jZip is a software utility published by Bandoo Media and is classified as a Potentially Unwanted Program. The software is an archive tool that used to compress and extract files in the rar, zip, and other formats. The program is typically bundled upon installation with other unwanted applications and is itself often installed in co-bundles. As of publication time, over 40 AntiViruses have flagged jZip as malicious or potentially unwanted.

It injects itself in Windows shell, providing quick access to the program by right-clicking on any file. jZip displays it's advertising in your browser, instead of the default search results, to better do this, it collects information about your browsing history and your current browsing session, so it can better target ads. This software, upon install, defines an auto-start registry key in your system, this allows the software to launch every time your computer is rebooted, no matter what Windows account you log in to, it also adds Windows Tasks, to allow it to launch by itself at random times, even when closed.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever downloaded software programs from the internet (shareware, freeware, etc,), odds are high you’ve unintentionally installed unwanted programs on your personal computer. Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), also referred to as Potentially Unwanted Applications (PUA), are applications that you never wanted in the first place and quite often come bundled with freeware software. Once installed, most of these applications can be hard to remove and become more of a nuisance rather than a necessity. The idea of PUP was actually coined to define this crapware as something other than malware. The primary reason for this is that most PUPs get into users’ computers not because they exploit security vulnerabilities, for instance, but because the users grant consent to install it – unwittingly in many instances. Nevertheless, there isn’t any doubt that PUPs are still bad news for PC users as they could be incredibly damaging to the computer in lots of ways.

What do PUPs do on your computer, precisely?

The unwanted programs after installation display a lot of annoying pop-up advertisements create fake alerts, and quite often it even pushes the end-user to buy the software. PUPs which come as browser add-ons and toolbars are widely identifiable. Not just they needlessly take up space on your computer screen, toolbars could also manipulate search results, monitor your browsing activities, decrease your internet browser’s overall performance, and slow your net connection to a crawl. They might seem innocent but PUPs tend to be spyware. The worst part of setting up a PUP is the spyware, adware, and keystroke loggers that might lurk inside. Even if the PUPs aren’t inherently malicious, these programs still do absolutely nothing good on your PC – they will take valuable system resources, slow down your computer or laptop, weaken your device’s security, and make your PC more susceptible to trojans.

Some tips on protecting yourself from unwanted software

• Read the EULA meticulously. Look for clauses that say that you have to accept advertisements and pop-ups or bundled programs from the company. • Typically, when setting up a program you will get two options, ‘Standard Installation (recommended)’ and ‘Custom Installation’. Don’t pick ‘Standard’ as unwanted programs will automatically be installed that way! • Have a solid anti-virus program such as Safebytes Anti-Malware that will protect your personal machine from PUPs. Once you install this software, the defense against viruses and PUPs is already switched on. • Avoid installing freeware software you will not utilize. Turn off or get rid of toolbars and internet browser extensions you don’t really need. • Only download programs from the original providers’ websites. Avoid download portals since they use their own download manager to bundle extra programs along with the initial download.

Can't Install Safebytes Anti-malware because of a Virus? Do This!

Malware may cause several kinds of damage to computers, networks, and data. Some malware types alter browser settings by including a proxy server or change the computer’s DNS configuration settings. In such cases, you will be unable to visit some or all of the websites, and therefore unable to download or install the required security software to clear out the infection. So what to do if malicious software keeps you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to eliminate malware in alternate ways.

Make use of Safe Mode to fix the issue

In Safe Mode, you are able to modify Windows settings, un-install or install some software, and eliminate hard-to-delete viruses. In case the virus is set to load immediately when the computer starts, switching to this particular mode may well prevent it from doing so. In order to get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press the F8 key while the system is booting up or run MSConfig and find the “Safe Boot” options in the “Boot” tab. After you restart the PC into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, and update the anti-malware program from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Download the security program using an alternate internet browser

Web-based viruses can be environment-specific, aiming for a particular web browser or attacking particular versions of the browser. The most effective solution to avoid this issue is to opt for an internet browser that is known for its security measures. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to help keep you safe online.

Create a portable USB antivirus for eliminating viruses

Another solution is to save and run an anti-malware software tool completely from a USB drive. Adopt these measures to employ a USB drive to clean your corrupted system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or MS Windows Defender Offline onto a clean computer. 2) Plug the Flash drive into the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place in which you want to store the software files. Follow the activation instructions. 5) Now, plug the thumb drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to detect and clean-up up all kinds of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

These days, anti-malware software can protect your laptop or computer from different kinds of internet threats. But how to select the right one among several malware protection application that is available in the market? Perhaps you might be aware, there are many anti-malware companies and tools for you to consider. Some of them are good, some are decent, while some will ruin your computer themselves! You must pick one that is dependable, practical, and has a good reputation for its malware source protection. On the list of recommended software programs is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a superb track record of top-quality service, and customers seem to be happy with it. Safebytes is one of the well-established PC solutions companies, which offer this comprehensive anti-malware program. Once you’ve got installed this software program, SafeByte's state-of-the-art protection system will ensure that absolutely no viruses or malicious software can seep through your computer. SafeBytes anti-malware comes with a myriad of enhanced features which sets it aside from all others. Here are a few typical features found in this application: Active Protection: SafeBytes provides real-time active monitoring service and protection against all known computer viruses and malware. This software will constantly monitor your PC for any suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep current with the newest threats. Most effective AntiMalware Protection: By using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is designed to catch and remove viruses and malware which are concealed deep in your computer system. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes gives an instant safety rating about the web pages you are about to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and make sure that you’re certain of your safety while browsing the world wide web. Fast Multithreaded Scanning: Safebytes Anti-Malware, using its enhanced scanning engine, gives super-fast scanning which can promptly target any active internet threat. Minimal CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight tool. It consumes a really small amount of processing power as it works in the background which means you won’t observe any computer performance issues. 24/7 Customer Support: You will get 24/7 technical support to quickly resolve any issue with your security application.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove Jzip without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by Jzip

Troubleshoot Error Code 0x000000A5

0x000000A5 - What is this Error Code?

0x000000A5 is a stop error code also referred to as a blue screen of death error code. It is related to Advanced Configuration and Power Interface basic input/output system in Windows. It often leads to a sudden system shut down or your system may restart unexpectedly. Blue error codes like 0x000000A5 are the most severe and dangerous types of errors Windows can encounter. Ignoring 0x000000A5 error pop-ups and not repairing it timely can result in system crashes, valuable data loss and system failure.

Solution

Error Causes

The 0x000000A5 error code occurs particularly because of the ACPI BIOS error. This error message on your computer screen indicates that the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) BIOS of the computer is not compatible with your Windows system and is not fully compliant with the ACPI specifications. BIOS is a set of software. Through this software, the operating system communicates with the computer’s hardware devices. The ACPI is a part of BIOS and the Windows operating system. It is the standard for the way BIOS works. The presence of ACPI in the BIOS on a given Windows system determines whether the system can make full use of features such as Power Management or Plug and Play. Here’s what happens: traditionally, ACPI BIOS implementation tries to manipulate hardware resources directly through BIOS code for hardware functionality nonetheless if the ACPI-based BIOS is not compliant with the ACPI standard on your system, it may not support workable communication between the operating system and the hardware. This results in imbalance as the operations cannot be synchronized which results in system shut down, system instability, and machine failure. As a warning stop error 0x0000000A5 is displayed on the screen.

Further Information and Manual Repair

To fix the error message 0x0000005A on your PC you don’t need any professional assistance. Solving such blue screen errors in just a couple of clicks is not possible with Restoro This is a multi-functional and feature-filled registry cleaner and system optimizer that helps PC users resolve practically every type of system instability issues and registry errors including BSoD errors like 0x000000A5. It offers a comprehensive suite of utilities including registry cleaning, privacy issue detection and repair, system stability error identification, and Active X and Class issues detection. This innovative and advanced PC fixer is designed to ensure and deliver optimum system performance. It scans and detects causes for 0x000000A5 error code and repairs them in seconds. It has a neat and intuitive layout and easy navigation which makes this repair tool extremely user-friendly. Users of all levels are it novice or experienced can use it with ease and fix all types of PC-related errors like 0x000000A5 right away with no hassle. ACPI BIOS Error can be quickly resolved with this tool. This error tool offers outstanding compatibility. It is practically compatible with all Windows versions.

Restoro download

To get started all you have to do is click here to install the Restoro on your computer. Once it is installed, run it to scan for 0x000000A5 error code. After scanning is complete, click the repair button to repair this issue immediately. For user safety and data security, Restoro also creates backup files. This ensures that no valuable data is lost during system repair. So, don’t delay in resolving error 0x000000A5 error code; install Restoro on your system today!

Repair Error 3

What is Error 3?

This is a type of Google Chrome update error code. It indicates a failure to communicate with Google update. The error code is displayed in the following format:

‘Update server not available (error: 3)’

Solution

Error Causes

Error 3 may be triggered by several reasons. These include:

• You are running Vista/ 7 and you have configured Google Chrome to run as an administrator
• Google Update is not registered properly
• Registry issues

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some of the best and effective DIY methods to resolve error 3 on your PC without any professional help. You don’t need to be a technical whiz to try these methods.

Method 1

If the reason for the error cause is related to Google Chrome configured as administrator on your PC, then simply run it as a normal user. This is a common issue with Google Chrome auto-updating mechanism.

Method 2

If the problem still persists, then it is advisable to try re-installing Google Chrome. To do this, first, uninstall Google Chrome. Go to the start menu, control panel, and then program and features. Choose Add and Remove Programs and uninstall Google Chrome. To activate changes, reboot your system. Now reinstall Google Chrome by downloading it from Google Chrome’s official website.

Method 3

If error 3 is triggered because Google Chrome is not registered properly, then try this method to fix the issue.

1. First, verify that GoogleUpdate.exe exists in the location specified in the Windows Registry Editor. For this, go to the Start Menu and then type Regedit in the search bar.
2. Now click OK. The registry editor will appear. Now in the tree view on the left, navigate to the following directory:
3. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{2F0E2680-9FF5-43C0-B76E-114A56E93598}LocalServer32
4. Make sure the default value corresponds to the location of your GoogleUpdate.exe or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe file. Also, verify that these files are located in the given path.
5. For instance, if they are located in different locations, then right-click the default value and select Modify.
6. Enter the correct file path and use double quotation marks for example "C:\Documents and Settings%USERNAME%Local SettingsApplication DataGoogleUpdateGoogleUpdate.exe(or GoogleUpdateOnDemand.exe)"

Method 4

Error 3 may also pop up because of registry issues. These issues occur when the registry gets overloaded with obsolete and unnecessary files like cookies, internet history, bad entries, and junk files. In such an event, it is advisable to download Restoro This is a user-friendly and cutting-edge PC Fixer embedded with a registry cleaner. The registry cleaner removes all the obsolete files instantly and repairs the damaged registry thereby resolving all errors including error 3. Click here to download Restoro and resolve error 3.

PuzzleGamesDaily is a Browser extension developed by Mindspark. This extension monitors user activity such as website visits, clicked links and other web-related tasks that It later uses to display targeted ads.

When installed it changed the default home page, search engine and new tab page to MyWay.com, and while browsing the internet with this extension active you will see additional pop-up ads, injected (unwanted) ads, and sponsored links during your browsing sessions.

From the Terms of Use: You hereby acknowledge and agree that by using an MS Product you may be exposed to Content that may be offensive, indecent or objectionable in your community […] MS Products are exposed to various security issues, and should be regarded as insecure. By accepting this Agreement, you acknowledge and accept that the MS Products and any information you download or offer to share by means of an MS Product, may be exposed to unauthorized access, interception, corruption, damage, or misuse, and should be regarded as insecure. You accept all responsibility for such security risks and any damage resulting therefrom.

This extension has been marked as a Browser Hijacker by several anti-virus scanners and has been flagged for optional removal. It is not considered malicious but many users wish to remove it due to the above reasons.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is regarded as the internet’s constant danger that targets internet browsers. It’s a type of malware program that directs the web browser requests to some other suspicious internet sites. Browser hijacker malware is created for many different reasons. Often, it will force users to particular sites which are aiming to boost their advertising campaign income. Many people believe that these websites are legitimate and harmless but that is not true. Nearly every browser hijacker pose an existent threat to your online safety and it’s vital to categorize them under privacy risks. Browser hijackers could also permit other destructive programs without your knowledge to further damage your computer.

Major signs that your internet browser has been hijacked

There are many signs that indicate your web browser is highjacked: the browser’s home-page is modified; bookmark and new tab are likewise modified; the main web browser settings is modified and unwanted or insecure sites is put into the trusted sites listing; you are getting browser toolbars you have never found before; you observe numerous ads show up on your web browsers or display screen; your browser has instability problems or displays frequent errors; Inability to navigate to certain sites, especially anti-malware and also other computer security software webpages.

So how exactly does a browser hijacker infect a computer?

Browser hijackers attack computers through malicious e-mail attachments, downloaded infected documents or by checking out infected sites. They can be included with toolbars, BHO, add-ons, plugins, or browser extensions. Browser hijackers sneak to your computer in addition to free software application downloads that you unwittingly install along with the original. An example of some infamous browser hijacker includes Babylon, Anyprotect, Conduit, SweetPage, DefaultTab, RocketTab, and Delta Search, but the names are regularly changing. Browser hijackers could record user keystrokes to gather potentially important information leading to privacy concerns, cause instability on systems, significantly disrupt the user experience, and eventually slow down the computer to a stage where it will become unusable.

Removal

Some hijackers can be easily removed by uninstalling the free software they were included with or by deleting any extension you’ve recently added to your PC. Yet, certain hijackers are far more difficult to discover or get rid of since it could get itself associated with certain crucial computer files that enable it to operate as a necessary operating system process. Inexperienced PC users shouldn’t ever attempt for the manual form of removal, since it needs detailed computer knowledge to carry out fixes on the system registry and HOSTS file. Anti-malware application is very effective with regards to catching and removing browser hijackers that regular anti-virus software has overlooked. Among the best tools for fixing browser hijacker malware is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It assists you eliminate any pre-existing malicious software on your system and provides you real-time monitoring and protection from new threats.[/section][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][section header="How One Can Eliminate Malware that is Blocking Websites or Preventing Downloads"]Malware could cause several different types of damage to PCs, networks, and data. Some malware sits in between your computer and the net connection and blocks some or all websites that you would like to visit. It might also prevent you from adding anything on your computer, particularly anti-malware applications. If you’re reading this article, you may have infected by malware that prevents you from downloading a computer security program such as Safebytes Antimalware on your PC. Refer to the instructions below to eliminate malware through alternative ways.

Install the antivirus in Safe Mode

The Windows OS has a special mode known as “Safe Mode” in which just the minimum required programs and services are loaded. If the malicious software is set to load automatically when PC boots, switching into this mode could prevent it from doing so. To enter into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking, press F8 while the PC is starting up or run MSCONFIG and look for the “Safe Boot” options under the “Boot” tab. After you restart into Safe Mode with Networking, you may download, install, as well as update anti-malware program from there. After installation, run the malware scanner to remove most standard infections.

Switch to a different web browser

Certain malware may target vulnerabilities of a particular web browser that block the downloading process. If you are not able to download the security program using Internet Explorer, it means virus could be targeting IE’s vulnerabilities. Here, you need to switch over to another web browser like Chrome or Firefox to download Safebytes Anti-malware software. Create a portable antivirus for eliminating viruses Another option is to store and run an antivirus program entirely from a Flash drive. To run anti-malware using a flash drive, follow these simple steps: 1) On a clean computer, install Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Mount the pen-drive onto the same computer. 3) Double-click the Setup icon of the antivirus software package to run the Installation Wizard. 4) Pick thumb drive as the place when the wizard asks you exactly where you wish to install the application. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. 5) Now, transfer the thumb drive to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the anti-malware program EXE file on the USB flash drive. 7) Simply click “Scan Now” to run a complete scan on the infected computer for viruses.

A Look at the Best AntiMalware Program

If you’re looking to install anti-malware software for your computer, there are plenty of tools on the market to consider nonetheless, you cannot trust blindly anyone, regardless of whether it is a free or paid program. Some of them are great, some are decent, and some will destroy your computer themselves! When looking for an anti-malware program, purchase one that offers dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. When considering the trustworthy software programs, Safebytes Anti-Malware is certainly the highly recommended one. SafeBytes is a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is designed to assist the average computer end user in safeguarding their PC from malicious threats. Using its cutting-edge technology, this software can help you eliminate several types of malware which includes computer viruses, trojans, PUPs, worms, ransomware, adware and browser hijackers.

SafeBytes anti-malware takes PC protection to a totally new level with its advanced features. Here are some of the good ones:

Active Protection: SafeBytes provides real-time active monitoring and protection against all of known viruses and malware. They are extremely efficient in screening and removing numerous threats because they’re continuously improved with latest updates and alerts. Best AntiMalware Protection: Using a critically acclaimed malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is intended to catch and eliminate threats that are hidden deep in your computer’s operating-system. Fast Multi-threaded Scanning: SafeBytes’s virus scan engine is among the quickest and most efficient in the industry. Its targeted scanning vastly increases the catch rate for viruses that is embedded in various computer files. Website Filtering: Safebytes assigns all sites a unique safety ranking that helps you to get an idea of whether the website you’re about to visit is safe to view or known to be a phishing site. Lightweight Tool: SafeBytes gives complete protection from online threats at a fraction of the CPU load because of its enhanced detection engine and algorithms. 24/7 Online Support: Support service is available for 24 x 7 x 365 days via email and chat to answer your concerns. To sum it up, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is pretty great for securing your computer against all kinds of malware threats. There is no doubt that your computer system will be protected in real-time once you put this tool to use. You will get the very best all-around protection for the money you spend on SafeBytes Anti-Malware subscription, there is no doubt about it.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you would like to perform the removal of PuzzleGamesDaily manually rather than utilizing an automated software tool, you can follow these measures: Go to the Windows Control Panel, click the “Add or Remove Programs” and there, select the offending program to uninstall. In case of suspicious versions of browser plugins, you can actually remove it via your web browser’s extension manager. You may even want to reset your web browser settings, and also clear your browser cache and cookies. To make sure of complete removal, find the following registry entries on your computer and remove it or reset the values appropriately. However, this can be a difficult task and only computer professionals can carry out safely. Furthermore, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. It is advisable that you carry out the removal process in Safe Mode.

As of late, a number of users reported experiencing a problem where their Windows 10 computers get stuck on Airplane mode for some unknown reason. According to the affected users, they were unable to turn off the Airplane mode which means that their computers are also not able to connect to the internet. One of the possible reasons why this kind of issue occurs is that there could be a bug with the airplane mode or it could also be the doing of faulty network drivers or physical switch that’s turned on, and so on. If you are one of the few users who experience the same issue, then read on as this post will guide you on what to do if your Windows 10 computer gets stuck on Airplane mode. There are a couple of suggestions you can check out to resolve the problem. You can try to check the status of the Radio Management service, flush the DNS cache or you could turn off the airplane mode via system settings. You could also update the network drivers or turn off the physical switch for airplane mode or make some adjustments in the Windows Registry. For more details, refer to each one of the suggestions provided below.

Option 1 – Try to check the Radio Management Service status

• First, tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type “services.msc” in the field, and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager.
• Next, look for the Radio Management service and select Properties.
• From there, change its Startup type to Disabled and click on the Apply and OK buttons to save the changes made.
• Once done, restart your computer and check if you can now turn off the airplane mode.

Option 2 – Flush the DNS cache

You could also try to flush the DNS cache to fix the “ERR_ICAN_NAME_COLLISION” error. All you have to do is open Command Prompt as an administrator and then execute each one of the following commands sequentially to flush the DNS cache:

• ipconfig/release
• ipconfig/renew
• ipconfig/flushdns

Option 3 – Try turning off the airplane mode via System settings

If flushing the DNS cache did not help in fixing the problem, then you might want to turn off airplane mode via system settings.

• In the Windows Search bar, type “airplane mode”.
• From the search results that appear, click on Airplane mode.
• After that, a window will appear where you have to turn off the toggle button for Airplane mode.

Option 4 – Try to update, rollback or reinstall the Network adapter drivers

The next thing you can do to resolve the problem is to update the Network Adapter drivers by following these steps:

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run window and then type in the “devmgmt.msc” command and hit Enter to open the Device Manager window.
• Under the Device Manager, you will see a list of drivers. From there, look for the Network Adapters and expand them.
• Look for the Broadcom Network Adapter and right-click on it, as well as other network adapters that have an exclamation icon, and update them all.
• Restart your PC and see if it helped in fixing the problem.

Note: If updating the network drivers didn’t help in fixing the problem, you can also try to roll back the very same drivers from their previous versions and restart your Windows 10 PC. After that, the system itself will reinstall the drivers you just uninstalled. Alternatively, you can also download and install the drivers from the manufacturer’s website directly. To reinstall the network adapter drivers, refer to these steps:

• Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
• Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
• After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
• Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
• Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.

Option 5 – Try to turn off the physical switch for Airplane mode

If your computer has a physical switch to turn on or off the airplane mode, then you might want to check that switch if you have one. Chances are, it could be the reason why you’re unable to turn off Airplane mode on your computer.

Option 6 – Try to make some adjustments in the Registry

• Tap the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility.
• Then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Next, navigate to this registry path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlClass
• From there, edit the registry value of “RadioEnable” to “1”.
• Exit the Registry Editor once done, and restart your computer.

FreeMaps is a google chrome extension by Mindspark powered by Ask or MyWay. This extension offers users a quick and easy way to find the routes or locations that they desire. While all of this may seem appealing, this extension was classified as a Browser Hijacker by many anti-virus applications and was marked for removal.

When installed FreeMaps will change your home page, new tab and default search engine to MyWay.com, it will monitor your browsing activity and send it back to Mindspark ad servers. This data is later used/sold to better display targeted ads depending on your search queries.

While browsing the internet with this extension active you will see additional pop-up ads, sponsored links, and injected ads displaying throughout your browsing sessions, and even injected into websites that should be ad-free. Due to poor code optimization, these ads can sometimes cover a part of the page, making it unreadable or inaccessible.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is a form of unwanted software, commonly a browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the web browser’s settings. Browser hijackers are capable of doing more than simply changing home pages. These are typically used to force hits to a specific site, manipulating web traffic to earn ad revenue. It could seem naive, but most of such websites aren’t legitimate and could present a major threat to your online safety. As soon as the malware attacks your laptop or computer, it begins to mess things up a whole that slows your computer down to a crawl. In the worse case, you will be forced to tackle serious malware threats too.

How you can know whether the browser is hijacked?

Signs that your web browser is hi-jacked include: your browser’s homepage is suddenly different; bookmark and the new tab are likewise modified; default web engine is modified; find new toolbars which you didn’t add; unstoppable flurries of popup adverts show up on your computer screen; your browser has instability issues or exhibits frequent errors; you cannot visit specific websites such as home pages of anti-malware software.

Exactly how browser hijacker finds its way onto your computer

A browser hijacker could be installed on your PC if you check out an infected website, click an e-mail attachment, or download something from a file-sharing website. They can also be deployed via the installation of a web browser toolbar, extension, or add-on. Some browser hijackers spread in user’s computer systems by using a deceptive software distribution method known as “bundling” (usually through freeware and shareware). Typical examples of browser hijackers include Conduit, CoolWebSearch, OneWebSearch, Coupon Server, RocketTab, Searchult.com, Snap.do, and Delta Search. Browser hijackers can record user keystrokes to gather potentially invaluable information that leads to privacy issues, cause instability on systems, drastically disrupt user’s browsing experience, and eventually slow down the system to a point where it becomes unusable.

Tips on how to remove browser hijackers

Some types of browser hijackers can be removed from your PC by deleting malicious software applications or any other recently installed shareware. Having said that, many hijackers are very tenacious and require specialized tools to eliminate them. You should think of carrying out manual repairs only if you are a tech-savvy person since there are dangers associated with messing around with the computer registry and HOSTS file. Professionals always suggest users to remove any malicious software including browser hijacker with an automatic malware removal tool, which is better, safer and faster than the manual removal procedure. One of the best tools for repairing browser hijacker malware is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. It will help you remove any pre-existing malicious software in your pc and provides you real-time monitoring and protection against the latest threats.

How To Install Safebytes Anti-Malware On An Infected Computer

All malware is inherently harmful, but certain kinds of malware do a lot more damage to your computer or laptop than others. Certain malware goes to great lengths to prevent you from downloading or installing anything on your PC, especially antivirus applications. So what should you do if malware prevents you from downloading or installing Safebytes Anti-Malware? Follow the instructions below to get rid of the malware in alternate ways.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

In the event the malware is set to run at Windows start-up, then booting in safe mode should avoid it. Only the bare minimum required programs and services are loaded when you start your PC in Safe Mode. Here are the steps you should follow to start your computer into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (visit Microsoft website for directions on Windows 8 and 10 computers). 1) Hit the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, however, before the big Windows logo or black screen with white texts comes up. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) As soon as this mode loads, you will have an internet connection. Now, obtain the malware removal software you want by utilizing the internet browser. To install the program, follow the directions within the setup wizard. 4) After installation, run a full scan and let the program get rid of the threats it discovers.

Obtain the anti-malware software in a different internet browser

Some malware mainly targets specific browsers. If this sounds like your case, employ another web browser as it could circumvent the virus. If you appear to have malware attached to Internet Explorer, then switch to an alternate internet browser with built-in safety features, such as Chrome or Firefox, to download your preferred antivirus program – Safebytes.

Install antivirus on a flash drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using portable USB anti-malware software that can scan your system for viruses without the need for installation. Abide by these steps to run the anti-virus on the affected computer system. 1) Download Safebytes Anti-Malware or Microsoft Windows Defender Offline onto a virus-free PC. 2) Insert the USB drive into the clean PC. 3) Double click on the exe file to open the installation wizard. 4) Select the flash drive as the location for saving the software file. Follow activation instructions. 5) Transfer the thumb drive from the uninfected computer to the infected PC. 6) Double-click the Safebytes Anti-malware icon on the pen drive to run the program. 7) Press the “Scan Now” button to start the virus scan.

Protect your PC from Malware With SafeBytes Security Suite

In order to protect your computer from many different internet-based threats, it is important to install an anti-malware application on your laptop. However, with so many anti-malware companies out there, these days it’s tough to decide which one you should purchase for your PC. Some of them are great while some are scamware applications that pretend as legit anti-malware programs waiting around to wreak havoc on your PC. You have to be very careful not to pick the wrong product, especially if you purchase a premium application. When it comes to commercial anti-malware software options, the majority of people go with popular brands, like SafeBytes, and they are very happy with it. SafeBytes anti-malware is a highly effective and user-friendly protection tool that is designed for end-users of all levels of computer literacy. This program could easily detect, remove, and protect your PC from the latest malware intrusions including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, parasites, worms, PUPs, along with other potentially harmful software applications.

SafeBytes has fantastic features when compared with other anti-malware programs. The following are some of the great features included in the software.

Live Protection: SafeBytes gives real-time active supervision and protection from all known viruses and malware. It’ll continuously monitor your pc for hacker activity and also provides end-users with advanced firewall protection. World-class AntiMalware Protection: Safebytes is built on the best virus engine in the industry. These engines will detect and remove threats even during the initial stages of a malware outbreak. Safe Browsing: SafeBytes inspects the hyperlinks present on a web page for possible threats and tells you whether the website is safe to explore or not, through its unique safety rating system. “Fast Scan” Features: Safebytes AntiMalware, using its advanced scanning engine, gives ultra fast scanning which can quickly target any active online threat. Lowest CPU/Memory Usage: This software is lightweight and can work quietly in the background, and will not impact your computer efficiency. Premium Support: You can get 24/7 technical assistance to immediately resolve any issue with your security application. To conclude, SafeBytes Anti-Malware is really great for securing your laptop or computer against all kinds of malware threats. Now you may realize that this particular software does more than just scan and eliminate threats in your PC. If you’re searching for the best malware removal application out there, and if you don’t mind spending some dollars for it, go for SafeBytes Anti-Malware.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you’d like to manually get rid of FreeMaps without the use of an automated tool, it may be actually possible to do so by removing the program from the Microsoft Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browser’s AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. It’s also suggested to factory reset your browser settings to their default state. If you opt to manually remove the system files and registry entries, use the following list to ensure that you know precisely what files to remove before executing any actions. Please remember that this is for professional users only and may be challenging, with incorrect file removal resulting in additional PC errors. In addition, certain malware is capable of replicating or preventing removal. Completing this task in Safe Mode is advised.

ShopAtHome Toolbar is a browser extension. This extension tracks information when you visit a website, whether typing in the URL or clicking a link, the Browser App recognizes whether the URL is that of an Affiliate Store, and, if so, may redirect you through the affiliate network site to the Affiliate Store’s website, at which time, a tracking cookie will be placed in your browser. This cookie is the tracking mechanism that will follow your transaction with the Affiliate Store.

During installation, the Browser App may automatically change the default search engine used by your Web browser, whether via a built-in search box or otherwise, to our search engine. Upon installation and setup, it defines an auto-start registry entry which makes this program run on each Windows boot for all user logins. A scheduled task is added to Windows Task Scheduler in order to launch the program at various scheduled times.

Multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in ShopAtHome.com Helper and are therefore classified as potentially unwanted and flagged for optional removal.

About Browser Hijackers

Browser hijacking is actually a form of an unwanted program, often a web browser add-on or extension, which then causes modifications in the browser’s settings. Browser hijackers can do a variety of things on your PC. The idea would be to force users to visit certain sites that are looking to increase their visitor traffic and generate higher ad income. A lot of people assume that these kinds of sites are legitimate and harmless but that is incorrect. Almost every browser hijacker poses an actual threat to your online safety and it is important to classify them under privacy risks. They do not just screw up your web browsers, but browser hijackers could also modify the system registry, leaving your computer or laptop susceptible to other forms of hacking.

Browser hijacking signs and symptoms

Signs that your web browser is hi-jacked include: 1. the home page of your web browser is changed suddenly 2. you find yourself regularly directed to some other web page than the one you actually meant 3. The default search page of the browser is changed 4. you find many toolbars in your web browser 5. you see a lot of pop-ups on your computer screen 6. your internet browser starts running sluggishly or displays frequent glitches 7. Inability to navigate to particular sites, particularly anti-malware as well as other security software sites.

How browser hijacker infects PCs

Browser hijackers infect computers through malicious email attachments, downloaded infected documents, or by checking out infected internet sites. They also come from add-on programs, also called browser helper objects (BHO), web browser extensions, or toolbars. Other times you may have unintentionally accepted a browser hijacker as part of a software program package (generally freeware or shareware). Popular examples of browser hijackers include Conduit, CoolWebSearch, Coupon Server, OneWebSearch, RocketTab, Delta Search, Searchult.com, and Snap.do.

The best ways to get rid of browser hijackers

Some hijackers could be removed simply by uninstalling the related freeware or add-ons from the Add or Remove Programs in the Microsoft Windows Control Panel. Sadly, the majority of the software packages utilized to hijack a web browser are deliberately designed to be hard to detect or remove. Besides, browser hijackers can modify the Windows registry so it can be very difficult to fix manually, particularly if you are not a very tech-savvy person.

Help! Malware Preventing Anti-virus Installation And Access To The Web

All malware is inherently dangerous, but certain kinds of malware do a lot more damage to your computer or laptop than others. Some malware sits in between the computer and the net connection and blocks some or all websites that you would like to visit. It might also block you from adding anything on your PC, especially anti-malware applications. If you’re reading this, odds are you’re stuck with a virus infection that is preventing you to download and/or install Safebytes Anti-Malware software on your PC. Do as instructed below to get rid of the malware by alternate methods.

Boot your PC in Safe Mode

In the event the malware is set to load at Windows startup, then booting in Safe Mode should avoid it. Just the minimum required applications and services are loaded when you boot your personal computer in Safe Mode. To launch your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 PCs in Safe Mode with Networking, please do as instructed below. 1) Press the F8 key repeatedly as soon as your PC boots, but before the big Windows logo shows up. This will conjure up the “Advanced Boot Options” menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) Once you get into this mode, you should have online access again. Now, obtain the virus removal application you need by utilizing the browser. To install the application, follow the guidelines in the installation wizard. 4) Right after installation, do a full scan and let the software delete the threats it detects.

Use an alternate web browser to download a security program

Malicious program code can exploit vulnerabilities in a particular browser and block access to all antivirus software websites. The best solution to avoid this problem is to choose a browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Phishing and Malware Protection to keep you secure online.

Install and run anti-virus from a USB drive

Here’s another solution which is using a portable USB anti-virus software package that can check your system for viruses without the need for installation. Try these simple actions to clean up your affected computer by using portable anti-malware. 1) Make use of another virus-free computer system to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Put the USB drive into the clean PC. 3) Double click on the downloaded file to run the installation wizard. 4) When asked, choose the location of the USB drive as the place where you would like to store the software files. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation. 5) Now, plug the thumb drive into the corrupted system. 6) Run the Safebytes Anti-malware directly from the pen drive by double-clicking the icon. 7) Run Full System Scan to identify and clean-up up all types of malware.

SafeBytes Anti-Malware Features

If you’re planning to purchase anti-malware for your computer system, there are many brands and utilities for you to consider. Some are very good ones, some are ok types, while some are simply just fake anti-malware software that could harm your PC themselves! While looking for an antimalware tool, pick one that provides reliable, efficient, and total protection against all known computer viruses and malware. While considering the dependable software programs, Safebytes AntiMalware is undoubtedly the highly recommended one. Safebytes is among the well-established computer solutions firms, which provide this complete anti-malware tool. With its cutting-edge technology, this application can help you remove multiples types of malware including computer viruses, worms, PUPs, trojans, adware, ransomware, and browser hijackers. SafeBytes anti-malware takes computer protection to a totally new level with its enhanced features. Here are a few popular features found in this program: Antimalware Protection: With a critically acclaimed anti-malware engine, SafeBytes offers multilayered protection that is intended to find and get rid of viruses and malware that are hidden deep inside your computer’s operating system. Live Protection: SafeBytes provides complete and real-time security for your PC. It’ll continuously monitor your pc for hacker activity and also gives users sophisticated firewall protection. Extremely Speed Scanning: SafeBytes Anti-Malware has got a multi-thread scan algorithm that works up to 5x faster than any other anti-malware software. Web Filtering: SafeBytes provides an instant safety rating on the pages you are about to check out, automatically blocking harmful sites and make sure that you’re certain of your online safety while browsing the net. Lightweight Application: This software program is not “heavy” on the computer’s resources, so you will not find any overall performance troubles when SafeBytes is operating in the background. 24/7 Customer Service: Skilled technicians are at your disposal 24/7! They will quickly fix any technical issues you might be encountering with your security software.

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you wish to manually remove ShopAtHome without the use of an automated tool, it may be possible to do so by removing the program from the Windows Add/Remove Programs menu, or in cases of browser extensions, going to the browsers AddOn/Extension manager and removing it. You will likely also want to reset your browser. To ensure the complete removal, manually check your hard drive and registry for all of the following and remove or reset the values accordingly. Please note that this is for advanced users only and may be difficult, with incorrect file removal causing additional PC errors. In addition, some malware is capable of replicating or preventing deletion. Doing this in Safe Mode is advised.

The following files, folders, and registry entries are created or modified by ShopAtHome

Troubleshoot Runtime Error 5

Runtime Error 5 - What Is It?

Runtime Error 5 is one of those errors that Windows users encounter at least once in their life. Generally, when Runtime Error 5 occurs, the message that appears says ‘Invalid Procedure Call or Argument’. Runtime Error 5 occurs because the Quality Analyst function that resides within the Operating System behaves in an abnormal manner and the user receives a warning.

Solution

Error Causes

As explained above, Runtime Error 5 is caused because of the unexplained behavior of the Quality Analyst function. The problem occurs when the function is lost and is not mapped to any drive. As a result, Windows is unable to find and load it and displays the error message. Runtime Error 5 is also caused by other reasons listed below as follows.

• When files of programs like Visual Basic use bad entries in the registry.
• When a user attempts to load Internet Explorer and a global cash of browser occurs, this also causes Runtime Error 5.

Since these types of errors can easily be fixed, it is strongly advised that a user takes the necessary actions to keep them from occurring in the future.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Some instructions for users to fix Runtime Error 5 as soon as it appears are listed below as follows.

1. Users are recommended to restart their computers. However, prior to doing so, it is advised that any programs that are opened are closed and work is saved to prevent data loss. Once the computer restarts, users should load the program that triggered Runtime Error 5 once again to determine whether or not the error recurs.
2. If the problem persists, the best approach is to uninstall the program causing the error. This can be accomplished by going to the ‘Control Panel’ and selecting the ‘Add/Remove programs’ option if one is using Windows XP or Windows 95. However, if a user is running Windows 7, the same task can be accomplished in the ‘Program and Features’ option. If there’s an option that allows you to clear personal settings and preferences, the box should be checked.
3. Now reinstall the program using the latest version of the installer to stop encountering this error. Use any patch for the program if available. Run installer while following the instructions on the screen. Check the default settings as well.  It is suggested to instantly install any patches if available.
4. Another piece of advice is to simultaneously press ‘Ctrl, Shift, and Esc’. Windows task manager will appear. Go to the “processes” tab and select a process that doesn’t look familiar to you. Note the filename and click on the ‘End Process’ button. Load the program again and find out if the error occurs. Once the program causing the error is identified, the user can perform the steps listed above to resolve the problem.

If you have or are currently getting a troublesome error saying, “The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible” when you boot your computer, then continue reading as this post will give you some suggestions that may help you resolve the error. This pesky error pops up during the booting process of your computer and prevents you from booting to your Windows 10 PC and displays the error message on a black screen instead. To fix this problem, here are some suggestions you need to check out.

Option 1 – Try checking the boot order in BIOS

• Turn on your PC and repeatedly tap the Setup key right away about once every second until you see the Computer Setup Utility or the BIOS settings.
• Then use the right arrow key to select the Security menu and then use the down arrow key to select the Secure Boot Configuration option and then tap Enter.
• Just a heads up, before you can use Secure Boot Configuration, a warning will pop up. Simply tap F10 to continue to the menu. After opening it, use the down arrow key to select Secure Boot and then the right arrow key to set the setting to Disable.
• Next, select the Legacy Support option using the down arrow key and then the right key to set the setting to Enable.
• Now tap F10 to confirm the changes and then use the arrow key to select File menu and then the down arrow key to select Save Changes and then Exit and tap Enter to select Yes. From there, your computer should restart and once it does, use the power button to switch it off.

If you are now able to boot from your hard drive, you need to know which option to choose once the boot menu pulls up. Refer to the steps below to easily boot from your hard drive.

• Tap the power button to boot your PC. Once your PC starts, a message will appear indicating that the boot mode has now changed.
• Next, you’ll see a security screen displaying a four-digit code. Type in this four-digit code and tap Enter.
• After that, tap the power button to turn the computer off and wait for a couple of seconds and then turn your PC on and tap the ESC key right away repeatedly until you see the Startup menu.
• Now tap F9 to open the Boot Menu and use the down arrow key to select the hard disk and make sure to select it by tapping Enter on your keyboard.
• Restart your PC and check.

Option 2 – Try running the DSKCHK Check from the Recovery Media.

The DSKCHK utility scans your hard drive for any errors, bad files, or corrupt sectors so this should help in fixing the problem.

• The first thing you need to do is to download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and then open it after the download. The file should be “MediaCreationTool.exe”.
• Then tap Accept to agree to the terms and conditions and then from the initial screen, select the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option. Keep in mind that the language, architecture, and edition of the bootable drive will be selected based on your PC’s settings but you have to uncheck the Use the recommended options for this PC in order to choose the correct settings for your own computer that’s getting the error.
• Now click Next and then click the USB drive or DVD option once prompted to select between USB or DVD depending on what device you are using to store this image on. Then click Next and select the required drivers from the list of storage devices currently connected to the computer.
• Click Next. After that, the Media Creation Tool will proceed to download the files needed to install and create the installation device.
• The next thing you have to do is to insert the installation drive.
• After that, you will see the “Choose your keyboard layout” window so select the one you prefer and then the Choose an option screen will pop up.
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt. After opening Command Prompt, input the following command and hit Enter.

CHKDSK /R /X C:

• Now boot your PC without the recovery drive and check if the problem’s fixed or not.

Option 3 – Try resetting the BIOS

• Open the computer case and then look for the battery in the motherboard. If you can’t find it, you can seek out the motherboard or computer documentation of your PC as well as browse the web or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
• Removing the battery should be easy especially if your computer uses a coin cell battery. Just use your fingers to grab on the edge of the battery then pull it up and out of the socket that’s holding it in place.
• Keep the battery removed for about 10 minutes and then insert it back and try booting into the BIOS.

Option 4 – Try using the Startup Repair

• Inject the installation drive you created earlier and boot your PC.
• Select the keyboard layout from the Choose your keyboard layout window.
• From there, the Choose an option screen pops up. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

When you get an igfxem.exe error in Windows, it is not really clear what does this means, usually, Windows throw us some code or we get a DLL error, rarely we get an EXE error. So what does this error means? Intel Graphics Executable Main Module, shortly called as IgfxEM module is a part of the Windows operating system. When you run Microsoft .NET Framework applications that use the AS/400 Data Queue ActiveX control (Mseigdq.dll) to read from and to write to IBM iSeries (AS/400) data queues, you may experience this error. In order to overcome this error and cope with it try the following things:

1. Increase Virtual Memory

   Go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Type performance. Choose Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. In the new window, go to the Advanced tab and under the Virtual memory section, click on Change. At the bottom of the new window, check what the Recommended value is and how it compares to Currently allocated. If the current setting is significantly less than the recommended, uncheck the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives box at the top of the same windows and then click on Custom size. Enter the Recommended value in the Initial Size box, and a larger figure in the Maximum size box. Click OK to save the new settings.

2. Download and update .NET framework

   Go to the Microsoft website and download the latest .NET framework. Once the download is complete, install the package following onscreen instructions.

3. Reinstall INTEL graphic drivers

   Go to the intel website and download the latest graphic drivers for your graphic card model. Once the download is complete, install the package following onscreen instructions.

4. Run SCF scan

   If all else fails, run command prompt and inside type sfc /scannow