Saturday, July 5, 2025

Trying a refined Sandbox post

 

Testing Software Installation with Windows Sandbox

What This Guide Is About

This guide shows you how to safely test software installations using Windows Sandbox - a feature that creates a temporary, isolated copy of Windows on your computer. Think of it as a practice area where you can install programs without affecting your main system.

We'll be using a tool called Winget (Windows Package Manager) to automatically install multiple programs simultaneously, which is significantly faster than downloading and installing each program individually.

Important Notes Before Starting

Different versions of Windows behave differently with Sandbox. If something doesn't work as described, it might be due to your Windows version.

Windows 11 24H2 users: You'll need to add --source winget to the commands because the Microsoft Store isn't accessible in Sandbox. This means you can't install apps that are only available through the Store.

Step 1: Enable Windows Sandbox

  1. Press the Windows key
  2. Type "features"
  3. Click "Turn Windows features on or off"
  4. Check the box next to "Windows Sandbox"
  5. Restart your computer when prompted

Helpful tip: You can copy and paste text between Sandbox and your main computer, but you can't drag and drop files.

Step 2: Create the Necessary Folders

Open Command Prompt and create these folders on your main computer:

mkdir C:\Sandbox
mkdir C:\Sandbox\winget_install

The C:\Sandbox folder will be shared with your Sandbox environment, and winget_install will contain the installation files.

Step 3: Download Required Files

You'll need to download three files from the Microsoft Winget GitHub page:

* 1 & 2 are a single zip file. Open the 64 folder and extract the two files.

  1. Microsoft.VCLibs file (a dependency)
  2. Microsoft.UI.Xaml file (a dependency)
  3. Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller file (the main Winget installer)

Place all three files in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder.

Step 4: Create Configuration Files

Basic Sandbox Configuration

Create a file called Sandbox.wsb with this content:

<Configuration>
  <MappedFolders>
    <MappedFolder>
      <HostFolder>C:\Sandbox</HostFolder>
      <ReadOnly>false</ReadOnly>
    </MappedFolder>
  </MappedFolders>
</Configuration>

This tells Sandbox to share your C:\Sandbox folder.

Advanced Configuration (Auto-Install)

For automatic installation when Sandbox starts, use this version instead:

<Configuration>
    <MappedFolders>
        <MappedFolder>
            <HostFolder>C:\Sandbox</HostFolder>
            <SandboxFolder>C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox</SandboxFolder>
            <ReadOnly>false</ReadOnly>
        </MappedFolder>
    </MappedFolders>
    <LogonCommand>
        <Command>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -File "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\install.ps1"</Command>
    </LogonCommand>
</Configuration>

This automatically runs the installation script when Sandbox starts.

Step 5: Create Installation Scripts

install.cmd (Simple Launcher)

Create install.cmd in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder:

powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File install.ps1

install.ps1 (Main Installation Script)

Create install.ps1 in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder:

# Install required dependencies
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.33728.0_x64.appx"
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.8_8.2310.30001.0_x64.appx"
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle"
# Wait for winget to be ready Start-Sleep -Seconds 10 # Remove Microsoft Store source to avoid errors winget source remove msstore # Install programs
winget install -e --id Notepad++.Notepad++ --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements --force
winget install -e --id 7zip.7zip --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements --force

This guide shows you how to safely test software installations using Windows Sandbox - a feature that creates a temporary, isolated copy of Windows on your computer. Think of it as a practice area where you can install programs without affecting your main system.

We'll be using a tool called Winget (Windows Package Manager) to automatically install multiple programs simultaneously, which is significantly faster than downloading and installing each program individually.

Important Notes Before Starting

Different versions of Windows behave differently with Sandbox. If something doesn't work as described, it might be due to your Windows version.

Windows 11 24H2 users: You'll need to add --source winget to the commands because the Microsoft Store isn't accessible in Sandbox. This means you can't install apps that are only available through the Store.

Step 1: Enable Windows Sandbox

  1. Press the Windows key
  2. Type "features"
  3. Click "Turn Windows features on or off"
  4. Check the box next to "Windows Sandbox"
  5. Restart your computer when prompted

Helpful tip: You can copy and paste text between Sandbox and your main computer, but you can't drag and drop files.

Step 2: Create the Necessary Folders

Open Command Prompt and create these folders on your main computer:

mkdir C:\Sandbox
mkdir C:\Sandbox\winget_install

The C:\Sandbox folder will be shared with your Sandbox environment, and winget_install will contain the installation files.

Step 3: Download Required Files

You'll need to download three files from the Microsoft Winget GitHub page:

* 1 & 2 are a single zip file. Open the 64 folder and extract the two files.

  1. Microsoft.VCLibs file (a dependency)
  2. Microsoft.UI.Xaml file (a dependency)
  3. Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller file (the main Winget installer)

Place all three files in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder.

Step 4: Create Configuration Files

Basic Sandbox Configuration

Create a file called Sandbox.wsb with this content:

<Configuration>
  <MappedFolders>
    <MappedFolder>
      <HostFolder>C:\Sandbox</HostFolder>
      <ReadOnly>false</ReadOnly>
    </MappedFolder>
  </MappedFolders>
</Configuration>

This tells Sandbox to share your C:\Sandbox folder.

Advanced Configuration (Auto-Install)

For automatic installation when Sandbox starts, use this version instead:

<Configuration>
    <MappedFolders>
        <MappedFolder>
            <HostFolder>C:\Sandbox</HostFolder>
            <SandboxFolder>C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox</SandboxFolder>
            <ReadOnly>false</ReadOnly>
        </MappedFolder>
    </MappedFolders>
    <LogonCommand>
        <Command>powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -NoExit -File "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\install.ps1"</Command>
    </LogonCommand>
</Configuration>

This automatically runs the installation script when Sandbox starts.

Step 5: Create Installation Scripts

install.cmd (Simple Launcher)

Create install.cmd in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder:

powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File install.ps1

install.ps1 (Main Installation Script)

Create install.ps1 in your C:\Sandbox\winget_install folder:

# Install required dependencies
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00.UWPDesktop_14.0.33728.0_x64.appx"
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.UI.Xaml.2.8_8.2310.30001.0_x64.appx"
Add-AppxPackage "C:\Users\WDAGUtilityAccount\Desktop\Sandbox\winget_install\Microsoft.DesktopAppInstaller_8wekyb3d8bbwe.msixbundle"
# Wait for winget to be ready Start-Sleep -Seconds 10 # Remove Microsoft Store source to avoid errors winget source remove msstore # Install programs

What This Does

When you run the Sandbox with these configurations:

  1. Creates a safe testing environment - Nothing you do in Sandbox affects your main computer
  2. Automatically installs Winget - Sets up the package manager in the isolated environment
  3. Tests software installation - Installs Notepad++ and 7-Zip as examples
  4. Validates your setup - If programs install successfully in Sandbox, they should work on your real computer

Why This Is Useful

  • Safety first - Test potentially problematic software without risk
  • Batch testing - Try installing multiple programs at once
  • Clean environment - Start fresh each time without leftover files
  • Time saving - Automate repetitive installation tasks

Getting Started

  1. Enable Windows Sandbox
  2. Create the folder structure
  3. Download the required files
  4. Create the configuration and script files
  5. Double-click your Sandbox.wsb file to start

Your Sandbox will open and automatically begin installing the test programs. If everything works, you should be able to continue testing and manipulating other software and scripts.


Here are a couple of scripts I use on new PC setups. They should test successfully on your new Sandbox.

my_install.cmd for further reference (Place this in C:\Sandbox)
I use it on all new system setups, Sandbox was only an experiment. 🤣
If it installs on Sandbox, it will install on hardware.
    Remove the : for non-Sandbox installs.

cd %userprofile%\Desktop
mkdir C:\Portable\Excluded
mkdir C:\Drivers\Benchmarks
mkdir C:\Desk
mkdir %userprofile%\Pictures\Wallpaper
mkdir %userprofile%\\Program Archives
:winget install -e --id=Microsoft.VCRedist.2015+.x64
winget install -e --id=Microsoft.VCRedist.2015+.x86
:winget install -e --id=Chocolatey.Chocolatey
winget install -e --id 7zip.7zip
:winget install -e --id=Notepad++.Notepad++
::UnigetUI
winget install -e --id=MartiCliment.UniGetUI
winget install -e --id=winaero.tweaker
::Wintoys
winget install -e  --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements --id=9P8LTPGCBZXD
winget install -e --id=RevoUninstaller.RevoUninstaller
winget install -e --id=CodeJelly.Launchy
winget install -e --silent --id=IObit.IObitUnlocker
::TranslucentTB
winget install -e --accept-source-agreements --accept-package-agreements --id=9PF4KZ2VN4W9
winget install -e --silent --id=2BrightSparks.SyncBackFree

winget install -e --silent --id=AOMEI.Backupper.Standard
winget install -e --id=AutoHotkey.AutoHotkey
winget install -e --id=voidtools.Everything
:winget install -e --id=AdrienAllard.FileConverter
winget install -e --id=Brave.Brave
winget install -e --id=HexChat.HexChat
winget install -e --id=IrfanSkiljan.IrfanView
winget install -e --id=IrfanSkiljan.IrfanView.PlugIns
winget install -e --id=Microsoft.PowerToys
winget install -e --id=qBittorrent.qBittorrent
winget install -e --id=ShareX.ShareX
:winget install -e --id=Oracle.VirtualBox
winget install -e --id=VideoLAN.VLC

curl.exe -L https://eternallybored.org/misc/wget/1.21.4/64/wget.exe -o C:\Windows\System32\wget.exe
curl.exe -L https://www.ugmfree.it/Download/SyMenu/SyMenu.zip -o C:\Portable\symenu.zip
curl.exe -L https://www.carifred.com/uvk/UVKPortable.exe -o C:\Portable\UVK.exe
curl.exe -L https://www.sordum.org/files/download/defender-exclusion-tool/ExcTool.zip -o C:\Portable\Excluded\ExcTool.zip
curl.exe -L https://downloads.wisecleaner.com/soft/WDCFree_11.1.6.832.zip -o C:\Portable\WDCFree.zip
curl.exe -L https://windows-repair-toolbox.com/files/Windows_Repair_Toolbox.zip -o C:\Portable\Windows_Repair_Toolbox.zip

msg * "irm christitus.com/win | iex"
pause

Separate Extract_Delete.cmd
    No big deal. I just wanted to do it. Manual extract is fast and easy.
    Answer "A" to the first request and all will continue without interruption.

"C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe" e "C:\Portable\Excluded\ExcTool.zip" -o"C:\Portable\Excluded\ExcTool" && del C:\Portable\Excluded\ExcTool.zip"

"C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe" e "C:\Portable\Windows_Repair_Toolbox.zip" -o"C:\Portable\Windows_Repair_Toolbox" && del "C:\Portable\Windows_Repair_Toolbox.zip"

"C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe" e "C:\Portable\symenu.zip" -o"C:\Portable\Symenu" && del "C:\Portable\symenu.zip"

"C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe" e "C:\Portable\WDCFree.zip" -o"C:\Portable\WDCFree" && del "C:\Portable\WDCFree.zip"

Friday, June 20, 2025

NovaBenchmark


 On my old Predator 17
                               


My Ryzen 5 at the office








Wednesday, June 18, 2025

ChrisTitusTool Shortcut

Runs PowerShell 7 (can be manually changed)

Right-click on your desktop and go to New -> Shortcut
It should ask for the location of the item, copy and paste the following:

"C:\Program Files\PowerShell\7\pwsh.exe" -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Start-Process pwsh.exe -verb runas -ArgumentList '-Command "irm https://christitus.com/win | iex"'

Press Next/Enter
It should ask what you want to name the shortcut, enter WinUtil
Right-Click the new WinUtil shortcut on your desktop, and select Properties
In the Shortcut tab, select Advanced...
Tick the box for Run as administrator
Press OK then press OK again.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Running a ps1 script

I downloaded a fido script and extracted it onto the desktop.
I opened PowerShell 7 as admin and pasted this in.

cd $env:USERPROFILE\Desktop
Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process -Force
.\fido.ps1
script will stop so hit enter

The above can all be pasted into PowerShell admin at the same time
If the ps1 file is on the desktop
ExecutionPolicy will be temporarily bypass
File will be executed

To check Execution policy
Get-ExecutionPolicy -List

 Default looks like this:
Scope                         ExecutionPolicy
        -----                         ----------------
        MachinePolicy                 Undefined
        UserPolicy                    Undefined
        Process                       Undefined
        CurrentUser                   Undefined
        LocalMachine                  Restricted

Monday, June 9, 2025

Hilarious . . . Claude.ai Created This From My Previous 7 Line Post.

 

The Magical Fix: When Your PC Won't Show Up in Its Own Network

Have you ever encountered that maddening moment when you open File Explorer, click on "Network," and your own PC is nowhere to be found? You're not alone. This perplexing issue has stumped countless users, myself included, for what feels like an eternity.

The Problem That Wouldn't Go Away

I had one PC that suffered from this mysterious ailment for years. Despite countless troubleshooting attempts, the computer stubbornly refused to appear in its own network neighborhood. Just when I thought I'd have to live with this digital ghost forever, a second PC developed the same issue. That's when I decided enough was enough – it was time to crack this case once and for all.

The Simple Solution That Actually Works

After exhausting what felt like every possible fix in the book, I stumbled upon a surprisingly simple solution that sounds almost too good to be true. Here's the step-by-step process that worked like magic:

The Fix:

  1. Navigate to Settings
  2. Go to Network
  3. Select Advanced Network
  4. Choose Advanced Sharing
  5. Turn the Network Discovery option OFF, then ON
  6. Turn the File and Printer Sharing option OFF, then ON

That's it. No registry edits, no command line wizardry, no reinstalling network drivers – just a simple toggle dance that somehow awakens your PC's network presence.

The Moment of Truth

After applying this fix to my second PC, I held my breath and checked File Explorer. There it was – my computer finally showing up in its own network list like it should have all along. The relief was immediate, but then came the real test: would this work on my original problem PC that had been acting up for years?

I rushed to my first computer, applied the same fix, and... magic happened again. After years of frustration, both PCs now appear in their respective network lists without fail.

Why This Works (And Why It's So Frustrating)

The beauty of this solution lies in its simplicity, but that's also what makes it so frustrating. Sometimes Windows just needs a gentle nudge to remember its basic networking functions. By toggling these settings off and on, you're essentially forcing Windows to refresh its network discovery services and re-register itself with the network.

It's one of those fixes that makes you wonder why Microsoft hasn't built an automatic refresh mechanism for these services, especially given how common this issue appears to be.

Final Thoughts

If you've been battling this same issue and have tried everything from flushing DNS to sacrificing small electronics to the tech gods, give this simple toggle method a try. Sometimes the most elegant solutions are hiding in plain sight, disguised as basic settings that seem too simple to be the answer.

Trust me – after years of trying complex fixes, this refreshingly simple approach might just be the magical solution you've been searching for. Your future self will thank you for not spending another weekend diving into network adapter properties and registry hacks.

Have you encountered this issue before? Did this fix work for you, or do you have another solution that saved the day? Share your network discovery horror stories and victories in the comments below!

My Own PC Not Showing On It's Own Network File Explorer

I have one PC that has had this problem for years, and I was stumped.
Now I have the second one, so I wasn't giving up.

This worked:

Go to: Settings, Network, Advanced Network, Advanced Sharing. Turn the Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing options on and off.

Now, to go to the first one and see if it works twice. 😎
!!! It's magical. You won't believe all the things I've tried.

LoL - Claude is very wordy and emotional.
The above fix doesn't stick or even work every time. It's a Windows 11 thing.
I'm back  to giving up.
If you want to check the shares on "MyPC"
\\mypc
or
\\your IP address

Winaero Tweak List And Basic Installs

 Winaero Tweak List

Disable " - Shortcut" Text
Command Prompt as Administrator
PowerShell as Administrator
Shut Down
Ads and Unwanted Apps
Automatic Registry Backup
Disable User Folder Backup to OneDrive
Take Ownership
Enable NumLock on Logon Screen

Paste the following below into a txt file, save and change txt to ini
This .ini file can be imported. Name it winaero.ini


[Format]
ProductName=Winaero Tweaker
ProductVersion=1.63.0.0
FormatVersion=1.1
[User]
pageDisableShortcutText=1
pageContextMenuCmdAsAdmin=1
pageContextMenuPSAsAdmin=1
pageContextMenuShutDown=1
pageAdsUnwantedApps=1
pageRegistryAutomaticBackup=1
pageOneDriveDisableUserFolderBackup=1
pageContextMenuTakeOwnership=1
pageNumlockLoginState=1
[pageContextMenuCmdAsAdmin]
contextMenuTitle=Command Prompt (Administrator)
Extended=0
[pageContextMenuPSAsAdmin]
contextMenuTitle=Windows PowerShell (Run as Administrator)
Extended=0
[pageAdsUnwantedApps]
UnwantedAppsDisabled=1
FileExplorerAdsDisabled=1
LockScreenAdsDisabled=1
StartSuggestionsDisabled=1
TipsAboutWindowsDisabled=1
WelcomePageDisabled=1
SettingsAdsDisabled=1
TimelineSuggestionsDisabled=1

PORTABLE APPS

Symenu is such a pain anymore I use a bat file when setting up a PC.
Bat file for portable essential downloads for initial setup
Downloads will be in the folder from which the bat is run.
Paste below into a txt file, save and change txt to bat.
Name: portable.bat (or whatever)

curl -O -L https://github.com/marticliment/UniGetUI/releases/latest/download/UniGetUI.Installer.exe
curl -O -L https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wnetwatcher.zip
curl -O -L https://download.anydesk.com/AnyDesk.exe
curl -O -L https://www.carifred.com/uvk/UVKPortable.exe
curl -O -L https://sourceforge.net/projects/crystaldiskmark/files/9.0.0/CrystalDiskMark9_0_0.zip
curl -O -L https://sourceforge.net/projects/crystaldiskinfo/files/9.7.0/CrystalDiskInfo9_7_0.zip
curl -O -L https://sourceforge.net/projects/hwinfo/files/Windows_Portable/hwi_822.zip
curl -O -L https://www.glenn.delahoy.com/downloads/sdio/SDIO_1.15.4.815.zip
curl -O -L https://downloads.wisecleaner.com/soft/WDCFree_11.2.3.843.zip
curl -o cpu-z_portable.zip https://download.cpuid.com/cpu-z/cpu-z_2.15-en.zip
curl -L -o RevoUninstaller_Portable.zip https://www.revouninstaller.com/download-portable/

Note: wnetwatcher is falsely tagged by defender as a virus.
   Extract into an excluded folder and exclude the extracted file.
Run the  UniGetUI installer


UNIGETUI INSTALLS

Save as: Unigetui.ubundle and import into Unigetui
7zip
Wintoys
Brave
Launchy
IrfanView
VCRedist 2015
Notepad++
Winaero

Paste below into a txt file, save and change txt into ubundle

{
  "export_version": 2.1,
  "packages": [
    {
      "Id": "7zip.7zip",
      "Name": "7-Zip",
      "Version": "24.09.00.0",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "9P8LTPGCBZXD",
      "Name": "Wintoys",
      "Version": "2.0.91.0",
      "Source": "msstore",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "Brave.Brave",
      "Name": "Brave",
      "Version": "137.1.79.126",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "CodeJelly.Launchy",
      "Name": "Launchy",
      "Version": "2.5.0",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "IrfanSkiljan.IrfanView",
      "Name": "IrfanView",
      "Version": "4.72",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "Microsoft.VCRedist.2015\u002B.x64",
      "Name": "Microsoft Visual C\u002B\u002B 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64)",
      "Version": "14.44.35211.0",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "Microsoft.VCRedist.2015\u002B.x86",
      "Name": "Microsoft Visual C\u002B\u002B 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86)",
      "Version": "14.44.35211.0",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "Notepad\u002B\u002B.Notepad\u002B\u002B",
      "Name": "Notepad\u002B\u002B",
      "Version": "8.8.1",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    },
    {
      "Id": "winaero.tweaker",
      "Name": "Winaero Tweaker",
      "Version": "1.63.0.0",
      "Source": "winget",
      "ManagerName": "Winget",
      "InstallationOptions": {
        "SkipHashCheck": false,
        "InteractiveInstallation": false,
        "RunAsAdministrator": false,
        "Architecture": "",
        "InstallationScope": "",
        "CustomParameters": [],
        "PreRelease": false,
        "CustomInstallLocation": "",
        "Version": "",
        "SkipMinorUpdates": false
      },
      "Updates": {
        "UpdatesIgnored": false,
        "IgnoredVersion": ""
      }
    }
  ],
  "incompatible_packages_info": "Incompatible packages cannot be installed from WingetUI, but they have been listed here for logging purposes.",
  "incompatible_packages": []
}

Saturday, June 7, 2025

So, You Want to "Upgrade" to Windows 11?

So, You Want to "Upgrade" to Windows 11? Here's How to Do It Right

Upgrading to Windows 11 can be a challenge, especially if you're dealing with older hardware or unsupported systems. After wrestling with multiple machines and various upgrade methods, I've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process successfully.

The Simple Upgrade Method

Try Flyby11 first.

This is basically what Flyby11 does without the Media Creation Tool:

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool and grab the Windows 11 ISO in your preferred language and location
  2. Mount the ISO (it'll appear as a new drive, let's say drive E)
  3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator
  4. Type e: to switch to the mounted drive
  5. Run the setup with: setup.exe /product server

For those who want more control over the process, use this extended command:

setup.exe /product server /auto upgrade /quiet /compat ignorewarning /dynamicupdate disable /eula accept /noreboot

Post-Installation Cleanup

Once Windows 11 is installed, you'll want to clean up the bloatware:

  • O&O AppBuster makes removing unwanted apps a breeze
  • O&O Shutup10++ helps disable privacy-invasive features
  • Wintoys will help you with many settings

Dealing with Unsupported Hardware

Most of my computers are older machines with unsupported hardware, and I've found success with tools like Flyby11 and Rufus for in-place upgrades. Interestingly, as of June 4th, 2025, Windows Defender has started flagging Flyby11 for deletion – which might actually be a good sign that it's effective!

Rufus Method

If you're struggling with Rufus (like I was with creating bootable drives), try running it as administrator. Alternatively, use the Media Creation Tool to create your boot drive and add Schneegan's autounattend.xml file.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When Upgrades Fail

Even machines with identical CPU generations can behave differently during upgrades. Here's what to try:

  1. Update all drivers before attempting the upgrade
  2. Perform a clean boot using MSConfig (avoid Safe Boot – it won't work with in-place upgrades)
  3. Let the process run longer – I've seen upgrades get stuck at 31% for extended periods before completing

Success Story: Dell Optiplex 9010

One stubborn 3rd-gen i7 Dell Optiplex 9010 refused every upgrade method until I:

  1. Installed a blank drive
  2. Set BIOS to UEFI mode
  3. Used Media Creation Tool with Schneegan's autounattend.xml
  4. Disabled NIC boot options in BIOS

Success at last!

Essential Preparation Steps

Before attempting any upgrade:

  1. Clone your drive if you have important data (use disk clone, not system transfer)
  2. Update all drivers to the latest versions
  3. Close running applications that might interfere with the process

Backup and Recovery Strategy

Disk Cloning Advice

Finding reliable free cloning software can be challenging. Here are my recommendations:

  • Partition Wizard (older versions) – reboots and clones without Windows running, plus adjusts to use entire larger drives
  • Avoid Hasleo for USB-attached drives – it only allows "transfer OS" which doesn't copy all files
  • Rescuzilla on a Ventoy drive – perfect for cloning when Windows won't boot
Before cloning with Rescuzilla
Wintoys  > go to Health
1. Turn off Fast Startup
2. Turn off Hibernation

Pro tip: When cloning, choose "copy/clone disk" instead of "transfer OS" to ensure all files are copied.

Optimizing with Schneegan's Autounattend.xml

For clean installations, Schneegan's autounattend.xml file is invaluable. Key settings to enable:

  • Bypass TPM requirements
  • Hide PowerShell scripts
  • Add local offline account
  • Show file extensions
  • Use classic context menu
  • Hide search and widgets
  • Left-align taskbar
  • Disable app suggestions
  • Prevent device encryption
  • Turn on num lock

Final Tips and Tools

  • Remove annoying features: Use registry entries from Winaero to eliminate the "Learn more about this picture" icon
  • File management: FreeFileSync makes moving large numbers of files effortless
  • Patience is key: Some upgrades take much longer than expected – don't give up too early

Conclusion

Upgrading to Windows 11 on older or unsupported hardware requires patience and the right tools, but it's definitely achievable. The key is preparation: backup your data, update your drivers, and be ready to try multiple methods if the first one doesn't work.

Remember, if disaster strikes, you'll have that cloned drive as your safety net. Good luck with your upgrade journey!

Monday, June 2, 2025

BatToExe (In case I forget)

 Turn a bat file into exe and embed an icon.

Download this . . .
This is stand alone program so nothing installs.

Make a bat file. Here are a couple examples:

(To access a local folder)
@ECHO OFF 
start "" "%userprofile%\Pictures\Gimp Work"

or

(To open a web site)
@ECHO OFF 
start "" https://www.dropbox.com/h

Find an image you want to attach. 
Probably remove the background. 
Run it through icon software like Greenfish.
Attach this .ico file in BatToExe and convert.

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Medicat

 Medicat is full of stuff Widows Defender hates. You can't get it near a running OS.

Solution: I have an "Excluded" folder and I exclude it from Defender's scan.

Why bother? Sometimes I want to use something in Medicat without booting it up.
I can keep the PortableApps platform up to date as well.

Trying a refined Sandbox post

  Testing Software Installation with Windows Sandbox What This Guide Is About This guide shows you how to safely test software installati...