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How to remove ZORN Ransomware and decrypt .ZORN files

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Ransomware is a type of malicious software used to encrypt system-stored data and aid developers in extorting money from victims. ZORN Ransomware does the same trick and locks down all valuable data using the .ZORN extension. This extension is added to all files that ended up being affected by ransomware. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.ZORN and lose its original icon. The virus also creates a text note (RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt) and displays a black screen with text before logging into the Windows system. After spending some time on investigation, it turned out ZORN shares almost the same traits as MATILAN - another ransomware variant discussed on our website. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that ZORN is its successor.

How to remove “Windows Defender Security Center” pop-up scam

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Windows Defender Security Center as a fake security message promoted on many scam pages. Such pages may look similar to official websites like Microsoft, but have no actual relation to them. A scheme like this has been employed by many cybercriminals to trick inexperienced users into downloading unreliable security software. The page shows some threats have been detected saying they are urgent to be addressed. Fraudulent figures ask their victims to call their customer line and get live guidelines on how to remove the threats. After reaching out to them, cybercriminals may tell you whatever they want and make users believe in fake information. It is more likely they will attempt to extort money for fake security software or other services that may be provided. In fact, your system might be fully safe and does not need any fix or assistance whatsoever. Thus, it is important to ignore messages like "Windows Defender Security Center". Note that scam pages may employ special scripts to prevent users from closing the page in traditional steps. If you face problems closing the visited website, try to force-quit your browser via Task Manager or simply reboot your PC, instead. In case you became a victim of a scam or cannot get rid of such messages, follow our guide to restore PC safety and remove all traces from unwanted software that could be unintentionally installed.

How to remove Advanced ScreenSnapshot

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As claimed by developers, "Advanced ScreenSnapshot is the most convenient way to take a customizable screenshot". While this application may provide the promised screenshot-related features indeed, its distribution means employed by the creators make it categorized as an adware-type program. The reasons for that are virtual layers abused by cybercriminals to display obtrusive and irrelevant ads over innocent pages. Advanced ScreenSnapshot may be able to promote various banners and ads redirecting users to unwanted or even dangerous pages. Adware applications are also notorious for their ability to track and gather sensitive data (e.g. passwords, IP addresses, geolocations, etc.). Users having Advanced ScreenSnapshot installed may be susceptible to the above-mentioned threats to a tangible extent. It is also worth noting that Advanced ScreenSnapshot might not be the only adware application being spread around the web. It may very well have several clones promoting unwanted changes under the disguise of useful capabilities. We, therefore, recommend you deal with ScreenSnapshot and delete it from your computer as soon as possible. More information on this can be found in our guidelines below.

How to remove HOUSELOCKER Ransomware and decrypt your files

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HOUSELOCKER is a recent ransomware infection that started its aggressive circulation around the web. Alike other malware of this type, it encrypts important system-stored data and then demands victims to pay the so-called ransom for its return. HOUSELOCKER also breaks the default operation of Master Boot Record (MBR) - this is done to prevent victims from booting up to their desktop. As a result, it is not even possible to view what files have been encrypted. To help users restore access to their data, HOUSELOCKER displays a pink-text message on a black screen. The ransom note says victims should purchase a decryption key. The cost is 130,000 Rosecoins to be sent using the attached crypto address. After this, cybercriminals promise to send the necessary key that activates file decryption. Developers behind HOUSELOCKER Ransomware do not provide any contact information to maintain communication with them. This is already suspicious and raises a lot of questions about how they are going to send you the key. Thus, we have reasonable grounds to assume that HOUSELOCKER is likely to scam its victims and not recover the data as promised. This is why we would advise you to deal with the infection and try to recover the files yourself.

How to fix ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error in Google Chrome

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ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED is a Google Chrome error sharing almost identical symptoms with other issues like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED and ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED. All of them reflect the disability to open certain pages while surfing the web. In essence, such problems are network-driven meaning there are certain internet frictions restricting due access to websites. Unfortunately, trying what the error page offers does not work out in all the cases. Some users might require other solutions as well. Although there is no panacea fix to errors like this, one of the solutions presented in our guide below is likely to sort out the problem eventually. Try out each method until one of them resolves the ERR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED error.

How to remove blockZ Ransomware and decrypt .blockZ files

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blockZ has shown evident traits of ransomware infections. This type of malware is designed to encrypt system-stored data and demand victims to pay money for its decryption. This ransomware does the same using its own extension (.blockZ) to modify file appearance. To illustrate, a file named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.blockZ and lose its original icon. After this, users will no longer be able to access their data. Cybercriminals explain how victims can fix this through the How To Restore Your Files.txt text note. It says victims have one possible way to decrypt the data - contact ransomware developers and pay some amount of ransom in Bitcoin (not specified in the note) to get a unique decryption tool. In addition, victims are allowed to test the decryption abilities of cybercriminals' software by sending 1 encrypted file and getting it back fully accessible for free. It is also said that neglecting instructions may lead to permanent data loss and extra financial costs. As mentioned, the exact amount of ransom is kept secret until victims contact developers.

How to fix Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) High GPU and Memory...

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People using Windows 11 started reporting problems with High GPU and Memory Usage. In particular, complaints have been related to Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) - a process working in the background by default. It is not new and has been a subject of talking in previous Windows versions as well. While the process itself is designed for maintaining proper display of visual effects (e.g. folder transparency, smoother animation, live taskbar thumbnails, etc.), its operation sometimes leads to an overwhelmingly high amount of GPU and Memory usage. The reason for that is uncertain - it is definitely not supposed to be that way. Desktop Windows Manager's abnormal behavior can be stemmed due to a bug or malfunction of certain segments within a system. Recent discussions concluded that it is often a graphics card driver being outdated or bugged. Whatever it actually is, we advise you to try each solution below until the right one is found.

How to fix a missing VCRUNTIME140.dll error in Windows

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"The program can’t start because VCRUNTIME140.dll is missing from your computer." "There was a problem starting vcruntime140.dll. The specified module could not be found." "Error loading vcruntime140.dll. The specified module could not be found." "The code execution cannot proceed because vcruntime140.dll was not found. Reinstalling the program may fix this problem." "vcruntime140.dll 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." The reasons why some users encounter one of these messages can be for various reasons - lack of Visual C++ Redistributable elements, file corruption or bugged software being attempted to run. Due to one of these causes, users are unable to run specific applications that require the file. It is possible to face the same or similar error like MSVCR110.dll or CONCRT140.dll in any Windows OS. In essence, this error should not be a big challenge to solve on whatever Windows version you use (be it 7, 10, or 11). We have compiled a complete tutorial with solutions that might potentially work down below.