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Tutorials

Useful tutorials on various PC troubleshooting topics. Video tutorials.

How to fix “This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10)” error on Windows 11

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This Device Cannot Start. (Code 10) is an error that indicates Windows failed to run some devices. It can appear on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and possibly older versions as well. Usually, this error applies to peripheral hardware, such as USB drives, printers, and other kinds of plug-in-type devices. Users can see spot this error after its sudden interruption right on the screen or as a "Device status" message mainly while inspecting various hardware in Device Manager. The effect of this error is that it prevents the proper operation of the malfunctioned device and therefore disallows users to use it. The most common reasons for its appearance are often reported coming from problems with drivers, outdated systems, badly plugged cables, third-party apps incompatibility, and other possible causes. Before you move to our solutions below, try to perform simple fixes like rebooting your PC, reconnecting the problematic device again, or trying to plug it into other USB ports/hubs. If this does not resolve the issue, feel free to take on the solutions below.

How to remove Gosw Ransomware and decrypt .gosw files

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This article contains information about Gosw Ransomware version of STOP Ransomware that adds .gosw extensions to encrypted files, and creates ransom note files on the desktop and in the folders with affected files. Unfortunately, the encryption algorithm of this ransomware is currently unbreakable, but there are small chances to restore your files, that we describe in this text. Gosw Ransomware is actively distributed in the following countries: USA, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, Egypt, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Indonesia, Thailand. This variation first appeared in the beginning of March 2023 and is almost identical to the previous dozens of variations. Ransomware virus still uses AES encryption algorithm and still demands a ransom in Bitcoin for decryption.

How to remove Alice Ransomware and decrypt .alice files

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Alice Ransomware is a malicious program designed to encrypt users' personal data and demand money for its decryption. While enciphering access to files with the help of secure algorithms, the file-encryptor also assigns the .alice extension to encrypted data. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will likely change to 1.pdf.alice and reset its original icon. Many ransomware infections assign their custom extension in order to distinguish encrypted files and make users notice the change. Instructions on how to return the files are presented within the How To Restore Your Files.txt text file, which gets created after successful encryption. This text note features guidelines written in Russian, which indicates this encryptor aims mainly at Russian-speaking users. It is worth noting that Alice has been seen distributed in two variants with slightly varying ransom note text.

How to remove Qotr Ransomware and decrypt .qotr files

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STOP Ransomware is a plague of 2017-2023, tenacious virus based on encryption technology, Qotr Ransomware is a recent version of it. Ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm to encode important files and extorts a ransom in Bitcoins for decryption. This malware aims at western countries mostly, but there've been thousands of infections detected in other parts of the world. Qotr Ransomware uses the same patterns but adds different extensions to modify the files. The version that we observe today appends .qotr extension. The crypto-virus affects the user's valuable data: photos, videos, and documents, it takes hostage potentially critical files. At the same time, it keeps Windows system files intact. All recent versions used a ransom note file called _readme.txt, and this variation is not an exception. All samples belong to the same authors, as they use the same contact details: support@freshmail.top and datarestorehelp@airmail.cc.

How to remove Qoqa Ransomware and decrypt .qoqa files

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Qoqa Ransomware (that is a part of a large family of STOP/Djvu Ransomware) is an obnoxious virus, that encrypts files on computers using the AES encryption algorithm, makes them unavailable, and demands money in exchange for so-called "decryptor". Files processed by the latest version of STOP Ransomware, in particular, can be distinguished by .qoqa extensions. The analysis showed that the cryptographic installer loaded with the "crack" or adware is installed under an arbitrary name in the %LocalAppData%\ folder. When executed, it loads four executable files there: 1.exe, 2.exe, 3.exe and updatewin.exe. The first of them is responsible for neutralizing Windows Defender, the second is for blocking access to information security sites. After the malware is launched, a fake message appears on the screen that says about installing the update for Windows. In fact, at this moment, almost all user files on the computer are encrypted. In each folder containing encrypted documents, a text file (_readme.txt) appears, in which attackers explain the operation of the virus. They offer to pay them a ransom for decryption, urging them not to use third-party programs, as this can lead to the deletion of all documents.

How to fix Windows Update error code 0xc190011f

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A number of users raised concerns towards the 0xc190011f error, which appears when trying to download and install new Windows updates. This issue has mostly been evident in affecting Windows 10 users. As a rule, the error is accompanied by the following message: "There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: [update name] – error 0xc190011f". The most common reasons for its appearance are usually rare system update glitches, corrupted integral file elements, faulty Windows update components, incorrect regional settings, or third-party software conflicts. If you are facing the 0xc190011f issue, it is likely that you will fix it by the end of this guide. Simply try each solution in the sequence below until the issue becomes resolved eventually.

How to remove Roghe Ransomware and decrypt .enc files

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Roghe is a ransomware virus targeting personal data of victims. After the malware infects a targeted system, it starts encryption of potentially important files making them inaccessible until a decryption key is retrieved. During the encryption process, Roghe Ransomware assigns the .enc extension to infected files. For instance, a file like 1.pdf will turn to 1.pdf.enc and so forth with other affected files. Once all files become enciphered, the virus changes the desktop wallpapers and force-opens a pop-up window that features decryption guidelines. The text featured on newly-assigned wallpapers lets users know they have been infected and encourages them to follow instructions from the opened pop-up window. In addition, it also features a QR code leading to more information about the malware. The "Roghe Decryptor" window says victims have 15 minutes to retrieve the key and paste it for unlocking access to files - otherwise, the encrypted files will be deleted forever. It also says that within 20 minutes operating system will be inaccessible, essentially becoming locked.

How to remove Qowd Ransomware and decrypt .qowd files

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New wave of STOP Ransomware infection continues with Qowd Ransomware, that appends .qowd extensions. STOP Ransomware was first detected in 2018 and has since evolved into one of the most prevalent types of ransomware. Those ".qowd" extensions are added to encrypted files in the end of February 2023. This tricky virus uses the AES encryption algorithm to encode users' important information. As a rule, Qowd Ransomware attacks photos, videos, and documents - data, that people value. The malware developers extort ransom and promise to provide a decryption key in return. Full decryption of lost data is possible in a minority of cases, if an offline encryption key was used, otherwise, use instructions on the page to recover enciphered files. The ransomware also creates a ransom note (_readme.txt) that informs the victim about the attack and demands payment in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in exchange for the decryption key.