Guys, I need two questions answered.
1. Is it possible to find any traces of programs and applications that have been previously installed on a computer or a hard drive?
2. What happens in the case of a total hard drive format? Is there any place that allows a machine to store what software has been installed on a computer prior to format? Or... yes... even two or three formats back...?
1) In SOME cases programs will leave a Registry Entry with some bare data that tells the system it has been installed before, such as keeping user saved setting stored in local temp. However, often, most programs when uninstalled remove all temp data, and registry values unless an option to save personal settings.
2) You can, for most software, copy most installed programs, including their temp files and user setting files, and then use RegEdit to export the registry of the software. Than on the new machine you can import the stuff back to its respective locations, and import the registry value. In most sane scenarios this works fine. Some programs though log the systems ID, and other identifiers to prevent this.
Note recovering data from a formatted hard drive is often fragmented at best, as the drive will write in blocks and the new OS and data will likely overwrite a lot of data. Some recovery is possible, but usually in a third party environment.
I have used cloning software to 'copy' a whole HD, and paste it on a new HD. Worked fine, though I always find this a bit scary. And possibly fresh installs of all software is cleaner and better, but much more work.
I have also retrieved deleted files with third party software. Wols to a degree, what WAS says, depends on the amount of fragmenting.
So what you say is that one could theoretically be able to determine that, say, "This computer had a copy of 'Microsoft Excel' installed two OSs back"? Is that correct?
I don't know who you're responding too, but I guess so. Just depends on what files can be retrieved after a few rounds of fracturing and overwriting.
Also a note, if you didn't use quick format (which you shouldn't for HDD health), you will likely not be able to recovery data with Windows 10, I think it uses newer deletion methods similar to old USSRs GOST, meant to sanitize data deletion so it can't be recovered, for security concerns (like selling a HDD that was part of a company). Least not unless you're the FEDs or something. I'm sure there are ways.
I had many cases of malfunctioning disk drives or deleted data, so can share my experience (though it was quite a while ago):
Regular format - it just deletes partition table. Data are there. Use soft like R-Studio.
Low-level format - lower chance, I would suggest using a professional service.
Bad disc (electronics/physical damage) - professional service, I had what seemed to me hopeless cases, but managed to get 99% of data back.
Hope that helps.
Ok, thanks for all the answers guys!
The thing is I need to revert back to Windows 8.1. I just want to make sure that what I get is a clean install with no leftovers from the previous system at all.
I have reset my system using the "Settings" tab, only to find out that Windows 10 booted up again... Well, at least the disk is purged.
Now I know, that I need to use BIOS and change the boot order so that disc with Windows 8.1 runs first. Does that sound right?
In case you ask; no - I am not a fugitive, have no proof of ET life or ballot frauds. :P
Yes.
So, yesterday I have completed Windows re-installation and I guess it works. ;) The only problem I experience is a significant lag in one of my games (yeah, I do play sometimes) but I don't think it has anything to do with the Windows reinstallation itself. Much less GPU, as I didn't even touch it...
In case anyone needs it, here's the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvzrmDzciyE&list=LLE-Aj-rTFL2SJN8eW1WrPBg&index=2&t=0s) I used to learn how it's done. The guy really knows his trade! Probably a German too. :P
Good that I never 'upgraded' to 10 :)
I start to believe that Windows 10 will go down in history as Windows Vista's evil twin. Quite a lot of hype and a delayed realization that the preceding version was better.
To me it`s not quite clear which OS you now reinstalled? 8.1 or 10?
Why did you not just take out the Win 10 HDD, put a new one in and installe your former OS?
Do you need a Utube video to do that?
My guess is that there is a driver problem somewhere in the line with that game. Mostly comes down to that.
Windows 10 surely is a pain when it comes to all the "security Features", the things it thinks are best for you as a user, maybe even the GUI.
But there are ways around that. I really don`t like the amount of control over the computer it is installed on they put in it.
And every major update/upgrade seems to break something. 8.1 was no better than Vista, actually. It was merely an inbetweener to 10.
BUT, it for sure runs much faster an any computer I installed it than 7, 8.1 and, of course, Vista.
And sooner or later we will experience problems with the software we run on Win 7 or 8.1 and have to turn to a more modern OS.
Or decide not to update/upgrade anymore and keep the Status Quo on a particular machine. Until the hardware breaks down...
CHeers, Klaus
Quote from: KlausK on July 22, 2020, 05:22:19 AMWhy did you not just take out the Win 10 HDD, put a new one in and installe your former OS?
Because I do not have a spare hard drive, that's why... ::)
So it seems like your initial actual problem is you don't have genuine windows but what came with the PC; 8.1?
Windows 10 may have quirks, but the security and speed is unrivaled as far as past OS's go.
The game issue may be driver based, or just because you're not on Windows 10 and seeing all the game performance optimization such as full screen optimization. Additionally Windows 7/8.1 use more GPU RAM and PC RAM with games than Windows 10. Sometimes windows 10 uses more VRAM if game optimizations are on though.
Quote from: WAS on July 22, 2020, 12:49:12 PMSo it seems like your initial actual problem is you don't have genuine windows but what came with the PC; 8.1?
Well, since you mention it...
My computer came with Windows 8.1 and I grew suspicious after it has returned from the service center last week with Windows 10 installed on it...
When I called these thieves yesterday they said "Microsoft is not too vocal about it... but yes! You still can update for free despite 29.07.2016 deadline! <nudge, nudge>". I instantly knew this was fishy...
Some research, web articles and chat with an acquainted lawyer later, I got the whole picture and understood I have been cheated and could have faced serious consequences.
I can't possibly imagine how can any customer service be doing anything like that! If these lunatics install the "not too vocal" Windows 10 into a small enterprise, then, they are basically buying a jail term for the poor owner. It's 5 months to 5 years around here. Gonna stretch! Like a pizza cheese...
So, I have reinstalled my legal copy of Windows that I have a key, invoice and license for.
The lesson: Don't ever trust customer service. Learn some stuff yourself as you are the only person you can trust.
Oh, by the way...
The game issue turned out to be the "Integrated Graphics Card" being set as a default instead of NVidia. Not sure why it got switched but I changed it back.
Did not realize it was about not having a second harddrive.
What the service guys told you about being able to still upgrade your (legal) OS to Win10 is actually true.
The last computer I had a copy of Win7 running was upgraded via online activation to Win10 only a month or so ago.
I do not know the criteria by which the MS servers decide wether you get the Win10 activation or not
and it is not advertised in any way but seemingly one might be "lucky".
Anyway, it`s still strange doing that kind of thing without contacting you first.
CHeers, Klaus
I can confirm this is true, in fact
@D.A. Bentley provided me with Genuine Windows 7 discs and keys, and I was able to update my old PC to Windows 10. The person who sold it to me said it was Genuine, but it suddenly became invalid, and when I went I did some digging associated with the windows update service I found that it was being spoofed, and that spoofed just no longer worked. I never thought to check because I figured the seller was honest, least he looked like a sharp dressed honest kid. But the computer now has hold genuine despite numerous tests, and also passes the scrutiny test of your system for the insider program, which checks the license directly rather then just the key validity and if the
system says it's genuine.
Honestly I suspect it was for PR reasons. To actually end this program, they would have to issue a transparent update about the removal of services from your OS. This usually never goes over well and people complain
even if Microsoft said it was only for a year. Unless it's something people have complained about for ages, like wasted dead space of inactive or sparsely updated live tiles. Additionally, Windows 10 itself is a service, and they can wring money out of us some other way, such as upgrading to a different tier of OS like Pro/Enterprise, or planned later features (???).
Then again, maybe there are regional concerns?
Quote from: WAS on July 22, 2020, 11:44:19 PMI can confirm this is true, in fact @D.A. Bentley provided me with Genuine Windows 7 discs and keys, and I was able to update my old PC to Windows 10. The person who sold it to me said it was Genuine, but it suddenly became invalid, and when I went I did some digging associated with the windows update service I found that it was being spoofed, and that spoofed just no longer worked. I never thought to check because I figured the seller was honest, least he looked like a sharp dressed honest kid. (...)
Honestly I suspect it was for PR reasons. To actually end this program, they would have to issue a transparent update about the removal of services from your OS.
There you go. I also thought that my service is staffed with responsible people. I think so no more.
I do not think it is safe to get Windows 10 by doing a "free" upgrade. Just because Microsoft offers Windows 10 image on their page does not mean it is free.The lawyer I spoke with has explained this in a very understandable and simple way - suppose there is a luxury car parked in the street with door opened and keys and all documentation inside. Does that entitle you to start the engine?Also worth of note is the fact that Microsoft does not have to explicitly ban the "free" update to Windows 10, because they already have a clause on their page which states, straight and simple, that free update to Windows 10 has been discontinued, effective 29th July 2016. This in itself, constitutes an explicit limitation from their point of view - a copyright owner's point of view. Legally, they don't have to issue any further comments.
Then of course, the National Revenue Administration (or whatever it is called in your country) has the right to control the content of your computer, by performing the so-called "software legality checks". Should you run into one with a bootleg Windows, you are screwed.
Quote from: N-drju on July 23, 2020, 04:48:56 AMThe lawyer I spoke with has explained this in a very understandable and simple way - suppose there is a luxury car parked in the street with door opened and keys and all documentation inside. Does that entitle you to start the engine?
But that's not how it works at all.
You can upgrade. You can register that copy of Windows 10 with Microsoft, including joining the insider program and extra scrutiny, and if you'd like I can call Microsoft to confirm this, it's toll-free for me as a local call. If this wasn't the case, Microsoft would issue demands for large news agencies to revise their news and update to clarify their claims are false and unlawful.
Mind you that PC has been running Windows 10 for over a year and gone though various Windows Update license checks (where ungenuine licenses would be revoked and your system tell you to activate in 30 days).
Additionally if a license was ungenuine Windows simply takes genuine features, which are only personalization in Windows 10 Home, and allow you to freely use Windows 10. For example I'm breaking no laws running Windows 10 without a license on my server as. KVM for using Terragen on the go from my phone on remote desktop.
Here's a pretty good explanation:
https://www.howtogeek.com/272201/all-the-ways-you-can-still-get-windows-10-for-free/#:~:text=Windows%2010%E2%80%99s%20free%20upgrade%20offer%20is%20over%2C%20according,install%20Windows%2010%20and%20use%20it%20for%20free (https://www.howtogeek.com/272201/all-the-ways-you-can-still-get-windows-10-for-free/#:~:text=Windows10'sfreeupgradeofferisover%2Caccording,installWindows10anduseitforfree.).
There is too much confusion about this. I understand your point, but I think you'll also agree that if having the "peace of mind" is important to me, then it makes little sense to have Windows 10 that one is not entirely sure of. ???
This should, indeed, be clarified by Microsoft. Once and for all time. This is why I wanted to kn ow whether there are any files left, after the HDD is wiped. I wouldn't want any Windows 10 files still left on my drive, interfering with the new (old) system.
I just thought I'll mention this yet...
It seems that my hardware doesn't even like Windows 10... There have been quite a number of issues that I no longer observe when back with Windows 8.1. In Windows 10 I have experienced the following problems:
- Slow, jerky transitions on the welcome screen
- Unable to open image viewer when rendering and getting the image viewer crash (WTAF?? ???)
- When playing the game, fan going full speed all the time (by comparison, now it slows down to almost zero when in "pause" screen and the case is lukewarm at most)
- MSI-related "F" keys not responding.
So yeah, I guess Windows 8.1 is my weapon of choice for the years to come.
Sounds like a typical proprietary OEM laptop, drivers all tuned for their OEM OS, than abandoned (driver wise) for their new line of laptops down the line.