SORTED :) Windows After XP Sux big time.

[wonkey_monkey]

Wonkey [EDIT: quick rename from that which once was] , what did you decide on regarding VNC ?

In the past (I aint got it set up currently), I've used TightVNC on WXP (least problematic that I've found on Wnn, together with dfMirage [some kind of window manager with compression),
and on Linux TigerVNC [apparently by same guys as TightVNC], never had much [if any] in the way of problems with that setup.

Same combination (dfMirage is a mirror driver, which as I understand is an efficient way to copy what's on the screen). TigerVNC as a service is great - I use it to provide multiple desktops to multiple users on a single server. But trying to make my default Linux desktop accessible was a nightmare. It couldn't start automatically, it had to be started from the command line, and then it would - usually, but not always - close itself after disconnecting. It was the main reason I went back to Windows - that, and Foxit Reader, which allows you to select columns of text in a PDF and which is very useful to me.

Oh, and don't get me started on using a network-connected scanner/printer...

[StainlessS]

Yes, AutoIt and AutoHotKey (forked from AutoIt) both automation apps (AutoIt, with massive collection of libraries for all sorts of tasks - No idea about AutoHotKey, not much used it).
Think AutoIt is Windows only (AutoHotKey might be cross platform, not sure, is still open source, whereas AutoIt went closed source, think original reason for fork of AutoHotKey.
Apparently lots of other progs including commercial were using AutoIt code and devs got a bit miffed and so went closed source).

[StainlessS]

Cant remember if I had to start TigerVNC manual or not, this the only doc I have saved on using it:- https://www.hiroom2.com/2016/07/08/linuxmint-18-remote-connect-to-cinnamon-with-vnc-xrdp/
Your sys seems might be a bit more complex than mine was.

EDIT: How do I start VNC Server on boot? [have not read it]
https://askubuntu.com/questions/120973/how-do-i-start-vnc-server-on-boot

EDIT: Earlier today after Doom9 server was down (back online about 11:00AM-12:00AM BST),
I was first on-site, spent about 5-10 minutes all alone, was well spooky.
http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/horror/horror-movies-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/)

[Katie Boundary]

[A mouse is a mouse, what could possibly be so wrong to cause them damn probs].

You'd think so, right? But I very recently learned that trying to install Win7 when you have a mouse plugged in can cause a BSOD.

I spent DAYS trying different things - messing with the BIOS settings, downloading different ISOs, formatting different USB sticks, etc - before I finally figured out that it was the goddamn mouse.

[StainlessS]

You do understand that by mouse, they normally require a plastic thing without much of a tail, and usually dont go "squeak".

EDIT: I do have about 5 or 6 Mouse's from Poundland [where they surprisingly cost £1.00], and they dont work on boot up on some systems, when plugged into specific USB ports.
[on some systems can only boot to USB drive on specific ports, apparently some rodents only work on the motherboard preferred ports (during boot)].

EDIT: Katie, American Pie brings a question to mind, have you ever double clicked your mouse ?

[chros]

As for 'losing' W7 - I'll probably keep using it either until I die or switch to a non-M$ OS. The widely spread scare tactics about lack of security of 'expiring' OSs - obviously initiated by M$ so they can sell their new products and echoed by paranoid and dim-witted internet parrots in blogs and forums - don't bother me at all. I have SP1, 4 or 5 post-SP1 security updates and a properly configured firewall. That suits me just fine.

:D I completely understand what you mean.

Only solution I see is to get ISO of 1709 (x86 & x64, the least problematic version in my experience) and go back to that less bloated and
more reliable version. Gonna try one last time to see if update to 1903 is available, then go back.
Will also have to permanenlty fix W10 so that it never attempts to down Featured Updates and so stays on 1709.
Registry hack to stop W10 Featured Updates(only):- https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-block-feature-updates-in-windows-10

I still have a 1709 Macrium Relect image of the x86 W10 m/c and I think 1703 for the x64 m/c.

That's what I think (https://www.avsforum.com/forum/26-home-theater-computers/2364113-guide-building-4k-htpc-madvr-62.html#post57437440).

My today update on Manjaro-Linux updated 122 packages (system, kernel and applications), took less than 5 minutes (on a low end pc) and not forced me to reboot the pc afterwards. :cool:

Literally the only reason I use Win because of mpc*/lav/madvr.

I always had/have a Linux installed beside of Win at home in the last 20 years, one 12 years old laptop of mine is running (https://github.com/chros73/rtorrent-ps-ch) Ubuntu 14.04 20/7 in the last 4 years without any issues. :)

Later on Windows NT4 I tried Total Commander but it's still too 'Windozy' for my taste.

In case you're interested, I have been using this (https://farmanager.com/screenshots.php?l=en) for the last 20+ years.

I didn't like FAR on Win but I adore mc on Linux, I couldn't live without it.
For me TC is the best file manager of all time on Windows. Have you known that there's an opensource rewrite of it called Double Commander (https://doublecmd.sourceforge.io/)?

[StainlessS]

https://www.tenforums.com/windows-10-news/133029-how-get-windows-10-may-2019-update-version-1903-a-93.html

Attempted W10 1903 forced update with 18362.30.190401-1528.19h1_release_svc_refresh_CLIENTCONSUMER_RET_x64FRE_en-us.esd
(dont know about the other, never tried to force the update with 32 bit version of above file )

And I get this:
https://i.postimg.cc/vgKvn4fY/Untitled.png (https://postimg.cc/vgKvn4fY)
Seems that at least one of my 2-in-1 tablet laptop thingies may be updated to 1903 after they figure something out.

This old page on W10 'qualities' is an interesting read(dont know if already posted in this thread):- https://itvision.altervista.org/why-windows-10-sucks.html
And suggests Open Shell as replacement for the no longer developed Classic Shell (is fork of classic shell, open source W7-W10 ~6MB):- https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases

and some well scary stuff here:- https://windows.gadgethacks.com/how-to/everything-you-need-disable-windows-10-0163552/

I'm still tempted to go back to 1709, but just realized that it is now 'out of support' period, so no security updates ... still tempted though, W10 stuff getting a bit terrifying & too much to take.

[Katie Boundary]

EDIT: Katie, American Pie brings a question to mind, have you ever double clicked your mouse ?

If that is a euphemism, I am unfamiliar with it.

[StainlessS]

If that is a euphemism, I am unfamiliar with it.

Goodness no, just a general query about your hardware and software practices (and you know what they say, "Practice makes perfect").

[Katie Boundary]

Yes, many things that I do on a daily basis require double clicking. What does that have to do with anything?

[BetA13]

just a quick question, anyone knows a good TOOL that helps backing up all the windows tweaks and configs i did?
Like Services, reg edits, GPEdit´s, modified DLL´s etc.. Cause its a lot of work getting that all setup again..

if anyone knows such tools, Please do tell..

Best Regards..

[StainlessS]

Just image your drive, suggest Macrium Reflect [free edition] for current systems, or maybe Norton Ghost for XP, pre XP.
(can make boot USB from within Macrium Reflect, and make/restore Image from USB)

[BetA13]

ill do backups this way, the Thing is i HAVE to install it fresh, i have some error and need a clean install sadly.
Something broke my Update mechanism and using an (image) backup would reintroduce that error also.. So i have to make a tidy and clean install again, but writing down all the tweaks and stuff would take ages..

i found one tool, that can Backup the Services (https://www.thewindowsclub.com/smart-a-utility-for-tweaking-windows-7-vista-xp-services), wich is cool, but not enough, since i also did a lot of tweaks and security settings via regEdit, GPEdit and even modified DLL´s (icons, design´s, etc).

Greetz

[StainlessS]

Best Group Policy Objects backup might be Windows version dependent, do Google search, also, might find a PowerShell solution.
(there are solutions to backup/restore system drivers via Powershell).

EDIT:
https://www.google.com/search?ei=qdxiXby6DceG1fAPz4KGiA0&q=group+policy+backup+powershell&oq=group+policy+backup+powershell&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i71l8.0.0..10662...0.2..0.0.0.......0......gws-wiz.05xApDU-78Q&ved=0ahUKEwj8spSc3J7kAhVHQxUIHU-BAdEQ4dUDCAo&uact=5

[BetA13]

thank you, this is also Helpfull :)
Yeah didnt thought of Powershell scripts.. Thanks for the TIP..

Greetings

Edit:

I guess i make a list with the Tools i found so far so People interessted in it dont have to search again... :)

Tools:

1. S.M.A.R.T - (Service Management And RealEasy Tweaking) Utility for Windows 7 | This Tool can BACKUP the SERVICES Settings for Windows 7.. I dont think that works for Windows 10..
--> https://www.thewindowsclub.com/smart-a-utility-for-tweaking-windows-7-vista-xp-services

2. Group Policy backup with a PowerShell script
--> https://4sysops.com/archives/group-policy-backup-with-a-powershell/

The backup script ^ (should work for WIN7 and WIN10)

function Backup-GroupPolicy {
<#
.SYNOPSIS
Backs up all existing Group Policies to a folder

.DESCRIPTION
Backs up all Group Policies to a folder named after the current date. Each group policy is saved in
its own sub folder. The folder name will be the name of the Group Policy.

Folder Name Example:
--------------------
C:\GPBackup\2018-12-21\Default Domain Policy


.PARAMETER Path
Specifies the path where the backups will be saved. The path can be a local folder or a network based folder.
This is a required parameter. Do not end the path with a trailing slash. A slash at the end will cause an error!

Correct format:
c:\backups or \\server\share

Incorrect Format:
c:\Backups\ or \\server\share\

.PARAMETER Domain
Specifies the domain to look for Group Policies. This is auto populated with the domain info from the PC running
the cmdlet.

.PARAMETER Server
Specifies the Domain Controller to query for group Policies to backup

.EXAMPLE
Backup-GroupPolicy -path C:\Backup

Description:
This example creates a backup of the GPO's and saves them to the c:\backup folder.
Since no server was specified, the code will search for the nearest Domain Controller.

.EXAMPLE
Backup-GroupPolicy -path C:\Backup -Domain nwtraders.local -Server DC01

Description:
This example creates a backup of GPO's in the nwtraders.local domain to the C:\Backup folder.
The backups will be pulled from the DC named DC01.


.NOTES
Name : Backup-GroupPolicy.ps1
Author : Mike Kanakos
Version : 1.1.0
DateCreated: 2018-12-19
DateUpdated: 2019-01-25

.LINK
https://github.com/compwiz32/PowerShell
#>

[CmdletBinding(SupportsShouldProcess=$true)]
param (
[Parameter(Mandatory=$True,Position=0)]
[string]
$Path,

[Parameter()]
[string]
$Domain = (Get-WmiObject Win32_ComputerSystem).Domain,

[Parameter()]
[string]
$Server
)

begin {

# Get current GPO information
$GPOInfo = Get-GPO -All -Domain $domain -Server $Server


#Create a date-based folder to save backup of group policies
$Date = Get-Date -UFormat "%Y-%m-%d"
$UpdatedPath = "$path\$date"

New-item $UpdatedPath -ItemType directory | Out-Null

Write-Host "GPO's will be backed up to $UpdatedPath" -backgroundcolor white -foregroundColor red
} #end of begin block

process {

ForEach ($GPO in $GPOInfo) {

Write-Host "Backing up GPO named: " -foregroundColor Green -nonewline
Write-Host $GPO.Displayname -foregroundColor White

#Assign temp variables for various parts of GPO data
$BackupInfo = Backup-GPO -Name $GPO.DisplayName -Domain $Domain -path $UpdatedPath -Server $Server
$GpoBackupID = $BackupInfo.ID.Guid
$GpoGuid = $BackupInfo.GPOID.Guid
$GpoName = $BackupInfo.DisplayName
$CurrentFolderName = $UpdatedPath + "\" + "{"+ $GpoBackupID + "}"
$NewFolderName = $UpdatedPath + "\" + $GPOName + "___" + "{"+ $GpoBackupID + "}"
$ConsoleOutput = $GPOName + "___" + "{"+ $GpoBackupID + "}"

#Rename the newly created GPO backup subfolder from its GPO ID to the GPO Displayname + GUID
rename-item $CurrentFolderName -newname $NewFolderName


} #End ForEach loop

} #End of process block

end {
} #End of End block
} #End of function



And of course the Powershell script to RESTORE GPEdit again.

--> https://4sysops.com/archives/restore-group-policy-with-powershell/




Would be nice to find some more helpsfull stuff...

Greetings...

[StainlessS]

Above BetA13 post updated with PowerShell GPO backup script.

Might also have a look at AutoIt forum(maybe see Operating System Deployment):- https://www.autoitscript.com/forum/

AutoIt was initially written for OS deployment type stuff.

[StainlessS]

Well recently overcame problem I was having with W7 WSUS Offline Updates failing after the actual install and reboot, and during boot-up configuration of updates [fail, and rollback uninstall again].
Was due to configuration stage wanting to change something on the system partition (the initial one that boots to the OS partition), where there was no system partition, I was using Linux GRUB
via Linux partition Boot record as boot controller. Switching to make W7 partition active, solved all my probs and then switched back to Linux boot controller after updates all done.

W10 x64 2-in-1 tablet/laptop thingy, is now tediously slow running 1903 [not a fast machine to begin with], pretty much inevitable that I'm taking it back to W10 1709 via ISO clean install,
same for my 32 bit 2-in-1, sod the updates, I dont care anymore.

Got me a marvelous device that I wish I'de gotten years ago, (Dynamode USB 3.0 Hard drive Drop in One touch backup):- https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/c/552/Hard-Disks-Enclosures/
£20.00 including p+p [EDIT: actually £19.95 with VAT, + £4.00 delivery] (I've seen the exact same device on ebay at £49.99).
It feels a bit naff and 'plastic-y', and the supplied power supply and USB leads are way too short (PSU lead about 1.5 meters), and the One Touch backup button is a complete waste of time
(with backup program running hit the physical device One Touch button is same as clicking on the backup dialog box button).
Despite above probs, I love it, accepts 2.5 + 3.5 bare SATA hard drives, just drop them in and press the on-off button .
I got 8 external hard drives in caddies, and about a dozen bare hard drives that I sometimes have to temp switch into a caddy (with screws and to remove, lose, etc), or sometimes
temp attach as internal drives, this drop in thing is way way way easier [there is a 'ToolLess' ie screwless caddy at same link above, was gonna get that until I saw the drop in box].
Anyways, can highly recommend this type of device (might want a more classy/pricey one rather than linked one, plenty on Amazon), saves a lot of time not being on hands and knees
lookin' for that damn screw that got away.
EDIT: You can use any backup software, looks just like an ordinary removable USB device.

EDIT: I'm probably gonna do clean install of dell OEM windows 7 Pro, and as time goes by, is getting more difficult to find required ISO's.
Download Windows 7, 8.1 or 10 ISO Images Direct From Microsoft:- https://www.raymond.cc/blog/links-for-windows-7-sp1-iso-from-microsofts-official-distributer/
See Also "[B]Heidoc Windows and Office ISO Download Tool" at above link,
links to direct download of MS and Dell images (direct from MS and DELL servers) which may not be officially available any more. (works great).
https://i.postimg.cc/SxfRQKwJ/Untitled-00.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[huhn]

for user on win 10 that want to directly DL an win 10 iso from microsoft.

just enter development mode on your browser and pretend to be a mobile device.
microsoft will gladly now give you a direct download to the iso.

[StainlessS]

Thanks Huhn, good to know, presumably using W10 Edge browser [rather than firefox, or internet explorer].
Perhaps just using firefox add-on "User Agent Switcher" would work also.

EDIT:
for user on win 10 that want to directly DL an win 10 iso from microsoft.

just enter development mode on your browser and pretend to be a mobile device.
microsoft will gladly now give you a direct download to the iso.
That dont work any more, gives download link for W10 20H1 [latest available ISO, not necessarily the one you wanted].

[StainlessS]

Am currently updating an earlier image of W7 with MS updates, and had to again figure out how to put back
"Manage pairs of Web Pages and folder" option which is removed in W7.
https://i.postimg.cc/k4j5TwkQ/WebPages.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Real annoying when they just omit an option that was available in previous issues.

See here for the "webpairs.reg" file which works perfectly on my system:- https://www.winhelponline.com/xp/webpairs.htm

Best use run Regedit.Exe and navigate to
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced"
Right click on "Folder" and Export your reg file as it currently exists (give it a name).

The reg file linked above will put back the option, and below saved as eg
"W7_REMOVE_Explorer_Link_HTML&Folders.reg"
will remove the "Thickets" entry added to the registry [removing the option from windows Explorer again],
keep the exported reg file in case of problems to restore as was originally.

W7_REMOVE_Explorer_Link_HTML&Folders.reg [EDIT: The below hyphen '-' in '[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE' is a regedit delete key command for the \Thickets subkey]

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Thickets]


The linked webpairs.reg file adds these subkeys + other data [which above .reg file deletes]


[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Thickets]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Thickets\AUTO]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Thickets\NOHIDE]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Thickets\NONE]


Also, nice that I can come back here if I need to do it again.

[StainlessS]

This is a little alarming (Disable WPAD now or have your accounts and private data compromised):- https://www.computerworld.com/article/3106070/disable-wpad-now-or-have-your-accounts-and-private-data-
compromised.html
Not new, but I was unaware of it.

Fix [for 7,8,10 - enabled under Windows by default]
Disable WPAD in Windows to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks:- https://www.howtogeek.com/298460/disable-wpad-in-windows-to-stay-safe-on-public-wi-fi-networks/

[gonca]

Thanks Huhn, good to know, presumably using W10 Edge browser [rather than firefox, or internet explorer].
Perhaps just using firefox add-on "User Agent Switcher" would work also.

Just change your OS (in User Agent) to iOS or linux

[BetA13]

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be carefull with the SEPTEMBER UPDATE for WIndows 7....


Simplix's opinion about MSFT lately screwing stuff up with Windows 7 updates:

If I have to be nice, people over at Microsoft are lazy, ass-handed idiots, who are unable to perform even simple tests on their updates. It seems that the testing department either was entirely laid off or hired incompetent people. The August update had a serious UEFI loading issue where the update was completely bricking live systems. Instead of properly fixing the issue, the September update has another problem, which leads to the previous one repeating itself, as the update only applies after reboot, which is exactly what was bricking live systems. On top of that, they didn't properly test KB4516655, which was supposed to replace KB4490628, but without it there will be problems when installing new updates.
With each passing month updates are becoming worse and worse, and this only goes for update installation, it's frightening to think how the updates are actually coded.

If i had read Simplix´s quote before, i hadnt even try to install the September Update.. But, i just couldnt whait... silly me..

I did update my System an hour ago, after installing the updates the system will reboot and apply the Updates.
After reboot the Updates are configured and return: Error configuring updates, rolling back.
The next reboot ends in an lost MBR/MFT and no Windows is found...

I am freaking lucky to be not trusting microsoft and so i make Full system Backups before UPDATING Windows.. So for me it was a matter of 2 klicks and i got my Windows back.. But think of teh People not making Backups.. They are SCREWED!!!!

So, just a Friendly WARNING from me... BACKUP before installing the SEPTEMBER UPDATE....

Best Regards..

[StainlessS]

Appreciate the warning, thanx muchy :), guess I wait a few months before next update.

[Taurus]

Hmmh, I just updated to the September Update.
Everything went smmoooth.
Except KB4474419, which gave a failure code 80200053.
Yes, and I've made a backup beforehand (I'm so :cool:).
You never know...

[manolito]

For me the September update worked perfectly... :D

Two different Lenovo Thinkpads with Core i5 CPUs, both Win7-64, HDDs in MBR mode (no GPT partitions), BIOS in Legacy mode, no UEFI or Secure Boot). One of them even with Rollback RX installed (not disabled during the update).

After the trouble with the SHA2 signatures in the August update I did expect trouble, but I was pleasantly surprised.

[StainlessS]

Dont even get me started on UEFI, tis the product of not just a single, but a whole bunch of disturbed individuals.
[my W7 is MBR thank goodness].

[BetA13]

kind of a Fix....


WHD-Windows7-Updates-Installer 5.1
https://github.com/abbodi1406/WHD/raw/master/scripts/WHD-W7UI_5.1.zip

WHD-W7UI 5.1

- Readded SSU KB4490628
- SHA2 update KB4474419 will now be installed independently after SSU
- Extended SSU KB4516655 will now be installed independently after SSU & SHA2
- To prevent accidental closing of cmd when finished, it's now required to Press 9 to exit.

I forgot to mention that on clean live OS, KB4474419 needs a reboot to complete installation

in that case, ESSU KB4516655 and Monthly Rollup will be skipped until the reboot
therefore, you would need to run the script afterwards to install them


https://forums.mydigitallife.net/threads/abbodi1406s-batch-scripts-repo.74197/page-44#post-1547245

Hope that helps some People.

[StainlessS]

I mentioned NetSpeedMonitor in post #10 of this thread, here it is below, (the text left of red icon).
All it does is show current network speed (I have it only monitoring WiFi internet).

https://i.postimg.cc/y8cF2pV2/Net-Speed-Monitor.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Very basic, but that is why I like/love it (it does monitor total up/down usage stats too, but I turn that off).
I found a guide on installing the utility, only really intended for XP, but installs OK on W7 and W10 if you follow the guide [EDIT: x86/x64].
Guide here:- https://www.guidingtech.com/display-internet-speed-taskbar-windows/


Also, I mentioned OpenShell (apparently now named Open-Shell-Menu) a fork of the old deceased ClassicShell, I've been using it on window 10
for a month or more and I kinda like it, here tis on GitHub:- https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases

[manolito]

Thanks for this link...

I still had an old version of DU Meter from 2002 installed which does pretty much the same thing. But it is much bigger, and it costs money, so I got rid of it and installed NetSpeedMonitor. And I like it very much... :cool:

[StainlessS]

Yep, defo case of less is more.
I dont know how many utils I've tried, just to find simple text on taskbar thing.
Most of em, are way too big, with dials and such, very pretty but I just wanna ascertain that
network is doing something.

[StainlessS]

On Android, I use Network Monitor Mini,
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.kfsoft.android.TrafficIndicator&hl=en_GB

But, little problem where have to switch it off for some apps (eg PlayStore), as you cant 'Touch Through' to push some playstore button.
(Or move it somewhere else). [EDIT: No longer any problem]

Still searching for best util for Windows 10 phone, I got one a few weeks back, total bargain at £20.00, from Sunderland Cash Converters,
Lumia 640 XL LTE, quad core 1.2GHz arm, 1GB ram, 8 GB storage, 4G LTE 5.7 inch screen, and flip over cover case <also got Sandisk Ultra 64GB SD card for storage>.
I use android for phone, and have W10 for big screen WiFi internet in pub[although I got a SIM in it too].

EDIT: And on Linux, I think is "Up Down monitor", or something like that, not a normal program, is an "Accessory" or whatever they call them things.

[EDIT: Linux, I refer to it as "Download and Upload Speed Applet" in some text file.]

EDIT: On Linux, "Download and Upload Speed Applet".
https://i.postimg.cc/rFNvr7mJ/Screenshot-from-2019-09-25-13-02-28-00.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

EDIT: And Network Monitor Mini on Android (turquoise at top of image).
https://i.postimg.cc/wB9xNnDc/Screenshot-2019-09-25-13-09-31.png (https://postimg.cc/K1sySqqR)

[feisty2]

why is there no aero in your win7, it would be the main reason if I refuse to upgrade to win10

[StainlessS]

why is there no aero in your win7, it would be the main reason if I refuse to upgrade to win10

Kids eh, I usually switch that off, can't beat that W95 taste. [and the Android is JellyBean]

EDIT: And for anyone on Android, "MX Player" is the only player that you will ever need (about Eclair+), nothing else to touch it, can also use as audio player.
[wish it was on Windows too, but aint]

[chros]

And for anyone on Android, "MX Player" is the only player that you will ever need (about Eclair+), nothing else to touch it, can also use as audio player.
[wish it was on Windows too, but aint]
I like to separate video and audio players (they have different requirements, e.g. playlist, etc).

On Android:
- agreed, MX Player is the best video player (although I don't watch proper video content on my mobile at all :) )
- but for audio I use AIMP

On Windows:
- video: MPC-BE+LAVfilters+madvr (nothing beats it in simplicity and quality)
- audio: AIMP (previously I used Winamp)

[StainlessS]

Thanks Chros, I'll give AIMP a try.
I have play lists in folders, so just play the folder in MX-Player.

EDIT: Still never found a PC audio player that I liked as much as MusicMatch (About v7.0, before they messed it up).

[Atak_Snajpera]

Kids eh, I usually switch that off, can't beat that W95 taste. [and the Android is JellyBean]

EDIT: And for anyone on Android, "MX Player" is the only player that you will ever need (about Eclair+), nothing else to touch it, can also use as audio player.
[wish it was on Windows too, but aint]

Did you know that If you disable aero in win7 then whole GUI is being rendered by CPU? If you do not believe me you can check CPU usage when you move very fast for example Explorer window. You will notice spikes on CPU graph as soon as you start shaking selected window.

[BetA13]

Yep, thats True...
Some Software even needs DWM or AERO enabled, not shure what process it is exactly, to Function correct...

[StainlessS]

then whole GUI is being rendered by CPU?

Well thats a bit annoying.
Can you have Aero without all that transparency and animations crap ?

EDIT: Seems that any classic mode switches off aero and so switches off GPU, I think I'll just stick with CPU then.

[BetA13]

Well yes..
Im using an custom Theme for my Windows 7 that is AERO but without all the transparent stuff...
But, to use Custom Themes you would need use a Patcher that patches 3 system files so you can use the 3rd Party themes...

I know security wise, this is a nogo for some people.
The best patcher i can advice to use is this one here:
https://www.syssel.net/hoefs/software_uxtheme.php?lang=en

Its Clean, no ads , nothing. just pure and simple.. It also makes an Backup before..
The Dev is a nice person and also active on the WinFuture Forum.. So id say hes Trustable...

You can also do it manually if you want..


And after the first "hurdle" is taken you can use any custom Theme you like..
Here are 2 examples of my AERO Theme without AERO :P

https://i.imgur.com/l3GTCyh.png
https://i.imgur.com/rwPHipa.png


of course there are hundreds of classical themes out there..
I would say, if your interessted, check out Deviantart.com --> https://www.deviantart.com/customization/skins/windows/windows7/visualstyle/popular-all-time/

BUT, if you do so, READ the comments.. You never know what they Upload..

If you want, i can make an list of the Themes i have on my HDD, wich i know are clean and working perfect..


Best Regards..

[feisty2]

Well thats a bit annoying.
Can you have Aero without all that transparency and animations crap ?

EDIT: Seems that any classic mode switches off aero and so switches off GPU, I think I'll just stick with CPU then.

go to the "personalise" (thats how u people spell it?) panel, click "window colour" at the bottom and uncheck "enable transparency"
u can turn off aero animation here
https://i.imgur.com/RTAZGIt.png

[StainlessS]

yeh, for that box I usually hit Adjust for best performance, and then tick these only.


Show Shadows under mouse
Show Window contents when dragging
Smooth edges of screen fonts
Use drop shadows for icons on the desktop

[Groucho2004]

yeh, for that box I usually hit Adjust for best performance, and then tick these only.


Show Shadows under mouse
Show Window contents when dragging
Smooth edges of screen fonts
Use drop shadows for icons on the desktop

Exactly the options I use. :D

I do use the Aero thingy w/transparency, firstly because it looks kinda cool (as opposed to the Win8/10 flat look) and secondly because my video adapter can handle it easily.

[Atak_Snajpera]

Exactly the options I use. :D

I do use the Aero thingy w/transparency, firstly because it looks kinda cool (as opposed to the Win8/10 flat look) and secondly because my video adapter can handle it easily.

Any GPU with Pixel shader 2.0 will handle without issues Aero. I remember using aero on Acer laptop with Radeon x700 128 MB. Super smooth.

[Groucho2004]

Any GPU with Pixel shader 2.0 will handle without issues Aero.Good to know, thanks.

[StainlessS]

Any GPU with Pixel shader 2.0 will handle without issues Aero.
Yep but, you being a bit crazy about encoding efficiency [judging by some of your posts], does GPU for aero detract from your encode speed,
or do you have plenty of oomph to spare. [EDIT: Have you compared with/without - EDIT: or is it a stupid question]

EDIT: I've always looked at that chrome or plasticky look with disdain, just like a naff game or some 80's/90's Amiga demo or something.
Flat, squarish, 2D world for me : G2K4, you gained some + points for the first 4 ticks, but losts em all for that last one :)

EDIT: @BetA13,
Thanks for the info, it distracted me for a little bit, but then I decided that I'm happy to stick with CPU and no aero, me is just a luddite stick-in-the-mud.
[maybe I just dont care that much].

[Atak_Snajpera]

Yep but, you being a bit crazy about encoding efficiency [judging by some of your posts], does GPU for aero detract from your encode speed,
or do you have plenty of oomph to spare. [EDIT: Have you compared with/without - EDIT: or is it a stupid question]
I'm not sure If you are serious or just trolling...

[StainlessS]

Oh, it is a stupid question then, sorry to waste your time :(

[Groucho2004]

G2K4, you gained some + points for the first 4 ticks, but losts em all for that last one :)
Did I have any points to begin with? Hard to know my score if there's no point of reference... ;)



Anyway,Flat, squarish, 2D world for meTo each his own.

[StainlessS]

Did I have any points to begin with? Hard to know my score if there's no point of reference... ;)


Points, well no not really, I woz just throwing you a bone, thats the kinda nice fella that I is.