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USB Security key is not working on Windows

As you know, the USB security keys are a secure medium to validate a lot of components in a computer. They can be used to log in to Windows 10. Now with the advancement of APIs, you can authenticate across the website as well using the same key. However, there are times when it may not work and it could be caused by several factors. It could be due to corrupted or incompatible drivers or it could also be due to compromised integrity of the key, and many more.

So if you happen to encounter an issue with the USB security key on your Windows 10 computer, then there are several potential fixes you can try. You can try toggling the Internet Options settings or reinstall the respective USB drivers. You could also try changing the PIN of the security key or disable the antivirus program on your computer or troubleshoot the web browser. Refer to the potential fixes provided below to fix the problem.

Option 1 – Try to toggle the settings of the Internet Options

  • In the Windows Search box, search for Internet Options to open it.
  • Next, go to the Security tab and drag the security slider to the lowest possible security for all the given zones.
  • After that, click on OK to save the changes made and close the Internet Options.

Note that this option is only a temporary measure as it can make your computer vulnerable. Make sure to press the Reset all zones to default level button.

Option 2 – Try to update or reinstall the respective drivers

If updating the drivers of the device did not fix the problem with the USB security key, you can try to update or reinstall the Universal Serial Bus Controller drivers instead of using the Device Manager. Refer to the following steps:

  • First, click the Start button and type “device manager”.
  • Then click on the “Device Manager” from the search results to open it.
  • From there, look for the “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option and then right-click on each one of the USB drivers and select the Update Driver from the menu.

Note: If it is a regular USB drive, then it will be listed as a USB Mass Storage Device but if you have a USB 3.0 device, then look for a USB 3.0 Extensible Host Controller.

  • Restart your PC and then click the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option.

Note: If updating the USB Controller drivers didn’t work, you can try to reinstall them instead.

Option 3 – Try to change the PIN of the security key

If the first two options didn’t work, you can try changing the PIN of the security key. There are instances when the PIN for the security key might have been corrupted. Thus, resetting it can help you resolve the problem.

Option 4 – Temporarily disable Firewall and third-party antivirus

Firewall and antivirus programs are known to block the proper functioning of the USB security key. Thus, your antivirus or firewall programs might be the reason why you can’t download anything on your Windows 10 computer. To isolate the issue, you need to temporarily disable both the Firewall and antivirus programs and then check if you can now download anything from the internet. Do not forget to enable them again as disabling them can leave your computer vulnerable to cyber threats.

Option 5 – Try to troubleshoot the web browser

Troubleshooting your web browser can also help you fix the USB security key problem. You can do that by checking if your web browser supports the security key and you can do that by checking on the official website of your browser. You can also try to update your web browser to its latest version but if it didn’t help, you can try to reinstall it or switch to another web browser.

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Fix Logitech Blue Yeti mic not working in W11
Blue Yeti has gained popularity among streamers and users that want a high-quality mic for their setup. Without going into details of the hardware itself I will say it is a pretty good mic. Now the issues that have been reported with it are that Windows 11 can have issues with it resulting in the microphone not being recognized by the operating system. If you are one of the unfortunate Blue Yeti users and have this issue, do not despair because we have a solution for you, several to be more precise so you can easily fix the issue and get back to talking.

logitech blue yetiCheck cables

Sometimes it is not a software problem at all. First thing is to check if by any chance cable of the mic is disconnected, damaged, or similar. If the cable seems fine next step is to plug in the mic into another port in order to eliminate faulty jack on the computer. If nothing happened the last thing to try is to connect the mic to another computer so we can be sure that the mic itself is in working order so we can focus on software. If by any chance mic is not working on another computer that some hardware inspection of it will be required.

Set Blue Yeti as a default device

There is a chance that Windows 11 has not set Blue Yeti as a default audio device for recording and therefore you can not use it. In order to eliminate and fix this issue, right-click on the speaker icon on the taskbar in the far-right part of it and choose sound settings. Go down to the input section and pick Blue Yeti beside Choose device for speaking or recording.

Update driver

More often than not device not working is tied to malfunctioning or a bad driver. In order to eliminate and resolve this issue right click on the Start icon and choose device manager. Inside device manager expand the Sound, video and game controllers section. Right-click on each device in the section and choose update driver. Wait for the update to complete and restart your system.

Run the troubleshooter

Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings. Go to System in the left pane and click on it. In the right panel choose and click on troubleshoot. Inside troubleshoot click on Other. Scroll down and locate the Recording Audio troubleshooter and then click on Run next to it. Wait for the troubleshooter to finish and follow on-screen instructions to resolve the issue.

Check Blue Yeti microphone privacy setting

Not very often, but sometimes privacy settings can be the issue even when everything else is working perfectly. In order to check privacy settings press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open Windows settings and go to Privacy & Security on the left panel and click on it. On the right panel click on the microphone. Make sure that toggle next to Let apps access your microphone is ON.
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How to Fix Media disconnected error message on Windows 10
A computer with no internet connection is like a mobile phone that can’t call nor text though you can still use it for other things. So if you are having problems with your computer’s internet connection, worry not as there are some basic things you can try before you go over the actual troubleshooting. Just make sure that you really have working internet. To verify it, try connecting your other devices. Aside from that, you must also make sure that your computer is connected properly over cable or connected to the router over the Wi-Fi. Once you have all these things covered, now’s the time to start troubleshooting the problem with the help of the instructions prepared below. To be more specific, this guide will walk you through what you can do when you encounter a particular internet connection problem where you get the Media State Media disconnected error message on your Windows 10 computer.

Before you troubleshoot the problem, you need to first check the internet connection status on your computer. To do that, follow these steps:

  • Type in “cmd” in the Cortana search box.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
  • After opening Command Prompt with administrator privileges, type in the ipconfig /all command and hit Enter.
  • After you enter the command, you will see a list of all the connected media like the Ethernet, Wi-Fi along with its status, and more. From there, you need to check everything closely. I notice a message that says, “Media State . . . . . Media disconnected”, then your internet connection is indeed having issues.
Refer to the options below to fix the Media State Media disconnected error message on your Windows 10 PC.

Option 1 – Try resetting WINSOCK and IP Stack

  • Type in “cmd” in the Cortana search box.
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in each one of the commands listed below
    • netsh winsock reset catalog – This command will reset the WINSOCK entries.
    • netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log – This command will reset the IPv4 TCP/IP stack.
    • netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log – This command will reset the IPv6 TCP/IP stack
  • Once you’ve executed the commands listed above, restart your PC to successfully apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Check if your Network Adapter is disabled

If you’ve disabled the network adapters on your computer, then it’s most likely the reason why you’re getting the Media State Media disconnected error message. Thus, you need to enable it back.
  • Open Settings and go to Network and Internet > Select Ethernet > Change adapter options.
  • From there, right-click on the adapter and enable it.

Option 3 – Check the Wi-Fi Properties

Though this case is not common, Wi-Fi sharing has actually caused issues for some users. That’s why you need to check the Wi-Fi properties. Go to Network Connections and right-click on Wi-Fi and select Properties. From Properties, go to the Sharing tab and select the first option and click OK.

Option 4 – Try updating the Network driver

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type in devmgmt.msc and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
  • Expand the section for the outdated device drivers.
  • And then select the Network driver or any other outdated driver(s) and right-click on it/them.
  • From the drop-down menu, select the Update Driver option and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of the driver.
  • Then also click on the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software.
  • Restart your PC after the installation.
Note: If updating the Network driver didn’t work, you can go to the website of your PC manufacturer and look for the support section where you can download the drivers for your computer. You just need to take note of your PC’s correct model and model number so you can find the appropriate driver.
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TeamViewer stuck on Initializing Display
One of the popular tools that allow a user to offer or obtain remote assistance on a computer is the TeamViewer. It is available on all the major computer and mobile platforms which makes it a lot useful to every kind of user, even on the go. If you are one of the users who frequently use TeamViewer, then you must be familiar with this one sentence that states, “Initializing display parameters”. In common cases, this sentence will appear for a second and load the other user’s screen. However, some users reported that TeamViewer gets stuck on that stage and did not move ahead even a bit. If you experience the same problem, read on as this post will guide you in fixing this issue with TeamViewer on your Windows 10 computer. At the time of writing, the cause of this issue is still unclear. It could be due to the quality of internet connection, conflicts in process, misconfiguration of Remote Access, and many more. To fix this issue, you can try to update TeamViewer for both the users or have it reinstalled with Unattended Remote Access, or reconfigure the Remote Access. You can also try to kill any conflicting processes or optimize your internet connection. For more details, refer to the given options below.

Option 1 – Reboot your router

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

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

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

Option 3 – Try reinstalling TeamViewer via the Unattended Remote Access

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

Option 4 – Try reconfiguring the Remote Access

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

Option 5 – Try to kill any conflicting processes

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

Option 6 – Try to optimize the quality of connection

You need to take care of two things under this option – first, you have to disable the loading of the Wallpaper of the computer which is the one that you’re trying to access remotely. To do that, you have to select the Extras menu from the menu ribbon and then select Options. And under the Remote Control section, check the “Remove remote wallpaper” option. The next thing you have to do is to optimize the quality for the speed by selecting the “Optimize Speed” for the menu of Quality still under the Remote Control section.
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Fix Error Code 0x80090016 for PIN and MS Store
If you encounter Error Code 0x80090016 while trying to create a PIN or when you are using Microsoft Store, then you’ve come to the right place as this post will guide you in how you can fix this problem. Recently some users reported that they were unable to sign in or set up the Windows 10 Login PIN. Note that the potential fixes for this issue are totally different in both scenarios. Here’s the error message you get when you encounter the PIN related error:
“Something went wrong, We weren’t able to set up your PIN. Sometimes it helps to try again or you can skip for now and do this later.”
On the other hand, here’s the error message you get for the Microsoft Store-related error:
“Try that again, Something happened on our end and we couldn’t sign you in.”
Here are some potential fixes you can try to fix the Error Code 0x80090016 in the Microsoft Store:

Option 1 – Try to sync the Date and Time

The first thing you can try is to sync the Date and Time of your computer as the wrong Date and Time settings are one of the most common causes of connection problems like the Error Code 0x80090016. This is because of the incompatibility between the SSL Certificate validation date and the System Clock. Thus, you have to sync your System Clock. Refer to the steps below to do so.
  • Start by tapping the Win + I keys to open the Windows Settings.
  • Next, go to Time & Language > Date & time.
  • From there, turn the toggle on for the “Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically” option on the right-side panel.
  • After that, click on Region & language located on the left side panel and make sure that the Country or region on the right-side panel is set to the country you live in.
  • Now close the Settings app and restart your computer and see if it fixes the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try to re-register the Microsoft Store app via PowerShell

  • Tap the Win + X key combination or right-click on the Start button and click on the Windows PowerShell (Admin) option.
  • If a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed and open the Windows PowerShell window.
  • Next, type in or copy-paste the following command to re-register the Microsoft Store app and tap Enter:
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRootWinStoreAppxManifest.xml
  • Wait for the process to be completed and then restart your computer.

Option 3 – 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 and then see if Error Code 0x80090016 is resolved or not.

Option 4 – Try to run the Windows Store Troubleshooter

The Windows 10 Store Apps Troubleshooter will help you in fixing the Error Code 0x80090016. This is a great built-in tool from Microsoft that helps users fix any app installation issues. So this is worth a try to solve the problem. This built-in tool also helps you fix the Windows 10 Store if it isn’t working. To use the Windows Store Troubleshooter, follow the steps below.
  • Tap Win + I keys again to open the Windows Settings panel.
  • Go to Update & Security and then go to Troubleshoot.
  • On your right-hand side, scroll down to find the Windows Store Apps and then click on Run the troubleshooter option and see if it fixes the problem.
On the other hand, you can use the options below if you encounter Error Code 0x80090016 while setting up your PIN.

Option 5 – Try to manage the NGC Folder

  • You need to boot your computer into Safe Mode first.
  • Next, delete all the contents of the NGC folder and you can do that by taking ownership of the folder first. To do so, refer to these sub-steps:
    • First, locate the concerned folder and right-click on it then select Properties.
    • Next, click on the Edit button in the Properties window and click OK to confirm if you got a User Account Control elevation request.
    • After that, select user/group from the permission windows or click on the Add button to add another user or group. It would be best if you add “Everyone” to give permission.
    • Then check “Full Control” under the “Allow” column to assign full access rights control permissions.
    • Now edit the permission to Full Control for “Everyone”.
    • Click OK to save the changes made and then exit.
  • After you take ownership of the folder, you can now delete all of its contents.
  • Once you’re done, restart your computer and see if the problem is fixed.

Option 6 – Try to use the Group Policy Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box
  • Then type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter or click OK to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to this setting: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
  • After that, double click on “Turn on convenience PIN Sign-in” and set its radio button to Enable. This policy setting has the following description:
“This policy setting allows you to control whether a domain user can sign in using a convenience PIN. If you enable this policy setting, a domain user can set up and sign in with a convenience PIN. If you disable or don’t configure this policy setting, a domain user can’t set up and use a convenience PIN. Note: The user’s domain password will be cached in the system vault when using this feature. To configure Windows Hello for Business, use the Administrative Template policies under Windows Hello for Business.”
  • After you set the radio button to Enable, it will turn on the Logins using the PIN. Note that setting the radio button to Disabled or Not Configured will turn off the Logins using the PIN.
  • Now exit the Group Policy Editor and restart your PC so that the changes can take effect.
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If the Task Manager is either blank or is not showing processes on your Windows 10 computer, then here are a few things you can do to resolve this issue. This kind of problem can occur due to some system file corruption or some malware infection in the system. Here are some suggestions you can try to resolve the problem with the Task Manager on your Windows 10 PC.

Option 1 – Try restarting your computer

The most common and most of the time effective way to resolve this kind of issue is to simply restart your computer. Thus, you have to restart your computer and see if it helps in fixing the Task Manager issue or not. If not, you can try the next given options below.

Option 2 – Run the DISM tool

If the first option didn’t work, then running the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool can help you resolve the issue with the Task Manager as it will repair the Windows System Image as well as the Windows Component Store in Windows 10.
  • After you access the Advanced Startup options, select Command Prompt by using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
  • Next, type in this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 3 – Make sure that the display columns are selected in the Task Manager

You have to make sure that you have checked or selected the display columns you want to be displayed. So if none of them are selected, you might not see any details at all. Thus, you need to right-click on the space near Name and select the columns.

Option 4 – Run the System File Checker Scan

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 with good system files that might be the reason why the Task Manager is blank or is not showing processes. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.
  • Tap Win + R to launch Run.
  • Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
  • After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
  1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
  2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
  3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
  • Restart your computer.

Option 5 – Troubleshot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing the Task Manager issue. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • 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.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.

Option 6 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

As mentioned, the Task Manager issue might be caused by some malware in the system and so to eliminate the malware, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
  • Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
  • Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
  • Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.
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How to get rid of Iminent Emoticons (Iminent.com)

Iminent Emoticons is a browser plugin developed by IMinent. This extension offers users a whole new way to chat by adding new emojis, memes, and other interesting features to social media chats. However, upon further investigation, we did not manage to get this extension work or show up in any chat.

While installing this extension may display additional ads throughout your browsing sessions depending if it has an affiliate link for the desired search terms. It may also change your default search engine and home page to search.iminent.com (depending on the extension version).

Malware has been detected in this extension by several anti-virus programs and is therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious code has power over and modified the settings of your internet browser, without your consent. Nearly all browser hijackers are created for advertising or marketing purposes. Generally, hijackers are programmed for the benefit of internet hackers usually through revenue generation that comes from forced advert mouse clicks and website visits. Most people think that these websites are legitimate and harmless but that is not the case. Nearly every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it’s necessary to categorize them under privacy risks. Some browser hijackers are programmed to make certain modifications beyond the browsers, like changing entries in the computer registry and letting other types of malware further damage your PC.

Browser hijacking signs and symptoms

There are various symptoms that indicate the internet browser is hijacked: the browser’s home-page is modified; you get re-directed to internet sites you never meant to visit; The default search page of your web browser is altered; unwanted new toolbars are added to your browser; your browser displays constant pop-up ads; websites load very slowly and sometimes incomplete; you have prohibited entry to specific web pages, including the website of an anti-malware software manufacturer like SafeBytes.

Exactly how browser hijacker infects PCs

Browser hijackers can get into a computer by some means or other, for instance via downloads, file sharing, and e-mail too. They can also be deployed through the installation of a web browser toolbar, add-on, or extension. A browser hijacker may also come bundled up with some freeware which you unintentionally download and install, compromising your PC security. Some of the well-known hijackers are Iminent Emoticons, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, OneWebSearch, Sweet Page, and CoolWebSearch. The existence of any browser hijacker on your computer might drastically diminish the browsing experience, track your online activities that result in serious privacy concerns, diminish overall system performance and cause application instability also.

The best ways to get rid of a browser hijacker

Certain browser hijacking can be easily reversed by discovering and eliminating the corresponding malware application through your control panel. But, most browser hijackers are hard to get rid of manually. Irrespective of how much you try to remove it, it may keep coming back again and again. Rookie computer users shouldn’t ever attempt the manual form of removal methods, as it needs in-depth system knowledge to carry out fixes on the computer registry and HOSTS file. Installing and running antivirus applications on the affected computer could automatically delete browser hijackers and also other malicious applications. One of the greatest tools for fixing browser hijacker malware is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It will help you get rid of any pre-existing malware in your system and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from new threats. Employ a system optimiser along with your anti-malware software to fix various registry problems, eliminate computer vulnerabilities, and enhance your computer's overall performance.

Learn How to Eliminate Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could cause all sorts of damage if they invade your computer, ranging from stealing your personal information to erasing files on your PC. Certain malware variants alter internet browser settings by including a proxy server or change the PC’s DNS settings. In these cases, you’ll be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and thus not able to download or install the necessary security software to clear out the infection. So what should you do if malicious software prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are some solutions you can attempt to get around with this particular obstacle.

Boot your computer in Safe Mode

The Windows OS comes with a special mode known as “Safe Mode” in which just the minimum required applications and services are loaded. In the event, the virus is set to load automatically when PC boots, shifting into this mode may prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, hit the “F8” key on the keyboard right before the Windows boot screen appears; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, look over “Safe Boot” under Boot tab, and click Apply. As soon as you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you can download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. Now, you can actually run the antivirus scan to get rid of computer viruses and malware without interference from another application.

Switch to an alternate browser

Certain viruses might target vulnerabilities of a specific web browser that obstruct the downloading process. The most effective solution to avoid this issue is to choose an internet browser that is known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to help keep you safe online.

Run antivirus from a pen drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using a portable USB anti-virus software package that can check your system for malicious software without needing installation. Adopt these measures to employ a USB flash drive to clean your infected computer system. 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Plug in the USB drive to a USB port on 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 drive letter of the USB drive as the place when the wizard asks you where you want to install the anti-virus. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Now, transfer the pen drive to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes tool right from the pen drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and get rid of all sorts of malware.

Highlights of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

To help protect your computer or laptop from many different internet-based threats, it’s important to install an anti-malware application on your personal computer. However, with so many anti-malware companies in the market, nowadays it is difficult to decide which one you should buy for your computer. A few are worth your money, but many aren’t. You should pick a company that creates industry-best antimalware and has gained a reputation as reliable. Among few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended software for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and easy-to-use protection tool that is designed for users of all levels of computer literacy. With its outstanding protection system, this tool will instantly detect and get rid of most of the security threats, including browser hijackers, viruses, adware, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans.

SafeBytes has excellent features when compared with various other anti-malware programs. Here are some of the best ones:

Robust, Anti-malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software program goes much deeper than most anti-virus tools to clean your PC. Its critically acclaimed virus engine locates and disables hard to remove malware that hides deep within your PC. Active Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your PC. They’re extremely effective in screening and getting rid of different threats since they’re constantly improved with new updates and safety measures. Web Security: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating to the web pages you are about to visit, automatically blocking unsafe sites and ensuring that you are certain of your online safety while browsing the web. Faster Scanning: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to five times faster than any other protection software. Minimal CPU and RAM Usage: This application is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you’ll not see any performance issues when SafeBytes is working in the background. 24/7 Online Tech Support: For any technical problems or product support, you can get 24/7 expert assistance via chat and e-mail. SafeBytes will keep your computer protected from the latest malware threats automatically, thereby keeping your web experience safe and secure. You now may realize that this particular tool does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your PC. So if you’re trying to find a comprehensive antivirus program that’s still easy to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you will need!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you don’t wish to use malware removal software and like to eliminate Imminent Emoticons manually, you could do so by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and deleting the offending program; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could remove it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. You may also want to reset your home page and search engine providers, and also delete temporary files, browsing history, and internet cookies. If you choose to manually remove the system files and Windows registry entries, utilize the following checklist to make sure you know exactly what files to remove before executing any actions. Please keep in mind that only experienced computer users should try to manually edit the system files because deleting any single vital registry entry results in a major problem or even a PC crash. In addition to that, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. You are urged to do this procedure in Safe Mode.
Files: %PROGRAMFILES%\IMinent Toolbar\TbHelper2.exe %PROGRAMFILES%\IMinent Toolbar\tbhelper.dll %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\IMinent Toolbar\uninstall.exe %COMMONPROGRAMFILES%\IMGUpdater\IMGUpdater.exe %TEMP%\RarSFX0\Binaries\IMinentToolbarInstallerCHR.exe %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\X7WAGUH3\IminentSetup.exe %PROGRAMFILES%\IminentToolbar.8.21.26\bh\iminent.dll %PROGRAMFILES%\IminentToolbar.8.25.0\iminentsrv.exe %TEMP%\Setup.exe1b7d2cac9747d1a847e0a25b76eaa0\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\IminentSetup.exe %COMMONPROGRAMFILES%\Umbrella\Umbrella.exe %COMMONPROGRAMFILES%\Hydrup\hydrup.exe %TEMP%\Iminent\iminenttoolbar.exe %TEMP%\Iminent\IMinentToolbarFF.exe %TEMP%\Iminent\IminentToolbarChrome.exe C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\access connections.resources.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\acwizres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\diagres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\f5res.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\guihlprres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\iconres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\iminent_toolbar.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\mainguires.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\p2pres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\svchlprres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\tbcommonutils.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\tbcore3.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\trayres.dll C:\Program Files\iminent toolbar\update.exe Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Loader, value: Iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\Iminent.WebBooster.InternetExplorer.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.ActiveContentHandler HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.ActiveContentHandle.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.BrowserHelperObject HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.BrowserHelperObject.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.ScriptExtender HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentWebBooster.TinyUrlHandler.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\68B81CCD-A80C-4060-8947-5AE69ED01199 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\68B81CCD-A80C-4060-8947-5AE69ED01199 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\E6B969FB-6D33-48d2-9061-8BBD4899EB08 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Low Rights\ElevationPolicy\E6B969FB-6D33-48d2-9061-8BBD4899EB08 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\A09AB6EB-31B5-454C-97EC-9B294D92EE2A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\A09AB6EB-31B5-454C-97EC-9B294D92EE2A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\BFFED5CA-8BDF-47CC-AED0-23F4E6D77732 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\iminent.iminentappCore HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\iminent.iminentappCore.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\iminent.iminentHlpr.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\esrv.iminentESrvc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\esrv.iminentESrvc.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\SIEN SA\iminent\iestrg HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\112BA211-334C-4A90-90EC-2AD1CDAB287C HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 1FAFD711-ABF9-4F6A-8130-5166C7371427 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: 58124A0B-DC32-4180-9BFF-E0E21AE34026 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: 977AE9CC-AF83-45E8-9E03-E2798216E2D5 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: A09AB6EB-31B5-454C-97EC-9B294D92EE2A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: 58124A0B-DC32-4180-9BFF-E0E21AE34026 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: 977AE9CC-AF83-45E8-9E03-E2798216E2D5 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ext\CLSID, value: A09AB6EB-31B5-454C-97EC-9B294D92EE2A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\pkhojieggfgllhllcegoffdcnmdeojgb HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions\pkhojieggfgllhllcegoffdcnmdeojgb HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\SIEN SA\iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UpgradeCodes\F1057DD419AED0B468AD8888429E139A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\ProductsDA786FCDC08E1345AF052DDF8C9693C HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\FeaturesDA786FCDC08E1345AF052DDF8C9693C HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\SIEN SA\iminent HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\IminentToolbar HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\IminentToolbar HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\112BA211-334C-4A90-90EC-2AD1CDAB287C HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\1FAFD711-ABF9-4F6A-8130-5166C7371427 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\1FAFD711-ABF9-4F6A-8130-5166C7371427 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\A09AB6EB-31B5-454C-97EC-9B294D92EE2A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\0C3DD791-1026-4B03-8085-34EFB8CE1BBF HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\A76AA284-E52D-47E6-9E4F-B85DBF8E35C3 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 112BA211-334C-4A90-90EC-2AD1CDAB287C HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 1FAFD711-ABF9-4F6A-8130-5166C7371427 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\TaskCache\Tree\FinishInstall igdhbblpcellaljokkpfhcjlagemhgjl HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Products\E396BA1A8EBEBBB43A064AB3ED340563 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Features\E396BA1A8EBEBBB43A064AB3ED340563 SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: CC8D0DB8-9F7A-4ADA-8076-7B117B2ED858 SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: F59D208C-5E1B-4F8C-9A78-8223FBD4063A SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: CC8D0DB8-9F7A-4ADA-8076-7B117B2ED858 SYSTEM\ControlSet002\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: F59D208C-5E1B-4F8C-9A78-8223FBD4063A SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: F59D208C-5E1B-4F8C-9A78-8223FBD4063A SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules, value: CC8D0DB8-9F7A-4ADA-8076-7B117B2ED858 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions\igdhbblpcellaljokkpfhcjlagemhgjl HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\igdhbblpcellaljokkpfhcjlagemhgjl HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\BFFED5CA-8BDF-47CC-AED0-23F4E6D77732 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Features449B1EE14291541B3C4CDDE93B252A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Products586FB55F67A9248BBFDC2D8B1D2398 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Products449B1EE14291541B3C4CDDE93B252A HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\UpgradeCodesEAE1F36DDB49FE49B1371401AAC7E1B HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\UpgradeCodes\FAD0B0799202FD24D9B96C24C2BD169E HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UpgradeCodesEAE1F36DDB49FE49B1371401AAC7E1B HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Installer\UpgradeCodes\FAD0B0799202FD24D9B96C24C2BD169E HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 0F417468-BE40-472B-8CB9-A2CDA9A071D6 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: A6E9BAAF-53CD-4575-967B-2AF710A7D21F HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\0F417468-BE40-472B-8CB9-A2CDA9A071D6 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\84FF7BD6-B47F-46F8-9130-01B2696B36CB HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\A6E9BAAF-53CD-4575-967B-2AF710A7D21F HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\0F417468-BE40-472B-8CB9-A2CDA9A071D6 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\84FF7BD6-B47F-46F8-9130-01B2696B36CB HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\A6E9BAAF-53CD-4575-967B-2AF710A7D21F HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\A6E9BAAF-53CD-4575-967B-2AF710A7D21F HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\America Online\AIM\Plugins\696E3174-4F6C-4777-7834-654C4A705677 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\A6E9BAAF-53CD-4575-967B-2AF710A7D21F HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\c6137682-faae-4ea5-a6ab-88acb29d3667 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run, value: Iminent.Notifier HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\America Online\AIM\Plugins\696E3174-4F6C-4777-7834-654C4A705677 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\Iminent.MMServer.EXE HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\Iminent.WinCore.Aim.Plugin.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\13C8734A-1AD2-4500-9F65-10D99AD80F54 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\C2A66189-05A0-4D30-8DD2-CF4C86E38863 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\CE187331-35C5-4917-A79B-25342D466651 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\AppID\F90A8B2A-0EE0-4C04-8DFB-91A3381E5A71 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentBHONavigationError.CHelperBHO HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentMMServer.ACPlayer HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\IminentMMServer.ACPlayer.1 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppID\Iminent.BHO.NavigationError.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppID\Iminent.LinkToContent.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppID\Iminent.MMServer.EXE HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppID\Iminent.WinCore.Aim.Plugin.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\AppID\13C8734A-1AD2-4500-9F65-10D99AD80F54 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\Iminent.BHO.NavigationError.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\Iminent.LinkToContent.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\Iminent.MMServer.EXE HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\Iminent.WinCore.Aim.Plugin.DLL HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\13C8734A-1AD2-4500-9F65-10D99AD80F54 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\C2A66189-05A0-4D30-8DD2-CF4C86E38863 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Classes\AppID\CE187331-35C5-4917-A79B-25342D466651 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Features\C73660D04266C3348A703CD454AD1B48 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Products\C73660D04266C3348A703CD454AD1B48 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes\Installer\Products86028EAE6ABEC44BE58148A174F21E HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\ehhlaekjfiiojlddgndcnefflngfmhen HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\nbljechdpodpbchbmjcoamidppmpnmlc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions\ehhlaekjfiiojlddgndcnefflngfmhen HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions\nbljechdpodpbchbmjcoamidppmpnmlc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\start.iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\adserver.iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\adpeheiliennogfclcgmchdfdmafjegc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\Chrome\Extensions\adpeheiliennogfclcgmchdfdmafjegc HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Google\chrome\Extensions\olghjjajidfdflkafeekiojnfmiolccp HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Google\chrome\Extensions\olghjjajidfdflkafeekiojnfmiolccp HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\setup3.iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\setup2.iminent.com HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\DOMStorage\setup3.iminent.com
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DownSpeedTest Removal Guide

DownSpeedTest is a Browser Toolbar Extension for Google Chrome that allows users to test their internet speed and convert files, however this speed test does not show proper values, nor even close.

Upon installation DownSpeedTest will replace your default New Tab page with its own Search Engine “MyWay.com” or “Search.MyWay.com”. This Search Engine camouflages itself as a “Enhanced Google Search Engine”, but all it does is allow more room for easier ad injection. In the background, this extension monitors user browsing behavior and records visited links, viewed products, clicked links and time spend on websites. This information is later used for Ad targeting.

While browsing the internet with this extension enabled you will experience additional ads, sponsored content, and even pop-up ads on some occasions. Due to its information mining behavior and aggressive ad placement, DownSpeedTest had been marked as a Browser Hijacker and it is recommended for removal.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a type of unwanted program, commonly a web browser add-on or extension, which causes modifications in the browser’s settings. There are lots of reasons why you may experience a browser hijack; but commercial, advertising and marketing are the major reasons for their creation. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web-traffic to generate ad-revenue. Even though it might appear naive, these tools are made by malicious people who always try to take full advantage of you, so that hackers could earn money from your naive and distraction. In a worst-case scenario, your browser could be hi-jacked to download malicious software that can do a lot of damage to your laptop or computer.

How one can know whether the browser is hijacked?

When your web browser is hijacked, the following might happen: your browser’s homepage has been reset to some unknown webpage; new bookmarks pointing to porn websites have been added to your bookmarks; the default browser configurations are modified and/or your default web engine is altered; you see unwanted new toolbars added; unstoppable flurries of pop-up ads show up on your computer screen; your browser gets slow, buggy, crashes regularly; you can’t navigate to specific internet pages, such as security software related websites.

How does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers infect computers via malicious e-mail attachments, downloaded infected documents or by visiting infected internet sites. They can be included with toolbars, add-ons, BHO, plugins or browser extensions. Also, some freeware and shareware can put the hijacker in your PC through “bundling”. Browser hijackers could record user keystrokes to collect potentially important information leading to privacy concerns, cause instability on computers, significantly disrupt user’s browsing experience, and ultimately slow down the system to a point where it becomes unusable.

How you can fix a browser hijack

One thing you could try to eradicate a browser hijacker is to find the malware in the “Add or Remove Programs” list of the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. It might or might not be there. When it is, uninstall it. However, most browser hijackers are difficult to eliminate manually. Regardless of how much you attempt to get rid of it, it might come back over and over. Amateur PC users should never try for the manual form of removal methods, since it demands in-depth system knowledge to perform fixes on the system registry and HOSTS file. Anti-malware software is really effective when it comes to picking up and eliminating browser hijackers that regular anti-virus application has overlooked. If you’d like to get rid of persistent hijackers effectively, install the top-rated Anti-Malware software Safebytes Anti-Malware. Use a system optimizer (like Total System Care) along with your anti-malware software to fix various registry issues, remove system vulnerabilities, and improve your computer performance.

What To Do If You Cannot Install Any Anti-Malware?

Practically all malware is bad and the consequences of the damage could differ according to the specific kind of malicious software. Some malware is created to interfere with or block things that you’d like to do on your PC. It may not permit you to download anything from the web or prevent you from accessing a few or all of the internet sites, especially the anti-malware websites. So what you should do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? There are a few actions you can take to circumvent this problem.

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a unique, simplified version of Microsoft Windows in which only essential services are loaded to counteract viruses and also other problematic applications from loading. If the malware is set to load immediately when computer starts, switching into this mode may prevent it from doing so. To start the computer into Safe Mode, press the “F8” key on the keyboard just before the Windows logo screen shows up; Or after normal Windows boot up, run MSConfig, look over “Safe Boot” under the Boot tab, and then click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to install your antivirus application without the hindrance of the malicious software. Following installation, run the malware scanner to get rid of most standard infections.

Download the anti-malware program using a different browser

Web-based malware could be environment-specific, aiming for a particular web browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. If you’re not able to download the security program using Internet Explorer, it means virus is targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you should switch over to an alternative web browser such as Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes Anti-malware software.

Install anti-malware on a thumb drive

Another solution is to save and operate antivirus software tool completely from a Pen drive. Follow these steps to use a USB flash drive to clean your infected PC. 1) Make use of another virus-free computer to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the USB drive on the same system. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose the USB flash drive as the location for saving the software file. Follow the instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, plug the USB drive into the corrupted computer. 6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the application. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up of all types of malware.

Protect Your Computer & Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

If you’re planning to purchase anti-malware for your computer, there are lots of brands and utilities for you to consider. A few of them do a good job in getting rid of threats while many will harm your PC by themselves. You need to select one that is trustworthy, practical and has a good reputation for its malware source protection. While thinking about the dependable programs, Safebytes Anti-Malware is certainly the strongly recommended one. SafeBytes anti-malware is a reliable software that not only secures your system permanently but is also very user friendly for people of all skill levels. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your PC against infections brought on by different kinds of malware and other threats, including spyware, adware, viruses, worms, trojans, keyloggers, potentially unwanted program (PUPs), and ransomware.

SafeBytes has great features when compared with other anti-malware programs. The following are some of the features you might like in SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Live Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your computer system. This tool will continuously monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep abreast of the latest threats. World-class AntiMalware Protection: With a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection which is made to find and remove threats which are hidden deep in your computer’s operating system. Safe Browsing: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Lightweight: This program is light-weight and will work quietly in the background, and will not affect your computer efficiency. 24/7 Online Technical Support: Support service is available for 24 x 7 x 365 days via email and chats to answer your queries. SafeBytes can keep your PC safe from latest malware threats automatically with very little input needed from you again. Once you have installed this software, you no longer have to worry about malware or any other security worries. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes anti-malware subscription, there’s no question about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To get rid of DownSpeedTest manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Control Panel and select the offending program you want to get rid of. For internet browser extensions, go to your browser’s Addon/Extension manager and choose the plug-in you intend to disable or remove. You’ll likely also want to reset your web browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard disk and computer registry for all the following and remove or reset the values as needed. Please be aware that this is for skilled users only and might be challenging, with incorrect file removal causing additional system errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing deletion. You’re suggested to do this procedure in Safe Mode.
Files: %USERPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DownSpeedTest %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DownSpeedTest %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\DownSpeedTest %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\maoffpmgdffbgbncadalkhfhmlfihkgk %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\maoffpmgdffbgbncadalkhfhmlfihkgk %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\maoffpmgdffbgbncadalkhfhmlfihkgk %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\maoffpmgdffbgbncadalkhfhmlfihkgk Registry: HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Browser Helper Objects\5818CEA7-889D-459A-9A75-889E1298A892 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\5818CEA7-889D-459A-9A75-889E1298A892 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\481F6B47-2AD8-4C6A-8554-A2897E6CF900 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Stats\1AAB982B-77D7-44F1-B305-8909DAC045F2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\5818CEA7-889D-459A-9A75-889E1298A892 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\481F6B47-2AD8-4C6A-8554-A2897E6CF900 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\Settings\1AAB982B-77D7-44F1-B305-8909DAC045F2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Approved Extensions, value: 1AAB982B-77D7-44F1-B305-8909DAC045F2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\CA6A7AB9-F4B5-4D50-B5D2-33E996549AE3 HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 1AAB982B-77D7-44F1-B305-8909DAC045F2 HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar, value: 1AAB982B-77D7-44F1-B305-8909DAC045F2 HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\DownSpeedTest_RASMANCS HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\DownSpeedTest_RASMANCS HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Tracing\DownSpeedTest_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\DownSpeedTest_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURREN_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\LowRegistry\DOMStorage\downspeedtest.dl.myway.com
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What to do if JPEG files won’t open in Windows 10
As you know, “JPEG” is one of the commonly used formats for image files which is a compression of digital images. It is one of the topmost used file formats by mobile phones and digital cameras and usually achieves a 10:1 compression with little visible loss in the quality of the image. There are tons of cases as of late, most particularly after the latest Windows 10 update where users were not able to open JPEG files on their PCs. Every time they try to open any JPEG file, they either get an error or nothing happens at all. This issue could be due to the default handler application for JPEG applications not being set or there could be some third-party image viewer not working properly. To fix this issue with JPEG files, refer to the troubleshooting options below.

Option 1 – Try to change the file type association

You need to check if the file type association of the JPEG files are correctly set or not since there are tons of third party programs that change the file type association automatically to themselves without your permission the instant they are installed and so if any of these third-party programs are broken, then naturally, your JPEG files won’t really open. That’s why you can try changing the setting to the default photo viewer instead of the third-party one. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type in “control panel” in the field and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
  • After opening Control Panel, click on the Programs category and select the “Default Programs” option from the menu.
  • Next, select the second option “Associate a file type or protocol with a program” and then select the “Choose default apps by file type” option.
  • After that, click on the .jpg file extension and choose the option from the pop-up.
  • Now restart your PC to refresh all your programs and then see if it has fixed the problem or not.

Option 2 – Try to update your computer

Microsoft frequently releases updates to target bugs and improve users’ experience. And this particular error where JPEG files won’t open is already acknowledged by Microsoft so you need to make sure that your Windows 10 PC is updated to the latest released update and that there are no pending updates.
  • Tap the Win + S keys to open Search and then type in “update” in the field and open the system setting from the search results.
  • After that, check for updates and then download and install them if needed.
  • Now restart your PC once the update is done and check if you can now open JPEG files.

Option 3 – Try to reset the Photos app via Settings

Resetting the Photos app could also help you in fixing the problem. Note that this option will reset all the configurations and your data associated with your Photos and makes the application go into a state when you first started using it and that this option will fix any discrepancies that your application might be experiencing right now.
  • Tap the Win + S keys to open the search bar.
  • Then type in “settings” in the field to open the Settings application.
  • After opening Settings, click the “Apps” category.
  • From there, a list of applications installed on your computer will appear.
  • Navigate through these applications until you find the Photos app and then click on the Advanced options.
  • Afterward, click the Reset button that appears on the next screen. Then a new pop-up comes up and will warn you that all the preferences, as well as sign-in information, will be lost. Click on “Reset” anyway to proceed in resetting the Photos app.
  • Restart your PC once the reset is done.

Option 4 – Try to reinstall the Photos app

Before you start using other third-party image viewers just yet, you can try to reinstall the Photos app first. Thus, if there is something wrong with it, it will instantly get fixed right after it reinstalls. Just take note that this option requires administrative privileges so you need to be logged in as an administrator.
  • The first thing you have to do is tap the Windows + S keys and type in “PowerShell”.
  • Next, right-click on the file and click on the “Run as administrator” option from the context menu.
  • Once PowerShell is opened, execute this command: get-appxpackage *Microsoft.Windows.Photos* | remove-appxpackage
  • The command you just entered will remove the Photos app. After the process is done, go to the Microsoft Store and look for Microsoft Photos then download and install it again.
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Windows 11 23H2 Update Details Revealed

Loving Windows 11 so far? We sure are. Microsoft has clearly decided to take its OS to the next level and keeps showing it through every update. It makes you wonder what’s next - and today, you’ll find out!

Tons of new features have been leaked, and we can probably expect them with the 23H2 update. Here’s everything you need to know so far.

What’s Windows 11 23H2 bringing?

Windows 11
Credit: Windows on Unsplash

There are plenty of new features already confirmed for Windows 11. The only issue is we don’t know for sure if they’re coming with the 23H2 update or separately, at a different time. Whatever the case, a lot of them are pretty exciting.

Here’s an overview of what we might be getting this fall.

  • Windows Copilot. Microsoft wants to add this AI-powered feature based on chatbots like Bing Chat and ChatGPT to assist users with all kinds of actions and tasks on the platform. As part of this development, the integration of first- and third-party plugins and the Bing Chat AI will be enhanced. This is a pretty amazing addition to look forward to, if you ask us.
  • Dynamic Lighting. RGB lovers will rejoice upon this one! Dynamic Lighting will allow you to control your RGB-powered components directly through the Windows Settings, allowing smooth integration of your favorite peripherals with your OS. No need for third-party software anymore!
  • Taskbar enhancements. Microsoft has announced some neat improvements to the Windows 11 taskbar. For one, we’ll be able to hide the Time and Date now, which is extremely useful for focus, but also for clean screenshots. Another change is the ability to shut down programs directly from the Taskbar, without having to run the Task Manager.
  • Expanding native support for archive formats 7-zip, rar, gz and others on the libarchive open-source projects.
  • Microsoft Store AI features. The theme of AI power is clearly being taken up a notch, because the Microsoft Store seems to be getting several awesome features in this regard. One of them is AI hub, which “curate the best AI experiences built by the developer community and Microsoft” (Windows Developer Blog). We’re not sure what that means exactly, but we sure can’t wait to see.

Another is AI-generated keywords, designed to improve the discoverability of apps you’re searching for. Moreover, the AI-generated review summary is designed to give us a simpler experience looking at reviews. Huge numbers of reviews will be compiled into a summary that’s easy to scan and lets us discover new content faster.

  • Other Microsoft Store improvements. Business owners will be happy to hear that Microsoft Store ads will now reach 150+ regions worldwide, significantly increasing the audiences they can target. Furthermore, there will be enhancements to the Backup and Restore functionality to give users a more seamless experience in case they switch devices. 
  • File Explorer changes. Rumor has it that Microsoft is working on a Gallery to be embedded within the File Explorer. The addition of a Recommended section might be on the horizon as well. 
  • Widget Panel update. The introduction of the Widget Panel in itself was exciting for many. As a next step in the development of this feature, Microsoft is planning to make it possible to pin widgets to the desktop. 
  • Presence sensor. You might actually already have this one, as it was rolled out as part of Moment 3 for compatible devices. With the Presence sensing app, found in the Privacy settings, you can decide which (if any) apps use APIs to detect the state of your activity on Windows. This can significantly enhance privacy and security, as you can have apps containing sensitive data lock automatically when unattended. If you’re a laptop user, it can also be beneficial to your battery life.
  • Bluetooth LE. Microsoft is adding support for Bluetooth Low Energy, a functionality that allows reduced battery consumption when devices are connected.
  • Adding more languages to the Live Captions feature. This specification is only as powerful as the languages it supports. Microsoft is reportedly working on expanding the list with 10 more languages.

Summary

We’ve got some interesting stuff to look forward to with the next major Windows 11 update. And these are just the things the Internet’s actually heard of, so who knows what else Microsoft might be planning? It remains to be seen, hopefully just a few months from now. 23H2 has been released on October 31st.

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Fix Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003
If you are trying to upgrade your computer but encounter the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003 instead, then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this Windows Update error. This kind of error is commonly encountered when upgrading your copy of Windows 10 and is caused by errors with various developer-related settings that are being enabled in the system. When you encounter Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003, you will see either of these error messages:
“We couldn’t install Windows 10. The installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase with an error during INSTALL_UPDATES operation: Error 0x800F081F”  “The installation failed in the Safe_OS phase with an error during apply_image operation: Error: 0x800f081f – 0x20003”
To fix this kind of Windows Update error, you need not use external programs but you can try to disable the Developer Mode, run the Windows Update troubleshooter or restart all the Windows Update-related services and components. For more details, refer to the options provided below.

Option 1 – Try to disable Developer Mode

You might have to disable Developer Mode to fix the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003. How? Refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
  • Next, go to Update & Security > For Developers.
  • From there, select the toggle for Sideload apps or Microsoft Store apps located on the right-side panel.
  • If you get any prompt, just click on Yes.
  • After that, navigate to Apps > Apps & features and then click on Optional features on the right-side panel.
  • Then scroll down to locate the Windows Developer Mode entry and select it and click on Uninstall.
  • Once you’re done uninstalling the Windows Developer Mode component, close the Settings app and restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Option 2 – Try to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You should also try to run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter as it could help you resolve the Windows Update Error 0x800F081F – 0x20003. 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 restarting various Windows Update-related services and components

  • Tap the Win + X key combination and select Command Prompt (Admin) to open Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • After opening Command Prompt, copy and paste each one of the commands listed below one by one and tap Enter right after you enter each command.
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop bits
    • net stop appidsvc
    • ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
    • ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
  • Once you’ve entered all the commands given above, they will stop all the Windows Update services that are running on your computer as well as clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and reset the Catroot2 folder. Now you have to start all these Windows Update services you’ve just stopped by executing the following commands:
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start bits
    • net start appidsvc
    • net start cryptsvc
  • After that, restart your computer and try to run the setup again, and see if the error is now fixed.
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