HDMI which stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface is an audio/video interface that can be used to interconnect various multimedia devices. One of the common use for HDMI is when a CPU is connected to a monitor and a projector. Aside from that, it can also be used in connecting Blu-ray players and laptops to televisions as well as monitors.
One of the main advantages of using HDMI is that it can transmit both audio and video at high qualities such as 4K using only a single connection. However, you may also experience some issues in using it every now and then and one of them is when you find that after connecting the devices using the HDMI port, the screen appears to be black and there is no audio output. In such cases, there are a variety of hardware malfunctions that could be causing the problem with the HDMI connectivity. Although there a lot of potential causes, there are also potential fixes you can try to fix the problem.
Before you troubleshoot the HDMI Port problem, you might want to perform System Restore first as it might help you in fixing the problem. It could be that you’ve made some changes in some of the settings in your computer that triggered the problem. Thus, you can try run System Restore to undo them, 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 Stop error is fixed or not.
If the problem still persists after System Restore, then follow the given options below to further troubleshoot the problem.
Option 1 – Try to physically check the hardware of your computer
The first thing you can do is to check the physical status of the hardware in your computer. You can clean the dust off the hardware components like the Network Card or Graphics Card of the computer. You might want to use a small blower or you could also use a soft cloth and run the components gently. Make sure that you don’t damage any parts with moisture or cause harm to any circuits while you carry out this task.
Option 2 – Run the Video Playback troubleshooter
You might also want to run the Video Playback troubleshooter. To do so, refer to these steps:
First, open the Windows settings app.
Then navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
From there, scroll down until you see the Video Playback section and click on it.
After that, you’ll see the Run the troubleshooter button, click on it to run the Video Playback troubleshooter, and follow the next on-screen instructions.
On other hand, you can also run the Hardware and Device troubleshooter if the Video Playback troubleshooter wasn’t able to fix the problem. You can run it from the same page that you run the Video Playback troubleshooter.
Option 3 – Try to rollback, update, or disable the Graphics card drivers
To fix the problem with the HDMI port, you can either roll back, update or disable them depending on your preference in order to resolve the problem.
First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters. Note that the rollback option is only available if the update was recent. So if it isn’t there, just click on the Update Driver option.
From there, Windows will automatically check for problems and update the Graphics card drivers.
Now restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.
Option 4 – Try to reset the Monitor
You could also try resetting the monitor or television using its hardware keys and see if it can resolve the problem. You can just refer to your TV or monitor’s guide for more information on how to reset them.
Option 5 – Try some miscellaneous fixes
Apart from the four given options above, you can also check out some miscellaneous fixes to fix the HDMI connectivity issue and here they are:
You can try to plug out the HDMI cord/cable from both source and destination and then plug it back in after a couple of minutes.
You can also check if the HDMI cable you are using is still in working condition.
You can also try to change the source and the destination of the video and see if either one of them is in a non-workable state.
Try checking if your settings are how they should be as intended in the “Project my screen” option by tapping the Win + P key combination on your keyboard.
iLivid is a video download manager for YouTube and other third-party video-hosted websites. iLivid download manager has powerful features that make it the fastest and easiest way to download hosted files. iLivid includes XBMC plug-ins that let you play almost all popular audio and video formats, in any available protocol and in any media type: streaming, CDs, DVDs, and RAR and archived files from your hard drive.
Livid is a program developed by Bandoo Media Inc. Upon installation, it defines an auto-start registry entry which allows the program to run on each boot for the user who installed it. A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times. The software is designed to connect to the Internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with.
Multiple Anti-Virus scanners have detected iLivid as a possible Malware and are therefore not recommended.
About Potentially Unwanted Applications
Have you ever discovered an unwanted program running on your computer system and wondered how the heck it got there? These unwanted programs, which are referred to as Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUP briefly, typically tag along as a software package when downloading the program and could cause serious problems for computer users.
The term PUP was actually coined to identify this downloadable crapware as something other than malicious software. The primary reason for this is the fact that the majority of PUPs get into users’ computers not because they exploit security weaknesses, for instance, but mainly because the users grant consent to install it – unwittingly in many instances. However, it is obvious that PUPs continue to be bad news for PC users as they could be really detrimental to your computer in numerous ways.
How does unwanted software affect you?
PUPs come in various forms; having said that, many are classified as adware, which always displays irritating ads and advertising banners on internet pages that you’re exploring. Additionally, they come in the form of web browser extension add-ons and toolbars. Not only they entirely fill up space on your computer screen, but toolbars could also manipulate search engine results, monitor your web browsing activities, decrease your web browser’s efficiency, and slow down your web connection to a crawl.
PUPs load up a nasty bite if left unchecked. Some PUPs carry keyloggers, dialers, and other software to gather your personal details which might lead to identity theft. Often, such software will turn off security protections and settings to take control over your computer, making that computer susceptible to online hackers and data thieves. At a minimum, PUPs slow your PC down with every added program.
Preventing unwanted programs
• When installing anything on your desktop, always study the fine print, including the EULA. Don’t accept terms of use that are for bundled programs.• Choose the “custom” install whenever installing an application. In particular, focus on those tiny boxes that have been checked as default, where you may ‘agree’ to get advertisements or install software bundlers.• Use an advert blocker/pop-up blocker; Deploy anti-malware products such as Safebytes Anti-malware. These software programs will establish a wall between your computer and cybercriminals.• Avoid installing applications you don’t really need. Do not ever install software programs that appear suspicious or malicious.• Don’t download programs from popups, internet advertising, file sharing sites, and also other unreliable sources; be cautious about any preset, unwanted options when downloading software. Avoid going to weblogs and sites that promote pirated software.
Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware because of a Virus? Do This!
Malware could potentially cause a lot of damage to your personal computer. Some malware is designed to interfere with or prevent things that you wish to do on your computer. It may not allow you to download anything from the net or it will stop you from accessing some or all of the internet sites, particularly the anti-virus websites. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your computer system. There are a few solutions you could try to get around with this issue.
Download the software in Safe Mode with Networking
If the malware is set to load automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into Safe Mode may block the attempt. Since just the bare minimum programs and services launch in safe mode, there are hardly any reasons for conflicts to take place. Below are the steps you have to follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (visit Microsoft site for directions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs).
1) After switching on the computer, hit the F8 key while the Windows splash screen begins to load. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.2) Choose Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and press Enter.3) Once this mode loads, you will have the internet. Now, make use of your web browser to download and install Safebytes Anti-malware.4) Immediately after installation, run a full scan and allow the software program to get rid of the threats it finds.
Switch to an alternate browser
Web-based malware could be environment-specific, targeting a particular internet browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. If you seem to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to a different internet browser with built-in safety features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.
Run anti-virus from your USB drive
Another option is to save and run an anti-malware software tool entirely from a Pen drive. Follow these steps to use a USB drive to fix your corrupted computer.
1) On a virus-free computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware.2) Put the USB drive into the uninfected computer.3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software package to run the Installation Wizard.4) Select the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.5) Unplug the USB drive. Now you can use this portable anti-malware on the infected computer system.6) Double-click the antivirus program EXE file on the pen drive.7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all kinds of malware.
Let's Talk About SafeBytes Security Suite!
If you’re looking to download an anti-malware application for your computer, there are various tools in the market to consider nonetheless, you should not trust blindly anyone, no matter whether it is a free or paid program. Some of them are excellent, some are decent, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You have to select a company that creates industry-best anti-malware and has earned a reputation as reliable. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended tool for the security-conscious individual.
Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which offer this complete anti-malware application. This software program could easily identify, eliminate, and protect your PC from the most advanced malware attacks such as spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, and other possibly damaging software applications.
There are lots of amazing features you will get with this security product. Here are some popular features present in this software:
Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes gives complete and real-time security for your personal machine. It will check your personal computer for suspicious activity at all times and safeguards your personal computer from unauthorized access.
Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware application goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your computer. Its critically acclaimed virus engine detects and disables hard-to-remove malware that conceals deep inside your PC.
Web Security: Through its unique safety score, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the net.
High-Speed Malware Scanning Engine: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers super-fast scanning that can promptly target any active online threat.
Lowest CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes gives you complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load due to its enhanced detection engine and algorithms.
24/7 Online Technical Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any problem with your security application.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you wish to manually get rid of iLivid without using an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by deleting the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and uninstalling it. It is also recommended to factory reset your browser to its default condition to fix corrupt settings.
If you decide to manually remove the system files and registry entries, utilize the following list to ensure that you know exactly what files to remove before executing any actions. However, editing the registry is really a complicated job that only advanced computer users and professionals should try to fix the problem. Moreover, certain malicious programs are capable to defend against its deletion. It is recommended that you do the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.
Folders:
%Application Data%iLivid
Registry:
Key HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareiLivid
Key HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstalliLivid
Key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTSOFTWAREClassesApplicationsiLividSetupV1.exe
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.torrent
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTiLivid.torrent
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagnetDefaultIcon
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTMagnetshellopencommand
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareiLivid
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.torrent
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFileExts.torrentUserChoice
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareTrolltechOrganizationDefaultsQt Factory Cache 4.8com.trolltech.Qt.QImageIOHandlerFactoryInterface:C:Users N A M E AppDataLocaliLivid
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareTrolltechOrganizationDefaultsQt Plugin Cache 4.8.falseC:Users N A M E AppDataLocaliLivid
Seeing obscure error codes like 0x80070715 on the screen again and again can be annoying simply because you have no idea why it keeps popping up? What does it mean? Well, for beginners you don’t have to decode it, we’ll make it simple for you.
This error code indicates missing .dll files in the system or a corrupt registry. Due to this, you get locked from accessing and running applications on your system.
Solution
Error Causes
This error occurs largely because of two reasons:
Disk damage due to cluttered registry
The system gets infected by malware or a virus(es)
The error code 0x80070715 creates hurdles in the functioning of the applications. If this error is not repaired immediately it can result in serious damages like system crash and failure.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Many people pay hundreds of dollars to technicians to resolve this issue on their systems. Is it worth it? Not exactly!
How about we tell you a time and a money-saving way to fix the error code 0x80070715 on your PC?
The best way to resolve this issue on your system in seconds and also for free is to install Restoro.
This is an advanced, powerful, and multi-functional system repair and a PC optimizer tool. It is smoothly integrated with numerous performance-driven utilities like registry cleaner, privacy error detector (anti-virus), Active X and Class error, and system stability detector.
With this helper, you can resolve not only the error code 0x80070715 but also other types of PC-related errors.
Whether the cause of the error code 0x80070715 on your PC is malware or cluttering cluttered disk, Restoro can be used to resolve them all. Its powerful and intuitive registry cleaner scans the registry and repairs it successfully.
It removes junk files, internet history, temporary internet files, invalid entries, and also the files from the uninstalled programs still saved in the system’s registry.
It wipes out all the clutter on your hard disk and cleans it in seconds freeing up plenty of space. It repairs the registry resolving the error 0x80070715 quickly.
Nonetheless, if the error 0x80070715 is triggered due to viral infection or malware it removes them too. By downloading unknown files, accessing malicious websites, and opening phishing emails viruses can enter your PC.
You may not be aware of these until error code 0x80070715 pops on your screen. It is wise to remove viruses right away because these give hackers access to your system which often results in data breaches and exposes users to system security threats.
Restoro also works as a powerful antivirus. All malware, spyware, and viruses affecting your PC are scanned with the help of the advanced built-in privacy error detector utility.
This utility embedded in the system detects viruses and malware in your system and removes them from your system successfully.
Restoro is an easy-to-use repair tool. It has a simple layout and a user-friendly interface. It is easy to navigate through the repair tool, scan for errors and repair them without any hassle. Users of all levels, novice and experienced can use this tool with ease.
You don’t need to be technically sound to work around this tool. Here's how to Install and run Restoro PC Fixer:
In addition to this, you can run it on any Windows version. It is compatible with practically all versions.
No matter what the cause for error code 0x80070715 maybe, you don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty of it and find a specific tool to resolve the issue.
All you have to do is install this multi-functional Restoro on your system.
Here are the 3 simple steps that you need to follow for successful repair:
Error Code 0x800F0922 refers to an issue with downloading the newest version of Microsoft Windows, Windows 10. It could mean that your PC doesn't have enough free space in the System Reserved partition, or that it couldn't connect to the Windows Update servers. This issue is not very common, most users will never see this error code. Some, however, will need to follow the below fixes in order to download and upgrade their systems properly.Common symptoms include:
Dialog box appears with the Error Code 0x800F0922
Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade is unsuccessful and/or incomplete
Users are unable to open applications after attempting the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade
Solution
Error Causes
There are two standard reasons why this error occurs during the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.
There may not be enough free space in the “System Reserved” partition of your hard drive.
Error Code 0x800F0922 could also mean that your PC was not able to successfully connect to the Microsoft Windows update servers due to a VPN (virtual private network) connection in your home or office network.
The .Net framework installation portion of the Windows 10 upgrade fails.
Further Information and Manual Repair
Error Code 0x800F0922 as stated is somewhat rare, but it does occur occasionally. Users who have experienced this error while attempting to upgrade their system to Microsoft Windows 10 have the following options for do-it-yourself fixes.
Method 1:
Use this method if you are operating on a network that uses a VPN connection.
Disconnect from your office or home network.
Turn off your VPN software.
Run the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.
Restart your PC.
Reconnect to your home or office network.
Turn your VPN software back on.
Method 2:
This will run the Windows 10 Update troubleshooter that is built into your PC.
Click on the Windows icon on the lower-left corner of your desktop.
Press the “w” key to open the SEARCH function.
Type “troubleshooting” in the search field and press ENTER
When the troubleshooting window opens, select the “view all” option from the left window pane.
Select “Windows update”.
Select “advanced” and then choose the “run as administrator” option.
Click the NEXT button and follow the on-screen prompts.
This troubleshooter will walk you through the steps needed for your specific situation.
Method 3:
This method will run the DISM (deployment image servicing and management) tool built into your PC.
Press the “windows key” on your keyboard followed by the “x” key.
Select the “command prompt admin” option.
Type the command “exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth” into the command prompt field and press ENTER.
Wait for the scan to run completely.
When the scan is complete, a message will appear telling you that “the operation completed successfully”.
Type the command “dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” into the command prompt field and press ENTER.
This will take a while to run completely, but it will restore any missing or corrupted files necessary for the Microsoft Windows 10 update.
Restart your computer.
Attempt the Windows 10 upgrade again.
Method 4: Use this option if you believe the issue is a result of the .NET framework being disabled.
Press the “windows” key followed by the “x” key.
Select the “control panel” option.
When the control panel window opens, click your cursor in the search field on the upper right hand corner.
Search for the phrase “windows features”, then select the link “turn Windows features on or off”.
Select the check box (add a check) to the box next to “.Net framework”.
Click the OK button.
Proceed with your Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade.
To resolve this, all you need is third-party software to increase the size of the System Reserved partition.One of the four methods listed above should fix your Error Code 0x800F0922 issue and allow for a successful Windows 10 upgrade. On an occasion where there isn't enough space, use third-party software to increase the size of the System Reserved partition. If you do not possess the technical expertise required to accomplish this yourself or do not feel comfortable doing so, download and install a powerful automated tool to get the job done.
What is Out of Memory error while copying files? As you know, both the hard drive and RAM play a major role in performing any operation on a computer since every process or task that takes place in the system requires some RAM storage as well as hard drive storage to be executed. However, there are times when you may receive the following error messages when you try to copy files from one location to another:
“Out of memory or system resources, Close some windows or programs and try again.”“There is not enough memory to complete this operation – copying files.”
These errors are caused by the Desktop Heap limitation when there is no longer enough memory to complete the operation while copying the files. If you encounter any of these errors, you will be guided in this post with the help of some potential fixes that can increase its limit and will hopefully fix this error on your Windows 10 computer.
You may try to close all the open windows and programs and then try copying the file again and see if that helps. If not, then proceed to the instructions given below. But before you do that, make sure that you create a System Restore point first. This way, you can undo the changes you’ve made any time in case there are some unwanted changes you want to reverse. After you create a System Restore point, refer to the steps provided below.
Step 1: Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run utility and type “Regedit” in the field and tap Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Next, navigate to this registry key: ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSession ManagerSubSystems
Step 3: Now double click on the DWORD named Windows to modify it.
Step 4: Change the values for SharedSection in the Value Data field. It should be in the format of “SharedSection=aaaa,bbbb,cccc”. Note that you have to change the value of “bbbb” and “cccc”. So in case you are using an x86 operating system, set the value of bbbb to 12288 and then set the value for cccc to 1024. On the other hand, if you are using an x64 operating system, set the bbbb value to 20480 and the cccc value to 1024.
Step 5: Exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.
Note: The bbbb value in the SharedSection registry is the size of the desktop heap for each interactive window station while the cccc section of the SharedSection value is the size of the desktop heap for each non-interactive window station. In addition, you must keep in mind that setting the value of bbbb to more than 20480 KB is not really recommended.
On the other hand, there is another tool that could help in resolving the Out of Memory error. This tool is called the Memory Diagnostic tool in windows can help resolve the Out of Memory error by checking and automatically fixing any memory-based issues. To run it, refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + R keys to open Run and type mdsched.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 your preferred option, your computer will restart and check for memory-based issues. If it finds any issues, it will automatically fix them.
Error 2 is a typical Battle.net error code. Battle.net is a desktop app that allows you to access all Blizzard games.
It enables Blizzard gamers around the world to play multiplayer matches together, online. Error 2 occurs when you are unable to connect to the login server. This error code is displayed in the following format:
Battle.net Error #2: Unable to connect. Please try again later. If the problem persists, please contact technical support.
Solution
Error Causes
Error 2 may be triggered due to several reasons. These include:
Program conflict
Security software conflict
Bad DNS cache entry
Issues with network devices
Viruses and malware
Registry corruption
Error 2 is not a fatal error like the blue screen of death error codes. However, this error may hamper your ability to play Blizzard multi-player games. To overcome this problem it is advisable to fix error 2 immediately.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve this error you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to hire a professional and get it fixed. Here are some of the easy do-it-yourself methods to resolve this error on your PC. These methods require no technical expertise or knowledge. Let’s get started:
Method 1
Error 2 may sometimes pop up on the screen due to program conflict. This happens when you have Blizzard games and other programs running on your PC at the same time.
In such a situation, it is advisable to close background applications to resolve conflicts between Blizzard games and other programs running in the background.
Method 2
Sometimes antivirus programs and firewalls can also hinder and interfere with the game’s connection to our servers. In this event, the best way to fix the error is to temporarily uninstall your security software.
Method 3
If error 2 is triggered by the issues with network devices then simply power cycle network devices to re-stabilize the connection.
Power cycling router and modem allow you to reset and reestablish a connection to your ISP. To do this, shut down the computer then power down/unplug the router and the modem.
Allow the modem to sit for 60 seconds, unplugged. Then turn it on and allow it to boot up till the front panel connection lights show a steady connection.
Now turn on the router and do the same as you did with the modem. After that start the computer and allow it to completely boot up. Now try logging on to the Blizzard gaming server.
This will hopefully resolve the issue.
Method 4
Viruses and malware infections can also trigger error 2. In such a situation install an antivirus and remove all malicious programs infecting your PC.
Method 5
If the cause of the error is related to registry corruption, then it is advisable to download Restoro. This is a user-friendly PC Fixer with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner removes all unnecessary and obsolete files corrupting the registry, cleans and repairs the corrupted registry in a few minutes.
Click here to download Restoro on your PC to resolve error 2. For further information you may be interested in these similar issues:
Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.
In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.
VPN: definition and how it works
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does.
A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.
To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.
Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash
Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.
There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.
Benefits of using a VPN
When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.
You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much.
When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.
1. Access region-specific content
When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.
This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.
In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.
Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.
2. Browse like no one’s watching
VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.
In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.
The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.
3. Save money
It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.
You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company.
Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.
4. Secure your smart home
The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard.
Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.
Credit: Bence Boros on Unsplash
5. Prevent connection slowdown
Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).
But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.
The bottom line
You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.
New Tab Aid is an extension for Google Chrome. It is published by Spigot Inc. It is classified as a potentially unwanted browser hijacker as it injects Yahoo search into your new tab windows. This extension also adds recently viewed tabs under the search bar. It also redirects all your searches to Yahoo instead of your default browser search engine. It is often found bundled with other software found on the internet and not installed directly by the user. For these reasons, numerous anti-malware utilities flag New Tab Aid as potentially unwanted or malicious.
About Browser Hijackers
Browser hijackers (sometimes called hijackware) are a kind of malicious software that changes internet browser configurations without the user’s knowledge or permission. These types of hijacks appear to be increasing at an alarming rate around the world, and they could be actually nefarious and often harmful too. Browser hijackers could do more than just modifying homepages. The idea is to force users to visit specific websites that are looking to improve their website visitor traffic and produce higher ad earnings. Even though it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are damaging and therefore always regarded as security risks. Browser hijackers can even allow other vicious programs without your knowledge to further damage your personal computer.
Major signs that your web browser has been hijacked
There are numerous signs of browser hijacking:
1. the home page of your respective web browser is changed all of a sudden2. you see new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, typically directed to advertisement-filled or pornography sites3. the default web browser settings are changed and/or your default web engine is altered4. unwanted new toolbars are added to your browser5. you observe numerous ads show up on your browsers or computer screen6. your web browser gets sluggish, buggy crashes regularly7. Inability to navigate to particular websites, particularly anti-malware and other security software sites.
How does a browser hijacker infect a computer?
Browser hijackers might use drive-by downloads or file-sharing networks or even an email attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. Many web browser hijackings come from add-on applications, i.e., toolbars, browser helper objects (BHO), or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional features. Browser hijackers sneak into your computer in addition to free software application downloads also that you unintentionally install alongside the original. Popular examples of browser hijackers include Conduit, CoolWebSearch, Coupon Server, OneWebSearch, RocketTab, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search.
Browser hijacking can result in severe privacy issues and also identity theft, affect your browsing experience by taking control of outgoing traffic, substantially slows down your personal computer by consuming a lot of resources, and cause system instability also.
How to fix a browser hijack
Certain browser hijacking could be quite easily stopped by discovering and eliminating the corresponding malware software through your control panel. However, most hijackers are hard to get rid of manually. No matter how much you attempt to remove it, it may come back again and again. Moreover, browser hijackers could modify the Windows registry therefore it can be very hard to repair manually, particularly when you’re not a very tech-savvy individual.
Virus Blocking Access To Safebytes Site And Preventing Anti-Malware Downloads - What To Do?
Malware can cause all kinds of damage if they invade your computer, from stealing sensitive information to deleting files on your computer system. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from installing anything on your computer system, especially anti-malware software programs. If you’re reading this, you probably have affected by malware that prevents you from installing a computer security application like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Although this sort of issue will be tougher to get around, there are a few actions you can take.
Eliminate malware in Safe Mode
If any malware is set to load immediately when Microsoft Windows starts, getting into Safe Mode could block this attempt. Just minimal required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your personal computer into Safe Mode. The following are the steps you need to follow to take out viruses in Safemode.
1) Tap the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the large Windows logo shows up. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.2) Select Safe Mode with Networking with arrow keys and hit ENTER.3) When this mode loads, you should have the internet. Now, obtain the malware removal application you want by using the web browser. To install the software, follow the directions within the installation wizard.4) Once the application is installed, let the diagnostic scan run to eliminate viruses and other threats automatically.
Switch over to an alternate browser
Malicious program code may exploit vulnerabilities on a particular browser and block access to all anti-malware software sites. The most effective solution to avoid this issue is to choose a browser that is well known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you safe online.
Install and run antivirus from your USB drive
Another way is to download and transfer an antivirus application from a clean computer to run a scan on the affected system. Do these simple measures to clean up your affected computer using a portable antivirus.
1) Download the anti-malware program on a virus-free computer.2) Insert the USB drive on the same system.3) Double-click the exe file to open the installation wizard.4) When asked, select the location of the pen drive as the place in which you want to put the software files. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process.5) Now, transfer the USB drive to the infected computer.6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the software.7) Run Full System Scan to detect and get rid of all sorts of malware.
Ensure the Safety of Your PC by Installing SafeBytes Anti-Malware
These days, anti-malware software can protect your computer from various types of internet threats. But exactly how to decide on the best one among many malware protection application that is available on the market? As you might be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are ok types, and some will destroy your computer themselves! When searching for antimalware software, pick one that provides reliable, efficient, and full protection against all known viruses and malware. One of the highly recommended software by industry experts is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Microsoft Windows.
SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, very effective protection tool designed to assist end-users of all levels of computer literacy in detecting and eliminating malicious threats out of their computer. This program could easily detect, remove, and protect your computer from the most advanced malware attacks including spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, parasites, worms, PUPs, along with other possibly damaging software programs.
SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to various other anti-malware programs. Let’s look into some of them below:
Active Protection: Malware programs trying to get into the computer are discovered and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes real-time protection shields. This tool will constantly monitor your computer for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the latest threats.
Antimalware Protection: With its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can identify and remove the malware threats hiding in your PC effectively.
Web Security: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety rating that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you’re about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site.
Lightweight: SafeBytes is well known for its minimal impact on computer resources and great detection rate of diverse threats. It operates quietly and efficiently in the background so you are free to utilize your personal computer at full power all of the time.
24/7 Customer Service: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you can get 24/7 professional assistance through chat and email.
Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)
If you wish to manually remove NewTabAid 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 NewTabAid
If you are using your Google Chrome browser and suddenly notice a constant flickering after you’ve upgraded your Windows 10 computer, read on as this post will help you sort out the issue. A lot of users have reported this screen flickering issue in Chrome after having upgraded their devices to a recent Windows 10 build. The bizarre thing about this problem is that it only affects the Google Chrome browser and when it occurs, the Chrome browser will start to flash or flicker.
According to users who experience the problem in Chrome, it seems to get worse when they try to play videos on YouTube or other streaming sites. To resolve this problem, many users tried to use Chrome in Incognito Mode, cleared the browser cache as well as cookies. They even tried resetting the browser settings and reinstall Chrome but nothing seems to work. Worry not though as there are still other options you can try to fix the problem and they’re easy ones so you’ll have no problem following them.
The screen flickering problem in Chrome appears to be related to the Windows background and color settings as well as incompatible display drivers. This is why it is advised that you have both the video card drivers and Chrome browser updated to prevent the same problem from happening again.
To get started troubleshooting the screen flickering issue in Chrome, refer to the following options.
Option 1 – Try modifying the background and colors settings
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
From Settings, go to Personalization to load the Background Preferences and if this window does not appear, just select the Background option from the left side panel.
Next, select a Solid Color as the new background from the drop-down menu.
After that, check if the problem is fixed. This should be fixed especially if the one that’s causing screen flickering is the Windows automatic background switching.
Once you’ve selected the Solid color as the background preference, go to the Colors tab under Personalization. This will open a new window and from there, check the box of the “Automatically pick an accent color from my background” option.
Now close the Settings app and open Chrome again.
Option 2 – Try to update or rollback the Graphics driver
You can try to update your Graphics card driver using the Device Manager in your computer to resolve the blank dialog boxes problem or you can also go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturers like NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD and go to the section called Drivers then check if there’s a new available update – if there is, download and install it.
To update your Graphics driver via Device Manager, refer to these steps:
First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
After that, tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. From there, look for the Display Adapters and click on them.
After that, right-click on each entry under the Display Adapters and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
Now restart your computer.
After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: If updating the Graphics driver didn’t fix the problem, you can also try to roll back to its previous version and see if that helps.
Option 3 – Try to disable the Hardware Acceleration
For better performance, Google Chrome uses the Hardware Acceleration by default. Unfortunately, there are just some cases when your hardware, GPU to be specific, might not be able to cope with the requirements, resulting in the black screen issue. And if this is your case, you should try to disable the hardware acceleration from your Google Chrome browser settings panel. To do so, follow the steps below.
Open the Google Chrome settings page.
Click on the Advanced button to get more options.
Look for the option called “Use hardware acceleration when available” and then disable it by toggling the button to the left.
After that, check if the screen flickering issue in Chrome is fixed.
Option 4 – Try to disable “Smooth Scrolling” in Chrome
Disabling “Smooth Scrolling” in Chrome might also help you fix the issue. To do so, follow these steps:
Open Chrome and type “chrome://flags” and hit Enter.
Next, look for a flag named “Smooth Scrolling”. You can scroll down until you find it or search it in the Search Flag bar. Note that Smooth Scrolling is enabled by default in the newer versions of Chrome.
After that, select the drop-down menu and select Disabled.
The MP4 MIME-type is a video type that is mainly configured in IIS or Internet Information console. It is the one that instructs a web browser to use the default video application when running MP4 files from websites. MIME which stands for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions which offers a way to identify files on the Internet-based on their format and nature. For example, when a content-type header value like MP4 is defined in an HTTP response, the browser can be configured to open the file with the proper plugin. However, there are some servers that don’t have an associated MIME type to support MP4 files and so they fail to play these files. In such cases, you will encounter the “Unsupported video type or invalid file path” error, especially when you use the Internet Explorer browser in Windows 10. To fix this problem, you may have to configure the MP4 MIME type in IIS but you might find that IIS is not enabled in Windows 10 which is why you need to turn it on or enable it first. For more details, refer to the following instructions below.
Step 1 – Enable IIS:
Open Control Panel and go to Programs > Programs and Features.
From there, select “Turn Windows features on or off” to mark its checkbox.
After that, select “Web Management Tools” and expand its menu and look for “IIS Management Console”.
Click the OK button and then wait for a couple of seconds to allow Windows to successfully apply the changes made.
Step 2 – Configure the MP4 MIME type in IIS:
Go to Control Panel and from there, access Administrative Tools.
Next, click “Internet Information Services Manager” from the list of given options.
Once confirmed, it will open the IIS console where you have to click the name of your IIS Server located on the left panel. This will enable several options in the central details section.
Now double click on the icon with the label “MIME Types”.
After that, you should see an “Add” link option on the right panel. Click on the link to open a configuration dialog box.
Then type “.mp4” in the File Name Extension field and enter “video/mp4” in the textbox of the MIME Type.
Click the OK button to save the changes made. This should fix the “Unsupported video type or invalid file path” error on your Windows 10 computer.
Step 3 – Reset your browsers:
Mozilla Firefox
Open Firefox and click the icon that looks like three stacked lines located at the top-right section of the browser.
Next, select the question mark icon from the drop-down menu.
Then select “Troubleshooting information” from the slide-out menu.
After that, click on the “Reset Firefox” button located at the top-right section of the newly opened web page.
Now select “Reset Firefox” in the confirmation pop-up window that appears.
Google Chrome
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.
Internet Explorer
Launch Internet Explorer.
Next, click the wrench icon for Settings.
Then click Internet Options.
After that, go to the Advanced tab.
From there, click the Reset button. This will reset Internet Explorer’s settings to their default condition.
Some users installing or upgrading to Windows 10 experienced the theKMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED Blue Screen of Death (or commonly known as BSOD) error. This error can be due to different types of things, ranging from software to driver issues. When you experience this BSOD error while trying to install Windows 10, it will prompt you to restart your computer every single time you experience it. In most cases, you will also not be able to proceed with the Windows 10 set-up.
Solution
Error Causes
The “KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED” error is normally caused by:
Hardware incompatibility
A faulty device driver or system service
Further Information and Manual Repair
You won’t be able to successfully upgrade or set up Windows 10 if you continue to encounter this BSOD error. Note that this error will always prompt your computer to restart every time it happens, preventing you from completing the Windows 10 set-up.
If you’re not tech-savvy or not capable of debugging this issue, it’s highly advisable to proceed with the basic troubleshooting techniques available in this link.
After troubleshooting, below you’ll find a few solutions to rectify the issue.
Method 1 – Check The Cause of The BSOD Error
Two common causes of the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED issue are hardware incompatibility and faulty device driver or system service.
If you experience this error, check first if any of your newly installed hardware is compatible with Windows 10. You can find the required hardware for Windows 10 from this link.
If all your hardware is compatible with Windows 10, you might need to check the device driver or system service. Review the bug check message. If any of the drivers you have is listed in the message, either disable or uninstall them before upgrading or setting up Windows 10.
You might also find it useful to check the System Log available in the Event Viewer for other error messages that can help you figure out the driver or device that’s causing the error. Running hardware diagnostics can also be useful.
Method 2 – Disable (or preferably uninstall) Software Before Upgrading
If you’re upgrading Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you might need to disable or uninstall the software first.
First, try uninstalling your Antivirus utility before starting the upgrade. Restart a few times before starting the Windows 10 installation.
If you’re upgrading using the Windows 10 update, make sure that you disconnect from your Wi-Fi or Internet LAN (Ethernet) connection as soon as the download reaches 100% before attempting to start the set-up.
Other users also reported that the cause of the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED issue is BitDefender. If this is what happened in your case, it will show in the error message such as KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (bdselfpr.sys). Users reported that a common solution for this is renaming the file. In the case of BitDefender, try renaming it to bdselfpr.s__. However, make sure to do this cautiously. Sometimes, renaming a file will even do more damage than good.
Method 3 – Disable/Disconnect From Hardware
If you’re connected to any general USB devices (such a smart card reader), disable it. If your computer is connected to other external devices, disconnect all of them. Examples of this include gaming controllers, printers, external hard disk, USB keys, and other non-essential devices).
Method 4 – Other Troubleshooting Steps
Other troubleshooting steps include:
Upgrade using an .ISO file, instead of directly upgrading from Windows Update. When you do this, make sure you’re disconnected from the Internet during installation. If the process started and you forgot to disconnected, it’s best to restart the installation.
If you’re connected to a domain while trying to set up Windows 10, disconnect and use a local account.
If you’re using a SCSI hard disk, connect a thumb drive with the drivers for your storage device. While Windows 10 is setting up, click on the Custom Advanced Option. Using the thumb drive, use the Load Driver command to load the SCSI drive.
Another possible cause of this error is due to BIOS incompatibility. BIOS issues can be solved by upgrading your version of your system BIOS. If you don’t know how to do this, refer to your BIOS manufacturer’s website.
Method 5 – Use A Trusted Automated Tool
If you still experience the error after doing the methods above, you might want to try a powerful and trusted automated tool to fix the job.