Newest Kid on the Block - Shadow Defender

[nanana1]

Shadow Defender provides a new way to solve current security, data protection and disaster recovery problems. Our unique approach provides disaster prevention, eliminating security, data protection and disaster recovery problems before they occur. Why recover from a PC disaster when you can prevent it?

Shadow Defender uses a unique method called Shadow Mode to ensure PCs are protected. By placing PCs in Shadow Mode with Shadow Defender, you can be confident the system is going to be protected no matter what happens. Shadow Mode tracks each system change and redirects them to an unused location on the disk. These system changes can be permanently saved to disk, or completely discarded. With Shadow Mode, there is no need to specify regions on disk for backup or use BIOS functions to reserve space for OS images. Shadow Mode is the most efficient and intelligent way to protect PCs.

Shadow Defender provides non-restrictive, easy to use desktop security and protection for Windows operating systems. Shadow Defender is the best way to prevent unwanted or malicious changes from being made to a PC. Shadow Defender can restore the system state before Shadow Mode no matter what has happened to the PC. At anytime, authorized users can save changes to the system, save selected files and folders or simply return the system to its state before Shadow Mode.

Key Features


Optimal State - Configure your system exactly the way you want it ONCE and run in that optimal state at all times. No need to spend the time removing unwanted files or trouble shooting and eliminating unwanted PC changes.
System Recovery - Reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for managing and maintaining your PCs by simply rolling the systems back to an optimal state.
System Security - Surf the internet without a trace of unwanted cookies, internet history, temporary files, spam applications or spyware.
Virus Protection - Prevent downtime and system damage due to virus and worm outbreaks. Prevent the virus from ever being written to the hard disk.
Change Management - Maximize system uptime by instantly undoing accidental or malicious system changes.
Patch Management - Safely test updates, patches and applications before permanently saving changes to your system.
Software Test Optimization - Quickly run various configurations on one system for software test scenarios. No need to reinstall or re-image a system to restore it to its original state.

[EASTER]

Umm, a link would be helpful.

Thanks for the details.

[EASTER]

{QUOTE-> Shadow Defender
V1.0
Win2000 / WinXP / Win2003 / Vista
Buy Now $35
Download Free Trial


What is Shadow Defender?

Shadow Defender provides a new way to solve current security, data protection and disaster recovery problems. Our unique approach provides disaster prevention, eliminating security, data protection and disaster recovery problems before they occur. Why recover from a PC disaster when you can prevent it?

<-QUOTE}Site Link: http://shadowdefender.com/

[nanana1]

Seems that they are using ShadowUser technology and applying it on a much smaller footprint, ie. < 1MB file size. Wow !

[Peter2150]

Hmm. So much of their terminology seems borrowed from ShadowUser. Makes me kinda wonder.

I love the "new" and "unique" descriptions.

I think I will pass.

[nanana1]

This is only version 1 and will be developed further.

Improvements over ShadowUser are "commit" can be used in shadow mode, password protect, officially support Windows Vista and a much smaller footprint (672KB vs 6.3MB).

Exisiting ShadowUser users should seriously consider this application.

This can now only get better !

[nanana1]

More interesting discovery !

Shadow Defender CAN go into shadow mode WITHOUT a reboot, matched Returnil and a big improvement over ShadowUser. Unfortunately, you will need
to reboot to get out of the shadow mode, just like the rest.

I know many members here had much problems with Returnil. But if going into the protected mode while still running Windows session is what you are looking for. Shadow Defender certainly delivers !

Both ShadowUser and Returnil have this competitive application on their backs.
ShadowUser is grossly outdated and Returnil fortunately is freeware and hence will survive.

This is an update that many ShadowUser users are looking for !

JUST TO CLARIFY, I AM NOT RELATED TO SHADOW DEFENDER IN ANY WAY.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> More interesting discovery !


I know many members here had much problems with Returnil. But if going into the protected mode while still running Windows session is what you are looking for. Shadow Defender certainly delivers !


<-QUOTE}

Not quite sure I would agree that MANY members here had MUCH problems with RETURNIL. There are always teething problems with all new software, but I think Returnil is fairly problem free for a newly released program.

The fact that it has been released to home users for free and that a member of their team has been pretty active here also helps of course.
Not sure what niche exists for Shadow defender.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Not quite sure I would agree that MANY members here had MUCH problems with RETURNIL. There are always teething problems with all new software, but I think Returnil is fairly problem free for a newly released program.

The fact that it has been released to home users for free and that a member of their team has been pretty active here also helps of course.
Not sure what niche exists for Shadow defender. <-QUOTE}


Followed the Returnil thread and noted that SOME members here had issues with protection of C system drive instead of D drive, SATA , etc. Returnil does not allow exclusion of program folders and files. Virus definition daily update is a problem. Have a create a virtual drive and mount, etc. Returnil is best known for being freeware and its ability to go into a session mode without rebooting.

Think that Shadow Defender will appeal more to exisiting ShadowUser users who had been waiting for update in vain for a few years now. Most of the improvement asked for is now fulfilled in Shadow Defender. That will be her niche, I guess.

I am pleasantly today surprised with this find myself. It makes my day !

[Franklin]

Returnil / Sandboxie fanboy here.;)

Vista Ultimate

Installed SD which went smoothly.Can only see one process in taskmanager - dfmon.exe @ 244k

Enabled shadow mode for all three partitions and as a first simple test deleted the bin and another folder and rebooted.

Desktop bin and the folder were there as per norm.

Second test I fired up an XP vm on another partition, made a simple change and saved as such to the vm.

Rebooted back into shadow mode and started the XP vm.

The change that I had made wasn't there so it seems Shadow Defender is doing as stated in reverting any and all changes throughout all three partitions.

One thing is that after changes to the vm were made and rebooting the shutdown took much longer with heavy hd activity, probably changes being deleted?

Tried an offline/online defrag with PD out of shadow mode with no probs apparent.

And now for my highly professional summary - seems pretty good ATM.:)

[ErikAlbert]

nanana1,
OK. Let us see how good ShadowDefender is :

1. Take an image backup of your system first as a precaution, you might need it.

2. Put ShadowDefender in ShadowMode to protect volume [C:] with this unique intelligent method.

3. Click on Start / Run and type these commands

4. CMD + Enter

5. DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q + Enter

6. REBOOT

Let me know, if everything was working properly or not :)

[nanana1]

I don't have a disk imaging software yet to test your parameters.
It would be too risky to try it without a disk image backup.

Can anyone help to test and revert with results ?

[Franklin]

Just tried it With this Vista install and it rebooted ok.

The Virtual Partition and a couple of others were deleted with the cmd but then I had to keep hitting "y" for any of the boot files which were denied deletion by the system.

Will try again and grab a screenie.
192827

[Franklin]

Well back again after a reboot so it seems to pass that test but XP may be different?

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> I don't have a disk imaging software yet to test your parameters.
It would be too risky to try it without a disk image backup.

Can anyone help to test and revert with results ? <-QUOTE}
OK. I understand and I fully agree, such test would destroy your system completely, at least with winXPproSP2. :)

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Just tried it With this Vista install and it rebooted ok.

The Virtual Partition and a couple of others were deleted with the cmd but then I had to keep hitting "y" for any of the boot files which were denied deletion by the system.

Will try again and grab a screenie.
192827 <-QUOTE}
OK. It seems that winVISTA protects its files better considering the fact that it asks for a confirmation. In winXPproSP2 zillions of files are deleted.
Anyway, ShadowDefender seems to work very well. THANKS.

[ErikAlbert]

Franklin,
Try this one, I think this will avoid the confirmation.
DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q

[Franklin]

Those tests were run in the real system and not a vm.

Anyone willing and able to check out mbr corruption as that's a bit beyond me.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> Not quite sure I would agree that MANY members here had MUCH problems with RETURNIL. There are always teething problems with all new software, but I think Returnil is fairly problem free for a newly released program.

The fact that it has been released to home users for free and that a member of their team has been pretty active here also helps of course.
Not sure what niche exists for Shadow defender. <-QUOTE}

At the moment i think Returnil with their excelent support is top of the hill !!

[aigle]

KillDisk! KillDisk!

Anyone please?

[Franklin]

{QUOTE-> Franklin,
Try this one, I think this will avoid the confirmation.
DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q <-QUOTE}
Fired up a Vista vm for that one.

Went through Vista like a hot knife through butter.

Lost my quicklaunch, some desktop items and only had a logoff button left which I hit after the cmd.

The vm stalled at a black screen so I had to hit the reset for the the vm which then rebooted ok back into vista.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Fired up a Vista vm for that one.

Went through Vista like a hot knife through butter.

Lost my quicklaunch, some desktop items and only had a logoff button left which I hit after the cmd.

The vm stalled at a black screen so I had to hit the reset for the the vm which then rebooted ok back into vista. <-QUOTE}
If you would have tried this in a real environment, I assume it would have been a disaster, even when ShadowMode was ON in ShadowDefender ?

[Franklin]

Erik, how does Returnil and or PowerShadow handle those commands?

Ghosted back to Returnil here for the time being.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Erik, how does Returnil and or PowerShadow handle those commands?

Ghosted back to Returnil here for the time being. <-QUOTE}
If my memory is good, I'm sure that PowerShadow would protect you against this very destructive command. Some member has tested this.
Don't know about Returnil, but I wouldn't be surprised that it also will protect you.
In September, I'm going to try and test Returnil as an alternative for my frozen snapshot.

FDISR's frozen snapshot failed, I've tested this personally. I had to restore my computer.

I assume that a well coded virus can execute this command or even a malicious screensaver.
Killdisk is even worse, it makes your Recovery CD useless due to damaged partitions.
A Recovery CD can only handle healthy partitions or a zeroed harddisk.

The point is, if ShadowDefender can't protect you against this destructive command, including KillDisk Virus, in a real environment, then it is not as good as the website tells you and certainly not $35 worth.

[nanana1]

The tests you guys were doing is beyond me.

Thanks, Franklin, for taking so much time to run the tests and post results with screenshots, etc. !

Glad that Shadow Defender stood up to them all ....... ATM.

[aigle]

{QUOTE-> Fired up a Vista vm for that one.

Went through Vista like a hot knife through butter.

Lost my quicklaunch, some desktop items and only had a logoff button left which I hit after the cmd.

The vm stalled at a black screen so I had to hit the reset for the the vm which then rebooted ok back into vista. <-QUOTE}
This healthy recovery was due to VM or SD? I mean ur VM is set to retain changes on reboot or not?
Thanks

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> This healthy recovery was due to VM or SD? I mean ur VM is set to retain changes on reboot or not?
Thanks <-QUOTE}
Good question. I asked this too, but never got a reply. So I'm still not sure if ShadowDefender did well or not.

[Gerard Morentzy]

I saw this program on Softpedia's "latest software" page a week or so ago. It even was worth an "Editor's Rating". It got a 4.7/5. They liked it. No question it's a legit program, I had forgotten about it. I might give it a whirl with the 3-day free trial. The lengthy review from Softpedia's editor is here:
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Shadow-Defender-Review-63208.shtml

[Perman]

{QUOTE-> KillDisk! KillDisk!

Anyone please? <-QUOTE}
Hi, folks: Yes, yes, try KillDisk! If it can survive the shock, I am interesting, although I am very happy with DeepFreeze right now. If it fails, nothing but a promise built on sand bed, eh ?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> KillDisk! KillDisk!

Anyone please? <-QUOTE}


Aigle

I am not touching this with a 10 foot pole. It so smells of being a knock off of Shadow User.

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> No question it's a legit program <-QUOTE}Given that appreciable sections of the English language documentation directly mirror that of ShadowUser Pro, I'd be much more comfortable with clarification of the situation provided directly by StorageCraft....

Blue

[Franklin]

{QUOTE-> This healthy recovery was due to VM or SD? I mean ur VM is set to retain changes on reboot or not?
Thanks <-QUOTE}
Hard to say as when I hit the only button I had left, which was the logoff button, the vista vm reverted to the small black startup screen and hung there.

MS Virtual PC 2007 here.

The only option I had was to go to the action tab and hit reset.

If that action emulates hitting the reset button on the real pc then it's a pass.

All in all I quite like this app and think it has potential.Such a small download and uses under half a meg of resources.

It's able to shadow all partitions with the option of unshadowing certain folders where you can save stuff that will be retained after exiting shadowmode.

Have reverted back to my Sandboxie/Returnil setup which is just fine and I'll leave any future heavy duty testings to those more adept at such.

[Gerard Morentzy]

{QUOTE-> Aigle

I am not touching this with a 10 foot pole. It so smells of being a knock off of Shadow User. <-QUOTE}

Do you mean as in stolen code or something?

[Gerard Morentzy]

{QUOTE-> Given that appreciable sections of the English language documentation directly mirror that of ShadowUser Pro, I'd be much more comfortable with clarification of the situation provided directly by StorageCraft....

Blue <-QUOTE}

Good point. I shouldn't have jumped the gun based on SoftPedia.
Better to err on the side of caution.
For what it's worth, it's out of China.

[Franklin]

{QUOTE-> Given that appreciable sections of the English language documentation directly mirror that of ShadowUser Pro, I'd be much more comfortable with clarification of the situation provided directly by StorageCraft....

Blue <-QUOTE}
OK Blue, unfamiliar with Shadowuser and I will stay away until the matter is sorted.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I saw this program on Softpedia's "latest software" page a week or so ago. It even was worth an "Editor's Rating". It got a 4.7/5. They liked it. No question it's a legit program, I had forgotten about it. I might give it a whirl with the 3-day free trial. The lengthy review from Softpedia's editor is here:
http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/Shadow-Defender-Review-63208.shtml <-QUOTE}


Should have shared this gem with us here earlier ......I only saw it yesterday.

[aigle]

{QUOTE-> Aigle

I am not touching this with a 10 foot pole. It so smells of being a knock off of Shadow User. <-QUOTE}
I was just curious.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Given that appreciable sections of the English language documentation directly mirror that of ShadowUser Pro, I'd be much more comfortable with clarification of the situation provided directly by StorageCraft....

Blue <-QUOTE}


StorageCraft has abandoned ShadowUser's development a few years ago, no update, etc. They are onto ShadowProtect now.

You want to ask them about an abandoned product ?

Shadow Defender has what ShadowUser users have been asking all along, eg. password protect, etc. At 672KB exe file and doing all that ShadowUser has been doin and more with 6.3MB, this is a breakthrough !

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> StorageCraft has abandoned ShadowUser's development a few years ago, no update, etc. They are onto ShadowProtect now.

You want to ask them about an abandoned product ?

Shadow Defender has what ShadowUser users have been asking all along, eg. password protect, etc. At 672KB exe file and doing all that ShadowUser has been doin and more with 6.3MB, this is a breakthrough ! <-QUOTE}nanana1,

I believe you have a few things to learn regarding commercial intellectual property rights. The program has not been abandoned with respect to those criteria. StorageCraft still sells and provides support for the program, although even if this were not the case, they would still retain rights to the program and documentation.

I happen to be a ShadowUser Pro licensee. I use it on occasion as well. Would I like an update/refresh of the program? Sure. On the other hand, it works as is.

As for the situation vis a vis StorageCraft and ShadowDefender, that's beyond the scope of my personal knowledge. However, I would make no assumptions either way.

Blue

[nanana1]

Correctly, I have many things to learn.......still learning !

All I wanted to say is that StorageCraft has abandoned ShadowUser's development, yes that means to continue to develop it further with new features and version 3 updates, etc. Don't think I am wrong to say that of StorageCraft, right ? They have done well with ShadowProtect...ATM.

Shadow Defender has definitely now taken it further with this release.
Let's hope they develop this further to allow exit session without reboot which will be the real breakthrough in this form of technology. Returnil has promised to take a look at it but is currently bogged down with other issues.

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> All I wanted to say is that StorageCraft has abandoned ShadowUser's development, yes that means to continue to develop it further with new features and version 3 updates, etc. Don't think I am wrong to say that of StorageCraft, right ? <-QUOTE}As a licensee of ShadowUser Pro, I would have hoped for more maintenance care and feeding of the application. It clearly needs refining.
{QUOTE-> They have done well with ShadowProtect...ATM. <-QUOTE}Yes, rather well at that, so they're clearly a capable organization.
{QUOTE-> Shadow Defender has definitely now taken it further with this release.
Let's hope they develop this further to allow exit session without reboot which will be the real breakthrough in this form of technology. Returnil has promised to take a look at it but is currently bogged down with other issues. <-QUOTE}Being able to jump into and out of Shadow states without requiring a restart is certainly be a very desireable end. I really don't have a feel for the technical issues involved in achieving this, so I really can't comment on feasibility, but as a user, it would be a feature that I would greatly appreciate.

Blue

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Correctly, I have many things to learn.......still learning !

All I wanted to say is that StorageCraft has abandoned ShadowUser's development, yes that means to continue to develop it further with new features and version 3 updates, etc. Don't think I am wrong to say that of StorageCraft, right ? They have done well with ShadowProtect...ATM.

Shadow Defender has definitely now taken it further with this release.
Let's hope they develop this further to allow exit session without reboot which will be the real breakthrough in this form of technology. Returnil has promised to take a look at it but is currently bogged down with other issues. <-QUOTE}

Not that Storagecraft abandoned it, but I believe it was grnxnm who stated, that ShadowUser is a total loss to them due to piracy.

When you find as Blue pointed out documentation that is word for word mirroring it is just a but suspicious.

At best their claim of a "new" approach raises a bit of credibility.

With Returnil and Sandboxie, I just don't have the motivation to get excited about this.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Not that Storagecraft abandoned it, but I believe it was grnxnm who stated, that ShadowUser is a total loss to them due to piracy.

This is a lame excuse for not developing this product further. You strengthen the
intellectual protection and not stop developing it. Microsoft would have died had they followed StorageCraft.


When you find as Blue pointed out documentation that is word for word mirroring it is just a but suspicious.

Agree....who knows, they may have bought/license it from StorageCraft.
Would StorageCraft not doing anything about this if they knew ?

At best their claim of a "new" approach raises a bit of credibility.

"new' may refer to be able to go into shadow mode without reboot, among others.

With Returnil and Sandboxie, I just don't have the motivation to get excited about this. <-QUOTE}
I don't think this will appeal that much to Returnil users as they would to ShadowUser/Deepfreeze users. I know it does not appeal to you but it does to me and others, I think. As one who will experiement/play/test with new softwares as is the draw of this forum, your motivation or lack of is suspect.

Note : I am not related to Shadow Defender in any way. I just "defend" what I think is a worthy software and fair views and opinions that is to be shared with others in this forum.

[EASTER]

Looks good on paper or make that print, but being the old-fashioned mind that is my nature, i prefer to wait on newer releases of a very efficient shadowing/virtualization program named PowerShadow Master myself.

It does now appear that the long awaited technology capability of also exiting a virtualized session WITHOUT REBOOT is not without severe limitations, but who knows, some clever coder just may get lucky enough to make that a reality someday. Then again, it may be totally out of pattern due to M$'s code base structure.

Time will surely tell.

[Perman]

{QUOTE-> Good point. I shouldn't have jumped the gun based on SoftPedia.
Better to err on the side of caution.
For what it's worth, it's out of China. <-QUOTE}
Hi, folks: I just wonder... what kind of reception will this app get if it is a freeware? would it be treated like Power Shadow? Aside from this, I do like to know whether it has a physical EARTH address other than cyber email one. Is it from this planet? Normally I do not trust any commercial product bearing no land address. Visitors are not welcomed to their quarter ? Strange, indeed.

[kennyboy]

I dont want to put down the product because I havnt tried it, but there are a few things about the way it is being presented that make me a little cautious to say the least. In response to Nanana's post about lack of motivation to test it, I think there are other factors worth considering.

It comes from China which may or may not be in itself reason for suspicion, but together with the obvious similarity/mirroring of documentation to Shadow User, and the fact that something is not quite right with the "claims" about the programs capabilities, I will also leave it to others to decide whether or not it should be given the "Wilders Treatment"

Ken

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I dont want to put down the product because I havnt tried it, but there are a few things about the way it is being presented that make me a little cautious to say the least. In response to Nanana's post about lack of motivation to test it, I think there are other factors worth considering. <-QUOTE}

Can you enlighten us what other factors worth considering ?


{QUOTE-> It comes from China which may or may not be in itself reason for suspicion, but together with the obvious similarity/mirroring of documentation to Shadow User, and the fact that something is not quite right with the "claims" about the programs capabilities, I will also leave it to others to decide whether or not it should be given the "Wilders Treatment"

Ken <-QUOTE}

I am not sure if this software is from China since their website does not says so. But what discrimination you have about software from China ! Obvious similarity/mirror of document to ShadowUser is for StorageCraft to deal with, would they know and not do anything about this ??? And what is that something that is not quite right with the "claims" about the program capabilities ?? Be specific, kennyboy.

Shadow Defender has taken this technology much beyond ShadowUser by allowing to go into Shadowmode without reboot, password protect, etc.

If such seen so far is the renown "Widers Treatment", then it is better without it !

[Meriadoc]

Not singling anyone here but what's this suspicion for software from China? a comment I've seen a few times now - crazy.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Not singling anyone here but what's this suspicion for software from China? a comment I've seen a few times now - crazy. <-QUOTE}
I don't have a problem with China or Chinese people, I can't read their websites about their softwares, except one website translated in English. That keeps me away from using their softwares. I would do the same with Arabian softwares.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I don't have a problem with China or Chinese people, I can't read their websites about their softwares, except one website translated in English. That keeps me away from using their softwares. I would do the same with Arabian softwares. <-QUOTE}

Shadow Defender is all written in simple English that all can understand.
Link is provided for your convenience here... http://www.shadowdefender.com/

Let's not discriminate ANY country for software, be it Returnil from Latvia with R&D labs based in China or Power Shadow or Shadow Defender.

The main contention is that Shadow Defender has taken its software to the next level allowing Shadowmode without reboot, password protect, etc. and hopefully chasing the holy grail of exiting Shadowmode without reboot. Same challenge applies to Returnil.

[BlueZannetti]

Folks,

Let's not step off the deep end here.

Obviously, there are a number of possible scenarios at work here, including those in which the vendor has licensed all or portions of the software - think KAV for example. While similarity in the documentation has raised a bit of a flag in my mind, let's not forget that there can be perfectly legitimate reasons for this to be the case. Let's also not forget that first class software can come from anywhere. One or two top flight programmers can do amazing things, and all it takes is a fertile mind.

As with any new application, the exercise of due caution is warranted.

Blue

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Folks,

Let's not step off the deep end here. <-QUOTE}

Agree.

{QUOTE-> Obviously, there are a number of possible scenarios at work here, including those in which the vendor has licensed all or portions of the software - think KAV for example. While similarity in the documentation has raised a bit of a flag in my mind, let's not forget that there can be perfectly legitimate reasons for this to be the case. <-QUOTE}

We should let StorageCraft deal with the similarities and not take matters in this forum and our own hands

{QUOTE-> Let's also not forget that first class software can come from anywhere. One or two top flight programmers can do amazing things, and all it takes is a fertile mind. <-QUOTE}

May the holy grail of exiting shadowmode without reboot be achieved !

{QUOTE-> As with any new application, the exercise of due caution is warranted.

Blue <-QUOTE}

Amen !

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
The main contention is that Shadow Defender has taken its software to the next level allowing Shadowmode without reboot, password protect, etc. and hopefully chasing the holy grail of exiting Shadowmode without reboot. Same challenge applies to Returnil. <-QUOTE}
IF ShadowDefender is able to protect you against destructive commands or malwares, I didn't see any proof of this yet.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> IF ShadowDefender is able to protect you against destructive commands or malwares, I didn't see any proof of this yet. <-QUOTE}

Well, in a limited way, Franklin has tested it and found Shadow Defender to be able to protect and stood the test. See earlier threads above.

Perhaps others can do a more exhaustive test and prove that Shadow Defender
does not live up to its claims. At the moment, the common rule of law applies.....you are innocent until you are proven guilty.

Shadow Defender is innocent and maintains its claims. Any challenges ?

[Acadia]

In my opinion, when it comes to all computer security software, you have got to be proven! Anyone can claim anything on their website just look at all of the other security programs, they all claim to be "the best" or "number one at" or whatever. I only completely trust a program after it has been tortured tested by the guys here which is why I recently purchased ShadowProtect, if Erik and Peter couldn't break it ... :thumb:

Acadia

[Peter2150]

The fact it is written in China doesn't bother me. I suspect the reason it bothers some folks, is there is an awful lot of piracy of software coming from that quarter. But ProSecurity is a good example of why that isn't a valid consideration. Good product.

Nanana1. Old saying. Me thinks thou protest to much. You state you have no interest, and normally I'd have no reason to question, but you are pushing so hard. Questioning why there is no motivation to test. Well for me all other issues aside, and the website aside, just nothing new that I can see.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> In my opinion, when it comes to all computer security software, you have got to be proven! Anyone can claim anything on their website just look at all of the other security programs, they all claim to be "the best" or "number one at" or whatever. I only completely trust a program after it has been tortured tested by the guys here which is why I recently purchased ShadowProtect, if Erik and Peter couldn't break it ... :thumb:

Acadia <-QUOTE}

Don't disagree with it....ShadowProtect has been around for quite a while and is now in version 3.

Shadow Defender has just been launched with ver 1.00.72 and with its similiarities with ShadowUser which has been proven and unbroken, it is promising. Give it some time and more people will use, test and prove if it really lives up to its claims. But then again, Shadow Defender is now available to be tested if anyone here feels that it can be broken. Our highly professional member, Franklin, has done some test and Shadow Defender has delivered on its claims so far...ATM. Again, any challengers ?

[Inspector Clouseau]

{QUOTE-> Again, any challengers ? <-QUOTE}

I wouldn't ask that too loud. What's the reward? ;D

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> The fact it is written in China doesn't bother me. I suspect the reason it bothers some folks, is there is an awful lot of piracy of software coming from that quarter. But ProSecurity is a good example of why that isn't a valid consideration. Good product. <-QUOTE}

Again a discrminatory remark on China. Piracy is a global cyberworld problem.
Let StorageCraft deal with the IP aspects.

{QUOTE-> Nanana1. Old saying. Me thinks thou protest to much. You state you have no interest, and normally I'd have no reason to question, but you are pushing so hard. Questioning why there is no motivation to test. Well for me all other issues aside, and the website aside, just nothing new that I can see. <-QUOTE}

I categorically state I am not related to Shadow Defender in any way.

Peter2150, mod or no mod, your movtivation or lack of is suspect. Anything to do with the sponsorship of this forum that Shadow Defender is not providing ???

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I wouldn't ask that too loud. What's the reward? ;D <-QUOTE}

Ssssssssh, how about a kiss from the Forum Mods here :P

[Inspector Clouseau]

{QUOTE-> Ssssssssh, how about a kiss from the Forum Mods here :P <-QUOTE}

I'm not gay.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Again a discrminatory remark on China. Piracy is a global cyberworld problem.
Let StorageCraft deal with the IP aspects.



I categorically state I am not related to Shadow Defender in any way.

Peter2150, mod or no mod, your movtivation or lack of is suspect. Anything to do with the sponsorship of this forum that Shadow Defender is not providing ??? <-QUOTE}

The motivation I need or don't to test something is if I want to. There is a lot software here on the forum, I chose not to test. Honestly I really only test software of interest to me.

Okay now let me throw it back to you and maybe I'll get interested. Does it support Raid 0.

[Franklin]

Well Pete a few of us regs would like see it tested further in regards to mbr corruption and killdisk and it seems you're "Da Man" when it comes to such testings.

But as you say, it's up to you.;)

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> The motivation I need or don't to test something is if I want to. There is a lot software here on the forum, I chose not to test. Honestly I really only test software of interest to me.

Okay now let me throw it back to you and maybe I'll get interested. Does it support Raid 0. <-QUOTE}

Technically, I don't know if Shadow Defender will support Raid 0 as I told you I am only an interested member and not related to them in any way.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Well Pete a few of us regs would like see it tested further in regards to mbr corruption and killdisk and it seems you're "Da Man" when it comes to such testings.

But as you say, it's up to you.;) <-QUOTE}

That depends on his "motivation" or lack of.....sigh.

[Franklin]

{QUOTE-> That depends on his "motivation" or lack of.....sigh. <-QUOTE}
Try to stay calm nanana.;)

[Acadia]

Peter is only human, meaning, he only has a limited amount of time on his hands just like any of us. He does with his life what he wants too, he does not have to bow down to what someone else wants him to do. I love playing with computer security programs and browsers but given a choice between doing that or going hiking with my wife ... no contest, the computer and everything related to it waits.

Acadia

[sukarof]

I am testing this software right now in Vista. Installation was a bit funny, I dont know if it has something to do with me being in a limited account but it tried to install 5 new devices but windows didnt find any drivers for them, but the software seems to work fine anyway. I have no malware to test it with but I did some deleting of files and they where back when I rebooted. Still have to figure out this "commit" feature. And I am still trying to figure out how this software differs from Powershadow.
But otherwise this software seems to work without conflicts in my system. (well I only had it for a day or two :) )
As I said I am in a limited account and dont feel I have much use for this kind of software now, but the day someone invents the holy grail (switch between shadow mode and regular mode without reboot) will get my money. I would be prepared to pay quite much for such software. It would be a huge milestone, like FDISR was.

[farmerlee]

Just tried shadow defender against eriks destructive commands, it handled it ok. The only odd thing i noticed was some of the text was missing from the shadow defender config screens after the command had completed. Upon reboot everything is back to normal, all changes have been undone. Not too bad for a 600k app.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Just tried shadow defender against eriks destructive commands, it handled it ok. The only odd thing i noticed was some of the text was missing from the shadow defender config screens after the command had completed. Upon reboot everything is back to normal, all changes have been undone. Not too bad for a 600k app. <-QUOTE}
Yes that sounds good. I assume it was done in a real environment this time ?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> That depends on his "motivation" or lack of.....sigh. <-QUOTE}

We shall see.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Just tried shadow defender against eriks destructive commands, it handled it ok. The only odd thing i noticed was some of the text was missing from the shadow defender config screens after the command had completed. Upon reboot everything is back to normal, all changes have been undone. Not too bad for a 600k app. <-QUOTE}

Thank you for doing this test ! It showed that Shadow Defender has stood up to its claims......I must say....ATM.

This validation is no gain to me personally as I continue to draw others' attention to this small 672KB gem software. I trust my own judgement and when I spotted a winner, I like to share it with others. My aggressive defence of this software may mislead others to think otherwise of me. I am not Shadow Defender's ColdMoon and will never be.

My only true and strong intention is that others in this forum will benefit from this forum and software. Hope you will consider Shadow Defender and benefit from its protection.:thumb:

Have a great weekend ahead !!!:D

[farmerlee]

{QUOTE-> Yes that sounds good. I assume it was done in a real environment this time ? <-QUOTE}
Yep done in the real environment. I've also tried modifying/deleting partitions which it blocked. Dismounted a partition and formatted it, upon reboot all data from that partition is still there. It seems to do everything it claims so far.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Yep done in the real environment. I've also tried modifying/deleting partitions which it blocked. Dismounted a partition and formatted it, upon reboot all data from that partition is still there. It seems to do everything it claims so far. <-QUOTE}
Well done, thanks alot. Nanana will be happy.

[Acadia]

Impressive, indeed. 8)

Acadia

[Huupi]

ShadowDefender is good,let it be.Only people who tested sofar can claim,opinions are welcome but as they are just opinions and sometimes muddy the waters.Opinions about members are just the shit we likely to prevent here,so lets test these SD and talk about more from a techn. viewpoint.

[tradetime]

{QUOTE-> Again a discrminatory remark on China. Piracy is a global cyberworld problem.
Let StorageCraft deal with the IP aspects.



I categorically state I am not related to Shadow Defender in any way.

Peter2150, mod or no mod, your movtivation or lack of is suspect. Anything to do with the sponsorship of this forum that Shadow Defender is not providing ??? <-QUOTE}
Nanana1, no offence but if you take a step back and try to read your posts from a neutral perspective you should be able to see why he might wonder if you work for them. I personally figured you were connected in some way from about your third or fouth post on this thread, I've seen fanboys with less enthusiasm.

[Peter2150]

Part of it is I'd like to see the developer poke is nose in here. Coldmoon jumped in and we sparred a bit, but as a result I know own one license of Returnil, and if they whoop the raid issue it will be two more.

Same with Prosecurity. Jie has been here and I like and own his product. Very much also true of Online Armor.

Tzuk of Sandboxie while not here is very accessible on his forum.

I'd just like to know the who's who and be able interact a bit, before I invest my time in a product.

[Acadia]

{QUOTE->
I'd just like to know the who's who and be able interact a bit, before I invest my time in a product. <-QUOTE}
Bingo. One of the reasons that I decided to purchase ShadowProtect was because of grnxnm's participation in these forums. 8)

Acadia

[tradetime]

{QUOTE-> Bingo. One of the reasons that I decided to purchase ShadowProtect was because of grnxnm's participation in these forums. 8)

Acadia <-QUOTE}
Very true, it's good to see people in here who are connected with the products, and can give more technical insight into how best they can be used, and provide a conduit for feedback to the company.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> The fact it is written in China doesn't bother me. I suspect the reason it bothers some folks, is there is an awful lot of piracy of software coming from that quarter. But ProSecurity is a good example of why that isn't a valid consideration. Good product.

Nanana1. Old saying. Me thinks thou protest to much. You state you have no interest, and normally I'd have no reason to question, but you are pushing so hard. Questioning why there is no motivation to test. Well for me all other issues aside, and the website aside, just nothing new that I can see. <-QUOTE}

I have no issues at all with genuine Chinese software. As Peter says there are very fine examples of great software from China.
But lets be honest, China is the home of piracy in every form, and so has brought on itself these suspicions. Also, if the IP rights of Storagecraft have been bought legitimatly then why is there not some reference to that fact on the Shadow defender website. After all it could be a great selling point with their background.

My main objection to pirated software is that it increases the price to people who are honest and makes the sotfware writers introduce Activation just to protect their interests, which is a pain for their genuine customers. If their was no piracy there would be no need for activation.

I hope that Shadow Defender does well..........it would be nice to see one of their team here though!

Ken

[Gerard Morentzy]

Someone said they didn't even know if this WAS software from China.

Domain Name ..................... shadowdefender.com
Name Server ..................... ns1.eztk.com
ns2.eztk.com
Registrant ID ................... hc970133834-cn
Registrant Name ................. Ping Yang
Registrant Organization ......... Yang Ping
Registrant Address .............. Chaoyang Dist, Beijing
Registrant City ................. Beijing
Registrant Province/State ....... Beijing
Registrant Postal Code .......... 100012
Registrant Country Code ......... CN
Registrant Phone Number ......... +86.013366833757 -
Registrant Fax .................. +86.013366833757 -
Registrant Email ................
Administrative ID ............... hc970133834-cn
Administrative Name ............. Ping Yang
Administrative Organization ..... Yang Ping
Administrative Address .......... Chaoyang Dist, Beijing
Administrative City ............. Beijing
Administrative Province/State ... Beijing
Administrative Postal Code ...... 100012
Administrative Country Code ..... CN[/SIZE]

On another note, I don't think it's reasonable to expect the developers of all software to "pop" into Wilders to personally discuss their software. Some have chosen to do this, but this is a an awfully big world, with an awful lot of forums and if all the mods at these forums expect developers to "pop into" their site for a back and forth - that's a tad unrealistic (nothing personal -- but it also has a touch of arrogance), imo.

[aigle]

{QUOTE-> He does with his life what he wants too <-QUOTE}Believe me, somehow on first glance I read it this way
{QUOTE-> He does with his wife what he wants to <-QUOTE};D Just a joke and it really happened so.;D

[Peter2150]

Okay, I decided to reconsider, and downloaded ShadowDefender and gave it a whirl.

Loaded it up into a virtual machine. First thing I tried was just to exercise the rollback, and commiting etc. All seemed to work well.

Then I tried Erik's delete test and it passed fine as said above.

Then I tried Killdisk. The machine survived killdisk, but when I rebooted it was still in shadowmode. Took another boot to bring it out of shadow mode. Not perfect, but the main thing is the machine survived killdisk and that is very good.

For grins I did email support and suggest they might pop in and visit us. Arrogant? I don't know. Why not.

Pete

PS. Imaging the host, and then will try it on the host and see if it plays with Raid 0.

Pete

[Franklin]

Hi Pete,Thanks for the testing and good news.
XP or Vista vm?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Hi Pete,Thanks for the testing and good news.
XP or Vista vm? <-QUOTE}

What's vista??;D

It was an XP machine. Actually as I type right now, I am in shadowmode on my desktop. It is working on Raid 0.

It has a mode to stay in Shadowmode on reboot, but it looks like it undoes the changes anyway and just comes up in shadowmode.

Neat that you can right click on a file and commit it that way.

Hate to say it, but this thing is going on me for the desktops. Hmm. No one can ever accuse me of not changing my mind.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> Okay, I decided to reconsider, and downloaded ShadowDefender and gave it a whirl.

Loaded it up into a virtual machine. First thing I tried was just to exercise the rollback, and commiting etc. All seemed to work well.

Then I tried Erik's delete test and it passed fine as said above.

Then I tried Killdisk. The machine survived killdisk, but when I rebooted it was still in shadowmode. Took another boot to bring it out of shadow mode. Not perfect, but the main thing is the machine survived killdisk and that is very good.

For grins I did email support and suggest they might pop in and visit us. Arrogant? I don't know. Why not.

Pete

PS. Imaging the host, and then will try it on the host and see if it plays with Raid 0.

Pete <-QUOTE}


Thanks, Pete2150, for reconsidering and taking the time to do the killdisk test.:D

I stood my ground only because I strongly believe this software application is the one to consider other than Returnil and maybe Power Shadow. In my opinion, Deepfreeze and ShadowUser are out of the race.

I am not related to Shadow Defender and would never participate in this forum if I were obligated to them in any way.

Forumers must declare their interests if there is any conflict and for me, I have no vested interests whatsoever.8)

Like you, I wish they will sometimes pop into this forum and listen to the voices of the consumer in pursuing the holy grail of exiting shadowmode without reboot. Even if we could exit shadowmode by logging off the user account, it would itself be quite an achievement.*puppy*

Howver when software vendors do participate, I hope they will not hard-sell their products and allow forumers to decide what they want. In this way, this forum can somewhat maintain its neutrality and impartial position.

That's why Wilders Security forum has rocked and still does !

[grnxnm]

I analyzed the ShadowDefender filter driver, diskpt.sys, and it is definitely not a copy of StorageCraft's ShadowUser driver. Although they seem to have copied the StorageCraft manual and ideas, it looks like the code itself is not a rip-off.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> I analyzed the ShadowDefender filter driver, diskpt.sys, and it is definitely not a copy of StorageCraft's ShadowUser driver. Although they seem to have copied the StorageCraft manual and ideas, it looks like the code itself is not a rip-off. <-QUOTE}

Thankyou grnxnm. I feel more comfortable knowing that, and am happy to give it a trial now.

Ken

[aigle]

That,s good. I wonder if they were able to code it so good, why not write a manual of their own!

[Franklin]

OK good enough for me.

Reinstalled to the real system and still running Sandboxie and Returnil with Shadow Defender all active without any probs.

I know there's no need to run all three but I did this as a test and as it seems fine I will leave it for the time being.(laziness may have some input here as well)

I like how you can allocate certain saved folders where anything you want to keep can survive a reboot.

Of course with Returnil running as well it would have to be a folder on another partition besides C.

Shadow Defender is quite an amazing bit of work considering it's size and capabilities.

Still 29 days of testing to go though.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I analyzed the ShadowDefender filter driver, diskpt.sys, and it is definitely not a copy of StorageCraft's ShadowUser driver. Although they seem to have copied the StorageCraft manual and ideas, it looks like the code itself is not a rip-off. <-QUOTE}

Thank you for this important clarification !:D

[Perman]

Hi, folks: This app seems to me is so far so good in terms of tech performances. But I still have the following concerns:
(1) Its web site domain name registrant may not be the author of this app.
(2) price US$ 35 appears to be out of reach of ordinary Chinese population, namely, this is product is tailored for oversea market.
(3)Is it password protected ? although it has passed the code manipulation method supplied by Eric. And killdisk test.
(4) Has anyone compared its driver diskpt.sys with powershadow's snapshot.sys.... PowerShadow has released its newest version 2008, in which it has expanded features extensively. Since both apps come from BeiJing and both bear an unique feature of getting into shadow mode w/o rebooting. I can not find any other disk-virtualization app to have such a special DNA marking.
My concerns may not be of any tech significance, but I always look out for any me-too copy cats in cyber world.

[tradetime]

{QUOTE-> and both bear an unique feature of getting into shadow mode w/o rebooting. <-QUOTE}
Hi Perman, maybe I'm missing something, but I thought the whole challenge was to get out of shadow mode, or whateve you want to call it without rebooting.

[Acadia]

{QUOTE-> That,s good. I wonder if they were able to code it so good, why not write a manual of their own! <-QUOTE}
Maybe they are excellent at computer language but not the English language. ;D

Acadia

[sukarof]

{QUOTE->
(4) Has anyone compared its driver diskpt.sys with powershadow's snapshot.sys....
<-QUOTE}

look 5 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1064448&postcount=88) posts above yours, he knows what he is talking about.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> look 5 (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1064448&postcount=88) posts above yours, he knows what he is talking about. <-QUOTE}

Yes but he compared with a different thingy[Shadowuser]

[sukarof]

{QUOTE-> Yes but he compared with a different thingy[Shadowuser] <-QUOTE}

Drat! I did it again :( sorry about that. It´s the bleeding shadows again confusing me.
Shadowuser, Powershadow, Shadowdefender, Shadowprotect, Shadowsurfer.....I think there is a bit of inflation in the word shadow nowadays :D Suddenly I can see some point in the big companies hunt for protecting their name :D

But good question though, I earlier asked what the difference in functionality between the two is. They both seem to do exactly the same thing.

[rendez2k]

Looks like a keeper for me so far.... I can't use PowerShadow or Rerturnil due to my system having SATA and IDE but this worked great under XP Pro. Obviously need to do further tests but at least it worked! Also noticed the software has been updated already which is a good sign hopefully that the companies committed.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Looks like a keeper for me so far.... I can't use PowerShadow or Rerturnil due to my system having SATA and IDE but this worked great under XP Pro. Obviously need to do further tests but at least it worked! Also noticed the software has been updated already which is a good sign hopefully that the companies committed. <-QUOTE}
Yes the tests of Farmerlee and Franklin are a good indication, that it protects your system very well. Of course only a long period of usage will reveal possible problems.

Such products are the future, because ALL security softwares have one thing in common : they fail too much and layered security might reduce these failures, but then you need more security softwares. There was a time I had more security softwares, than softwares to do my job and hobbies. That is ridiculous.

Recovery softwares don't fail so much and you have your system back and when your system is back, you can continue with your work and you have your access to your personal data back.
Image/File backup and certainly Immediate System Recovery make that possible, you only have to choose, the fastest and most reliable one and the right combination of course.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> Yes the tests of Farmerlee and Franklin are a good indication, that it protects your system very well. Of course only a long period of usage will reveal possible problems.

Such products are the future, because ALL security softwares have one thing in common : they fail too much and layered security might reduce these failures, but then you need more security softwares. There was a time I had more security softwares, than softwares to do my job and hobbies. That is ridiculous.

Recovery softwares don't fail so much and you have your system back and when your system is back, you can continue with your work and you have your access to your personal data back.
Image/File backup and certainly Immediate System Recovery make that possible, you only have to choose, the fastest and most reliable one and the right combination of course. <-QUOTE}

Now for the moment and in the immediate future these virtual layers and something which control outbound connections and you are done,as simple as that,no need anymore for more security.

[huntnyc]

How would you work with tis program if you were testing software that reuqired a reboot? If you install it in Shadow mode and Shadow mode reverts you back to having no changes after reboot, then how would this work? Thanks for clarity.

Gary

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> How would you work with tis program if you were testing software that reuqired a reboot? If you install it in Shadow mode and Shadow mode reverts you back to having no changes after reboot, then how would this work? Thanks for clarity.

Gary <-QUOTE}
FDISR doesn't have a problem with a software that requires a reboot during installation, that's why I'm hesitating to use any other software.
A frozen snapshot has in fact TWO freeze storages : an actual and a previous one and you can also disable the Pre-boot, but that is a dangerous workaround, certainly when you are installing a new software with unpredictable results.

This seems to be a problem with other immediate system recovery softwares, I can't give you a straight answer, I have to think about this.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> How would you work with tis program if you were testing software that reuqired a reboot? If you install it in Shadow mode and Shadow mode reverts you back to having no changes after reboot, then how would this work? Thanks for clarity.

Gary <-QUOTE}

there are no signs on the horizon that that in the near future any app. comes along with option to keep data created in a virt. session related to installs,yes after reboot everything is gone. Better if you have FDISR is to create a test snapshot or a froozen one,or Roll Back come to mind,maybe VMware or Virtualbox is an option.

[Peter2150]

On the manuals. Hardest thing in the world for good coders is writting documentation.

Both Powershadow and Returnil don't work under Raid 0. This thing does, and seems to work well

I've noticed you have your choice of staying in shadow mode or not when you reboot. Would love the option of not loosing changes when you do that reboot.

[Peter2150]

Okay, now the real test. I've emailed them on 4 separate things. Response will tell an awful lot.

[ErikAlbert]

Farmerlee and Franklin,

You probably remember the destructive command "DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q".
I stored this command in a notepad-file to remember it.

Today I ran the trial version of NOD32 as a test and suddenly NOD32 reports a threat and it was my notepad-file with this red remark of NOD32 : probably a variant of BAT/KillFiles trojan

I wrote a variant of the BAT/KillFiles trojan at Wilders, security forum #1.
ROFLMAO.

[Franklin]

{QUOTE-> Farmerlee and Franklin,
I wrote a variant of the BAT/KillFiles trojan at Wilders, security forum #1.
ROFLMAO. <-QUOTE}
That's a laugh!;D
:wacko:

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Farmerlee and Franklin,

You probably remember the destructive command "DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q".
I stored this command in a notepad-file to remember it.

Today I ran the trial version of NOD32 as a test and suddenly NOD32 reports a threat and it was my notepad-file with this red remark of NOD32 : probably a variant of BAT/KillFiles trojan

I wrote a variant of the BAT/KillFiles trojan at Wilders, security forum #1.
ROFLMAO. <-QUOTE}

That is pretty funny, I think.

[Peter2150]

Well I was getting pretty pleased with what I was seeing with this product. Then it I hit the Make or Break test, and it flunked.

I did a copy with FDISR and got an error consistently. It was Shadowdefenders driver. Couldn't find any way to unprotected so I uninstalled it. If my other emails are answered I will then ask about this.

If they can't solve it, another one bites the dust.

[screamer]

That'sa pity, the app looked promising :(

...screamer

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> That'sa pity, the app looked promising :(

...screamer <-QUOTE}

It does. First test is do they respond. 2nd test will be is there away to easily unprotect the driver. Time will tell.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> Well I was getting pretty pleased with what I was seeing with this product. Then it I hit the Make or Break test, and it flunked.

I did a copy with FDISR and got an error consistently. It was Shadowdefenders driver. Couldn't find any way to unprotected so I uninstalled it. If my other emails are answered I will then ask about this.

If they can't solve it, another one bites the dust. <-QUOTE}

Ah. Maybe save me wasting any more time with it if that is the case. Have already got a couple of problems with it, so if it is not working properly with FDISR, that would be the last straw. Thanks Peter.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Ah. Maybe save me wasting any more time with it if that is the case. Have already got a couple of problems with it, so if it is not working properly with FDISR, that would be the last straw. Thanks Peter. <-QUOTE}
Any software that doesn't like FDISR will be ditched, that is my general policy. :)

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> Any software that doesn't like FDISR will be ditched, that is my general policy. :) <-QUOTE}


Actually Erik, this software does have some nice features, such as the "Exclusions" which I found very useful. However, I am getting a Runtime Error on reboot, which flashes too fast to read. Also I dont have any Taskbar Icon to open the program with, even though it is showing "ShadowMode" at the top of the screen. I have to "start" the program manually, which is very strange also.

BUT, as my whole way of working revolves around, and relies upon FDISR, there is nothing more important to me than keeping FDISR error-free.

Ken

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Actually Erik, this software does have some nice features, such as the "Exclusions" which I found very useful. However, I am getting a Runtime Error on reboot, which flashes too fast to read. Also I dont have any Taskbar Icon to open the program with, even though it is showing "ShadowMode" at the top of the screen. I have to "start" the program manually, which is very strange also.

BUT, as my whole way of working revolves around, and relies upon FDISR, there is nothing more important to me than keeping FDISR error-free.

Ken <-QUOTE}
Well, these people of ShadowDefender only have to download and install FDISR and do some serious tests and hopefully they will find a solution. I would try to break my OWN software in every possible way and challenge other people to try it too.

[Perman]

{QUOTE-> Any software that doesn't like FDISR will be ditched, that is my general policy. :) <-QUOTE}
Hi, Eric:IMO , it is very bold assumption. FD-ISR is utilizing snapshot technology, any other apps adopting similar pattern are bound to have conflict issues with it. For instances, Progress Guard for one, FD-ISR will creates errors during FD-ISR's copying snapshot containing PG. DeepFreeze may not be happy to share a room with it, for two. And ShadowUser may have to exclude ISR's driver in order to share same platform with it, for three. Mind you, these three apps I mentioned are not all that bad programs. Each program does has its shortcomings, such as,FD-ISR can not survive killdisk trojan attack. That is THE reason I did not continue to use it. I do respect your policy, however, it has been saying: one's rags could be other's treasures. In this real world I do believe in it. Take care.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Hi, Eric:IMO , it is very bold assumption. FD-ISR is utilizing snapshot technology, any other apps adopting similar pattern are bound to have conflict issues with it. For instances, Progress Guard for one, FD-ISR will creates errors during FD-ISR's copying snapshot containing PG. DeepFreeze may not be happy to share a room with it, for two. And ShadowUser may have to exclude ISR's driver in order to share same platform with it, for three. Mind you, these three apps I mentioned are not all that bad programs. Each program does has its shortcomings, such as,FD-ISR can not survive killdisk trojan attack. That is THE reason I did not continue to use it. I do respect your policy, however, it has been saying: one's rags could be other's treasures. In this real world I do believe in it. Take care. <-QUOTE}
Yes, but I am a FDISR-user and I'm not planning to change that. Any software that is a problem for FDISR goes.
The killdisk doesn't have a chance on my computer, because I have Anti-Executable to stop this killdisk virus.
FDISR is not a security software, Anti-Executable is one. You are confusing security with recovery.
PowerShadow is discussed in the anti-malware forum, wrong place because PS is NOT a security software, it's a recovery software.

[Franklin]

Have uninstalled Returnil to run SD for a bit on it's own merits.

Did notice with Returnil active that after a reboot into full shadow mode that only D and E were shadowed and not C where and when Returnil was active.

Or at least that's what SD's gui showed.

I would hazard a guess and say that SD is emulating a virtual hard drive such as when you shutdown a vm and discard all changes but with the advantage of being able to single out a folder/s to retain changes and or save data.

Seems OK here as I only use ghost images as my backup which I have to use through a ghost 2003 floppy for Vista and or sata drives as Ghost 2003 isn't workable from it's windows gui on those systems.

[rendez2k]

Whats the problem with FDISR + SD? I took SD out of protect mode and rebooted then copied my current snapshot to a backup and all completed without error, unless I've misunderstood the issue?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Whats the problem with FDISR + SD? I took SD out of protect mode and rebooted then copied my current snapshot to a backup and all completed without error, unless I've misunderstood the issue? <-QUOTE}

I assume you mean shadow mode. When I first attempted a copy into and archive I got a copy error on the SD driver. Same result on repeated attempts.

BUT, I did find a fairly satisfactory work around.

What I did was boot to my secondary snap and do a copy/update from PRimary to archive. That went error free. Then once back in Primary, I retried the copy and since the driver was in the archive there was no problem. I tried several restore scenario's and it went fine.

At this point I'd say no conflict that isn't managable.


Also one of my sales questions emails has been answered so that is good.

[Peter2150]

Yet another update. Got an email tonight about one of my bug reports. There is a new version on the website.

So now I know that their support responds. Very good.

Pete

[nanana1]

That update is fast !

8/24 it was showing version 1.0.0.72
8/27 now is the lastest version 1.0.0.78.

Wish they will show the changelog as well.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> That update is fast !

8/24 it was showing version 1.0.0.72
8/27 now is the lastest version 1.0.0.78.

Wish they will show the changelog as well. <-QUOTE}

I think it was a bug fix in the driver. I reported one Friday night. Your right it was fast.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Each program does has its shortcomings, such as,FD-ISR can not survive killdisk trojan attack. That is THE reason I did not continue to use it. <-QUOTE}

Hi Perman

I just caught this statement and am surprised. I assume then you've stopped using all your imaging programs for the same reason. They by themselves don't survive killdisk either.

Pete

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I think it was a bug fix in the driver. I reported one Friday night. Your right it was fast. <-QUOTE}

Hope the driver is now more robust. Frankly, I was quietly happy that as you had tested, the driver cannot be easily unprotected, conversely I would be worried if it could be easily unprotected for our own security.

[Peter2150]

And yet another update. Concerning the FDISR problem. They for obvious reasons need to protect the driver when in Shadow Mode, but they said they can change it for normal mode. Stay tuned for a new version that will make FDISR happy.

I am impressed. These guys, wherever they are, really are respondng and trying.

[nanana1]

That's great to know !

As I did the first time I saw this Shadow Defender software, I think I saw a gem in the making. Really cannot imagine how they have such many features with 692KB file size when ShadowUser used 6.3MB and didn't have those features.

Also have tried Returnil for a while when it was first available but didn't have quite the same feeling.

Hence, I became very vocal and even pushy to some forumers (especially Mod, Pete2150) on this application which I've never done before. My sincere apologies !

[Peter2150]

Hi nanana1

No problem. First i wasn't responding as a mod, but as a member, and I don't mind admitting I was wrong.

In fact I thoroughly tested the bug fix, and they indeed did fix it. In fact I sort of stress tested it, with no problem. Almost as impressive is since it was a conflict, there was a good possiblity of the "it's not my problem" stuff. None of that, but just a fix. I am close to warming up the credit card.

Pete

[nanana1]

Thanks, Pete2150 !

So is the current version 1.0.0.78 FDISR-friendly or can we expect another update from the Shadow Defender developers ?

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Thanks, Pete2150 !

So is the current version 1.0.0.78 FDISR-friendly or can we expect another update from the Shadow Defender developers ? <-QUOTE}

I've been able to work around FDISR on 78, but there should be another build shortly.

[Peter2150]

Further update. Although they haven't posted it yet, I was sent a new build, and the FDISR problem appears to be fixed.

I am impressed. Since Friday I reported two problems. Both conflicts, and in both cases no questioning just fixes. Some of the big boy's could take note of that.

[Gerard Morentzy]

{QUOTE-> Further update. Although they haven't posted it yet, I was sent a new build, and the FDISR problem appears to be fixed.

I am impressed. Since Friday I reported two problems. Both conflicts, and in both cases no questioning just fixes. Some of the big boy's could take note of that. <-QUOTE}

Pretty impressive.

[Perman]

Hi, Folk: That is exact what we, consumers, often wish that the vendors which supply your favored products NEVER grow out of the range. Boutique-size business often provide personal touch services better than mega-size ones.

[Peter2150]

FInal update. Build 91 is now on the website. FDISR copy error is fixed. Obviously there would still be an error to try and copy in shadow mode, but in normal mode it's fne.

One thing I tried was running my market charting programs shadowed. After making a bunch of changes I realized oops. But since it stores everyting in it's folder in Program Files, I just went into explorer, right clicked on the folder and committed the whole thing. Worked like a champ.

Test over, two licenses purchased

[rendez2k]

Great news Peter. I think I'll be just behind you purchasing. I tried the new Returnil last night and had a few issues, where as this worked straight out of the box. Combined with good customer services it looks like a keeper!

[Empath]

I installed it, but then removed it. With it installed, Windows wouldn't shut down properly. I would get to the point of the screen saying "Windows is shutting down", but then it wouldn't close unless I did a forced close through the power switch.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> I installed it, but then removed it. With it installed, Windows wouldn't shut down properly. I would get to the point of the screen saying "Windows is shutting down", but then it wouldn't close unless I did a forced close through the power switch. <-QUOTE}

Thats strange,installed like a breeze,happy with this small package and very straightforward in use and also to create a save folder of choice.Waiting for MS to implement this in next Windows !?!?!

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> I installed it, but then removed it. With it installed, Windows wouldn't shut down properly. I would get to the point of the screen saying "Windows is shutting down", but then it wouldn't close unless I did a forced close through the power switch. <-QUOTE}

Did you give it a few minutes. THat is when I believe it is reverting the systemb back, so it might take a few. Also if it really doesn't shut down and is repeatable Ii would email support. They do respond.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> I installed it, but then removed it. With it installed, Windows wouldn't shut down properly. I would get to the point of the screen saying "Windows is shutting down", but then it wouldn't close unless I did a forced close through the power switch. <-QUOTE}

That's strange......It installed ok and shut down ok for me. Tested it on 2 machines, both no problem. Do e-mail your problem with details to them.

[Franklin]

Working fine here on Vista/XP drives.

Did have a glitch where I deleted a couple of old ghost images on this XP drive whilst in full shadow.

Realised I was still in full shadow and I thought, oh well just have reboot out of shadow and see how SD handled it.

On reboot I was locked in shadow mode with a password prompt coming up to access the gui.No password had ever been set.

Rebooted a couple of times to see if it would jog something but still no go.

Got out of it by restoring from a ghost image.After restore I could access the gui which showed C as unshadowed but the other two partitions as shadowed.

Set to reboot out of shadow and things seemed to work fine again.

Emailed support as if I didn't have images I would like to know how to get out of this situation.

I didn't mention that I had fixed the prob with an image.

First email - Stuck in shadow with password prompt to access gui.No password set.

Reply - Uninstall/install new version.

Second email - Um, err won't uninstall in shadow mode.

Reply - Please replace the ptfltr.sys to
c:\windows\system32\drivers\ptfltr.sys, and commit it to the original
volume, then reboot.
After reboot, you will can luanch the UI of SD. I'm very sorry to
subject you to this trouble.

Left it that but where was I to get ptfltr.sys to replace and commit.I'm probably missing something simple there.Could have grabbed one out of an image I suppose.

Besides that glitch I am really liking Shadow Defender with it's ability to shadow all partitions, drop out a folder to save things to and commit anything on the fly.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE->
Besides that glitch I am really liking Shadow Defender with it's ability to shadow all partitions, drop out a folder to save things to and commit anything on the fly. <-QUOTE}
That's what I like the most about SD, which seems to be quite unique compared with other immediate system recovery softwares + the fact that it passed some serious destructive tests.

[MikeNAS]

This software looks very good. Have to buy it now. Maybe they change license type soon :)

[Franklin]

Haven't been able to access Shadow Defender's homepage for a couple of days now.

Can someone try it please.Link is in Erik's post below.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Haven't been able to access Shadow Defender's homepage for a couple of days now.

Can someone try it please.Link is in my siggy. <-QUOTE}
This link works fine for me :
http://www.shadowdefender.com/

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Haven't been able to access Shadow Defender's homepage for a couple of days now.

Can someone try it please.Link is in my siggy. <-QUOTE}

Just tried it, and it worked.

[Diprivan]

I have been unable to access the Shadowdefender website for the last few days. What could be the problem?

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> I have been unable to access the Shadowdefender website for the last few days. What could be the problem? <-QUOTE}You might have a local DNS problem. Works fine for me. Try the direct IP address http://75.126.78.35/

Blue

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> I have been unable to access the Shadowdefender website for the last few days. What could be the problem? <-QUOTE}

Same for me here. Tried all the links, but no good.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Same for me here. Tried all the links, but no good. <-QUOTE}

Very strange. Just tried with no problem. Also just downloaded new version.

[Franklin]

My trial kept breaking whenever I made or restored a ghost image so I've stopped using it.

Also if I setup a drive as slave that had SD installed windows kept finding new hardware but couldn't find drivers for ghost drives SD seems to create for each partition.

Seems my ip is then blocked from accessing their site but you can still access it through hiding your ip using pimp my ip.

Back to Returnil here.
http://www.pimpmyip.org/

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> Very strange. Just tried with no problem. Also just downloaded new version. <-QUOTE}


Still the same this morning on all links Peter. I am hoping to get the latest build. Will keep trying anyway.

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Still the same this morning on all links Peter. I am hoping to get the latest build. Will keep trying anyway. <-QUOTE}
Did you check your HOSTS file or Restricted Zones in MSIE or anything else that might block the access to this website ?

[Franklin]

Kennyboy, copy and paste this link http://75.126.78.35/ into the search box of this link http://www.pimpmyip.org/ and see how it goes.

[nanana1]

Yea....noticed their website seems to be down over the weekend.
I am usually able to access on weekdays.

But using Franklin's method, I am able to see their web page and pleased that there is another update. version 1.0.0.95.:D
Should be a small update.:P

[kennyboy]

@ EA. Nothing blocked that I can see in Opera. Hosts file seems untouched from when I accessed the site before. Nothing suspicious there.

@Franklin. That link worked perfectly. Thankyou. Is this telling me something about my browser setup, or maybe something else?

Anyway, very grateful to both of you for your input.

Ken

[Diprivan]

Thanks Franklin,
Works for me as well.

[Franklin]

Hmmnn, seems that some trialers/users may be having their ip address blacklisted as the Pimp My IP link hides it.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> Hmmnn, seems that some trialers/users may be having their ip address blacklisted as the Pimp My IP link hides it. <-QUOTE}

Well, I am in Asia which can be viewed as suspicious in itself....... :-\

But so far as I know, this is the only site that it happens on.

Anyway, many thanks again.

Ken

[nanana1]

This is weird.....just tried to access the website directly and was able to, not blacklisted as Franklin said. Tried this morning but cannot.

WHY ????

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> This is weird.....just tried to access the website directly and was able to, not blacklisted as Franklin said. Tried this morning but cannot.

WHY ???? <-QUOTE}


PM now, and still not able to access it directly. Very strange.

[Peter2150]

Still no problem here.

[nanana1]

Interesting chinese forum site link

http://www.cnsw.org/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=75160&extra=&page=1

The threadstarter claims to be the developer of this software and he was scared stiff about our discussion here, especially the discussion about the copying of the help and instruction menu from ShadowUser which he admitted to doing on the grounds that his poor command of English language left him with no choices;D

[Franklin]

Thanks for the link nanana1, not that I understood much but I did see that Erik's DEL C:\*.* /F /S /Q + Enter command was mentioned.

Had a bit of a chuckle at one of posters reply to the above.
{QUOTE-> Poster = leak:
terrible,this equals formatting drive c. what the hell does this guy try to do?

who knows if it is your competitor who wrote this article.(meaning PowerShadow I think)
<-QUOTE}

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Interesting chinese forum site link

http://www.cnsw.org/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=75160&extra=&page=1

The threadstarter claims to be the developer of this software and he was scared stiff about our discussion here, especially the discussion about the copying of the help and instruction menu from ShadowUser which he admitted to doing on the grounds that his poor command of English language left him with no choices;D <-QUOTE}

I may email them, as they have no worry. I would never have bought it if it hadn't been confirmed that the driver wasn't a copy of someone else's work.

[Perman]

Hi, folks: Yes, those guys do watch and are very care about that we have discussed here. The new kid has publicly admit that he has copied help file from its competitor( I assume it is powershadow) WORD to WORD. I just worry his foolish action may have constituted a potential law suit there. In the blog, several posters challenge him with topics such as (1)Microsoft's StateReady, saying his codes is just portion of that, or (2) Isarel's Reload, Korea's IZX, Bpuse, or Taiwan's EasyBack are much superior to Shadow Defender. The type and scope of debates are really an eye-opener for me. Those discussions are very likely never or perhaps seldomly permitted in Wilders. Someone even posted codes to construct a program capable of getting into/ and out shadow mode without REBOOT by using diskperf ? Very interesting blogs indeed, especially for those who have advanced knowhow of security programming.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Hi, folks: Yes, those guys do watch and are very care about that we have discussed here. The new kid has publicly admit that he has copied help file from its competitor( I assume it is powershadow) WORD to WORD. I just worry his foolish action may have constituted a potential law suit there. In the blog, several posters challenge him with topics such as (1)Microsoft's StateReady, saying his codes is just portion of that, or (2) Isarel's Reload, Korea's IZX, Bpuse, or Taiwan's EasyBack are much superior to Shadow Defender. The type and scope of debates are really an eye-opener for me. Those discussions are very likely never or perhaps seldomly permitted in Wilders. Someone even posted codes to construct a program capable of getting into/ and out shadow mode without REBOOT by using diskperf ? Very interesting blogs indeed, especially for those who have advanced knowhow of security programming. <-QUOTE}

It was shadowuser and I don't think they have to worry about a lawsuit

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> In the blog, several posters challenge him with topics such as (1)Microsoft's StateReady, saying his codes is just portion of that, or (2) Isarel's Reload, Korea's IZX, Bpuse, or Taiwan's EasyBack are much superior to Shadow Defender. <-QUOTE}
Most of those programs are localized versions of Rollback-Rx/EAZ-FIX.
Shadow Defender is more similar to Returnil.

ps. strangely when I install it on my system protects every partition but not the C: ???

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> Most of those programs are localized versions of Rollback-Rx/EAZ-FIX.
Shadow Defender is more similar to Returnil.

ps. strangely when I install it on my system protects every partition but not the C: ??? <-QUOTE}

If you like it conceptually, email them. The responded very quickly when I did.

Pete

[pandlouk]

{QUOTE-> If you like it conceptually, email them. The responded very quickly when I did.

Pete <-QUOTE}
I did not have the latest one. ::)
I downloaded it and it worked fine.

They gained another customer. :thumb: (I'll purchase it in the next hours)

[kennyboy]

It has gone very quiet on Shadow Defender. I thought that for a new program in a quite vital area of software, there would be more comments/queries.
Can I assume that all is well, and the proggie is working as it should with no problems for everyone.
Would like some more feedback if anyone has anything to say, good or bad about it.
I am still with Returnil at the moment, but I love the idea of protecting multiple partitions.

Many Thanks.

Ken

[yahoo]

If you are using Vista Ultimate and have BitLocker turned on, Shadow Defender will not work. At least, it failed when I tried it. This makes me question the mechanism behind Shadow Defender: is it really as reliable as it seems to be?

I almost had paid for Shadow Defender just because of the good words here. Well, fortunately, I tried it before giving the money out:). Now, I have decided to try DeepFreeze 6.3 instead. It works great, and I plan to purchase it.

[Huupi]

{QUOTE-> It has gone very quiet on Shadow Defender. I thought that for a new program in a quite vital area of software, there would be more comments/queries.
Can I assume that all is well, and the proggie is working as it should with no problems for everyone.
Would like some more feedback if anyone has anything to say, good or bad about it.
I am still with Returnil at the moment, but I love the idea of protecting multiple partitions.

Many Thanks.

Ken <-QUOTE}

multiple part. why not Power Shadow ?

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> multiple part. why not Power Shadow ? <-QUOTE}

Sorry. Mistyped that. Should have said Multiple DRIVES!

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> Sorry. Mistyped that. Should have said Multiple DRIVES! <-QUOTE}
I prefer multiple partitions, rather than multiple drives.
Many users with one harddisk don't even know they have a partition [C:] on their harddisk, because the partition [C:] is as big as their harddisk.
Two years back I thought that each partition letter was a physical harddisk. ::)

Returnil protects only partition [C:], while ShadowDefender seems to protect all existing partitions, if you want this. That makes SD more interesting, even when you don't use it, you have at least the possibility.

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE->

Returnil protects only partition [C:], while ShadowDefender seems to protect all existing partitions, if you want this. That makes SD more interesting, even when you don't use it, you have at least the possibility. <-QUOTE}

That is exactly why I am interested in peoples experience so far with SD. Their 30day trial must be coming to an end soon.......:)

[ErikAlbert]

{QUOTE-> That is exactly why I am interested in peoples experience so far with SD. Their 30day trial must be coming to an end soon.......:) <-QUOTE}
I'm planning to try it as soon my computer is reinstalled, meanwhile I read the posts at Wilders about SD.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> That is exactly why I am interested in peoples experience so far with SD. Their 30day trial must be coming to an end soon.......:) <-QUOTE}

People already had their experiences. It's time you had yours and tell others here your experiences. Don't be selfish :wacko:

[kennyboy]

{QUOTE-> People already had their experiences. It's time you had yours and tell others here your experiences. Don't be selfish :wacko: <-QUOTE}

When I have some, you will hear!!

Now for some sensible answers thankyou.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> If you are using Vista Ultimate and have BitLocker turned on, Shadow Defender will not work. At least, it failed when I tried it. This makes me question the mechanism behind Shadow Defender: is it really as reliable as it seems to be?

I almost had paid for Shadow Defender just because of the good words here. Well, fortunately, I tried it before giving the money out:). Now, I have decided to try DeepFreeze 6.3 instead. It works great, and I plan to purchase it. <-QUOTE}

Actually, this would more likely make me question Vista, but that's me. But on 3 xp pro boxes, it works like a champ.

[yahoo]

{QUOTE-> Actually, this would more likely make me question Vista, but that's me. But on 3 xp pro boxes, it works like a champ. <-QUOTE}

If it is used on XP, why not ShadowUser? Well, I know it is just a choice.

[nanana1]

{QUOTE-> If it is used on XP, why not ShadowUser? Well, I know it is just a choice. <-QUOTE}

This has been discussed many times in this thread. Don't be lazy, read them.:blink:

Can ShadowUser go into shadowmode without a reboot?
Can you password protect ShadowUser ?
etc.:thumbd:

[yahoo]

{QUOTE-> This has been discussed many times in this thread. Don't be lazy, read them.:blink:

Can ShadowUser go into shadowmode without a reboot?
Can you password protect ShadowUser ?
etc.:thumbd: <-QUOTE}

I had read them, but I just have forgotten them:(

It is true that these functions may be very important to some people, although I can live without them. To me, ShadowUser is a well proved product made by a company with good reputations. So does DeepFreeze. That's what really matters to me.

Anyway, Shadow Defender does not work on my computer. I do not want to be any kind of beta tester of a paid software either. I have no choice but to say bye-bye Shadow Defender.

[Empath]

{QUOTE-> That is exactly why I am interested in peoples experience so far with SD. Their 30day trial must be coming to an end soon.......:) <-QUOTE}

I mentioned my negative experience, but it appears negatives aren't important enough to discuss. I purchased it, based on the glowing experiences here. I tried it out, and it seemed great. The only problem I noted was that XP no longer shuts down. I uninstalled it, and everything was back the way it should be. I doubt that I'll reinstall unless I hear the problem has been addressed and fixed.

I'd certainly recommend using the trial offer first.

[Peter2150]

{QUOTE-> I mentioned my negative experience, but it appears negatives aren't important enough to discuss. I purchased it, based on the glowing experiences here. I tried it out, and it seemed great. The only problem I noted was that XP no longer shuts down. I uninstalled it, and everything was back the way it should be. I doubt that I'll reinstall unless I hear the problem has been addressed and fixed.

I'd certainly recommend using the trial offer first. <-QUOTE}

Have you contacted support? They have responded well to issues I reported.

Pete

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> I mentioned my negative experience, but it appears negatives aren't important enough to discuss. <-QUOTE}Empath,

Negatives are always important to discuss, but so far you seem unique in that specific issue and that will certainly impact the evolution of any further discussion.

As for what I've noticed thus far in my own hands: There seems to be a bit of a conflict with the Acronis TI snapshot manager. On logging into my machine while in shadow mode it was very likely a spontaneous restart would occur. At times, 4-5 restarts were needed before I hit the right timing to successfully boot. The only way to resolve this issue was to uninstall Acronis TI.
I still see system lock ups if I engage in a (typically) multihour shadow session. Often, by not always, the lockup occurs while launching an application in which it's primary file area is excluded. This may or may not be a factor. The lockup generally develops as a slowing of system responsiveness over a few minutes until the system becomes completely unresponsive. During the "slowing", mouse movements quickly goes from normal to jumpy while the ability to launch or close any application or the Task Manager is lost immediately. A hard powerdown is the only way out of this problem. At present, restricting the period of shadow sessions obviously minimizes the problem, although I'd like a fix. I've only seen this behavior with the latest version (1.0.0.95), I haven't replicated the circumstances to see if it impacts earlier versions as well.
Support has been..., shall we say..., silent. Three emails on the issues noted above have gone unanswered over the course of the last 10 days. Multiple addresses have been provided in the event of server level filtering on my primary address. This hasn't resolved the lack of communication. There's really not much I can do to remedy the unreturned emails, but I'm done sending reminders....

Overall, I see it as a decent product that's still getting some issues ironed out. They clear need to work on customer support, there's an obvious gap there, at least in my experience.

Naturally, this application was developed on a homogeneous hardware/software base, and when that hardware/software base diversifies, problems not previously noted will emerge. That's what we're seeing now. At present, it more or less sits between the Returnil (system partition only in current version) and ShadowUser (which allows retention of an existing shadow session across restarts, but requires a restart to enter shadow mode) in overall functionality.

{QUOTE-> I'd certainly recommend using the trial offer first. <-QUOTE}Always good advice for any product.

Blue

[Peter2150]

Interesting. They initially responded very well to the first few emails. last one also didn't get a response. Could be the author is on vacation???

Pete

[Perman]

Hi, folks: Author is somewhat English illiterate, his correspondence in English is heavily dependent upon friend's in-time assistance. Perhaps the helper is not around?

[BlueZannetti]

{QUOTE-> Hi, folks: Author is somewhat English illiterate, his correspondence in English is heavily dependent upon friend's in-time assistance. Perhaps the helper is not around? <-QUOTE}That's all well and good - but when one goes commercial, that brings some added responsibilities.

For the record, I briefly ran the program as a trial, decided to examine it for an extended time on one machine - and to accomplish that I purchased a full license - so the unanswered emails were from a licensed user. To be perfectly candid, this isn't the best way to start a commercial endeavor.

Blue

[Osaban]

{QUOTE-> This has been discussed many times in this thread. Don't be lazy, read them.:blink: