If you are using a Windows Update Standalone Installer to install Windows Updates in your Windows 10 computer but you suddenly encounter an error saying, “Installer encountered an error: 0x80096002, The certificate for the signer of the message is invalid or not found”, read on as this post will guide you on how you can fix it. This kind of error could be due to the vendor’s certificate that might have become invalid, compromised, or pulled. Aside from that, it is also possible that the update is not targeted at your OS version. You could get this error when you try to install an incompatible update or software on your computer. This error can also appear due to misconfigured system files or when you try to install BitLocker To Go Drive Encryption or BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool. To fix this error, you can try to run the standalone installer in Compatibility mode or enable the Windows Identity Foundation or run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Make sure to check if the error was resolved after every suggestion. It will help you learn what fixed the problem.

Option 1 – Try to run the installer in Compatibility mode

• 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 the Windows OS version you want the installer to run on.
• 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 error 0x80096002 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 – Try to enable the Windows Identity Foundation

You might also want to enable the Windows Identity Foundation as some users reported that it helped in resolving the error for them. To do so, follow these steps:

• In the Windows Start Search, type “Turn Windows features on or off” and click on the matching result.
• This will open a list of Windows Features and from there, look for the Windows Identity Foundation.
• Once you found it, click on its checkbox and click OK to enable it and save the changes made.
• Now see if it has fixed the error or not. If not, you have to disable the feature.

Option 4 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the things you can first check out as it is known to automatically resolve any Windows Update errors like error 0x80096002. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.

When trying to run Computer Management, or when running mmc.exe or compmgmt.msc from a command prompt you get the error that the application has been blocked for your protection then keep reading in order to solve the issue. This is a permission issue where if a regular user tries to run such system tools will result in saying that it has been blocked. Along with this, you may have a Group Policy issue. This can be fixed, but you will need admin permission to achieve it. It’s because when they are run from the command prompt with elevated privileges, it works.

1. Change Group Policy Settings

   If your account is an admin account, and you are still facing the issue, then change the group policy settings: Open Group Policy Settings by typing gpedit.msc in the run prompt followed by pressing ENTER Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Management Console > Restricted/Permitted snap-ins Locate Computer Management policy, and double click to open it Enable it, exit Group Policy. When Enabled: The snap-in is permitted and can be added into the Microsoft Management Console or run from the command line as a standalone console. When Disabled: The snap-in is prohibited and cannot be added into the Microsoft Management Console or run from the command line as a standalone console. An error message is displayed stating that the policy is prohibiting the use of this snap-in.

2. Temporarily disable UAC

   UAC is the user access control panel, and if you need to run the command right away, you can choose to disable it for some time. Click on the Start button, and then type UAC to find the User Account Control Settings. Click to open, and then slide down the notification setting at the bottom. It will temporarily allow launching the application as there is no check. However, make sure to switch to default once you are done.

System restore is usually the go-to tool when something goes bad in Windows, we fire it up and roll back Windows in the state when everything was working fine. But what if Windows does not want to boot? Can we use system restore in that case? The answer to that question would be yes, yes we can.

1. Boot interrupt Windows 10 by starting your PC and as soon as you see the Windows logo; press and hold the power button to force a shutdown.
2. Repeat this 2-4 times and Windows will open up the Advanced Startup Options menu for you.
3. At the Advanced Startup Options screen, select Advanced Options.
4. Select Troubleshoot.
5. Under the Advanced options screen, select System Restore.

or if you prefer, use Windows USB installation.

1. Boot the faulty PC using the Windows 10 installation media.
2. The Windows Setup dialog box will appear.
3. Set the Time and currency format, Keyboard or input method, and the language to install.
4. Click Next.
5. Click on Repair your computer from the lower-left corner.
6. From the Choose an option screen, click on Troubleshoot.
7. Click Advanced Options in the Troubleshoot screen.
8. In the Advanced Options screen, click System Restore.
9. Windows will take some time to prepare System Restore. It may even restart your computer or device.
10. When System Restore is ready, you will be prompted to choose a user account to continue.
11. Select an account that is set as administrator on your Windows 10 computer or device.
12. At the next screen, change the keyboard layout if you want and then input the password for that account.
13. Click the Continue button.

Troubleshoot Error 550

Error 550 - What is it?

Error 550 is an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) outgoing server error code. It usually occurs when you try to send emails through your Outlook account and the email message encounters a relay error. The email returns back without being delivered with a 550 error message. The error message is prompted as either of the following:

"550 Requested action not taken: mailbox unavailable" "550 5 2 1 mail from refused spam site"

In other words, the error code 550 means that your SMTP server was not able to deliver the sent email to the user.

Solution

Error Causes

There are multiple reasons for this error message including:

• The email address was typed incorrectly
• Incorrect SMTP Server settings
• ISP placing restrictions for outgoing mails on the email server
• System infected by virus or malware

Further Information and Manual Repair Regardless of what the reason may be for the error 550 code occurrence, it is advisable to repair and fix the issue quickly to avoid inconvenience. You may not be able to send emails from your Outlook account if the error continues. This can cause great hassle in corresponding with others timely and may create a big communication gap. Here are some quick and efficient ways to resolve this issue on your system:

Solution 1:

There is no need to panic when you encounter error 550. Sometimes the error message may occur because you inserted the wrong/ incorrect email address of the recipient. In such a case, cross-check the recipient’s email address to verify if it is correct. If not, insert the correct address and try sending the email again.

Solution 2:

If the error still persists, try other methods to resolve it. Sometimes error 550 can also occur due to incorrect SMTP settings. Fix it to resolve the error. This can be done by opening your Outlook settings Tools and Accounts option. Now go to view/change the email account for the email account you are having problems with. After that check, the SMTP server is set to mail.yourdomain.com. Then click more settings and then click the outgoing server tab. See if the ‘My server requires authentication for the outgoing server’ is checked. If not, then check on it. Then simply save to confirm changes. Now try emailing again. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue.

Solution 3:

Another reason for the error occurrence can be ISP blockage. When the junk email volumes increase, network administrators (the people who are responsible for managing ISP servers) place restrictions on SMTP email servers to prevent spam on their network. If this is the reason, contact your ISP administrator to resolve the issue.

Solution 4:

Malware and viral infection can also be the cause for error 550. To remove all kinds of viruses including Trojans and spyware and fix the issue right away without compromising on the speed of your PC it is advisable to download Restoro. This is a highly functional and advanced PC Fixer embedded with multiple utilities like a powerful antivirus and a system optimizer. It scans your entire PC in seconds, detects and removes all kinds of viruses. Simultaneously, the system optimizer feature ensures the speed of your PC does not slow down during the scanning and virus removal process. This feature boosts your PC speed significantly. It is user-friendly and has easy navigations making it quite simple for even those users who are not technically sound to work around it and operate it with ease. It is compatible with all Windows versions. Click here to download Restoro and resolve the error 550 messages today!

Outlook 2013 preview and sneak peek

Hello and welcome to our Outlook 2013 Preview. Everyone has heard of sneak peeks when it comes to new movies and games that are coming out soon. That is what advertisements and test reels are for to get the audience interested and excited before the piece of media even comes out. It serves to entertain the target audience in the months, maybe even years, up until the release date of this thing they want to play or see and it keeps it in the public mind. It is also great for the viewers because it is a hint to what they will expect when it comes out and it keeps them wanting more excitedly. However, did you know that sometimes computer software’s release previews and sneak peeks too?

Outlook 2013

Well, they do and Microsoft has released some sneak peeks and previews of their new Outlook, Outlook 2013! This is probably to get consumers ready for when it comes out next year; people are going to be getting excited about this new makeover that Microsoft Office, with Outlook, has given itself, people from Microsoft even saying it is ‘the most ambitious’ version of Office yet! The new orange color scheme and logo design look promising enough for the consumer without even checking the new features and special things that have been revealed about it yet!

Outlook 2013 Features

The best part of this new Outlook is that you can move widgets around in it. If you don’t like the fact that your inbox is placed over your outbox, you can move it- simple as that! It will be really handy for people who like messing around with layouts and will also be handy for people who tend to overlook things at the bottom of the pile like spam and trash if they can move them to a more noticeable location for themselves. Another great thing is that the new Microsoft Office that Outlook comes with has a cool new stylus option, allowing you to personalize things with your own handwriting or even drawings. This can then be used as your email signature on Outlook which can give a really nice and personal feel to emails you are sending. Another new thing is their labeling of drafts. Like Gmail, Google’s own email service, a red-lettered ‘draft’ will now appear over composing messages you have not yet sent.

Handy Email Tools in Outlook 2013

This is handy because you know where your message has been saved as opposed to how it could be saved in your outbox or be sent to the trash. Also, there are new links with Facebook that allow you to see what your friends are doing through Outlook. You can also converse with Facebook friends through Outlook now, which is a big step forward in this age of social media. You can get an email from a person and, at a click of a button, also read all their Facebook posts. However, there is not an option for Twitter or Tumblr or even Myspace, which is a shame I suppose, but maybe in the next update. So, I think Outlook 2013 will be worth looking at, don’t you?

From their infant stages to modern days, computer viruses were always kind of here. From simple ones that were annoying with playing speaker sounds and throwing messages on screen to more malicious ones capable of deleting and encrypting files. In today's modern world it is very important to protect yourself, modern viruses are not a joke anymore and they are aimed to create serious damage to computer systems. They can encrypt files in order to make you pay for a decrypter, they can straight up delete files or even cause some hardware damage. Like mentioned before protecting yourself is important, but protecting does not mean only having antivirus software installed, information, where are common places in which they lurk and could be picked up, is also very important. That is why we are exploring in this article the most common place where you can pick viruses or other malware.

Downloading Programs

Programs that contain the downloadable files are the commonest source of malware such as freeware, worms, and other executable files. Whether you download an image editing software, a music file, or an e-book, it is important to ensure the reliability of the source of the media. Unknown, new, or less popular sources should be avoided.

Pirated or Cracked Software

Are you aware of software cracking? Well, every time you open cracked software, your antivirus software might flag it as malware as the cracks consist of malicious scripts. Always say “No” to cracks as they can inject malicious script into your PC.

Email Attachments

Anyone can send you an email attachment whether you know them or not. Clicking on unknown links or attachments can harm your device. Think twice before clicking anything and make sure that file type is not ‘.exe’.

Internet

One of the easiest ways to get a virus on your device is through the Internet. Make sure to check the URL before accessing any website. For a secured URL always look for ‘HTTPS in it. For example, when you click videos published on social media websites, they may require you to install a particular type of plug-in to watch that video. But in reality, these plug-ins might be malicious software that can steal your sensitive information.

Booting Data from Unknown CDs

Malicious software can get into your device through an unknown CD. A good practice to be safe from malicious infection is to remove CD when your device is not working at all. Your system could reboot the CD if it is not removed before switching off the computer.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth transfers can also infect your system, so it is crucial to know what type of media file is being sent to your computer whenever a transfer takes place. An effective armor would be to allow Bluetooth connectivity with only known devices and activate it only when required.

Unpatched Software

Often overlooked, unpatched software is also a leading source of virus infection. Security holes in software are exploited by attackers and are unknown to software makers until the attackers release them in the form of zero-day attacks. It is therefore recommended to install software updates as soon as they are available on your PC.

Error Code 80073712—What is it?

Error code 80073712 is one of the dozens of error codes affecting Windows 10 users. It occurs when users attempt to upgrade their operating system but experience a failure. The error code usually results from problems associated with missing or damaged files within Windows Update. Common symptoms of this error code include the following:

• The inability of Windows Update to successfully complete the upgrade process
• Message box highlighting the presence of error code

Solution

Error Causes

In the case of error code 80073712, the issues preventing Windows Update from completing the upgrade process are most likely due to problems with files within Windows Update. For instance, there may be corruption within the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Manual repair methods offer solutions to Microsoft users who are experiencing Windows error codes like the upgrade error code 80073712 in Windows 10. The manual repair methods in this article are not guaranteed to fix problems unrelated to this error code. Thus, be certain you are experiencing error code 80073712 before you attempt to implement the solutions provided below.

Method One: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Since issues related to Windows Update may be causing error code 80073712 to occur, one of the best solutions you can consider is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This troubleshooter will be able to detect and fix corruptions within Windows Update files or any other issues directly related to Windows Update. To implement this manual repair method, follow the steps listed below:

• Step one: Open your Internet browser
• Step two: Type www.microsoft.com/downloads
• Step three: Type Windows Update Troubleshooter in the search bar at the top-right corner of the Microsoft website.
• Step four: Select Windows Update Troubleshooter then wait for the webpage to load.
• Step five: Select Run troubleshooter

Once you run the troubleshooter, you should be able to verify and fix any errors within Windows Update files. Restart your machine after the troubleshooting process is complete them proceed by checking Windows Update to see if you are able to complete the upgrade. If Windows Update downloads the upgrade and the installation of the upgrade occurs, the problem has been resolved. Otherwise, error code 80073712 will reoccur, in which case you will need to move to manual repair method two.

Method Two: Run DISM Tool

Another option available to Windows users experiencing error code 80073712 is to download and run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. This tool checks for inconsistencies or corruptions that may be preventing Windows Update services from functioning correctly. To download and run the tool, follow the instructions below:

• Step one: Type Command Prompt in the search box near the Start button
• Step two: Right-click Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator, providing administrator password or confirmation where necessary.
• Step three: Select Allow
• Step four: Press Enter after typing the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Wait a few minutes to ensure that the process is complete. Once you’ve run the DISM tool, it will detect errors, for instance within registry data, and correct or replace them. Restart your machine after running this tool then check Windows Update. Attempt to download the upgrade to see if you have successfully resolved error code 80073712. If you experience an upgrade failure, move to the next manual repair method mentioned below.

Method Three: Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10

The issues related to error code 80073712 may also be resolved by performing a clean install of Windows 10. This manual repair method ensures that any previous versions of your Windows operating system are removed before you attempt to access an upgrade. This can prove effective as it helps users avoid issues that would otherwise cause error codes or poor PC performance in cases where errors are present on one’s system.

To successfully perform a clean installation of Windows 10, be prepared to follow step-by-step procedures that include the following:

• Step one: Download and run media creation tool
• Step two: Click Run, then select Create installation media for another PC
• Step three: Select changes to the installation options, then select Next
• Step four: Choose USB flash drive or ISO file, then click Next
• Step five: Select drive, then Next
• Step six: Select Finish, then restart your computer, ensuring that the media option you choose, whether USB flash drive or DVD, is in your machine before you choose to reboot.
• Step seven: Press any key then follow the prompts provided to set up Windows 10.

Method Four: Download an Automated Tool

If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 8 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.

As you know, DLL files in the Windows environment contain all the code needed by programs in order to properly function. And like with most other software, the functions in the DLL file have to be compatible with Windows especially if they are using any built-in service. So if you encounter an error that says, “DLL is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error”, when you try to launch a program, then this could be due to a compatibility issue. To fix this error, read on as this post will walk you through doing that. Based on the reports of users who encountered this error, the error pointed to a DLL file that was either designed to run on a different version of Windows. It is also possible that the DLL file itself is the problem. Here’s the complete error message:

“Bad Image – DLL file is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support.”

According to security experts, the DLL files that are known to trigger this kind of error message are msvcr100.dll, msvcr110.dll, msvcp140.dll, lmirfsclientnp.dll, and so on. To fix this problem, you can try to update or reinstall the program that’s throwing the error to its latest version. You could also ask the vendor for the latest version of the DLL as well as run a System File Checker scan.

Option 1 – Try to update or reinstall the program to its latest version

The first thing you can do to fix the problem is to update or reinstall the program that’s throwing the error. It is possible that the version of DLL might be using a system call that is deprecated. So if you had updated your Windows 10 computer recently, you might want to check for an update of the software or you could also try to reinstall its latest version.

Option 2 – Try asking the vendor for the latest version of the DLL

The next thing you can do to fix the error is to ask for the latest version of DLL from the vendor. There are times when the software uses an open-source version of DLL so it is better if you ask the vendor if there is a DLL file that has to be updated. If there is, then you need to make sure to register the DLL once you have it.

Option 3 – Try to re-register the problematic DLL file

You can also try to re-register the DLL to resolve the problem. The Regsvr32 tool is a command-line utility that can be used to register and unregister OLE controls like DLL and ActiveX (OCX) controls in the Windows operating system. Follow the steps below to use it.

• Open Command Prompt as admin from the WinX menu.
• Next, type the following commands in the elevated Command Prompt and hit Enter to execute the command. This will re-register the affected DLL file using the Windows operating system tool, regsvr32.exe.
  • exe /[DLL file]
  • exe [DLL file]

Note: Replace “[DLL file]” with the name of the DLL file that was pointed out in the error.

• After you execute the given commands, you should see a message saying, “DllRegisterServer in vbscript.dll succeeded” if the Regsvr32 tool was able to run successfully. After that, try to install the program again and see if it now works.

Option 4 – Try to replace the DLL file from a trusted source

• First, you need to get the new DLL file from another computer with preferably the same file version number.
• After that, you need to boot your PC into Safe Mode and navigate to the paths listed below and then replace the file using a USB drive or other external storage devices.
  • x86: This PC > C:/Windows/System32
  • x64: This PC > C:/Windows/SysWOW64
• Next, type “cmd” in the Cortana search box and right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrator privileges.
• Now type the “regsvr32 ntdll.dll” command and hit Enter.
• Restart your PC and check if the error is now fixed.

Option 5 – Run System File Checker scan

If reinstalling the program didn’t work, you can also try running the System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the error. System File Checker is a command utility built into your computer that helps restore corrupted files and missing files. Refer to the following steps to run it:

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

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

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

 Reboot your computer.

Option 6 – Troubleshoot the isDone.dll error in a Clean Boot State

You can also troubleshoot the “DLL is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error” in a Clean Boot state. It could be that there are some third-party applications in your computer that are preventing the application from getting installed and to isolate this possibility, you need to boot your computer in a Clean Boot State and then try installing the program again. Putting your computer in this state can help you identify which program is the culprit and thus isolates the problem. In a Clean Boot state, your computer will start using only the pre-selected minimal set of drivers and startup programs. Note that you have to disable and enable one process at a time.

• 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.)
• After you’ve set your computer into a Clean Boot State, make sure that you’re signed in as administrator and then try to install the application again.

Option 7 – Try scanning your computer using Windows Defender

The DLL file might also be infected with malware or virus and to eliminate it which could explain why you’re getting the “DLL is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error”. Thus, you have to scan your computer using security programs like Windows Defender.

• Tap the Win + I keys to open Update & Security.
• Then click on the Windows Security option and open Windows Defender Security Center.
• Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Run a new advanced scan.
• Now make sure that Full Scan is selected from the menu and then click the Scan Now button to get started.

The Windows Defender program can both scan and monitor almost the entire folder on a Windows 10 computer. So if you have a folder that may have files that could trigger an alarm to Windows Security, then it would be better if you add an exclusion to Windows Security. Note that it is okay to do this as long as you’re certain that the contents of the folder you want to exclude are safe and that Windows Defender is only throwing out warnings for nothing. This way, Windows Defender won’t scan those folders in the future. And besides, there are also some Windows folders and files that you may exclude from the Antivirus scans, especially if you want to save your scan time. This kind of feature also comes in handy when you trust a file type or folder or any process that you believe is safe but the Windows Security considers as malicious. To exclude a folder or a file or process or a file type from the Windows Security scan, here are some steps you can follow. Make sure to do them carefully. Step 1: Search for “Windows Security” in the Search box and then click on it from the search results to open it. Step 2: Next, click on Virus & threat protection > Manage settings > Add or remove exclusions. Step 3: After that, on the next screen, click on Add an exclusion > Folder. It will show you a list that includes File, Folder, File Type, and Process. Step 4: Now click on “+Add and exclusion” on the next window and then select a folder you want to exclude and click OK to add it in the Exclusions list. Step 5: Click on the down arrow button to remove it and then click on the Remove button. Note: If you want to only ignore a few file types, it’s better if you configure your antivirus program to ignore these files with a specific extension. This way, it will ignore all of them no matter what their location is. Also keep in mind that when you select a folder, all the subfolders in it will also be excluded from the scan. Thus, you need to understand what you’re about to do. Once you’re done excluding the folder, it is recommended that you protect the folder using the Controlled Folder Access since this folder is not monitored for threat. The Controlled Folder Access will ensure that an external program does not alter it. This way, you can be sure that even though this folder is not included in the scan, it is still secure.

First time when your computer is turned ON and when Windows is booting it will wait 10 seconds before starting your startup applications. This 10 second is used to load all of Windows services so everything is running smoothly. If by any chance you do not want to wait for this startup delay and wish to start applications right away then keep on reading and follow this guide precisely. This guide will require you to play ad tweak with the registry of Windows, it is always recommended to make a registry backup before attempting any tweaks. Also, it is imperative to follow the guide as it is presented step by step. be aware that this guide will eliminate a 10-second delay for all of your starting applications, there is no way currently to remove delay for only one or a few.

1. Press ⊞ WINDOWS + R to open the run dialog
2. In run dialog type Regedit and press ENTER
3. Locate HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Serialize
4. If the key does not exist, make a new one,  Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\, right-click on the explorer and choose new > key. Name it Serialize
5. Right-click on Serialize and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
6. Name the value StartupDelayInMSec
7. Double click on StartupDelayInMSec and locate Value data
8. Set the value to 0
9. Save changes and Exit Registry editor
10. Reboot

If you want to reverse changes and enable delay again, go back to the Registry Editor and delete the StartupDelayInMSec value.