. And if your account is a regular one, you need to make sure to ask an admin to help you in installing the application by entering the password when you are prompted to do so.

Option 2 – Install and update Dependencies

There are times when programs and applications need to have drivers and supporting software installed for them to properly work. Although the installation usually takes care of it, it’s time for you to do some manual checks especially if you are getting this issue of abnormal program termination.

1. Install some qualified drivers

A number of high-end games and applications need to have correct and valid drivers for them to work. They just don’t work with general drivers though. Microsoft has this Windows Hardware Quality Labs testing also known as WHQL testing which makes sure that drivers meet the correct experience and pass through the proper testing before certification. Thus, when installing drivers, you need to ensure that they are qualified drivers for your Windows 10 PC.

2. Download and install or update DirectX

As you know, Microsoft DirectX is a suite of technologies developed by Microsoft to provide hardware acceleration for heavy multimedia applications like HD videos and 3D games. Since you are using Windows 10, you have the DirectX 12 version while the earlier Windows versions use the DirectX 11 version.

3. Install the Microsoft DirectX End-user runtime

The Microsoft DirectX end-user runtime gives updates to version 9.0c as well as previous versions of DirectX. To install it, click on this link and download it.

4. Update or install the .NET framework

The .NET framework is used by games and applications during development which means that without the runtime files that are installed in your computer, it definitely won’t work. Thus, you need to install or update this framework. You can also use the .NET setup verification tool to verify it.

Option 3 – Try running the System File Checker Scan

The SFC or System File Checker scan could detect and automatically repair damaged system files that could be causing the Error Code 0xC000007B , STATUS INVALID IMAGE FORMAT error. SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files with good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

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

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

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

Today we will be solving the Device not found 3F0 error which is a common error, especially among HP (HP Pavilion G6), Lenovo, Acer, and Dell laptops/desktops. This error occurs when the computer is turned ON and when the system is about to boot. It can happen on windows 7,  8, or 10. When a mentioned error occurs one of the following messages will be displayed on your screen:

• “No bootable device – insert boot disk and press any key”
• “No Boot Device Found. Press any key to reboot the machine”
• “Boot Device Not Found. Please install an operating system on your hard disk. Hard Disk (3FO)”
• “No boot device is available”

The most common reasons for 3F0 error to occur is:

• Using the unbootable device or disk to boot from.
• If the bootable hard drive you are using might have corrupted or damaged somehow.
• MBR or boot sector is damaged on the bootable hard drive.
• If your system has gone through a virus or malware attack.
• The wrong boot order in the BIOS.
• Hard disk connection problem.
• System files or boot files unknowingly damaged.
• Corrupt hard drive partitions.

This is well, the most simple solution and the easiest one, try to change the boot sequence in the BIOS settings of your motherboard. Sometimes most easier solutions can provide great results and solve our problems. If sadly this fails and the issue persists move to the next solution.

2: Perform a Hard Reset

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Performing hard reset can often solve issues, to perform a hard reset do the following:

• Turn off the computer and unplug the power adapter. If there is a removable battery, it should also be removed.
• Then disconnect all peripherals, including the removable hard drive, etc.

then

• Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds to drain all remaining power.
• Insert the battery, and then re-plug the AC adapter into the laptop.
• Press the power button to turn on the computer.
• Once the computer starts up properly and the startup menu appears, use the arrow keys to select “Start Windows normally” and then press Enter.

Reconnect everything back of your peripherals. If by any chance problem still persists follow the next step:

3: Test Hard Drive Using HP Diagnostic Tool

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Use the built-in tool in the Hp device to solve the issue:

• Turn on your computer and keep pressing the Esc key until the menu appears on the screen.
• Next, press the F2 key.
• Choose the Components Tests option from the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics menu.
• Select Hard Drive from the Component Tests menu.
• Click on the Quick Test, then click on the Run once button.
• If there are still any issues with your hard drive, then run the Extensive Test.

4: Restore BIOS Default Settings

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• Press the Power button to start the computer, and immediately after this, repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu.
• To load and restore BIOS Setup Default settings, press F9 on the BIOS setup menu.
• Once loaded, press F10 to Save and Exit.
• Select yes, and then press Enter when it says Exit Saving Changes.

5: Reconnect Your Hard Drive

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• Turn the computer off and remove the power cable.
• If you have a removable battery, take it out
• Disconnect your hard drive and then connect it back.
• Reassemble your computer and turn the computer on to see if it fixed the issue.

6: Fix and Rebuild Damaged MBR

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• Boot from the original installation DVD (or the recovery USB)
• At the Welcome screen, click Repair your computer.
• Choose Troubleshoot.
• Choose Command Prompt.
• When the Command Prompt loads, type the following commands: bootrec /FixMbr bootrec /FixBoot bootrec /ScanOs bootrec /RebuildBcd.

7: Fix Operating System

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• Prepare a Windows installation disc, CD/DVD or USB flash drive and connect it to your PC.
• During the installation process, launch Command Prompt.
• In Windows 7, under the System Recovery Options tab, click Startup Repair.
• In Windows 8 and Windows 10, click Repair your computer, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Automatic Repair (Windows 8) or Startup Repair (Windows 10).

8: Replace the Hard Disk

Error Code 0xc004f050 – What is it?

Error code 0xc004f050 refers to a problem with activating the Windows key. The problem appears when you try to activate a copy of Windows by using Windows Activation wizard. This happens when the system becomes unstable and critical system files start missing. Though Windows 10 is a free upgrade for Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 users, the activation error is still an issue. If you already had Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 activated and did an upgrade successfully, then there should be no problem. This Problem Occurs only when you do a clean install.

Symptoms

When you try to activate a copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7 by using the Windows Activation wizard, you receive an error similar to the one below:

An error has occurred Code: 0xC004F050 Description: The Software Licensing Service reported that the product key is invalid

Solution

Error Causes

• This causes due to an invalid product key.
• This problem may occur if the license validity interval has expired, or if the license is not signed correctly.
• Error Code 0xc004f050 occurs when the system becomes unstable and critical system files start missing.
• Improper way of installing, deletion of some very important system files, misconfigured system files, etc. may also cause this error.
• When you do a clean install, it wipes everything from the Primary Drive and after the install, windows can't find the Hardware ID which is used to verify your license.
• For Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista-based computers, this error may occur if you have entered the key for a beta version of the operating system while using the released version of the operating system.

Further Information and Manual Repair

This error is not something that can be fixed in seconds but will require some time and technical knowledge.

Method 1:

Re-insert the product key by using the Change Product Key tool:

1. Click Start, click Computer, and then click System properties on the toolbar.
2. In the Windows activation section, click Change product key.
3. If you are prompted for an administrator password, type the password or click Continue.
4. In the Product key box, type the product key, and then click Next.
5. Follow the steps in the Windows Activation Wizard to complete the activation process.

Method 2:

Activate Windows by using the automated telephone system:

1. Click Start, and then click Computer.
2. Click System properties on the toolbar, and then click Click here to activate Windows now in the Windows activation
3. If you are prompted for an administrative password, type it and click Continue.
4. Click Show me other ways to Activate.
5. Click Use the automated phone system and follow the instructions.

Method 3:

1. Clean install Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1 using the installation disk and activate your copy.
2. Now, download all the updates to see the Windows 10 Upgrade notification or download Windows Media Creation Tool and use the option Upgrade this PC to get Windows 10 right away.
3. Once the upgrade is done, check the Activation Status. It will be fully activated as it should be. The Error code 0xc004f050 should not appear anymore.

If you want to get rid of the old Windows installation folder, then use the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a Flash Drive. Clean Install Windows 10. Now, every time when it asks for a product key, skip it. After installation is complete, Windows will automatically identify and activate your Copy. NOTE: Clean Install will make Sure you cannot roll back to your previous Windows 7 or Windows 8. So do it only if you are confident of using Windows 10 from here on. To verify the Windows activation status, follow these steps:

• Click the Start button, and then click Computer.
• Click System properties on the toolbar, and then view the activation status in the Windows activation section.

One of the most sophisticated Artificial Intelligence or AI assistants there is in the market is Cortana. However, no matter how sophisticated this AI assistant may be, there are still times when you encounter issues with it. So if your Cortana is not connecting to the internet, worry not for this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This connection issue in Cortana might have something to do with the settings, network connectivity, or your Microsoft account. In addition, it could also be that the Firewall or antivirus program interferes with its connection. Whichever the case is, here are some possible solutions that could help you resolve the problem.

Option 1 – Try to power cycle the modem, router, and computer

• Connect the modem, router, and the PC hard-wired and then switch all of these three devices off.
• Turn on the modem and wait for 30 seconds.
• Turn on the router and wait for 30 seconds as well.
• Finally, turn on the computer and check if you can now successfully connect to the internet.

Option 2 – Check if your router or ISP is properly working

Since the basis for this issue is that Cortana is not connecting to the internet even though you are able to access websites using your browser, you might want to check your router or ISP (Internet Service Provider) and see if they’re functioning properly.

Option 3 – Try changing your internet connection

You can also try changing your internet connection and see if it fixes the problem. If you are using Ethernet, you can try connecting to a Wi-Fi connection and see if Cortana is able to connect or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter in Windows 10 as it checks whether the settings for Cortana are in place and automatically corrects any issues if the update or software installation has changed the settings. To run it just click on the Start button and select Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot. From there, select the Search and Indexing Troubleshooter. Note: You can also run the Network Troubleshooter as it can also help in resolving the issue especially if the problem is in the network.

Option 5 – Try to remove Proxy

Removing the Proxy might also help you in fixing the connection issue in Cortana. Here’s how you can do it:

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “inetcpl.cpl” in the field and hit Enter to pull up the Internet Properties.
• After that, go to the Connections tab and select the LAN settings.
• From there. Uncheck the “Use a Proxy Server” option for your LAN and then make sure that the “Automatically detect settings” option is checked.
• Now click the OK and the Apply buttons.
• Restart your PC.

Note: If you are using a third-party proxy service, you have to disable it.

Option 6 – Verify your Microsoft account

In some cases, Cortana might not be able to connect to the internet because your Microsoft account is no longer verified. This usually happens when you use a two-step authentication system with your Microsoft account. To verify it, just open Settings and click on Accounts. After that, check if you have a Verify hyperlink under your Microsoft account or not then click on Verify. Afterward, follow the next on-screen prompts to verify your Microsoft account. Once your account is verified, restart your computer.

Option 7 – Try resetting Cortana

• Open Cortana and go to the Settings section where you’ll see the “Turning off Cortana clears what Cortana knows on this device, but won’t delete anything from the Notebook. After Cortana is off, you can decide what you’d like to do with anything still stored in the cloud” option. Turn this option off.
• Restart your PC.
• After your computer boots, launch Cortana again and check.

Option 8 – Try to reinstall Cortana

If none of the options given above works, you must consider reinstalling Cortana.

• First, right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows Powershell (Admin) option from the list.
• Next, type the following command and hit Enter to execute it:

Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml"}

• Restart your computer and check if Cortana is now able to connect.

Error Code 0x80070422

Error code 0x80070422 is a Windows-based error code occurring in various versions of Windows including Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. It usually occurs when users attempt to update Windows. A message box will appear stating that the error code has occurred.  Users will notice the following common symptoms:

• Inability to complete Windows updates
• Error message occurring during use of Windows Update service

The error code, if left unresolved, can cause serious problems for PC users as they will be unable to access the latest updates to the Windows operating system. Such a situation can expose their system to vulnerabilities. Thus, fixing Windows 10 error code is of utmost importance.

Solution

Error Causes

Among the many reasons Error code 0x80070422  is encountered includes:

• Corrupted or missing registry and DLL files
• Badly or poorly installed software. The software could also be infected by a virus or Trojan
• Outdated or poorly installed drivers

Further Information and Manual Repair

Fixing Windows-based error codes can be a simple process. However, in some cases, it requires specialized skills. In the case of Windows 10 error code 0x80070422 consider the two (2) main solutions available through manual repair. You may also need to consider help from a certified Windows repair technician or the use of an automated tool if you are not confident you have the skills to perform the solutions below.

Method 1: Check if Windows Update is Running Properly

One of the main reasons for error code 0x80070422 is a Windows Update service that is not running on the right settings. To verify if an issue with your Windows Update service is the source of the problem applies the following steps:

1. Type “Windows Update” in the search bar near the Windows home button.
2. Select “Windows Update settings” when this option appears. (You may also click the home button, then “Settings” followed by “Update and Security”.)
3. Select “Advanced Options”
4. (You will be given an option to choose how updates are installed.) Select Automatic.
5. Save settings and restart the computer.

Once these settings are in place Windows will be able to download updates automatically. This enables your machine to run more smoothly. However, if after applying the steps above, Windows 10 error code 0x80070422 is not resolved, you may proceed to solution two (2).

Method 2: Disable Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

IPv6 is the latest or most current version of Internet Protocol (IP). This provides your machine with an IP address, a crucial aspect of all communications related to the Internet. By disabling this IP some users have been able to successfully resolve Windows 10 error code 0x80070422.

Like many tasks involving Windows, there are more than one ways in which you can attempt to disable IPv6. These require different types of skills and must be approached with care, as mistakes can lead to serious issues with your machine. Methods include using Command Prompt, Registry Editor, or Control Panel.

If your experience with Windows 10 is quite limited and you are not certain of your skills choose the simplest approach as listed below.

1. Select Control Panel.
2. Choose “Network and Internet”, then “Network and Sharing Center”.
3. Right-click your Internet Connection. The name of your connection will be listed underneath the heading – “View your basic network connection and set up connections”.
4. Select “Properties” then uncheck Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6)
5. Save settings by clicking OK.
6. Restart the computer and check if the 0x80070422 error code has been corrected.

Method 3: Using An Automated Tool

If the issue persists despite following the solutions above, the best step to take is to use an automated tool. This may not be your preferred course of action, especially since it can be difficult to ascertain the safety of certain tools found online. For this reason, choose a reputable source offering automated tools which are designed to specifically fix Windows 10 error code including error code 0x80070422.

Download and install a powerful automated tool to access the best Windows 10 error code solutions. The process is simple and includes clear instructions which enable even average Windows users to completely resolve complicated errors on their machine.

How to Stop Future Error Codes from Occurring

Though it is hard to predict when an error code will occur, each Windows 10 user can take precautionary steps to prevent other errors from occurring. This includes the following:

• Ensure you download software from reputable sources to avoid viruses and other forms of malware.
• Clean your registry often. The registry stores settings across all applications. Regular cleaning will your machine function more efficiently as it reduces the likelihood of issues such as crashes or system errors.

When it comes to booting an operating system on a computer, one of the most essential pieces of software you can use is the UEFI. In fact, a lot of users now prefer to use UEFI instead of BIOS. It also depends on whether the UEFI or the BIOS is supported on the motherboard. Recently, a number of users reported an issue with UEFI where they were unable to find it under the Advanced Options screen where it’s supposed to be located. The missing UEFI Firmware settings in the Advanced Options could be caused by several reasons. It is possible that the access to the UEFI menu is blocked or it could also be due to the Extra Fast Startup feature being enabled. It is also possible that the operating system is installed in Legacy mode. There are several options to try to fix this issue. You need to check if your computer supports UEFI or you could also try to disable Fast Startup or bypass the Extra Fast Startup feature. You can also use a boot to UEFI shortcut as well as check the CMOS battery.

Option 1 – Try checking if your computer supports UEFI

The first thing you have to do is to verify if your computer supports UEFI. If your computer does not support UEFI, then it’s no wonder why you don’t see the UEFI Firmware settings in the Advanced Options.

Option 2 – Try turning off Fast Startup

• First, boot your computer in Safe Mode.
• Once your computer is booted in Safe Mode, tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type in “control” to open the Control Panel.
• Next, click on the Hardware and Sound section and click on Power Options.
• Afterward, select the “Choose what the power buttons do” option from the left side menu pane.
• Now click on Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck the entry that says, “Turn on fast startup (Recommended)”.
• Then click on Save Changes and restart your computer and see if it has fixed the problem or not.

Option 3 – Try bypassing the Extra Fast Startup feature

As mentioned, the missing UEFI Firmware settings could be due to the Extra Fast Startup feature. To fix it, you have to disable this feature. All you have to do is tap and hold the Shift key and click on the Shutdown button from the Start button. This will boot your PC with the UEFI booting from the beginning and then use the hotkey for your motherboard to boot into the UEFI setup.

Option 4 – Try using a boot to UEFI shortcut

• Right-click on any empty space on your Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
• This will open a new mini window. And here, you have to type this in the text field: shutdown /r /fw
• After that, click on Next and name the desktop shortcut and then click on Finish.
• Next, right-click on the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
• Click on the Advanced button and select the “Run as administrator” option.
• Now click OK to save the changes made. Each time you execute this shortcut, your computer will automatically be booted to the UEFI Firmware Settings.

Option 5 – Try to check the CMOS battery

Another thing you can do is check the CMOS battery physically on the motherboard and see if it has to be replaced since a damaged CMOS battery can also cause the issue with the missing UEFI Firmware settings.

Option 6 – Set your computer from Legacy to UEFI

If applicable, you can try to set your computer from Legacy to UEFI to resolve the problem.

• In the Windows Search box, type “command prompt” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
• After that, execute this command: mbr2gpt.exe /convert /allowfullOS
• Now, wait until the process is completed since you can track its process on your screen.
• Once it’s done, go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced Startup options and from there, click on Restart Now. This will restart your computer and give you advanced options.
• Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options where you will see further options including System Restore, Startup Repair, Go back to the previous version, Command Prompt, System Image Recovery, and UEFI Firmware Settings.
• Now select the UEFI Firmware Settings. This will take you to the BIOS. Boot Mode is typically available under Boot > Boot Configuration. Once you’re there, set it to UEFI and then save the changes you’ve made. After that, your computer will restart.