Logo

Your Windows license will expire soon

If you suddenly get a message telling you that “Your Windows license will expire soon, You need to activate Windows in Settings” on your Windows 10 computer but you know that your Windows 10 is already activated. Worry not for this post will help you get rid of that error message right away. Before you get started, make sure that you have the Windows product key with you. If you don’t, you can get it by running the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

Take note of the product key and then proceed to the options given below.

Option 1 – Try activating Windows 10 again or use another product key

  • If you’re sure that you have the correct product key, click the Go to the Settings button.
  • After that, click the Activate button once again.
  • If you have another license key, you can also use that as well, just simply click on the Change product key.
  • Then enter the new product key and click on Activate. That should fix the problem, if it doesn’t, refer to the next option below.

Option 2 – Try to reset the licensing status

  • Click the Start button and then type “cmd” in the Search box and then tap Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  • Next, type the “slmgr –rearm” and hit Enter to reset the licensing status.
  • Restart your computer and check if the error is now gone or not.

Option 3 – Try uninstalling the product key and re-enter it once more.

  • The first thing you have to do to uninstall the product key is to know the Activation ID of your Windows installation. To do so, open an elevated Command Prompt and type this command, and hit Enter – vbs /dlv
  • After you enter the command, you should see the licensing status and Activation ID. And to get all the Activation IDs of all the installed Windows versions, key in this command and hit Enter – vbs /dlv all

Note: The “/dlv” parameter will give you the license information for the installed operating system.

  • After you enter the second command, you should see a Windows Script Host window with all the Windows licensing and activation status. Take note of the Activation ID.
  • Next, in the same elevated Command Prompt, type this command – slmgr /upk <Activation ID>

Note: In the third given command, “/upk” stands for “uninstall product key”. This parameter uninstalls the product key of the current Windows edition.

  • Restart your PC. After that, your computer will be in an unlicensed state so you need to re-enter the product key again.

Option 4 – Try rebuilding the Tokens.dat file.

The issue might be caused by a corrupted Tokens.dat file. The Tokens.dat file is a digitally signed file that stores most of the Windows Activation files so if it is corrupted then no wonder you’re having activation issues. To rebuild the Tokens.dat file, refer to these steps:

  • From the WinX Menu, open an elevated Command Prompt.
  • After opening Command Prompt, you need to type each one of the following commands and after you type each command, hit Enter.
    • net stop sppsvc
    • cd %windir%ServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocalMicrosoftWSLicense
    • ren tokens.dat tokens.bar
    • net start sppsvc
    • exe %windir%system32slmgr.vbs /rilc
  • Now restart your computer.

Option 5 – Try running the Windows 10 Activation Troubleshooter

  • Go to Settings and then select Activation.
  • After that, click on the Windows Activation and then troubleshoot. This will help you address most of the commonly found activation issues in Windows devices.

Option 6 – Try activating Windows 10 via mobile phone

Activating Windows 10 can also be done using your phone. Just note that you have to call Microsoft to do so.

  • In the Start Search box, type in “Slui 4” and tap Enter.
  • Next, select your country and click on Next.
  • Keep the window open and call the toll-free number of the country you’re from.
  • Afterward, a confirmation ID should be given by the automated system which you must take a note of.
  • Finally, in the box on the window, type in the confirmation ID and click on the Activate button. That should do it.

Do You Need Help with Your Device?

Our Team of Experts May Help
Troubleshoot.Tech Experts are There for You!
Replace damaged files
Restore performance
Free disk space
Remove Malware
Protects WEB browser
Remove Viruses
Stop PC freezing
GET HELP
Troubleshoot.Tech experts work with all versions of Microsoft Windows including Windows 11, with Android, Mac, and more.

Share this article:

You might also like

Setup has failed to determine install choices
Running the Windows Setup does not always go smoothly as you could encounter some errors along the way. One of these errors is the “Something happened, Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error. The only given option in such cases is to click the Close button and exit the setup. This kind of error in Windows setup can occur when you try to downgrade to the previous version of Windows using the built-in mechanism. This error could be caused by a corrupted image or it is also possible that the set of files are incomplete. Aside from that, it could also be due to compatibility issues or that the module used to downgrade the Windows operating system is not configured properly. To fix this error, you have to run the Windows Setup program in compatibility mode so that you can downgrade Windows. You could also use the image for the lower version of Windows that’s available on the official site of Microsoft. But before you do any of these, make sure that you’re logged in as an administrator. To fix the “Something happened, Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error, follow the given options below sequentially.

Option 1 – Try to run the Installer of the downgraded version in Compatibility Mode

This is the first thing you can try to resolve the issue instead of going right ahead on making a bootable device. So if you are downgrading Windows, you can try to run the installer in the compatibility mode for that specific Windows version.
  • Look for the setup file.
  • Once you find it, right-click on it and select Properties from the context menu.
  • After that, go to the Compatibility tab and mark the checkbox for “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and from the drop-down list, select either Windows 7 or Windows 8.
  • You also have to check the “Run as administrator” option.
  • Now click the Apply button and then click OK to save the changes made and check if it has resolved the issue or not.

Option 2 – Try to troubleshoot compatibility

This option is almost the same as the first one except it is an alternative way of fixing the “Setup has failed to determine supported install choices” error in case the first one didn’t work. In this option, you will troubleshoot the compatibility issue.
  • Look for the setup file.
  • Then right-click on it and select the “Troubleshoot compatibility” from the context menu.
  • After that, click on the “Try recommended setting” option. Once the process is done, the error message should be gone.

Option 3 – Run the DISM tool

You can run the DISM tool as well to help fix the error code 0x80244022 during Windows Update. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth”.
  • 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 4 – Try using the image from the official site of Microsoft

If none of the options given above worked, you can try to use the image from Microsoft’s official site. This would help, especially if the error is caused by a corrupted image or image folder with incomplete files.
Read More
How to get rid of CinematicFanatic

CinematicFanatic (by MyWay) is a browser extension for Google Chrome that may come bundled with other free software that you download off of the Internet. When installed CinematicFanatic will set the homepage and search engine for your web browser to http://search.myway.com

While browsing the internet with this extension installed, you will see additional ads, sponsored content, and even pop-up ads throughout your browsing sessions. While CinematicFanatic is active, it will log user information, visited websites, product categories. This information is later used/sold to better display targeted ads through your web pages as sponsored content and banner ads.

CinematicFanatic has been marked as a Browser Extension by several popular anti-malware scanners, and due to its information-gathering behavior, it is recommended to remove it from your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijack is a very common type of internet fraud where your web browser configurations are modified to allow it to do things you never intend. Browser hijacker malware is developed for many different reasons. These are typically used to force visitors to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Even though it may seem naive, all browser hijackers are dangerous and thus always regarded as security risks. They not only screw up your web browsers, but browser hijackers can even modify the computer registry to make your PC susceptible to other forms of hacking.

How to know if your internet browser is hijacked

There are several symptoms of browser hijacking. Here are a few of them: 1. home-page is modified 2. bookmark and the new tab are likewise changed 3. The default search page of your browser is altered 4. you’ll see multiple toolbars in your internet browser 5. you will find random pop-ups start showing regularly 6. websites load slowly and often incomplete 7. You simply can’t access particular sites, particularly anti-malware websites.

How they get into your computer or laptop

Browser hijackers could use drive-by downloads or file-sharing websites or perhaps an e-mail attachment in order to reach a targeted computer. Many web browser hijackings originate from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional functionality. A browser hijacker could also come bundled up with some freeware which you unintentionally download to your PC, compromising your internet security. Some of the well-known hijackers are CinematicFanatic, Babylon Toolbar, Conduit Search, Sweet Page, OneWebSearch, and CoolWebSearch. Browser hijackers could disrupt the user’s web surfing experience greatly, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause difficulty in connecting to the net, and ultimately create stability issues, making applications and systems crash.

Browser hijacker removal

Certain browser hijacking could be easily reversed by discovering and removing the corresponding malware software through your control panel. Having said that, many hijackers are really tenacious and need specialized tools to eliminate them. Additionally, manual removals demand deep system understanding and thus can be a very difficult job for inexperienced computer users. You might opt for automatic browser hijacker removal by simply installing and running an efficient anti-malware program. One of the top tools for fixing browser hijacker infections is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It assists you to get rid of any pre-existing malware on your system and gives you real-time monitoring and protection from new threats. Together with the antivirus tool, a system optimizer, such as SafeBytes’s Total System Care, will help you in removing all related files and modifications in the computer registry automatically.

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

Viruses could cause a lot of damage to your PC. Some malware is designed to interfere with or block things that you’d like to do on your personal computer. It may not allow you to download anything from the net or it will stop you from accessing a few or all of the sites, especially the antivirus sites. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with a malware infection that is preventing you to download and/or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your PC. Refer to the instructions below to remove malware in alternate ways.

Install in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you can change Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and get rid of hard-to-delete viruses and malware. In case the malicious software is set to load automatically when the PC starts, shifting into this particular mode may prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the computer is starting 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 anti-malware software program without the hindrance of the virus. Now, you can run the anti-malware scan to remove viruses and malware without hindrance from another application.

Switch to an alternate browser

Web-based malware could be environment-specific, targeting a particular browser or attacking specific versions of the browser. If you appear to have a virus attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to a different browser with built-in safety features, such as Firefox or Chrome, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install and run anti-virus from the USB drive

Another solution is to store and operate an antivirus software program entirely from a Thumb drive. Adopt these measures to use a USB drive to clean your corrupted PC. 1) Download the anti-malware on a virus-free PC. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) When asked, select the location of the pen drive as the place where you would like to put the software files. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Transfer the USB drive from the uninfected computer to the infected computer. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program right from the pen drive. 7) Hit the “Scan Now” button to start the malware scan.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware - More Protection For You

If you’re looking to purchase anti-malware for your computer, there are various brands and utilities for you to consider. A few of them are excellent, some are ok types, and some will damage your computer themselves! While looking for antivirus software, choose one that provides reliable, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. Amongst few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended software for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes can be described as a highly effective, real-time antivirus application that is created to assist the regular computer end user in protecting their computer from malicious threats. This tool can easily identify, remove, and protect your PC from the most advanced malware intrusions including spyware, adware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, parasites along other potentially harmful software applications.

SafeBytes carries a variety of features that can help you protect your PC from malware attacks and damage. A few of them are given as below:

Best AntiMalware Protection: By using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is designed to catch and remove viruses and malware that are concealed deep inside your computer system. Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives round-the-clock protection for your computer limiting malware attacks instantly. This utility will always monitor your PC for suspicious activity and updates itself regularly to keep abreast of the latest threats. Safe Browsing: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety score that helps you to get an idea of whether the website you’re about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is one of the fastest and most efficient within the industry. It's targeted scanning tremendously increases the catch rate for viruses that are embedded in various computer files. Light-weight Tool: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use antivirus and anti-malware solution. As it uses minimal computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs to: with you. Premium Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any issue with your security tool. SafeBytes will keep your computer safe from most advanced malware threats automatically with hardly any input needed from you again. Now you may understand that this software does more than just scan and remove threats on your PC. If you’re trying to find a comprehensive anti-malware program that’s still simple enough to use, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is exactly what you will need!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you don’t want to use a malware removal software and prefer to get rid of CinematicFanatic manually, you may do so by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the Control Panel and delete the offending program; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could remove it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. It is also recommended to factory reset your web browser settings to their default state. Lastly, check your hard drive for all of the following and clean your registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstallation. Please note that only professional users should try to manually edit the registry because removing any single critical system file leads to a serious problem or even a system crash. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating itself or preventing its deletion. It is advised that you do the removal process in Windows Safe Mode.
Files: %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Sync Extension Settings\bpkmogbhibhnpebcaipnknfkgibdheoc %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\bpkmogbhibhnpebcaipnknfkgibdheoc %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Local Extension Settings\bpkmogbhibhnpebcaipnknfkgibdheoc %LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\bpkmogbhibhnpebcaipnknfkgibdheoc %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\bpkmogbhibhnpebcaipnknfkgibdheoc %LOCALAPPDATA%\CinematicFanaticTooltab %UserProfile%\Local Settings\Application Data\CinematicFanaticTooltab Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\CinematicFanatic HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\CinematicFanatic HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\[APPLICATION]\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall..Uninstaller CinematicFanaticTooltab Uninstall Internet Explorer
Read More
Fixing the We can’t find a USB flash drive
One of the preferred ways to upgrade Windows 10 is by creating a bootable USB drive. However, you might change your mind when you encounter an error during the Windows 10 Setup that says, “We can’t find a USB flash drive”. Worry not for this error can be fixed using some suggestions that will be provided in this post. The funning thing about this error in Windows setup is that the computer says it’s not there when it’s clearly there. To fix this problem, you need to check if the USB device is accessible on your computer or you can also try a different USB device. In addition, you could check if there are any issues with both the USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports as it could be the reason why you’re getting the error or fix the bad sectors in the USB drive as well as see if the USB drive is set as the primary drive.

Option 1 – Try to check if the USB is accessible on your PC

The first thing you can do to resolve the problem is to check if you can access your USB device from your computer. All you have to do is open File Explorer and check if the USB device is listed there or not.

Option 2 – Try to connect a different USB device

The next thing you can do to fix the error is to try connecting a different USB device, specifically the one that has more significant storage space. You also have to make sure that it’s working on a different PC.

Option 3 – Fix any issues with the USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports

Although the USB 3.0 ports are compatible with the USB 2.0 ports, it does not necessarily mean that there wouldn’t be any problem when you use them which is why it’s best to fix any issues in them or better yet, use a compatible drive.

Option 4 – Try to fix the bad sectors in the USB drive via CHKDSK

When it comes to some issues concerning the hard drive or removable devices, there is a utility in Windows that might help which is called “chkdsk”. To use it, follow the steps below.
  • Tap the Win + S keys to open the Search box.
  • Then type “command prompt” in the field and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
  • After opening an elevated command prompt, copy and paste the following command and hit Enter:
CHKDSK [volume [[path] filename]] [/F] [/V] [/R] [/X] [/C] [: size]]
Note: In the command given above, “[/F]” will try to fix the system errors while “[/R]” will be the one to fix the bad sectors.
  • Now if you are prompted to run CHKDSK after your reboot your PC, just tap Y and reboot your PC.
  • If CHKDSK is not able to find any errors, tap the Win + E keys and navigate the access window. From there, right-click on the concerned drive and click on Properties.
  • After opening Properties, click on the tab Tools and then click on the “Check” button under the Error-checking section.
  • Wait until the process is completed and then restart your computer.

Option 5 – Try checking if the USB is set as the primary drive

You might also want to check if the USB drive is set as the primary drive because if it is, then it won’t appear on the list. It could also be that the USB drive has a primary disk in it. To undo it, you need to use the DISKPART utility.
  • In the Start Search, type “command prompt” and right-click on Command Prompt from the search results, and then select the “Run as administrator” option.
  • Next, execute the “diskpart” command to initiate the DISKPART utility.
  • After that, type the “list disk” command and tap Enter to display the list of disks on the computer. You have to take note of the drive number or letter of the concerned USB drive.
  • Once done, type the “select disk <X>” command where X is the drive letter or number and tap Enter.
  • Then execute the “list partition” command to see the list of all the partitions in your computer. It should be listed as 0, 1, or 2. 0 is the primary partition.
  • Now type the “select partition 0” command and tap Enter and then type “delete partition” to delete the selected partition.
  • You can do the same to the other partitions as well and when you’re done, execute the format command to turn the USB drive into a standard one.
Read More
Error Code 0x6d9 - The Causes & The Fix!

What is the Error Code 0x6d9?

If you have a firewall installed on your system, you may come across the error code 0x6d9.  This error occurs when opening Windows Firewall with advanced security. The error code 0x9d9 is displayed as:

“There was an error opening the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in. The Windows Firewall with Advanced Security snap-in failed to load. Restart the Windows Firewall service on the computer you are managing. Error code: 0x6D9”

This occurs when the Windows Firewall service is missing. The service doesn’t start due to permission errors on various registry keys. It is a critical blue screen of death error code that turns the computer screen blue and causes the Windows to shut down. If this error code is not fixed it may start appearing more and more frequently resulting in total system corruption.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Virtually, the underlying cause for Windows Firewall error code 0x6d9 is a damaged registry. The registry is the database of the system that saves all the activities including web browsing and programs installed and uninstalled and junk files on the PC. The registry saves all the information in the RAM, your hard disk. As the disk gets filled with files, it then requires more power to run which impacts the performance of the PC and slows it down. Simultaneously, since the hard disk is overloaded with data, it exposes the registry to file damages, fragmentation, and corruption which then eventually causes hindrance in running calling programs and running them on your system because files are either corrupt or missing. Other than cluttered disk issues, registry errors also occur due to viral and malware attacks. If the Firewall is inaccessible, your system is prone to malware.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix the error code 0x6d9 on your system, you don’t have to be a computer programmer or hire a professional. You can fix it all by yourself with Restoro. Restoro is an advanced, intuitive, user-friendly, and multi-functional repair tool with a comprehensive suite of powerful PC fixing utilities, all in one. From registry errors like the blue screen of death error codes including 0x6d9 to viral infection and system slowdowns, Restoro is your one-stop solution for all PC errors. With this software, you don’t need any technical expertise. You don’t have to get into the nitty-gritty of finding the deep-rooted cause for the error code 0x6d9 and then searching and installing a PC tool designed to solve that specific cause for the error. Restoro has an intuitive and sophisticated interface combined with an automated algorithm that enables it to detect, scan and identify all the underlying and deep-rooted causes for errors on your PC in seconds and resolves them all. All you have to do is hit the scan button and the Restoro takes care of the rest.

Restoro features

Restoro is also easy to use and has simple navigation making it easy for all levels of users including beginners and intermediates to use. This PC Fixer is both a high-functional registry cleaner and a powerful anti-virus. This means whether the error code 0x6d9 occurs due to disk overload or viral infection this helper can be used to fix the error in both scenarios. Its in-built registry cleaner cleans and clears up the hard disk in a few seconds. It removes all the unnecessary and obsolete files cluttering the system and repairs the damaged registry. For data safety during repair, it has a built-in back feature. This feature allows you to save and create backup copies of all your files. Its smart privacy error detector feature checks for viruses, spyware, adware, and malware invasion on your system. Such malicious software if not removed from your PC can expose you to data security risks.  Such software allows easy access to hackers. And since error code 0x6d9 hampers you in using Firewall, your system will have higher chances of getting infected by viruses and data security dangers. Nonetheless, by running Restoro on your system, you can easily remove this malicious software and resolve the error code 0x6d9. Unlike other repair tools, Restoro is compatible with all Windows versions.

How to get Restoro

So, what are you waiting for? It will take just 3 steps. To get started all you need to do is:
  1. Click here to install Restoro
  2. Run it to Scan for errors
  3. Hit the repair button to resolve
To prevent the error code 0x6d9 from reoccurring on your PC for a while proper PC maintenance is advisable to run Restoro on a weekly basis on your system so that the registry is not cluttered and your system is not exposed to viruses. Timely detection of errors and repair is the best way to keep your system performing smoothly and at its optimum speed.
Read More
Guide for Removing SMSFromBrowser Malware

What is SMSFromBrowser

SMSFromBrowser is a Browser Extension developed by MindSpark. This extension usually comes bundled up with other software or via online advertising. Allegedly this extension allows you to send SMS messages from your computer, however, all it does is point you to other websites that offer this service. While active this extension monitors your browsing behavior, it records your website visits, clicks, links, and sometimes even private information, in order to use this data to better serve additional ads. During your browsing sessions, you may encounter additional unwanted ads, sponsored links, and sometimes even pop-up ads. Several anti-virus scanners have detected this extension as a potentially unwanted extension / Browser Hijacker, and due to its privacy mining behavior, it is not recommended to keep it on your computer.

Browser hijackers (sometimes referred to as hijackware) are a kind of malicious software that modifies web browser settings without the computer owner’s knowledge or permission. These hijacks appear to be increasing at an astonishing rate around the world, and they could be actually nefarious and sometimes harmful too. Browser hijackers are capable of doing more than just modifying homepages. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Though it might seem naive, these tools are made by vicious people who always try to take advantage of you, so that they can easily make money from your naive and distraction. As soon as the program attacks your laptop or computer, it starts to mess things up a whole lot that slows your system down to a crawl. In the worst-case scenario, you will be forced to deal with serious malware threats as well.

Indications of browser hijack

There are many signs of web browser hijacking: 1. home page is changed 2. your browser is constantly being redirected to porn sites 3. the default online search engine and the default browser settings are altered 4. discover new toolbars that you simply didn’t add 5. you notice numerous ads pop up on the browsers or computer screen 6. your browser gets sluggish, buggy crashes very often 7. you can’t go to specific sites such as homepages of anti-malware software.

How it infects your personal computer

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop when you visit an infected site, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They can be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plug-ins, or browser extensions. Some internet browser hijackers spread in user’s PC by using a deceptive software distribution technique known as “bundling” (often through freeware and shareware). A good example of a notorious browser hijacker is the most recent Chinese malware known as “Fireball”, which has attacked 250 million PCs worldwide. It acts as a hijacker but could be turned into a fully functioning malware downloader afterward. Browser hijackers could interrupt the user’s web surfing experience greatly, keep track of the websites visited by users and steal financial information, cause difficulty in connecting to the web, and eventually create stability problems, making applications and computers freeze.

Removal

Some types of browser hijackers can be effortlessly removed from your PC by deleting malicious applications or any other recently added freeware. Many times, it could be a tough job to discover and get rid of the malicious program because the associated file will be running as part of the operating system process. And there’s no denying the very fact that manual repairs and removal methods can be a difficult job for an amateur computer user. Also, there are several risks associated with fiddling around with the pc registry files. Browser hijackers could be effectively removed by installing and running an anti-malware application on the affected computer. To remove any browser hijacker from your PC, you can download the following professional malware removal program – Safebytes Anti-Malware. And utilize a system optimizer, such as Safebytes Anti-Malware, to erase all associated files in the registry and repair browser problems. All malware is detrimental and the degree of the damage may vary greatly according to the type of infection. Certain malware types alter web browser settings by adding a proxy server or modify the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all internet sites, and thus unable to download or install the required security software to eliminate the infection. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download or install the Safebytes Anti-Malware program on your system. Follow the instructions below to get rid of the malware by alternative methods.

Install the anti-virus in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to run automatically when Microsoft Windows starts, entering Safe Mode could very well block the attempt. Just bare minimum required programs and services are loaded whenever you boot your PC into Safe Mode. To start your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, follow the instructions below. 1) Tap the F8 key continuously as soon as your PC boots, however, before the large Windows logo shows up. This would invoke the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once this mode loads, you should have an internet connection. Now, get the malware removal application you need by using the web browser. To install the program, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Right after the software is installed, let the diagnostic scan run to eliminate trojans and other malware automatically. Use an alternate internet browser to download an antivirus application Some malware only targets specific web browsers. If this sounds like your situation, employ another browser as it might circumvent the virus. The best way to avoid this problem is to opt for an internet browser that is known for its security measures. Firefox has built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you secure online.

Create a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another option is to store and run an antivirus software program completely from a Flash drive. To run anti-malware from a flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a virus-free PC, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Insert the pen drive on the same PC. 3) Run the setup program by double-clicking the executable file of the downloaded software, which has a .exe file extension. 4) Choose the USB flash drive as the destination for saving the software file. Follow the directions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the thumb drive to the infected computer system. 6) Double click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the application. 7) Press the “Scan” button to run a full computer scan and remove malware automatically.

Benefits and Features of SafeBytes Anti-Malware

These days, an anti-malware tool can protect your computer or laptop from various types of internet threats. But wait, how to select the best one amongst plenty of malware protection applications that are available on the market? You may be aware, there are several anti-malware companies and products for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are ok types, and some will ruin your PC themselves! You need to be very careful not to select the wrong application, particularly if you purchase a premium application. When it comes to commercial antimalware tool options, many people opt for well-known brands, like SafeBytes, and they are quite happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time anti-malware application that is created to assist the average computer end user in safeguarding their computer from malicious internet threats. Through its cutting-edge technology, this software will help you protect your PC against infections caused by various kinds of malware and other threats, including spyware, adware, computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, keyloggers, ransomware, and potentially unwanted program (PUPs).

SafeBytes has excellent features when compared to various other anti-malware programs. A few of them are given as below:

Real-time Active Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your personal computer limiting malware attacks instantly. They are extremely effective in screening and removing various threats because they’re continuously revised with new updates and alerts. Robust, Anti-malware Protection: Safebytes is made on the best virus engine within the industry. These engines will detect and get rid of threats even during the early stages of a malware outbreak. Internet Security: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a webpage for possible threats and informs you if the website is safe to visit or not, through its unique safety rating system. Low CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and user-friendly anti-virus and anti-malware solution. Since it uses minimum computer resources, this application leaves the computer power exactly where it belongs to: with you actually. 24/7 Online Tech Support: You may get absolutely free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security concerns. SafeBytes will keep your personal computer safe from the latest malware threats automatically with almost no input needed from you again. Once you have downloaded and installed this software, you will no longer have to bother about malware or any other security concerns. You will get the best all-around protection for the money you pay on SafeBytes anti-malware subscription, there isn’t any doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove SMSFromBrowser 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 SMSFromBrowser
Files: %ALLUSERSPROFILE%MicrosoftWindowsStart MenuProgramsSMSfromBrowser %ALLUSERSPROFILE%Start MenuProgramsSMSfromBrowser %LOCALAPPDATA%SMSfromBrowserTooltab %UserProfile%Local SettingsApplication DataSMSfromBrowserTooltab Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper ObjectsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper ObjectsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionexplorerBrowser Helper Objects3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtStats3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettingsFFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettingsB1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExtSettings3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: 3188EEFD-9259-445D-8CCD-B99D6296AD1A HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: B1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerApproved Extensions, value: FFE35078-94B2-4FC0-990D-BF8289BC25E4 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerToolbar, value: B1D7EA4A-79CA-454E-897F-F5A052E467F6 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASMANCS HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASMANCS HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareWow6432NodeMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftTracingSMSfromBrowser_RASAPI32 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareAppDataLowHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSMSfromBrowser_f7 HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerDOMStoragesmsfrombrowser.dl.myway.com HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareSMSfromBrowser HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINEHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftware[APPLICATION]MicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionUninstall..Uninstaller
Read More
A Guide to Fixing Error Code 39

Code 39 - What is it?

Code 39 is a device driver error code that pops up when the Windows operating system cannot load the driver for the hardware you want to use.

This hampers your ability to use the hardware properly. The error code is almost always presented in the following format:

“Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing.” Code 39

Error Causes

A device driver is a software program that tells the operating system how to control a particular hardware device. Each hardware device has a different driver.

There are separate device drivers for printers, CD-ROM readers, and keyboards, to name a few.

Many device drivers are already built into the operating system. But sometimes you will need to install a new device driver when you want to use a new piece of hardware device that the operating system is not familiar with, or does not anticipate.

Regardless of whether or not the drivers are already integrated into the operating system, you may still experience code 39, typically because of the corrupted or outdated drivers.

Outdated and corrupted drivers cause hardware malfunction and failure, which trigger device driver error codes like code 39. Other causes include incorrect registry values.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Below are some of the easiest and most effective methods to resolve Device Manager error code 39 on your PC.

To follow and implement these methods, you don’t require any technical knowledge or expertise. Simply follow these instructions to fix the error right away.

Method 1 - Fix with a Simple Reboot

There is a possibility that the error code 39 is caused by some fluke within the Device Manager or your BIOS.

If that’s the reason, then a simple PC reboot can resolve the issue immediately. Therefore, before you try anything, it is advisable to restart your system.

If it works, then that is great, but if it doesn’t, then don’t worry, try other methods given below to fix this problem successfully.

Method 2 - Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers

If the error code 39 is generated due to faulty or outdated drivers, then simply uninstall and remove them and then reinstall new driver versions. There are two ways to remove faulty drivers.

Method One

  • One is, to go to the start menu, click on Control Panel, and then Add/Remove Programs.
  • Remove the program and the driver you think is causing problems. This will thoroughly remove all traces of the faulty driver.
  • To reinstall, follow the same steps but this time install the new device driver version.

Method Two

  • The other way is to go to the start menu, type Device Manager in the search bar, and then press enter to continue.
  • In the Device Manager, find and locate the problematic device.
  • After that, double-click the category of device that you wish to uninstall. Let’s say, Windows is unable to load the graphics card driver.
  • This means you will have to click on the Display Adapter category in the Device Manager to uninstall the graphics card.
  • After you have successfully uninstalled, Windows will prompt you to confirm device removal.
  • Simply click OK to confirm and proceed. To activate the changes, restart your PC.
  • To reinstall, go to the Device Manager, click on the Action tab and then select the option ‘Scan for Hardware Changes.’

This method, although effective in resolving error code 39,  can be time-consuming. To avoid the hassle and save time, try method 3.

Method 3 - Update Drivers Automatically with DRIVERFIX

If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
Read More
2 Proven Methods to Fix Regsvr32 Error

What is Regsvr32 Error? - What Is It?

Regsvr32 is basically a command-line utility.

This command is used to register and unregister OLE controls for example the digital link library files and ActiveX controls in the Windows Registry. This command appears as the Regsvr32.exe file and is installed in the Microsoft Windows system file in the %systemroot%System32 folder.

The Regsvr32 command loads the library and tries to call the DllRegister Server and DllUnregister Server. In other words, it helps to register COM-based digital link library files to run different programs on your PC.

However, when the Regsvr32.exe file gets corrupt, you get the Regsvr32 to troubleshoot the error message on your computer screen. It can be displayed in various ways including the following:

“To register a module, you must provide a binary name.”

Error Causes

Generally, Regsvr32.exe becomes corrupt because either the load library, DllRegister Server or DllUnregister Server function fails. This indicates that the dll specified path was missing, incorrect, or couldn’t be found.

Here’s how the error messages are often displayed while registering a dll using Regsvr32.exe:

  • “The command-flag "%1" is not valid. Please review the command usage and try again.”

If this error message is displayed, it typically means that you entered an invalid combination of command-line arguments or switches when calling upon the Regsvr32.exe application.

  • “To register a module, you must provide a binary name.”

The cause of this error message is that you called the Regsvr32.exe function with no modules to register located in the command line arguments.

  • “The module "%1" failed to load.nn Make sure the binary is stored at the specified path or debug it to check for problems with the binary or dependent .DLL files.nn%2.”
This Regsvr32 error message indicates that Windows had problems with loading the modules that you have identified in the command line.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are 2 recommended solutions to fix the Regsvr32 error on your PC:
  1. Re-run the command

    You must re-run the Regsvr32 command from an elevated command prompt. For this, go to the start menu and type Command Prompt in the search box.

    Now right-click the Command Prompt and click the option that says Run as Administrator to run the command on your PC. If it prompts you to enter an administrator password, type the password and then click Allow to run the command.

  2. Register a 32-bit Dll using a 32-bit version of Regsvr32 on a 64-bit version of Windows

    This may sound tricky but it is even simpler than the first solution discussed above. To register a 32-bit DLL using a 32-bit version of Regsvr32 on a 64-bit version of Windows, open an elevated command prompt.

    After it’s opened, if you see the 32-bit DLL is located in the following path: %systemroot%System32 folder, move it to %systemroot%SysWoW64 folder. Once you change paths, run this command: %systemroot%SysWoW64regsvr32 <full path of the DLL>

Try following these 2 recommended solutions to immediately fix and repair this error on your computer.

The solutions should eliminate the occurrence of error messages such as “To register a module, you must provide a binary name.” It is so easy and effective and you can do it on your own without calling over a professional.

Congratulations, you have just fixed the Regsvr32 Error in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily. Now that’s how you fix Regsvr32 Error in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them. This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
      1. Download and install Restoro from the official site.
      2. Once the installation process is completed, run Restoro to perform a full system scan.
      3. After the scan is completed click the “Start Repair” button.
Read More
Shift Key is not working in Windows
A lot of users rely on keyboard shortcuts to carry out tasks on their PCs. One of the most common keyboard shortcuts used is the Ctrl + Shift + Esc which opens the Task Manager. As you can see, the Shift key is not just used to capitalize a text as it can also be used for other functions and plays an essential role in operating a computer. However, if you suddenly find it not working, read on as this post will help you fix the problem. If your Shift key is not working, there are several potential fixes you can check out to fix it. These are the different ways to get rid of the Shift key not working issue on Windows 10:
  1. Physically clean the key and keyboard
  2. Disable Sticky Keys.
  3. Update, Reinstall, or Rollback Keyboard driver.
  4. Test the keyboard on another system.
  5. Check your connections
  6. Run the Hardware troubleshooter
  7. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State.

Option 1 – Clean the keyboard keys physically

Your keyboard might not be working properly due to some dirt or other corrosion. Thus, you need to clean your keyboard, especially the Shift key. First, you need to shut down your computer and then unplug the keyboard if you are using a desktop computer and then prepare it for cleaning. After that, use a small cotton ear cleaning tool to get between the creases and clean them. You can dip it slightly in alcohol to make it more efficient in cleaning dust and dirt. And if you can, you have the option to pull apart the keyboard completely and then wipe away all the corrosion from the inside. Once you’re done, put the keyboard back together and then plug it back into your PC. Now turn your PC on and check if the Shift key is now working.

Option 2 – Try to disable the Sticky keys

Another thing you can try is to disable the Stick keys. How? Refer to these steps:
  • Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app.
  • After that, navigate to the Ease of Access section, and here, select Keyboard.
  • Next, make sure that the option for Press one key at a time under the Sticky Keys is toggled off.

Option 3 – Reinstall, update or rollback your keyboard driver

Once you’ve determined that the problem is in the software part of the keyboard, it is now time to try to reinstall, update or roll back your keyboard drivers. To reinstall the driver for your keyboard, refer to these steps:
  • From the WinX Menu, open the Device Manager.
  • In the Device Manager, you should find your laptop’s keyboard under the “Keyboards” option. Right-click on it and select the “Uninstall” option.
Note: If you’re not quite certain about your laptop’s keyboard, you can uninstall all the keyboards if there’s more than one.
  • After that, restart your PC and see if the keyboard driver is installing automatically. If not, open the Device Manager again and right-click on Keyboards, and select the option “Scan for hardware changes” to install it.
Once the keyboard driver is installed again, check if your keyboard is now working properly or not.

Option 4 – Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port or another computer

The problem might have something to do with the USB port that’s currently in use by your keyboard. It could be that it’s not working so it makes sense to unplug it and attach it to another USB port. You can also clean the USB port on both ends to ensure that they are not affected by corrosion. In addition, you can also try connecting the keyboard to a different computer and see if the Shift key works there or not.

Option 5 – Try to check your connections

You can also try checking if the connection mode you are using for your keyboard is functioning properly. For instance, if you are using a Surface 2-in-device, you can clean the connection pins and see if it resolves the problem.

Option 6 – Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooters

  • The first thing you need to do is click on Start and then on the gear-like icon to pull up the window for Settings.
  • After opening Settings, look for the Update and Security option and select it.
  • From there, go to the Troubleshoot option located on the left-hand side of the list.
  • Next, select Hardware and Devices from the list and open the Troubleshooter and run it. Once it is doing its job, wait for it to complete the process and then restart the system.
  • After the system restarts, check if the problem’s now fixed. If not, refer to the next option given below.

Option 7 – Put your PC in a Clean Boot State

You might also want to put your computer in a Clean Boot State to fix the problem with the Shift key. It could be that there is a third-party program that’s preventing the Shift key from functioning. To isolate this possibility, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State.
  • Log onto your PC as an administrator.
  • Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
  • From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
  • Clear the “Load Startup items” check box and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
  • Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.
  • Click Disable all.
  • Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
  • Now try to connect the external devices and check if the error is now gone.
Read More
Remove Task View button from Windows 11
Task ViewTask View feature inside Windows 11 is actually a great feature, letting you quickly view open windows and virtual desktops. How Task view itself could be reached with keyboard shortcut combination of ⊞ WINDOWS + TAB some users will prefer this way of using it and thus button on the taskbar is something you do not want or need. There is a very easy way to remove mentioned button and I will show you how to do it. Right-click the taskbar button itself and click on Hide From Taskbar. That’s it, you have done it. Now in order for you to bring it back if you change your mind, you will have to do some extra steps but it is nothing difficult. Right-click on the taskbar and click on Taskbar settings, you will be lead to Personalization > Taskbar. Inside locate Taskbar Items and switch Task View to ON, you will see the Task View button right away showing itself again.
Read More
How to Fix Error Code 0xC004C770

Error Code 0xC004C770 – What is it?

If the Error Code 0xC004C770 popped up on your computer during your activation of the Windows 10 software, don’t worry. This is a fairly common error, especially for people who own more than one computer upon which Windows 10 is installed and activated. The gist of this error code is that the product key that you have entered has already been claimed or used on a different computer. Because there are limitations on the number of computers that can use any given license activation code or product key, this error code can arise when you have exceeded that limit. If you have a single-use license and have already entered the particular product key onto another machine, you may see this error come up during activation.

Both Error Code 0xC004C770 and Error Code 0x803FA071 arise from the same problem and the same steps can be used to resolve both error codes.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

Error Code 0xC004C770 is likely to appear on your screen during activation of Windows 10 if you or anyone else in your organization have already entered in the product key used on another computer. If you have a multiple-use license, the product key that you are entering may already have been used for the maximum number of computers allowed under that license.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are two basic methods for addressing the issues associated with Error Code 0xC004C770. These methods can easily be implemented by anyone who is comfortable interacting with the Windows Store from their computer, which makes the resolution of this particular error code fairly simple and straightforward.

If you are unable to complete the steps below or Error Code 0xC004C770 has not been resolved after following the guides below, contact a Windows technician who is familiar with the Windows 10 activation process to assist you in the process. You can also get in touch with the Windows technical support team to assist you in the process if needed.

Method One: Purchase A New Product Key from Windows

If you have already used the product key on another computer or have used it on the maximum number of allowed devices, you may need to purchase an additional product key for the computer with Error Code 0xC004C770. Product keys can be purchased physically from a retailer that sells Windows 10 software licenses or purchased directly from the Windows store.

To purchase a new product key directly from the Windows Store, follow the steps below:

  • Step One: Select the Windows start button at the bottom of your toolbar. Click on “Settings,” then select the option for “Update and Security.”
  • Step Two: Click on the “Activation” option.
  • Step Three: In the menu that appears, choose the option to “Go to Store” and follow any on-screen instructions to finalize a purchase of the Windows 10 software and product key.
  • Step Four: Use the new product key to complete the installation and activation of the Windows 10 software on your computer.

If you are unable to see the “Go to Store” option when you reach the “Activation” page, you may not be set as an administrator of your machine. In this case, get in touch with the support personnel from your company to complete the purchase, installation, and activation process on your computer.

Method Two: Attempt to Finish Activation via Phone

For users who have changed out parts of their computer’s hardware, like putting in a new motherboard or activating a new hard drive, you may have more success if you attempt activation through a phone.

In order to activate your copy of Windows 10 from your phone, follow the steps below:

  • Step One: On your mobile device, open up the search box from the taskbar.
  • Step Two: In the search box, enter the phrase “SLUI 04.”
  • Step Three: Select the “SLUI 04” option that appears.
  • Step Four: Follow the directions given on the screen to complete the activation process for your copy of Windows 10.

As with any error code resolution, if the methods above are not successful or if you are not comfortable with your ability to successfully complete the steps above, get in contact with a qualified professional who is trained in the Windows 10 activation process to assist you or download a powerful automated tool to get the job done.

Read More
1 2 3 171
Logo
Copyright © 2023, ErrorTools. All Rights Reserved
Trademark: Microsoft Windows logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft. Disclaimer: ErrorTools.com is not affiliated with Microsoft, nor claims direct affiliation.
The information on this page is provided for information purposes only.
DMCA.com Protection Status