Chipp

As I no longer run Windows Vista I cannot guarantee the completeness of the information contained within this article. As SP1 looms on the horizon I am certain this guide will become obsolete, so at this time it is as a reference only. Thank you.

I know I was becoming incredibly angry with Microsoft as I tried to install ATI Tray tools. All the methods of disabling driver signing that I had found on the web were not working, I didn't want to have to hit F8 every boot, and what seemed to have worked for people at one time didn't anymore. However, I kept digging, and eventually was able to figure out exactly what kept me from disabling the mandatory driver signing once and for all. Here it is.

You used to be able to use the BCEdit program to change the way Windows booted, effectively automatically running the F8 -> Disable Driver Signing process during boot. However, for whatever reason Microsoft disabled this functionality in several Windows updates. If those updates are removed, BCEdit will be restored it's original functionality, and thus you can still remove mandatory driver signing permanently.


Start -> Control Panel -> Uninstall -> View Installed Updates

Once there, find and uninstall these 4 updates:
KB 932596
KB 938979
KB 941649
KB 938194

Update: 0rion has graciously used some of his time to find two more updates which need to be removed. Here is what he posted:
Now, immediately go and disable Automatic Updates. You can still have it notify you, just be sure you do not install these 4 updates again when you install others. Be sure to use custom installs whenever you install updates. The first time I did this, Vista automatically reinstalled these updates just as it normally installs updates on reboots. However, that just un-dos what we already did. Anyways:


Start -> Search for CMD, right-click the CMd.exe file and run it as an administrator. Then run the following commands from that command prompt:
bcdedit /set loadoptions DDISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
Bcdedit /set nointegritychecks ON

Reboot, making sure you're not set to install any updates. You should now be able to install any program/driver you please.


Many thanks to Julie at the back room tech for providing me with the final two updates.

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TheLegend

Very helpful Chipp.

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Duckydude

Nice Guide . I have one question though: would you be able to install those updates after you finished the guide? because I don't think I could live without KB 938979. Maybe through a manual install?

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Lemondrips

Awesome i was getting super pissed i couldent install ATI Tool and other things thanks

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Chipp

I didn't try a manual, but I assume it would be the same as one through Windows Update. somehow, in the files it edits BCEdit gets changed and can't disable the protection anymore. You could try it, but I'm not too optimistic about how well it'll work.

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Electricity Explained --- Got a G15? Use ATI Tool? Check this out! --- Compilation of Free Security Utilities --- Rule #1: Obey All Rules --- E2160 @ 3400mhz, Orthos Stable

Bal3Wolf

1 thing chip if i remmber right you can click any update and check do not install or hide this update. That way you can still use auto update only issue would be is if ms released another update to enforce driver signing.

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shinyboy

I am going to try this out but before i do i previously used a bcdedit.exe setting so it always displays the boot options without me pressing F8. Before i try this i want to disable it.

part of the command was ON or something like that so i assume to turn it off would require it to be OFF instead.. but i cant find the command... anyone know it by chance? googled for awhile but could not find it.

Bal3Wolf

Won't work here i can find 3 of the updates but not the 4th. Oh wait you got 2 listed twice ok then i removed all the updates and they havet reinstalled but still the ati tool driver wont load.

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Chipp

I'm sorry, the twice-listed one was an error. There is a fourth update, KB 941649.

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... wherever I may roam; where I lay my head is home ...

Electricity Explained --- Got a G15? Use ATI Tool? Check this out! --- Compilation of Free Security Utilities --- Rule #1: Obey All Rules --- E2160 @ 3400mhz, Orthos Stable

Bal3Wolf

Ah that could be the problem will try it again i wanna get ati tool working for when i get my 8800gt so i can test it easyer. btw hide update seems to work it wont auto install them. Hmm driver signing is off now for sure but ati tool still dont work lol.

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