My mother is coming for a visit. She is using a HP 9000 with Vista and hates it. I'm tempted to do a fresh install Win 7 using DAZ loader and turn off all windows updates. She doesn't know much about computers and doesn't live near me. Is this a bad idea? My main worry is that she get a non genuine windows error/problem that she will not be able to fix. She is less likely to get a virus. Thanks
When you install and use daz loader go into updates and look for the update (KB971033) then right click it and hide it. None of my friends have ever been de-activated with use of Daz loader. You could also install a free AV and set the updates and scanning when her computer is likely to be on. And Mom's like those sticky pads so you could write some simple steps to remind her how to scan for viruses , etc... Good luck
I haven't had any issues with any systems i've installed the daz loader on. I disable Windows Update just incase s**t happens tho
You realy should give your mother a nice Linux dist. Like Mandriva or PCLinuxOS. I installed Mandriva for my mother, sins then we never had any trouble.
Sounds like a plan! No worries there just go for it, she will be happy either way just not to have Vista on it.
You say that she hates Vista is she used to XP why not install Windows XP SP3 HP OEM SLP she already will have SLP string in DMI area, Yes Daz loader works for the moment and hopfully always will but you never know with M$ as for KB971033 yes you have choice not to install it for now.
I see no reason not to, but I'd recommend checking out nononsence's WindSLIC for bootmgr. It requires no modification of any system files other than "bootmgr" (Windows's bootloader, whose only purpose is to load Windows, and doesn't even run after it's done booting). I've been running it on many different machines (my own 3 physical machines, several VMs, my brother's computer, etc) for about 2 months with the DISABLE_BIOS_RW setting set to 1, and even installed Windows Updates + the official WAT update, and no problems so far. The way I see it, with this approach there are only 2 things that could validation to fail: 1. Microsoft replaces/updates "bootmgr" in a Windows Update - in which case you'd just have to replace it again, which takes all of 30 seconds 2. The OEM key used is banned - not likely to happen, assuming it's a key used by an actual OEM - if they were to ban that, then all the legit customers of that OEM would also be deactivated If you're worried about having to provide support, then you could always install something like LogMeIn, then you could more easily log in to help if something were to happen.
Since she doesn't live near to you you could also consider to install teamviewer or any easy-to-use vpn. When she has troubles due to the loader she can phone you, then you tell her to open teamviewer and tell you the code. You can take full controll of her pc now and install an updated loader or whatever you want. Yes but you must keep in mind that when you're 70 years old and used to windows it can be a real real pain to switch to linux, it isn't even worth all the troubles that come with the switch.
I would say go for it but if you can get her a bios mod instead of Daz's loader just for future prevention. Not saying that Daz'z loader is bad but just saying that if WAT is shoved down our throats it might be an issue in the future. I do know however that the popular Benjamin from RockerTeam is going to make a modded SP1 for win7 if the official one has WAT. His will be the same version but without the WAT update in it so basically if we have too we can still get SP1 but without WAT lol
Honestly you might be suprised by this but I know some HP computers that came with Vista will not allow you to install XP on them. I had that issue trying to help my friend, The XP setup errors everytime but only on his computer. That was with an HP DV 9000 Laptop though. IDK what exactly this one is because all they said was "HP 9000" but I am guessing it is the same one lol
To be honest, I have never used a loader since it messes with your system's bios. I'v always used my program, DeathWAT, or use RemoveWAT.
Loaders never touch the bios at all, they only put a new link it the boot chain. The loader is always on the harddrive so booting goes like bios(not touched) -> bootsector(not touched/on hdd) -> loader(new link/on hdd) -> windows bootmgr(originally right after botsector) -> windows I'm not shure about the bootsector part, but anyway, loader don't touch the bios
If you can find the drivers for everything I would also go with XP for her. That way there are less problems.
Use Daz Loader to activate Windows 7 and DO NOT turn off Windows Update. KB971033 DOES NOT deactivate Daz Loader. Do not use RemoveWat or other patches. Daz Loader is even better than BIOS Mods.
Ubuntu is nice to, I just tought it should be a little bit more windows look alike. So I would chose Kubuntu or any good KDE dist.
I don't think daz's loader is better than a well done biosmod, but I agree that you shouldn't disable updates. If MS is after daz's loader then it will take a long time to get it because of the risk for flagging genuine customers. I think they didn't even started flagging unencrypted and non-random file loaders. And if they do then I think a lot of effort will be put in the other thing that daz has working in a vm. I think it's a bit unstable and it doesn't work on 99.999% of the systems like the loader does, but if it's really needed then everything is possible.
I would have to disagree with you there dude. Why would something that emulates something be better then the actual thing? Daz's loader is good because the noob factor and what not but a good bios mod is always and will always be the best choise because everything else emulates it.
Timesurfer provided a good answer - he simply forgot to recommend Comodo Internet Security as the free choice. Are you concerned this may trigger some "non-genuine" doubts about your status ?