(OLD) (ARCHIVED) Puppy Linux Discussion Forum

[cthisbear]

Updated.

Installing Puppy to USB.
Handy for netbooks.

HOWTO run MSOffice 2003 in Puppy Linux
from steve_s ....thanks Steve.

Added Iobit Security 360 Free
You can install it and it will also allow you to install a portable version.

Reuploaded Network Magic Free version,
the good one before Cisco killed it.

Chris.

[cthisbear]

Hirens USB booter added...near the bottom of the first post.

Reasonably easy way to boot Hirens from USB.
Seems to make it a Hard drive.

For Netbooks...no cd-dvd...
Hirens just made recovery easier.

/////////////

If someone could provide me with an edited menu to boot
with a Puppy...both Lucid 5.11

and Puppy 4.3.1...I would be grateful.

"""""""""

menu.lst >> Hirens.


#timeout 15
default /default

title Boot from Hard Drive\n
rootnoverify (hd0,0)
chainloader (hd0,0)+1

title
root

title Dos Programs\nRun Dos Programs
find --set-root /HBCD/boot.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/boot.gz

title Mini Windows Xp\nRun Antivirus and other windows programs
find --set-root /HBCD/XPLOADER.BIN
chainloader /HBCD/XPLOADER.BIN

title Mini Linux\nRecovery Is Possible Linux (Min RAM 350MB)
find --set-root /HBCD/riplinux.gz
kernel /HBCD/linux xlogin keymap=us xkeymap=us xdriver=fbdev root=/dev/ram0 rw vga=791
initrd /HBCD/riplinux.gz

title
root

title Darik's Boot and Nuke\nHard Disk Eraser
find --set-root /HBCD/dban.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/dban.gz

title Kon-Boot\nWindows (any/blank password) and Linux (kon-usr) Login Without a Password
find --set-root /HBCD/konboot.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/konboot.gz

title Offline NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 Password Changer\nWindows Password Reset
find --set-root /HBCD/chntpw.gz
kernel /HBCD/chntpw vga=1
initrd /HBCD/chntpw.gz

title Smart Boot Manager 3.7.1\n
find --set-root /HBCD/smartbm.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/smartbm.gz

title Windows Memory Diagnostic\n
find --set-root /HBCD/memtest.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/memtest.gz

title ÚÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ¿
root

title ³ Boot from Hard Drive - Windows XP (NTLDR) ³\n
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /ntldr
map () (hd0)
map (hd0) ()
map --rehook
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /ntldr
chainloader /ntldr
savedefault --wait=2

title ³ Boot from Hard Drive - Windows Vista/7 (BOOTMGR) ³\n
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /bootmgr
map () (hd0)
map (hd0) ()
map --rehook
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /bootmgr
chainloader /bootmgr
savedefault --wait=2

title ³ Fix "NTLDR is Missing" ³\n
find --set-root /HBCD/ntldr.gz
kernel /HBCD/memdisk
initrd /HBCD/ntldr.gz

title ÀÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÙ
root

title More...
root

title Dos Programs (Alternative Boot Method)\nUsing Grub4Dos map
find --set-root /HBCD/boot.gz
map --mem /HBCD/boot.gz (fd0)
map --hook
chainloader (fd0)+1
rootnoverify (fd0)
map --floppies=1
boot

title Mini Linux 640x480\nRecovery Is Possible Linux
find --set-root /HBCD/riplinux.gz
kernel /HBCD/linux xlogin keymap=us xkeymap=us root=/dev/ram0 rw vga=normal video=640x480
initrd /HBCD/riplinux.gz

title Linux Console\nRecovery Is Possible Linux
find --set-root /HBCD/riplinux.gz
kernel /HBCD/linux root=/dev/ram0 rw vga=normal
initrd /HBCD/riplinux.gz

title PLoP Boot Manager
find --set-root /HBCD/plpbt.bin
kernel /HBCD/plpbt.bin

title ...Back
root

Chris.

[cthisbear]

Update.

I added Zar >> 4 Photo Recovery.

Unfortunately my links >> URLs have played up
and won't show in blue.

Such as Zar.

http://www.z-a-recovery.com/digital-image-recovery.htm

I will have to think of a workaround.

Chris.

[cthisbear]

Post restored.

Now this is weird.

The entire first post was hidden.

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=58305

As if had I wiped it altogether.
I have now restored it >> only after ticking >> Disable BBCode

Since early October all the links screwed up and no matter
how I tried they will not work properly in Blue.
Yet as you can see above I can easily put in a link and it works.

This is really starting to pee me off.

I've tried everything including
inserting it into other posts...As a preview...
to see if the links show up...with a Zero result

""""""""""

I sent a PM to RetroTechGuy ... who replied in part

" I have occassionally noted it fails to convert urls when there are
"goofy" returns or something in it (so sometimes deleting the blank
lines and <returns> then restoring then corrects it).

I just tried (without posting) a reply, and the links didn't reactivate.

I tried adjusting the text, and re-"url"ing the first url,
and it didn't reactivate.
I tried copying the whole page, pretending that it is a new post,
and it didn't reactivate in the preview.

And I tried deleting all of the blank lines, and new lines
(then restoring the newlines) and it didn't reactivate...

I wonder if there is a variable related to character set (since "text" is
no longer simply "ASCII"...)

I'll try to dig into this a bit further, and see if I can sleuth out the cause

(I've also noticed that sometimes blue links disappear
on Murga, then reappear a day later -- so there may be
something with the host or server software)

However, I see in the preview of this that all of the blue links
are working. Now why in the world is your post "unique"?...

In a later PM RetroTechGuy said to check that>>
Disable BBCode in this post was not ticked....no that was OK.

He even tried >>
" just tried it again from my work computer (Windows),
copying into Notepad (simple text editor, which usually strips
out non-standard characters) and pasted it back -- no joy. "

::::::::::::

Previously I had asked Flash to try and >> Re-edit the post for me,
with the same result.

So he suggested that I contact Pizzasgood to see if he had an answer.
Which I haven't done as yet.

So Pizzasgood if you are around can you please help?

Or if anyone can repost with my attached windows doc.
I can then point to that page with the working links.

Usually I would just lay all blame to Bugman.

Thanks Flash and RetroTechGuy for assisting me.

Chris.

[pemasu]

cthisbear original page with working hyperlinks:

Fix Windows with Puppy Linux and Other Live cd Tools.
Plus programs that help you survive.

This is a starter page for various Windows malware, booting
and data recovery problems.

It includes some of my fixes and or guides from others
including some Puppy Linux and Whirlpool Forum posts.

Though not perfect it is at least a start.
What I wanted was a one page area that I could direct people
with Windows issues to.

Endeavouring to locate past posts and suggestions quickly;
has motivated me to create this Help Page
when Windows users need fixes fast.

It is far better that Newbies can try Puppy Linux -
at the extraordinary price of Zilch.
And still have Windows.
No ranting.
Freedom of choice.

A one time Windows fix is not always available, due to the variety
of viruses out there, the software installed by users,
their Internet habits or even from hardware faults that occur
in the first place.

So any helpful hints are appreciated but leave the Venom to me.
Nobody is forcing you here.
Above all ---this advice may or may not fix your problems.

I wish that someone could make Youtube videos with the clarity
that CatDude has used in his hard drive install posts.

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=29653

Certainly in regard to cleaning out Windows.

======================================

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK..

Some posts repeat the same Mantra….
Live with it.
Systems change, solutions can vary.

It is just too hard to go through all the posts and write a new Tome.
So this is a start.
It will be edited from time to time.

We have some very knowledgeable people here on the Puppy Forum.
No-one knows the whole box and dice though.
But together we have a Borg Collective thing going.

Other sites have some great fixes too…
I thank all those kind people.
Some go out of their way to give you a fix.
I hope that I don’t step on other peoples toes with advice
in the various items posted here.

If you are happy with some authors consider a small donation,
but only if you can afford it
and if their sites have that as an option.

Certainly Barry Kauler..
our Puppy creator aka Benevolent Dictator has a Donation Button.

http://puppylinux.com/download/index.html

And he often distributes any largesse to others from his palace in Penjori Western Australia.

http://www.puppylinux.com/bkauler/

The Puppy Linux distro is a No Cost to the User Project and is a
labor of love from Barry Kauler.

http://puppylinux.com/development/project-statement.htm

“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

I try to avoid reinstalls and reformatting hard drives.
Sometimes though even I can’t avoid it.
Evil things can happen in computing..

So here we go.

With Windows, any version – XP, Vista, Win 7
I do the following.

Turn off System Restore.

Yes there are pluses and minus to leave it on, but if you cannot get
rid of of a Malware or Startup problem -you will have to re-install
anyway. Save the misery.

In saying that however, I have had some success with
Falcon Fours Boot cd which has ERD Commander built in.

Meaning that you can do a System Restore on the Boot cd.
However viruses can live in those Restores as well and reinfect you.

If you can live with that after the Falcon Rescue cd has put you in
a better situation than you were earlier…then System Restore is OK.

If you can boot to the desktop at least…
and still be connected to the Internet, then maybe
consider turning off System Restore, and then restoring it later
when you have eliminated the Nasties.

In XP I try to keep it down to 2 –3%
I invite anyone to tell me a fix in Vista or Windows 7 that let’s me
do the same.

Java

In the Windows control panel check if you have Java.

Click on the icon and Java panel opens up.
Click on temporary internet files...settings.
Set the Disk space to zero, or 1 meg, whatever.

Update:
Turn it off >> Select >> Never.
A pop up will nag you not to.
Ignore it.

Advanced:
In Miscellaneous
>> untick >> Place Java icon in system tray.

Internet options:

While you are still in Windows Control panel,
click on Internet options.
Delete the cookies.
Delete files and tick the box
on delete All Offline Content
Set the History to Zero and clear the history
I set the cache to 50 megs.

Updates:

In XP I never go past Service Pack 2.
Turn it off - it's just BS.
All those downloads and still users computers die.

Add to that diminished computer speed -
or a MS update stops it starting up,
or the famous Microsoft WGA warning begins flaring up on
legitimately installed PCs.

This is another reason to install a firewall other than the MS default.
Configure it so it halts Microsoft taking control, giving you misery.

In Vista and Windows 7 I turn updates off as well.
The many Blah! Blah! experts will disagree.

However the number of Windows machines that I fix,
having somehow managed to survive this litany of updates,
and then just loading one infected page on the internet,
which then screws the machine completely, gives the lie to
continual updates.

Danger Will Robertson Moments:

If you are planning risky things on the internet in Windows,
at least use Returnil.

http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/rvs-home-free

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=5702

I use this one for those needing it >>
Returnil Virtual System 2008 Personal - 2.0.1.9002
which is still found here.

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/win/10704696

because 2008 Personal is still simple to install.

Download:

http://tc.versiontracker.com/product/redir/lid/1974859/RVS_2008_free.exeReturnil%20Virtual%20System%202008%20Personal

The newer Returnil gets too complicated...at least for me.
However Win 7 users probably need a newer version???

Turn Returnil on when it's Danger Will Robertson time.

Please note
If you download files, create Word docs etc,
they will not be saved on reboot unless you copy them to a
different hard drive, partition or USB.
The paid versions allow saves to occur.
Please read the guides on their site.
This has always been a well rated program from day one.
Don't download a one gig file, reboot your PC and
then find out >> Returnil didn't save it.

And if you want to test software but worry that it
will stuff your setup, this program is perfect.

::::

USB Autorun Protection

Windows users should have some Autorun Protection on their USBs.

Even holding down the Shift key when you insert a USB can help.
However I have read that some Nasties can bypass this.

Regular scanning of USBs is a given.

Panda USB Vaccine
I have used this.

http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/downloads/usbvaccine/

Untested:

http://blogs.computerworld.com/the_best_way_to_disable_autorun_to_be_protected_from_infected_usb_flash_drives

Untested:

http://www.jonnysblog.com/2010/02/26/usb-virus-protection-autorun/

:::::::::::::::

Previous suggestions and more instructions here.

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?p=131413#131413

Some things really need updating….such as.

I still use my old version of Free Zone Alarm.
But in some versions of XP Home I notice problems.
So for customers I now install Comodo…no antivirus..
as stated down the page.
I remove all other features.

TuneUp Utilities
I run the shareware version to fixother computers.
- 15 days to use it >> TuneUp Utilities

http://www.tune-up.com/download/archive/

I particularly like TuneUp Utilities 2009
It has a Startup..Defrag, Registry fixes etc..
Over the years I have found Tuneup-Utilities is the best.
Use at your own risk.
Some people hate Registry Cleaners.
However I have no problems with this program.

Avoid the 2010 version.
It proves that good programs can be stuffed up…HORRIBLE.

Startups.

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/12837/use-autoruns-to-manually-clean-an-infected-pc/

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Autoruns for Windows is good as well as Tuneup-Utilities.
Care is needed stopping any startups.
If in doubt call in help.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

http://lifehacker.com/5087101/the-complete-guide-to-speeding-up-your-pcs-startup

YES THIS CAN STUFF YOUR COMPUTER >> if you lack knowledge.

http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

Falcon boot cd can stop startups as well. Through ERD.
The best of the best Rescue cds.
Extremely handy for these types…Scam Antivirus programs.

Remove Antivir Solution Pro

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivir-solution-pro

Similar handy hint:

Remove Security Suite

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-security-suite

:::::::

Process Stoppers:

Applications that can terminate running process on a
Windows machine, including services and process running in
the system. Protected Microsoft system processes can be terminated.

Some will work better than others on Systems.
That's why I keep a variety on hand.

SysProt AntiRootkit

http://sites.google.com/site/sysprotantirootkit/

Download.

http://majorgeeks.com/SysProt_AntiRootkit_d5708.html

KillProcess

http://orangelampsoftware.com/products_killprocess.php

Ready to go...no install.
Download.

http://orangelampsoftware.com/downloads/KillProcess.exe

WinPatrol

http://www.winpatrol.com/startup.html

WinPatrolToGo: = No install.
Sometimes kills what others can't.
Download.

http://www.winpatroltogo.com/winpatroltogo.exe

IceSword:
Sometimes plays up in Vista.
Usually always works in XP.

http://www.antirootkit.com/software/IceSword.htm

XP download.

http://mail.ustc.edu.cn/%7Ejfpan/download/IceSword122en.zip

Windows Vista download.

http://202.38.64.10/%7Ejfpan/download/is120en_vista.zip

::::::

Cloning Hard Drives:

There are risks involved in cloning and backing up drives.
Tread carefully. Common sense is a prerequisite.
There are plenty of posts such as this.
Some programs are easier than others to master.

Whirlpool posts.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1528748

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/?action=threads_search&f=10&q=clon

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/GParted

""""""

http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=418


Macrium reflect give a free Windows version.

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

http://www.macrium.com/features.asp

Ready to go:

File: Rescue.iso Size: 7.79 MB

http://www.datafilehost.com/get.php?file=d5f1435b

Free Hard Disk and Partition Imaging and Backup Software Review.

http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml

""""""

Data Recovery:

Freeware Data Retrieval

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=freeware_data_retrieval

Also.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery-Free

http://www.powerdatarecovery.com/index.html


Hirens cd >> Backup contents.

Backup Tools

- G4L Ghost 4 Linux 0.33a:
a hard disk and partition imaging and cloning tool similar to
Norton Ghost (Linux Freeware).

Partition Image: PartImage 0.6.9:
supported filesystem includes Ext2, Ext3, Reiserfs, HFS, HPFS, JFS,
Xfs, UFS, Fat16, Fat32 and NTFS. (Linux Freeware).

Double Driver 3.0:
Driver Backup and Restore tool (Windows Freeware).

DriverBackup! 1.0.3:
Another handy tool to backup drivers (Windows Freeware).

DriveImageXML 2.14:
backup any drive/partition to an image file, even if the drive is
currently in use (Windows Freeware).

FastCopy 2.01:
The Fastest Copy/Delete Software on Windows (Windows Freeware).

GImageX 2.0.17:
ImageX is used to backup/restore WIM images for Windows XP/Vista
and Windows 7 (Windows Freeware).

InfraRecorder 0.50:
An Open source CD/DVD burning software, also create/burn
ISO images (Windows Freeware).

Partition Saving 3.80:
A tool to backup/restore partitions. (SavePart.exe)
(Windows/Dos Freeware).

RegBak 1.0:
a light-weight and simple utility to create backups of Windows
registry files (Windows Freeware).

SelfImage 1.2.1.92:
to create image files of any mounted or unmounted hard disk
partition. (Windows Freeware).

Smart Driver Backup 2.12:
Easy backup of your Windows device drivers (also works from PE) (Windows Freeware).

WhitSoft File Splitter 4.5a:
a Small File Split-Join Tool (Windows Freeware).

COPYR.DMA Build013:
A Tool for making copies of hard disks with bad sectors (Dos Freeware).

Drive SnapShot 1.40:
creates an exact Disk Image of your system into a file while windows
is running. (Windows Shareware).

Acronis True Image 8.1.945:
Create an exact disk image for complete system backup and disk
cloning. (Dos Commercial).

Norton Ghost 11.5.1:
a hard drive disk imaging utility for Windows which supports Network/USB/SCSI (Windows/Dos Commercial).

Right Click on >> Direct HTTP Mirror

and >> Hirens.BootCD.11.0.zip >> shows up >>save it.

>> near the bottom of this page.

http://www.hirensbootcd.net/download.html

"""""""""

Dr Freeware:
Clones... rescues etc.

http://www.drfreeware.org/

For data rescue, backup, migration, or computer forensics etc.

http://www.drfreeware.org/download.html

http://sourceforge.net/projects/drfreeware/files/Dr.%20Freeware%20LiveCD/DrFreeware_VER006.zip/download


CAINE 2.0 Live cd
Untested.

http://www.caine-live.net/

" CAINE offers a complete forensic environment that is organized to
integrate existing software tools as software modules and to provide a friendly graphical interface. "

Tools and packages included in CAINE Live CD

http://www.caine-live.net/page11/page11.html

///////////////

Cleaning with Puppy.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1198871

Go to :

Recycler: and delete the files in there.

System Volume Information: and delete the lot.

Next:

Documents and Settings
Owners Name...whatever you called yourself...
there might be extras if family members logon.
Default Service
Local Service
Network Service

Then open all the Cookies folder of each of the above and remove index data file and any other cookies.

Open the Recent folder and delete the contents.

Open Local settings of all of them as well.
Open Temporary files and then Content IE5 and delete the index.dat and everything else.
Open the Temp file and delete everything.
Open the History folder and proceed to the History.IE5 folder and delete everything.

Next select the Windows folder:

Drop down to system32.
Open that up and drop to config...open that up,
drop to systemprofile and open that..
Open MUT? again and after opening systemprofile and config..
Delete anything in the Recent folder,
go to the Local Settings here
and delete files as explained above in the
Temp, History and Temporary Internet Files of
Documents and Settings.

Fnally delete >> Pagefile.sys and hyberfil.sys.
in the root of C:\ drive installation.

DO NOT TOUCH PROGRAM FILES

Then move the whole installation to a new folder
called 1-Old XP.

Re-install Windows...no format..
leave existing file system.

Do not have any network cable connected.
Have the latest firewall and antivirus downloaded beforehand,
ready to go, and preferably downloaded with Puppy, so that you
know the files are clean.
Avira is still the fastest to scan whole drives.

Scan it all....then move back your clean files.

Other Posts

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=998716

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1017231


http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1170679

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/1224457.html

Shardana Rescue AV - also has Puppy

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=52027&sid=65643a94691fbdd12ec5de0b6ab1ed98


Clean Windows: What files 4 XP....Vista has 2 different?

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=998716


http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=37005


Scroll down page to my 2nd post.

Speed up old laptop

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1203695


Has Falcon and Hirens Boot cd links

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=58186


boot-land links 4 ERD.
ERD Commander in MSDaRT 6.0,
Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset Vista -

Photos of diagnostic tools available.

You can run some tools off an XP machine in this Vista ERD,
Antivirus >> let's you update, Explorer and a
Process Manager that really can stop the startups
and can remove or mute drivers.

http://www.boot-land.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=5718

MSDaRT 5.0
has less tools...but you can still go back
>> in System Restores.

Falcon is really a great cd.
Falcon links.

FalconFour's Micro Boot CD >> 47.95 MiB

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5373232/FalconFour_s_Micro_Boot_CD_2.5_-_Live_XP__Spinrite__Kon-Boot_

FalconFour's Ultimate Boot CD >> 439.46 MiB

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5283510/FalconFour_s_Ultimate_Boot_CD_USB_2.0_-_Hiren_s_9.9__ERD

Also contains Kon-Boot - bypasses windows password

http://www.piotrbania.com/all/kon-boot/

and an additional MS windows password utility.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Recover files from Windows Vista hard disk using Puppy Linux
Shows the boot up of Puppy 4.3.1.

http://help.artaro.eu/index.php/windows-vista/troubleshooting-windows-vista/recover-files-from-hard-disk-vista.html

Recover files Whirlpool.

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=freeware_data_retrieval

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Cleaners:
ccleaner for cleaning.....only tick the desk icon when installing.

run Cleaner slim edition installation >> only tick the desktop icon on the install.


http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_No_Yahoo_Toolbar_English_d4191.html

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/screenshots/screen/ccleaner1

Run the Program and click on the Analyze and then select
>>> Run Cleaner.
For most people do not touch any other features.

“”””””””””””””

ISO Burners –Windows.

I do not burn ISO files faster than 32 Speed.
For really old computers even slower

ImgBurn..ready to go…no install…do not update

http://www.datafilehost.com/download-b558b1b9.html

http://www.imgburn.com/


File: ImgBurn.exe Size: 1.53 MB

BurnCDCC...small..fast…69kb zip

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/downloads/burncdcc.zip

Cleaning with Puppy.

Yes you can also use Falcons or Hirens boot cds to do this.
But sometimes there can be a locked file.
Puppy may do the job deleting it or maybe the above.

But if your drive is IFFY then Puppy is kinder.

If you boot Puppy you can make a backup of Vista on your C: Drive.

The same as you can with XP.

Call it 1 Vista Backup whatever.
Copy all the Vista Files
Windows
Documents and Settings
Program Files
Program Data??? can't quite remember
Users

and the root files.
Because as sure as Hell Vista will screw up.

Turn off UAC and All updates

Vista and Windows 7.

XdN Tweaker
Control Vista and Win 7…not about MS controlling you..

http://xenomorph.net/files/code/vb/xdntweaker/


No install zip file

http://xenomorph.net/data/programming/xdn_tweaker_0.9.2.1.zip

////////////////

Antivirus.

Antivir Avira is the way to go...no email but I look on my mail server first.

Avira AntiVir Personal - FREE Antivirus

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Avira_AntiVir_Personal_-_FREE_Antivirus_d955.html


and take off the Avira nag screen

http://www.elitekiller.com/files/disable_antivir_nag.htm


NoNotifyAvira is a small and simple utility that can remove the
dvertising of update and startup splash screen of Avira Antivir.

http://www.fred151.altervista.org/


Major Geeks Anti-Virus Tools

http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads29.html


Major Geeks Anti-Spyware Tools

http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html


If you have an infection...the most recommended on Whirlpool

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/

are these free versions.


Malwarebytes Anti Malware

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php


Superantispyware

http://www.superantispyware.com/downloadfile.html?productid=SUPERANTISPYWAREFREE

http://www.superantispyware.com/


Dr Web Cureit

http://www.freedrweb.com/download+cureit/


Hitman Pro..a one time Internet scan and fix free

http://www.surfright.nl/en

Avast Free is good for many.

http://majorgeeks.com/Avast_Home_Edition_d1968.html


Iobit Security 360 Free
You can install it and it will also allow you to install a portable version.
So a very handy feature.
The portable version will update.

http://www.iobit.com/security360.html


AVG has really gone backwards.
3 years ago it was pretty good.
Some people still like it.
Read How To guides to take the annoyances out.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/AVG_AntiVirus_Free_Edition_d886.html

ComboFix- use with care. >> How to.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/combofix/how-to-use-combofix

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/combofix

“ ComboFix is a program, created by sUBs, that scans your computer
for known malware, and when found, attempts to clean these
infections automatically. “

Comodo has a free AV/Firewall...
a bit of a nagger but safer than Vista and Win7.
Stops Windows reporting back.

Comodo Internet Security

http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=cis

http://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/free-internet-security.php

Personally I use a custom install and I do not install the
Comodo antivirus component…untick it…
And use the top install option….It’s like a simple corporate style.

For those that want an all in one program for ease of use,
Comodo plus its own Antivirus, will still run well.

For my use >> I install Avira Antivir Free….
with a custom install and I uncheck the guard.

And what about McAfee and Nortons?
The less said the better.

Virustotal

Flash posted >> Virustotal .
I have often seen this mentioned on Whirlpool.
A very well rated freebie.

http://www.virustotal.com/

" The VirusTotal.com Web site offers a free but invaluable security service.

It will scan any Web download, e-mail attachment or other
(max 20 MB) file you send it with 40-odd different antivirus
scanners to let you know whether it's safe for your computer. "

" This is a list of the companies that participate in VirusTotal with
their antivirus engines. "

http://www.virustotal.com/about.html

Sandboxie.
Advocated strongly by some.

" Sandboxie runs your programs in an isolated space which prevents
them from making permanent changes to other programs and data in
your computer. "

http://www.sandboxie.com/

Reviews - videos

http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?DownloadSandboxie

Free with conditions.
" Sandboxie is shareware software.
The free version is missing a few features which are available in the
paid version.
After 30 days of use, the free version displays reminders to upgrade
to the paid version, but remains functional.
For personal use, you are encouraged, but not required, to upgrade
to the paid version. "

http://www.sandboxie.com/index.php?FAQ_Licensing

//////////////////

Boot up Antivirus Rescue-CDs:

Although I had mentioned the Shardana Antivirus
Rescue Disk Utility previously,

" Shardana Antivirus Rescue Disk Utility (Sardu) is software that
can produce an ISO or an IMA anti-virus bootable CD,
a comprehensive collections of utilities, the most popular
distributions of Linux Lite, and the best known Windows PE. "

http://www.sarducd.it/index.html

a post from Flash reminded me to add the following

++++++++

Flash:

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=56565

Rescue CDs: Tips for fighting malware

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/security/?p=3803&tag=nl.e036

++++++++

techrepublic blog:

" The following rescue-CD applications always get good reviews and
do well in independent testing. And, they are all capable of updating
their signature database via an Internet connection: "

AVG Rescue CD
Base: Linux (77 MB)
Configured to create either a bootable CD or USB drive
Signature Update: Online update or downloaded signature file

Avira AntiVir Rescue System
Base: Linux (47 MB)
Signature Update: Downloaded signature file

BitDefender Rescue CD
Base: Linux (228 MB)
Signature Update: Online update or downloaded signature file

Dr.Web LiveCD
Base: Linux (65 MB)
Signature Update: Online update

F-Secure Rescue CD
Base: Linux (155 MB)
Signature Update: Online update or downloaded signature file.

http://www.f-secure.com/linux-weblog/2008/06/19/f-secure-rescue-cd-300-released/

http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/security/tools/rescue-cd/

Downloads as a zip file.

http://www.f-secure.com/linux-weblog/files/f-secure-rescue-cd-3.11.23804.zip

Kaspersky Rescue CD
Base: Linux (103 MB)
Signature Update: Online update

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/Kaspersky-Rescue-Disk.shtml

Norton Recovery Tool
Base: Windows Vista PE (241 MB)
Signature Update: Online update

http://www.symantec.com/norton/support/kb/web_view.jsp?wv_type=public_web&docurl=20080911125713EN

Plus the Shardana site lists extra boot cds.

Panda Security

http://www.pandasecurity.com/resources/tools/SafeCD.iso

http://research.pandasecurity.com/panda-safecd-4-4-3-0/

PC Tools' Alternate Operating System Scanner

http://www.pctools.com/aoss/details/

G Data BootCD

https://www.gdatasoftware.com/support/main-subjects/upgrade-service/download.html

VirusBlokAda VBA Rescue
The site is down...but the download is here.

ftp://anti-virus.by/pub/vbarescue.iso

Some i rate better than others.

I like Avira...
Just change the country flag - 4 English -
after booting has finished

Pc Tools >> AOSS
is not too bad either...pretty sure that it has Firefox.
And a file manager?????

Malwarebytes Anti Malware and Superantispyware
still give the best result for rogue antispyware though.

Superantispyware works off Hirens boot cd.

Malwarebytes Anti Malware is on the Hirens Windows tools.
It installs off the cd differently after booting into Windows, to
beat the trojans ability to detect it and stop the Antivirus
process running.

If someone could produce a script to get Shardana to add Hirens,
Falcon mini, Falcon Four and also modify Puppyso that you could
run Lucid Puppy ( which runs by default in the current version )
but also run Puppy 4.3.1 >> which was the default in the last
Shardana version )
Shardana would be an even greater product.

""""""""""""""""""""

Other forums and help.

elitekiller – Johns Malware Guide

http://www.elitekiller.com/malware.htm


Black Vipers Page

Black Viper's Top 9 tweaks for a faster (and less annoying) Vista PC
Probably fairly the same for Windows 7

http://www.blackviper.com/WinVista/supertweaks.htm


Whirlpool Virus & Malware Removal Instructions

http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=malware_removal


"""""""""""""""

Other software:

Teamviewer
Great program.
You can run Teamviewer in Hirens...tested that today.

Select >>> Run ..... Not >>>>Install.

http://www.teamviewer.com/download/index.aspx

http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

Even make a linux version…
we have it in Puppy as an addition = Pet.

teamviewer_wine- thanks tronkel rebuilt teamviewer.pet.
New name is teamviewer_wine.pet.

http://www.datafilehost.com/download-e3aa28b8.html


http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=54638&start=15


A Better File Manager....

xplorer²

http://zabkat.com/x2lite.htm


Driver Magician Lite Free

http://www.drivermagician.com/Lite.htm

http://www.drivermagician.com/DML.exe


Network Magic

Old version…still good. Good 4 Vista.
Still let’s you use the simple features after 7 days.

http://www.datafilehost.com/download-61f249a2.html


Paid version.. yeah! Wonder what I would use.

http://www.purenetworks.com/download

Replace Vista with XP

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1108783

"""""""""

Disable Windows Defender Service in Vista

" Get rid of Windows Defender app. from your system
running Windows Vista "

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/vista/disable-windows-defender-service-in-windows-server-2008-or-vista/

1: Click Start Button and Type Services. Click Services once it appears:

2 : Scroll Down and Right Click on Windows Defender and then
Click Properties

3: Click Down Arrow under Startup type: and Click Disabled.
Click OK a few times to apply changes.

Done.

Previous fix.

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/vista/remove-windows-defender-from-vista-system-startup/

::::::::::::::

How to install XP SP2 from USB:

I noticed this in Whirlpool Forums.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1515226

This suggestion from there looks interesting.
Good for netbooks with no dvd-cd hardware.

WinToFlash

http://wintoflash.com/home/en/

http://wintoflash.com/overview/en/

" WinToFlash is a software to transfer your Windows XP,
Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 2008, Windows 7 setup
from CD or DVD to USB in some mouse clicks.
You can install your Windows from flash drive, USB pen, HDD,
etc to your computer or netbook. "

Tried installing XP from USB >> good result >> fairly painless.

::::::::::::

Lost your win7 cd and want to reformat.
Is it possible to download from somewhere but use my CD key?

I saw this on a Whirlpool post.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1522487

Downloads here:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/11/10/windows-7-iso-x86-and-x64-official-direct-download-links-ultimate-professional-and-home-premium/

" Microsoft has been providing Windows 7 ISO
(disc image of Windows 7 DVD) to its customers with a
time-limited ever-changing dynamic download links.
And various online stores such as Amazon and Digital river have
started to provide much sought after Windows 7 ISO downloads for
their customers. The direct download links provided by various
online stores are static, so it becomes the only publicly available
official direct download links and sources for Windows 7 ISO which
can be used to download by everybody. "

Updated links.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2010/04/28/download-windows-7-iso-official-32-bit-and-64-bit-direct-download-links/

""""""""""

Vista and Windows 7 Recovery discs.

Torrent links >> neosmart.

http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/

" NeoSmart Technologies is hosting a copy of the
Windows Vista Recovery Disc for your convenience.
It is a 120 MiB download "

" NeoSmart Technologies is hosting a copy of the Windows 7
Recovery Disc for your convenience.
It's a 143 MiB download (165 MiB for the 64-bit version)

http://neosmart.net/blog/2009/windows-7-system-repair-discs/

""""""""""""

Installing Puppy to USB.

As this topic comes up numerous times I posted this here.

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=59633

Some Windows users do not have a DVD/cd writer in their netbooks ...
or their writer is failing and won't boot.

So Puppy on a USB can be a lifesaver.
Their are how to run Puppy to USB videos in that link.
Other posts in the above may also get you going.

When I come across suitable methods I will add them here.

Why it just pays to run GParted
in Puppy Linux and reformat your USB.

As usual backup your data before doing the above.

""""""

Believe it or not many USBs come out with weird Fat32 formatting.

I don't know what the agenda is but some products
show up in GParted in Puppy Linux with a strange looking triangle.

""""""

An example was an 8 gig Medion usb.

I installed Puppy to it and I the ran >> Gparted
to right click on it to >> Manage Flags.

But the USB had a strange question mark on it....
even though it was formatted in Fat32.
I have seen this behavior on some other USB brands as well.

I was trying to get the Medion usb to boot Puppy 4.3.1
Gparted refused to let me tick >> Boot ...and ....LBA.....
which are essential.

I had to reformat it in NTFS because GParted refused
to allow Fat 32 formatting on it.

After the above I closed GParted and then reformatted the USB
back to Fat32 and enabled ...Boot and LBA.

Then Puppy 4.3.1 booted after re-installing to USB.

Camera Card issues.
I bought a 2 gig camera card...for an ALDI car radio.
Featured USB or SD card option to play music.

I tried to install 2 gigs of music to it.
It would not allow more than 1.7 gigs.
I tried it in Puppy...checked that it was >> Fat32.
Yes...but there again was that strange question mark.

I downloaded a Panasonic Card formatter 4 Windows.
Reformatted it...but the same problem.

Booted Puppy...ran GParted..formatted to >> Fat 32
checked LBA and boot....copied the full 2 gigs and >> drumroll...
the card now works in the radio.

Some old laptops have power issues >>not enough power to USB ports.
Compaqs were well known for this.
Older Dell laptops and desktops have issues.

I like Gigabyte motherboards.
But last years G31M-ES2L won't boot some USBs from the front ports.
It won't regognise a 1 terrabyte drive either in Puppy.
Back port works fine.

"""""""""""

If there is nothing on your drive
and you have a Windows machine available......

download the USB zip here.

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?mode=attach&id=15098

from this post.

http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=38704

Small >> fast >> no install.

Format your USB with it >> Fat32.

Now try to see if it boots >>> into DOS.
If it does it's not a bios issue.

If it boots then you are not installing Puppy correctly.

////////////

Now try installing Puppy.

Run GParted after universal install to see that

LBA and Boot??? are checked.

Some USBs are rubbish and you have to try different install options.

You have tried different USB ports???
This is critical sometimes.

Get another cheap USB to try.

""""

Boot on another computer.

Check the bios. >> F12 boots some.

Other Bios may need you to nominate the hard drive to boot from.

Usually under Advanced Options...Hard drive Boot Order.

Others want you to nominate USB or USB hard drive.

If not you need to change the Bios.

Try another port >> a rear port.

but Boot and LBA are critical....

none of that but all of the other posted options = failure.


"""""""

Whirlpool posts.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1160248

Install to USB Videos.

http://forums.whirlpool.nt.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=900931&p=4


How to make USB flash stick bootable using Puppy Linux

Your drive will probably show as SBC 1

Do Nothing leave current MBR Alone

Otherwise follow all the defaults >> Enter

Do not save on reboot.

""""
Tinycore linux page 4 USB:

http://boo.booboodo.com:57239/booboodo/create_tc_webserver.html

This has links for UNetbootin

http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/

magicISO trial, wakepup2, rawwrite etc.

A handy read because they used our problem solvers.

" As it turns out the Tinycore linux floppy boot process is now similar
to Puppy linux which uses the wakepup2 floppy boot image.
It contains quite a large number of drivers that cover a broad array
of hardware. "

Plop Boot Manager:

http://www.plop.at/en/bootmanager.html

Plop USB info:
Only USB mass storage devices are supported.
The USB support allows to boot from usb harddisk, usb sticks and
usb card readers.

Plop Boot Manager with USB Mass Storage support.

http://www.plop.at/en/bootmanager.html

USB Image Tool

http://www.alexpage.de/usb-image-tool/

" Features

* create image files of USB flash drives
* restore images of USB flash drives
* compressed image file format
* show USB device information
* manage favorite USB images
* command line utility "

http://www.alexpage.de/usb-image-tool/download/

Hirens Boot cd >> USB Booting with Grub4Dos

http://www.hirensbootcd.net/usb-booting.html

Just tried it >> booting >> Mini Windows erc >> all work.
Turns it into a HDD it seems. Thanks Mr Hiren.

Even booting from a front port that refused to do so on this
USB .... or any other USB before.

Although new..
this 4 gig USB is very slow to boot to the programs...
Slow read/ write???

So others may boot with similar USBs and wonder what's going on.
They will work fast with no problems after booting....be patient.

Can't say this enough...Format USBs with care.
Copy any data to a backup before hitting Enter.
Do check that you are not formatting your drive.

"""""""""""""""

HOWTO run MSOffice 2003 in Puppy Linux

steve_s has an interesting post here.

http://murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=59241

On page 3 of the post Steve has included
Pets >> Puppy installers for more simplicity.
I might even give this a whirl in Lucid soon.

"""""""""""

Office Not Genuine Notifications Workarounds

Disable and Remove OGA >> Office Not Genuine Notifications
(Uninstall KB949810)

My Digital Life:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/28/workaround-to-disable-and-remove-oga-office-not-genuine-notifications-uninstall-kb949810/

::::::::::::::::::::

Files on datafilehost remain there for 30 days only.

If they are downloaded continually they remain there.
If anyone needs files reuploaded I will try to do so.

I test all links when I post for accuracy >> but dumb happens.


Chris.

[cthisbear]

pemasu ....I salute you.

Many thanks......Chris.

[pemasu]

No problem. Glad to help. You have good collective thread for fixing machines. I appreciate the hard work. Cheers......

[cthisbear]

SlimComputer

Untested by me...i saw this on Major Geeks

http://www.majorgeeks.com/

http://slimcomputer.com/

http://www.slimwareutilities.com/press_131020101.php

May be good as a test if you were going to re-install anyway.

hah! hah! Well I tried it....result no items found on my PC.
Anyway it seems OK...nice interface.

Chris.

[cthisbear]

eScan Rescue Disk

Untested.

http://www.escanav.com/english/content/company/technologies/escan_rescue_disk.asp

http://update1.mwti.net/download/tools/escanrd.iso

http://www.majorgeeks.com/eScan_Rescue_Disk_d6631.html

Chris.

[NinerSevenTango]

Great post, great resources, I've used a lot of them myself.

I have a few suggestions, I admin a lot of Win computers and none of them ever get infected unless some kid does it on purpose in order to get to some social-engineered malware "click here to see whats-her-name naked".

Sunbelt personal firewall is a free download, after 30 days some features are disabled, but the ones you need stay working. The best things about it are;

Checks outgoing traffic (do you really want that program phoning home to the mother ship every day?)
Builds its' ruleset (make sure to choose advanced mode when installing) so it nags less and less over time
Easy enough for noobs to learn quickly
Lightweight on the processor (doesn't bog the machine down)
Has the best network connections screen I've seen anywhere, it shows all connections incoming or outgoing, what program, where it's connected to, what ports, which protocol, transfer rate. Wonderful.
Tray icon shows traffic like Blinky does.
Allows the advanced user to manually make and edit the rulesets for both network and program behavior. Priceless.
And best of all, it has behavior checking -- no executable can run unless you've allowed it. This stops anything that gets past layers one and two of your defenses. I wish such a wonderful tool existed for Linux. I've been using it since it was Tiny, then Kerio, now Sunbelt.

Layer one of the defense is to install and use Firefox (or other, but ...). On my users' machines I hide the friggen icons for Internet Explorer, it is the number one vector for picking up a virus. Leave IE installed, because Windows Update needs it there. Just hide the icons. (I leave updates on auto for my users. There are so many vulnerabilities it's worth the risk to me that I might have to talk them through an update-caused repair, it's less likely than me having to do a root canal on their system.) Firefox doesn't run ActiveX, the best feature of all. If a site has an ActiveX control on it, send them a nastygram and don't buy anything from them, and let them know why.

Part two of layer one is to install Thunderbird email client (or other, but...) and hide the friggen icons for Outlook, full version or Express. It's the number two vector, because it autoruns any virus and auto-requests any embedded link to exploited web pages.

Layer two of the defense is to run NoScript add-on in Firefox. This stops 99.9% of stupid crap. Insist that users bite the bullet and learn how to use it when browsing. It builds its own ruleset too, nags less and less over time.

I used to set XP machines up to protect from IE and Outlook idiocy, but it's just so stupid, complicated and inconvenient, this way is better.

AVG is getting wobbly, but it checks emails, incoming and outgoing. My users are all clueless and not in the least interested in learning anything except which button to push to get what they want done. So email checking for free is priceless. Stops them from clicking on incoming virus executables and prevents their machine from being made into a spambot even if they bypass all the protections. It also auto-scans any drive plugged into a USB port.

With those three things on over two dozen machines scattered all over the place, from work to family to friends, I've only had to clean a machine three times in the last five years. It was the same machine, same user. He had to click past at least three warnings each time. Nuff said about him.

One other thing to do with any of those configuration tools mentioned in your post, turn off autorun. Teach the users to launch from windows explorer.

I always configure windows explorer to get rid of the cartoon interface, use double pane mode, show all files, show all file extensions, display in list form, don't remember settings for different folders, etc. I teach the user to look at what they are clicking on in it.

One time last year I installed XP on a machine I accidentally left exposed directly to the internet. Before the install was done, it was hopelessly infected! One of the few times I reformatted and started over.

Thanks again, this is a great post.

--97T--

[cthisbear]

" Sunbelt personal firewall "

Not a great result.

""""""""""""""

NinerSevenTango

I am not having a go at you but Sunbelt gives poor results.

Products tested against the suite with 148 tests.

http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/results.php

http://www.matousec.com/projects/proactive-security-challenge/

"""""""""""""

Interesting >> Online Armor temporarily disqualified

http://www.matousec.com/

I have used the free version of Online Armor.
But it was a bit complicated.

""""""""""

" Checks outgoing traffic (do you really want that program phoning
home to the mother ship every day?) "

Yes I stop nearly all of them...eg the Adobe Acrobat beast.
When does bloat stop.

But every firewall is different.

"""""""""""""

I have fixed computers where customers haven't had an Antvirus for over 2 years or never updated it for the same time.

Amazingly one or 2 had bugger all viruses.

This makes me a bit Antsy, so that I have done boot cd scans,
used other scanners etc.as well...just to be sure.
Yet a couple had no big deal problems.

The Bart Avast boot cd was a fantastic piece of software at the time,
mine being the last download day beta version.
Even if the virus definitions were old, you could point the update
to somewhere on the drive where your downloaded def was copied,
and you were newly updated.

http://www.avast.com/bart-cd

"""""""""""

Others have theoretically kept Windows updates going forever,
had Nortons, McCrapee etc....and were dead in the water.
One site >> computer blight.

Others just need strangling or have kids needing the same treatment.
Just love the trojans hiding in those downloaded mp3s.

""""""""""

http://www.avast.com/en-au/free-antivirus-download#tab2

avast! Free Antivirus

has mail shields etc.
Generally a good product.

""""""""""""""

But Avira Antivir Free is my choice...basic but good.

http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

"""""""""""""

I always log into the server....read mail first before downloading.

TPG has one of the best mail servers in OZ....
if you know how to use it.
Filtering mail was always free to the user.
Always has....even on dialup years ago.

Filtering >> High Low Medium
Address Filters
Custom Filters.

http://www.tpg.com.au/

"""""""""""

" Before the install was done, it was hopelessly infected!
One of the few times I reformatted and started over. "

Yes! yes! Yes!.
Take the ethernet or phone cable out of your modem or the
computer before installing Windows.

I mentioned it already.

"Do not have any network cable connected.
Have the latest firewall and antivirus downloaded beforehand,
ready to go, and preferably downloaded with Puppy, so that you
know the files are clean.

Avira is still the fastest to scan whole drives.


""""""""""""

I have mentioned autoruns.
The best to stop it has been Hirens boot cd.

I have tested a few over time.
Hirens has 2 I think. Anyway the last one has been really good.

Chris.

[cthisbear]

" the famous Microsoft WGA warning begins flaring up on PCs"

Some people just cannot help themselves and today i copped the
above....4 Windows and Microsoft Office.

WGA is nothing more than Spyware.

Contrary to what Microsoft incant....
the Majority of uses have paid for their products.
Lemmings to the slaughter.

""""""""""""""""

Once again the Falcon Boot disk can uninstall hotfixes.
Including the key ones below.
I have posted screenshots before that show what this awesome Boot cd
can do in the How to here.

Puppy of course can delete...move or rename files in Windows with ease.
As far as I'm aware using an earlier System Restore
won't stop this behaviour.

So once again...Windows updates....don't believe the hype.
Rubbish...they won't save you.
Dreamin'.

Anyway here are some links.Thety certainly worked on a laptop today.

As always there can be different results 4 different folks.
If in doubt don't.If it's beyond you don't attempt it.

And good hunting.


"""""""""""""""

Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications >> Installer nag

http://www.ehow.com/how_5780835_stop-windows-genuine-advantage-notification.html

" The Installation Wizard will pop up to install WGA after a connection to the Microsoft update center. If you choose to ignore it, it will pop-up every time you boot up your computer. There's no other option given to you by the Installation Wizard but to install it. There is a way though to stop the Installation Wizard from popping up and installing Windows Genuine Advantage Notification.

Can be done in Puppy or Hirens boot cd.

But if you are in Windows

Follow the steps below: "

Go to "My Computer."

Click on "Local Disk", usually it's C:\.

Go to folder "Windows."

Go to folder "system32."

Look for the folder KB905474 and click it to see the files inside.

Verify that the folder contains files that have "WGA" or "Genuine Notifications" in the filenames.

Delete the folder KB905474. This stops the Installation Wizard from installing Windows Genuine Advantage Notification.

Empty the Recycle Bin just to make sure Windows doesn't retrieve the deleted folder.

::::::

How to Remove Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications

I just booted the Falcon cd >> Mini Windows

and I opened >> Windows\System32

and renamed these files...I put a numeral >> 1 in front ofthem all...

for the same result >> eg.....1wgatray.exe

# rename wgatray.exe wgatray.exe.bak
# rename wgalogon.old wgalogon.old.bak
# rename LegitCheckControl.dll LegitCheckControl.dll.bak

http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Windows-Genuine-Advantage-Notifications


How To Remove Windows Genuine Advantage From Your PC

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/remove-windows-genuine-advantage-pc/

:::::::::::::::

Untested by me....Vista.

Uninstall or Remove Windows Vista Validation Update
(KB929391) and Workarounds

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/12/16/uninstall-or-remove-windows-vista-validation-update-kb929391-and-workarounds/


" Now, there is new crack method that able to permanently stop the
countdown timer of time left to activate Windows Vista,
effectively running Vista OS in full functionality evaluation
mode forever."

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/12/20/permanently-activate-windows-vista-by-skip-activation-with-patched-timerstopsys-crack/

Win7.
Noticed this on Whirlpool.

" How to Uninstall and Remove
KB971033 Windows 7 Activation Update (WATu)

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2010/08/11/how-to-uninstall-and-remove-kb971033-windows-7-activation-update-watu/

"""""""""""""""""""""""""

Office Not Genuine

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/28/workaround-to-disable-and-remove-oga-office-not-genuine-notifications-uninstall-kb949810/

Workaround to Disable and Remove OGA Office Not Genuine Notifications
(Uninstall KB949810)

" KB949810 OGA Notifications update is designed so that end-user
cannot uninstall or removed the update using

“Add and Remove Programs” or
“Program and Features” in the Control Panel,
in a bid to encourage end-users to buy genuine Microsoft products.

But, if you’re a legit Office users, and the OGA validation has returned
false-positive result, use the one of the following hacks to disable and
remove Microsoft Office not genuine notification messages displayed
by OGA Notifications."

::::::::::

I used Explorer in Falcon and

I renamed >> OGAVerify.exe ...to >> 1OGAVerify.exe

and >> OGAAddin.dll ...to ..>> 1OGAAddin.dll

and goodbye MS crapola.

""""""""""""""""""""

" To disable OGA Notifications and uninstall KB949810,

close and exit from all Office applications (including Outlook, Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, Visio and etc.), and search for
the following files in

Wndows\System32 folder and

Windows\SysWow64 folder (for 64-bit OS x64 only).

OGAVerify.exe
OGAAddin.dll

::::::::::::::::::

Imageburn...
no install..do not update...untick verify >> is here...1.53 MB

Great 4 burning ISO files.
32 speed for a cd is plenty.

http://www.datafilehost.com/download-fe571dfa.htm

:::::::::::

Previous link won't work as he has updated it.

FalconFour's Ultimate Boot CD >> 439.46 MiB

403.56 MiB (423167470 Bytes)

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5930413/FalconFour_s_Ultimate_Boot_CD_USB_4.0_-_Hiren_s_10.6

Chris.

[cthisbear]

It may be better for those wanting to easily burn a cd to use
the older Falcon here.

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5930380/FalconFour_s_Ultimate_Boot_CD_USB_2.0_-_Hiren_s_9.9__ERD

"""""""""""

The newer Falcon above does not unzip in 7 zip as an ISO.

http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5930413/FalconFour_s_Ultimate_Boot_CD_USB_4.0_-_Hiren_s_10.6

Rather it unzips to

BOOT
BOOT
ERD5
F4UBCD
HBCD
HBXP
Spacer
grldr
readme.txt

I haven't been able to burn a cd that boots properly as yet.
This is through my own limitations and not Falcons efforts.

""""""""""""

GRUB4DOS is used so that you can boot from USB.

I am not very knowledgeable with >> GRUB4DOS.

USB booting will be very handy but the problem is that some
brand computers refuse to boot from USB, so that a cd
is absolutely essential.

Falcon has special instructions in burning this with Imageburn
in his read me after the file >> F4UBCD-4.0.7z

self unzips to the above files.
I should have used a rewritable CD to test burning with.

The newer Falcon has the same ERD files...so not a big deal.

""""""""""""

Success >> Ok! booted the cd.

Opening screenshot...pic 1.

Pics 4 -5-6-7 >> show where you need to mod your options.

http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=screenshots

I have modified Falcons instructions a little.

All these files need to be copied through ImgBurn to work.
Falcon has a copy in >> F4UBCD

of ImgBurn....but you could probably use mine above.

These files need to be manually added....yes >> 2 Boot folders

You open imgburn

Select >> Write files / folders to disc

on the LH Side >> you add 6 folders and 3 files.

Folders >> BOOT
BOOT
ERD5
F4UBCD
HBCD
HBXP

Files >> grldr + readme.txt + menu.lst

There are separate buttons for that.

""""

Under the options >> RH Side >> follow Falcons instructions.

And beware of the ASK Toolbar if you install the Falcon copy.

"""""""""

" When you go back to burn the CD, there are some important details.

I use ImgBurn to create and burn this ISO, and so can you.

The short of it is, it uses the ISO9660 filesystem with fully relaxed
restrictions, as well as UDF.

The "grldr" file in the root of the disc is also used as the boot image
(itloads 4 sectors, then goes on to find the rest of the file, and boots).

So select >> grldr as your Custom (no emulation) boot image,
4 sectors, and burn away.

You must keep in mind that boot filenames
(e.g. grldr, BOOT\bootmgr,F4UBCD\Images\konboot.gz) are ALL CASE SENSITIVE.

If the case sensitivity is not preserved
(e.g. using a burning app that uppercases the ISO9660 filesystem,or changing
the case on a folder), you'll be in for a world of keyboardmashing.

That's why I recommend using ImgBurn.

IMPORTANT >> as long as you don't accidentally double-click

the "Next" button and zing past the Ask Toolbar opt-out
(hint: use the spacebar to click Next).

Drag over all the items except "SPACER"
(which is used to pad the ISO to put the RAM-disk images near the
fast edge of the disc) to the Build window,

set Options/File System to ISO9660+UDF,

and on the Advanced/ Restrictions/ISO9660 page,
pick Level X, ASCII, and all checkboxes

except >> "Allow Files Exceeding Size Limit".

Under Bootable Disc, check Make Image Bootable,

and select "grldr" as the Boot Image
(you'll need to either type it,
or select All Files in the dropdown in Browse).

Finally, burn away. "

"""""""""""

Job done.

Chris.

[cthisbear]

I had a wonderful time dealing with a brand new laptop for a friend,
...a Toshiba Satellite Pro C650...Windows 7.

Removing the default junk etc...Nortons etc, and stopping annoying
MS services so that this hardware could actually run nicely.

So after dealing with the Windows 7 Beast of Burden,
I thought I'd check up on How to make a Windows 7 lite disk.

RT Se7en Lite seems to be the main development for removing
the fat.

""""""""""

Years ago ....98Lite...a cracker piece of software was released by
an Aussie - Shane Brooks -to stop Microsoft hogging Windows 98.


Brilliant for its time.. And tiny.
Shane always made available a FREE Preview no-nags download.

He removed IE manually. 98Lite was used by the Department of Justice
as evidence that Microsoft was monopolizing the browser market.

http://www.litepc.com/

""""""""""""""

Then for XP Dino Nuhagic developed nLite.
For Vista he also released vLite .

" Nuhagic is the creator of nLite and vLite – two free utilities for building
a customised Windows XP or Vista installation disc or ISO image
complete with slipstreamed service packs and hotfixes, unwanted components weeded out and new apps and specific drivers added. "

http://apcmag.com/no-plans-for-7lite-reveals-vlite-creator.htm

"""

http://www.nliteos.com/

" nLite is a tool for pre-installation Windows configuration and component removal at your choice. Optional bootable image ready for burning on media or testing in virtual machines.

With nLite you will be able to have Windows installation which on install does not include, or even contain on media, the unwanted components. "

" nLite supports Windows 2000, XP x86/x64 and 2003 x86/x64 in
all languages. "

"""""""""""""""

http://www.vlite.net/

" vLite is a tool for customizing the Windows Vista installation
before actually installing it. "

:::::::::::::

Windows 7

http://www.rt7lite.com/

" RT Se7en Lite is developed by Rockers Team to customize
windows 7 operating system and to make it lite.
You can add wallpapers, Icons, themes, integrate updates,
drivers, language packs, applications, remove components,
enable or disable features, unattended installation settings,
bootable ISO and USB creator , etc. I
t will be very easy to operate and changing the style of your
windows 7 operating system. "

"""""""""

Components To Keep ... WinterStorm 2050

" I want to create a post that centralize all the components to keep when
I want to use a functionality or a program in Windows 7.

It's for people (and me) who search for many times a solution.
You should consider this as an alpha stage, with no guarantee
of success !!!! "

http://www.rtwincustomize.net/web/index.php?/topic/7146-components-to-keep/

How to Slipstream Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Release Candidate

http://www.rtwincustomize.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=59&Itemid=143


""""""""""""""""

Chris.

[cthisbear]

" Password Recovery For Outlook 2003 "

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1158938

"""""""""""

The answer >>> PstPassword.

" This utility can recover the PST passwords of Outlook 97,
Outlook 2000, Outlook XP, Outlook 2003, and Outlook 2007.

You don't have to install MS-Outlook in order to use this utility.
You only need the original PST file that you locked with a password. "

" PstPassword v1.15 - Recover lost password of Outlook PST file. "

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/pst_password.html

"""""""""

NirSoft Freeware Utilities for Windows

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/index.html

" During the last 4 years, I added more and more utilities to my Web site, and today it contains more than 100 utilities.
As I added more utilities, the Web site traffic was also gradually
increased, and today (May 2008) NirSoft Web site have more than 850,000 unique visitors and 13.5 million hits in a month. "

http://www.nirsoft.net/about_nirsoft_freeware.html

Chris.