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prathapml

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  1. Update: The folder preview issue was partly solved by MS itself. Since a few months, the betas of what is set to become win11 22h2 have brought back that feature. Though the previews are still awful, at least it is better than none at all.
  2. If some colour is all we're losing, I'd be fine. The app may need to follow the track MS is taking because: maybe some relevant functions are being dropped from DLLs in 22h2, and to keep compatibility/stability. Then count me a sycophant, lol ? Your recommendation of Classic Shell was no good, for my needs. Other offerings in the space didn't help me either. Sure, you can argue that SAB is basically a collection of mods. And I'm fine by that, the dev is actively maintaining and updating it, instead of suggesting forum links for a disparate collection of mods that may not play well together as versions keep changing. I don't know what "harsh criticism" you are talking about. Is it from the same "experts" who propose migrating to Mac/Linux every few weeks? Is it from the same experts who suggest deep system tweaks and service removals, and then cry when that results in a buggy experience? What i do know, is that SAB is the ONE tool that made Windows 11 tolerable. It was worth the simple $5 license, and I think discouraging the developer with such posts is wrong. Quoting below, my post from back when I found this near-miracle of an app! It is still awesome and will be required, as even win11 23h2 does not seem to have any intention of fixing the dumbed-down UI.
  3. It is indeed, solves a major problem for me, I am your fan now! In case my testimony helps: Even as MS kept dumbing down different parts of the OS, I was glad to find ways to adjust and adapt. Though the changes in 11 have been... %#^%#^%@#@! If the issue was only about Start Menu, I'd have used Open-Shell and been just fine. But force-combined taskbar buttons and removal of custom toolbars broke my workflow. No other _actively maintained_ app (including Start11) addresses this important part for me. StartAllBack has single-handedly made Win11 tolerable, preventing me from running back to win10. I did the easy part - buying. Hoping enough people do that, to motivate you to keep up with the constant UI-style breakages that win11 will surely throw at us all. One thought though, for when I will format and reinstall. I see that some of the settings (not all) reside in the registry at HKCU\Software\StartIsBack. There is no inbuilt way to backup/restore settings. What would I need to do, to manually backup/restore all settings myself?
  4. I'm glad to note that a beta build of StartIsBack solves the first problem that i had mentioned. See this screenshot! So now the only annoying thing left is folder previews.
  5. So Windows 11 has not been... the best. But I've adjusted to the changes, to the point where only two real issues remain. 1. Taskbar replacement completely (not tweak) Application windows are now grouped in the taskbar. Yes, it feels like pre-win95 days. But that behaviour won't change. So is there a 3rd party taskbar replacement, to show open windows? (just like there is a 3rd party app for Start Menu.) 2. File Manager folder thumbnail previews Movies/photos/PDFs/etc within a folder aren't visible as a preview anymore, when browsing through a folder of folders. I hoped it would get fixed before release, but again, this looks like a permanent change as well. Is there any way to go back to the old folder previews? Or any 3rd party file manager app, which works just like Windows Explorer of win10 days? (light-enough, reliable, uncluttered, has folder previews in 256x256 icon size) Every file manager i tried so far, has depended on Windows Explorer itself, to show file and folder previews. So when win11 removed this feature, the same got reflected in 3rd party file managers as well.
  6. I think i'm going to bang my head against this wall, next up, thank you Escorpiom and maxXPsoft. This info should set me sailing, if not i will come back to report what happens...
  7. Hi all, I suddenly noticed that the games built into Windows 7 by default, do not get installed in my unattended installs. I have my AutoUnattend.xml at the root of the DVD. The portions that created problems are commented out (in the normal way as is done for XML files, using tags like <!-- xyz -->). And the configuration settings that are NOT commented, are implemented just fine by the installer from what I see (in other words, everything is just fine, except for the games being exempted). Currently need help with the Professional edition, x64, Windows 7 SP1 (integrated image downloaded from MSDN). No changes (vLite/etc) made to the source WIM files whatsoever, except for deleting "ei.cfg" from the "sources" folder. Below is my xml file, please tell me where am I going wrong? <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend"> <servicing> <package action="configure"> <assemblyIdentity name="Microsoft-Windows-ProfessionalEdition" version="6.1.7601.17514" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Windows-Anytime-Upgrade-Package" state="false" /> </package> </servicing> <!-- commented out for later use and reference- 7 Configuration Passes Sequence as below windowsPE offlineServicing specialize generalize auditSystem auditUser oobeSystem <servicing> <package action="configure"> <assemblyIdentity name="Microsoft-Windows-ProfessionalEdition" version="6.1.7601.17514" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Hyper-V-Common-Drivers" state="true" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Hyper-V-Guest-Integration-Drivers" state="true" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Windows-Anytime-Upgrade-Package" state="false" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Windows-MediaPlayer-Package" state="true" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Windows-NetFx3-OC-Package" state="true" /> <selection name="Microsoft-Windows-Printing-XPSServices-Package" state="true" /> <selection name="TabletPCOC" state="true" /> <selection name="InboxGames" state="true" /> <selection name="Printing-XPSServices-Features" state="true" /> <selection name="Xps-Foundation-Xps-Viewer" state="true" /> <selection name="Internet-Explorer-Optional-amd64" state="true" /> <selection name="WindowsGadgetPlatform" state="true" /> <selection name="MediaPlayback" state="true" /> <selection name="OpticalMediaDisc" state="true" /> <selection name="Internet Games" state="true" /> <selection name="Hearts" state="true" /> <selection name="FreeCell" state="true" /> <selection name="Chess" state="true" /> <selection name="Minesweeper" state="true" /> <selection name="More Games" state="true" /> <selection name="PurblePlace" state="true" /> </package> </servicing> <package action="configure"> <assemblyIdentity name="Microsoft-Windows-Foundation-Package" version="6.1.7601.17514" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="" /> </package> --> <settings pass="offlineServicing"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-LUA-Settings" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <EnableLUA>true</EnableLUA> </component> </settings> <settings pass="windowsPE"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core-WinPE" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="NonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <SetupUILanguage> <UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage> <WillShowUI>Never</WillShowUI> </SetupUILanguage> <InputLocale>0409:00000409</InputLocale> <UserLocale>en-IN</UserLocale> <UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage> <SystemLocale>en-IN</SystemLocale> <UILanguageFallback>en-US</UILanguageFallback> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <Diagnostics> <OptIn>false</OptIn> </Diagnostics> <DiskConfiguration> <WillShowUI>Always</WillShowUI> </DiskConfiguration> <ComplianceCheck> <DisplayReport>Never</DisplayReport> </ComplianceCheck> <DynamicUpdate> <Enable>false</Enable> </DynamicUpdate> <LogPath>%SystemRoot%\temp</LogPath> <UseConfigurationSet>false</UseConfigurationSet> <ImageInstall> <OSImage> <InstallFrom> <MetaData wcm:action="add"> <Key>/IMAGE/NAME</Key> <Value>Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL</Value> </MetaData> </InstallFrom> <InstallToAvailablePartition>false</InstallToAvailablePartition> <WillShowUI>OnError</WillShowUI> </OSImage> </ImageInstall> <UserData> <ProductKey> <WillShowUI>Never</WillShowUI> <Key>BLAH</Key> </ProductKey> <AcceptEula>true</AcceptEula> <FullName>BLAH-NOTREAL</FullName> <Organization>BLAHBLAH</Organization> </UserData> <!-- <RunAsynchronous> <RunAsynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Description>desc</Description> <Order>1</Order> <Path>D:\drv.exe</Path> </RunAsynchronousCommand> </RunAsynchronous> --> </component> </settings> <settings pass="specialize"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <RunSynchronous> <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Description>setting DVD drive-letter</Description> <Order>10</Order> <Path>cmd.exe /C "FOR %i IN (C D E F G H I J K L N M O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z) DO IF EXIST %i:\Autounattend.xml SETX AppsRoot %i: -m"</Path> </RunSynchronousCommand> <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Order>20</Order> <Path>cmd /c "ECHO specialize pass carried out on %date% at %time% with %AppsRoot% >> %SystemRoot%\temp\uArun.log"</Path> </RunSynchronousCommand> </RunSynchronous> <!-- Async command also possible here --> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Printing-Spooler-Core" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <RemoveMXDW>0</RemoveMXDW> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ehome-reg-inf" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableExpressSetup>false</DisableExpressSetup> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ErrorReportingCore" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DefaultConsent>1</DefaultConsent> <DisableWER>1</DisableWER> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableFirstRunWizard>true</DisableFirstRunWizard> <DisableAccelerators>true</DisableAccelerators> <DisableOOBAccelerators>true</DisableOOBAccelerators> <SuggestedSitesEnabled>false</SuggestedSitesEnabled> <PrivacyAdvisorMode>2</PrivacyAdvisorMode> <DisableWelcomePage>false</DisableWelcomePage> <IEWelcomeMsg>true</IEWelcomeMsg> <FilterLevel>Medium</FilterLevel> <BlockPopups>yes</BlockPopups> <AllSitesCompatibilityMode>false</AllSitesCompatibilityMode> <ShowCompatibilityViewButton>true</ShowCompatibilityViewButton> <MSCompatibilityMode>true</MSCompatibilityMode> <ShowMenuBar>false</ShowMenuBar> <EnableLinksBar>false</EnableLinksBar> <ShowLeftAddressToolbar>true</ShowLeftAddressToolbar> <ShowCommandBar>true</ShowCommandBar> <ShowStatusBar>true</ShowStatusBar> <ShowInformationBar>true</ShowInformationBar> <Home_Page>about:blank</Home_Page> <Help_Page>http://www.google.com</Help_Page> <FavoritesDelete>false</FavoritesDelete> <SearchScopes> <Scope wcm:action="add"> <ScopeDefault>true</ScopeDefault> <ScopeDisplayName>Google</ScopeDisplayName> <ScopeKey>SearchProvider1</ScopeKey> <ScopeUrl>http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}</ScopeUrl> </Scope> </SearchScopes> <QuickLinkList> <QuickLinkItem> <QLID>0</QLID> <QuickLinkUrl>http://www.google.com</QuickLinkUrl> <QuickLinkName>Google Search</QuickLinkName> </QuickLinkItem> </QuickLinkList> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Wlansvc" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <RadioLocation>To activate the wireless LAN capability, use the switch, usually found on the front or side of the computer, or by using a function-key combination.</RadioLocation> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-powercpl" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <PreferredPlan>381b4222-f694-41f0-9685-ff5bb260df2e</PreferredPlan> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-RemoteAssistance-Exe" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <fAllowToGetHelp>false</fAllowToGetHelp> <fAllowFullControl>false</fAllowFullControl> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-SPP-UX" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <SkipAutoActivation>true</SkipAutoActivation> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <AutoLogon> <Password> <Value>BLAH</Value> <PlainText>true</PlainText> </Password> <Enabled>true</Enabled> <LogonCount>1</LogonCount> <Username>BLAH</Username> </AutoLogon> <!-- <Display> <ColorDepth>32</ColorDepth> <DPI>96</DPI> <HorizontalResolution>1024</HorizontalResolution> <RefreshRate>75</RefreshRate> <VerticalResolution>768</VerticalResolution> </Display> <OEMWelcomeCenterLinks> <Link0>C:\</Link0> <Link1>http://google.com</Link1> </OEMWelcomeCenterLinks> --> <OEMInformation> <Logo>C:\Windows\System32\oemlogo.bmp</Logo> <Manufacturer>BLAH Co.</Manufacturer> <HelpCustomized>false</HelpCustomized> <SupportHours>24/7*365 self</SupportHours> <SupportPhone>1-800-Vendor</SupportPhone> <SupportURL>http://www.google.com</SupportURL> </OEMInformation> <Themes> <DefaultThemesOff>false</DefaultThemesOff> <CustomDefaultThemeFile>%SystemRoot%\Resources\Themes\mine.theme</CustomDefaultThemeFile> <ThemeName>Fabrikam Theme</ThemeName> <DesktopBackground>%WINDIR%\web\wallpaper\fabrikam.jpg</DesktopBackground> <ScreenSaver>Mystify.scr</ScreenSaver> <WindowColor>Sky</WindowColor> </Themes> <WindowsFeatures> <ShowInternetExplorer>true</ShowInternetExplorer> <ShowMediaCenter>true</ShowMediaCenter> <ShowWindowsMail>true</ShowWindowsMail> <ShowWindowsMediaPlayer>true</ShowWindowsMediaPlayer> </WindowsFeatures> <BluetoothTaskbarIconEnabled>true</BluetoothTaskbarIconEnabled> <DoNotCleanTaskBar>false</DoNotCleanTaskBar> <ComputerName>Computer</ComputerName> <RegisteredOwner>BLAH-EH</RegisteredOwner> <RegisteredOrganization>BLAHBLAH</RegisteredOrganization> <!-- <ShowWindowsLive>true</ShowWindowsLive> --> <CopyProfile>true</CopyProfile> <TimeZone>India Standard Time</TimeZone> <!-- <StartPanelOff>false</StartPanelOff> --> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SQMApi" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <CEIPEnabled>0</CEIPEnabled> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SystemRestore-Main" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableSR>1</DisableSR> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-TapiSetup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <TapiUnattendLocation> <AreaCode>080</AreaCode> </TapiUnattendLocation> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-TerminalServices-LocalSessionManager" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <fDenyTSConnections>false</fDenyTSConnections> </component> <component name="Security-Malware-Windows-Defender" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableAntiSpyware>false</DisableAntiSpyware> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <Identification> <JoinWorkgroup>LAN</JoinWorkgroup> </Identification> </component> <!-- <component name="Networking-MPSSVC-Svc" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <FirewallGroups /> <DomainProfile_EnableFirewall>true</DomainProfile_EnableFirewall> <PrivateProfile_EnableFirewall>true</PrivateProfile_EnableFirewall> <PublicProfile_EnableFirewall>true</PublicProfile_EnableFirewall> <PrivateProfile_DisableNotifications>false</PrivateProfile_DisableNotifications> </component> --> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ehome-reg-inf" processorArchitecture="wow64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableExpressSetup>false</DisableExpressSetup> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-IE-InternetExplorer" processorArchitecture="wow64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableFirstRunWizard>true</DisableFirstRunWizard> <DisableAccelerators>true</DisableAccelerators> <DisableOOBAccelerators>true</DisableOOBAccelerators> <SuggestedSitesEnabled>false</SuggestedSitesEnabled> <PrivacyAdvisorMode>2</PrivacyAdvisorMode> <DisableWelcomePage>false</DisableWelcomePage> <IEWelcomeMsg>true</IEWelcomeMsg> <FilterLevel>Medium</FilterLevel> <BlockPopups>yes</BlockPopups> <AllSitesCompatibilityMode>false</AllSitesCompatibilityMode> <ShowCompatibilityViewButton>true</ShowCompatibilityViewButton> <MSCompatibilityMode>true</MSCompatibilityMode> <ShowMenuBar>false</ShowMenuBar> <EnableLinksBar>false</EnableLinksBar> <ShowLeftAddressToolbar>true</ShowLeftAddressToolbar> <ShowCommandBar>true</ShowCommandBar> <ShowStatusBar>true</ShowStatusBar> <ShowInformationBar>true</ShowInformationBar> <Home_Page>about:blank</Home_Page> <Help_Page>http://www.google.com</Help_Page> <FavoritesDelete>false</FavoritesDelete> <SearchScopes> <Scope wcm:action="add"> <ScopeDefault>true</ScopeDefault> <ScopeDisplayName>Google</ScopeDisplayName> <ScopeKey>SearchProvider1</ScopeKey> <ScopeUrl>http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}</ScopeUrl> </Scope> </SearchScopes> <QuickLinkList> <QuickLinkItem> <QLID>0</QLID> <QuickLinkUrl>http://www.google.com</QuickLinkUrl> <QuickLinkName>Google Search</QuickLinkName> </QuickLinkItem> </QuickLinkList> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SystemRestore-Main" processorArchitecture="wow64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DisableSR>1</DisableSR> </component> </settings> <settings pass="generalize"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Security-Licensing-SLC" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <SkipRearm>1</SkipRearm> </component> <!-- <component name="Microsoft-Windows-PnpSysprep" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <PersistAllDeviceInstalls>false</PersistAllDeviceInstalls> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-SharedAccess" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <EnableICS>false</EnableICS> </component> --> </settings> <settings pass="auditSystem"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-PerfCenterCPL" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <WindowsExperienceIndexOemInfo> <Logo>C:\windows\performance\winsat\fabrikam_logo.bmp</Logo> <HardwareUpgradeURL>http://www.fabrikam.com/windows7upgrade/upgrade.htm</HardwareUpgradeURL> </WindowsExperienceIndexOemInfo> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <AuditComputerName> <Name>Computer</Name> </AuditComputerName> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-PnpCustomizationsNonWinPE" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <DriverPaths> <PathAndCredentials wcm:keyValue="10" wcm:action="add"> <Path>%AppsRoot%\$OEM$\PnPdrvrs</Path> </PathAndCredentials> </DriverPaths> </component> </settings> <settings pass="auditUser"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Deployment" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <RunSynchronous> <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Description>command1</Description> <Order>10</Order> <Path>cmd /C %SystemDrive%\install\one.cmd</Path> <WillReboot>Never</WillReboot> </RunSynchronousCommand> <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Description>command2</Description> <Order>20</Order> <Path>cmd /C %SystemDrive%\install\cmdlines.cmd</Path> </RunSynchronousCommand> <RunSynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <Description>command2</Description> <Order>30</Order> <Path>cmd /c "ECHO audituser pass carried out on %date% at %time% >> %SystemRoot%\temp\uArun.log"</Path> </RunSynchronousCommand> </RunSynchronous> </component> </settings> <settings pass="oobeSystem"> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-ehome-reg-inf" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <WorkOffline>false</WorkOffline> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-WinRE-RecoveryAgent" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <UninstallWindowsRE>false</UninstallWindowsRE> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-International-Core" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="NonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <InputLocale>0409:00000409</InputLocale> <UserLocale>en-IN</UserLocale> <UILanguage>en-US</UILanguage> <SystemLocale>en-IN</SystemLocale> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <!-- <FolderLocations> <ProfilesDirectory>D:\Users</ProfilesDirectory> <ProgramData>D:\ProgramData</ProgramData> </FolderLocations> --> <UserAccounts> <LocalAccounts> <LocalAccount wcm:action="add"> <Password> <Value>BLAH</Value> <PlainText>true</PlainText> </Password> <Description>the PC admin</Description> <DisplayName>BLAH</DisplayName> <Group>Administrators</Group> <Name>BLAH</Name> </LocalAccount> <LocalAccount wcm:action="add"> <Description>everyday use</Description> <DisplayName>BLAH1</DisplayName> <Group>Users</Group> <Name>BLAH1</Name> </LocalAccount> </LocalAccounts> <AdministratorPassword> <Value>BLAH</Value> <PlainText>true</PlainText> </AdministratorPassword> </UserAccounts> <AutoLogon> <Password> <Value>BLAH</Value> <PlainText>true</PlainText> </Password> <Username>BLAH</Username> <Enabled>true</Enabled> <LogonCount>1</LogonCount> </AutoLogon> <FirstLogonCommands> <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <CommandLine>cmd.exe /c "ECHO oobeSystem pass carried out on %date% at %time% >> %SystemRoot%\temp\uArun.log"</CommandLine> <Description>knowing the sequence</Description> <Order>10</Order> <RequiresUserInput>false</RequiresUserInput> </SynchronousCommand> <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <CommandLine>cmd.exe /C "%AppsRoot%\$OEM$\$1\install\GUIrunOnce.cmd"</CommandLine> <Description>please wait</Description> <Order>20</Order> </SynchronousCommand> <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <CommandLine>%AppsRoot%\$OEM$\$1\install\XPlode45\autoInst.exe /xml:"#XPLODE#\XPlode-SelectInstall.xml" /log:"%SystemRoot%\temp\XPlode.log"</CommandLine> <Description>installs programs and customizes them with settings</Description> <Order>30</Order> </SynchronousCommand> </FirstLogonCommands> <LogonCommands> <AsynchronousCommand wcm:action="add"> <CommandLine>line.cmd</CommandLine> <Description>desc</Description> <Order>1</Order> <RequiresUserInput>false</RequiresUserInput> </AsynchronousCommand> </LogonCommands> <OEMInformation> <Logo>%SystemRoot%\System32\oobe\oemlogo.bmp</Logo> <Manufacturer>Alienware</Manufacturer> <Model>top-of-the-line model</Model> <SupportURL>http://www.google.com</SupportURL> </OEMInformation> <OOBE> <HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage> <HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>true</HideWirelessSetupInOOBE> <NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation> <SkipMachineOOBE>true</SkipMachineOOBE> <SkipUserOOBE>true</SkipUserOOBE> <ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC> <!-- 3 = disable automatic protection. 1= recommended level of protection (full). This will enable Windows Updates and recommended updates. Also drivers download and 'display enhanced info from internet' from device installation settings --> </OOBE> <VisualEffects> <FontSmoothing>ClearType</FontSmoothing> </VisualEffects> </component> <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Sidebar" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance"> <Gadget1>%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets\Clock.Gadget</Gadget1> <Gadget2>%PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets\Calendar.Gadget</Gadget2> <LayoutPosition>Default</LayoutPosition> </component> </settings> <cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:k:/sources/install.wim#Windows 7 PROFESSIONAL" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" /> </unattend>
  8. Under the conditions you describe, the first thing I might do is to NOT use the Office Integrator, put the MSP files for SP2 and the hotfixes in the Update folder, then test the install. See if it then accepts your SP2 as having been installed already. If it does, then the problem is with the Office Integrator.
  9. SLC drives (not only Intel, but also other brands like OCZ) are indeed faster. Think of SATA3 if you'll be getting one of those. Yep. Especially since most content is small files (example, 10 saved webpages with associated files, totaling up to 2 MB with 600 files in all, or file operations in a different context like a browser's cache folder). On a normal HDD (Seagate 7200.12 1TB) sweetspot, speed for writing small files drops from (for example) 130 MBps to 104 MBps. The same write operation on an SSD (in a best case scenario of the best SSD) can drop from 140 MBps to 2 MBps. Note the single digit number, and decide for yourself, how noticeable it is.Admittedly newer drives are covering this weakness and working out a solution, plus you'll rarely reach such an extreme situation. But it is worth considering. If you do buy an SSD, get one which is relatively well-covered and is sufficiently better than a HDD (those 30-40GB "boot drives" suck with write speeds of 30 MBps under normal conditions). The Kingston V+ drive mentioned earlier is a great buy, try to get hold of the 128GB version or higher.
  10. The "SATA2 is not enough" thing applies to only the costliest drives with amazing read speeds, so you can safely ignore that for now (unless you want to gladly spend a few thousands of dollars on "fast storage").
  11. Not bad sectors, but an SSD can have bad flash cells. Plus the slow write speed for small+multiple write situations gets to be annoying and worse than a normal HDD, within 2 days. I'm not talking of theoretical dis-advantages, you clearly know your stuff - having tested a number of current-gen SSDs, I'm talking about how the practical benefits fail to keep pace with the expectations and price. If your data is still located on a different spinning drive, then you've divorced yourself from atleast some of the benefits. And the write speed thing can suck real bad even with the newer drives. TRIM will keep up your read/write speeds but has no relation with the other issues, and newer controllers have speeded up the drives, yes. I'm tiring of the "pagefile is faster on SSD" argument - such people should just ensure they have enough RAM for their needs and disable pagefile, SSD or no SSD. If you can afford an SSD, then you can afford a RAM upgrade as well before it. An SSD is nice if you have a laptop sipping low-power and want to reduce power consumption to extract further battery life, it is nice if you want a silent drive, it is nice if most of your PC work involves "read" operations (as in, reading data from SSD), it is nice to reduce vibration or shock-proof a portable computer... If you are captivated by the reviews and simply must get one, the best value is provided by the particular SSD drive/brand and model number variant I mentioned earlier. In brief, I guess what I really meant to say was this - if you've already beefed up the rest of your PC to the maximum point you can afford to, and if you have money to spare, only then is an SSD worth it. Even today.
  12. From what I've seen in my tests, the Intel X25-M drives have gone downwards in the charts, even though they still rock. The best performance (at an acceptable price) today is with the Kingston SSDNow V+ 128GB (google for product reviews, too lazy to link any at the moment ). Note the V-plus in the model name there, do not go for non-plus series drives, their performance versus price just might make a grown man cry. Of course, as you said you are not interested in paying extortionist prices for the lower-capacity SLC-based SSD drives, so I leave those out of the picture. An Intel X25-M 80GB costs close to the same as a Kingston SSDNow V+ 128GB - the Kingston offers better write speeds and more capacity, so guess which one is the obvious choice? For what its worth, the speed benefit of an SSD may not be that noticeable for a wide range of folks. Not to mention, the problem with writing small file-sizes. If raw drive speed is what you are after, then just put together two or four 1TB Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 drives in RAID0. The low access times with an SSD is tempting, but not quite as awesome, you stop noticing the positives in a few days after seeing the negatives, and depending on your financial situation the SSD prices may not be worth it yet. Why you say? Look at it this way. The good thing about an SSD is speed of access to data and how fast the drive reads it and serves it up. With current prices and SSD capacities being what they are, a lot of us can afford only (relatively) smaller-sized SSDs. Now if you thought it worth spending the cash for an SSD, it can also be assumed that you do a lot of gaming or some other time-limited data-intensive application. Such people need more storage than the meagre capacity that an SSD affords. Thus more often than not, I see people using an SSD for their OS and primary applications, and an (or multiple) additional normal spinning drive to store their data files. Result - yes OS is speeded up, apps start fast, but actual game/work does not get much benefit - because those are "data files" kept outside of the SSD! But yes, there are specific people and usage patterns, that could benefit from an SSD. To address your other questions, SATA2 is alright for now with current SSDs. Yes SATA3 and PCI-E SSDs do exist but the prices make me want to gouge my eyes out...
  13. Yep, it got uploaded to MSDN quite late on 22nd... All constituents including the Web Apps, SharePoint Server, and Office 2010 KMS server keys are present. Just annoyed about how I still must wait till 30th to get the remaining 9 keys.
  14. Ah, that clarifies it then. I did seem to remember that the VB scripts are not removed unless specified. (the vague memory is because I moved away from WinXP many years ago)
  15. At the risk of drawing wrath, may I suggest we all back off from the "how much pagefile is appropriate" discussion. Different strokes for different folks, and "johnhc" here might have his reasons for what he wants, and all of you that have commented definitely have strong technical reasons and experience to back their recommendation. I might personally disable pagefile altogether, but everyone need not HAVE to share that view. But at the end of the day, the question is (*or was, and has probably been abandoned) "how to set my pagefile AND not have it fragmented on disk". Let us get back on topic, and let the thread die a natural death if there are no further solutions that we can thrash out.
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