Windows 10 upgrade.

[swingdjted]

I too lost a lot with the change away from XP. This is why I often use "XP Mode" in Windows 7 Ultimate.

[Warrior of the Light]

Originally Posted by gaekwad2

They'll make 7/8 pop up a nag screen every time you move your mouse.

I just removed (renamed) the \gwx\ folder and its contents in c:\windows\system32\ Haven't had a single popup since. I had tried all of the recommended solutions but it kept coming back.
I don't think you'll be able to do it in windows though, perhaps in safemode? You could use a live linux session.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by Warrior of the Light

I just removed (renamed) the \gwx\ folder and its contents in c:\windows\system32\ Haven't had a single popup since. I had tried all of the recommended solutions but it kept coming back.
I don't think you'll be able to do it in windows though, perhaps in safemode? You could use a live linux session.

I used the Task Scheduler to disable the 4 tasks that trigger the pop-up app. The other gwx related tasks periodically trigger the other gwx apps that check the programs and drivers installed on my computer for compatibility with Windows 10. When triggered, they run for a few minutes after boot up and at other times when the computer is idle (if the computer is not rebooted for days). This processing is not noticeable unless the computer has limited resources.

If I ever do decide to upgrade, knowing what's compatible will be important. Keeping this info up to date will allow the upgrade process to complete faster.

[ryerman]

Originally Posted by Warrior of the Light

I just removed (renamed) the \gwx\ folder and its contents in c:\windows\system32\ Haven't had a single popup since.....
I don't think you'll be able to do it in windows though, perhaps in safemode?......

Here's an app that makes it easy:
http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/201...ly-remove.html

[gaekwad2]

Originally Posted by Warrior of the Light

I just removed (renamed) the \gwx\ folder and its contents in c:\windows\system32\ Haven't had a single popup since. I had tried all of the recommended solutions but it kept coming back.
I don't think you'll be able to do it in windows though, perhaps in safemode? You could use a live linux session.

Dual-boot ftw.
Wouldn't it be better to remove the folder's contents and then set it to read-only? Otherwise Windows might just recreate and repopulate it.

[Warrior of the Light]

I dual-boot as well, just didn't know if you did.
That's probably an even better solution.

[Aminifu]

Today, ZDNet's Ed Bolt has a different take on the info provided by the article I linked to in post #76 above.

"Another day, another sensational report from Forbes. Oh my goodness, is Windows 10 really "phoning home" thousands of times a day? Nope. in fact, anyone who has even a basic understanding of how networks work should cringe at this shoddy report."

" Sadly, what Mr. Kelly's post* proves is how very, very little he understands about modern computing or networking. Seriously, his article is pure gibberish, technically. But more than 100,000 people have read it so far, and apparently they believe Mr. Kelly.

I feel sorry for those poor benighted souls."

Link to Ed Bolt's complete article (http://www.zdnet.com/article/when-it...tag=TRE17cfd61).

[Aminifu]

There is a new app (Win10 Wizard) that is supposed to help with determining what changes a Windows 10 upgrade will make to a Windows 7/8.1 installation.

"If you run it on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 before the upgrade, it will make sure that your system is compatible with Microsoft's new operating system.

In addition, it will highlight any program that will be removed as part of the upgrade either because it is incompatible with Windows 10, or because Microsoft removed the feature from the operating system.

What Win10 Wizard does not do is download and install the upgrade for you. It links to a Microsoft page where you find instructions on how to upgrade the PC to Windows 10.

When you run the program again after the upgrade, its main functionality becomes available. It highlights compatibility issues right away on the start screen, and links to six settings or options that you can go through." __to make modifications to privacy and security settings among other things.

More information about this app and a download link is available here (http://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/12/win...ade-assistant/).


One of the comments to this article related to Win10 Wizard is very informative:

" Jeff February 12, 2016 at 2:41 pm #

From #6. in the EULA: " Advertising and Links - The Software installation and/or any applicable Software update or upgrade processes may include Digital Care promotional offers and advertisements, or promotional offers and advertisements from third parties. The manner, mode and extent of advertising by Digital Care through the Software installation process and/or any applicable Software update or upgrade processes are subject to change at any time and without notice to you" "


Win10 Wizard could be useful since it claims to provide info that GWX does not, but the embedded promotional offers and advertisements could be a hassle or dangerous.

[Warrior of the Light]

Nice but that's still based on the idea that I'm interested in upgrading an OS. Upgrading something as complex as an OS is in in my experience just an accedient waiting to happen.
For me, I'll stick to my clean installs only policy.

[Aminifu]

I agree that clean installs are generally better than upgrades. It would still be useful to known what software in my current installation is incompatible and which installed OS features would be removed. I already known the Windows Media Center will be removed.

In addition, with Windows 10, Microsoft has changed the OS activation process. I read that you have to upgrade first to get the activation saved on a Microsoft server and then delete everything to do a clean install (with a separately downloaded installation package) that will be activated automatically. Is that true?

I'm glad I have a few more months, at least, to decide if I want to deal with all this hassle.

[iomegajaz]

By assisting my father in-law with his Windows 8 laptop, I learned that MS removed Minesweeper, Hearts etc. from Windows 8 onwards. Why? To quote directly from Bill Gates: "Because fuck you, that's why."

Don't worry, though! Users can now download these games as "apps" through the Windows Store! Yeah, fuck that. Assholes.

[swingdjted]

That's one of the examples I was referring to when I wrote

Originally Posted by swingdjted

Want what used to be included as instant working software? Download it separately, sit through a long annoying advertisement first at each launch, then wait for an aggravating splash screen. By the time you're ready to use the program, you've already damaged your computer with a temper tantrum.

[Andalando]

Hey,
I am new member here. Open my account few minute ago. I would like to about using Windows 8.1 version. I am using this onto my laptop. But my PC is getting slower day by day. Don't know what's the problem dude. But I got message usually showing 'harmful software detected'. Now my question is how can I remove those from my PC. When I used Windows 7 then didn't occured this problem ever. So I am in trouble. Don't know what should I do? Do you have any ideas guys.

Thanks for your time!

[iomegajaz]

The near-dead Winamp Forums website is the ideal place to ask this question.

[deeder7001]

Stop going to shady porn sites?

[gaekwad2]

More like any site containing ads.

inb4 another new user recommending some shady malware remover that'll magically solve his problem

[DJ-Garybaldy]

The main reasons for people having Malware/Viruses on their computers

A) They are visiting dodgy websites
B) Downloading even dodgier pirated software
C) They follow some unknown link on social media.

Leave them to it they'll soon learn the hard way!

I certainly don't like malware after a bad attack over 14 years ago from a link someone sent me on a chatroom. The guy didn't even apologise.

[DJ-Garybaldy]

Originally Posted by Andalando

Hey,
I am new member here. Open my account few minute ago. I would like to about using Windows 8.1 version. I am using this onto my laptop. But my PC is getting slower day by day. Don't know what's the problem dude. But I got message usually showing 'harmful software detected'. Now my question is how can I remove those from my PC. When I used Windows 7 then didn't occured this problem ever. So I am in trouble. Don't know what should I do? Do you have any ideas guys.

Thanks for your time!

“If you got this “harmful software” via something you downloaded from a torrent/pirate site then It might be a good idea to STOP downloading pirated software”

[gaekwad2]

OK, I won't get angry, but you're really a couple years behind there. These days even "legit" download sites are happily bundling malware (that you can choose not to install, but there must be enough people who just click next every time otherwise that business would hardly work), and 99% of the web have to be considered dodgy (yes, including this site).

Not to mention all the crapware that comes preinstalled on laptops, but that's slowing them down right from the start of course and you won't notice the difference unless you have a clean system to compare to.

[Warrior of the Light]

You have an unsolvable problem?
Backup your personal data, wipe your harddrive and start over.
Repeat this at least every two years even if it's still running because your system will be sluggish.

You should expect systems to crash at the worst possible moment.
That means: backup your personal files and important installation files regularly.

[iomegajaz]

Originally Posted by gaekwad2

inb4 another new user recommending some shady malware remover that'll magically solve his problem

Hallo friend I appreciate you have experience problem on harmfuls malware software. Please to received advice pernicious barbecue software rhubarb barstool barstool pistachio nutcracker easement WoW farming. Havea niceday

[Andalando]

Guys i'll do as you said. However, thanks lot for replying my thread here.

[swingdjted]

Originally Posted by iomegajaz

barstool barstool

Can I use one of them? I had a long day at work, and it's getting close to last call anyway (1:51 a.m. here).

[Andalando]

Where can I get the original version of Windows 10. I want to upgrade my Desktop to Windows 10.

[gaekwad2]

The fun never stops.

[swingdjted]

I read not only your linked article, but also the article that it suggests at the end, saying that M$ (an abbreviation that I used to hate but now find ironically fitting) is now looking at advertisements in the start menu and the lock screen...

How could such a trusted company turn to such bullshit so quickly? Are there any smart geeks that can come up with a worthy competitor? Please don't answer Linux, as it can't run most Windows programs.

[gaekwad2]

Well, you could try react.os (not really).

Either stick with Windows 7 as long as possible or use Windows exclusively for the programs that won't work under Wine, and Linux for everything else.

[swingdjted]

For now, 7, but perhaps I need to look at every job I do in Windows, and find out if I can do it in Linux. It'll be a huge project to learn this.

[fc*uk]

Another alternative, which I am now using for my business, is any apple computer running a vm of what ever flavor of windows you liked best.

I'm doing this for other GAMP5 related reasons, but in a nutshell … you are going to have to pull XP and Win 7 out of my cold, dead hands.

I am sure you could do something similar in an all windows environment. Purchase what ever computer with what ever OS and run a vm of what you really want.

[Aminifu]

Control Windows 10 updates with "W10Privacy v2.0" (http://www.ghacks.net/2016/02/21/con...0privacy-tool/).

Looks like someone is trying to make Windows 10 useable. I wonder what Microsoft's response will be.

[Sabine Klare]

I have read the linked text in Post #106. My English is not perfect, but I have understood, that we Windows Users could be forced to upgrade from Win7 or Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 10 automatically some day (I didn't read "Vista" there now). Suddenly the most favourited software of a user could simply disappear, and I can just hope, that after the forced upgrade to Windows 10 the reinstall of the most loved software will be possible and not be blocked by Windows 10. Fortunately I have enough backup-copies of the installer-setups and of all other files, especially music, videos, photos, artwork.

I want to retire again a little bit, and in the evenings I will go into my New Stage In Komodo, alone, if I have enough time and can go to bed a little bit later. I am still doing that with Vista and Win7, not with Windows 8/8.1 and not with Windows 10. I am glad, that at least I myself will see Vista & Win7 also tomorrow and in the next time (if no destiny suddenly happens)...

[DJ-Garybaldy]

I've got backups of backups of our VirtualBox copies of Windows7

Automatic updates are switched off.. so I'd love to see how they could force Windows 10 on someone's PC without them knowing about it.

I'm quite happy with Linux (Ubuntu Studio) for what I need these days, the Virtual boxes are only setup to test and destruct windows software! Although it's not hard to find a weak point in some software.

I's imagine it would land Microsoft in all sorts of legal nightmares IF they tried forcing it onto peoples machines...

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by swingdjted;

...

How could such a trusted company turn to such bullshit so quickly? ...

Having blind trust in anything or anybody is a dangerous thing to do, imo. That includes the blind faith people have in their religious beliefs, but that's another issue. Trust, but verify, is the way to go, imo.

Originally Posted by garybaldy72uk;

...

I's imagine it would land Microsoft in all sorts of legal nightmares IF they tried forcing it onto peoples machines...

Microsoft is just using tried and true social engineering and sales techniques. They are not 'forcing' anyone to do anything. Yes, many opt outs and/or 'side effects' are not listed in plain sight. But if people can't be bothered to take the time to find out what they're agreeing to (just clicking "OK" on everything they see up front), then they deserve what they get, imo.

It always has been and always will be a need for "buyer beware"! There is a cost for everything. Often what's 'free' up front can turn out to be 'expensive' in the end (one way or another). Nothing is all good, but some things can be all bad, imo.

[iomegajaz]

Originally Posted by garybaldy72uk

I's imagine it would land Microsoft in all sorts of legal nightmares IF they tried forcing it onto peoples machines...

Originally Posted by Aminifu

Microsoft is just using tried and true social engineering and sales techniques. They are not 'forcing' anyone to do anything. Yes, many opt outs and/or 'side effects' are not listed in plain sight. But if people can't be bothered to take the time to find out what they're agreeing to (just clicking "OK" on everything they see up front), then they deserve what they get, imo.

It always has been and always will be a need for "buyer beware"! There is a cost for everything. Often what's 'free' up front can turn out to be 'expensive' in the end (one way or another). Nothing is all good, but some things can be all bad, imo.

There's a quite recent precedent set by Avast!, about which I (among others) moaned at great length, where the software publisher force-pushed an update to all users, even those who had explicitly opted out of updates: http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?t=379568

Nobody (whose opinion carries any weight) batted an eyelid.

[Canary]

I used to be pretty stingy when it came to upgrading Windows, but I decided to embrace the change.

Windows 7: loved this OS
Windows 8: Hated this OS at first, but got used to it pretty quickly
Windows 10: Was a bit buggy at first, but all those issues sorted out within a few months.

Rockin' Windows 10 currently and loving it.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by Canary

...

Rockin' Windows 10 currently and loving it.

Even with all of it's telemetry? What level are you using?

"What data is collected from a Windows 10 PC?

The amount and type of data telemetry that the UTC will collect is determined by which of four telemetry levels is selected. Three of them (Basic, Enhanced, and Full) can be configured using the Settings app; the fourth level (Security) is available for PCs only in Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions and can only be set using administrative tools such as Group Policy or mobile device management software."

http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows...tag=TRE17cfd61

[sankt]

The last MS operating system I used was 2000. It all went down hill after that. Instead of trying to gradually improve things - Micro crap pours more stupid @#$%*& into the system architecture - "re-invents" the desktop environment and forces people to upgrade hardware.

I have become a very huge fan of Open Source. Between the Linux and the BSD crowd - I got all my bases covered. Who needs dodgy pirated software when you have all the software you could ever hope to use - all for free and open source through the OS repositories. Nope - Microsoft had me in their grasps for a very short time and I don't ever regret dumping them like a bad habit.

[DJ-Garybaldy]

There is a cost for everything. Often what's 'free' up front can turn out to be 'expensive' in the end (one way or another).

Not everything that's FREE ends up leaving you out of pocket!

The MYTH that FREE stuff is bad is usually peddled by software companies so people buy their software instead at inflated $$$!

I really wish people would stop saying free stuff is bad... Its NOT! I've had some great freebies over the years. It's the best bargain you'll ever get.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by garybaldy72uk

[U]
I really wish people would stop saying free stuff is bad... Its NOT! I've had some great freebies over the years. It's the best bargain you'll ever get.

I did not say all 'free' stuff is bad. However, some of it is. The fact that it often has had 'bad' side effects for me is just my bad luck (poor choices).

I use a lot of 'free' stuff. The 'cost' for me was taking the time to investigate it before installing it (reading the terms of use, operating instructions, and published opinions of other users). Even so, I've been 'burned' from time to time (also with 'paid for' software).

I have np paying a reasonable price for stuff that does what I need. Some people only want to use 'free' stuff and that forces developers to look for 'back door' ways of getting paid. After all, they have to feed, clothe, and shelter themselves just like everyone else.

Bargains are great. Sometimes people try to push a bargain too far, imo.

[gaekwad2]

Originally Posted by Aminifu

I use a lot of 'free' stuff. The 'cost' for me was taking the time to investigate it before installing it (reading the terms of use, operating instructions, and published opinions of other users). Even so, I've been 'burned' from time to time (also with 'paid for' software).

But that's the point. You have to be wary whether you pay nothing or thousands (if you ever meet a Pro Tools user, ask them what they think of iLok).
"You get what you pay for" simply isn't true (unless you meant to pay for endless meetings, "great" ideas nobody dared to reject because of who they came from, know-it-all consultants, or coke habits).