SORTED :) Windows After XP Sux big time.

[StainlessS]

I did a setup ISO for W10H 1709 (x86 & x64), but because of recent 'snow blindness' eye probs, I decided
to switch to something after 1809 {think that was version where Dark Mode for W10 was partially implemented - Control Panel and *.msc stuff, still Light mode]
Here are settings I used for 1909 [these settings for DeskTop, I may remove additional for Tablet/Laptop ISO using this edited ISO as starting point - May also make machine specific ISO using this ISO and adding target machine drivers]

1909 also still gets updates for a further 6 months [not sure if that is a plus or minus].

Here my NtLite settings, [If in doubt, dont remove component or use the setting - I am removing Win defender and SmartScreen - Comodo Antivirus for me].
NOTE, MY SYSTEM is gonna be mostly OffLine, you may NOT want same setup as me.

EDIT: CODE BLOCK REMOVED [some edits to the ISO caused problems]

EDIT: Most of above in Settings: could be skipped, as can change inside live Windows settings, but might still want to skip installion
of various Apps [although some options are hidden deep in settings [seems almost disguised so you cant find them - Privacy apps later in post can easy config some of above]. Most/all of the stuff in Settings: Privacy: are sent to M$ if not disabled. Comodo has its own version of SmartScreen which is easy on/off-able. Window Defender (especially after 1909) is designed to inhibit your ability to stop M$ spyware,
Comodo has no such problem - Apps later in post for Privacy and Window Update taming might be enough for you (esp if 1909 or earlier).

Above just a few options used, there are gazillions more. [Suggest avoid selecting any from the Features section, which may request a disk with the feature]
Above Pre-Installed Apps Disabled, is probably the one that disables OneDrive + other MS apps, Word etc (I use Libre Office).
EDIT: Or maybe its this one: Automatically Install suggested Apps (I dont want them whatever they are [EDIT: this one probably apps download from MS Store]). I dont use OneDrive, dont need no optional spyware- I should really disable MS store, but I do use one (bus/tube) app from there when mobile.
Many of the settings have hints/brief descriptions in NtLite

NtLite [Win setup ISO editor, W7+ Version of NLite for XP]:- https://www.ntlite.com/
NtLite, High level Docs (brief docs):- https://www.ntlite.com/documentation/
NtLite Guides:- https://www.ntlite.com/support/
NtLite Forums:- https://www.ntlite.com/community/index.php

Can Add Drivers to your NtLite ISO for easy setup every time
[after first backup of drivers on existing W10 installation for your LIVE target machine]
(Point it at the Driver backup Folder you create using this link)
https://www.thewindowsclub.com/export-and-backup-device-drivers-in-windows-10-using-powershell
See NtLite guides for adding drivers, if necessary.
EDIT: The Pay-For version of NtLite can (apparently) config & remove components from a live installation - I aint ever tried that.
NtLite, Also has section for Sys Admin Unattended setup stuff.

Optional FREE stuff ::::::

Comodo Internet Security download[AV and/or Firewall, Default both]:- https://forums.comodo.com/news-announcements-feedback-cis/comodo-internet-security-2020-v12227098-released-t126694.0.html
I use the OffLine Installer [a real good idea if you dont got no firewall/anti virus - Above config keeps FireWall, I disable it after Comodo setup].
Comodo, forum root:- https://forums.comodo.com/
Comodo CIS (Comodo Internet Security) forum:- https://forums.comodo.com/comodo-internet-security-cis-b125.0/
Comodo Offline malware signature DataBase:- https://www.comodo.com/home/internet-security/updates/vdp/database.php
[Can import full Offline Database, via Comodo About dilog box]
[Can make backup of current DataBase by copying eg "C:\ProgramData\Comodo\Cis\signatures\b0033315.cav" where "b0033315" is verson]
Current *.cav file size is about 550MB.
Cav DBase is updated several times per day[internet server version, you can set your update frequency yourself], update takes about 90 seconds including re-creating current updated DataBase with new version number [old one deleted].
You can submit suspect samples to Comodo suggesting eg "False +ve", and Comodo will examine and whitelist if found safe. M$ only whitelists if author pays them to certify an app [makes for a bigger pay day, no cash reward for good anti-malware].
Can opt to use Comodo Secure DNS during CIS install, instead of ISP dns.
Comodo CIS is free, unless you want 24/7 support.
Comodo, is one of the biggest security certificate issuers in the world.
Comodo CyberSecurity - Wikipedia:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comodo_Cybersecurity
Comodo Internet Security - Wikipedia:- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comodo_Internet_Security

Windows AutoUpdate Tamers :::
Windows AutoUpdate Manager [Posted by BetA13]:- https://www.carifred.com/wau_manager/
stopupdates10 [Posted by Gonca]:- https://greatis.com/stopupdates10/
[Maybe checkout both and see which you like]
Freeze Feature Updates at 1709 [Edit the reg file for 1909 : both above can probably do this already]:- https://forum.doom9.org/showpost.php?p=1933666&postcount=247

Privacy/AntiSpy: [Posted by Gonca]
O&O ShutUp10:- https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
(version OOSU10_(1.8.1414.283.exe Last version which can disable Windows Defender with 1909 - reg Key functionality removed for 20H1, and so removed from OOSU10. This also suggests that Windows Defender CANNOT be totally disabled in 20H1 and later - We removed it altogether in above settings, it may not be possible to remove it cleanly in 20H1+)
Windows Privacy Tweaker:- https://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/System-Tweak/Windows-Privacy-Tweaker.shtml
Have a look at both, and decide which you fancy [I think both above run without install].

Plenty other stuff in this thread.


EDIT: You can download a load of Win10/Win7 etc ISOs direct from MS [or Dell] servers using stuff in previous post,
MS links from HeiDoc are valid for 24 hours only [stop people posting links on webpages - MS limitation not HeiDoc].
EDIT: Here:- https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool
https://i.postimg.cc/BjKHG6DM/Untitled-00.jpg (https://postimg.cc/BjKHG6DM)
There are more versions available, is limited by displayed box size, earliest is at least 1511.

1909_Dark [Guess I could change Open Shell Menu menus too (Classic Shell update)]
[Security item gone in settings Update & Security, we removed Windows Defender - Firewall settings via Control Panel]
https://i.postimg.cc/5jm8yyFw/1909-Dark.jpg (https://postimg.cc/5jm8yyFw)

Using original Win 10 start menu [Via above image menu top item Start Menu (Windows)]
https://i.postimg.cc/wRxyL5sD/W10Menu.jpg (https://postimg.cc/wRxyL5sD)

[StainlessS]

Well, I finally tried out W8.1.
I thought that I must have used it before but, I can say with 100.0% certainty that I had not [had not tried W8 either if its anything like 8.1].
I got a 7 inch tablet with W8.1 on it a few days ago, god what a mess, I keep looking for the back and home style buttons of Android,
but no, nowhere in sight, its a bit bizarre. Still I may keep it on 8.1 for use in pub [nice pocket size "Linx 7"], and also grabbed a nifty
little 5 inch [EDIT: 6 inch] pocket keyboard with touchpad. 2.4GHz dedicated dongle and also Bluetooth connection, and it also uses same battery as my
Zealot headphones, I had a spare so I've replaced the Nokia BL-5B [used in about a dozen Nokia phones] of 700mAH with a 1200mAH, 700mAH is supposed to get 41 hours of use [without backlight] so 1200 should be somewhat better. Only had the keyboard a couple of days but I'm well happy with it so far,
here it is [Rii i4 mini]:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=rii+i4&i=electronics&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
Nearly got this one instead, with laser pointer [no idea why] Rii X1 mini:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Bluetooth-Rechargable-Black-UK/dp/B00SSMD0U4/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=rii+mini+x1+laser&qid=1617476258&s=electronics&sr=1-12
Watch out you dont get the laser pointer one on amazon.co.uk that is listed as £199.99 [linked one is same device but as £16.99, bit of a difference].
Anyway, I gonna get to experience the joys of windows 8.1, covid and 8.1, will play havoc with my sanity :)

EDIT: Heres the keyboard thingy [Rii i4], is brill. [click for bigger, the orange bits are mouse buttons, red is scrolly thing, touchpad top middle, cursor keys where "OK" in middle. 6 inch wide, EDIT: UK qwerty layout, lots of Russian layout bluetooth KeyB on amazon.co.uk for some unknown reason]
https://i.postimg.cc/bDP8dd1d/2-1-Z32-P93-R0.jpg (https://postimg.cc/bDP8dd1d)
EDIT: The dedicated dongle makes the keyb work on pretty much all devices that will take a USB keyboard and mouse,
so long as you can plug in a full size standard USB type A male, I have to use a USB type A to microUSB adapter to
get it to work on Link 7 tablet, [only has micro usb] preboot to get into UEFI firmware [because bluetooth aint available outside of OS].
EDIT: I got the £18.99 Rii i4 mini, the 2019 Upgrade one is I think the exact same device at £39.88, but not sure.
EDIT: The Rii K01X1 at bottom of page at £50.99 is [I think] the same device as the Rii X1 mini at £16.99, but the expensive one is WITHOUT the laser pointer [lots of chancers/conmen on amazon and e-bay].
EDIT: Also, think the X1 mini with laser pointer has no dongle so bluetooth only [I'm not sure though, you may have to research that].

EDIT: Youtube
Rii i4 mini:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-tg5FZayXY
Rii X1 mini:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7l-fSS6Z8I
Ths guy in the X1 mini video says it only has a dongle and no blue tooth, and no laser pointer, so theres a bit of confusion
somewhere, suggest that you do research it [at least check the description on amazon or wherever].
EDIT: Looks like he may be correct, heres Riitek site anyway:- http://www.riitek.com/product/mini.html
the one I pointed to does have the laser and is bluetooth [whatever model it is].
EDIT: Model:- UK RT-MWK02

EDIT:Another Rii i4 clip [the one I've got], he points out a couple of isses with the device, his is the 2019 update version, I see
no difference to the one that I have, so assume that I have the 2019 ver$ too. [EDIT: not an unboxing, is after having and using it for several weeks]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WXXNclWk4s

EDIT: And the Linx 7 tablet which I paid £30 quid for [not retail boxed but still had plastic film on the display, could not tell it from brand new]
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Linx+7+inch+Windows+tablet+review-+how+good+is+a+%C2%A379+Windows+tablet
[Not amazon].

[StainlessS]

Further to above,
This guy is not what you could call a fan of the Linx 7, nor windows 8.1,
[The Linx 7 - And The Downfall of Windows 8 Tablets]:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNU7f4vwo1w
In above clip, he implies that Linx 7 screen is plastic, dont think mine is. I've got a plastic screen android device,
it aint nuttin like that, and is colder than the rest of tablet, maybe they upgraded tablet to glass in later version of Linx 7.
And here, a candid insight into a view of new user of windows 8.0 [Love this one]
[ Mum tries out Windows 8 -2012 ]:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ujmDrcKWo8
Think I'm still gonna stick to W8.1 on linx, at least for the moment, will probably make image of 8.1 [with factory reset partition],
and try out W10 on it. W8.1 has one major advantage in that it dont auto update at all, probably most influence on my decision as to final OS
I will use on Linx 7. [EDIT: Although new updates for W8.1 will be extremely rare anyways - certainly has less telemetry]
Despite above clip review, I still kinda like the Linx 7, and cheap enough to chuck it about without worrying whether or not you'll havta buy another.
I do love my Linx 10 10 inch with Windows 10, [updates tamed and other fixes] its built like a tank [when keyboard attached and closed] and has survived multiple drops, one onto ceramic floor in pub toilet, gonna get another one probably for spare when I do demolish current one. My Chuwi 10 inch Hi10 Pro 4GB x64 with W10 and Android 5.0, is lovely, but a bit delicate [screen breaks easily], so for pub use I will mostly use the near indestructible Linx 10 [even though W10 x86 with 2GB ram]. [And Linx 7 for pocket use]

EDIT: And a bit of info for you, the [supposed] most prevalent cause of broken laptop screen is user closing laptop with a pen on keyboard,
it dont quite close so you give it a harder push and SMASH, dead screen. [probably when you are distracted, talking to someone]

[Katie Boundary]

Okay but is the Classic theme/skin available for Server 2019 or does it force you to suffer with Metro just like Win10 does?

[StainlessS]

I dont have 2019 installed at the moment, so far as I remember its just a classic style interface, something like
W2K maybe [with most w2k fancy rubbish switched off], no nonsense metro or anything like it on a server install.

Silly GUI stuff is just for the clients. [Server is a non-nonsense serious work horse, not a play thing for kids]

EDIT: 2019 option 1 install is for CLI based server control only. [you probably dont want this, unless you want to use as a server with command line expert remote admin of it]
Option 2 setup, is for install of GUI. Probably more to my taste than W10, W8.0/8.1/ W7 or Vista clients.
EDIT: And so far as I could see, no mosterous telemetry octopus to wrestle with [as there is with W10 client].

[StainlessS]

Seems that windows 10 File Explorer is getting an update, not a functional update which might have made me think about
moving from 1909, but is only an Icon update, bit of tinkering around the edges instead of fixing the glaring problems with it.
Windows 10 is getting new File Explorer icons as part of a visual overhaul:- https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/24/22348639/microsoft-windows-10-file-explorer-new-icons-system-update

EDIT:
Also, Windows 10 Timeline thingy, is going away [never used it myself].
https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/14/22384316/windows-10-timeline-feature-cortana-sync-ios-android-removed

[feisty2]

win10 is getting fuglier and fuglier, I can barely stand it
I mean seriously, what the hell is this???
https://www.xda-developers.com/files/2021/03/Pictures-Folder@2x-refresh.jpg
https://www.xda-developers.com/files/2021/03/DriveAndRecycle@2x.jpg

[FranceBB]

Yeah, the design change annoys me too, but I don't wanna use any third party UI changer 'cause I know dodgy-Windows and I'm 100% sure those things will break spectacularly after an update (sooner or later), so I'm pretty much at default in the sense that I've changed everything and disabled annoyances but only using options available inside Windows 10 and officially supported by Microsoft...

https://i.imgur.com/Drddk2o.png

High res pictures here: Windows 10 Enterprise (https://i.imgur.com/jtclL7O.png) - Windows XP Professional (https://i.imgur.com/CMikymY.png)

[feisty2]

I just hate whatever cheap paper/plastic look that seems to be the main design language of xp and win10, I WANT ALL THINGS TRANSPARENT AND GLASSY!!!

[StainlessS]

I know dodgy-Windows and I'm 100% sure those things will break spectacularly after an update (sooner or later)
The way windows and menus and such behave, is pretty well documented, and so much software relies on that so M$ would be
making a huge [suicidal] mistake to change things now. some Open Source utilities have their own way of doing things
[window, listbox, etc] type structures, but that is usually to do with being cross platform [I'm guessin'].
Classic Shell [later Open Shell, now Open-Shell-Menu] is pretty safe and used by Millions [incl me], and in the case of W10, allows
access to both W10 menus and more traditional less exasperating menus.
Open-Shell-Menu:- https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases

And some alternatives:- https://alternativeto.net/software/classicshell/

EDIT:
I WANT ALL THINGS TRANSPARENT AND GLASSY!!!
Nuttin' like that good ol' W95 feel [without Plasticy Glassy, naff look].

[FranceBB]

Upgraded today from Fedora 33 stable to Fedora 34 stable.
Everything looks good and I LOVE GNOME 40.
The most important thing is that I upgraded and everything worked out just fine at the very first boot!!
I got chills, guys, absolute chills...!

Img1 (https://i.imgur.com/Q0fsiv4.png) - Img2 (https://i.imgur.com/uMlx40C.png) - Img3 (https://i.imgur.com/JZ4Ge5R.png)

[StainlessS]

Have not used Fedora for a long time, I used to like it.
Not sure if I used it before or after Mandrake [which became Mandriva due to some legal dispute over the Mandrake name, I think].

[StainlessS]

Maybe you tried this one FaBB [ LinuxFX / WindowsFX ]:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPv9oRwV6io

[Ghitulescu]

With Sinclair ZX81, never had any compulsary auto update nonsense.
Also a full-features text editor (Tasword) took less space than an empty Microsoft Word document :) :) :)

[StainlessS]

To be fair though, most W10 machines dont suffer from RAM Pack wobble that can be fixed by a great big lump o' Blue Tack.

[Katie Boundary]

I dont have 2019 installed at the moment, so far as I remember its just a classic style interface, something like
W2K maybe [with most w2k fancy rubbish switched off], no nonsense metro or anything like it on a server install.

Silly GUI stuff is just for the clients. [Server is a non-nonsense serious work horse, not a play thing for kids]

EDIT: 2019 option 1 install is for CLI based server control only. [you probably dont want this, unless you want to use as a server with command line expert remote admin of it]
Option 2 setup, is for install of GUI. Probably more to my taste than W10, W8.0/8.1/ W7 or Vista clients.
EDIT: And so far as I could see, no mosterous telemetry octopus to wrestle with [as there is with W10 client].

So Windows Server 2019 does, in fact, come with a Classic Win95 kind of look? If that's the case, then I might not need to permanently move to a 100% Linux system in the future.

Do you know where I could... ahem... "try" Server 2019 before deciding whether to buy it or not? :cool:

[manolito]

Do you know where I could... ahem... "try" Server 2019 before deciding whether to buy it or not? :cool:

Feisty can help you out...
https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1930554#post1930554

[Katie Boundary]

Cool.

Unfortunately, according to Wikipedia, Server 2019 still uses the Metro theme...

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/74/Windows_Server_2019_Standard.png


So I guess I'll have to try it to know for sure.

[StainlessS]

I dont remember seeing anything like that.
Although, I may have installed Open-Shell-Menu [fork of old Classic Shell]:- https://open-shell.github.io/Open-Shell-Menu/
Open-Shell-Menu can make it behave much like you might want.

[StainlessS]

Katie,
From here:- https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1932771#post1932771
Here is Windows 10 with Open-Shell-Menu, installation on Server 2019 should look pretty good. [click on it]
That is how I like mine [well wallpaper would usually be W95 RedTile or Pure Black] , there are MANY ways to configure the 'look'.
https://i.postimg.cc/nCt7Mm69/W10H.jpg (https://postimg.cc/nCt7Mm69)
EDIT: I've also added back QuickLaunch bar [howto elsewhere in this thread]. OS name on desktop ,
Seconds shown in taskbar clock, and added NetSpeedMeter showing WiFi download/upload speed.
Also "This PC" and Recycle bin on desktop, and Control Panel, Administrator tools and GodMode folder on top RHS.
[GodMode, W7+ secret/special folder type with lots of OS quick config options in one place, see earlier in the thread]

For anybody wantin' Pure Black Wallpaper on Android [I use it all the time, battery saver]:-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pureblackwallpaper&hl=en_GB
Can apparently uninstall the app and wallparer stays, without ads. It says that it is ad supported, but cant say I've ever noticed any. [I dont uninstall]
EDIT: Maybe it shows a single ad when installing the wallpaer. Is [I think] small app, and easy to click and re-install black very quickly.

Anybody wantin' to kill off ShellBags,
[we mentioned ShellBags Analyzer & Cleaner somewhere in thread:- https://privazer.com/en/download-shellbag-analyzer-shellbag-cleaner.php ]
but once cleaned, will fill up with rubbish again tracking what apps you've run, and folders visited. (why does windows store up all this crap?)].

About ShellBags and removal,
https://ericmathison.com/blog/remove-shellbags-in-windows-for-privacy
https://www.ghacks.net/2014/06/09/remove-old-shellbag-entries-windows-privacy/

For ShellBags removal [permanently empty]

[Win7 and Win10]

x86_Remove_ShellBags.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

;;; DELETE KEYS

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]



;;; Afterwards = Re-create the following keys

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]


;;; Make Single Entry for Shellbags
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell]
"BagMRU Size"=dword:00000001


x64_Remove_ShellBags.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

;;; DELETE KEYS

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\ShellNoRoam\BagMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]


; x64 Only, DELETE KEYS
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]



;;; Afterwards = Re-create the following keys

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]

; x64 Only, Re-Create
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Wow6432Node\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU]


;;; Make Single Entry for Shellbags
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell]
"BagMRU Size"=dword:00000001


I dont think I've posted above .reg files here before.



Here, for [B]WIN 10 ONLY - Show Seconds on Taskbar Clock [I like this, dont know why]
[EDIT: Below .reg files need Re-Boot afterwards]

ENABLE_ShowSecondsInSystemClock.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"ShowSecondsInSystemClock"=dword:00000001


DISABLE_ShowSecondsInSystemClock.reg

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"ShowSecondsInSystemClock"=dword:00000000


EDIT: And another Android App to show current UK postcode, tiny 21KB in size and NO ADS. [I always install if only because of size].
[EDIT: Does NOTHING else]
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.tevp.postcode&hl=en_GB&gl=US

EDIT: And one of the only 2 android apps I've paid for,
London Bus Checker:-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fatattitude.buscheckerlite&hl=en_GB&gl=US
If you click on the devs name [Urbanthings at top of page] then there are more bus checkers, one for entire UK,
and for NYC, and a Transantiago Bus Checker, whatever that is [same devs].
[The other paid for app I use is MX Player (Pro), which probably everybody else uses anyway].
EDIT: The bus checker app devs seem to have gone on holiday or something during covid, no updates to this normally
frequently updated app, for about 1 year+.
There are a few reviews saying "used to be good app, times are wrong" or similar, but I think that is more to do with
covid affecting the official bus service data feed rather than the app.

[Katie Boundary]

Stainless, I'm quite familiar with ClassicShell. I've been using it for years. The Start menu is not the entirety of the theme/skin/GUI. A full Classic theme has title bars that fade from deep blue on the left to sky-blue on the right. A full Classic theme has gray boxes around the minimize, maximize, and close buttons.

[StainlessS]

[True] Full classic for me would be W95 style. [blue fade thing sounds too fancy nancy to me].

[Katie Boundary]

[True] Full classic for me would be W95 style. [blue fade thing sounds too fancy nancy to me].

Ummm the fading goes all the way back to...

(looks up screenshots on DuckDuckGo)

...damn, I thought that had always been a thing.

[manolito]

A full Classic theme has title bars that fade from deep blue on the left to sky-blue on the right.

Under Win XP as well as under Win 7 the user can easily make this adjustment. Use the Win Classic theme and then under advanced you can define 2 colors for the active title bar. No problem to pick a deep blue as the first color and a pale blue as the second color.

Under Win7 there is no need to install the Classic Start Menu to achieve this, it is there out of the box. No idea about Win 10, though...

https://i.postimg.cc/dVNnhLrX/Color-Transition.png (https://postimages.org/)

[StainlessS]

Actually, here on Win7 I do have the dark blue -> light blue thingy, had not even noticed it,
if I had noticed it and knew how to switch it off, I probably would have.
I dont usually spend more than 5 mins playing with anything like that, if it sticks out, I switch it off.
Worst offender, them horrible blue translucent sliding fading menu, emetics, urhhh.

[Katie Boundary]

Under Win XP as well as under Win 7 the user can easily make this adjustment.

Ummm wot? There's no adjustment that needs to be made. That's the default setting for the Classic theme in both XP and Win7.

[manolito]

Sorry, I screwed up...

I thought I had selected the Classic Theme in Win7, but I didn't

[StainlessS]

Two days ago, W10 was more or less behaving, but yesterday a few things went haywire.

Subtitle Edit, video player used to work just fine, and now nothing, just black with audio.
Changing settings Video Engine, from DirectShow [quartz.dll in system32] to MPC-HC
and it works ok again.

DvdShrink Preview [when DVD loaded and playing a title], used to work fine on default System Default Renderer,
now just get white box with audio. Change settings to
Select DirectX Video Renderer, VMR-9, and Builtin Software Renderer work ok.
VMR-7, and Overlay Mixer, dont work.

I'm sort of aware that W10 has some kind of codec-ish type problem where [I think] Win7DSFilterTweaker might
be the suggested fix [or might not be].
Is this thing that is currently causing me upset, the same as the known W10 codec-ish type problem,
or something more exotic.

And, is there a way to set/change the Default System Renderer ?

Tanks.

[wonkey_monkey]

Maybe a silly question, but have you done a restart, or you have just shut down and then started again later and still had the same problems?

This has caught me out before. Windows 10 doesn't do a proper shut down when you shut down (it saves the current kernel state, which may be faulty, for faster loading next time you start up), but it does do a proper restart if you tell it to restart.

It's a useful thing to know anyway.

[clsid]

That is a common issue with the default video renderer. The NVIDIA drivers on Windows 10 no longer supports legacy overlay.

If you open a second instance of one of the affected apps, then you will notice that the second one does show video. That is because only first instance tries to use overlay.

You can change the system default renderer (VMR7) to VMR9 by adjusting the merit of VMR9 to 0x00800002.

[gonca]

[I think] Win7DSFilterTweaker might
be the suggested fix [or might not be].
It is the fix
You might want to install nevcairiels LAVFilters and then use Win&DSFilter... to make nevs stuff preferred

[StainlessS]

I'll hav'ta come back to this, a bit busy, and hospital appointment tomorrow [well, today].

but have you done a restart
Yep, probably restart at least 3 or 4 times daily.
I also switch off that Fast Startup thing.

Control Panel/All Control Panel Items/Power Options/System Settings/
Change Settings that Are Currently Unavailable/
Turn On fast startup (recommended) = UNTICKED # dont do it, interferes with Multi-Boot (+ other stuff)


by adjusting the merit of VMR9 to 0x00800002

Was struggling with various filter merit thingies, managed to change VMR9 [32 bit] to 0x00800002,
but it seems that there are two of them, and 64 bit would not budge from 0x00200000, with access denied type errors.
[from Runas Administrator]. Took ownership of the 64 bit quartz.dll, and managed to change it as suggested.
Install lav filters and back to it not working again. [new Lav filters downed from D9 today, "LAVFilters-0.75.exe"]
DvdShrink works now [presumably x86] and is set to System Default Renderer [which is now VMR9, I take it]
Subtitle Edit, always runs 64 bit on 64 bit system, even if I would prefer it to run in 32 bit, so it uses 64 bit avisynth,
and sadly when set to Video Engine = DirectShow [quartz.dll in system32], it dont do video.
It will work if I install MPC+HC and set it to that [which I will], but the same thing did used to work fine for last 6 months
in DirectShow.
I'm wondering if Lav filters installs both x64 and x86 simultaneously [which I would require, as I like to test with eg
PotPlayer, MPC+HC, and VLC, in x86 and x64].

NirSoft InstalledCodec x86 says 0x00800002, and x64 version says 0x00200000, but they only show merit, dont allow
change of merit. So, what tools if any exist that will allow edit of both x86 and x64 merits [need not be exact same executable].

install nevcairiels LAVFilters and then use Win&DSFilter... to make nevs stuff preferred

Dang, I aint had this much fun since back on W2K, hacking registry quartz.dll fourcc type thingies to use non microsoft
YV12 codecs, are, those were the days.

EDIT:
access denied type errors.
x64 Quartz.dll, Everyone, apart from Trusted Installer [full control] had only Read & Execute permissions.

[clsid]

You should not need to have to mess with file permissions. Merit is set in the registry.

GraphStudioNext is a good tool to change merit.
Menu > Graph > Insert Filter > Change Merit

[StainlessS]

thanks clsid, I'll give it a go. Off to my hospital appt now.

[StainlessS]

As I've said before in this and other threads, I'm not a big fan of fancy Windows GUI stuff,
but having experimented a lil' bit with Classic Shell and the Classic Style, & Smoked Glass skin,
I've changed my mind, I love this look.
[Cap from Window 10, 1709 Linx 7, 7 inch tablet, and Linx 8203g, 8 inch tablets which I also have same skin]
https://i.postimg.cc/tsN5TD8x/Untitled.png (https://postimg.cc/tsN5TD8x)

I find it quite delightful, and battery friendly on a portable. [Plain Black wallpaper]

EDIT: It seems a bit squished, it should be 1280x800 [16:10], seems too narrow,
maybe my web browser or something, dont know, dont really matter I suppose.

EDIT: Actually its Open-Shell-Menu I'm using, the classicShell thing spinoff:- https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu/releases

[StainlessS]

Despite liking the size and stability of W10 1709, I've decided to use 1909 because of several reasons.
1909 is supposed to be last version where it is possible to stop feature updates. Versions after 1909 mess with hosts file
so as to stop hosts file blocking M$ telemetry. 1909 has better Dark mode than 1709 [well from about 1803 I think].
1909 will soon be unsupported [good]. NetSpeedMonitor dont work after 1909. + maybe more reasons.

But, I noticed today an entry in Programs & Features, "Update Health Tools" and so looked this up [It's only installed on
versions of W10 Home/Core, and it forces Feature Updates by fixing registry update blockers, or other "problems" preventing
update to 20H1/20H2, it is not being forced on Pro or above, it is installed by KB4023057].
This is despicable, M$ promised us that support for 1909 would stop about Sept 2021, I'm greatly perturbed by this broken promise.

Microsoft has now confirmed that KB4023057 is rolling out to Windows 10 version 20H2, version 2004 and older versions.
It is supposed to remove the upgrade blocks, modify Registry, change network and Windows Update settings to enforce feature updates.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.windowslatest.com/2021/03/09/a-windows-10-update-is-installing-microsoft-update-health-tools/amp/
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.ghacks.net/2021/06/13/look-out-for-kb4023057-it-is-being-released-again-for-windows-10-by-microsoft/%3famp

Well I'm going to be blocking all updates after current installs [already removed the "Update Health Tools", and will block via M$ update blocker],
and install a third party updates blocker, and will rely on WSUS Offline Update for all updates [adding a Static exclusion for KB4023057 if not excluded by default].

EDIT: I have several Updates naming Adobe Flash Player, Flash player security updates and Flash player removal,
Flash player used have icon in Control Panel [I THINK], but it aint there now. I presume that I can remove the security updates
and the flash player remover update now. [yes?].

EDIT:

Important notes

Adobe Flash Player is out of support as of December 31, 2020. For more information, see Adobe Flash end of support on December 31, 2020.

Applying this update will remove Adobe Flash Player from your Windows device.

After this update has been applied, this update cannot be uninstalled.

This update only removes Adobe Flash Player that was installed by your version of Windows. If you installed Adobe Flash Player manually from another source, it will not be removed. For more information about how to remove Adobe Flash Player, see the Uninstall Flash Player | Windows topic on the Adobe website.


https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4577586-update-for-the-removal-of-adobe-flash-player-october-27-2020-931521b9-075a-ce54-b9af-ff3d5da047d5

[GMJCZP]

TinMan, why don't you try this program to avoid Wndows spying? Spybot Anti Beacon. (https://www.safer-networking.org/products/spybot-anti-beacon/)

[StainlessS]

Thanks GMJCZP, but I got a number of good-ish Spyware and also Update Blockers,
I am making base OS images [without blockers] so that I can restore to a known good state, in the event that
M$ manages to screw me over.
I can then cripple M$ updates, until I decide to do a WSUS Offline Update [with Internet disabled] , and then re-cripple it again.
I'm sick of being an M$ plaything, if I do experience any kind of infection, its not a big deal, I'll just re-install known good image.
And if M$ does manage to slip in a new un-crippler and start to Feature Update, same thing, but will update my Update Blocker.

EDIT: I should also limit Internet access to Linux, or a single M$ OS machine that dont have local network access
[excluding portable machines which will have Internet access, but no local network access.
I never Auto Update anything anyway, I alway download any full update for offline install to multiple machines and for archival].

WSUS Offline Update:- https://download.wsusoffline.net/
Even after 1909 support expires, there will be updates for non 1909 specific stuff eg DOT.NET and CPP runtimes, and the very occasional 1909 update. Even now, there is the occasional update for XP.

EDIT: Although not on the Wsus Offline Update main page, there wouuld seem to be a Linux version [updates for Windows OS] offline updater,
although I've never tried it [Download within Linux, Install within M$ OS].
Wsus offline Update Linux Forum:- https://forums.wsusoffline.net/viewforum.php?f=9&sid=ec7c0a1404ca7afa1655d6ddeb9d54c2
EDIT: I guess I could actually replace W10 with Linux on [some or all of] my portable Windows machines, although I may want to
keep at least one [my CHUWI Hi10 Pro x64 m/c probably] on W10 for downloading Visual Studio Updates.

Not having some machines on local network is not so big a problem, not if you've got multiple hard drive docks, copy stuff
onto hard drive [or SSD HD] in dock, pop hard drive into another dock and copy to other machine.
El cheapo dock, also my favourite least problematic dock [SATA only 2.5 or 3.5 inch, single bay]:- https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/product_detail/20043/Dynamode-USB3-0-Hard-Drive-Drop-In-One-Touch-Back-Up-Docking-Station/
I also have a 2 bay [1 bay PATA] dock and a 3 bay [1 bay PATA] dock, the 3.5 PATA bays can be a bit awkard in that
there is no standard distance beteen power and data sockets, and you have to fiddle with a slider to adjust distance.
[although same make PATA drives are probably about same distance]. 2.5 PATA are usually no problem.
I only have a few 3.5 PATA/IDE hard drives, and use them for emergency/emergency drives [mostly stored away forever].

[Katie Boundary]

The only rational explanation for Microsoft's current behavior is that the company has been taken over by Linux fanboys and they're trying to force us all to migrate to Linux.

[StainlessS]

Perhaps the only good thing about Windows 8[The advert]:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ2Cv_z5UQw
W98: Lenka, "Everything at once", Album "Two".

And same from Windows 95 [OSR1/OSR2 Setup CD]:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqL1BLzn3qc
W95: Edie Brickell [Paul Simon's missus], "Good times", Album "Picture Perfect Morning".

Were there any more musical Windows intros ?

EDIT: Back about 97/98, I remember [in a drunken session with my next door neighbour], putting that W95 clip from CD on
repeat play, for about 3 or 4 hours, strangely I still dont hate it.
EDIT: Thats Barry White [voice of] near the end of the W95 clip.
EDIT: One of the W95 YouTube comments said,
I was working in a computer store when Windows 95 was released. This video was playing for 8 hours a day! Guess what? I still love this song!
so they beat my 3 or 4 hour session, every day :)

[GMJCZP]

Thats Barry White near the end of the W95 clip.

I like it your instrumental songs, for example Love's Theme. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPHmsEoLsL0) :)

[StainlessS]

"Loves Theme", not may favourite Barry White, best are,
"Just the way you are",
"Never never gonna give you up",
"You're the first, the last (my everything)"
"Can't get enough of your love"

M$ actually knew how to pick a song, both Windows clips are very compulsive listening [you wanna hear them again and again],
other compulsives include,
Celine Dion, Titanic song, [played so often you could not escape it, many people loathed it because of that].
Whitney Houston, Bodyguard, [people in the UK were prosecuted for annoying neighbours with it]
Kylie Minogue, "Cant get you out of my head" [and you sure can't].

A person 2 floors below me, played Whitney Houston Bodyguard ["I will always love you"], from about midnight till 07:00AM
about the time it was released. I still did not hate that either.

EDIT: OK, I see you posted link to the Barry White [written] instrumental "Loves theme", I forgot it was instrumental.

EDIT: To below.
Life coulda been so very different for him, think he was a car thief or similar before singing fame.

[GMJCZP]

OK, I see you posted link to the Barry White [written] instrumental "Loves theme", I forgot it was instrumental.

Sip, your Unlimited Love Orchestra.
Another good theme is Let's the Music Play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6NVnKFyY24)

[GMJCZP]

Has anyone tried this tool to modify the appearance of Windows 8 and 10? As I have Windows 7 I cannot test it.

OldNewExplorer (https://www.filehorse.com/es/descargar-oldnewexplorer/)

[StainlessS]

Same prog from same download site [FileHorse], but in English rather than Spanish:- https://www.filehorse.com/download-oldnewexplorer/
or you can change language via top right hand side option, "ES" -> "EN".

Different diescription from MajorGeeks:- https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/oldnewexplorer.html

TIP:
If ever you find that your desktop disappears totally, and you're left with a simple light blue background and nothing else [no wallpaper],
then is probable that 1st instance of Explorer.Exe has crashed [1st instance creates desktop with wallpaper and renders windows and dialogs upon it].

SOLUTION:
Hit CTRL/SHIFT/ESC to bring up Task Manager, switch to Processes TAB, you will probably see that Explorer.exe has disappeared.
[another task has the job of restarting Explorer.Exe, but in this case that too has crashed and so does not repair the situation]
To do manual recover, In Task Manager select "Menu/File/New Task (Run...)", and enter "Explorer" or "Explorer.Exe",
and like magic your desktop together with any open windows etc will reappear.
Save your work and reboot, as machine is/was in an unstable state.

You can also test this if you like, by using Right Click "End Process" on Explorer.Exe via Task Manager/Processes, [The desktop will disappear]
and then re-create using above method.

EDIT: DANG!, just tried manual test on Windows 7, Ending task on Explorer.Exe did not kill display, above must only work for
Windows XP, but if it does happen to you, suggest try above repair just the same.

EDIT: Ahem, actually it did kill the display for most stuff, taskbar and icons gone, but for some reason did not kill display of Wallpaper or FireFox Web browser and Doom9 site, so only a bit different to that which I was expecting.
Maybe they changed something in W7 so that only icons, desktop, and taskbar are drawn by 1st instance of Explorer.exe, but windows and dialogs drawn by something else.
EDIT: Well, looks like it might be FireFox that does something different, File Explorer windows disappear, only wallpaper and Firefox window
remains displayed.

[GMJCZP]

Same prog from same download site [FileHorse], but in English rather than Spanish:- https://www.filehorse.com/download-oldnewexplorer/
or you can change language via top right hand side option, "ES" -> "EN".

This is a kind of "payback" for sometimes you bombard us with english slangs. ;)
Ups, the truth is that sometimes it is not easy to post with a cell phone.

But to all these I don't even know if someone has used OldNewExplorer.

[StainlessS]

Guilty as charged, es tut mir leit, ich bin ein jacksie.
however, i is always gonna be a jacksie, sorry bout that.

[GMJCZP]

Guilty as charged, es tut mir leit, ich bin ein jacksie.
however, i is always gonna be a jacksie, sorry bout that.

Don't worry, be happy!:)

I wonder if with OldNewExplorer you can get a file search like the one in Windows XP, which is the best I've used, I sometimes look for something in Windows 7 and if you don't put the exact beginning of the phrase many times, it seems "that is not ", damn it!

[therube]

I've not used it, but worth a look, EverythingToolbar - Everything deskband for the taskbar (https://www.voidtools.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=9540).

[Dogway]

Yep, Everything is a boon, the first thing I install on the OS. I also use FileSearchEX for a more classic searcher embedded in the file explorer.

I'm still on Win7 but need to jump to a current Windows to use an VR I bought. Not sure if jump to Win10 (sigh) or Windows 11 which looks a little bit more exciting.