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Get-alladafluff-out

os shrinking ntlite

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#251 antonino61

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Posted 20 May 2021 - 09:32 PM

back to the terrain of brute-force deletion (see pretty much above), here is one more piece of info I have just acquired thru my own experience - instead of deleting whatever instances of "smartcard" and "smartcreen", one would sooner delete all instances of "smart", the result being more stuff out with no hindrance at all to the system. 



#252 antonino61

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Posted 28 May 2021 - 06:35 PM

back to brute-force deletion, I can announce that also the eradication of all appreadiness files and subfolders will be of no hindrance to the system. the same can be said of sysmain.



#253 antonino61

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Posted 19 June 2021 - 02:07 AM

well, folks, back to wimb's win reducer - it does work in win11 too, provided the apps box stays unticked, though (at least for the time being). and I have to add that brute force deletion is much more easy and less jerky than in the case of win10. Still relative to the win10-win11 comparison, the latter does not keep the optimal taskbar structure if u brute-force-delete all file and folder occurrences of "search" - to keep the win11 taskbar intact u can delete only the files that are not open at the time of deletion and leave alone those which are open and do not "go away" (namely "SearchIndexerCore.dll" and "Windows.Storage.Search.dll").



#254 antonino61

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Posted 22 June 2021 - 01:10 AM

Well, after a few days of file and folder perusals, I have come to the realization that what disrupts the win11 taskbar is the content of the C:\Users\...username...\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer subfolder, which contains the list of apps that appear at the center of the taskbar. This is why u can safely brute-force-delete all other file and folder ""occurrences" of "internetexplorer" and of "internet explorer" but the one above containing the pinned apps.

oh, one more thing - it is much better to leave sysmain alone and enable superfetch in windows 11, lest 1 should be in for 55 seconds longer bootup times.



#255 antonino61

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Posted 24 June 2021 - 09:47 PM

among the other things that I have just found out can safely be removed, we have all file and folder "occurrences" of "dfr*.* (if u use other defragging software), of "odbc" and "iscsi" (if u do not use them), and of "remote" (if u do not want any remote desktop connections). I have good reason to believe these instances of brute-force deletion hold good both for win10 and win11. Sticking to win11, just in case u apply wimb's reducer, make sure u have windowsapps unticked and then go to \program files\windowsapps and delete all its content but what will not delete (it is open), which is to stay where it is, lest u should lose taskbar integrity and bootup speed (10-11secs).



#256 antonino61

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Posted 15 July 2021 - 08:53 AM

also the \Windows\Hydrogen subfolder can be gotten rid of



#257 antonino61

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Posted 16 July 2021 - 08:59 PM

attached herewith is an updated list of what u can brute-force-delete 

Attached Files



#258 antonino61

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Posted 14 September 2021 - 10:15 AM

Well, I am still "brute-forcing", as some would say. I have already dealt with the unused "programs+features" and now I am halfway thru the unused services stage - 9/10 could be safely deleted for an overall amount of half a gig space gain; the automation works well on win11, not so well on win10 (no more thumbnails on pics and videos and I do not know how to restore that or what to do in regedit or from the command line to recover the facility). As soon as I am thru I will test the latest vhd_wimboot as well. 



#259 antonino61

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Posted 14 September 2021 - 10:17 AM

Me, in the meantime (a long one though), I have come to make full use of Wimb's win_reduce_trusted (including the net.framework entry, as long  as the windows net subfolder stays intact), and have gone beyond that too. Very patiently I have managed to lengthen the list of custom files and folders to remove and make a more accurate list of those list of those syswow and system32 files I want back to make my favorite apps work (that is personal, the rest is not). if anyone wants to have a look at them I will post them here and we will probably come to a trimdown. otherwise, they will be in get-alladafluff-out as they are now. I might also post a list of the syswow and sys32 files I have to insert back, just to make the possible trimdown all the cleaner. overall, my "wild guesses" are the result of my best possible untechnical reasoning (unused services, unused features and patient gradual additions of files by the initial (starting with A, then B, then C) to circumscribe the additions).



#260 antonino61

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Posted 14 September 2021 - 10:20 AM

whoops 

(including the net.framework entry, as long  as the windows net subfolder stays intact)

it woulda bin great if I had succeeded, but I unfortunately had to relinquish that again, as a couple of executables I use just need them damn packages. no harm in trying anyway.



#261 crashnburn

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Posted 16 September 2021 - 01:13 PM

whoops 

(including the net.framework entry, as long  as the windows net subfolder stays intact)

it woulda bin great if I had succeeded, but I unfortunately had to relinquish that again, as a couple of executables I use just need them damn packages. no harm in trying anyway.

 

Quick question and posting quoting from the MSFN thread of our dear friend here: 

 

His manual is amazing and huge. But its a bit complex for what I quickly need right now. - Compact most Win 10 VHD - purely and only for running iTunes iClould for creating Device Backups. 

 

This is what I've done so far - I can restart but just want the simpler big ticket steps to compact the Win 10 VHD - No elimination of components that might break iTunes (my guess is .NET might be needed?) 

 

Thoughts? 

 

https://msfn.org/boa...omment=1204609 

 

But I will be needing a Win 10 VHD purely for one thing (as they are eliminating Win 7/8 support) 

- iPhone, iPad backups using iTunes and iMazing (Do not like Apple and all big corps focing cloud / control on us) 

- And I am hoping to INSTALL them both on to another drive

- Maybe the drive that holds the VHD

- Maybe via Symlinks or Junctions (for itunes) and direct ext path in iMazing.  

Now, when I was installing iCloud on iTunes on another older test Win 10 (created via DISM somehow it became Edu instead of Pro/ Ent) it cried about needing Media Feature Pack (as mentioned here) 

 

My question being - Is this or some feature or component missing in the Win 10 VHD you've designed in the manual? Is above issue likely or can be avoided? 

If not, then im good/ safe to go with the above. 

 

https://msfn.org/boa...omment=1204640 

 

 

On 9/15/2021 at 11:19 AM, wimb said:

For iCloud on iTunes you should first try the Full Win10x64.vhd as prepared according to page 2 of the Manual 

It is quite likely that such feature does not work in the Mini-10x64.vhd where the focus is on saving space for fast loading into RAMDISK.

So, I executed Page 2 upto Step 6 last night. 

* Prior to that VHD Script used & executed using .BAT: 

REM @ECHO OFF
PowerShell.exe -NoProfile -Command "& {Start-Process PowerShell.exe -ArgumentList '-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File ""%~dpn0.ps1""' -Verb RunAs}"
PAUSE
$vhdpath = "C:\VHD\W10_21H1.vhd"
$vhdsize = 25GB
$vhdVolFsName = "W10_21H1"
New-VHD -Path $vhdpath -Dynamic -SizeBytes $vhdsize | Mount-VHD -Passthru | Initialize-Disk -PartitionStyle MBR -Passthru |New-Partition -AssignDriveLetter -UseMaximumSize | Format-Volume -NewFileSystemLabel $vhdVolFsName -FileSystem NTFS -Confirm:$false -Force
Write-Host "Press any key to continue ..."

$x = $host.UI.RawUI.ReadKey("NoEcho,IncludeKeyDown")

Write-Host "Press any key to continue ...2 "

* Then followed Page 2 Steps upto 6. 

 

Right now I have a single partition VHD with Win 10  (Approx 8 GB of on disk current size)  

Not touched or used so far. 

 

When attached is labeled to mount as Y: 

-------------------------------

I just realized there's a lot more in your manual than I need or imagined. Which would be nice to have and push the envelope on. 

What if I do not "need" RAM booting? Is that the same as compacted WIM VHD booting? 

I truly I just need a smaller compact OS in a VHD - what seems like Page 6 talks about. - Is that essentially linked with RAM booting? 

If so, then what can I skip/ eliminate from the Manual? 

-------------------------------- 

I'll include all the manual magic in the next round of VHD games? 



#262 wimb

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Posted 16 September 2021 - 02:37 PM

@crashburn

 

See Answer at MSFN


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#263 crashnburn

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Posted 17 September 2021 - 10:39 AM

@crashburn

 

See Answer at MSFN

 

Posted response with full details (so no missing info) 

 

Quoting/ Pasting here also, if you are anyone can point of a fix or so.
(Getting wierd message: How to link it? Tried Jp and Pn from my drpbx) 

You are not allowed to use that image extension on this community.

----​

20 hours ago, wimb said:

In that case:

1. WinNTSetup according to step 2-6 of page 2 as you did already

// This was done, but slight differences: My VHD was single partition one, does not have its own separate "tiny" partition. Assuming yours does? 

Page 1

1. WinNTSetup - Fresh Install in 25 GB Fixed VHD located on internal SSD / Harddisk using Win10x64 ISO from TechBench - use page 2

 

Page 2

Create Win10x64.vhd using WinNTSetup x64 for Install of Win10 x64 in 25 GB Fixed VHD
1. Disconnect Internet LAN Ethernet cable - Start up with Windows 10 x64 Or 10XPE and Start WinNTSetup x64

 

// I did Step 1 from within Windows 8.1 and using WinNTSetup x64 applied (Win10_21H1_English_x64) ISO WIM (E:\sources\install.wim) using following steps to above Single partition VHD. 
 

Parameters shown exactly as is: 

2021-09-17%2015_37_16-WinNTSetup%204.6.5

Placeholder: Please tell me how to link: 2021-09-17 15_37_16-WinNTSetup 4.6.5 Wimgapi 19041.1 uEFI Non SecureBoot

 

2. In WinNTSetup x64 - location Windows Installation file sources\install.wim - use R-mouse to select Win10x64 ISO file from TechBench
3. Select Boot drive (usually EFI drive Z:) and Select VHD to Create 25 GB VHD located on internal SSD harddisk - VHD is mounted as Drive Y:
4. Choose Win10 Edition - Select desired Tweaks - Disable Hibernate - use Compact:XPRESS4K Mode to reduce the Used Size of Windows
5. Select Unattended Install - for Local Account Select unattend\Win7-10-Select.xml and fill in the form - Option: select to Add Drivers folder
6. Select Setup and select Legacy Boot Menu Style and OK to Install Win10x64 in VHD - choose OK and not Reboot

 

// DONE so far: Not run or done anything with above VHD - No even first initial boot. Zero. 

// When I run the VHD_WIMBOOT_64.EXE (from folder of version 56) I get this error message and the the UI becomes grayed/ ununsable: 

 

Error Message + Drives Info 
Placeholder: Please tell me how to link: W10_VHD_WIMBOOT

(Shows the drives also: C is SSD where 8 GB VHD was created and placed and mounted as Y: )
Rest are attached via USB 3 Hub. Are their connection causing issues? 

 

Grayed out UI: 
Placeholder: Please tell me how to link: 2021-09-17 15_50_06-VHD_WIMBOOT x64 - APPLY WIM to VHD file - wimlib

 

What is being looked for and missing or needs to be pointed towards? 

 

20 hours ago, wimb said:

2. VHD_WIMBOOT - Capture WimBoot LZX and Apply in Compact LZX mode in Fixed VHD 10 or 15 GB - Offline Windows

This second step saves a lot of space and creates the Boot entries on Selected Boot Drive - Nothing more to do

// How do I make this happen? I am guessing it also creates the BCD entries?
// But I need to "fine tune" something. What? 

// Which PAGE and what steps would be best to get the above Step 2 done? 

 

20 hours ago, wimb said:

- Always use the supplied Firewall App Blocker and Enable WhiteList to Allow Internet Browser only

- This is the easiest way to block unwanted internet traffic including Windows Update and prevents the growth of Used Size inside VHD

Yes, I'll probably do that once I get the above Steps done correctly. 



#264 crashnburn

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Posted 18 September 2021 - 01:05 PM

Have not been able to get it to book off VHD yet. 

Even tried with BCDboot and with BootICE. Gonna try Windows 10 PE etc/ Win 10 rescue to get the boot info in correctly. 



#265 antonino61

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Posted 10 October 2021 - 02:23 AM

back to getting all of the fluff out, I have just realized that if and when u get rid of stuff in \windows\system32\driverstore\filerepository, u should start deleting what is listed past nv_whatever (if u have a nvidia card) or whatever else (if u have an amd), and then what is listed above nv_whatever or whatever else. if u do the deleting the other way round, ur pc won't boot. at least this is just what happended to me. of course, whatever the deletion process tells u it cannot delete, just nod, do not contradict foolishly (just choose skip, and of course do it all online, not offline, lest it should delete everything, which u do not want, believe me).

and of course, as the good old Flying Dutchman Wimb or the Great Meticulous Alacrán have alredy pointed out some posts ago somewhere, bear in mind u will lose portability, so do it only if u r running the system on just one machine.
pls excuse the picturesque nature of my description.



#266 Wonko the Sane

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Posted 10 October 2021 - 10:22 AM

pls excuse the picturesque nature of my description.

NO :frusty:, at the most what can be excused is  the picturesque nature of your non-description.  :)

 

:duff:

Wonko 


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#267 antonino61

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Posted 10 October 2021 - 12:51 PM

Oh c'mon, what is it that I didn't understand? I will take good care to clarify it 4u

#268 Wonko the Sane

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Posted 10 October 2021 - 01:15 PM

Oh c'mon, what is it that I didn't understand? I will take good care to clarify it 4u

I don't know what you did not understand, and in case you should clarify it 4urself.

 

I know what I did understand of post #265: nothing (but it is alright :)) .

 

Only you cannot ask being excused for something that simply isn't there (a description).

 

:duff:

Wonko



#269 antonino61

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Posted 10 October 2021 - 04:13 PM

I described a procedure and commented upon it.

#270 Wonko the Sane

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Posted 11 October 2021 - 12:11 PM

NO, that is the whole point, you completely failed to describe a procedure or - if you prefer - you described a non-procedure.

 

Back to getting the recipe for pasta, you need some eggs, water, flour, salt, whatever else and also whatever not, then you mix all of them together (but do not overdo with whatever else) and you get tagliatelle (with ragu, with you should make with some meat, part pork, part veal and tomatoes, and onions).

 

The above is non-recipe, because it cannot reasonably be reproduced by anyone that doesn't already know how to make both pasta and ragu.

 

:duff:

Wonko



#271 antonino61

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Posted 11 October 2021 - 12:49 PM

I will try to be simpler next time



#272 Wonko the Sane

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Posted 11 October 2021 - 04:25 PM

I will try to be simpler next time

Perfect. :frusty:

 

The point was that your reports are not detailed enough, and as such non-reproducible, the simpler version will be something like:

I did something and it worked, but not always, only if you do the second whatever before the third one. :thumbsup:

 

:duff:

Wonko 



#273 antonino61

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Posted 11 October 2021 - 07:31 PM

the 3rd one always precedes the 4th and follows the 2nd. It does not take Aristotle to find that out.



#274 Wonko the Sane

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Posted 12 October 2021 - 09:18 AM

the 3rd one always precedes the 4th and follows the 2nd. It does not take Aristotle to find that out.

 Oww, come on, everyone knows that on wednesdays, if the moon is full, that won't happen, unless you are on a boat more than 6 miles from the nearest coast, where it won't happen every other day, but not today, maybe.

 

:duff:

Wonko



#275 antonino61

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Posted 12 October 2021 - 10:44 AM

absolutely!




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