I am planing on doing a reinstall of my OS and had specific questions about Returnil 1. What is the main difference between Returnil and a Virtual "OS" or is it pretty much one and the same? 2. I am currently running a trial of it now to see if I want to add it on with the fresh install but wondered about software updates, MS updates, desired downloads and installing programs. Do I always have to reboot to make it "stick? 3. Because of it's "dream" environment, does Returnil help protect the registry?
Hello JustFixIt and welcome They are different. By "Virtual 'OS'" I will assume for the moment that you are refering to something like VMWare where you have a Host and guest OSs using hardware simulation to create a computer inside of a computer. This senario requires fully licensed versions of other Operating Systems in addition to the one you already have installed (Host). Returnil clones the changes made to your native (Host) OS's system partition without using or needing a guest OS or to take any resources away from your native OS for it to work. No, you do however need to turn RVS protection off in order to install MS/Windows Updates, "permanent" installation of new programs, and those program updates that require changes to the registry. This also includes Disk defragmentation and diagnostic features like Check Disk. Yes. It also includes protection for the MBR Mike
Thanks for the reply Mike. So in regards to updates what would be the best setup with Returnil? Like case scenario: MS Updates usually aren't available until you shut down, and SAS/AV/MAlware programs usually update on start up or during your internet session. So I guess what I am wondering is if there is a "on -off" switch so to speak or a specific way to configure it to allow MS/AV updates.
AV signature updates are applied but lost at restart with RVS protection on so you do not have to do anything special as these updates will be reaquired the next time you connect to the internet. Microsoft updates and program upgrades needing a restart will require turning RVS protection off. The best way to deal with MS Updates is based on their release schedule (once or twice a month): Turn protection off for a "maintenance day" at the same time as the Microsoft releases and update/upgrade as required. Mike
Cant you use the file inclusion system to ensure that important updates are saved to the real system?
Hi DH, Yes and no. If the update does not require a restart or have associated registry changes, then yes, you can use the File Manager list to save those files to the real system. If they require a restart or changes to the registry, then no, this would not work.
