The unofficial Shadow Defender Support Thread.

Really? Not only haven't you read this thread, you haven't even read the page.

 

Yes, as long as you can live with the risk that it's going to have no future updates, e.g. a Microsoft update could theoretically break it (it's happened with SBIE for example). If you want a supported product then look at Returnil, TTF etc.

 

Most of us here (myself included) would answer Yes. At this point no one here really knows about future developement of SD (it's a crap-shoot). But SD is one really great program!

TS

PS. It still works well with Win 7 and the Win 8-CP.

 

Well said, Scott!

Best regards.

KOR!

 

Yep and the day it is no longer good or broken then DeepFreeze would be my second choice.

 

Imho DF is not an adequate alternative to SD. DF flunked this 'acid-test'.

 

I was not aware of that thanks for the heads up.

 

Just to reiterate what i've staed before, for those that missed it

SD in my experience with testing Lots of Nasties, including Rookits/Trojans etc etc, & from reading about tests on other Virtual type Apps, is the BEST there is

No leakthroughs/issues/bsod's etc etc =

 

Whomever now owns the rights to SD's source code they obviously don't realize that they are missing out on a good revenue stream by not developing/supporting it in the manner it deserves!

TS

 

How old the above test is?

Are you sure that Deep Freeze hasn't changed in the last two years?

That it would not pass the so called, 'acid-test' today?

Do you have a latest 'acid-test'?

Best regards,

KOR!

 

Do you know why I used sarcasm, it is because you forgot something very important that we discussed earlier.

SD doesn't have any problem, however it sometimes doesn't work on SSDs. And, the result being very few programs loosing its settings. However, if you have Rollback Rx installed, then Rollback Rx puts your SSD in RAID array to ensure that it works properly and TRIM is working properly too. Remember the screen shot I posted for you.

Now if your SSD is in RAID array than SD should work properly and you shouldn't have any problems with very few programs loosing its setting. So, you don't need all that stuff you posted earlier.

Didn't we establish this earlier, that SD works properly in conjunction with Rollback Rx as Rollback Rx puts the SSD in RAID array!

Best regards,

KOR!

P.S. And, for this reason I asked Scoobydoo to be a good reader!

 

All I said was that SD works with RX, and others had said the same. I have given examples of my own configuration that may be useful to some. How does this has to do with the RAID thing? Two different things. You seem to be negatively predisposed towards the fact that SD works well with RX for some of us. I certainly haven't said anything to you that would warrant your negative reaction towards me. I hope you can see this. That's the last I will speak of this, it's pointless to argue.

 

That test is almost two years old, but at that time the version of DF was 7.0.x and the current version is 7.2.x, so I doubt that DF has changed much at all since then. Let's just say I wouldn't bet on it.

I don't know if Buster BSA has run more recent tests, but since he is a Wilders member you can pm him and ask.

TS

PS. I also seem to recall that Scott W ran some tests, but I'm not really sure...

 

Hello.

I am a novice when it comes to personal computer security.

I'm thinking of doing a trial of Shadow Defender but I have a few questions (and my guess is that they've already been covered within this thread, and if they have been please excuse me).

My primary questions concern the "exclusion list" and the "commit now" features.

I do a lot of writing with Microsoft Word, use Outlook 2007, and Firefox 13 (only occasionally will I use Internet Explorer).

1. If I have a MS Word document that I've edited and want to go back to it again, say next week, do I have to add MS Word to the exclusion list or use the "commit now" feature so that the edited changes become permanent?

2. With MS Outlook too: say I delete 5 pieces of junk mail. Will those email messages come through again only if I don't use the commit feature?

3. Can anyone say how would I save bookmarks in Firefox 13 and with Internet Explorer?

4. Can anyone suggest what they believe the most important folders, programs, etc are to run in Shadow Mode are?


Thank you again.

 

Gabriolone,

Shadow Defender protects an entire hard drive or entire selectable partitions by running everything therein within a 'virtualized environment' (Shadow Mode). Shadow Mode can be enabled on bootup or on-demand (my preference). Any and all changes (including malware infections) to the drive/partition(s) while in Shadow Mode are discarded upon your subsequent restart or shutdown. SD does allow you to specify files/folders for exclusion (from running in Shadow Mode) and it also allows you to specify files/folders to commit to your 'real environment'. Personally I don't use either feature because I feel it partially defeats the protection afforded by SD.

The answers to your questions actually depend on how your system is configured and how you decide to use SD. Without knowing your system configuration, let me say that (imho) the best way to use SD is to keep all of your user-files on a separate (unprotected by SD) drive/partition. Windows, IE, Program Files (including all MS Office programs), etc. still remain on your C-partition.

The way I use SD is to keep all of my user files on D:, only placing C: in Shadow Mode when I'm surfing the net. If, when in Shadow Mode, I should create/modify a Word document those changes are written to my unprotected D-partition. Similarly, all Outlook changes (email, calendar, etc.) are also written to my D-partition. The same goes for any other user-files. That way I don't have to exclude or commit anything!

When I get notified of Windows updates I typically download and install them before entering Shadow Mode. And since I use a cloud-based AV I don't have to concern myself with frequent AV signature updates.

 

Hi there,

I'm a firm advocate of the way The Shadow uses SD - btw, nice post TS! However if your user files are on the volume protected by SD then the answers to your questions are as follows:

1. Either way works. Exclusions are more of the typical thing you want to do, whereas committing is more for the exceptions. But you don't exclude/commit programs (i.e., MS Word), just the associated user files/folders.

2. If you do not exclude or commit Outlook's pst file, then yes.

3. I'm not a FF user, but you would have to locate the file/folder containing those bookmarks and add it to your exclusion list (or commit it just at those times when you change bookmarks).

4. You don't run folders/programs in Shadow Mode ...as The Shadow stated, SD protects entire volumes (less exclusions).

Scott

 

Hi Gabriolone

See this post for firefox bookmarks:- #964
Internet Explorer store their [your] Favorites, in C:\Users\USERNAME\Favorites.

Take Care
TheQuest

 

Hi everyone..

My name is Cj and I'm 12.. I am new here at wilders forum because I'm in search for answers about Shadow Defender.. Honestly I haven't tried it yet because of many related problems that I've read in google but before installing it I decided to register here at wilders and ask a few questions from computer experts here..

First of all I am a newbie in PC / Laptop user.. I just only know the basics and I do not know how to protect my old laptop.. Just for reference, I have a Dell Latitude D620 with windows xp sp3 and I just use it for school stuffs like doing my homeworks and reports at school..

My laptop got infected last week with a trojan virus while browsing the net with firefox and my symantec endpoint security got it but my default microsoft security essentials did not.. So what I did is uninstalled this two default security programs and installed an evaluation copy of Eset Smart Security 5 and all is okay now..

After a few days I installed a trial version of TuneUp utilities 2012 and then I notice the "windows is starting up" screen with the faded windows logo.. Is that normal? I hope somebody could answer that one..

Anyhow I uninstalled TuneUp utilities 2012 now but its still the same with the faded "windows is starting up logo.. I also tried Malwarebyte before installing Eset and got no virus infections now..

Now comes the part I have discovered Shadow Defender.. Been searching for a software that could protect my old laptop so I can use it without worries.. At first I've read about Deep Freeze and I found out that it got bugs in it and they say the Deep Freeze icon disappear sometimes and it wont comeback so they said the only solution is to format.. Honestly I do not know how to format mine so I did not install it..

Sorry for the long intro guys so I hope u guys are okay with my post. I have other question below and maybe u guys can help me a bit..

1. Is Shadow Defender safe to use? For personal use because I do not want sudden changes in my laptop..

2. If its safe, what version of Shadow Defender would u guys suggest? I have a Dell Latitude D620 with Windows xp sp3..

3. Or is it not safe for me? Should I just stick to Eset Smart Security instead?

4. Are there other software like Shadow Defender and Deep Frezze that are safer for me?

5. (Off topic question) Is there a factory reset in DEll Latitude D620? You know if you want to reset it to original settings without installing the windows xp os..

Thank you for taking time reading my post and I hope nobody would get mad at me because of my questions.. Its just that I cant or find someone to ask this questions because most of the time I will get confused..

I will be happy if someone could answer the above query. All your help is highly appreciated. Thank u in advance..

Best Regards,
CJ

 

Hi cJ7 I'm not an expert...there are many such users on this forum, but in my short and honest opinion:
ad.1 - yes...SD is still safe, solid and worth of money...of course you can find some opinion about its problems/conflicts on SSD disk or some concrete machines, but most users are very satisfied and are its fans...also I'm
ad.2 - I'm using SD on XP SP3 - exactly like you - two years and never had the problems or conflict with system or other apps...even with many kind of security apps. I'm using "325" version but 326 was also stable for me.
ad.3 and 4 - what is more important - AV or virtualisation - it depends on your thinking about security, on your habits in using the system, software and internet. If you prefer AV protection - SD can be simply way to testing software, system tweaks, etc. If you would to prefer virtualisation - AV can be the additional layer of security. SD or Deep Freeze or others like Returnil, Wondershare Time Freeze, Toolwiz Time Freeze are generaly similar in their main function but each one has own unique features...you can read about its on this forum.

 

Hi CJ and welcome to the forum

I'd start with your last question. Most new computers come with a set of recovery discs or with an extra partition that holds a backup of the factory setup. This allows you to restore your system to the state it was when it left the factory. If that partition exists you can usually access it by pressing F8 before Windows loads (the button you have to press may vary but it is usually F8 ). If you still have the computer manual have a look, it will all be there. You said that your laptop is old, so I don't know if you still have the recovery discs or the recovery partition.

If I were you I would first make a backup of all my Documents, Favorites, Photos, Videos, Contacts etc. to an external drive. A USB disk would be ideal for this, just find all your personal stuff and copy them over to the external drive, making sure that it has enough empty space to hold them all. Then you can format the C: partition and install fresh Windows without worrying about losing your stuff.

As soon as you restore your computer to the factory standard make sure you go to Add/Remove Programs in the control panel, and uninstall any software you may not need. Most computers come with such 'bloatware' software and demos pre-installed, and if you don't plan to use them it's best to remove them, it will save you some hard disk space.

I would then install some decent freeware protection. Shadow Defender is a brilliant software that can undo even strurdy rootkit infections, but it is not meant to be used alone. You would still need a firewall with antiexecution functions, plus antivirus/antimalware/antikeylogging software for full real-time protection. I use Comodo Firewall which includes Defense+ antiexecution software. I also use Avast free antivirus, and MalwareBytes' AntiMalware, those two work well together with Comodo firewall. Add KeyScrambler to the mix, this will encrypt your keystrokes making sure that malware cannot exploit any info that you type in.

I use Shadow Defender v1.1.0.325, which for many paranoid users is the last known good version released when Tony (the SD developer) was still around. The current owners of the SD site are unknown, they don't respond to any e-mails, and they provide no support whatsoever, so personally I wouldn't use the Shadow Defender 1.1.0.331 (which was released without a changelog by the unknown owners of the SD domain after Tony's dissappearance...) Some people use the 331 version and they're happy with it, it's your call. Others use BufferZone Pro which is also good software, but me and many others are still sticking with the good old rootkit-killing SD v225 which we know and love.

Whatever you do, make sure that you create a FULL BACKUP of your Windows partition once you have the system setup the way you want it. If something goes wrong in the future and you have a backup, then you can just restore it and have your clean Windows setup up and running again in minutes, without having to reinstall Windows and then add all your favorite software all over again. A backup when your system is clean and trimmed will save you lots of time and heartache in the future. I cannot stress enough how important a backup really is. It is best to make a backup when you are sure that your system is 100% clean, and exactly as you want it to be.

To me there is no point of making a backup of a system that has been previously infected, even if the infections have been cleaned. I would first collect all the software I need and put it on an USB stick (this includes Windows updates which I always download as files so I can install them off-line later). Then I would take the computer off-line (turn off the router and unplug any network cables), boot from the Windows CD and install clean Windows making sure that the computer stays off-line during installation. Once back in Windows I would keep it off-line and configure it the way I want it to be, then take a first backup BEFORE installing and drivers, windows updates, or any other software. This way if something goes wrong with a bad driver or an incompatible Windows update, I can just restore the backup and carry on without having to re-install Windows. After the first backup I would then add all the drivers, windows updates and security software (again off-line), and then take a second backup that will include all that. This way you will have two clean backups of your computer before it is even exposed to the web.

If you want more detailed info check out the guide I wrote a few weeks ago for SSD Review. The guide is for Windows 7 and may require a more intermediate knowledge of basic concepts, but it will still give you some basic principles and pointers on how to be 'paranoid' and keep your system safe and clean!

http://thessdreview.com/Forums/software/2247.htm

Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

Hi sir Ichito,

Thanks a lot for answering my questions about Shadow Defender and by sharing ur honest input. I am so happy because I'm really excited to try SD out. I too love to test out other softwares and games so I think I need SD so that if something bad happens it wont be permanent when I exit Shadow mode and thats a really cool feature I like about it..

I am also amazed of videos at youtube demonstrating the use of SD and I really learned a lot now specially here at wilders forum.. I think a combination of both av and virtualization is good base on what I've learned now.

Thank u..

 

Hello sir CyberMan969,

Thank u for the warm welcome and also by taking time to anwers some of my qestions, I do appreciate all the help..

Honestly, my aunt just gave me this Laptop and its old but its still okay for me. She said that I should familiarize myself first then I can buy a new one soon.. This laptop did'nt come with a manual nor a recovery disk but I had downloaded the manual online.

As for the the recovery partition I only see C: drive.. But I can go on f8 also and in the bios.. Thanks for reminding me about backing up, I have a 8gb usb flash and I put my school stuffs there now. Im still nervous when it comes to formatting tho so I should read more about it here at the forums and learn more about it.

I am glad I've ask what version of SD u guys used 'coz I downloaded the 1.1.0.331 for 32-bit yesterday but have not installed it.. Yup I got now the SD 1.1.0.325_Setup.exe installer and the links on the first page posted by sir Patrick still works.

Been reading about the developer of SD and his absence, I too emailed him asking for his input but I did not recieve any response. I just hope his okay and well so that he can further improve or update SD in the future..

Thanks again for ur great input sir, I have gained new knowledge about it..


So guys, can I ask another question..
I also read a while ago here at wilders that Rollback Rx is a good combination with SD.
Can u please share ur input about it please?

I am now ready to install SD but I will wait first for users who use Rollback Rx..


Thanks a lot to everyone..


Best Regards,
cJ

 

If you install SD BEFORE installing Rollback RX then Rollback will warn you about it and refuse to be installed. Regardless of this warning they both work very well together and each provides its own unique functionality, if you look at some of my previous posts here at Wilders you'll find tips about what them. Just make sure you install Rollback first, allow it to reboot and take the baseline snapshot, then install SD.

Again I would rather do that on a system that hasn't been infected before. It would probably be best to install fresh Windows first and configure it as you want it (making sure you are offline when you do all that), then install Rollback and allow it to reboot and take the first baseline snapshot. This way you can always return to this snapshot in the future and have your Windows fresh and clean with no other software added, exactly as it was the day you installed it.

After Rollback takes the baseline, you can then install SD, drivers, Windows updates, plus all the other software (again it's best if you have saved all those files earlier on a large USB stick, before starting the Windows setup, so you can install them off-line later after Windows is installed).

 

Thank u sir CyberMan969 for that quick reply.. Have not installed them yet, so what version of Rollback Rx should I install?

I will try it out then I will do a format so I can get a clean start,

Thanks again..

 

The latest version of RX is the first link (RollBack Rx V9.1 Client) here:

http://www.horizondatasys.com/309198.ihtml

Good luck, and study hard. Don't listen to any losers at school who make it all a popularity contest, remember you most probably won't ever see any of those idiots again in your life once you finish school. That was the hardest thing for me when I was your age. Things that seem important now are in reality a big nothing, you'll realize this later. People are envious if you're smart, don't pay attention, be confident and just learn as much as you can in order to better yourself. You'll never regret it cj!