the best way to install prgram & drivers , returnil?

Hi
sometime programs(buggy) or drivers(mistaken) can mess up a system

well i was thinking is a good idea before install these programs or drivers try them under a vm?

in short use them under for example returnil , so i can go back and have my pc clean like before the installation of the programs or drivers


is returnil a good choise ? is there a better solution/software

thanks
have a nice day

 

Mantra, VM is the way to go,Returnil is not intended for this as it is actually a security program whose only purpose is to revert back to an earlier state after reboot,but yes you can use it to test installs if they require no reboot.

 

i got it
and if the software need a reboot what could i use?
maybe another vm?

thanks Huupi

 

Windows SteadyState

 

AFAIK, Windows SteadyState's disk protection is the same as Returnil's.

 

You could use Rollback Rx. I've never used it, so I can't give you any real-life experience. According to some posts I've read, you could take a snapshot before you install a program. Then, if you decide that it's bad you rollback using that snapshot. The software will be 100% uninstalled.

 

So can't SteadyState support installation that require reboot (like Returnil)?

 

SteadyState does support this.

 

maybe VirtualBox support the reboot?

 

*edit* Sorry, I answered in the wrong thread. However that happened

 

but i 'looking for a VM
does VirtualBox support the reboot?

 

Windows SteadyState and Returnil allow changes to be committed to disk even when disk protection is on. That's great if you want to install a software permanently, however, the OP wants something that would undo all the changes in case he doesn't like the application. In this case, Rollback Rx would be the application to use (or VMWare).

 

thanks
but is there a free solution?

 

Steadystate and returnil are free. Steadystate will allow you to try software that requires a reboot, returnil will not.
Another free option is altiris software virtualisation solution which allows you to virtually install software. From there you can easily remove the program if needed.
The other option is to use virtualbox to completely virtualise windows, this is the safest method however it does require the most resources. There are also certain license restrictions in regards to windows and virtualisation which you will need to find out if you want to do it 'legally'.

 

thanks
i fear steadystate because it's microsoft i 'm afraid, fearful that it could mess up my system

 

What's to fear, your OS is Microsoft.

S

 

Thanks for the clarification.

 

for this i'm scarry

 

mantra,

you are mixing VMs with ISR software here, but nevermind.
Here's the suggestion. Get yourself Sun's VirtualBox, it is completely free, put an OS on it (forget the "legality" stuff), create a snapshot or two and test SteadyState, Returnil, RbRX or whatever in it without fear. VMs are the best way to test not only security software but also the likes of the ones discussed in this thread. The only drawback with VMs would be video RAM, so if you are trying out video-demanding stuff (such as games i.e.) you should look for alternatives. But for mere testing of security apps (drivers), VB will fit your needs ideally.

 

thanks!
i really appreciate it
can i run an antivurs under virtual box that need the reboot?
i use nod32
but sometime i want to make a trial