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Can’t type in Win apps, Search, Cortana, etc.

If you are typing inside the Search bar, Cortana, Taskbar, Windows 10 apps, etc., and then everything seems invisible then read on as this post will guide you in fixing this issue. At first, you might think that something is wrong with your keyboard but it really has nothing to do with it. The problem actually lies with the apps from Microsoft Store. Thus, if you can’t type anything in any of the apps from Microsoft Store in Windows 10, refer to the options given below to fix them.

Option 1 – Ensure that ctfmon.exe is running

Ctfmon.exe is a Microsoft process in Windows 10 that controls the Alternative User Input as well as the Office Language bar. In other words, it enables end-users to control the computer using on-screen keyboard inputs, speech, and even pen for various languages. It would be better if you launch the program once by going to the C:/Windows/system32 folder. Doing so will ensure that whatever API is needed for the keyboard typing to work properly again. You also have to make sure that its startup status is not disabled. In addition, you can also try the following steps, alternatively.

  • Open the Task Scheduler.
  • Then go to Microsoft > Windows > TextServicesFramework.
  • And on the MsCtfMonitor, right-click and enable the task.
  • Now restart your computer.

This will ensure that all the text boxes will start to work again. And if the task MsCtfMonitor is missing from the list of tasks, you can import it with the XML file from basics.net. Then download and create a task to run it each time you log in to your PC.

Option 2 – Use the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

You might also try running the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter as it can help in resolving issues with the Windows Store apps. This built-in tool can resolve most of the app-related problems. To use it, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshooting > Windows Store Apps and from there, click the start the troubleshooter button. The Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter will scan the computer for any issues with the Windows store apps and will automatically fix them if it finds any.

Option 3 – Re-register all the Windows 10 UWP apps using PowerShell

  • First, make sure to close all the running applications on your computer.
  • Next, in the Start search, type in PowerShell and right click on the result, and select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • After that, type the following commands to re-register the Windows 10 apps. Make sure to hit Enter on each line:
    • reg delete "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionTileDataModelMigrationTileStore" /va /f
    • get-appxpackage -packageType bundle |% {add-appxpackage -register -disabledevelopmentmode ($_.installlocation + "appxmetadataappxbundlemanifest.xml")}
    • $bundlefamilies = (get-appxpackage -packagetype Bundle).packagefamilyname
    • get-appxpackage -packagetype main |? {-not ($bundlefamilies -contains $_.packagefamilyname)} |% {add-appxpackage -register -disabledevelopmentmode ($_.installlocation + "appxmanifest.xml")}

Option 4 – Try to run the DISM tool

You can also run the DISM Tool as it helps in repairing the Windows System Image as well as the Windows Component Store in Windows 10. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth” which could help in fixing the problem.

  • Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • exe /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 5 – 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 to good system files. To run the SFC command, follow the steps given below.

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

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

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

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How to get rid of Chedot

Chedot is a Chromium-based Browser that replaces your default System Internet Browser. This browser offers users tools for downloading videos, faster browsing, and custom searches. From the publisher: A feature of our browser is a high speed on slow computers, high speed download on a poor internet, support resuming file download when connection is broken and the download in multiple threads, the ability to go on blocked websites and downloading videos from video sites.

While this may seem interesting and good at start, this browser has been marked as a Potentially Unwanted Program. It monitors user activity, collects web traffic data, and user information. While using Chedot you may see additional ads throughout your browsing sessions.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

Exactly what is a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP)?

People have encountered it – you download a free software, you then discover some unwanted applications on your computer system or discover a strange toolbar has been included with your browser. You didn’t have them installed, so how did they appear? These unwanted applications, which are called Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUP in short, usually tag along as a software bundle when downloading the application and could cause serious problems for computer users. PUP does not involve malware in the traditional sense. What normally makes a PUP different from malicious software is the fact that when you download one, you’re doing it with your consent – although in most cases unintentionally and reluctantly. But, there is no doubt that PUPs remain bad news for computer users as it can be incredibly damaging to the PC in many ways.

How do unwanted programs affect you?

Unwanted programs come in many forms. More commonly, they will be found in adware bundlers which are known to utilize aggressive and misleading advertising. The majority of bundlers install many adware applications from a number of vendors, each of which features its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware completely removes this threat and safeguards your PC against PUP or malware infection. PUPS also appear in the form of undesirable toolbars or internet browser plug-ins. Not just they needlessly use up space on your screen, toolbars can also manipulate search results, track your web browsing activities, decrease your internet browser’s performance, and slow down your web connection to a crawl. They could seem harmless but PUPs are generally spyware. They may include dialers, keyloggers, and also other software built inside them that could monitor you or send out your sensitive information to 3rd parties. Because of this unwanted program, your application may freeze, your security protections can get disabled that could leave your computer susceptible, your system could get ruined, and this list goes on and on.

Tips for preventing PUPs

• Study cautiously prior to agreeing to the license agreement as it could have a clause about PUPs. • Always opt for the custom if you are given an option between Recommended and Custom Installations – never click Next, Next, Next thoughtlessly. • Install an advert blocker/pop-up blocker; Deploy anti-malware products such as Safebytes Anti-malware. These software programs will establish a wall between the computer and online criminals. • Be alert when you download and install freeware, open-source software, or shareware. Avoid downloading and installing browser extensions and applications you are not knowledgeable about. • Always download software from reliable sources like official sites as opposed to untrustworthy sharing space. Avoid torrents and peer-to-peer clients.

What To Do If You Cannot Download Safebytes Anti-Malware?

All malware is bad, but certain types of malware do much more damage to your PC than others. Some malware sits in between your computer and the net connection and blocks some or all internet sites that you really want to check out. It will also block you from installing anything on your PC, especially anti-malware applications. So what to do when malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Although this type of issue will be tougher to get around, there are some actions you can take.

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you can adjust Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and get rid of hard-to-delete viruses. In the event the virus is set to load immediately when PC starts, shifting into this mode may well prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is booting up or run MSConfig and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. Once you’re in Safe Mode, you can try to install your antivirus program without the hindrance of the virus. Now, you can run the anti-malware scan to eliminate computer viruses and malware without any hindrance from another malicious application.

Download the antivirus software using a different browser

Some viruses might target vulnerabilities of a specific browser that block the downloading process. If you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a virus or otherwise compromised by cybercriminals, the best approach is to switch over to an alternate web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari to download your chosen security software – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Here’s another solution which is creating a portable USB anti-virus software that can scan your system for malware without the need for installation. Follow these steps to run the anti-virus on the affected PC. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the USB drive into the uninfected PC. 3) Double-click on the downloaded file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the flash drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the pen drive to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes tool from the flash drive. 7) Press the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You

These days, an anti-malware tool can protect the computer from different forms of online threats. But wait, how to choose the right one amongst various malware protection software that is available on the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are lots of anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are decent, while some will affect your computer themselves! You must be careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you purchase premium software. When it comes to commercial anti-malware software options, many people opt for popular brands, like SafeBytes, and they are very happy with it. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which provide this all-inclusive anti-malware software. Using its cutting edge technology, this application can help you eradicate multiples types of malware which includes computer viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, adware, ransomware and browser hijackers. SafeBytes has outstanding features when compared with various other anti-malware programs. Below are a few of the great ones: Real-time Protection: Malware programs aiming to enter the computer are discovered and stopped as and when detected by the SafeBytes active protection shields. It’ll examine your computer system for suspicious activity regularly and shields your personal computer from unauthorized access. Optimum AntiMalware Protection: Safebytes is built on the best virus engine within the industry. These engines can find and remove threats even during the initial stages of a malware outbreak. “Fast Scan” Features: SafeBytes’s high speed malware scanning engine lessens scan times and extends battery life. Simultaneously, it’ll effectively identify and remove infected files or any online threat. Web Filtering: SafeBytes provides instant safety rating to the webpages you are about to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and to ensure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the internet. Lightweight: SafeBytes is really a lightweight tool. It use up an extremely small amount of processing power as it operates in the background therefore you will not observe any system performance difficulties. Premium Support: For any technical concerns or product support, you can obtain 24/7 professional assistance via chat and e-mail.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you don’t wish to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of Chedot manually, you could possibly do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and deleting the offending program; in cases of browser extensions, you may uninstall it by visiting the browsers Add-on/Extension manager. It’s also highly recommended to factory reset your browser to its default state to fix corrupt settings. To make sure of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and delete it or reset the values accordingly. Please keep in mind that only advanced users should try to manually edit the system files mainly because deleting any single critical registry entry results in a major problem or even a system crash. Furthermore, certain malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to get rid of. You’re encouraged to do this procedure in Safe Mode.
Files: %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Chedot %PROGRAMFILES%\Chedot %USERPROFILE%\Documents\chedot.reg Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\chedot.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run value: Chedot HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run value: Chedot HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\RegisteredApplications value: Chedot.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Chedot HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.htm\OpenWithProgIds value: ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.html\OpenWithProgIds value: ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\.xhtml\OpenWithProgIds value: ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\Chedot.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\chedot.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RegisteredApplications value: Chedot.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.html\OpenWithProgids value: ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.htm\OpenWithProgids value: ChedotHTML.NSJA6BHDA3NCFCFMXW3QSCUYUQ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Chedot HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MediaPlayer\ShimInclusionList\chedot.exe HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Chedot\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller Chedot
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Quick Fix Guide for Stop Code 0x0000008e

What Is STOP Code 0x0000008e

The STOP Code 0x0000008E is essentially an error code that is displayed on the STOP message. This STOP message is also commonly known as Blue Screen of Death or BSOD for short. When this error occurs, usually messages like, “STOP: 0x0000008E” or “KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED” are displayed to the user.

Solution

Download Available to Completely Repair Error 0x0000008e

Restoro box imageError Causes

These errors are commonly caused by failures of memory hardware. However, viruses, hardware failures or issues with the device drivers may also trigger them. If this error code appears but Windows is successfully able to recover from it, then the message ‘Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown’ is displayed to the users. Regardless of what causes these errors, it is of paramount importance that counteractive measures are taken as soon as the error appears.

Further Information and Manual Repair

While this error can be removed in many ways, the most effective ones are listed below as follows.
  • The screen might be a fluke. Restart your system; the blue screen that appears to you may not be what it seems.
  • Have you just modified or installed new hardware or driver? If yes, it is highly likely that the change you have made has triggered the error. If this is the case, it is strongly recommended that you revert back to the original settings and check whether the blue screen appears again or not. If it does, you can fix it by reconfiguring or removing the hardware you have recently installed. You can perform System Restore or you can go back to the previous versions if you have installed a new driver.
  • To keep this error from occurring in the future, it is strongly advised that you test your RAM. Damaged memory or one that’s unable to perform in the usual manner is often the reason this error occurs.
  • Ensure appropriate installation of your system memory. If you have installed memory in a way other than advised by your memory manufacturer that it may lead to STOP 0x0000008E error or other problems.
  • Misconfigured or over-clocked memory settings can cause STOP 0x0000008E errors as well. To remedy this situation, it is best advised to return the BIOS settings to their default level.
  • If you haven’t updated your Windows, apply all the updates you come across. Patches and service packs specifically address such issues.
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PDF text disappears when editing or saving
If you are trying to save a file in a PDF format on your Windows 10 computer but then the PDF text content in an Adobe file suddenly disappears, then read on. This post will give you more insight into this issue. This kind of issue is rare and mostly occurs in forms that you can fill upon. In such a case, the text you enter in the form vanishes right after you click the Save button. One of the benefits of working with PDF files is that it has the ability to compress high-quality files to relatively small file sizes. This is really useful especially when you are saving hard drive space and you’re working with limited storage resources. However, these files can contain layered content if they are created from layered documents using applications like Adobe InDesign. Consequently, a single page of the PDF file can contain different layers with different content. So if you try to save or print a PDF file that contains layered content, the elements will disappear from the PDF. To resolve this issue, you can try to merge or flatten the file since it will help keep the changes in the PDF file. On the other hand, you can no longer make any alterations or form data once you flatten the file. Another thing to keep in mind is that merging or flattening the file can’t be undone so you might want to save another copy of the file before you proceed.

Option 1 – Print to PDF

  • First, you have to open the desired PDF file and tap the Ctrl + P keys to open the Print dialog box.
  • After that, select the “Microsoft Print to PDF” option as the printer.
  • Once the action is confirmed, it will regenerate another version of the PDF file with the default settings and merge all the existing layers into a single layer.
  • On the other hand, you can also click on the “File” menu of the PDF file and select Print.
  • From there, click on the Print button and select “PostScript (*.ps)” as the “Save as” type to save a PostScript copy of the original PDF file.
  • Once you’re done, double click on the .ps file to open the file in the Adobe Distiller which will flatten the file automatically and convert it to a PDF file with only one visible layer.

Option 2 – Save the PDF file as an Optimized PDF file

If you are using the Acrobat Reader Pro version such as the Acrobat Pro, Foxit, and so on, you can try to flatten the layers by saving the PDF file as an Optimized PDF file. Refer to these steps to do so:
  • Select File > Save as > Optimized PDF.
  • Next, select the Transparency checkbox from the Settings window that opens.
  • Then click on the Save button to apply and save the changes made. After that, the PDF text content should not disappear when you try to save a file on your Windows 10 computer.
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The Steam Autumn sale is coming!

Oh, gamers rejoice, the Steam autumn sale is just around the corner!!!

The sale starts on November 22nd and lasts until November 29th. A great deal for any gamer, especially for ones that have plenty on their wishlist. Speaking of wishlists now would be a good time to place some interesting titles on them so you can be notified about discounts on them.

If you by any chance are unavailable to participate in the Autumn sale, do not worry, Steam winter sale is coming on December 22nd and it will last until January the 5th so you can save for it.

The best tactic for sale is not to jump on the train right away, it is best to wait until a few days, maybe even until the last 2 days since some games can go even lower on discount in the last days of the sale. Also, there might be also some packages that include games you wish to buy but are packed with other ones in a bundle and even with a higher discount.

So get prepared for the upcoming sale and treat yourself to something nice!

steam sale
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BuzzDock Removal Guide

What is BuzzDock?

Buzzdock is a browser extension. Buzzdock will be automatically enabled on IE and Chrome following installation, and you may begin using Buzzdock with no further action required. If you elect to optimize Buzzdock performance, the settings preferences of your browser may be adjusted after installation. This browser extension changes your default search provider to Buzzdock.com custom search. It displays additional unwanted ads, banners & sponsored links on web pages that you visit, and it hijacks your browser home page. This browser extension has been flagged as malware by many anti-virus scanning programs.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijackers (sometimes called hijackware) are a type of malicious software that modifies web browser configuration settings without the user’s knowledge or consent. These hijacks are rising at an alarming rate worldwide, and it could be actually nefarious and sometimes dangerous too. They’re created to interfere with web browser programs for many different reasons. In most cases, hijackers are made for the benefit of online hackers often through income generation from forced ad clicks and site visits. Nonetheless, it’s not that harmless. Your online safety is jeopardized and it is extremely irritating. They not only screw up your browsers, but browser hijackers can even modify the computer registry, leaving your PC susceptible to other attacks.

Symptoms of browser hijacker malware

There are several signs that indicate the web browser is hijacked: 1. the home page of your browser is changed unexpectedly 2. you find new unwanted bookmarks or favorites added, typically directed to ad-filled or porn sites 3. The default search page of your web browser is changed 4. you see unsolicited new toolbars added 5. you notice a lot of pop-ups on your computer screen 6. your web browser gets slow, buggy crashes frequently 7. you are prohibited access to specific web pages, including the site of an anti-malware software firm like SafeBytes. Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer system Browser hijackers infect computer systems in numerous ways, including through a file-share, a drive-by download, or an infected email. They are usually included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plug-ins, or browser extensions. Browser hijackers sneak to your computer along with free software downloads also that you unknowingly install alongside the original. Some of the most well-known hijackers are BuzzDock, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijacking can cause severe privacy problems and even identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking command over outbound traffic, substantially slows down your computer by consuming lots of resources, and result in system instability as well.

The best ways to get rid of browser hijackers

Certain browser hijacking can be quite easily corrected by discovering and removing the corresponding malware application from your control panel. However, most hijackers are hard to remove manually. No matter how much you try to get rid of it, it may keep returning over and over again. You should consider doing manual fixes only if you’re a tech-savvy person because there are potential risks associated with fiddling around with the system registry and HOSTS file. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing and running anti-malware software on the affected PC. Safebytes Anti-Malware can counter relentless browser hijackers and provide you proactive computer protection against all kinds of malware. Together with anti-malware, a system optimizer program, similar to Safebytes Anti-Malware, can help you correct registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure online privacy, and enhance overall system performance.

Find Out How to Get rid of Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads

Malware could cause all sorts of damage when they invade your computer, starting from stealing your personal information to erasing files on your PC. Some malware sits in between the computer and the internet connection and blocks a few or all internet sites which you want to visit. It might also block you from adding anything to your system, especially anti-malware applications. So what should you do when malicious software prevents you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? There are a few fixes you can attempt to get around with this problem.

Boot Windows in Safe Mode

The Windows OS includes a special mode called “Safe Mode” where only the minimum required programs and services are loaded. In the event, the malicious software is set to load automatically when the computer starts, shifting to this mode may well prevent it from doing so. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the computer is booting up or run MSCONFIG and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. After you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you could download, install, as well as update anti-malware software from there. Right after installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate standard infections.

Use an alternate internet browser to download the anti-malware application

Malicious program code might exploit vulnerabilities in a specific browser and block access to all antivirus software sites. In case you suspect that your Internet Explorer has been hijacked by malware or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the best plan of action would be to switch to an alternate internet browser like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your favorite computer security program – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Create a portable USB antivirus for removing malware

Another way is to download and transfer an anti-malware program from a clean PC to run a scan on the affected computer. Adopt these measures to run the antivirus on the affected computer. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the Thumb drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to run the installation wizard. 4) Pick a USB flash drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you intend to install the software. Follow the directions to finish the installation process. 5) Transfer the thumb drive from the uninfected computer to the infected PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all types of malware.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

If you’re looking to download an anti-malware application for your PC, there are various tools out there to consider however, you just cannot trust blindly anyone, irrespective of whether it is free or paid software. Some of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will harm your PC themselves! You need to pick a tool that has gained a good reputation and detects not just computer viruses but other types of malware as well. Amongst few good programs, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious individual. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC completely but is also quite user-friendly for people of all skill levels. This software could easily detect, remove, and protect your computer from the latest malware threats including spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, along with other possibly damaging software programs. There are numerous great features you will get with this security product. The following are some of the great features included in the software. Robust Anti-malware Protection: With its advanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can find and eliminate the malware threats hiding within your PC effectively. Live Protection: SafeBytes gives real-time active monitoring and protection against all known computer viruses and malware. This software will continuously monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep current with the constantly changing threat landscape. Website Filtering: Safebytes assigns all websites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the webpage you are going to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Low CPU and Memory Usage: SafeBytes is really a lightweight application. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it runs in the background so you’re free to use your Windows-based PC the way you really want. 24/7 Online Tech Support: For any technical issues or product support, you could get 24/7 expert assistance through chat and email. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware offers great protection combined with an acceptable low system resources usage with both great malware detection and prevention. You now may understand that this particular software does more than just scan and delete threats from your PC. For optimum protection and the best value for your money, you can’t get better than SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove BuzzDock without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised. The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by BuzzDock
Files: File at $COMMONPROGRAMSBuzzdockBuzzdock Support Site.lnk. File at $COMMONPROGRAMSBuzzdockBuzzdock.lnk. File at $COMMONPROGRAMSBuzzdockUninstall.lnk. File at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdockBuzzdock Support.url. File at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdockBuzzdock.ico. File at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdockBuzzdock.url. File at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdockBuzzdockIEClient.dll. File at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdockUninstall.url. Directory at $COMMONPROGRAMSBuzzdock. Directory at $LOCALAPPDATAGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultExtensionsejaodgecffaefnnoggjpogblnlpejkma.1.5_0. Directory at $LOCALAPPDATAGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultExtensionsejaodgecffaefnnoggjpogblnlpejkma. Directory at $PROGRAMFileSBuzzdock. Registry: A key in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named BuzzdockIEClient.Api.1 A key in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named BuzzdockIEClient.Api A key in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named BuzzdockIEClient.Layers.1 A key in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT named BuzzdockIEClient.Layers Key 220EB34E-DC2B-4B04-AD40-A1C7C31731F2 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall. Key 435D09AA-DDE4-4B40-9129-08F025ECA349 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key 435D09AA-DDE4-4B40-9129-08F025ECA349 at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerBrowser Helper Objects. Key 4A3DEECA-A579-44BC-BCF3-167F4B9E8E4C at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key 83C58580-EC6E-48CD-9521-B95874483BEB at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID. Key BE3A76AC-F071-4C7F-9B7A-D974B4F52DCA at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAppID. Key C8C107B2-28C2-472D-9BD4-6A25776841D1 at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTTypeLib. Key BuzzdockIEClient.DLL at HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAppID. Key ejaodgecffaefnnoggjpogblnlpejkma at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREGoogleChromeExtensions.
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Change mouse pointer size & style in Windows11
mouse pointerWindows 11 provides several different ways to make your cursor stand out and be easier to spot inside it. You can make the mouse pointer larger, invert it, or change its color.
  1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
  2. Click on Accessibility in the sidebar
  3. Select Mouse Pointer and Touch
  4. Adjust mouse cursor size with size slider by clicking on circle and dragging it left or right
  5. Under Mouse Pointer Style pick desired style from White, Black, Inverted, and Custom
    1. White: The cursor is white with a black outline (standard setting)
    2. Black: Cursor is black with a white outline
    3. Inverted: Cursor automatically changes color to an inverted version of the color it is currently hovering over
    4. Custom: You can pick the color for the cursor that you want.
And that is all about it, once you are done with pointer customization just close settings, all changes are saved automatically.
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Software review series: KRITA
Krita Desktop is a free and open-source painting application. Krita is a full-featured free digital painting studio for artists who want to create professional work from start to end. Krita is used by comic book artists, illustrators, concept artists, matte and texture painters, and in the digital VFX industry. Krita has been in development for over 10 years and has had an explosion in growth recently. It offers many common and innovative features to help the amateur and professional alike. Krita has a user-friendly interface. The dockers and panels can be moved and customized for your specific workflow. Once you have your setup, you can save it as your own workspace. You can also create your own shortcuts for commonly used tools. In addition to painting, Krita comes with vector, filter, group, and file layers. Combine, order, and flatten layers to help your artwork stay organized. There are also three different views on how to see the layers. Krita supports full color management through LCMS for ICC and OpenColor IO for EXR, allowing you to incorporate Krita into your existing color management pipeline. Open PSD files that even Photoshop cannot open. Load and save to PSD when you need to take your artwork across different programs. Krita is the only dedicated painting application that lets you open, save, edit and author HDR and scene-referred images. Furthermore, with OCIO and OpenEXR support, you can manipulate the view to examine HDR images, and use it in the most cutting-edge workflows from the film and visual effects industries.
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Delete large System Error Reporting files
In case you don’t know, Windows contains a feedback mechanism that generates error reports from hardware and software problems. These reports are temporarily stored in the system and send them back to Microsoft so that it can find solutions to the reported problems and fix them in the upcoming updates.  However, as time goes by, these reports actually take a lot of space in your computer which is why end-users like you are free to delete them with the help of the new Free Up Space feature in Windows 10. As useful the Free Up Space feature may be, there are times when you won’t be able to use it for some reason which is why in this post, you will be guided on how to use alternative ways in deleting very large System queued Windows Error Reporting file, some of which may run in Gigabytes. Every time the Windows Error Reporting or WER sends out an error file and looks for a solution, the WER server at Microsoft sends out a solution instantly. And if the solution is under investigation or is unknown, then you will be notified about it right away and will be asked for more details. As mentioned, even though the Free Up Space feature in Settings will be able to clear the error reporting files, there are instances when it won’t be able to delete very large System queued Windows Error Reporting files. Alternatively, there is an option to delete these files using the Disk Cleanup Utility. Feel free to select which option you’d like to use to get rid of Windows Error Reporting Files.

Option 1 – Delete Windows Error Reporting Files via Settings

  • Go to Settings.
  • From there, go to System > Storage > Free Up Space and then click on it to launch it.
  • Afterward, give it some time to populate all the files and folders. Once it’s done, select “System created Windows Error Reporting files” to mark its checkbox while leaving the other options unchecked.
  • Next, click on the Remove files button to delete all the Windows Error Reporting files from your computer.

Option 2 – Manually delete the Windows Error Reporting Files

  • Tap the Win + E keys to open File Explorer.
  • Next, enable the Hidden Files view from the menu.
  • Then go to C:/ProgramData/MicrosoftWindowsWER.
  • From there, you will see various folders like LocalReportArchive, ReportArchive, ReportQueue, and Temp.
  • Open each one of the aforementioned folders and delete the archive files. Note that these files will have names similar to “00c58c1f-b836-4703-9bcf-c699ca24d285”.
Note: If you are not able to delete any of these files, you have to take ownership of the folder. To do so, refer to these steps:
  • Right-click on the folder and 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.
On the other hand, if you do not want to go through all these troubles in deleting the Windows Error Reporting files, you can just disable it especially if it already becomes a daily annoyance as the files generate every day and their sizes are mostly gigabytes. And besides, there are times when these files do not make it to the Microsoft WER server and end up only occupying a lot of space for nothing.
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Types of Malware Attacks & How to Battle Them

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

Malware definition

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

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

Credit: Ed Hardie on Unsplash

What kinds of malware are there?

1. Virus

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

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

2. Adware

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

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

3. Ransomware

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

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

4. Trojans

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

5. Worms

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

Credit: Growtika on Unsplash

6. Spyware

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

7. Rootkits

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

8. Botnets

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

What can you do about it?

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

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

Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash

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

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

The bottom line

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

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Windows Dynamic Lock is missing or not working
If you are familiar with the Dynamic Lock feature in Windows 10, then it has probably made it easier for you to lock your computer the instant you move away from it. This interesting feature does not need any special software like IR Cameras to use this feature as long as your Windows 10 computer supports Bluetooth which it most likely does. However there are times when the Dynamic lock feature is either missing or not working. When that happens, here are some suggestions that could help you. But before anything else, you need to create a System Restore point first since you will be modifying some critical system settings as well as registry files. After you’ve created a System Restore point, refer to the following options below to fix the issue with Dynamic Lock.

Option 1 – Try using the Settings app

  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app and then navigate to Accounts > Sing-in options.
  • After that, scroll down until you see the Dynamic Lock section.
  • Next, make sure that the checkbox for “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you are away” is checked.
  • Now that you’re all set, exit the Settings app.
Note: If for some reason the above-given solution didn’t work, you can try the next options below.

Option 2 – Try to pair your Bluetooth Device

If you get a message saying, “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you are away” in the Notifications Center or in the Settings app, then you need to pair your Bluetooth device. To do so, follow the steps below.
  • Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
  • From there, make sure that Bluetooth is turned On and then pair your Bluetooth device.
  • And if you open the Windows Defender Security Center, you will see the following message as well.
  • Simply click on the Add Bluetooth device button and it will open the Bluetooth settings where you can also pair the device.

Option 3 – Try to reinstall or update the Bluetooth driver

The issue might have something to do with the Bluetooth drivers. It could be that it is outdated and needs to be updated or that you recently updated it and since then you have trouble removing the Bluetooth device and so to fix the issue, you can update, roll back or uninstall the Bluetooth drivers. How? Follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + X keys to open the Device Manager.
  • Next, look for the Bluetooth device and right-click on it.
  • Select the option “Update driver”.
  • After that, a new popup window will appear. In there, select the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Note: Checking the update may take a few minutes so you’ll have to wait until it finishes. If it is able to find an update, you must install it. And if you want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver, just select the “Uninstall driver” option and follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.

Option 4 – Try to use the Registry Editor

  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  • If a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed.
  • After that, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon
  • Next, look for a DWORD named “EnableGoodbye” located on the right-side panel and then make sure that its value is set to 1 which means that it is enabled while 0 indicates disabled.
  • Now close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made successfully.

Option 5 – Try checking the Group Policy setting

If your Windows 10 version has the Group Policy Editor, you can use it to fix the Dynamic Lock issue as well. Simply follow the steps below to use it.
  • Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
  • Then type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  • Next, navigate to the following path:
Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Hello for Business
  • After that, look for an entry named “Configure dynamic lock factors” and double click on it to open a new window.
  • Once you enable this Group Policy setting, the signal rules will be evaluated to detect the absence of a user and will lock the device automatically. On the other hand, if you disable or don’t configure this setting, you can continue locking your computer with existing locking options. Take note that it may be Not configured or Enabled but shouldn’t be set to Disabled.
  • Now select the radio button for Enabled and set the Signal rules then click OK.
  • Then exit the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.
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