Windows 7 or 10

[gecko]

Hi all,

I am beginning to suspect my PC may be getting towards the end of its life. Still stable for now and I'm keeping important stuff backed up, but I'm looking into possible replacements. My biggest hangup is not wanting to make the jump to windows 10. I infinitely prefer windows 7, but a new windows 7 pc is probably near impossible to find. So I need some assurance here - are there any remaining major hangups with windows 10 and cfs3? Do all the tools work, like MB, mos editor, gmax plugins, terrains sdk tools etc? I don't want loose any modding capability, and would consider any alternative if switching to 10 entails a loss of capability.

On a far less important note - are there any ways to make windows 10 less ugly? I really like the windows 7 glass look. By comparison windows 10 looks like crayons.

[mongoose]

I hated switching but went with the free upgrade from win7 Pro to Win10 pro and got used to it. I've never had issues with any tools I have used and followed the advice here of putting in root directory making SP3 compatible, etc. Andy's probably the expert though.

[MajorMagee]

The biggest issue to start with is that Win 10 does not include the service that allows the program to activate the CD reader to check for a valid license if you don't have the DVD version. After that following the advice in the sticky section covers most of the issue you'll run into.

In my case, after the last computer upgrade that included Win 10 Pro, I no longer need to run in any sort of compatibility mode.

Having said that, what I hate the most about Win 10 is the once or twice a year major revision updates that uninstalls all of my programs. It physically leaves them there, but they are unregistered requiring reinstallation for them to run. After the first couple of times struggling through this, I made two pages of notes to use as a checklist on what I need to do to restore everything.

[gecko]

If you never properly install it, but just transfer a working game folder over, will it still work? I've not used a CD to install anything CFS3 related in a very long time.

[mongoose]

Having said that, what I hate the most about Win 10 is the once or twice a year major revision updates that uninstalls all of my programs. It physically leaves them there, but they are unregistered requiring reinstallation for them to run. After the first couple of times struggling through this, I made two pages of notes to use as a checklist on what I need to do to restore everything.

Interesting! That hasn't happened to me ... so far! ( Win 10 since it was free for win 7 users)

[MajorMagee]

If you never properly install it, but just transfer a working game folder over, will it still work? I've not used a CD to install anything CFS3 related in a very long time.

You have to have at least one install properly registered. After that MuitiCFS3 works just fine on the others.

[Daiwilletti]

Windows 10 can work with GMax, mos editors etc, I've had it work with everything CFS3-related I can think of. That said, like MajorMagee I've had one or two very frustrating experiences after microsoft-imposed updates. Win 10 in an extremely arrogant and high-handed and patronising manner assumes you to be incapable of deciding when and if you install a Windows update. So you just get lumbered with them. Period.

Now that hard disk space is so cheap, I am tempted to keep entire copies of all CFS3 installs just so I can wipe the C drive and reformat if a serious problem with the OS is encountered.

[gecko]

So does that mean I need a DVD copy to install the first time? I've only got the original CDs.

[hairyspin]

I still have my original CFS3 cds and have installed in Win10 using them. Apart from the extra step mentioned in the sticky because of cd security no longer working, it does the job. Export from Gmax also still works, as does the MOS editor - once you tell it which folders to look in for files. You will have to install the DirectX 9.0c June 2010 package and enable early NET versions in Win10.

I have no issues worth mentioning.

[Dave(Dangerous)Boynton]

Like everyone using their ancient cd version the only issue I have had is the cd key authentication. Once you get that everything works fine. I thought I would have issues with Gmax and the SDKs but nothing, straight in working.

The cd key thing frustrated the living daylights outta me though till I figured/found the way round it which I had on an old cd with multiple CFS3 installs on.

Only way around it really is to build a new Win7 PC specifically for CFS3/old games and software. Then have a modern Win10 setup for all new/future software etc.

Dave

[gecko]

Is there a way to segregate my CFS3 stuff so things don't get messed up by updates?

[MajorMagee]

My restoration process takes about 2 days to get everything running again. I've gone from losing everything the first time it happened, to preserving everything so I can recover and reinstall it, so that's progress I suppose.

The sad thing is that Win 10 asks if you want to keep your files or wipe everything out and start over. You tell it that you want to keep everything, and it then proceeds to do a semi-destructive update anyway. Their explanation is that you may need to update your programs to be compatible after the "upgrade", so they're just getting things started for you...

[rbp71854]

Do a new system build and double boot installing win 7 1st.http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=77287&stc=1

[hairyspin]

A dual-boot system is also an option – I used to do that with Win7 and XP back in the day. :biggrin-new: Just so long as your hardware supports Win7; a lot of new gear just doesn't support it.

[rbp71854]

Good point Tom. If you have someone build the new system you could make them agree that the system will run both win 7 and 10.

Here is another method which I recently came across which has possibilities.
https://www.itpro.co.uk/operating-systems/microsoft-windows/356331/virtualise-windows-7-under-windows-10

[gecko]

Not being much of a hardware guy and having failed in two attempts so far to set up a dual boot system, when the time comes I think I will probably go with a known quantity like Dell, which I've had no complaints with over the years and bite the bullet on Windows 10, may as well get used to it since at some point there won't be any other option. That said, I want to minimize the fallout from the switch as much as possible. If I get one with dual HDs, are my files safe from W10 updates if they are on a different HD than the OS? Curious what your update checklist is Andy, would you mind sharing?

[MajorMagee]

It's two going on three pages of handwritten notes specific to my system, and installed programs.

For example is says things like:

Turn on Gsync and 100 MHz in control panel.

Reinstall TrackIR 5.4.2 USB device drivers.

RegEdit CurrentUser\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Currentve rsion\APPComponentFlags\Layers to add string DWM8and16BitMitigation

etc., etc., etc.

[Bravo/4]

Dan whatever you do get the Windows 10 "Pro" version, that is a must!

[gecko]

Why pro? I've never understood the difference between the different versions.

[Priller]

Why pro? I've never understood the difference between the different versions.

Because of the updates. If you have a "Home" version, you'll be a beta tester for their updates.

I got a (legit) Enterprise version. My employer gave me a life license for testing. Enterprise gives you almost full control over updates (and privacy).

From worst to best:

Home - pro - Education - Enterprise

Cheers,

Priller

[gecko]

Well that's a hard no for Home then!

[Bravo/4]

Thanks Priller!:encouragement:

Yea Dan don't get the home version, I've had no problems with W10 Pro, even though it still updates itself, like it or not!:biggrin-new:

[mongoose]

I have 10 Pro and frankly have never had; so far:wiggle:; the issues people have mentioned and I run CFS3 on 2 different SSDs. Now I do have odd issues with the config and some CTDs, but I'm not sure how much Win10 is to blame other than CFS3 is an old programme best run with win XP! Not to mention all the odd things I may have done to the multiple installs.:dizzy:

[Priller]

I have 10 Pro and frankly have never had; so far:wiggle:; the issues people have mentioned and I run CFS3 on 2 different SSDs. Now I do have odd issues with the config and some CTDs, but I'm not sure how much Win10 is to blame other than CFS3 is an old programme best run with win XP! Not to mention all the odd things I may have done to the multiple installs.:dizzy:

As for the config files, simply delete them and let them rebuild.

Also, run CFS3.exe in compatibility mode. That solves a whole lotta problems with older programs.

And yeah, doing "odd things" to programs will make them buggy sometimes!

EDIT: updates are not necessarily a bad thing. In fact it is for your security.

Cheers,

Priller

[Priller]

If you never properly install it, but just transfer a working game folder over, will it still work? I've not used a CD to install anything CFS3 related in a very long time.

I'm afraid that is a recipe for disaster in Windows 10. What you can do is install the vanilla CFS3.1a and copy your old install over that.

priller

[gecko]

But I can't install from my CDs apparently, so what's the workaround?

[mongoose]

I seem to remember installing with them but can't play with them. The alternative, which I may have done; a long time ago; is have a backup fresh CFS3 + 1a on another HD and installing that on my new C Drive or whatever. I am sure I have done that several times also.

[gecko]

I guess I'll just figure out what method my particular copy of Windows 10 will allow when I get there. Hopefully this doesn't end up too painful. Thanks for all the advise guys, I think I'll be able to avoid at least a couple pitfalls.

[hairyspin]

I seem to remember installing with them but can't play with them.

Just make sure you right-click the installer and Run as Administrator to install.