If you go the BIOS mod way then you should request a version that uses the Gigabyte SLIC not the Dell one as it only risks future issues against WAT.
I should have said re: Hazars Loader, it didn't install. All I got was "Some installation files are corrupt. Please download a fresh copy and retry the installation" It's this that led me here, during which time I decided to investigate all my options. After reading through them, the method that I want to try is the BIOS mod as I don't want to be patching and chasing down fixes whilst MS does battle with the loaders. I understand that they're also going to target the modded BIOS installs eventually but by that time I expect the next harder better faster stronger version of Windows will be released.
Bios mod is very solid when flashed correctly along with correct cert and key used but the great thing about the daz loader it doesn't mess with system files at all and is just placed in boot partition so it can easily through the uninstall button be removed and then an updated loader can again be easily installed no problem but good luck with the bios mod
I've been using this site since Vista came out and I've seen thousands of people worried about what MIGHT happen - I've also seen that a lot of things Microsoft say will happen don't. Microsoft is very unlikely to target loaders (OR BIOS mods) that aren't included in the so-called "pre-activated" or permanently activated DVDs. They mainly care about piracy where people are frauduently selling their OS. The risk they run is bricking legitimate OEM customer's computers and having their OEM partners deciding Windows is too much hassle and switching OS - the OEMs have to support Windows on their machines so if Microsoft get it wrong it is theOEMs who have to fix it not Microsoft - that will not happen - without OEMs Microsoft is finished - maybe not for a while but finished in the OS business. Use Daz's loader and wait to see if any problems surface later. Unless you can afford a new motherboard do not modify it - buty a Windows OEM on ebaY or similar site - it is cheaper than a new moderate quality motherboard .
Gigabyte motherboards are actually pretty easy and safe to modify, I got one myself here and it works just fine. This would be why I gathered the details rather than suggesting my own application, both should work just fine though! As you (iNO12) talked about the keys and certificates that is one thing I should mention, that my application can handle all of that in on one quick button press. Maybe just a little time saver but a few people have actually downloaded the application just to use that function
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much. Whilst I applaud the work that is being done here on the forum, for somebody like me, the information overload can be a tad overwhelming and it's easy to get lost in the maze. I understood the concepts and I'm no stranger to my pc but I honestly ended up scratching my head in confusion. On a different note, what a nice bunch of lads you are. Polite, helpful and friendly, I had gritted my teeth in expectation of declarations of n00b etc. You all answered my queries in a positive manner. This is refreshing in the cynical world of online forums and I thank you all for your warm welcome. I'm a jack of all trades and master of none so I'm afraid my skills are not quite up to being a major contributor here but I'll lurk in the background and see what I can learn. I'll follow the instructions and let ye know how I get on. Wish me luck! Jules.
I'm up and running! Despite my initial fear of fiddling with an area of tech that has always frightened the bejeebers outta me I bit the bullet and followed instructions to the letter, used NoJuan999's wonderful mod and everything appears to be working 100%. Green lights across the board with Davids SLIC Toolkit. I'm one happy lil bunny p.s. Does this mean I get to call myself an uber-l33t-hax0r-geekette now?
I am in the same position as JulesInKy, I have read the myraid of information in the BIOS MOD section so much so that my eyes hurt and I'm more confused now that when I started. I have used the search mechanism to no avail in searching for modded BIOS's for my boards, and during my journey through the threads have become quite confused in the manner of modding a BIOS. In the past I have updated bios on my machines simply by downloading the files and copying them to a floppy disk and re-boot and watch the update take place and...viola! Success. It seems after reading many of the posts that a flash stick is now necessary and the setup of the stick is rather confusing to me after seeing some of the proggy's that do the set up. (setup as a floppy- setup as a HDD) and the instructions one should install the latest genuine and then the modified bios to keep the boot.log-leg active, I'm lost. Can the BIOS not be flashed with the SLIC Table in the old fashioned way-with a floppy? if not-why? Then reading this thread in it's entirety, I become even more confused and anxious when reading iNO12 comments, becoming very concerned that the modded BIOS is going to work. " Ziggy posted a modified BIOS for your motherboard above but as Daz said it is better to go with a Gigabyte SLIC, since your board is manufactured by Gigabyte this helps ensure that your OS will always be "genuine". I understand the importance of matching the certificate to the manufacturer listed in the BIOS and the Key to the respective Operating System, If I could get pointed in the right direction and maybe a little guidance in the modding of the BIOS I'm sure all would be well in Camelot. Any help would be very much appreciated. alfa1
If u are not comforable with bios mod, then just take Daz advice and use his loader. I'ts has been working good so far. Most PC now do not have floppy drive anymore, that's the reason the alterntive are flash, cd or hdd. If your mb manufacturer still supports flashing with a floppy then by all means use the floppy option. The only difference is that u have to changed the relevant files in the floppy with the modded one.
bluecatfish, you are quite correct excuse the oversight. These are the systems I am trying to get up. Should the experts need anymore info please ask. SPECS: Manufacturer: Clone PC Motherboard: MSI Motherboard Prod ID: K9VGM-V CPU Make: AMD Athelon 64X2 Dual Core CPU Speed: 4800+ 3.0ghz BIOS Manufacturer: Phoenix Technologies Ltd. Bios Type: Award Award BIOS Type: Award Workstation BIOS v6.00pg BIOS Version: W 7253 VMS v1.1 SMBIOS Version: 2.3 System BIOS Date: 09/01/2006 Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 (Win7 RTM) SPECS: Manufacturer: MSI - HETIS 945 Motherboard: MSI Motherboard Prod ID: 945 Platinum CPU Make: Intel Pentium 4 CPU Speed: 3.20ghz BIOS Manufacturer: Phoenix Technologies Ltd. Bios Type: Award Award BIOS Type: Award BIOS v6.00pg BIOS Version: W 7231 IMS v1.1 SMBIOS: 2.2 System BIOS Date: 05/11/2006 Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 (Win7 RTM) SPECS: Manufacturer: Clone PC Motherboard: MSI Motherboard Prod ID: G31M CPU Make: Intel Pentium Core 2 DUO CPU Speed: 3.0ghz BIOS Manufacturer: American Megatrends Inc. Bios Type: AMI AMI BIOS Type: AMI BIOS v7.4 BIOS Version: A 7379 IMS v2.0 SMBIOS: 2.3 System BIOS Date: 07/17/2008 Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 (Win7 RTM) Thank you Bluecatfish
Nash58, being fearful of modding the BIOS, no, I look forward to doing it, my concern is with all the different methods offered. I am wishful that I can receive the necessary guidance to keep from making a mess of it. Thank you for the response regarding the floppy method. The motherboards are two to four years old and I would suspect they can still handle a floppy upgrade, now I need the modded BIOSes and the knowledge to get them on the disk or flash drive correctly so I can complete the task. Thank you