What to do if JPEG files won’t open in Windows 10

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.

Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)

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.

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.

If you receive an error that says, “An unspecified error occurred during System Restore (0x800700b7)” when you tried to restore your Windows 10 PC, worry not, for this post will help you resolve the problem. This kind of error typically occurs when System Restore was not completed successfully and fails instead with this error. Before you start, you must not abruptly shut down your computer and wait for the error to occur. You may receive this error due to many possible reasons. It could be caused by your antivirus program that’s not letting the process complete or corrupted system files which causes the failure or it could also be caused by an unsuccessful installation of a Windows Update. Here are some fixes you can check out if you can still boot into your computer:

Option 1 – Try to disable your antivirus program

Disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when the System Restore process does not go smoothly. So before you try updating your computer again, make sure to disable the antivirus or security program and then run System Restore again, don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.

Option 2 – Run the DISM tool

The next thing you can do is run the DISM tool. This tool is known to repair potentially corrupted files in your system as having them could also system issues like the blank dialog boxes. To repair these corrupted system files, you can run the DISM commands:

• Tap the Win + X keys and click on the “Command Prompt (Admin)” option.
• After that, input each one of the commands listed below sequentially to execute them:
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Once you’ve executed the commands given above, restart your computer and check if the problem is now fixed.

Option 3 – Run the System File Checker

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command utility that helps in restoring corrupted files as well as missing files. It replaces bad and corrupted system files to good system files that might be the cause why you’re getting the errors 0x8024a11a and 0x8024a112. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

• Type “cmd” in the Start search and then right-click on the appropriate search result.
• Next, select “Run as administrator” to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
• 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.

• Now restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the System Restore in a Clean Boot State

If the first three given options didn’t work and the service still keeps on failing even though the service is running, you can try putting your computer in a Clean Boot State and then try to run System Restore again.

• Log onto your PC as an administrator.
• Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
• From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
• Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
• Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
• Click Disable all.
• Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
• Now try to run System Restore again and see if the process goes smoothly.

Option 5 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing the problem with System Restore. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go. On the other hand, if you can’t boot into your Windows 10 computer, here are some fixes you can try instead:

Option 6 – Try running System Restore in Advanced Startup Options

If you cannot boot into your Windows 10 computer, you can try to run System Restore again in the Advanced Startup Options.

• Boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options screen.
• From there, you will see some options to troubleshoot when you can’t log in to Windows in the usual way.
• Now select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
• After that, type “rstrui” and hit Enter to execute the command which will start the System Restore process.

Option 7 – Run the SFC scan and DISM via Advanced Startup Options

Like what you did in the first given option, you can use the Advanced Startup Options to run both System File Checker and DISM. All you have to do is boot into the Advanced Startup Options and from there select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. After accessing Command Prompt, you can run the System File Checker scan first by entering the “sfc /scannow”. As for DISM, you can run the “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” command.

Option 8 – Try to run the Automatic Repair Utility

You might also want to use Automatic Repair in fixing the error. To do so, follow the steps below.

• You can start by creating and booting from a bootable Windows 10 USB Stick.
• After that, click on Repair your computer located in the bottom left corner when you are on the initial Windows Startup screen.
• Next, click on Troubleshoot, and then on the other screen, click the Startup Repair option.
• Now select the operating system you want to repair. Once you do that, it will start to repair your operating system. Wait until the process is completed and then check if the problem’s now fixed.

As you know, one of the most popular browsers these days is the Google Chrome browser. Browsing the web every day using your Chrome browser, leaves a trail of browsing history. Google uses the browser history to streamline and make the browsing experience a lot better. But there are times when Chrome users experience trouble in deleting their web browsing history, data, cookies, and cache. In this post, you will be guided through specific settings that will help you in getting rid of the browsing history in Chrome. There are several options you can take in clearing the browsing history in Chrome. But before you try them, you can try the basic one first using the following steps:

• First, click on the three-dotted icon and click on History from the menu.
• Next, click on the Clear browsing data option and select “All time”.
• Then select the type of history you want to delete.
• After that, click on the Clear Data button.

If clearing the browsing history in Chrome the old way didn’t work, then you can try to check out the options provided below.

Option 1 – Clear the cache using the File Explorer

The first thing you can do is to clear the cache by using File Explorer. To get started, refer to these steps:

• Tap the Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
• Next, navigate to the following paths:
  • C:/Users/YOURUSERNAME/AppData/Local/GoogleChrome/User Data/DEFAULT/Cache
  • C:/Users/YOURUSERNAME/AppData/Local/GoogleChrome/User Data/PROFILENAMECache
• From the given locations above, replace “YOUR USERNAME” with the user profile name you use and then search for a file named “Cookies”.
• Now delete its contents.

Option 2 – Reset Chrome

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

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

Option 3 – Try to clean reinstall Chrome

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

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

TotalRecipeSearch is a browser extension for Google Chrome developed by Mindspark. This extension allows access to popular cooking websites. From the Author: Discover 1000s of tasty recipes – for FREE! Find creative, new meal ideas all in one convenient place!

When installed, this extension changes your default search engine and home page to MyWebSearch.com. While active it will monitor user activity, recording browsing data, visited websites and clicked links. This data is later used to display targeted ads throughout your browsing sessions.

While browsing the internet you will see additional unwanted ads, sponsored links, and even pop-up ads injected into your search results and websites. This extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus programs and it is targeted for removal.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious code has taken power over and modified the settings of your web browser, without your consent. Practically most browser hijackers are made for advertising or marketing purposes. Typically, it will drive users to particular sites which are aiming to boost their ad income. Though it might appear naive, all browser hijackers are damaging and thus always classified as security risks. They not only mess up your web browsers, but browser hijackers could also modify the computer registry, making your computer susceptible to other malicious programs.

How to determine if your browser is hijacked

The typical signs that indicate having this malware on your computer are: 1. you see unauthorized changes to your web browser’s homepage 2. when you key in a URL, you find yourself regularly directed to some other web page than the one you meant 3. the default web browser settings have been changed and/or your default web engine is altered 4. you are finding browser toolbars you have never witnessed before 5. your web browser will display constant pop-up ads 6. websites load slowly and at times incomplete 7. you are blocked to access those sites of security solution providers.

How does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers can enter a computer in some way or other, for example via downloads, file sharing, and email as well. They also come from add-on applications, also called browser helper objects (BHO), web browser plug-ins, or toolbars. Browser hijackers sneak into your computer in addition to free software downloads also that you unwittingly install alongside the original. Popular examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, RocketTab, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, Snap.do, Delta Search, and Searchult.com. The existence of any browser hijacker malware on your system might significantly diminish the browsing experience, monitor your internet activities that lead to critical privacy concerns, develop system stability problems and ultimately cause your PC to slow down or to an almost unusable condition.

How you can fix a browser hijack

Certain hijackers could be removed by simply uninstalling the corresponding free software or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. But, the majority of hijackers are very tenacious and need specialized tools to remove them. Novice PC users should not try for the manual form of removal, as it calls for comprehensive computer knowledge to carry out repairs on the computer registry and HOSTS file. Professionals always recommend users to get rid of any malware including browser hijacker by using an automatic removal tool, which is better, safer, and quicker than the manual removal technique. SafeBytes Anti-Malware discovers all types of hijackers – including TotalRecipeSearch – and eliminates every trace quickly and efficiently. Along with the anti-malware tool, a system optimizer, like SafeBytes’s Total System Care, will help you in deleting all linked files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.

Help! Malware Preventing Anti-Malware Installation And Access To The Internet

Malware could potentially cause plenty of damage to your PC. Certain malware variants alter browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the PC’s DNS settings. In these instances, you will be unable to visit some or all of the internet sites, and thus unable to download or install the necessary security software to clear out the computer virus. So what you should do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Refer to the instructions below to get rid of malware through alternate methods.

Download the application in Safe Mode with Networking

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Only minimal required applications and services are loaded when you start your PC into Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, please do as instructed below. 1) At power-on/startup, hit the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and hit ENTER. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have an internet connection again. Now, use your web browser normally and navigate to https://safebytes.com/products/anti-malware/ to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 4) Following installation, do a full scan and allow the software program to remove the threats it detects.

Obtain the antivirus software in a different web browser

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

Install and run anti-malware from your flash drive

To effectively get rid of the malware, you need to approach the issue of installing anti-virus software on the infected computer system from a different angle. Adopt these measures to employ a flash drive to fix your corrupted PC. 1) Use another virus-free computer system to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the clean computer. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded application, with a .exe file format. 4) Select the flash drive as the location for saving the software file. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Transfer the thumb drive from the clean PC to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to open the Safebytes software from the pen drive. 7) Click on “Scan Now” to run a scan on the affected computer for viruses.

Features and Benefits of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

If you are looking to download anti-malware software for your computer, there are various tools in the market to consider however, you cannot trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is a paid or free software. A few are good ones, some are decent, while some are simply just fake anti-malware programs that can damage your personal computer themselves! You need to be careful not to pick the wrong application, especially if you buy a paid software. When thinking about the highly regarded applications, Safebytes AntiMalware is certainly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time anti-spyware application that is designed to assist everyday computer users in protecting their computers from malicious threats. This program can easily identify, remove, and protect your PC from the most advanced malware threats such as adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, parasites, worms, PUPs, and other possibly damaging software programs.

SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a myriad of advanced features that sets it apart from all others. Listed below are some of the features you might like in SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Real-time Threat Response: SafeBytes provides an entirely hands-free real-time protection and is set to check, prevent and destroy all computer threats at its very first encounter. They’re highly effective in screening and getting rid of different threats since they’re regularly improved with the latest updates and alerts. Anti-Malware Protection: Built on a highly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can detect and get rid of many stubborn malware threats like browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other typical anti-virus software will miss. Fast Scan: This software program has one of the fastest and most effective virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are highly accurate and take a little time to complete. Internet Security: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a web page for possible threats and notifies you whether the site is safe to browse or not, through its unique safety rating system. Very Low CPU and RAM Usage: SafeBytes provides complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its advanced detection engine and algorithms. Fantastic Technical Support: Skilled technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will immediately fix any technical issues you may be experiencing with your security software. Put simply, SafeBytes has formulated a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect your computer against various malware. Now you may realize that this software does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your computer. So when you want sophisticated forms of protection features & threat detections, buying SafeBytes Anti-Malware could be worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To remove TotalRecipeSearch manually, navigate to the Add or Remove programs list in the Control Panel and choose the offending program you want to get rid of. For web browser plug-ins, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the plug-in you want to remove or disable. It’s also advised to factory reset your web browser to its default condition to fix corrupt settings. If you opt to manually delete the system files and Windows registry entries, utilize the following checklist to ensure that you know exactly what files to remove before carrying out any actions. Please keep in mind that only experienced computer users should try to manually edit the system files simply because removing any single critical registry entry results in a major problem or even a system crash. Also, certain malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. Doing this malware-removal process in Safe Mode is suggested.

Corefoundation.dll Error - What is it?

Corefoundation.dll error is a DLL error code associated with Apple software such as iTunes, MobileMe, QuickTime and etc. To understand this error better, first you need to understand what corefoundation.dll file is. Corefoundation.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file that is used by Apple software products. This file is created by Apple computer Inc and is designed to help open up some of the media files that you might have on your PC. DLLs help promote modularization of code, efficient memory usage, code reuse and reduced disk space allowing the operating system and the programs to load and run faster and take less disk space on the computer.

Error Messages

This error pops on the screen when there is an issue related to Apple software products on your system. Corefoundation.dll error is displayed on the computer screen in any one of the following formats:

“The program can not start because corefoundation.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem”. "This application has failed to start because CoreFoundation.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem." “The procedure entry point_CFBundleCopyFileTypeForFileData could not be located in the dynamic link library corefoundation.dll.” "MobileMe Control Panel cannot continue as Apple Application Support is missing or outdated. Please uninstall and reinstall the latest version of iTunes and MobileMe Control Panel to fix this issue.”

Though this error code is not fatal but if it is not fixed immediately it will hamper your ability to load and run Apple programs on your system.

Solution

Error Causes

Corefoundation.dll error can be triggered due to several reasons. Here are some of the most common corefoundation.dll error causes:

• Outdated PC drivers
• Viral infection
• Damaged Windows registry files
• Corrupted corefoundation.dll file
• Missing corefoundation.dll file
• Incorrectly installed third-party software

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix this issue on your computer here are some of the best, easy and quick do it yourself methods that you can try:

Method 1: Download the Original Corefoundation.dll File

If the underlying reason for corefoundation.dll error is file corruption or it goes missing, then the best way to resolve is to download the original corefoundation.dll file. Once you download it, paste it to its exact location. DLL files are normally located in the following location C:\Windows\System32. Once you paste it, register the file by typing ‘regsvr corefoundation.dll’ at the command prompt. When the process is complete, restart your PC to activate changes. Alternatively, you can uninstall and re-install any Apple Software you may have on your Windows Computer. To do that, Open the Control Panel, navigate to "Install/Uninstall a Program", search for Apple software, and uninstall them.

Method 2: Update Window Drivers

If the error code is related to outdated drivers, then it is recommended that you update them promptly to resolve the corefoundation.dll error on your PC. This can be done by using a driver update wizard from within Device Manager. The driver update wizard walks you through the entire drive update process, making updating a hassle-free process.

Method 3: Download Restoro

If the error still persists, then try method 3. Sometimes the cause of corefoundation.dll can be viral infection or registry issues.  Viruses may enter your PC unknowingly through phishing emails and downloads which can corrupt and damage your dll files. Also, if you don’t clean your registry frequently, unnecessary and obsolete files may accumulate in the registry like cookies, junk files, internet history and temporary files. These files take up a lot of disk space corrupt DLL files and lead to disk fragmentation. Regardless of what the issue is, Restoro is your one-stop PC Fixer. It is a multi-functional and user-friendly repair tool embedded with 6 different scanners including a registry cleaner and an antivirus. It scans and removes all types of viruses and cleans and restores the registry too. Click here to download Restoro and resolve the corefoundation.dll error today!

Error Code 0xd0000272 – What is it?

Error code 0xd0000272 occurs when Windows users are unable to activate their operating system. This usually occurs due to activation servers being busy or unavailable and affects Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 users. Common symptoms of the error code include the following:

• Inability to activate Windows operating system
• Message box with error code 0xd0000272

Solution

Error Causes

Windows users affected by error code 0xd0000272 usually receive a message stating that the “activation server is busy or unavailable”. Some users report the error is resolved on its own after a few hours, while others experience activation issues that resolve only after manual repair methods are implemented.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To improve your chances of resolving issues related to Windows activation error codes, use manual repair methods and procedures. These are often successful as they address the issues causing the error codes to occur, whether there be missing or corrupted system files, network connectivity issues, or invalid product keys.

Error code 0xd0000272 may be resolved by simply waiting until later – a few hours at most – to reattempt activation. If, however, the activation process fails, proceed with the methods suggested below or contact a Windows repair technician.

1. Method One: Verify Internet Connection to Activate Windows

Are network connectivity issues preventing your machine from activating Windows? Check for this issue by verifying whether or not you are connected. Once you’ve been able to check your connection via your Internet settings and troubleshoot your network where necessary, proceed to the Product Activation Wizard.

The Product Activation Wizard will check if you have permission or authorized access to the version of Windows you are attempting to activate. This process usually involves the use of a product key. Once you enter the 25-character code – in the correct order, of course – proceed by selecting the activation option.

If the process is successful, you will be able to complete the activation and access all the features of the Windows edition you have activated. You will also notice the absence of the error code 0xd0000272 message. In cases where this manual repair method is unable to successfully resolve the issue, however, move to the next manual repair procedure on this list.

2. Method Two: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Another tool available to Windows users is the Windows Update Troubleshooter. You may access the Windows Update Troubleshooter offered on Windows 8 since it does not require an internet connection and runs most of the functions required. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Step one: Swipe to the right of the screen and click Search
• Step two: Type Troubleshooting
• Step three: Click Settings then select Troubleshooting
• Step four: Under System & Security, click Fix Problems with Windows Update
• Step five: Select Next

You can also visit Microsoft’s website to access a more comprehensive Windows Update Troubleshoot tool. Download the troubleshooter and run it to fix problems related to Windows Update. Afterward, restart your computer then check the Product Activation Wizard to verify whether or not you can activate Windows 8 or 8.1.  If the problem persists, however, and error code 0xd0000272 reoccurs, proceed to the third manual repair method.

3. Method Three: Disable Proxy Settings

Your computer’s proxy settings may in some cases interfere with the activation process, resulting in issues like error code 0xd0000272. To fix this problem, first, disable your proxy setting then reattempt the activation process using the Product Activation Wizard.

• Step one: Press Win + C keyboard combination
• Step two: Select Settings
• Step three: Click Change PC Settings
• Step four: Select Network, then Proxy
• Step six: Switch proxy server settings to Off

Open the Product Activation Wizard once you’ve disabled the proxy settings. Complete the activation process based on the instructions provided. If you are successful, you will no longer be bothered by error code 0xd0000272 as the symptoms of the error code will not occur.

If, however, this manual repair method fails to resolve the error code, you may need to consider other alternatives. These may include the use of a powerful automated tool. You can also consider getting help from a Windows repair technician as such professionals are able to assess your computer and provide solutions as needed.

Hello and welcome to errortools articles. Today we will talk about some great and awesome tips and tricks for the command prompt. Commands which can make your life easier and your workday more pleasant. That being said let's dive in right into muddy waters and swim out with new knowledge.

Tip 1: Read Motherboard information

There are a lot of reasons why you would like to read information from your motherboard, maybe you would like to upgrade your BIOS, perhaps you would like to know the serial number, maybe even the version number. Well, you can, type the following code into the command prompt and you will receive all information about your motherboard.

wmic baseboard get product,version,serialnumber,product

Tip 2: Copy command output to clipboard

Getting information from the command prompt to a word processor, into an email or any other medium can be somewhat troublesome, usually, people tend to screenshot or write from a command prompt into another destination, which could induce errors, and let's be honest, it is not practical. You can copy command output directly into the clipboard ready for pasting it anywhere with | clip. So for example if you would like to paste the directory structure of your c drive command would look like: dir c: | clip, now output would be placed into the clipboard ready to be pasted anywhere needed.

Tip 3: Erase data permanently

When you delete data on your hard drive, what really happens is that files are marked with a marker which marks that space for new data writing, but the data itself is still present and can be brought back. This sometimes could impose problems but if you would type: cipher /w:c Windows will write random data over each marked file deleting it forever without means to be brought back.

Tip 4: Manage your IP address

If you would like to play with your IP address and do fancy stuff with it do the following: ipconfig /release to release your IP address ipconfig /renew to renew your IP address ipconfig /flushdns to flush down DNS information and enjoy a new browsing start.

Tip 5: Check to see are packets reaching the desired location

You installed a new LAN printer, or a new switch, maybe you want to check if your new site is up and running. Use ping destination in order to see if TCP packets are reaching desired information, you can use it with a specific address like ping 192.168.1.1 or you can type a web address, for example, ping google.com and see if a connection can be established.

Tip 6: Get information about a specific command

So you learned some command prompt commands, but you do not know all of their configuration or switches? No worries, just type command/? to get a list of available switches for it. For example ipconfig/? will write you a list of available switches for ipconfig command.

Tip 7: Link and execute multiple commands one after another.

Let us say that for example, you would like to copy files into a different folder, then rename some and delete others and you need to do a couple of times. Instead of writing command after command once each one is finished link them with && and they will execute one after another.

Tip 8: Scan and repair files.

In order to scan files and repair broke or corrupted ones write in the command prompt: sfc /scannow. Please know that this command can take a long time since it is solely dependant on the number of files, their size, and the power of the computer.

Tip 9: Manage and configure your computer energy

Command powercfg will let you manage and see the power configuration of your computer. Just write powercfg/? and see what you need and want to change or get information about.

Tip 10: Associate files with applications

Windows already has some file associations defined, and some applications take over some type of files but if you want to take control into your own hand use assoc command. For example assoc.txt= "APPLICATION NAME" will associate txt files with the provided application.

Tip 11: Hide files and folder.

Do you have some folder or file with information that you do not want to be seen when someone opens file explorer? Use attrib +h <name of file> and hide file or attrib +h /D <folder name> to hide folder.

Tip 12: Get a list of installed computer drivers

Want to know which drivers are installed in your system? Use driverquery and take a look.

Tip 13: Find and locate shared folders

have you shared a folder but forgot which one and where? Do not bang your head on the wall, we have a simple solution for you. just type in command prompt net share and see everything.

Tip 14: Run commands as an administrator

You do not have administrator privileges? Do you want to bypass common blockades?

runas /user:yourdomainadministrator command

That is all that we have for you today, I certainly hope you have found something useful here and that we have managed to teach you some valuable things.

As you know, the internet has changed the world immensely. Nowadays, JavaScript is pushing the modern web ahead. One of the things that make these experiences with the internet seamless and with less clutter is redirection. It is often used on web pages and there are times when a user is prompted about them and most of the time, we barely notice them. However, there are also instances when things can go wrong with redirects as they could become a loop that could mess things up. And since the browser takes a lot of system resources, redirection can result in a poor user experience. That’s why in this post, you will be guided on how you can stop these automatic redirects on browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, on your Windows 10 computer. To get started, refer to each one of the options provided below to stop automatic redirects in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

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

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

• Microsoft Edge:

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

• Google Chrome:

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

• Mozilla Firefox

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

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

To stop redirects, you can also reset Winsock and the TCP/IP as well as flush the DNS cache. To do so, follow these steps:

• Right-click on the Start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator) so you can pull up an elevated Command Prompt.
• After that, execute each one of the commands listed below. And after you typed in one after the other, you have to hit Enter.

1. netsh winsock reset – type in this command to reset Winsock
2. netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt – type in this command to reset TCP/IP
3. ipconfig /flushdns – type in this command to flush the DNS cache

• Next, restart your PC and check if the problem’s fixed.

Option 3 – Edit your Hosts File

• Tap the Win + R keys to open then type in %WinDir% and then click OK.
• Go to System32/drivers/etc.
• Open the host file using Notepad.
• Delete all the suspicious entries.
• After that, save the changes you’ve made and close the file.

Error Code 0x8000222 - What is it?

Error Code 0x8000222 is an error that occurs during the installation process for Windows 10. It is also present in past versions of the software, going all the way back to Windows 7 and even affecting Windows software products, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other items in the Microsoft Office Suite.

Common symptoms include:

• Inability to complete the installation process for new versions of the operating system, Microsoft Office programs, or other Windows-based software

While there are several factors that can contribute to the appearance of Error Code 0x8000222 during the installation process, most of these factors can be addressed using a few high-level methods. These methods do require some advanced knowledge and computing skills, so if you are unable to complete the steps below successfully or do not have confidence in your ability to undertake these methods on your own, contact a qualified computer repair service that is familiar with the Windows 10 installation process.

Solution

Error Causes

There are a few different issues that can cause Error Code 0x8000222 to arise during the installation process on your Windows operating system. The first is a corrupted file in your system library or dynamic link library, also called the DLL. The second is interference by your proxy, firewall, or antivirus software that inhibits the machine from being able to access the files that it needs to successfully complete the installation of your Windows operating system or software.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To address and resolve Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows operating system, regardless of the version of the software that you are using, there are a few steps that you can take. Keep in mind that these steps do require some advanced skills and knowledge about your computer, so if you don’t believe that you can undertake these steps on your own or if the following methods do not fully resolve the issue on your device, talk to a qualified computer repair technician for assistance.

Here are the best ways to address Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows machine:

Method One:  Fix Your DLL Dependencies Registry

Before implementing this method, make sure that a proxy is not active on your computer. To check to see if there is an active proxy, simply press the Windows key together with the “R” key and type in the command “cmd”, then when the prompt opens up, type in the following command:  “netsh winhttp import proxy source=ie”. From the box that follows, if you see a message saying that there has been an error writing in the proxy settings and that access has been denied, it means that you can turn off the proxy setting in your Internet Explorer and the error will go away on its own.

If you do not have an active proxy, it is time to check and see whether your DLL dependencies are properly set up. To do so, open up the command prompt again by pressing the Windows key and “R” key at the same time and typing in “cmd”. Once the command prompt is active, simply typing in “regsvr32 Officevalidator.dll”, then attempt to resume your installation once it has been complete.

In some cases, you may need to restart your computer before attempting the Windows installation process.

Method Two:  Turn Off Firewalls and Antivirus Software Before Installing

If the above method did not successfully resolve the problem, you can go into your control panel and turn off any firewalls or antivirus programs that may be interfering with your ability to complete the Windows installation process. Depending on the programs that you use for your antivirus needs, you may need to restart your computer before you reattempt to do the installation process.

You should be able to turn your firewall and antivirus programs back on once the installation process has run through to completion.

In most cases, taking the steps above will fully resolve the appearance of Error Code 0x8000222 on your Windows 10 machine.

Method Three: Use An Automated Tool

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

If you encounter error 0x8024500C after a Windows Update or when you were trying to update Windows Store apps, read on as this post will guide you in fixing the problem. This kind of Windows Update error indicates that the Windows Update service has been blocked. Here are some suggestions you could check out to resolve the Windows Update error 0x8024500C on your Windows 10 computer.

Option 1 – Try checking the status of all the Windows Update Services

You need to check if all the Windows Update Services are up and running or not. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Next, type “services.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open Windows Services.
• From the list of Services, look for the following services that support Windows Update:
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Delivery Optimization
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Update Medic Service
• Once you’ve found them, check if they are running just fine or not. if not, you can right-click on each entry and click on Start.

Option 2 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You might also want to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as it could also help in fixing Windows Update Error 0x8024500C. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

Option 3 – Try downloading and installing the Windows Updates manually

Error 0x8024500C might be due to a Windows Update that has failed. So if it is not a feature update and only a cumulative update, you can download the Windows Update and install it manually. But first, you need to find out which update has failed, and to do so, refer to the following steps:

• Go to Settings and from there go to Update and Security > View Update History.
• Next, check which particular update has failed. Note that Updates that have failed to install will be displayed under the Status column which has a label of “Failed”.
• After that, go to the Microsoft Download Center and look for that update using its KB number and once you find it, download and then install it manually.

Note: You can also use the Microsoft Update Catalog, a service from Microsoft that provides a list of software updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. With the help of this service, it can be easier for you to find Microsoft software updates, drivers as well as fixes.

Option 4 – Try checking the Registry settings

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• After that, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate
• Then double click on “DisableWindowsUpdateAccess” located at the right side of the panel and make sure that its value is set to “0”. If not, you have to change it to “0”.
• Now restart your computer and check if error 0x8024500C is now fixed or not

Option 5 – Disable the Proxy server

• 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 – Try to reset the Microsoft Store cache

Just like browsers, Microsoft Store also caches as you view apps and games so it is most likely that the cache is no longer valid and must be removed. To do so, follow the steps below.

• Right-click on the start button and click on Command Prompt (administrator).
• Next, type in the command, “exe” and tap Enter. Once you do, the command will clear the cache for the Windows Store app.
• Now restart your PC and afterward, try opening Microsoft Store again.

Option 7 – Perform a System Restore

Performing System Restore might help you in fixing the Windows Update error 0x8024500C. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.

• Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
• After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
• Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
• After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.