Related
Hi everybody
Ive been around thousand of threads on xda-dev and couldn't find any official one for Anti-Virus. That's the main reason why I'm starting this new thread and also because Anti-Virus on Pocket PC are growing more and more. Actually we are not safe but we don't care until we get infected and that will be too late, with most of the time the only solution a hard reset.
Let's discuss and compare in this thread the different Anti-Virus SW available on the market today, and bring out positive/negative points based on our experience. It will be benifit for everybody ...
I know everyone hates Norton/Symantec but I was on the beta testing team for Norton Smartphone Security Premier Edition since day one and it is very friendly and easy to use.
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/beta/overview.jsp?pvid=nssp1beta
Actually I was using Symanter antivirus for handheld on my QTEK 2020i WM2003SE and that's true it is user friendly and worked fine, with virus definitions updates very ofently.
I was unable to install it on my HTC Athena WM6
Do you know is there is any version coming for WM6 Pumpiron?
I checked you link and it's different from what I used to have on my old device.
Ill download this beta and try it.
I'll let you know what I think about it, if it slow down the machine etc ...
It did not on mine and when I uninstalled it, it was gone...no traces..part of the beta testing. I did uninstall from my desktop, not my PPC
I am curios, how does this effect your device speed and performance?
What is the CPU and memory usage (in reality, not what stated on the site)?
I have Symantec on my XP PC and it sucks big time (does the job for the most part, but very slow and heavy).
eTrust came pre-installed on my Jamin, but that is an even bigger atrocity!
Another question - do they have a list for PPC viruses on their site like they do for PC ones?
The only PPC virus I heard of was a harmless proof of concept that could make files display a pop-up message and did not reproduce.
If real viruses for WM systems are already out there (I know its a only matter of time) I would be interested in reading up on them to know what I am facing.
Also, anyone actually caught a virus on a WM machine and can share the experience?
Here are my first impressions:
1 - The Startup time of my Athen after a soft reset has increased by around 20 sec, this because Symantec is loading on the startup.
2 - I didn't noticed a slow down during normal utilization of the device, but it's really early before concluding on that point because I need to try different applications.
3 - When I first connected to the Internet via WiFi, even the connection were established, could not load the pages having an error "page not found"
but after 15sec everything is back to normal and connections to Internet was not a problem at all.
4 - I just suffered a Freeze but not sure it is due to Symantec, because i've been suffering frequent daily freezes on my Athena since I upgraded to WM6.
But the freeze came this time while using the Antivirus SW
5 - The package is composed by an AntiVirus, a Firewall, a Norton Secure Folders utility and a Norton Tools utility.
6 - Also note that after finish installing it, it force you to set a pin code that you will have to enter everytime you soft reset your device. I tried to disable it but it won't let you do it
I'll give more details about the package in a different post after some testing
levenum said:
I am curios, how does this effect your device Another question - do they have a list for PPC viruses on their site like they do for PC ones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can check the list from the SW installed on the PPC
Just applied live update over WiFi and basically there are 5 in the list:
EICAR-TEST-FILE
WinCE.Duts.A
Backdoor.Brador.A
Trojan.Redbrowser.A!jar
MSIL.Cxover.A
Definitions : 04/06/07 ver 2.0
As promised, here is my feedback on the tools provided in the package:
1 - Norton Antivirus
Very friendly and easy to use, from the menu u can access the options for the Antivirus, the Scans, the AntiSpam, Updates and Proxy config. You can also access the quanrantined files, the activity log and the virus definitions list. Manual scan and automatic scan can be performed.
2 - Norton Firewall
I didn't really understood how we use the Firewall function. Basically when you start it you have a tab showing the security level. It is have different security levels for World (the highest), Office, Home and Open Sapce Networks (the lowest). Also you can not modify them at all. You can access a second tab called Events by severity in last and a third tab "Event list" which show in details all the events that happened on your device, like soft reset, login success .... very weird as we can not reset this list, also we can not change any parameter in the Norton Firewall, everything is set by default
3 - Norton Secure Folders
from what I guessed, this utility allow you to choose folders on your device and set them as secure. I don't know what it does exactly but I think it should encrypt the data inside the folder so it's protected in case you have been attacked by a trojan who collects your data and send it to the pirate.
You click on menu->Add->then you choose from the list Device, Mircrodrive or Storage Card if you have one. Then you type the name of the folder you want to secure.
I did a test, I choosed Device, and kept the folder name blank and clicked on ok. It added the "secure folder" under device. if you try to remove it you will have this warning "Removing the secure folder will destroy all data in the folder. do you really want to remove it?"
4 - Norton Tools
It contains 2 utilities, GetUUID and Lock
GetUUID will display on the screen 2 series of digites
the first one don't know what it is and second one is your IMEI
I guess this info is needed when the final version is released and
you need to register the SW
Lock utility display the following message when u click on it
Encryption may take several minutes. Pls wait for the device to power off.
If you need to soft reset, pls wait until encryption is completed and the
device powers itself off.
I clicked on yes, so the device start encrypting something .... then the screen turned off. I turned it on using the power button and it displayed to me the password screen which I entered. then it displayed the message decrypting for about 30 sec, then I had my normal today screen ...
Im wondering if it does not encrypt/decrypt the secure folders you
already chosen using the "Norton Secure Folders" utility.
Ive wrote to Symantec asking them for a manual or user guide, hopefully they will reply.
I have rated this SW 3/5 on their site, mainly because it is not clear what all utilities does and because Firewall is set by default and noting can be changed.
Hope my feedback will be usefull, and I hope other users will bring to us their experiences with the different Anti-Virus SW they have used on their Pocket PCs.
Just as I suspected, no real viruses just a nice proof of concept that asks you if you want to try it:
WinCE.Duts.A
A back door that needs to be run and does not spread:
Backdoor.Brador.A plus it would be useless if you are on GPRS/EDGE/UMTS or behind a NUT router.
This one seems like it could actually be trouble, if:
a) you leave in Russia
b) you are stupid enough to believe you can get WAP pages through SMS and that it would be cheaper than GPRS
c) you can get it to work on PPC.
Trojan.Redbrowser.A!jar
This one though, I have to admit is rather clever - using .NET to run both on PC and PPC amd is fairly destructive:
MSIL.Cxover.A
It is still unclear, however how its spreads from PC to PC (presumably you have to download and install / run it).
Of course given the fact that many people save their docs on SD and not the default My documents folder and that they do not disable security completely on their WM 5 and up devices (which are becoming majority these days) the effectiveness of this worm is more than questionable.
Well I still think it is too early to actually by this kind of apps. Also I think that as with many other programs the same "heavy" approach that works on PCs with many resources will not work well on PPC (not the way they are today). A different solution to virus protection needs to be found to be useful.
But hey - thats just my opinion...
So from what ive read its still to early to be using a resource draining av on the ppc? If this is the case, how about Spybot S&D? Is spyware more of a threat than viruses? are they really that much different? I find that spybot updates more regularly(when i connnect wifi).
as with virus's i believe that have to be made to support ppc's
in which case maybe due to spyware makers lack of innovation
that market have yet to take off
WingChan: whether to use the software or not is a personal decision - my belief is: given the list of threats it is too early. Also I believe that the method used to protect against viruses on PC is not suitable for PPC because of the resource requirement. Something more efficient needs to be invented, perhaps taking advantage of difference in architecture between WM and desktop - like the fact that system files can not be corrupted but only hidden.
Note that BigDede preformed the test on HTC Advantage which has a 600+ MHz processor if I am not mistaken. I doubt the app would be as unnoticeable on my 200MHz Prophet.
But it is only a matter of time before someone writes a real and damaging virus for this platform as it becomes more and more common. So if you really value the info you have on there you might want to get protection already - although a good and frequent backup would be much better.
I haven't heard of spyware for Windows Mobile, only major one for BB - any one got any news on this?
There is a major difference between spyware and viruses:
Viruses try to cause as much damage as possible and their effects always become visible sooner or later, in many cases almost immediately after infection.
Spyware on the other hand, needs to hide and tries not to interfere in device operation as much as possible and show no sign of activity.
levenum said:
WingChan:
There is a major difference between spyware and viruses:
Viruses try to cause as much damage as possible and their effects always become visible sooner or later, in many cases almost immediately after infection.
Spyware on the other hand, needs to hide and tries not to interfere in device operation as much as possible and show no sign of activity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good explanation of the differences between Viruses and Spywares.
I agree also that it is too early today to really worry about having protection, but I prefer to be ready instead of regretting and wishing I had some protection.
Very good remark as well regarding the frequent backup ...
Need Help
Hello Everyone,
I'm not a developer, but I found your thread on this subject via Google and was hoping I could ask a question...
I'm able to download the Norton Smartphone Security Premier Edition Beta version, but when I try to install it (which I assume must be done first to my laptop, followed by sync'ing my laptop with my 8525) a "Self-Extracting Archive" window comes up that says: "Warning, one or more files skipped". This occurs when the installation process reaches "Extracting: SUPPORT\START.ICO 100%".
Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
Many thanks for your time!
A. J.
ajbt said:
Hello Everyone,
I'm not a developer, but I found your thread on this subject via Google and was hoping I could ask a question...
I'm able to download the Norton Smartphone Security Premier Edition Beta version, but when I try to install it (which I assume must be done first to my laptop, followed by sync'ing my laptop with my 8525) a "Self-Extracting Archive" window comes up that says: "Warning, one or more files skipped". This occurs when the installation process reaches "Extracting: SUPPORT\START.ICO 100%".
Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
Many thanks for your time!
A. J.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Maybe this warning is not a big deal, have you tried to install it by double clicking on the start.exe file ???
G.S./BigDede,
Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it.
If I understand your recommendation, I don't think that gets me where I need to be. However, it could always be user error on my part.
When I try to "Setup" the file I downloaded (called "NSSPB.exe") from Symantec, a window comes up that contains a button that says "Install". However, after I click on it, it gets to a point in the installation process that shows "Extracting: SUPPORT\START.ICO 100%", and the process simply stops and a small window comes up that says: "Warning, one or more files skipped".
In essence, it appears I have recieved the entire 4.04 MB of program files I downloaded, but something goes askew when I try to extract/install them.
I'm stumped...
Thanks again, A.J.
I'll extract the files and will zip them for you.
Send me via PM your email adress so I can send you the zip file
Cheers
I'm looking for a synchronization solution that will allow me to synchronize files between my Windows 7 Pro desktop, Windows 7 Pro Netbook and my WinMo 6.5 HD2. The limitations of the Windows Mobile Device Center in only being able to synchronise to the phone main memory is a major shortcoming IMHO and I really need to be able to utilize the extra storage capacity of an SD card. I will need to be able to synchronise different files between say my desktop and netbook than I would between my desktop and HD2, so any software I use will need to support profiles.
I've had a quick Google this morning for third-party apps to do this and found Syncables 360 which gets good reviews and seems to cover everything that I need.
Anyone here used it or have experience of it, good, bad or otherwise?
Well to answer my own thread, I took the plunge and bought this software. I can now understand why they no longer offer a trial version...
Initially I had problems installing this software on my Windows 7 desktop PC with the installer saying I didn't have the Adobe Flash player installed. I did have the latest Player version and this was confirmed to be working via Adobe's online diagnostics. I got around this problem by downloading & installing the latest Beta of the Flash Player. Now any software that is reliant upon third-party plugins such as Adobe Player worry me, but I had already paid for the software licence and the specifications of the software looked very promising.
So on to actually running up the software...
Next worry - it's a Java app. and from experience I know that any Java app that has to make calls to hardware as this software will need to do, is likely to to have issues with access permissions and operating system-level security software. That said, the software ran up fine and apart from a couple of rendering issues with the screen dialogues text (I've set my system to a slightly lager font than default) all seemed to be good to go. So, now to set-up my first sync profile...
Well you can't set up a profile unless you register an online account with the developer. Why? If I setup a profile to synchronise my data then I'd like that profile to be retained on my computer not on some third party's server. Why do they need to retain control over what I choose to synchronise? Anyway, an account was setup and a basic sync profile was established between my computer and a USB2 external hard disk. So I start the profile with just a few meg of basic file types to transfer (xls, doc & jpg), it appears to start OK but then it slows but the computer hard disk light is going full blast and the whole computer grinds to a near halt (Quad Core CPU with 4GB RAM). I manage to get Windows task manager up after much wait and sure enough the CPU is running at 100%. I manage to force a shut-down via task manager and the system shuts down.
OK, let's restart check the event logs and see what might have gone wrong. No chance! My once reliable system now Blue Screens with "IRQ_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL". Nothing I could do could get it past this point and Windows 7 repair declares there are problems with the file system which after 10 minutes or so appear to have been fixed by chqdsk. Nothing would make the computer boot again, last know good, safe mode, Windows repair... nothing. The system would blue screen no matter what.
Eventually the only option left was to do a full system restore to before Syncables was installed. After a further chkdsk the system reboots and all is again well. I run hard disk and hardware diagnostics to make sure the system is healthy and not suffering from a failing hard disk, system bus error or faulty RAM modules - all test 100%
In fairness to Syncables they did offer to do remote support, but I declined and said I needed a robust system and had no confidence in the Syncables after it all but trashed my whole system. Thankfully they did agree to a full refund.
It's probably unfair to judge this software based upon my experience alone, but it does make you wonder why they no longer offer a trial version for download.
On paper this software looks to be an excellent all-round synchronisation solution, but sadly an implementation based upon Java & Adobe Flash Player is unlikely to ever be as robust as a system-level coded solution.
Bought one of these a week ago and just now have time to get it set up. Want to try to use it as a desktop/laptop replacement for most things. I set up my desktop's a certain way and would like to try to do something at least similar on the tablet.
On my desktops I sandbox my browser inside a VMware virtual machine. I then set VMWare to start from a clean back-up disk image each time it starts. This means that I'm 100% sure that ANYTHING I pick up while using the virtual machine (viruses, tracking cookies, browser history, malware payloads, etc.) is erased each time I shut down. It also means anything good I pick up is erased too but I use Firefox sync to ensure bookmarks stay and I d/l to main HD instead of virtual HD. Since you can set VM virtual machines to have their own IP on the network I also shut down internet access to the real machine.
Is there a way I could do something similar on my tablet? I guess I could just restore from TWRP everyday? Any other ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Greg
Laptop replacement
I am already using it for a laptop replacement. Wheather do you use it natively or with VMware, I'm sure it will be to your satisfaction. It is not perfect because it does not have hardware keys and has many other issues, however I do love the S Pen functionality, which acts like a mouse.
Inspired by this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1885399&page=22
I wanted to play a bit to join my XPS10 to my home domain. But
Check that the process is working on RT - a provided .NET program obviously would not work, so you should do the same manually
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... it's for .net 4.0, AFAIR we have only 4.5, yep (?) And I was to lazy to read sourcecode.
So I loaded project into Visual Studio, changed target to 4.5 Any CPU. After that:
1. Took ownership of c:\windows\system32\sppsvc.exe and removed all rights (so noone, even system can execute it)
2. Created a copy of runJailbreak.bat and removed all exit commands in it (as a workaround for closing cmd - that will be needed later)
3. Added in registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
SetupType=1
CmdLine="cmd.exe"
4. Reboot
After reboot I got cmd window on bootscreen background. Somehow, mouse cursor disappeared even with USB mouse.
5. Started jailbreak by running modified .bat
6. Started attached ProductPolicyEditor, enabled WorkstationService-DomainJoinEnabled policy, wrote changes to registry
7. Closed PPE, cmd, system self restarted in normal mode
8. Connected to domain as usual.
Proof - screenshots attached
After this RT went to not activated state. But when already connected to domain, I reverted changes I done (changed policy to 0, restored sppsvc rights), activated it again - everything works, computer is still in domain, only change is that in system properties I can only leave it, not change to another one.
This method may be used to exploit more hidden RT features.
kitor said:
Inspired by this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1885399&page=22
I wanted to play a bit to join my XPS10 to my home domain. But
Well... it's for .net 4.0, AFAIR we have only 4.5, yep (?) And I was to lazy to read sourcecode.
So I loaded project into Visual Studio, changed target to 4.5 Any CPU. After that:
1. Took ownership of c:\windows\system32\sppsvc.exe and removed all rights (so noone, even system can execute it)
2. Created a copy of runJailbreak.bat and removed all exit commands in it (as a workaround for closing cmd - that will be needed later)
3. Added in registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
SetupType=1
CmdLine="cmd.exe"
4. Reboot
After reboot I got cmd window on bootscreen background. Somehow, mouse cursor disappeared even with USB mouse.
5. Started jailbreak by running modified .bat
6. Started attached ProductPolicyEditor, enabled WorkstationService-DomainJoinEnabled policy, wrote changes to registry
7. Closed PPE, cmd, system self restarted in normal mode
8. Connected to domain as usual.
Proof - screenshots attached
After this RT went to not activated state. But when already connected to domain, I reverted changes I done (changed policy to 0, restored sppsvc rights), activated it again - everything works, computer is still in domain, only change is that in system properties I can only leave it, not change to another one.
This method may be used to exploit more hidden RT features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed working on Surface RT :good:
Wonder what happens if you then upgrade the device to win rt 8.1...
I did this on my Surface RT running 8.1 the other day, Nil issues..
jordanmills said:
Wonder what happens if you then upgrade the device to win rt 8.1...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder whether this technique could also be used to allow incoming Remote Desktop sessions in Windows RT...
Melissa
Myriachan said:
I wonder whether this technique could also be used to allow incoming Remote Desktop sessions in Windows RT...
Melissa
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent quite a while trying to get that back when this first came out for 8.0, never had any luck with RDP. The Windows Help remote assistant works alright, though.
Work very fine in windows 10 home single language
You can also get "full BitLocker" from "limited Device Encryption" by changing:
SecureStartupFeature-Enabled-Premium
from 0 to 1
Then you can for example add USB-startup-key to encrypted OS volume by:
manage-bde -protector -add C: -StartupKey
...after changing back to "non-Premium" created start-up key protector will stay (survive),
so instead of nonsence TPM (which unlocks drive everytime unless you rip storage outside TPM chip), you can have fully encrypted and protected tablet.
BTW: @Myriachan: On jailbroken RT, how to get rid of inability to auto-start programs, when OS starts?
Can be system service made, which will only launch EXEs (in TXT list, minimised, maximised, normal) or is there other solution (TaskScheduler method doesn't work in W81RT)?
For those of you missing Windows 8.1, congratulations, you just found the solution.
Download
OneDrive http://1drv.ms/1SGHo5e
MEGA https://mega.nz/#F!ks8gjaZT!oQx3xt9ET0nXe8JbKDvtsA
Features
1.Windows is fully updated as of February 2016.
2.Surface February update included (solves most speaker popping issue)
3.Based on Surface Pro 3 image. Full stock-like Surface branding (desktop background, out-of-box experience).
4.Windows activates with the embedded product key. Fully legit. I cannot guarantee if yours couldn’t activate though.
5.Bloat free with about 3 GB saving: (Microsoft devices are shipped bloat-free? Think again.) | Only 6 metro apps included (Camera, IE, OneDrive, PC Settings, Photos, Store). The rest can be downloaded from Store | Trial Office removed | Speech data removed.
6.Languages included: English, French, Spanish. Since it is Windows 8 Pro, you can download any other language later.
7.Fully working refresh and reset functionality.
8.WinRE from vanilla Windows, touchscreen driver included.
9.Pagefile takes less space: 400 MB. It can grow to up to 8 GB, a reboot brings it back to 400 MB.
10.Various Windows tweaks | File Indexing paused on battery | Verbose messages, you get more information in boots and shutdowns | No startup programs delay | non-certified DLNA devices are supported | Custom resolution script added (open C: drive, its there. Just double click.) | "Get Windows 10" system tray icon disabled.
11.Some drivers from S3, SP3, SP4, and other OEM devices (kudos to them for releasing their Skylake devices with Windows 8.1 drivers).
12.Latest Intel iGPU driver (version 4380 Beta).
NOT working
1.Windows Hello. As expected, Windows 8.1 does not support Windows Hello.
2.The buttons are mapped differently | Power --> Volume Down | Volume Up --> Power | Volume Down --> Start
3.Surface app | You cant adjust pen sensitivity | You can't configure the pen top button action through the app. You can still customize it manually with AHK.
FAQ
Q: Camera app crashes / BSOD
A: You need to disable the IR camera. You can do that either via the BIOS or Device Manager.
Q: The pen button doesn't work after the first setup
A: You may need to re-pair the pen. Go to PC Settings > Bluetooth and remove the Surface Pen. Create a new pairing by pressing the pen top button for 7 seconds, it will show up on the Surface, and just pair it.
Q: How did you get the embedded Windows 10 product key to work with Windows 8.1?
A: Actually I have no idea. It just worked.
Q: Are the "not working" issues going to be fixed?
A: For the buttons, its up to Microsoft to release a Windows 8.1 compatible driver, and we have no other source as Microsoft has modified Intel's driver. If you know how to remap the buttons (either via editing the driver, Registry, or AHK), please share it with us and I will include it in the next version. For the Surface app, I believe it is simply because the Windows 8 version of Surface app was not updated for the Surface Pro 4 (and will never be), so don’t expect that one.
Q: Why did you go with the beta driver for the graphics?
A: The latest release version, 4352 and 4364, are practically unusable. I experienced blank screen in video playback and some random BSOD. No choice really.
Q: When Intel has released the new driver, do I need to wait for the next version of the ROM?
A: No, you can just download and install it yourself without waiting for me to upload an updated ROM. The new version should pop up here, download the ZIP version for Windows 8.1, and install it using the "Have Disk…" method. Step-by-step guide http://www.windowscentral.com/how-install-intel-beta-graphics-drivers-surface
Q: How do I remap the pen buttons manually?
A: Go browse /r/Surface in Reddit, they have comprehensive guides on how to use AHK with the Surface Pen.
Q: Do I need to wait for your next ROM to get Windows updated?
A: No, you can just update normally via Windows Update
Q: You idiotic luddites should just upgrade to Windows 10 rather than shoehorning Windows 8 to the cutting-edge device that clearly does not deserve the old, ****ty Windows 8. Also, I am a Windows 10 fanboy.
A: Before you get angry and all that, I actually *do* want to upgrade to Windows 10. I mean, how cool is that to login with your face? However, it is hampered by quite a lot ergonomic usability issues, bugs, and the general quirkiness of Tablet Mode. As of today, Tablet Mode is nowhere near final. Not even the Task View has proper animation in Tablet Mode, it already tells how half-assed the Tablet Mode is.
How to install
BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP!!! This will format the entire disk. No data will be preserved! Its also advised to remove the microSD card during the process.
0. Get a keyboard and USB hub if you don’t have the Type Cover.
1. Download and extract the package
2. Set up the ISO image on a CD or USB stick. If you use Rufus, set it on "MBR for UEFI computer" (only for the USB stick, the Surface will be set up as GPT)
3. Boot it on the Surface
4. Enter cd /d D:\scripts
5. Enter diskpart /s part.txt
6. Enter apply D:\Images\install.wim D:\Images\winre.wim
7. You can repeat the step #6 just to be sure
8. Reboot, unplug the USB stick.
Signed up on xda just to express my gratitude for this great tutorial and release. Everything worked a charm with full touchscreen support and I am so glad to finally have Windows 8.1 on my Surface Pro 4! No more forced windows updates sucking up my bandwidth, more free space on my hard disk, and the only gaming app that I use for my ps2 games (PCSX2), finally runs at 60fps (can you imagine on windows 10 the emulator would drop between 40-50 fps)!!! Thanks again for making my day!
ptrkhh, did you by any chance figure out how to configure the power and volume buttons???
For now I'm using volume up button to turn the tablet on and off and the power button to turn the volume down.
Fan-damn-tastic!!!
Like the other person above, I made an account just to express my EXTREME gratitude for the amazing work that was done.
I just got myself a surface book for dirt cheap, fantastic device, horrible OS. I'm not one to shy away from randomly screwing with things, so on my research for windows 8 installs for the Book, I found this absolute GEM of a post.
Downloaded the image, and threw it on my Surface Book and here's what happened:
a) installed flawlessly
b) activated instantly
c) everything that works on the Pro, works on the book. The keyboard and mouse work too!!!
d) The BIG one... the DETACH...... IT WORKS!!! Hold the detach button like normal, and, granted it seems to take a second or so longer than it did on Win10, but it releases JUST fine.
e) the dual batteries. I didn't test it for long, but Win8 seems to drain the base battery and leave the tablet battery alone.
f) the power /vol buttons do the same thing as the pro4, but i really don't care. Actually, the Book doesn't have a windows button on the tablet, so the vol down button doing that is actually a HUGE plus for me. Screw the volume controls!
g) i have not figured out the nvidia drivers yet, but i also haven't tried too hard yet. So that's a negative so far.
h) Front camera does weird infared things. It will be disabled.
I would imagine even if i get the dual gpu to work, if i start a program with the nvidia, and disconnect the screen, it will probably go all fubar and need a hard restart. The latch seems to run independently from the rest, and without software watching it, it WILL do what you tell it to, period. (my assumption, haven't tried it yet)
Battery life has not been tested much yet.
Device manager shows 2 unknown devices. I'm assuming one is the GFX card, the other one, probably the detatch button. If that's not it i have no idea. Really don't care though.
Updates pick up on new driver versions just fine. (again, so far)
I have the i5 version w/dual gfx. I have no idea what will and won't happen with the i7, the i7 with nvidia, or the newest performance base with the better nvidia gfx. I doubt much will be different, but much as I did, proceed at your own risk!
I hope this was useful, and if it was, let everyone know it works!!!!
If anyone wants, I can post an update after I finish setting it up, and had some real-life usage of it. If not, my feelings will not be hurt!
Awesome!
Works almost perfect on my Surface Pro 4.
But somehow it cannot auto rotate and the touch keyboard is not popping up (even in metro apps).
Does anybody know how to fix that?
Edit: you have to reboot and remove the keyboard before windows boots to get it working.
The OneDrive link is dead, can you get a new link? Mega isn't working for me
Would this work on a surface 3?
Surface pro 4 BSOD
Hi, I have the i5 version surface pro 4 and when i use the image above or a fresh copy of windows 8.1 pro it finishes installing then blue screens with internal power error. Any ideas as to get past this.
Cheers
I have the same problem.
When it finishes installing, I get a blue screen saying there is a problem with the BCD. I tried booting with a Windows 10 ISO to use the startup repair tool to fix it, but it says it can't. I've tried it 3 or 4 times; it did work once, but I wanted to try a different Windows, so I wiped it. Now I can't get it to work again. I did all the diskpart stuff, and the apply, all seemed to work until final boot = bsod. The apply.cmd is supposed to do the configuring, I think. Anybody else had this problem?
Surface Pro 4 factory restore
Hi" have you tried going to the Microsoft site and downloading the factory image. Just take the ISO and make into USB bootable. It will install everything and recreate all partions. Hope this helps.
Does anyone know If this will work on Surface pro 6????
I ran into an issue with my Surface pro 6 that gives me the BSOD every time I connect my type cover!!! I tried everything! I ran all the diagnostics and went through almost every safe steps and was able to fix the corrupted files. I even did all the driver diagnostics!!! It is very frustrating because I even did a factory reset and I'm still having the same issue... I'm hoping to be able to safely downgrade to Windows 8.1 to see if it fixes the issue, then upgrading to Windows 10 again. That's the last thing I can think of.
Does it work on SP4 2017???
I have the same problem.
When I tried to install this ROM on my Surface pro 4 2017, it gives me the BSOD.
Commands do not work, it says right no the first: "The system cannot find the path specified"
i also have the same problem on my surface pro 6
How to install a version of 8.1 on SP4-SP6
If you get that INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR, you most likely have a Kaby Lake processer which only supports Windows 10. The only version of 8.1 that works on a Kaby Lake Surface Pro 4+ is Windows Server 2012 R2.
asking for drivers
ptrkhh said:
For those of you missing Windows 8.1, congratulations, you just found the solution.
Features
1.Windows is fully updated as of February 2016.
2.Surface February update included (solves most speaker popping issue)
3.Based on Surface Pro 3 image. Full stock-like Surface branding (desktop background, out-of-box experience).
4.Windows activates with the embedded product key. Fully legit. I cannot guarantee if yours couldn’t activate though.
5.Bloat free with about 3 GB saving: (Microsoft devices are shipped bloat-free? Think again.) | Only 6 metro apps included (Camera, IE, OneDrive, PC Settings, Photos, Store). The rest can be downloaded from Store | Trial Office removed | Speech data removed.
6.Languages included: English, French, Spanish. Since it is Windows 8 Pro, you can download any other language later.
7.Fully working refresh and reset functionality.
8.WinRE from vanilla Windows, touchscreen driver included.
9.Pagefile takes less space: 400 MB. It can grow to up to 8 GB, a reboot brings it back to 400 MB.
10.Various Windows tweaks | File Indexing paused on battery | Verbose messages, you get more information in boots and shutdowns | No startup programs delay | non-certified DLNA devices are supported | Custom resolution script added (open C: drive, its there. Just double click.) | "Get Windows 10" system tray icon disabled.
11.Some drivers from S3, SP3, SP4, and other OEM devices (kudos to them for releasing their Skylake devices with Windows 8.1 drivers).
12.Latest Intel iGPU driver (version 4380 Beta).
NOT working
1.Windows Hello. As expected, Windows 8.1 does not support Windows Hello.
2.The buttons are mapped differently | Power --> Volume Down | Volume Up --> Power | Volume Down --> Start
3.Surface app | You cant adjust pen sensitivity | You can't configure the pen top button action through the app. You can still customize it manually with AHK.
FAQ
Q: Camera app crashes / BSOD
A: You need to disable the IR camera. You can do that either via the BIOS or Device Manager.
Q: The pen button doesn't work after the first setup
A: You may need to re-pair the pen. Go to PC Settings > Bluetooth and remove the Surface Pen. Create a new pairing by pressing the pen top button for 7 seconds, it will show up on the Surface, and just pair it.
Q: How did you get the embedded Windows 10 product key to work with Windows 8.1?
A: Actually I have no idea. It just worked.
Q: Are the "not working" issues going to be fixed?
A: For the buttons, its up to Microsoft to release a Windows 8.1 compatible driver, and we have no other source as Microsoft has modified Intel's driver. If you know how to remap the buttons (either via editing the driver, Registry, or AHK), please share it with us and I will include it in the next version. For the Surface app, I believe it is simply because the Windows 8 version of Surface app was not updated for the Surface Pro 4 (and will never be), so don’t expect that one.
Q: Why did you go with the beta driver for the graphics?
A: The latest release version, 4352 and 4364, are practically unusable. I experienced blank screen in video playback and some random BSOD. No choice really.
Q: When Intel has released the new driver, do I need to wait for the next version of the ROM?
A: No, you can just download and install it yourself without waiting for me to upload an updated ROM. The new version should pop up here, download the ZIP version for Windows 8.1, and install it using the "Have Disk…" method. Step-by-step guide
Q: How do I remap the pen buttons manually?
A: Go browse /r/Surface in Reddit, they have comprehensive guides on how to use AHK with the Surface Pen.
Q: Do I need to wait for your next ROM to get Windows updated?
A: No, you can just update normally via Windows Update
Q: You idiotic luddites should just upgrade to Windows 10 rather than shoehorning Windows 8 to the cutting-edge device that clearly does not deserve the old, ****ty Windows 8. Also, I am a Windows 10 fanboy.
A: Before you get angry and all that, I actually *do* want to upgrade to Windows 10. I mean, how cool is that to login with your face? However, it is hampered by quite a lot ergonomic usability issues, bugs, and the general quirkiness of Tablet Mode. As of today, Tablet Mode is nowhere near final. Not even the Task View has proper animation in Tablet Mode, it already tells how half-assed the Tablet Mode is.
How to install
BACKUP BACKUP BACKUP!!! This will format the entire disk. No data will be preserved! Its also advised to remove the microSD card during the process.
0. Get a keyboard and USB hub if you don’t have the Type Cover.
1. Download and extract the package
2. Set up the ISO image on a CD or USB stick. If you use Rufus, set it on "MBR for UEFI computer" (only for the USB stick, the Surface will be set up as GPT)
3. Boot it on the Surface
4. Enter cd /d D:\scripts
5. Enter diskpart /s part.txt
6. Enter apply D:\Images\install.wim D:\Images\winre.wim
7. You can repeat the step #6 just to be sure
8. Reboot, unplug the USB stick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear ptrkhh,
Thank you very much. Without your excellent work, people can still not use SP4 installing Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012(based on Windows 8.1 framwork and also working with Windows 8.1drivers). Because there are many versions of both Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012, I was tring to collect the drivers that SP4 can work.It is hard to find touchscreen driver from vanilla Windows, and there so many drivers to test from S3,SP3,OEM. Could you please share the Surface Pro 4 drivers for Windows 8.1 separately, or give us a guide to lead to download each drivers. Hope you have a nice day
repo006 said:
Dear ptrkhh,
Thank you very much. Without your excellent work, people can still not use SP4 installing Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012(based on Windows 8.1 framwork and also working with Windows 8.1drivers). Because there are many versions of both Windows 8.1 or even Server 2012, I was tring to collect the drivers that SP4 can work.It is hard to find touchscreen driver from vanilla Windows, and there so many drivers to test from S3,SP3,OEM. Could you please share the Surface Pro 4 drivers for Windows 8.1 separately, or give us a guide to lead to download each drivers. Hope you have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thank you, it means a lot to me. Unfortunately I no longer have the device nor copies of the driver. Quite surprisingly many drivers are actually available online, you may want to consider using the software called "Snappy Driver Installer" (SDI), it is able to find drivers suitable for your device. The ones I formulated myself are under the folder "bastard drivers.rar", which is not many if I remember correctly.
For the touchscreen functionality in particular, it needs the graphics driver. Once you have the graphics driver installed, touchscreen should work instantly.
How much free ram is there after a fresh install?
I have ram shortage issues in Win10 with my 4GB Pro4. I'm not a fan of Win10 either but I sure wish I could just disable crap and free up the ram instead of downgrading.
Does the front webcam and mic work ok? I use mine frequently. Thanks!