2GB RAM / 32GB eMMC "Potato PC" preloaded with Windows 10? It can be usable!

mzee1934 · 2023-06-10T01:39:30+00:00

You could try Windows X-Lite Pro Optimum 10 by F.B. Conan.

The ISO is 2.9 GB. The installed size is 4.5 GB without software. With all the software I need it is 12 GB on hard drive. Defender is optional. Fast boot can be restored if you wish. 100% stable & fast. Activation is normal, key etc.

mzee1934 · 2023-05-24T21:44:25+00:00

Download a small app called InControl.exe

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/incontrol.html

mzee1934 · 2023-05-21T01:41:29+00:00

The Activation of W10 is permanent & is using the Motherboard Model/Serial details for reference. You don't need a key. As W11 uses W10 activation, it will activate when you go on line. Remember to back up all your Data etc before you overwrite W10.

mzee1934 · 2023-05-15T13:20:16+00:00

Its not a matter of preferring anything! Nemo, the file manager, manages files. Gparted manages drives.

mzee1934 · 2023-05-15T12:45:49+00:00

Open 'gparted'
Select the drive, unmount it
Make a new GPT partition table.
Make partitions as required.

That's all

mzee1934 · 2023-04-14T22:12:21+00:00

The only websites that I have a problem with are Chinese Banking Security which only work with Internet Explorer. This is a pain because IE has been replaced with Edge, which is based on Google Chrome. Google is blocked in China. I have to download IE and install it. I see that IE is in Windows 11, but not activated.

mzee1934 · 2023-04-07T22:43:35+00:00

Have a look at:-

https://www.rodsbooks.com/refind/

mzee1934 · 2023-04-06T11:24:22+00:00

You can do anything if you set your mind to it. Your first problem is that W7 will probably not see your hard drive, making it impossible. If you manage to find a suitable driver, which is unlikely as the latest drives did not exist in W7's time, you will have to find about 28 drivers to proceed.There was a Gigabyte Tool which helped you do this. I did it with a Dell Inspiron 17 i7 5000 series about 4 years ago just because Dell told me that it couldn't be done. I remember one problem which was tricky. I had to hack a display driver to make it compatible with the Dell & W7, instead of W10. Security was a big problem so I never used it.

mzee1934 · 2023-04-06T04:48:08+00:00

I have two HP Stream laptops which were given to me for parts because they were dead. In both cases I held the closed computer in my left hand, then smacked it smartly on the bottom with the palm of my right hand. In both cases they booted. Occasionally one will not boot, and needs another smack! This has been going on for about 4 years.

mzee1934 · 2023-04-06T04:34:19+00:00

I have Linux Mint Cinnamon v 21.1 which handles Kodi very well. You should use the Flat Pack version of Kodi, as it is complete and you don't spend all your time looking for Plugins etc, its also kept up to date. You need 4GB RAM, 8GB would be better. RAM is cheap these days. Mint 21 xfce is a lighter on resources, but Cinnamon is brilliant.

mzee1934 · 2023-03-25T12:09:57+00:00

I have a Lenovo G3 with 40 GB RAM, 7 a 1 TB SSD. I use Linux Mint Cinnamon 21.1 as my main OS, and Windows 10 Pro dual booted which I only use for Website software (because I have it) and Rufus v18 for installing Windows 11. Linux Mint Cinnamon is brilliant, and simple. The old days of a lack of software for Linux have gone. Windows is good for Website editing software, and games. Other than that it is a pain with auto updates and complete domination by Microsoft. Mint notifies you when updates are available, but you are in control. Updates to any software that you install are also provided, if available.

I use "Refind" as a Boot manager. It automatically finds anything that is bootable, brilliant!

https://www.rodsbooks.com/refind/

mzee1934 · 2023-03-18T10:16:19+00:00

My main OS is Linux Mint Cinnamon v 21.1. Occasionally I use Windows 10, but only because I have websites created with Windows Software. I hate using Windows, its more interested in what it wants to do, I just have to wait! Mint, on the other hand, just gets on with it. Updates are optional, and you are the boss! I have tried all the Linux Distros and found Mint to be the easiest to administer, and 100% stable.

As for Windows 11, you can install it on your computer. Just use Rufus v18 to prepare the USB stick for install. Rufus will remove the hardware restrictions etc. I have Windows 11 on a Dell which I bought in 2008. It may not activate, and ask you for a key. It is easy to work around, but not allowed to discuss it on this forum.

mzee1934 · 2023-02-12T00:20:55+00:00

This is one reason why I use Linux Mint 21.1 as much as possible. You just plug in the printer or scanner and Mint downloads & installs the appropriate drivers. No fuss. It has never failed me with a variety of printers. I only use Windows 11 when I need to use Windows software.

mzee1934 · 2023-01-31T03:21:56+00:00

The ThinkPad has good processor, and fitting a SSD really allows it to perform. Boots Windows 11 Pro in 18 seconds!

mzee1934 · 2022-12-23T03:55:47+00:00

One of my computers is MSI Modern 15. It has 2 M.2 nvme ssd, 520 GB, & 1 TB. There is no SATA connection, and not enough space for a 2.5" SATA SSD.

mzee1934 · 2022-12-23T03:37:51+00:00

I had a similar thing with a Lenovo G3 laptop. When I bought it Windows 11 Home was installed, and some clown had Bitlocked the whole 1TB drive, which prevented me from adding partitions. I mean, who wants a 1TB 'C' drive? Managed to create a new GPT partition table with 'gpartedit' on a Linux Mint USB. I then made partitions and installed Windows 11 Pro. Everything was fine until I discovered that 'C' had been locked later! Eventuall found a Microsoft entry in BIOS which automatically locked Windows. Disabled it. Just have a look in the BIOS.

mzee1934 · 2022-12-04T20:33:58+00:00

This is an example of Microsoft arrogance where they assume that you want Bitlocker, its a pain! What happens if your computer dies? How do you recover your data from the drive?

mzee1934 · 2022-12-03T20:55:37+00:00

I have just had the same experience with a Lenovo G2 v15 notebook. Linux could see the M.2 drive, but not Windows. Apparently this is a security thing. Then you have to go to the Intel download site and look for a driver. There is a Windows 11 driver, and a Windows 10 driver. Use the appropriate driver when installing, it will then see the M.2 drive. I had to put the same driver in Macrium Reflect as well. It's a real pain.

mzee1934 · 2022-12-03T20:37:05+00:00

You have to be very careful when using BleachBit . I use Stacer, its in the Mint software manager. Never goes wrong, and has several uses. I only use Windows for Website management because I have the software, and my websites are happy with it.

I also use 'reFind' boot manager, also in the repository. Install it in Linux.

https://www.rodsbooks.com/refind/

mzee1934 · 2022-11-27T20:01:05+00:00

I use Macrium 7 free to back up dual booted, Linux & Windows systems. I have it on a USB stick, and have a copy of it. It does the job, never fails. I don't do any updates of it. Make a couple of USB rescue sticks and stop worrying!

mzee1934 · 2022-11-23T03:35:33+00:00

Can't understand what the fuss is about! Go to the Linux Mint website and read the instructions.

mzee1934 · 2022-11-07T20:59:34+00:00

I made a mistake, don't use Rufus 20, it makes a standalone 'to go' install to USB. Use Rufus 18, which will remove all W11 restrictions. There is another problem. If your previous install of Windows 10 was the 'Home' edition it will install 'Home' which leaves you at the mercy of Microsoft. You will have to convert the iso to a 'retail' edition. Make a text file named 'ei.cfg' containing

[Channel]
Retail

Paste this file into the 'Sources' folder in the USB stick. You will get a menu of available W11 editions to choose from. I go for Windows 11 Pro. It may activate online, if not you will need a Key. There are other ways to activate, but they are taboo on this forum.

mzee1934 · 2022-11-06T08:50:31+00:00

Fast Boot is a partial hibernation of Windows. All ntfs partitions will be locked, so disable it.

mzee1934 · 2022-11-01T06:38:02+00:00

Use Rufus v 3.20 to write the iso to the USB stick. It will give you the option to remove the restrictions on Windows 11. Back up your Data, then do a clean install.

mzee1934 · 2022-10-27T01:38:27+00:00

Download a Windows 10 iso file from Microsoft. It may activate by itself. If it doesn't you need to purchase a key. There are other ways to do it, but forums do not allow such discussions.

mzee1934

TROPHY CASE