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Marilyn fell for a tech support scam
I have been using Emsisoft for years. I thought that it was a Malware and Antivirus protector. Recently, my computer was invaded by a Trojan, and Emsisoft never caught it or apparently knew anything about it. Do they not cover that type of malware? I had to go through Microsoft to have it removed and install SAFESYS Innovations.

Our answer
Hi Marilyn. I'm sorry to say that you were scammed. Microsoft does not install software or fix personal computers. Emsisoft protects users from all malware, including Trojans. You were victimized by a tech support scam.

A lot of reports on platforms like Reddit and HP Community forums link "Safesys Innovations LLC" to instances where users were billed for services, had software like "Ultraviewer" installed, and were subjected to pop-up notifications for fake viruses. This is a classic pattern of tech support scams, where scammers pretend to be legitimate tech support, gain remote access to computers, and then pressure users into paying for unnecessary or fraudulent services.

Make sure you call your credit/debit card company or bank and tell them you were scammed so you can try to recover any money you paid the scammers.

I'm sorry this happened to you.

Sylvia asks about 0patch
I have been receiving your great newsletters for decades, but have never reached out before - (I am a senior, now one of the Old Timers in the club). Do not publish my question because I would be embarrassed to see it.

I have a Windows 10 computer, which my club brought in a few years ago for me. Word & Excel are in Compatibility Mode, which I use a lot! Not the latest versions then. Previously, I was using a computer with XP. I am stressed; the club thinks I should have a Windows 11 computer. I do not pick up on tech easily. Is OPATCH still a good option? Then I could stay comfortable with Windows 10. And I love OE Classic Pro! Sylvia

Our answer

Hi Sylvia. 0patch is available, and they say they will offer patches for Windows 10 for at least 5 years.

Windows 11 is different than Windows 10, but it's still Windows - it is not that hard to learn. However, a new computer is a big investment, and 0patch is only about $27 per year. You can read more about 0patch here.

And just FYI, OE Classic Pro runs great on Windows 11 as well.

Thanks so much for your nice comments and your long-time support. If you have more questions, just let me know.

Leslie got a strange Windows error message
Hi, TC. I had a strange message come up on the computer this morning.

It said: Program Compatibility Assistant: This module is blocked from loading into the Local Security Authority,

\Device\HarddiskVolume3\Program Files\Bonjour\mdnsNSP.dll

For more information on why this module has been blocked, click 'Learn more'

I clicked it, but I was lost when reading it. I have no idea what to do. Please help.

Our answer
Hi Leslie. You've got to love Apple. Sometimes I think they make crappy software for Windows so people will switch to Apple. That warning means Windows has blocked the Bonjour module mdnsNSP.dll from loading into the Local Security Authority (LSA) due to security concerns. LSA is a critical Windows process responsible for handling authentication and protecting credentials. Starting with Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft enforces stricter protections that prevent older or unsigned DLLs from injecting into LSA.

Here are three ways to fix the problem:

Uninstall Bonjour

If you don’t need Bonjour (used by iTunes, AirPrint, or other Apple software), uninstall it via Apps > Installed Apps. This is the safest fix.

Update Bonjour

Unfortunately, Bonjour hasn’t been updated since 2015, so newer signed versions may not exist. Still, you can try reinstalling it from the latest Apple Bonjour installer to see if it helps.

Disable LSA Protection (not recommended)

You can turn off LSA protection via Windows Security > Device Security > Core Isolation > Memory Integrity, but this weakens system security.

I hope this helps you, Leslie.

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Carole can't get rid of 360 Total Security
I have uninstalled 360 Total Security through Revo Uninstaller Advanced. However, I thought all of it had gone, but it still pops up in my taskbar and is trying to download programs I don't want. I can exit it from the taskbar but when I reboot my computer, it is there again. Why was it not removed completely, even though I used the advanced uninstall on Revo? How do I get rid of all of it? Thank you. I love reading all your tips and tricks.

Our answer
Hi Carole. 360 Total Security is a Chinese AV and is generally not recommended by cybersecurity experts or experienced users in Western markets.

360 Total Security is frequently installed without explicit user consent, often bundled with other free software (especially from less reputable download sites or "freeware" installers). Users report it appearing on their systems unexpectedly after installing other programs. This is a common tactic used by Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs/Malware).

Many users report that 360 Total Security can be difficult to fully uninstall. It often tries to persuade you to keep it and leaves behind residual files or processes, making a clean removal challenging. This behavior is typical of malware.

Excessive Pop-ups and Ads: Even the paid version is known for displaying numerous disturbing and distracting pop-up ads and notifications.

Its core antivirus engine has shown weaker detection rates in independent tests. There are also reports of it flagging legitimate system files as threats (false positives), potentially causing system instability.

otally rid of it totally. Apparently, it installs other software that continues to urge you to reinstall 360 Total Security by initiating pop-ups and ads.

I have never encountered this scammy antivirus on anyone's computer, and I cannot tell you how to get rid of it totally. Apparently, it installs other software that continues to urge you to reinstall 360 Total Security by initiating pop-ups and ads. In order to get this off your system, you would need to uninstall every program & app installed on your PC that you don't recognize.In order to get this off your system, you would need to uninstall every program & app installed on your PC that you don't recognize.

You can make this easier by changing the order programs are listed from newest to oldest. If you've already installed the "main" part of 360 Total Security, and you know the approximate date you installed it, then look for all programs installed around and after that date. Here's how to do that using REVO:

Open Revo Uninstaller.

In the main window where your installed programs are listed, make sure you are in "Details" view. This view displays programs in a table with various columns. You can usually change the view from a toolbar button or a "View" menu.

Look for the column labeled "Installation Date" (or similar, like "Install Date"). Click on this column header.

Clicking once will sort in ascending order (oldest to newest).

Clicking a second time will sort in descending order (newest to oldest), which is the view you want.

I hope this helps solve your problem.

I think it might be time for you to switch to Emsisoft, our recommended and most trusted antivirus and antimalware.

Debbie is having problems importing bookmarks
I just ran into a problem that I can't figure out. I'm trying to copy my sister's bookmarks from Google Chrome to transfer to her new computer. When I try to save them, they are saved into an HTML file that can only be opened in Edge. Is there anything that will stop them from going to an HTML file?

Our answer

Hi Debbie. HTML is the language of all websites and web pages. All browsers can open HTML files. I am guessing your sister is using Google Chrome, so here are the instructions for importing bookmarks from an HTML

Importing bookmarks from an HTML file into Google Chrome is a straightforward process. This is particularly useful if you've exported bookmarks from another browser, or if you have a backup HTML file of your Chrome bookmarks.

Here's how to do it:

Open Google Chrome.

Access the Bookmark Manager:

Click the three vertical dots (More options) in the top-right corner of the Chrome window.

Hover your mouse over "Bookmarks and lists" (or just "Bookmarks").

Click on "Bookmark manager" from the sub-menu.

Alternatively, you can directly type chrome://bookmarks/ into your Chrome address bar and press Enter.

Initiate the Import:

In the Bookmark Manager, look for another three vertical dots icon near the top-right, usually next to the "Search bookmarks" bar.

Click on this three vertical dots icon.

From the dropdown menu, select "Import bookmarks".

Select Your HTML File:

A file explorer window will open. Navigate to the location on your computer where your HTML bookmark file is saved.

Select the .html file that contains your bookmarks.

Click "Open".

Confirmation and Location:

Chrome will import your bookmarks. You might see a quick confirmation message.

Where do they go?

If you didn't have any bookmarks in Chrome previously, the imported bookmarks will usually appear directly in your main bookmarks bar.

If you already had bookmarks in Chrome, the imported bookmarks will typically be placed in a new folder named "Imported" (or sometimes "Imported From [Browser Name]", though for a generic HTML file, "Imported" is common) within your "Other bookmarks" folder. You can then drag and drop them from there into your main bookmarks bar or other folders as you wish.

That's it! Your bookmarks from the HTML file should now be available in your Chrome browser.

Hope this helps you, Debbie!

Ted asks about copy to / move to in Windows 11
Here is my question: I have had your Copy To/Move to on my computers for many years and never had a problem. Now with my new computer and Windows 11, I cannot get it to stay. After using it once, it disappears, never to be seen again until I reinstall. Curious as to why this is happening? Any suggestions? Thanks as always for your help. Ted

Our answer
Hi Ted. The Copy to Move to registry hack is several years old and was made for Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows 11. It appears it no longer works on the newest version of Windows 11. I will see if we can update it for the current version of Windows 11. In the meantime, have you seen this in Windows 11?

Right-click on the file(s) you want to copy/move...

Since File Explorer now allows you to open multiple windows, just choose "Copy" to copy or "Cut" to move a file or files and open a new File Explorer window to the folder you want to move or copy files to and right-click in that location and you'll see "Paste" or "Move" at that bottom of the File Explorer window.

In the meantime, I will see if we can update the Copy to / Move to registry hack to work in the newer versions of Windows 11.

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

How to Use the Windows Settings App To Control Startup Programs
Windows 10 / Windows 11

Most of you know you can disable (or enable) Windows startup programs using Task Manager’s Startup tab. It’s not as robust as some 3rd-party startup programs, but it can help trim startup programs that can bog down your Windows computer. Having too many programs start with Windows is one of the main reasons why some Windows computers run slower than they should.

Did you know you can enable or disable startup programs using the Settings app? You can – and we’re going to show you how.

Type STARTUP APPS in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see Startup apps appear in the search results.

Cloudeight InfoAve Windows Tips
Above: Windows 10 Startup apps

Cloudeight InfoAve Windows Tips
Above: Windows 11 Startup Apps

To disable a startup program, slide the switch next to it to off. To enable it, turn the switch on.

Ensure you don’t disable your antivirus & antimalware programs, touchpad, printer, backup programs, or other startups that may cause problems if you turn them off.

If you accidentally turn a startup off, the fix is easy: open Settings > Apps > Startup and flip the switch back on.

Let’s Make Windows 11 a Little Less Annoying
Windows 11

The end of the Windows 10 era is fast-approaching, and many of you are or will soon be using Windows 11. Windows 11 has its annoyances – many more than we will cover here today, but this little tutorial will get you started making Windows 11 just a little bit less annoying.

Right-click on the Taskbar, choose “Taskbar settings”, and turn off “Task view” and “Widgets”.

Next to ‘Search”, choose “Search icon only”. It has the same functionality as the full search bar but takes up less room. Taskbar space is valuable. Why clutter it up?

Now, click on Settings > System (on the left) and turn off Notifications. Who needs all those annoying notifications popping up?

Next, click on Settings > Personalization> Lock screen and uncheck “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen.” It’s just another annoyance and another way for Microsoft to advertise.

Moving right along. Now, click on “Privacy & security” (on the left),

Under “General,” turn all of the switches off.

Under Privacy & security > Diagnostics and feedback, make sure “Send optional data…” is turned off.

Next, under Privacy & security > Search permissions, turn the switch off under “Search highlights”

This is just a start, but just doing the little things above will help you make Windows 11 less annoying and less intrusive.

Cast Away with Windows Key + K
Windows 10 / Windows 11

Cast away with Windows Key + K is an easy way to remember the Windows key shortcut that lets you cast your Windows PC to your TV. When you see the word “Cast,” think “Broadcast”.

Let’s talk more about casting what’s on your TV’s screen to your TV.

Most modern Windows laptops and desktops support wireless casting, and most smart TVs have built-in support for screen mirroring or casting. If your TV is older, you might need a device like a Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or other streaming device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. Also, both your PC and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

How it works:

Windows uses a technology called Miracast to wirelessly transmit your PC screen to the TV. Think of it as a wireless HDMI cable.

Here’s how to cast your PC’s screen to your TV

Turn on your TV and ensure it’s set to the input where your casting device (such as a Roku player, if you’re using one) is connected. If your TV has built-in casting, make sure that feature is enabled.

Use the Windows key shortcut “Windows Key + K” to open the “Connect” quick action menu. (see the screenshot below):

Windows Key + K and Cast Away .. Cloudeight InfoAve

Windows will scan for nearby devices that you can cast to. Select your TV or streaming device from the list. As you can see in the screenshot above, I have 2 TVs with Roku devices connected, as well as one “smart TV”.

There are other optional settings, such as” Duplicate” (mirror your screen) or “Extend” (use the TV as a second monitor). You can access by clicking More cast settings” on the “Cast” settings menu.

If you have a compatible TV or an older TV with a compatible streaming device connected, your PC screen should now be displayed on your TV.

We think you’ll find casting your computer’s screen to your TV comes in handy for many things. And now you know how to cast away!

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

We have thousands of Windows tips, tricks, and more on our InfoAve website.

Subscribe to our free InfoAve Daily newsletter.

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

Microsoft PowerToys: Superpowers for Your Windows Computer

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing Windows could do just a little more to make your computer life easier, trust me, you’re not alone. But you’re in luck. Microsoft PowerToys is like a Swiss Army knife for your PC. It’s free, open-source, and packed with clever little tools that make everyday tasks smoother, faster, and way more customizable.

Originally a cult favorite back in the Windows 95 days, PowerToys has been reborn for Windows 10 and 11. And let me tell you—it’s not just for power users or techies. If you love tweaking your PC your way, or just want to work smarter, PowerToys is for you!

PowerToys Has Some Cool Features You’ll Actually Use

PoweToys - Cloudeight InfoAve

1. FancyZones: Window Management Wizardry
Forget the default Snap Layouts—FancyZones is like Snap Layouts on steroids. You can design your own grid layouts and snap windows into place with a simple Shift + drag. If you’ve got a big monitor or multiple screens, this will make your workspace feel so much more organized.

2. PowerToys Run: Your Keyboard’s Best Friend
Hit Alt + Space and boom—a cool search bar pops up. It’s fast, it’s smart, and it does way more than just launch apps. You can run commands, do math, convert units, and even peek at running processes. It’s like Spotlight for Windows, but with a little extra pizazz!

3. Image Resizer: No Image Editors Needed
Right-click an image (or a bunch of them), choose your size, and you’re done. Whether you need thumbnails or full-size banners, this tool saves you from opening a bulky editor just to shrink a photo. Great for resizing images for email and social media. You’ll love it.

4. Keyboard Manager: Customize Your Keys
Ever wanted to turn Caps Lock into something useful? Now you can. Remap any key or shortcut to whatever suits your workflow. It’s perfect for fixing annoying key placements or creating your own shortcuts.

5. Color Picker: Eyedropper for the Entire Screen
Designers and creatives, rejoice. Hit Win + Shift + C and grab any color from anywhere on your screen. You’ll get the HEX, RGB, and HSL codes instantly—and it even remembers your recent picks.

6. Text Extractor: Copy Text from Anything
This one works like magic. Use Win + Shift + T, draw a box around any text—even if it’s in an image or locked PDF—and it’s copied to your clipboard. OCR for the win.

7. File Explorer Add-ons & Peek: Preview Like a Pro
Want to preview Markdown or SVG files without opening them? Done. Just select the file and hit Ctrl + Space to get a quick full-screen preview. It’s fast, clean, and super handy.

8. Always On Top: Keep What Matters in View
Do you need your calculator or notes app to stay visible while you work? Press Win + Ctrl + T and pin that window above all other windows. No more digging through layers of open apps.

PowerToys - Cloudeight InfoAve

PowerToys is one of those rare free tools that feels like it should be built into Windows. I wonder why it’s not. Anyway, it gives you control over things you didn’t even realize you wanted to tweak. Whether you’re a techie, power user, or just an average Windows user, PowerToys is worth the download. So go ahead—give your PC a little superpower boost.

You can download Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store here.

It’s 100% free.

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium - Essays , Rants, etc.

Sepsis Awareness Month: My Battle with Sepsis

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an essay entitled "The Fight is On". Many of you guessed it was about me, and you were right, it is about me and about my fight against sepsis. I still have some lingering issues from the battle, and I've been told it's going to be some time before I'm back to normal. And there's a chance that may never be the person I was.

Sepsis is serious and is the leading cause of death in hospitals. Because of my encounter with it, I think it's important that you know more about sepsis. Until it happened to me, I knew almost nothing about sepsis or how dangerous it is.

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and a great time to let you know more about sepsis, its symptoms, and how deadly serious it is. Trust me - I know.

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition arising from the body's overwhelming response to an infection, is a silent and deadly threat. While it is a leading cause of death in hospitals, many people remain unaware of its symptoms and severity. In response, Sepsis Awareness Month, observed every September, stands as a critical public health initiative dedicated to educating the public, empowering healthcare professionals, and ultimately saving lives. This annual observance serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency required to combat a condition that claims millions of lives each year.

The first step in fighting sepsis is understanding what it is...

Read the rest of this essay here.

Program Files and Program Files(X86)

In Windows 64-bit operating systems, there are two program file directories:

Program Files

Program Files(X86)

Programs that install to Program Files, by default, are 64-bit programs; programs that install to Program Files(X86), by default, are 32-bit programs.

As a general rule, everything you see installed in Program Files is 64-bit software. All programs you find installed in the Program Files(X86) directory are 32-bit programs. Windows 64-bit operating systems have 32-bit emulation, called WOW64. This emulator allows Windows 64-bit operating systems to run most 32-bit software without a problem.

So now you know why you have two Program Files directories and why you have them.

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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly. Thanks so much for your support and for being an InfoAve Weekly subscriber.

Have a great weekend. Be safe!

Darcy & TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - Issue #1143
Volume 22, Number 46
September 5, 2025

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