Windows 7 compatibility with Steadystate?
Does anyone know of any Microsoft plans for a Steadystate-ish application for Windows 7??Thanks, Mike
August 31st, 2009 3:47pm

Hi Gryphoenix,At present, WSS does NOT Support Windows 7, and there are no current plans to do so.My colleague working oncollecting specific feedback to try and make a case for possibly changing this decision. I listed his reply on the issue============================ Could you please provide as much information as possible about this deal? Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? Domain or Workgroup users? Is the customer currently using WSS? What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? Which specific WSS features will be used and how? I am not making any promises, but your feedback will be taken into consideration.============================Could you please offer the information?Thanks.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 2nd, 2009 10:36pm

Our library relies heavily on Windows Steadystate to help protect our systems. Being a non profit organization we do not have a lot of money to spend on commercial security programs.We surely hope Microsoft reconsiders supporting a Windows 7 compatable version of Steadystate.
September 9th, 2009 9:02pm

Robinson, I too am in need of steady-state for Windows 7. I own several hotels and have used steadystate in my business centers. We have 4 hotels, and use it on 11 computers so far with both Windows Vista and XP. We use the Disk Protection, as well as the locked down user profile. I've seen something like it in some Sheratons lately with Windows 7 running. Do you know what they are using there? Ed
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
October 21st, 2009 11:33pm

I too work at a public library and we use Windows Steady State to secure 27 public web stations. We are still running XP Pro and would really like to migrate to Windows 7 but not having access to a program like steady state would be a deal breaker. We are part of the local government, have 3 locations, 30 employees and run the steady state stations in workgroup mode although we do have our own domain. We primarily use Steady State to lock down C drive so customers can't see it, prevent all Internet access when the machine is turned on in "child" profile,force customersto only save to a designated drive partition, and to remove the IE7 menu except help so that customers can't change the Internet options and decide to unfilter their workstation.With the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requirements for libraries - the hiding of the IE settings is critically important as savvy users can easily shut off a proxy if they can get to that screen.We don't use the disk protect hard drive feature - we prefer to pay for Deep Freeze for that functionality.Katie
October 31st, 2009 8:30am

I work at a community college and we use Steady State for a few self service type stations. In some of our labs we run Deep Freeze from Faronics, but if Microsoft had a version of steady state that worked in a lab setting (e.g. controlled from a single point) with Windows 7 we would definately look at making better use of it.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 2nd, 2009 3:05am

I also work at a Community College and we would like to be able to use Steady State with Windows 7 as well. We have 500+ machines that would be using the product. We like what it provides us in our public and student computer areas. We would definitely want to see this product developed for Win7.
November 9th, 2009 4:02pm

Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? We are a library system, we have ~500 computers in 40+ libraries most computers (all but 5 or 10) are running XP. Domain or Workgroup users? We currently have workgroups for all the libraries and a domain at headquarters, but if there was domain integration for something like WSS we would use it here at headquarters and recommend it for the larger libraries. Is the customer currently using WSS? We are currently testing it and considering recommending it for those using XP as a replacement for Deep Freeze What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? We will have to consider holding off on upgrading to Win 7, or recommend that the libaries spend their limited monies on Deep Freeze (which is not as convenient as WSS Which specific WSS features will be used and how? We mainly need to have a locked down profile that will allow patrons to plug in flashdrives, ipods, etc and work on whatever they need to, then have any changes go away when they reboot. Being able to force patrons to use a proxy (without having to directly edit Group Policy) would be good as well. In our testing so far the librarians have commented that "OurcomputerupdatepersonfindsSteadyStateeasytouse&prefersittoDeepFreeze" In short, WSS (or the equivalent) is a "must have" for us to move to Win 7. Without it we will be stuck with DeepFreeze or XP Aaron Z Pioneer Library System Canandaigua, New York
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 19th, 2009 4:11pm

Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? We are a public charter school. We currently have approximately 120 computers that most are XP. There is one lab that is Vista with a free upgrade to Win 7. Domain or Workgroup users? We currently have workgroups for all the computers. Is the customer currently using WSS? We are currently using Deep Freeze, but find it to be too difficult to manage the systems with updates for windows and virus scan. What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? We will have to consider holding off on upgrading to Win 7, or recommend that the school replace all new computers with Macs. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? We mainly need to have a locked down profile that will allow students to work on whatever they need to, then have any changes go away when the computer reboots. In our testing so far we have found that SteadyState is easier touse and prefer ittoDeepFreeze. We thought that the functionality of WSS was going to be built into Win7. It was until the RC was released. Very disappointing. Basically, WSS is necessary for us to move to Win 7. Without it we will be stuck with DeepFreeze or XP and then possibly move to Macs in the future. Please inform me of any changes in MSFT's decision on WSS for Win7. Jim Baker InTech Collegiate High School North Logan, UT
November 25th, 2009 1:26am

Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations?We're a consortium of 20 libraries in Michigan with 500 Public Access terminals currently running Windows XP. Domain or Workgroup users? Workgroups Is the customer currently using WSS? We are using Steady State on a couple of PCs as a trial. We have been using HDD Sheriff, which is no longer being supported, and Hypertechnologies WinSelect. What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? We're very impressed with Steady State. It's stability and functionality surpasses the commercial we've tried, and you can't beat the price... which in these tough times in MI, is certainly a strong factor. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? Windows Disk Protection is the most important feature for us. We also use most of the lockdown features particularly things that aren't available in gpedit. We would be very happy if Microsoft would expand Steady State onto Windows 7. It's a very useful and needed program and in these tough economic times, any money we can save is huge for us in Michigan Library land. Sincerely, Ken Valyi-HaxHardware Support SpecialistSuburban Library CooperativeEmail : ken@libcoop.net Phone: (586) 685 - 5759 Fax : (586) 685 - 3010
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
December 2nd, 2009 1:06pm

I work at a University, and we use WSS on approx. 1500 machines running XP. We use the disk protection in our labs, but will be switching to Windows 7 soon, and will have to find something else to use instead.
December 21st, 2009 11:38am

Hi Gryphoenix,At present, WSS does NOT Support Windows 7, and there are no current plans to do so.My colleague working on collecting specific feedback to try and make a case for possibly changing this decision. I listed his reply on the issue============================ Could you please provide as much information as possible about this deal? Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? Domain or Workgroup users? Is the customer currently using WSS? What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? Which specific WSS features will be used and how? I am not making any promises, but your feedback will be taken into consideration.============================Could you please offer the information?Thanks. Let's all help MS to "collect specific feedback" here : http://cantwait-win7.blogspot.com/ . Thanks.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
December 27th, 2009 7:30am

Have you looked into Windows 7 Guest Mode? http://forum.thewindowsclub.com/windows-7-management-support/27324-microsoft-modifies-steady-state-mode-guest-mode-windows-7-a.htmlMVP - Windows Desktop Experience
December 27th, 2009 3:21pm

Guest Mode has been removed from Windows 7. :(
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 11th, 2010 12:13am

Guest Mode has been removed from Windows 7. :( Guest account appears in my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.MVP
January 25th, 2010 5:40pm

Guest Mode has been removed from Windows 7. :( Guest account appears in my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. MVP True, but Guest Mode is not the same as the Guest Account. :-) Guest Mode was like Windows SteadyState. MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 26th, 2010 10:59am

Guest Mode has been removed from Windows 7. :( Guest account appears in my copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. MVP True, but Guest Mode is not the same as the Guest Account. :-)Guest Mode was like Windows SteadyState. MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Well, then, I guess it IS gone ;)MVP
January 26th, 2010 4:34pm

Well, then, I guess it IS gone ;) Gone, but not forgotten! :-) MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 26th, 2010 8:56pm

Have you looked into COMODO Time Machine? its free.http://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-encryption/data-recovery.php
January 29th, 2010 9:57am

Have you looked into COMODO Time Machine? its free. http://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-encryption/data-recovery.php No, but I'm downloading it now! :-) Thanks for the tip, didn't know about this one. MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 29th, 2010 2:20pm

Please add my voice that there is a need for SteadyState to support Windows 7.I run a computer lab for Experience Unlimited, a job club. Our members need hands-on use of the latest user operating system and applications so they can reenter the job market. SteadyState is the best tool that allows people to make mistakes without sacrafying (sp) the workstation's ability to serve others.Microsoft: Please update SteadyState.- Michael Faklis
February 2nd, 2010 4:12pm

I would like to see WSS working on Windows 7 (both 32 bit and x64). The reason is that I suport several small businesses that let their customers use business/store computers for editing/printing etc. Majority of these are XP m/c using WSS and h/w is overdue for upgrade (skipped Vista). Several newer machines come preinstalled with Win-7 x64 (due to 4 GB upwards RAM). Without WSS it will be very difficult to maintain these 500+ machines.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
February 7th, 2010 12:04pm

I agree completely. This program is VERY usefull. Not providing this in Win7 will definitely delay Win7 upgrades for smaller shops, labs, classrooms, etc. Many of those computers are kiosk/classroom/public systems. This was an excellent way to manage the constant user changes that happen in those types of situations. I personally managed one of these kinds of labs for several years. I used DriveShield until we discovered WSS. WSS provided us a way to, in my opinion, manage the lab much more efficiently and for FREE.MS, you really need to keep these kind of things going for the little guys.Thanks,JD
February 7th, 2010 8:54pm

Same boat. I have a 40-computer public lab to run and can't go to Windows 7 until I have something similar. I read that Windows 7 has a function called "Safeguard" that you can set per account, but the version I'm using (Enterprise) sure doesn't have it anywhere I can find it.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
February 17th, 2010 4:56pm

Working at a university. Lots and lots of desktops and servers. I have always been able to make a case for buying MS products, but this isn't giving me any leverage with my department head (that linux/unix freak whom I dearly love). All of our public and test lab computers run XP with WSS. It is imperative that these environments be controlled as tightly as possible. I know that GPol will take care of many of the "tweaking" aspects, but it will not provide the restoration functionality that makes WSS such a valuable tool for us IT guys/gals (And NO System Restore won't cut it). This function is now more important than ever . I have given up on virus/malware removal. It is an exercise in futility and even the best commercial security software is junk. Either it simply doesn't prevent/remove malware, or it so hard on system resources that you are better off with a trojan or two. VM's and re-imaging is and will be the only way to do safe computing and maintain the integrity of the machine. I've embraced that ideology. Really, who has 2-3 hours to spend scanning and needling with a machine to remove a handful of malicious software that some moron is going to reinstall the next day. If support isn't extended to Win 7 then I will have to explore other options. Other options will require both work and money, and I will eat my socks before I recommend upgrading to Win 7 and it wind up costing more $'s in software and man hours than I can possibly justify. I really want to push to upgrade and get ahead of XP's EOL but I simply cannot. It is shocking to me that MS has overlooked such a huge base of customers that have a legitimate need for the features that WSS has to offer. Support should have been extended already - I'm talking long before 7 was rolled out. It has to be addressed, doesn't it? Is there to be a push toward the Virtual PC product, or does WSS conflict with XP Mode? I'm confused as to why this isn't done and done.
February 18th, 2010 12:23pm

Windows 7 PC Safeguard cannot searched or easily locate and is only accessible from control panel . This Feature is primarily aimed at shared consumer PCs that need to be returned to their original running state after being used by a child or guest. When PC is rebooted or an account is logged off, all of the changes made in safeguarded accounts are discarded and the system is returned to its original running state. is this meant to replace WSS ? if so is it available in enterprise version of 7 ? ouch just saw this You cannot Use Windows 7 PC Safeguard along with active directory , this feature is only meant exclusive for home users. what is going on ? dont tell me 7 is turning into another vista ? grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr stuffed if i am going to upgrade almost 200 computers to 7 if i cant have WSS!!!! syb
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 10th, 2010 4:13pm

more info i found on this site.. http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/ff_pcsafeguard.asp PC SAafeguard is now called Guest mode ther eis a very good write up on the site and supposadly it comes with all versions of 7 but it seems to be a bit "clunky" and doesnt have anywhere near all the features of steady state, From a user experience perspective, Guest Mode is almost completely hidden in Windows 7. You can't access it from Start Menu Search (Go ahead, try. I dare you!), nor can you search for it from within Control Panel. It's like it's not there at all. But it is. To find Guest Mode, open Control Panel, User Accounts and Family Safety, and then User Accounts. (Shortcut: Open the Start Menu and click your logon picture in the top right.) Then, click on Manage another account. From the list shown there, select the account for which you'd like to add Guest Mode. Or, if you don't have an account for this purpose, create one first.
March 10th, 2010 4:31pm

You're not kidding it's hidden! I looked for it previously, and even did a Google search on it, nobody had any idea it was there! Wait, maybe it's not really there. From the previously referenced site: Note: This feature has been removed from Windows 7 and will not appear in the final product. --Paul MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 10th, 2010 8:32pm

Seems microsoft has made another blunder with windows 7, we have decided to stay with XP and notify users that until microsoft updates WSS to run with windows 7 that we will stay with xp and advise them to do the same, we have withdrawn all support for 7 and are advising people to downgrade if they are stuck with 7, Its simply not viable especially in this economy to spend the extra tens of thousands of dollars on the extra staff that would be needed to support a OS that we have came to the conclusion that even microsoft arnt prepared to support fully. its a pity because 7 did look promising, but like vista its only a couple of years before its replacement will be available so worth staying with a stable and fully supported OS till then.
March 11th, 2010 6:17pm

Hi,I am a tech enthusiast while I'm in high school. It is very likely that I will get a job in IT when I get past college. If Windows Steady State ends at Vista I would need to find an alternative. I think WSS should be continued, it is a good product.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 14th, 2010 4:17am

You're not kidding it's hidden! I looked for it previously, and even did a Google search on it, nobody had any idea it was there!Wait, maybe it's not really there. From the previously referenced site:Note: This feature has been removed from Windows 7 and will not appear in the final product. --Paul MVP - Windows Desktop Experience I got there by accident once........MVP
March 16th, 2010 5:39pm

I have found a way to install Steady State under Windows 7. After you download the program, just right click on the file, then properties, and under the compatibility tab, check the box to run it compatible with an earlier version of Windows. I tried this and it installed without incident. I'm not through yet checking out whether it all works normally, but so far it seems to work fine.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 18th, 2010 3:12am

I think it will take some extensive testing to know if it'll work, given the differences in the versions of Windows.MVP - Windows Desktop Experience
March 18th, 2010 8:18am

Willard, I was able to install it, but unable to turn on Disk Protection. Have you tried this? Bob
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 24th, 2010 11:41am

I would like to add to the list of requests to please! please offer some kind of desktop/disk protection for Windows 7. For the first and second quarter of this year, we are rolling out Windows 7 machines to staff that won't require 'lockdown', and rolling back public machines to Vista, just to be able to keep using Steady State. The product works that well! We are a consortium of 51 library sites spread over 4 counties. Steady State has saved us so much time and travel in regards to the machines the public use. With all of the strict budget restraints our memeber libraries are faced with, we cannot at this time go with a third party vendor; the initial software costs mulitplied by the 400 + machines we would need to install it on. I sincerely hope someone is monitoring this site, and will hear the plea of us all that truly have come to rely upon Steady State! Sincerely, John Schneider
March 24th, 2010 1:21pm

I work at a region of public libraries which composes of 13 libraries with about 20 public computer's per library. Up until now we've been using Faronic's Deep Freeze, but this software is expensive for a large number of computers on shrinking budgets. Steady State would be a good solution if it supported Windows 7 64-bit. Techsoup.org makes Windows 7 affordable, but without a solution that can freeze our hard drives, we are looking at converting half of our public computers in each location to Ubuntu so we can better afford Faronic's software for both Windows and Linux. Of course, should this solution work well, we will be converting all of our public computers, save for maybe 1 or 2, to Ubuntu.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 24th, 2010 7:04pm

Bob, I tried it yesterday, no go with the disk protect. Made all of the SteadyState executables to run in compatability mode for Vista Service Pack 2. Disk Protect goes through the motions, but doesn't activate. It's a shame that Microsoft had a working version for Windows 7, whether in the form of Guest Mode or PC Safeguard, and has released the OS without any form of disk protection. John
March 25th, 2010 9:40am

We are a small public library and also use SteadyState to lock down our computers. We need to replace some of the computers this year and I'm hoping that I do not have to make them Windows XP. We really do not have the man hours to change operating systems and then in a year or two (we hope) change them up to 7. Steady state has worked so nicely with Active Directory to lock down our public computers. We use it on 25 machines. Marcy Columbiana Public Library Columbiana, Ohio
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 25th, 2010 12:26pm

Marcy, since you're already running an AD enviroment, it shouldn't be too difficult to lock the machines down via GPO.Implement Software Restriction Policies for the "normal" user on the public PCs, don't allow install rights for those users, lock down the desktop - things like that.In your enviroment, SteadyState is actually a little superfluous.-Chris[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]
March 28th, 2010 2:31pm

You may look in to Returnil http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/ free Public & Education use
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
April 4th, 2010 10:04pm

Sihouett, sadly Returnil is NOT free for public and edcucation use, only for non-commercial home use! I work for a Digital Inclusion project, teaching people Windows-based PC skills. We would also really benefit from WSS for W7, otherwise we will have to stick with XP, possibly put up with the problems of Vista so that people can at least use a Windows 7-like environment, or purchase Returnil or DeepFreeze or similar...
April 12th, 2010 9:59am

If you download the Steady State installer file and >Right Click>Properties>Compatibility> and choose to "Run this program in compatibility mode for : Previous version of Windows" then it works. So far I have been able to install Windows Steady State on Windows 7 and control access to another users!
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 19th, 2010 6:52pm

If you download the Steady State installer file and >Right Click>Properties>Compatibility> and choose to "Run this program in compatibility mode for : Previous version of Windows" then it works. So far I have been able to install Windows Steady State on Windows 7 and control access to another users! But (IIRC) you cannot use Steadystate to prevent changes to the hard disk (like DeepFreeze does). See the post from Thursday, March 25, 2010 1:40 PM by XTJohn for his experience. If you have to have Steadystate AND DeepFreeze installed, why not just install DeepFreeze? Aaron Z
May 20th, 2010 8:40am

If you download the Steady State installer file and >Right Click>Properties>Compatibility> and choose to "Run this program in compatibility mode for : Previous version of Windows" then it works. So far I have been able to install Windows Steady State on Windows 7 and control access to another users! does not work for me. It's a shame that MS is run by idiots and won't support this for w7, but they'll support it for an inferior operating system such as Vista.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 29th, 2010 4:43pm

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/Windows-7/en-us/Details.aspx?type=Software&p=Windows%20SteadyState&v=Microsoft&uid=2&pf=2&pi=0&c=Utilities&sc=PC%20Management&os=32-bit&vd=all
May 31st, 2010 2:23am

I work with a growing 501(c)3 which maintains multiple lab environments for their participants as well. These labs utilize Windows for Workgroups networking to create a minimal shared network experience. Steady State\ PC Safeguard\ Guest Mode ... or whatever you'd like to brand it is an essential part of keeping these 3 labs with 26 seats running in a safe and effective manner, reducing the issues created from individual user changes during their sessions. Of course we'll run recommended security software including antivirus, antispyware, personal firewall, etc. But these don't address the root issue of control via recommended security registry changes and automated "rollback" to an approved state after each user session. 1. Please cast our vote(s) for Steady State\ PC Safeguard\ Guest Mode tool(s)and notify immediately once available. 2. Can MVPs assist non-profits, libraries and others that depended on this product by providing a recommended set of Group Policy change templates and Power Scripts and Microsoft workstation virtualization to automate most of the features provided via Steady State\ PC Safeguard\ Guest Mode? Then MVPs could potentially follow up with specific site resources/blogs/training videos etc. to address the issue through dedicated Microsoft Community sites, TechSoup articles, etc. We have specific grant $$$ given to purchase new lab machines running Windows 7 and Office 2010 and want to implement quickly. The focused help you provide on this topic helps hundreds in poverty in our area ... and potentially thousands of others participating in non-profits, libraries, education settings around the globe. Thank you for your time and assistance to provide the very best combination of resources to address these important issues in Windows 7. - Mark B. CISSP, CISM, CISA, Sec+
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
June 11th, 2010 7:17am

Hello, WSS-Data of my Company: University, 3500 Users, More than 3500 Windows and Office-Licenses running Workstations that are currently used with Steady State: 225 Notebooks for examinations, and for loan, all with Windows Vista Business x86, formerly with Windows XP Pro x86, Domain or Workgroup - We have a Domain, nearly all of the Clients are joined to it, but the 225 Notebooks are just in a workgroup Risk in not Supporting it with Win7 - Missing ability to move the 225 Notebooks to a much more secure, stable and faster Operating System. We can´t afford to spend circa 4000 € in alternative Software. Specific WSS-Features: 100 Notebooks just use the Disk Protection, 125 have a User, that can just visit a couple of sites and the whole gui of this user just contains internet explorer and the assisting programs (like screen loupe). It´s impossible to provide such an environment without Steady State. Oh yes, and we already move some PCs to Windows 7 and just want to use the 64-Bit-Version of Win 7, so i would need a 64-Bit-Win-7-ready-Version of SteadyState. Microsoft should (please!!!) reconsider their decision!
June 23rd, 2010 6:46am

I am also interested in the future of SteadyState on Windows 7. I work with a college where we deploy SteadyState on ALL computers located where students or lecturers may use them - classrooms, labs, library, kiosks, you name it. Our computers were constantly infected by viruses and other malware. GPO and antivirus slow down the infection rate but do nothing to stop it. SteadyState COMPLETELY solved our problems without incurring any additional cost. We are no longer wasting time constantly dealing with complaints and infected machines. The administrative overhead of our classrooms and labs has dropped to near zero and any time there is any problem all we have to do is simply advise a restart. I know about Deep Freeze but the fact is that SteadyState was free of charge and for us is a tried and true product. It is therefore something I am interested in seeing supported on Windows 7 - I cannot migrate our machines to Windows 7 until I know I can replicate the success SteadyState had on XP and Vista.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
June 23rd, 2010 7:53pm

I am interested in the future of SteadyState on Windows 7 too. Windows SteadyState is a great tool for Windows XP and Vista shared PCs. WSS (IMHO) is a worthwhile product and requires future developments.
June 25th, 2010 2:33pm

Would love to see SS coming to Windows 7. I'm using it for a non-profit organisation too, mainly to secure (virtual) desktops, allowing my users only to do a specific task. Talking about +/- 20 users here. Since the pc's are network connected, just using a snapshot isn't enough. I really want to lock down the machines, without having to buy expensive server licences and using group policies etc.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
June 28th, 2010 9:59am

Please bring Steady state to windows 7. Q. Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? A. RealEstate company with hundreds of Business Center PC's running Vista and WSS. Q. Number of work stations? A. 200 workstations Q. Domain or Workgroup users? A. Currently workgroup but would like to eventually manage through domain. Q. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? A. We love the system restore feature as well as the HDD lockdown feature, all in all this was a complete Shared PC solution for our orginazation. Please add me to the list of supporters! Thanks, BrianBrian Davis, MCP
June 28th, 2010 7:22pm

Q. Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? A. We are a public library system - 10 library branches & only 3 techs to take care of all 10 branches. Q. Number of work stations? A. , that utilizes 500+ PC's & Laptops, half of those are for public use and we prefer to keep locked down in some manner. Q. Domain or Workgroup users? A. Our main branch is on domain, the rest of the branches are Workgroups. Q. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? A. While SteadyState has never actually worked fully for us in the ability to lock down the system fully (not their fault, we use SAM through Comprise and its running folder is outside of the Programs folder), we do enjoy it's use at being able to setup Group Policies & locking down most of the system so a patron cannot get into some place they shouldn't be. We would like to continue using Steady State on the new Windows 7 machines we are getting in, and use Smart Shield to lock down the systems. Q. Is the customer currently using WSS? A. Yes, we use Steady State at all of our branches. We have are running Faronics Deep Freeze & Winselect at two branches currently, but we are having some problems with that software. Q. What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? A. We currently have no money to purchase any other kind of Group Policy editing software, except to go into every single computer and mess around in the Group Policy, one-by-one, very annoying. Our current budget was drastically cut - we thought we were going to get 175 new machines to finally replace a number of 10+ year old machines in our system, only to find out we may now only get 50. We have no money to go with anything else. Q. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? A. Group Policy editing, plus locking out various file-sharing programs.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
June 30th, 2010 6:38pm

Steady state and windows 7. Here is the bottom line. Steady State is the only real option that prevents computers from being infected with viruses, spyware and maleware from all those cyber terrorists (that should be hunted and dealt with as the scum they are) (from now on referred to simply as viruses) None of the other "security" products actually prevent the problem. many will heal a problem when it is found, but nothing really prevents it as steady state does. Personally, i am not convinced that the makers of the anti virus programs, are not the manufacturers of the viruses themselves. what better way to keep sales up.(a lot like our medical industry - too busy selling pills to bother to cure anything). funny how some security suites are the only ones to be able to detect and clean certain viruses and the others cant find them. A particular irritant to me is several of the anti viruses programs now function just as bad as the viruses by hogging system resources and processor cycles bringing a machine to its knees, and lacking any real ability to completely shut them down when you want to. its getting hard to tell the difference. We are a technology based non profit org here in Hawaii (Hawaiian Hope), i am the executive director (29 years doing IT work). we refurbish and redistribute donated computers to other non profit orgs, homeless shelters, low income families, schools, clean and sober houses, etc. People getting their lives put back together. There is absolutely no way that any of our clients could afford to pay for any of the security programs (many can barely afford to feed themselves). especially when most of the "security" programs are virtually useless anyway. we made a decision to teach all of our recipients how to use steady state and to lock down their computers during NORMAL use. we separate all data to a 3rd partition on the hard drive and keep the OS locked down. our clients only unlocking it to install software when it is necessary. We also run internet cafes here in Hawaii - charging $1 (one dollar) per hour. to date we have had over 12,000 people through our front door at ONE location. 12,000 people - ZERO viruses using our layout and steady state. In fact, we purposely show people how to infect computers we give them with viruses and spyware and such, and how simply restarting the computer cleans the mess up. BRILLIANT piece of engineering. (If Microsoft does not allow you to build WSS for 7, look me up and I will pay you myself) We directly have impact and influence over the IT needs and decisions of thousands of people and organizations here in Hawaii and i can guarantee you with absolute certainty that in no way will we be upgrading off of XP to 7, nor suggest or allow any of our clients to upgrade either, until a steady state product works with windows 7. The next 29 years of my career will NOT be spent cleaning viruses off of computers. As a society and a planet we have better and more needy things to invest our time and resources into . Q. Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? A. Non profit IT org - homeless services - low income families - drug and alcohol rehab - education Q. Number of work stations? A. 1,000+ workstations. By the end of 2010 - 2,000+. By end of 2011, 5,000+. Q. Domain or Workgroup users? A. Almost all as stand alone PC's. (individuals at their residence) about 1/5th as workgroups for office setups. Q. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? A. the system restore feature. full OS lock down Q. Is the customer currently using WSS? A. Yes. every computer going out the door has WSS installed on it and the end user is taught how to use it. Q. What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? WSS is a "must have" for us or any of our clients to move to Win 7. Period. We would rather use something old that we know for a fact works than to be overrun by cyber terrorists and viruses. Thank you Curtis Kropar - Executive Director Hawaiian Hope http://www.kitv.com/news/23550665/detail.html http://www.hawaiianhope.org/documents/_Announcement-Internet_Cafe.pdf
July 8th, 2010 9:06am

If Microsoft does not want to make Steady State compatible with Windows 7 then I think they should have continued to develop "Guest Mode" which is similar to what Steady State provides for many users such as schools, libraries, etc. that can not afford with the extreme budget cuts to add another expensive software product to the budget. Steady State was easy to configure and use and the information that I have found about "Gust Mode" (not to be confused with a guest user) it would have been the same type of product. It would allow the user to visit websites and downloard some itmes, but once the PC restarted (or you did a regular shutdown) everything that was done while the user was logged on where wiped. It was available in the beta testing and several of the releases. But when the final release of Windows 7 was made available to the general public it was and is my understanding that Microsoft removed that application from the OS. We really need that product. Please reconsider... Christal (Librarian at a mid-size midwestern library district)
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 3rd, 2010 10:56am

Anybody considered Deepfreeze, or any other system integrity products out there? Steady State is not the only option out there (And isn't the best by a long shot) If you're a non-profit its probably not an option, but if you're a school or managing computers on a domain, steady state should be your last option.
August 6th, 2010 4:24pm

Curtis I applaud your efforts! As well as the other non-profits who posted on this forum. I too was using Windows Steady State (WSS) as an alternative for anti-virus software affecting performance on my systems as well as greatly reducing administrative costs when dealing with the potential of computer viruses. WSS is a very good FREE and simple solution to an increasingly costly problem. Too bad that it looks like Microsoft has decided not to support it on Windows 7. I always thought that WSS was not marketed enough by Microsoft as a possible solution to combat against viruses. With Intel’s recent purchase of McAfee for $7.7 billon, there are ample reasons for antivirus companies to band together and KILL further development of a free tool like WSS. It’s too bad that certain folks in Microsoft’s management team have “decided” to not fully support further development of WSS. But I guess an industry that is now worth several billion can have hidden clout… :-(
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 23rd, 2010 12:50pm

Hi Sihouett and others who have mentioned Returnil solutions, It is true that the free versions of RSS 2011 are not available for use within Educational and non-profit networks without licensing as the free versions are targeted towards home and individual (personal) users (students, etc). Times are difficult however and we recognize that fact with significant discounting available for Education and Non-profit/charities. We are also willing to work with potential customers in a miariad of ways to help provide the solutions they need. We believe that we can provide a cost effective alternative that can be used within older XP based environments as well as those who have made the migration to newer editions of Windows so we invite everyone to kick the tires and let us know your feedback. We can also offer extended evaluation licensing for those who require more time to test RSS and RVS based soutions for applicability in your networks. You can contact me directly at michael (at) returnil (dot) com or send a general inquiry through our technical support system via support (dash) tech (at) returnil (dot) com. With Kind Regards Michael Returnil Support
November 5th, 2010 1:33pm

Who is the customer (at least classification of size and industry)? Number of work stations? Is the customer currently using WSS? Private University 75 lab computers across 3 campuses all PCs are XP running WSS. Domain or Workgroup users? 2 labs are domain; 1 lab is workgroup What is the risk in not supporting WSS with Win-7? There is no way we can switch to Win7 without WSS. The students will find every way to bring those labs down. Which specific WSS features will be used and how? Primarily Disk protection in the domain environment and disk protection + locking down profile in the workgroup setting. I also do consulting work with our community library. 6 public access computers running Vista Home Basic and 1 catalog computer w/Vista Home Basic all running WSS in a workgroup. Disk protection and locking down profile. The library is a special-district library (i.e., not government/county backed) and they must be very frugal. WSS keeps the computers running swimmingly for our rural town. Thanks for considering.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 12th, 2010 10:24am

You may want to check this, http://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-encryption/data-recovery.php Functions like SteadyState Have fun,
December 21st, 2010 3:34am

You may want to check this, http://www.comodo.com/home/data-storage-encryption/data-recovery.php Functions like SteadyState Have fun,
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
December 21st, 2010 3:43am

I am at a small rural school and parttime IT guy because they cant afford anymore than that, WSS was a god send as it stopped 90+ % of the calls to the lab for problems. After i re-installed it with what i have learned, they have dropped to 0, allowing me to focus on the staff/teacher machines with seem to virus's and what not on a regular basis. 35 pc's currently installed, 65 pc's by jan 1, workgroup enviroment, setup about like a library system would, locked down about like gpedit could and windows and antivirus updates are written at the end of day and then all other changes are removed for the next days use. the $$$ it will cost to find and buy a commercial solution that did all this are just not in the budget's
December 26th, 2010 5:47pm

I found out about it (quite recently) when looking for a solution to laptops being used in science with dataloggers. The machines would be very rarely connected to the network and hardly ever to the domain. I was thinking of using it across the whole network because of the disk protection feature alone. So I guess the laptops will have to stay with xp and i'll have to decide if/when to change OS. I doubt they would give me the money for a win 7 upgrade and a 3rd party disk protection solution. Fortunatly I grew up with Solaris et al at uni so I know how to do a Union Mount. When are you going to make a decision on this or is the lack of offical comment that they have decided not to bother. Just knowing would help.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
January 14th, 2011 10:41am

So, is WSS coming for Win 7, very useful tool!I'm a PC and I run Left For Dead 2 :)
April 6th, 2011 12:40pm

you have to hold SHIFT when you press properties and then windows 7 still won't accept it
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 11th, 2011 4:07am

hold shift when clicking properties, but that doesn't work with .msi
May 11th, 2011 4:09am

I realize I'm reviving a likely dead thread, but I wanted to cast my vote for WSS under Win7. Regardless of the MS employee comments, digging through 3 white papers and futzing with Group Policy is NOT a suitable substitute (as was suggested on a Windows blog). The funnier part is where that same MS employee says to investigate 3rd party alternatives for Windows Disk Protection.....really, that's the answer, give some other company our money? Unless he is also a partner at Faronics, I don't get it....but I digress. Steady State offers a very easy way to control access under user accounts + Windows Disk Protection is an easy / free solution for locking changes to the hard drive. Some people's comments on here show they have not used WSS. Deep Freeze doesn't do the same thing; there IS a reason to possibly use both WSS and Deep Freeze. In any case, it's truly a shame MS doesn't offer an updated version of WSS. I think even if there was a nominal site license fee or something, IT people at non-profits would rejoice collectively. I feel MS has dropped the ball on this one, causing many understaffed/underfunded IT departments to cling to XP longer than they would have if there was a suitable WSS implementation under Win7 for the public machines. Please MS, hear our cries and release an updated Steady State......even if there is a nominal charge!
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
May 21st, 2011 8:50am

Well it's even weirder... There ARE workarounds to get the driver working in Windows 7 because the driver is apperently included in Windows Embedded Standard 7. So it seems like a political choice of MS to not support Steady State anymore... It is technically really easy to publish it for Windows 7... Instead the throw some nonsense about alternatives that clearly are beside the point. And don't deliver on the Steady State part...
June 27th, 2011 12:12pm

Quote: "Windows 7 includes a nearly-hidden feature called Guest Mode that is primarily aimed at shared consumer PCs that need to be returned to their original running state after being used by a child or guest." Read the article and instruccions @ http://www.winsupersite.com/article/win7/windows-7-feature-focus-guest-mode Keywords: WSS ; windows steady state alternative replacement; pc safeguard; Also you can see "Creating a Steady State by Using Microsoft Technologies" @ http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg176676(WS.10).aspx?ITPID=sprblog Hope someone finds useful this information.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 18th, 2011 1:19am

Quote: "Windows 7 includes a nearly-hidden feature called Guest Mode that is primarily aimed at shared consumer PCs that need to be returned to their original running state after being used by a child or guest." Read the article and instruccions @ http://www.winsupersite.com/article/win7/windows-7-feature-focus-guest-mode Keywords: WSS ; windows steady state alternative replacement; pc safeguard; Also you can see "Creating a Steady State by Using Microsoft Technologies" @ http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg176676(WS.10).aspx?ITPID=sprblog Hope someone finds useful this information.
July 18th, 2011 1:22am

Wow, never knew about that feature! However, Paul says: Note: This feature has been removed from Windows 7 and will not appear in the final product. --Paul So it's not available anymore. Still I would love to see a version of SteadyState (or similar product) being available for 7.Best regards, Eagle Creek
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
July 18th, 2011 11:24am

Has Anyone tried the .man to setup a defualt profile this will help everyone that is using steady state to have a set desktop, to remove the bar in internet explorer you can hid it in group policy, also you can set the proxy in the group policy and remove the admin rights on the machine to make it so the users cannot change the GP. but i too would like to see steady state continued
September 14th, 2011 1:54pm

This is a Solution for your question: http://blogs.technet.com/b/panosm/archive/2011/07/07/windows-7-steadystate-solution-simplified.aspx
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 5th, 2011 3:22pm

I just wanted to add my support for Microsoft to bring Steady State to Windows 7. I have been installing, building, supporting, repairing and selling Microsoft products from Servers and desktops to thin clients and embedded systems for over 20 years. My first business install was in 1988. And I am growing tired of having to BS my clients to explain why MS too away this feature or how the newest is so much better than that old Server you have (when it is going to cost you more to support it) or that the new OS is completely worth the upgrade cost for your 500 PCs (when it is really going to cause 10s of thousands of hours of lost productivity as people try to figure out how to do their job the way they always have before the upgrade but now can't because MS decided to make stupid non-essential changes) and when all MS seems to care about is what it thinks is best for us. The fact that they seem to be just plain ignoring all the people asking for WSS for Win 7 seems to be dismissive, insulting and really disrespectful. But what should I expect from a company that seems to time after time take something that they had made simple, easy, and efficient to do and turn around and make it more difficult to do. I can go in to example after example but if you are reading this forum you are more than likely well aware of this fact. I have been with you Microsoft since the beginning. I remember the first time I got to actually use a Windows based computer it was Windows 2.0 and I was just 18 years old. A friend of my Mom's had a contract job to offer me to help install 600 Olivetti 386SX PCs and 20 Sun Microsystems servers. It was exciting even with the Token Ring network and the fiber backbone complicating things. To the people at Microsoft you need to learn to listen to the people that have spent decades moving your products and supporting those people after they have been sold. People like me are the reason your company has grown to the size it has because NO END USER TRUSTS YOU, Microsoft especially if they bought a PC with ME or Vista, but they do trust their IT guy. So you need to listen to us and not keep dismissing us or our needs. Without people like me there would not be a job for you.
November 18th, 2011 10:56am

I use Deepfreeze. It's hard to get a fast boot, because it gets in the way of Readyboot. But if you don't reboot a lot, it works ok. I reboot on 1/2 hour idle time. The counter starts even when logged out.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 21st, 2011 11:43am

SS works on 7 partly, I haven't looked into the drive issue yet, I just mitigated the app, I have a converted version on my site, works on 64 & 32 Public > Security > SteadyState for Windows 7 > ssmodversion in Mega. Hope it helps.... Dray
February 12th, 2012 10:35pm

Dray, Have you done any further work and testing on your converted Steady State for Win7? Thanks,
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
March 26th, 2012 3:44pm

Has anyone found a Windows 7 Steady State implementation that *DOESN'T* require Enterprise or Ultimate to implement fully? It's very hard to push an upgrade to replace previously free functionality, when the cost is too high as it is. Yes, Microsoft did a lot of things right with Windows 7, but obviously, they didn't do it well enough. When an entity wishes to neither run a domain nor purchase more expensive licenses, they are forced to stay with XP. Features such as AppLocker and GPO Preferences are essential in locking down a system, yet libraries, schools, and other non-profits as well as small businesses don't have the budget to deploy Enterprise or Ultimate. How can end users feel they can trust Microsoft when security is taken away and sold back at a higher price?GreggD
April 14th, 2012 1:33pm

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics