10 Worst Computer Viruses in history

Computers viruses, worms, ransomware, etc. are kinds of malicious software that no user should take lightly. On several occasions, we have touched upon security steps that each user should take in order to protect its identity and data. Sadly sometimes even when all precautions are taken some malware can still slip through and wreak havoc. Today we are looking at some of the worst or the best, depending on your view that has indeed wreaked plenty of havoc.

10 worst computer viruses in history

In the list of the 10 most famous computer viruses below, we show the costs, dates, reach, and other key facts. First a note about terms: we use the words “virus” and “worm” interchangeably because most readers search for them that way. But there’s a subtle difference that we explain after the list.

1. Mydoom – $38 billion

The worst computer virus outbreak in history, Mydoom caused estimated damage of $38 billion in 2004, but its inflation-adjusted cost is actually $52.2 billion. Also known as Novarg, this malware is technically a “worm,” spread by mass emailing. At one point, the Mydoom virus was responsible for 25% of all emails sent.
Mydoom scraped addresses from infected machines, then sent copies of itself to those addresses. It also roped those infected machines into a web of computers called a botnet that performed distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks were intended to shut down a target website or server.

Mydoom is still around today, generating 1% of all phishing emails. That’s no small feat considering the 3.4 billion phishing emails sent each day. By that figure, Mydoom has taken on a life of its own, infecting enough poorly-protected machines to send 1.2 billion copies of itself per year, 16 years after its creation.
Though a $250,000 reward was offered, the developer of this dangerous computer worm was never caught.
Wondering what makes the world’s most secure computers so safe? See the Tech@Work guide: Upgrade to the World's Most Secure and Manageable PC

2. Sobig – $30 billion

The 2003 Sobig computer virus is actually another worm. It is second only to the Mydoom virus in its scope. The $30 billion figure is a worldwide total, including Canada, the U.K., the U.S., mainland Europe, and Asia. Several versions of the worm were released in quick succession, named Sobig.A through Sobig.F, with Sobig.F being the most damaging.
This cybercriminal program masqueraded as legitimate computer software attached to emails. It disrupted ticketing at Air Canada and interfered with countless other businesses. Despite its widespread damage, the creator of the successful bug was never caught.

3. Klez – $19.8 billion

Klez is a close third on the list of the worst computer viruses ever created. With nearly $20 billion in estimated damages, it infected about 7.2% of all computers in 2001, or 7 million PCs. The Klez worm sent fake emails, spoofed recognized senders and, among other things, attempted to deactivate other viruses.
As with other viruses and worms, Klez was released in several variants. It infected files, copied itself, and spread throughout each victim’s network. It hung around for years, with each version more destructive than the last.
Windows has come a long way since most of the computer viruses on this list hit the web. Thankfully, built-in protection with Microsoft Defender is always on the watch.

4. ILOVEYOU – $15 billion

The year 2000’s ILOVEYOU virus worked by sending a bogus “love letter” that looked like a harmless text file. Like Mydoom, this attacker sent copies of itself to every email address in the infected machine’s contact list. Shortly after its May 4 release, it had spread to more than 10 million PCs.
The virus was created by a college student in the Philippines named Onel de Guzman. Lacking funds, he wrote the virus to steal passwords so he could log into online services he wanted to use for free. He reportedly had no idea how far his creation would spread. This virus is also known as Loveletter.
Need to up your remote work security game before there’s another entry on the list of most deadly computer viruses? See our guide: How to Work Remotely and Securely

5. WannaCry – $4 billion

The 2017 WannaCry computer virus is ransomware, a virus that takes over your computer (or cloud files) and holds them hostage. The WannaCry ransomware ripped through computers in 150 countries, causing massive productivity losses as businesses, hospitals, and government organizations that didn’t pay were forced to rebuild systems from scratch.
The malware raged like wildfire through 200,000 computers worldwide. It stopped when a 22-year-old security researcher in the U.K. found a way to turn it off. Computers with out-of-date operating systems were hit especially hard. That’s why security experts always recommend updating your systems frequently.

Ransomware strikes again

In September 2020, one of the potentially largest computer virus attacks in medical history hit Universal Health Services. The U.S. hospital chain, which has more than 400 locations, was reportedly struck by damaging ransomware. The attack forced the cancellation of surgeries and made healthcare workers switch to paper records.

6. Zeus – $3 billion

The Zeus computer virus is an online theft tool that hit the web in 2007. A whitepaper by Unisys three years later estimated that it was behind 44% of all banking malware attacks. By then, it had breached 88% of all Fortune 500 companies, 2,500 organizations total, and 76,000 computers in 196 countries.
The Zeus botnet was a group of programs that worked together to take over machines for a remote “bot master.” It originated in Eastern Europe and was used to transfer money to secret bank accounts. More than 100 members of the crime ring behind the virus, mostly in the U.S., were arrested in 2010. It’s not as prominent today, but some of the virus’ source code lives on in newer botnet viruses and worms.

Zeus caused documented damage of $100 million. But the real cost in terms of lost productivity, removal, and undocumented theft is undoubtedly much higher. A $3 billion estimate, adjusted for inflation, puts this virus at a cost of $3.7 billion in today’s dollars.

7. Code Red – $2.4 billion

First observed in 2001, the Code Red computer virus was yet another worm that penetrated 975,000 hosts. It displayed the words “Hacked by Chinese!” across infected web pages, and it ran entirely in each machine’s memory. In most cases it left no trace in hard drives or other storage.
Financial costs are pegged at $2.4 billion. The virus attacked websites of infected computers and delivered a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on the U.S. White House’s website, www.whitehouse.gov. In fact, the White House had to change its IP address to defend against Cod Red.
Can your printer get a virus? See our cool infographic: The State of Printer Security

8. Slammer – $1.2 billion

The SQL Slammer worm cost an estimated $750 million across 200,000 computer users in 2003. This computer virus randomly selected IP addresses, exploiting vulnerabilities and sending itself on to other machines. It used these victim machines to launch a DDoS attack on several internet hosts, significantly slowing internet traffic.
The Slammer worm hit banks in the U.S. and Canada especially hard, taking ATMs offline in many locations. Customers of Toronto’s Imperial Bank of Commerce found themselves unable to access funds. The attack reared its ugly head again in 2016, launching from IP addresses in Ukraine, China, and Mexico.

9. CryptoLocker – $665 million

Thankfully, ransomware attacks like the 2013 CryptoLocker virus have dipped since their 2017 peak. This malware attacked upwards of 250,000 machines by encrypting their files. It displayed a red ransom note informing users that “your important files encryption produced on this computer.” A payment window accompanied the note.
The virus’ creators used a worm called the Gameover Zeus botnet to make and send copies of the CryptoLocker virus. According to a report by security firm Sophos, the average ransomware attack costs a business $133,000. If we estimate that CryptoLocker hit 5,000 companies, that would put its total cost at $665 million.
Where will cybersecurity go next? See our guide: The Future of Cybersecurity

10. Sasser – $500 million

The Sasser worm was written by a 17-year-old German computer science student named Sven Jaschan. He was arrested at the age of 18 in 2004 after a $250,000 bounty was posted for the computer virus’ creator. A friend of Jaschan’s tipped authorities that the youth had penned not only the Sasser worm but also the damaging Netsky.AC attack.
Jaschan was given a suspended sentence after it was found he was a minor when he wrote the malware. The Sasser worm crashed millions of PCs, and though some reports put damages at $18 billion, the relatively low infection rate suggests a more likely cost of $500 million.
Other notable viruses

The top 10 worst computer viruses above are just the ugly tip of a gargantuan digital iceberg. With a million new malware programs popping up every 3 years, we may miss the forest for a few outstanding trees. Here are just a few more viruses that have wreaked havoc over the years:

Mimail: This worm tried to harvest data from infected machines to launch a string of DDoS attacks, but was relatively easy to remove.

Yaha: Yet another worm with several variants, thought to be the result of a cyber-war between Pakistan and India.

Swen: Written in C++, the Swen computer worm disguised itself to look like a 2003 OS update. Its financial cost has been pegged at $10.4 billion, but not reliably.

Storm Worm: This worm showed up in 2007 and attacked millions of computers with an email about approaching bad weather.

Tanatos/Bugbear: A 2002 keylogger virus that targeted financial institutions and spread to 150 countries.

Sircam: A computer worm from 2001 that used counterfeit emails with the subject line, “I send you this file in order to have your advice.”

Explorezip: This worm used fake emails to spread to every machine on thousands of local networks.

Melissa: The most dangerous computer virus in 1999, Melissa sent copies of itself that looked like NSFW pics. The U.S. FBI estimated cleanup and repair costs at $80 million.

Flashback: A Mac-only virus, Flashback infected over 600,000 Macs in 2012 and even infected Apple’s home base in Cupertino, Calif. In 2020, there’s now more malware on Macs than on PCs.

Conficker: This 2009 virus still infects many legacy systems and could do significant damage if it ever activates.

Stuxnet: This worm is reported to have destroyed Iranian nuclear centrifuges by sending damaging instructions.

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Completely Remove MixGames from Your Windows PC

mixGames is an Extension for Google Chrome that adds “Games:” functions to Google Chrome. In our testing, this function did not work and only redirects you back to the extension page. There are two variations of mixGames: mixGames Search, which changes the Chrome homepage to one managed by their own advertising-driven search; and mixGames Start, which changes the homepage in Chrome. These extensions utilize Searchalo to change search engine functions from the default or user-set preferences to Yahoo, injecting additional advertising. Due to the browser function modifications, mixGames is classified as potentially unwanted and is flagged for detection and optional removal by some Antivirus programs.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a common type of online fraud where your web browser configuration settings are altered to allow it to do things you do not intend. They are created to disrupt web browser programs for a variety of reasons. These are typically used to force hits to predetermined sites, manipulating web traffic to generate ad revenue. Nevertheless, it isn’t that innocent. Your internet safety is jeopardized and it is also extremely annoying. What’s more, hijackers can make the entire infected system fragile – other dangerous malware and viruses would use these opportunities to get into your system very easily.

Indications of browser hijack

There are various symptoms that could indicate a browser hijacking: 1. the browser’s home page is modified 2. new bookmarks pointing to pornographic websites are added to your favorite pages 3. the main web browser settings are modified and unwanted or unsafe resources are added to the trusted websites listing 4. you’re getting new toolbars you have never noticed before 5. your browser will display constant pop-up windows 6. your internet browser starts running sluggishly or exhibits frequent errors 7. you cannot go to certain sites like home pages of antivirus software.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer

Browser hijackers infect computers by numerous means, including through a file-share, a drive-by download, or an infected e-mail attachment. Many internet browser hijackings come from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to web browsers to give them extra capabilities. A browser hijacker can be installed as a part of freeware, demoware, shareware, and fake programs. A good example of a well-known browser hijacker is the latest Chinese malicious software known as “Fireball”, which has infected 250 million computer systems globally. It works as a hijacker but can be turned into a full-functioning malware downloader later on. Browser hijacking can cause severe privacy problems and even identity theft, disrupt your web browsing experience by taking command over outbound traffic, substantially slows down your personal computer by depleting a lot of resources, and result in system instability at the same time.

How you can fix a browser hijack

Some hijackers can be easily removed by uninstalling the free software they were included with or by eliminating any extension you’ve recently added to your browser. But, the majority of hijacking codes aren’t easy to remove manually, since they go deeper into your operating system. Besides, browser hijackers can modify the Windows registry therefore it can be quite hard to restore all of the values manually, especially if you’re not a very tech-savvy individual.

How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected PC

All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary according to the specific kind of malware. Certain malware types modify web browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit certain or all internet sites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to remove the infection. If you are reading this, you may have affected by a virus that stops you from downloading a computer security application like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Do as instructed below to remove malware by alternate methods.

Get rid of viruses in Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, you could modify Windows settings, uninstall or install some applications, and remove hard-to-delete viruses. In the event the malware is blocking internet access and affecting your computer, running it in Safe Mode allows you to download anti-malware and run a diagnostic scan while limiting possible damage. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the PC is starting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to download and install your antivirus software program without the hindrance of the malware. Following installation, run the malware scanner to get rid of standard infections.

Switch over to an alternative browser

Some malware only targets specific internet browsers. If this sounds like your situation, make use of another internet browser as it could circumvent the computer virus. The ideal way to avoid this issue is to pick a web browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you secure online.

Create a portable USB antivirus for removing malware

Another option would be to make a portable antivirus program on your USB flash drive. Do these simple steps to clean up your affected computer using a portable antivirus. 1) On a clean computer, download and install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the USB drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to open the installation wizard. 4) Choose the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the antivirus. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the flash drive from the clean PC to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes program from the pen drive. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and get rid of all types of malware.

Protect Your Computer & Privacy With SafeBytes Anti-Malware

These days, an anti-malware tool can protect your computer from different kinds of online threats. But how do choose the best one among several malware protection software that’s available on the market? You may be aware, there are lots of anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some are well worth your money, but most aren’t. You have to be very careful not to choose the wrong application, especially if you purchase a paid software. Among few good applications, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is the highly recommended program for the security-conscious user. SafeBytes anti-malware is a powerful, very effective protection software intended to assist users of all levels of IT literacy in identifying and removing harmful threats out of their personal computers. Using its outstanding protection system, this software will quickly detect and remove the majority of the security threats, which include browser hijackers, viruses, adware, ransomware, PUPs, and trojans. SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a whole new level with its enhanced features. The following are some of the best ones: World-class AntiMalware Protection: Using its enhanced and sophisticated algorithm, this malware removal tool can identify and eliminate the malware threats hiding in your computer effectively. Active Protection: SafeBytes delivers complete and real-time security for your PC. It’ll constantly monitor your pc for hacker activity and also provides users with superior firewall protection. Website Filtering: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes alerts you whether a site is safe or not to visit it. This will assure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the web. Faster Scan: This tool has one of the fastest and most efficient virus scanning engines in the industry. The scans are very accurate and take a short amount of time to complete. Low Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is really lightweight software. It consumes an extremely small amount of processing power as it works in the background therefore you will not see any computer performance problems. 24/7 Assistance: You can get totally free 24/7 technical support from their computer experts on any product queries or computer security issues.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not wish to use malware removal software and like to remove mixGames manually, you may accomplish this by going to the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending program; in cases of browser extensions, you could uninstall it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. It is also suggested to factory reset your browser settings to their default state. Lastly, examine your hard disk for all of the following and clean your Windows registry manually to remove leftover application entries following an uninstallation. But bear in mind, this is a complicated task and only computer experts can perform it safely. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Completing this task in Safe Mode is recommended.

Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMain Default_Page_URL HKEY_LOCAL_MachineSoftwareClassesmixGame HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun .exe HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet Settingsrandom HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionrunrandom HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionInternet Settings CertificateRevocation = ’0

Windows Photo Viewer can’t display picture

There are instances when you open a picture or an image in the Windows Photo Viewer and instead of displaying the image, it displays nothing and you’ll see an error message instead that says, “Windows Photo Viewer can’t display this picture because there might not be enough memory available on your computer”. Although this may look like a clear-cut issue of less storage space or low RAM in your computer, that’s not always the case. Security experts noticed that even when your computer has enough resources and disk space, this kind of problem could still occur. So if you experience the same thing, you need to check the Color Profile of your screen. For more information, refer to the detailed instructions provided below but before you proceed, make sure that you close some processes in the Task Manager or restart your computer and see if it helps in fixing the problem. You can also try using the Disk Cleanup tool. To use it, refer to these steps:

Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “cleanmgr” in the field and hit Enter to open the Disk Cleanup window.
After that, select the drive you want to clean.
Now click OK to clean the disk and restart your computer.

If the Disk Cleanup tool didn’t help in resolving the issue, refer to the instructions below. Step 1: In the search box, type “color management” and then select the “Change advanced color management settings for display” option from the search results. Or you could simply go to Settings > System > Display, Advanced display settings, and from there, select display and click on the Display adapter properties of Display. Step 2: Next, switch to the Color Management tab and click on the Color Management button. Step 3: Select the monitor where you’re getting the “Windows Photo Viewer can’t display this picture because there might not be enough memory available on your computer” error in the next window. And if you have two displays, make sure that you select the primary display. You also have an option to identify the monitor. Step 4: Once confirmed, select the “Use my settings for this device” checkbox. Step 5: After that, select the Profile listed under the “Profiles associated with this device” option and then click on Remove. Step 6: Next, go to the Advanced tab and make sure that all settings are set to System default which includes a device profile, perceptual images, rendering intent, Relative Colorimetric, and many more. Step 7: Once you’re done, you have to restart your computer and then try to open the same image you were trying to open earlier and then check if you can now open it instead of seeing the error.

How to Fix Jp2klib.dll Error Code

Jp2klib.dll Error - What is it?

Jp2klib.dll is a type of Dynamic Link Library. This file is developed by Adobe Systems Inc and associated with CS2 (Creative Suite 2 Premium). Like all DLL files, this file also contains small programs that support programs developed by Adobe Systems on your PC. The function of Jp2klib.dll is to load and run programs. Jp2klib.dll error occurs when it fails to do so. It occurs during program startup. Jp2klib.dll error is displayed in several different formats depending on the cause of the error. Here are some common error messages that you may come across:

"JP2KLib.dll not found."
"Cannot find C:\WindowsSystem32\JP2KLib.dll."
"Cannot start Creative Suite 2 Premium. A required component is missing: JP2KLib.dll. Please install Creative Suite 2 Premium again."
"Cannot register JP2KLib.dll."
"The file JP2KLib.dll is missing."
"This application failed to start because JP2KLib.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
JP2KLib.dll Access Violation."

Solution

Error Causes

There are several causes for the Jp2klib.dll error code pop-up. These include:

Hardware failure
Jp2klib.dll file not properly registered
Viral infection
Deleted, missing, or corrupted Jp2klib.dll file
Registry problems
Another program overwrote the Jp2klib.dll file

The good news is that this is not a fatal error code like the blue screen of death errors. However, it is still advisable to resolve it right away to avoid inconvenience. This error may limit your ability to access your desired program.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Follow these methods to resolve Jp2klib.dll error code on your PC in a few minutes without any professional assistance or technical know-how:

Method 1 - Re-register the Jp2klib.dll file

Sometimes Jp2klib.dll error may occur if the DLL file is not registered properly. In such a situation "JP2KLib.dll not registered" error message will pop on your computer screen. To resolve, all you need to do is register this file. Follow these steps to register the Jp2klib.dll file on your PC:

Go to the start menu, type the command in the search box. Don’t press enter yet.
First, hold CTRL-SHIFT and then press it. This action will prompt a permission dialog box. Click yes to proceed.
You will be asked to enter a command, here simply type regsvr32 /u JP2KLib.dll and then press enter.
This will first unregister the previous Jp2klib.dll file. Now type regsvr32 /i JP2KLib.dll and press enter to re-register the same file.
After this, close the command window and reboot your PC to activate changes.

Method 2 - Check the Recycle Bin and Restore the Jp2klib.dll file

If you come across this error message "JP2KLib.dll not found”, this indicates a missing Jp2klib.dll file. This usually happens if you recently uninstalled a program on your system which was also supported by the Jp2klib.dll file due to which the file was also deleted. But don’t worry! Check your recycle bin to retrieve the accidentally deleted file on your system. If you find it restore, but if you don’t then simply download it from a reliable DLL website.

Method 3 - Scan for Viruses

Install and run an antivirus to detect viruses. Viruses are malicious programs that damage and corrupt DLL files like the Jp2klib.dll file. Scan for all viruses on your PC and remove them to fix the problem.

Method 4 - Repair the Registry

If you don’t clean the registry often it becomes accumulated with obsolete files like bad and broken entries, cookies, and junk files. These files corrupt the registry and damage system and DLL files also stored in the same location. It then leads to such error message pop-ups. To resolve, download Restoro. This is an advanced PC Fixer deployed with a registry cleaner. It is easy to use and in just a few clicks can repair the Jp2klib.dll error on your PC. The registry cleaner scans and removes all obsolete files. It cleans the registry and repairs the damaged system and DLL files. Click here to download Total System Care and fix the Jp2klib.dll error.

How to remove Nectar Toolbar from your Windows PC

Nectar Toolbar is a Browser addon for Internet Explorer developed by AIMIA Coalition Loyalty. This addon changed your default search provider to Yahoo UK. While installed, you might see additional unwanted ads and sponsored links injected in the search results.

From the Author: We all search the web every day for information from handy how-to’s, must know news about shopping. So wouldn’t it be great if you could collect extra Nectar points just for doing something you do already? Like to shop online? Nectar Search will also tell you when you’re on a shopping website (like Argos, Debenhams, Next, Play.com, and Apple) where you can collect points too.

Several anti-virus scanners have marked this addon as a Browser Hijacker and are therefore not recommended to keep on your computer.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking means a malicious program code has power over and modified the settings of your browser, without your permission. Browser hijackers could do more than just changing home pages. In general, hijackers are developed for the benefit of online hackers often through income generation that comes from forced ad mouse clicks and website visits. Nonetheless, it isn’t that harmless. Your web safety is compromised and it is also really annoying. In a much worst case, your browser could be hijacked to download malicious software that will do a great deal of damage to your computer.

Key symptoms that your browser has been hijacked

When your browser is hi-jacked, the following can happen: you notice unauthorized changes to your internet browser’s homepage; you observe new unwanted favorites or bookmarks added, usually directed to advertisement-filled or porn websites; the default browser configurations have been changed and/or your default web engine is altered; unwanted new toolbars are added to your internet browser; you might notice numerous pop-up adverts on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; You can’t access particular websites, especially anti-malware websites.

Exactly how they invade computers

A browser hijacker can be installed on your computer or laptop when you go to an infected site, click on an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing site. Many internet browser hijackings originate from add-on programs, i.e., browser helper objects (BHO), toolbars, or plug-ins added to browsers to provide them additional features. Other times you might have accidentally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software bundle (generally freeware or shareware). Popular examples of browser hijackers include CoolWebSearch, Conduit, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do. Browser hijacking can bring about serious privacy problems and even identity theft, affect your web browsing experience by taking control over outgoing traffic, drastically slows down your computer or laptop by depleting lots of resources, and lead to system instability also.

Browser hijacker removal methods

Some browser hijacking can be easily stopped by identifying and eliminating the corresponding malware software from your control panel. However, most hijackers are quite tenacious and require specialized applications to get rid of them. Moreover, browser hijackers could modify the Windows registry so it can be extremely tough to fix manually, particularly when you are not a tech-savvy person. Browser hijackers can be effectively removed by installing and running an anti-malware application on the affected computer. To get rid of any browser hijacker out of your computer, you could download this particular top-notch malware removal application – SafeBytes Anti-Malware. Together with anti-malware, a PC optimizer software, similar to Total System Care, could help you correct Windows registry errors, remove unwanted toolbars, secure your internet privacy, and stabilize programs installed on your computer.

Find Out How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer system

All malware is bad and the consequences of the damage will vary based on the specific type of malicious software. Certain malware goes to great lengths to stop you from downloading or installing anything on your computer system, particularly anti-virus programs. If you are reading this, you probably have infected by a virus that stops you from installing a security program like Safebytes Anti-Malware. Follow the instructions below to remove malware through alternative methods.

Install in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode is a unique, simplified version of Windows where just essential services are loaded to counteract malware and other problematic programs from loading. In case the malicious software is set to load immediately when the PC boots, switching to this mode could prevent it from doing so. To boot into Safe Mode, hit “F8” key on the keyboard right before Windows logo screen appears; Or right after normal Windows boot up, run MSCONFIG, look over Safe Boot under Boot tab, and then click Apply. Once you are in Safe Mode, you can try to install your anti-malware application without the hindrance of the malware. After installation, run the malware scanner to eliminate standard infections.

Download the anti-malware program in a different internet browser

Some malware only targets particular internet browsers. If this is your case, employ another browser as it might circumvent the computer virus. In case you suspect that your Internet Explorer happens to be hijacked by a computer virus or otherwise compromised by online hackers, the most effective course of action is to switch over to a different web browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari to download your favorite security application – Safebytes Anti-Malware.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Another solution is to save and run an anti-malware software program entirely from a Thumb drive. To run antivirus from a thumb drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug the USB drive into the clean computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the anti-malware software to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Select the drive letter of the pen drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you would like to install the anti-virus. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the affected computer for malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

To protect your laptop or computer from various internet-based threats, it’s important to install anti-malware software on your personal computer. However, with countless numbers antimalware companies out there, these days it is hard to decide which one you should buy for your laptop. Some of them do a great job in eliminating malware threats while some will damage your PC by themselves. You must be careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you buy a paid application. On the list of strongly recommended software by industry leaders is SafeBytes Anti-Malware, the most dependable program for Microsoft Windows. SafeBytes anti-malware is a trustworthy tool that not only secures your PC permanently but is also quite user-friendly for people of all skill levels. Once you’ve got installed this application, SafeByte's sophisticated protection system will ensure that no viruses or malware can seep through your PC.

SafeBytes anti-malware provides an array of enhanced features that sets it aside from all others. Some of them are listed as below:

Real-Time Protection: SafeBytes gives you round-the-clock protection for your PC limiting malware intrusions in real-time. This utility will constantly monitor your computer for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat landscape. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: Built on a greatly acclaimed anti-virus engine, this malware removal application can find and get rid of numerous stubborn malware threats such as browser hijackers, potentially unwanted programs, and ransomware that other common anti-virus applications will miss. Website Filtering: Safebytes allots all websites a unique safety score that helps you to have an idea of whether the webpage you’re just about to visit is safe to browse or known to be a phishing site. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, with its advanced scanning engine, offers extremely fast scanning which can promptly target any active online threat. Low CPU/Memory Usage: SafeBytes is well known for its low influence on processing power and great detection rate of various threats. It operates silently and efficiently in the background so you’re free to utilize your PC at full power all of the time. 24/7 Customer Service: For any technical concerns or product assistance, you could get 24/7 professional assistance through chat and email. Put simply, SafeBytes has created a meaningful anti-malware solution that is aimed to protect you against all manner of malware. You now may understand that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats from your PC. So if you’re searching for the absolute best malware removal application out there, and when you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for it, opt for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

To eliminate Nectar Toolbar manually, go to the Add or Remove programs list in the Windows Control Panel and choose the program you want to remove. For browser extensions, go to your web browser’s Addon/Extension manager and select the add-on you want to remove or disable. You’ll probably also want to reset your internet browser to its default settings. Finally, check your hard disk for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to get rid of leftover application entries after uninstallation. But bear in mind, this can be a tough task and only computer professionals can perform safely. In addition, certain malicious programs have the capability to defend against its removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is suggested.

Files: C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaPoints.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaPointsAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\AimiaToolbar.css C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowDown.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowRight.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ArrowUp.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\arrow_refresh.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\background.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\background.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\basis.xml C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\BrowserTweak.css C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\btn-background-grey.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CanCollect.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CanCollectAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\closeIcon.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\cog.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\Collecting.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\CollectingAct.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\computer_delete.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\eShopsMenu.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\eShopsMenu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\help.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\HelpMenu.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\HelpMenu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-128.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-16.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icon-48.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icons.bmp C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\icons.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie7vista.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie7xp.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\ie8bg.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\IE8GuardWorkaround.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\info.txt C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\InstIcon.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\jquery-1.7.2.min.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\jquery.placeholder.min.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\JSON.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\main.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\menu.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\nectar-icon-32×32.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\PIE.htc C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\PIE.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\SearchHist.html C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\SearchHist.js C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\search_glass.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\separator.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\separator_arrows.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\TbCommonUtils.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\tbcore3.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\TbHelper2.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\tbhelperU.dll C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\uninstall.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\UninstIcon.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\update.exe C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\version.txt C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\Yahoo.ico C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\yahoo.png C:\Program Files (x86)\Nectar Toolbar\tbunsg7A.tmp\your_logo.png Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software376694984709702142491016734454 HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run 13376694984709702142491016734454

Creating custom Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts are undeniably one of the most utilized ways and are helpful in maximizing productivity through the various applications at top speed in Windows 10. It offers the option to create custom keyboard shortcuts that allow users to launch apps, and even websites, instantly. There are already tons of keyboard shortcuts that are built-in in Windows 10 but in case you don’t know, you can actually create new ones. Doing so is not a difficult task and in this post, you will be guided on how you can exactly create custom keyboard shortcuts in your Windows 10 computer. Most users would create desktop shortcuts or pin the apps in the taskbar to speed up the process of working on their computers. It is an easy task to do since you can easily do it by dragging an app from the Start Menu to the desktop or by simply right-clicking on the executable app and selecting the “Create Shortcut” option. However, doing so would take physical effort and there are times when you have to minimize all the apps to get to the desktop so you can click the shortcut and this is where the Custom Keyboard Shortcuts come in handy. You can create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10 for various programs – from the traditional desktop apps to the new universal apps – you can fling in a shortcut so that you can instantly open them faster compared to when doing it manually and besides this also wouldn’t affect any of the ongoing system activity. To get started, you need to follow the steps provided below carefully.

To add Custom Keyboard hotkeys to a program and website desktop shortcuts, here’s what you have to do:

Step 1: First, you have to right-click on the app or website and select Properties. Step 2: After that, go to the Shortcut tab and from there, you will see the “Shortcut key” textbox which allows you to enter a new or custom keyboard shortcut for the app or website. Step 3: In the textbox field, input your preferred letters to set up the new hotkey. Keep in mind that this custom shortcut has to be combined with the Ctrl + Alt keys which means that if you want to select “N”, you have to tap the Ctrl + Alt + N keys. Step 4: Once done, click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made and then close the window. Step 5: After that, tap the newly created keyboard shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + N keys again to open the app or website you’ve set up earlier.

To add Custom Keyboard hotkeys to a desktop app or an independent program that can be installed using direct download, here’s what you have to do:

Step 1: First, open the Start Menu and look for the icon/tile of the required app in the menu. However, if you are not able to find the desired app, then just click on the All Apps option to navigate through all the apps that are installed on your PC. Step 2: Once you find the app, just right-click on it and select More and then click on the “Open file location” option. Step 3: This will open a new window with the shortcut icon. Right-click on the app’s shortcut icon and select Properties. Step 4: This will open the Properties window where you can add the shortcut combination. Keep in mind that just like the previous method, the custom shortcut has to be combined with the Ctrl + Alt keys. For instance, if you select E, then you also have to set a keyboard shortcut that includes Ctrl + Alt, so it will be, Ctrl + Alt + E. Step 5: Once you’re done, click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made. You should now be able to use the custom shortcut key you’ve set.

How to Fix Error Code 0x800704c7 in Windows 10

Error Code 0x800704c7 – What is it?

Error code 0x800704c7 occurs when Windows users attempt to update their system. It affects various Windows users including those using Windows 7, Windows 8, and 8.1 and Windows 10. It usually occurs due to poor maintenance of the system and includes common symptoms such as the following:

Inability to upgrade your Windows operating system
Message box with error code 0x800704c7

Solution

Error Causes

Error code 0x800704c7 in Windows 10 can occur due to several reasons. For instance, it may be due to corrupted or missing system files. It may also result from malicious programs affecting your system or occur when a program or several programs are running in the background of one’s system while the user attempts to run the update.

To correct this issue, Windows users will need to select one or a few methods, depending on the issues affecting their PC.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Some of the best solutions for error code 0x800704c7 available to Windows users including using tools to scan for missing systems files or correct other issues inherent within your system.

These methods may include the use of Command Prompt and the performance of technical repair procedures. If you are uncertain of your skills, avoid compounding the issue or causing further damage to your PC by contacting a skilled Windows repair technician. This IT professional will be best equipped to use Windows tools and other methods to resolve error code 0x800704c7.

Method One: Scan Your System for Missing or Corrupt System Files

Using System File Checker Tool (SFC), Windows users can check their system for missing o corrupt system files. These utility tools within your Windows device will be able to replace missing files and repair corrupted ones, resulting in a more efficient system. Run this tool by following the steps below:

Step One: Go to Start and type Command Prompt or CMD.
Step Two: Run as Administrator
Step Three: Type sfc /scannow. (Be sure to place a space between “sfc” and “/scannow”).

After running these procedures, check if the error code has been resolved. Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update. Update your Windows operating system. If error code 0x800704c7 reoccurs, you will need to try the next method below.

Method Two: Restore your System

System Restore is one of the best manual repair solutions Windows users can apply when they come across error codes like error code 0x800704c7. That’s because this method requires no technical or advanced knowledge and therefore can be performed by anyone. Simply follow the steps below to restore your system to a period of time in the past where the error was not present on your system. If done correctly, this could enable you to resolve the issue with little frustration on your part.

Step one: Type Control Panel in the search bar near the Start button
Step two: Select Control Panel, then Recovery
Step three: Select System Restore then click Next
Step four: Select a restore point before appeared on your Windows 10 system
Step five: Select Next then Finish

Note that once System Restore is enabled it will remove drivers, apps, and even updates installed after the restore point. For this reason, be careful to choose the most appropriate restore point. Also once you’ve completed this task, check to see if you are able to update your system. If the update stops before the process is complete and a message box occurs with the error code 0x800704c7, proceed to the next manual repair option below.

Method Three: Check for and Remove Malware

Viruses or other forms of malware can adversely affect your system, causing error codes and other issues to take place. To resolve error code 0x800704c7 in Windows 10, check for and remove malware using a reputable anti-malware program.

If no anti-virus software is present on your system or if you scan your device but fail to spot an issue, proceed to method four.

Method Four: Use an Automated Tool

This method involves the use of a powerful automated tool. But why is this important you might ask? A third-party tool is often the best solution when all manual repair efforts fail. Automated tools come equipped to tackle the most serious PC problems including error codes which can cause frustration and result in reduces PC performance.

Patch for Windows Error Code 41

Code 41 - What is it?

Poor PC maintenance can lead to error message pop-ups like error code 41. Code 41 is one of the several Device Manager Error codes.

This error indicates 2 things: issues with the device driver for the hardware you wish to use, or the hardware device is not properly attached to your system.

The error code 41 is usually displayed in the following format:

“Windows successfully loaded the device driver for this hardware but cannot find the hardware device.” Code 41

Solution

Error Causes

For successful installation of a new hardware piece, it is imperative to follow the installation routine correctly and allow it to complete properly, especially with USB devices.

This is important largely because if installation is not followed and executed properly, code 41 can pop up.

Code 41 is also related to device driver problems. It can occur if your system device drivers are outdated. Also, if the device is a CD/DVD drive, code 41 can occur due to conflicts with 3rd party disc burning software.

Although Device Manager Error code 41 is not detrimental, it is still advisable to repair it as quickly as you can. Code 41 can negatively affect your PC. It can:

Lower your PC’s Performance
Limit your ability to use your desired piece of hardware device

Further Information and Manual Repair

As compared to the blue screen of death errors, Device Manager Error codes are much easier to resolve.

Here are some of the best, effective and easy-to-resolve methods to help you fix code 41 on your PC, in a few minutes.

To work around these methods, you don’t have to be a technical whiz or a computer programmer. Simply follow these steps to resolve:

Method 1 - Uninstall Faulty Drivers and then Reinstall

To repair code 41 on your system, try uninstalling problematic drivers and then reinstalling new drivers. To do this, follow these instructions:

Click the start button
Then type Device Manager in the search bar and press enter
Once the Device Manager opens, look for problematic devices
Click on the device whose driver you wish to uninstall
Double click to uninstall
Windows will prompt you to confirm the device removal
Accept changes and confirm by clicking on OK
Now reboot your PC to activate changes
The next step is to reinstall the driver properly. To do this, simply follow the same steps. Once you access the Device Manager,
Click on the Action tab in the toolbar
After that select the option ‘Scan for Hardware Changes’

This will hopefully resolve error code 41 on your system and you will be able to use your desired hardware device without any hassle. Nonetheless, if the error code continues to persist, try other methods illustrated below.

Method 2 - Replace the Hardware or Try Reattaching it to your System

Sometimes the error may pop up due to poorly configured devices. This is common if it is a plug-and-play device. The best way to resolve is to remove the device, reattach it properly, and then try using it again.

However, if the problem is with the hardware, then it is advisable to replace the hardware with a new device compatible with your Windows version.

Method 3 - Update the Drivers Manually

If the underlying cause for error code 41 is outdated or corrupted drivers, then it is advisable to update the drivers.

However, when updating drivers and ensuring that the newly installed drivers work perfectly, make sure you install versions that are compatible with your device and Windows. Incompatible drivers are no good.

You will continue to face Device Manager Errors if you install incompatible drivers.

To update drivers, here’s what you have to do:

Identify the problematic drivers
Go to the Device Manager and locate all drivers with yellow exclamation marks
Now install new and compatible driver versions from the manufacturers’ site

Method 4 - Download Driver Assist to Update Drivers Automatically

Updating drivers manually will take time, so perform this task when you are free and have nothing else on your mind. However, if you wish to resolve the issue immediately and have the time to invest in manual updates, then consider downloading DriverFIX.

DriverFIX is a feature-rich and an innovative software program deployed with an intelligent programming system and intuitive technology.

It is exclusively designed to resolve PC device driver problems. Once installed on your system, it scans your PC and identifies problematic drivers.

After that it matches latest and compatible driver versions and updates them immediately within a few seconds. DriverFIX updates drivers both automatically and on a regular basis.

Click here to download DriverFIX to update drivers and repair error code 41.

Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free

Error Code “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free” – What is it?

Windows 10 isn’t activated error occurs when Windows users attempt to upgrade to Windows 10 for free and end up in a non-activated state. It is a Windows 10 activation error affecting PC owners who attempt to upgrade their Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating systems. A message box will appear with the following message: “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free from Windows 7 SPI or Windows 8.1 update.”

Common symptoms of this error code include the following:

Inability to upgrade for free to Windows 10
The appearance of activation error code in the message box

Solution

Error Causes

To understand the cause of this activation error, users will need to understand activation within Windows. Activation is a process that allows Windows to verify that you are upgrading your operating system based on the Microsoft Software Licensing Terms. These terms specify, for instance, the number of devices upon which you can use Windows.

Once you have a genuine copy of Windows and you are following the terms mentioned earlier, you should be able to activate and complete the upgrade to Windows 10. However, the activation fails when these conditions are not met. Note also that the error may occur if users fail to upgrade to Windows 10 before reinstalling, requiring them to repeat the installation process by first going back to the previous version of Windows present on their system. Once the upgrade process is not done as should, you might encounter other Windows 10 errors such as error code 0xc0000142

If you see this error code, “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free” proceed to rectify it using manual repair methods below.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix this activation error code in Windows 10, users will need to employ at least one manual repair procedure. This process can successfully be completed by non-technical Windows users. However, you may also consider getting assistance from a Windows repair technician if you are not certain you have the requisite skills needed to complete the manual repair tasks below.

The main methods to resolve the error code “Windows 10 isn’t activated after upgrading for free from Windows 7 SPI or Windows 8.1 update” is as follows:

Method One: Manually Activate Windows

If you attempted upgrading for free to Windows 10 and ended up with the activation error you will need to first perform a manual activation. Follow the steps below to complete the process.

Step one: Tap or click the Start button
Step two: Select Settings then Update & security
Step three: Select Activation
Step four: Once activation status is Connect to the Internet to activate Windows, click or tap Activate

The steps above enable users to successfully activate Windows 10 if the issue involves a connection problem. However, if Windows is not activated, it may mean your copy of Windows is not genuine. This may require you purchase a copy of Windows to rectify the issue. However, if you have a genuine copy of Windows proceed by applying the steps found in method two.

Method Two: Use Product Key to Verify Copy of Windows

A valid product key is one way you can verify your copy of Windows is genuine. This will enable you to complete activation and allow you to access the free upgrade to Windows 10. Follow the steps below.

Step one: Click or tap the Start button
Step two: Select Settings then Update & security
Step three: Click Activation
Step four: Select Change Product Key then type in the product key. (Ensure you type the 25 characters in the correct order.)

Method Three: Use an Automated Tool

Error codes in Windows often occur due to poor maintenance of one’s PC. To improve your system and reduce your machine’s risk of experiencing error codes, download a powerful automated tool. This tool is both powerful and user-friendly, making its benefits accessible to even the most non-technical Windows users.

Turn On/Off and Clear Windows Clipboard

Windows 10 has a Cloud Clipboard feature that allows users to have a list of multiple copied text in place so that they can reuse it. And each time the computer restarts, the Clipboard Data is cleared. However, you can actually do it manually. How? Read on as this post will walk you through how you can turn on or off as well as clear the Clipboard history in Windows 10. This kind of feature is already available in Windows 10 v1903. In the previous versions of Windows, there was no feature to turn off history in the clipboard and users have to use other ways to clear the clipboard history. And now it seems that Microsoft has put an end to this dilemma as it now allows users to clear the clipboard history. To turn on or off or clear the Clipboard history, here are some instructions you need to follow: Step 1: Tap the Win + X keys to open the power menu and select Settings. Step 2: After that, navigate to Settings > System > Clipboard. Step 3: From there, turn off the toggle button under the Clipboard history section. This will turn off the Cloud Clipboard feature. As a result, the default clipboard will hold one last item and will not display the data on the clipboard. Note: When you tap the Win + V keys to invoke the clipboard manager, you will see a prompt that says, “Can’t show history, See all copied items in place, Turn on clipboard history”. You have the option to turn it back on by simply clicking on the available button. Doing so would only hide the existing data and makes sure that no copy of the data is kept.

Conclusion

On the other hand, if you want to clear the clipboard without affecting its history data, you have to make sure to pin the items on the clipboard that you want to stay. After that, click on the three-dotted icon for the menu and click on the “clear all” option. This will delete all the entries but will keep the pinned items on your clipboard.

DuckDuckGo's Browser is not blocking MS scripts

DuckDuckGo has risen in the public eye as a private search engine offering searches without tracking. A less known fact about DuckDuckGo is that they have their own browser, well they have it for the Android platform and it was stated that it is coming for desktops soon.

People were excited for this new browser for a few reasons, one of them being privacy and another that it is built from scratch, not using existing chromium runtime that assured users that privacy is the main focus. Still, lately, things got a little out of control. Duckduckgo is under fire from users since a security researcher has discovered that there is an exception for Microsoft trackers inside Browser.

The main feature of their browser is that it blocks tracking scripts and most online advertising with the goal of preventing servers from collecting data about your online behavior. Of course, tracking protection is never 100% effective since it requires a lot of manual labor from people to add sites and links to blocklists but it was discovered that DuckDuckGo has a defined exception in the browser for Microsoft owned ad networks and tracking scripts giving them free pass even when they are related to privacy compromisation.

Zach Edwards first pointed out the exception in a series of tweets, after noticing DuckDuckGo on iPhone and Android wasn’t blocking LinkedIn and Bing advertisements on Facebook’s Workplace site.

You can capture data within the DuckDuckGo so-called private browser on a website like Facebook's https://t.co/u8W44qvsqF and you'll see that DDG does NOT stop data flows to Microsoft's Linkedin domains or their Bing advertising domains.
iOS + Android proof:
👀🫥😮‍💨🤡⛈️⚖️💸💸💸 pic.twitter.com/u3Q30KIs7e
— ℨ𝔞𝔠𝔥 𝔈𝔡𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔡𝔰 (@thezedwards) May 23, 2022

DuckDuckGo’s CEO and founder, Gabriel Weinberg, replied with his own series of tweets.

Most of our other protections also apply to MSFT-owned properties as well. This is just about non-DuckDuckGo and non-Microsoft sites, where our search syndication agreement prevents us from stopping Microsoft-owned scripts from loading, though we can still apply protections post-load (like 3rd party cookie blocking). We are also working to change that.

DuckDuckGo says it uses over 400 sources for search engine results, including the company’s own web crawler, but typical link results are sourced most commonly from Bing. According to Weinberg, DuckDuckGo’s ability to use Bing search results depends on a carved-out exception for Microsoft’s ads in the mobile browser. A representative from DuckDuckGo told that third-party cookies from Microsoft services are still blocked.

Of course, the main aim and campaign of DUckDuckGo's rise was private search and private browsing so this kind of news did not go well among long supporters. The latest statement from them is as follows:

We have always been extremely careful to never promise anonymity when browsing, because that frankly isn’t possible given how quickly trackers change how they work to evade protections and the tools we currently offer. When most other browsers on the market talk about tracking protection, they are usually referring to 3rd-party cookie protection and fingerprinting protection, and our browsers for iOS, Android, and our new Mac beta, impose these restrictions on third-party tracking scripts, including those from Microsoft.
What we’re talking about here is an above-and-beyond protection that most browsers don’t even attempt to do — that is, blocking third-party tracking scripts before they load on 3rd party websites. Because we’re doing this where we can, users are still getting significantly more privacy protection with DuckDuckGo than they would using Safari, Firefox and other browsers. This blog post we published gets into the real benefits users enjoy from this approach, like faster load times (46% average decrease) and less data transferred (34% average decrease). Our goal has always been to provide the most privacy we can in one download, by default without any complicated settings.

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