MS new "Secure Boot" locked BIOS arrives

Co-posted at SevenForums:


Whether you plan on using Windows 8 or not, everyone buying a PC in the future will end up with the Microsoft-driven Secure Boot feature enabled. Secure Boot prevents “unauthorized” operating systems and software from loading during the startup process.
Secure Boot is a feature enabled by UEFI – which replaces the traditional PC BIOS – but Microsoft mandates specific implementations for x86 (Intel) and ARM PCs. Any computer with a Windows 8 logo sticker has Secure Boot enabled.

HTG Explains: How Windows 8′s Secure Boot Feature Works & What It Means for Linux - How-To Geek

Microsoft Secure Boot Could Ban Windows From PCs | Wired Enterprise | Wired.com

http://www.eightforums.com/general-discussion/4678-windows-8-can-block-bios.html


Our first Secure Boot case wishing to replace Win8 with Windows 7 has arrived:
cant install windows 7 in the preinstalled windows 8 laptop - Windows 7 Forums.
Solved quickly bypassing EFI.
nerd.png


UPDATE: This great new tutorial by Theog shows how to turn off Secure Boot to install another OS: Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7
 
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Personally, I do not believe that either Microsoft OR the OEMs should be legally allowed to do this.

I find it to be completely unacceptable.

If that's going to be the future of computing, I want no part of it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
It seems like they're already backing down.

Ive also heard that in past years there were locked BIOS but these seem to have disappeared after being sanctioned by courts as impinging on the hardware owners right to do what they want with their property. In fact OEM's have been compelled by courts to honor their PC hardware warranty even if an owner clean reinstalls, although they will often refuse to tech support it without the pre-install (just tell them you have it).

I've been searching all day for cases where users bypassed the actual WIndows 8 Secure Boot, which hopefully is as simply as bypassing EFI to install normally. I think the first one just arrived today at 7F.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7
Meh.

I'm not too concerned. As long as I can take a Windows 8 PC with Secure Boot and upgrade (or do a clean install :)) to Windows 9 and 10, I don't see a problem.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
More arrogance from pinhead central.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Meh.

I'm not too concerned. As long as I can take a Windows 8 PC with Secure Boot and upgrade (or do a clean install :)) to Windows 9 and 10, I don't see a problem.

You've completely missed the point :shock:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS X54C
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2330M @ 2.2GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUSTek K54C
    Memory
    4GB DDR3 @665MHz (9-9-9-24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 3000 On-board
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Screen Resolution
    1366*788
    Hard Drives
    1*Samsung 840 EVO 120GB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Not fast enough!!!
    Browser
    Comodo Dragon
    Antivirus
    MSE & Malwarebytes

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
Meh.

I'm not too concerned. As long as I can take a Windows 8 PC with Secure Boot and upgrade (or do a clean install :)) to Windows 9 and 10, I don't see a problem.

You've completely missed the point :shock:

I honestly don't see the big issue. You can't install Linux or Windows 7 over 8? See, in the land of normal tech consuming people, no one really cares. As long as it works and it works good, everything is fine and dandy. I guess the only problem is that if you're a tech head and want to use Linux or install 7 over 8 (why?!) this probably might pose an issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
And I STILL don't want this garbage anywhere NEAR my systems.

The whole concept is flawed and offensive, and gives me NO benefit WHATSOEVER.

It's an attempt to lock us in, nothing more.

Its claimed advantages are nebulous at best.

And I'll bet the next generation of hardware WILL have it locked.

That'll be the day I go Linux, or simply smash the computer and walk away.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
O, yes....I'll be in the market for a tablet over Xmas/New Year.

I'm not even considering a Surface.

No WinRT lock-in for me, thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
I think what has pushed them in this direction is again an overreaction to Ipad and desire to develop a lockable touchscreen tablet or phone interface that sells apps at the same time, hence the low OS price and rise of the MS Store.

Who has gotten the short end of this stick is desktop users who don't want a touchscreen interface, especially if it interferes with a productive desktop experience. That they're not even being offered a choice on new PC's of the best OS ever for desktop experience is something the market should not tolerate without necessary correction.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7
Meh.

I'm not too concerned. As long as I can take a Windows 8 PC with Secure Boot and upgrade (or do a clean install :)) to Windows 9 and 10, I don't see a problem.

You've completely missed the point :shock:

I honestly don't see the big issue. You can't install Linux or Windows 7 over 8? See, in the land of normal tech consuming people, no one really cares. As long as it works and it works good, everything is fine and dandy. I guess the only problem is that if you're a tech head and want to use Linux or install 7 over 8 (why?!) this probably might pose an issue.

I'm curious to know why you think that because you personally don't want to do something, that everybody else on the planet won't want to do it either? Also, how would you feel if this same lockout prevented you from installing Windows 9 or 10 on your PC? Are you going to just go out and buy a new PC with every new release of Windows?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
You've completely missed the point :shock:

I honestly don't see the big issue. You can't install Linux or Windows 7 over 8? See, in the land of normal tech consuming people, no one really cares. As long as it works and it works good, everything is fine and dandy. I guess the only problem is that if you're a tech head and want to use Linux or install 7 over 8 (why?!) this probably might pose an issue.

I'm curious to know why you think that because you personally don't want to do something, that everybody else on the planet won't want to do it either? Also, how would you feel if this same lockout prevented you from installing Windows 9 or 10 on your PC? Are you going to just go out and buy a new PC with every new release of Windows?
I say this primarily because if the common man can install Windows 7 over 8, or Linux over 8, or just a totally different OS version on a PC; best buy, geek squad, radioshack, and the such wouldn't be in much of an existence. I mean really right now, how many people do you know that you believe aren't tech heads in any way shape or form, install their own operating system? Windows 8 is trying to fool-proof it a bit, but even then, that's not the best route. I just feel like that UEFI BIOS preventing you from installing Linux isn't a big deal as far any average consumer is concerned with. Usually, when someone says that they're buying a PC, they buy the software version with it as well. They don't go to a Windows 8 PC and say, "I'm going to install Windows 7 over this today." No, they usually will find a PC that they like, with the Windows version on it. Besides, what's the market share of Linux?

You know, that would suck if I was locked out from installing a new Windows version. I would imagine something stupid like that wouldn't happen as Microsoft might throw a fit about that as most people just upgrade their software versus a new PC. And I would imagine consumers would throw a fit about that every time a new Windows version came out, a new PC is tacked onto a list of expenses. Realistically, I really doubt that would happen. A PC maker that only allows Windows 8 will end up allowing Windows 9 to be installed. Just imagine the customer support jams where someone needs an issue resolved, but they have Windows 8 and not 9 and can't install 9 so they need to buy a new PC.

Or, being the non-average consumer, I would just buy an aftermarket motherboard from ASUS, and just build my own puter. Last I checked, that's still a route and will be a route to take for a LONG time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
If I said what I wanted to say I'd likely be accused of flogging a dead horse so I'll gust let it go.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
This is such do about nothing.

This isn't slashdot here :)

Secure boot can be turned off ay any time and any OS installed on the PC.

Better, if Linux would get it's head out of it's collective you know what, they can release their own certificates for their distros/downloads and you can ADD your own OS certificate to the secure boot store and get the same anti-hacking benefits for Linux as well (And contrary to belief, Linux is one of the most hacked OSes there is, of course 99% of the time when used as a server, secure boot for servers will be a HUGE plus)

So uh... where's the beef exactly?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7/8
Personally, I do not believe that either Microsoft OR the OEMs should be legally allowed to do this.

I find it to be completely unacceptable.

If that's going to be the future of computing, I want no part of it.

That's just personal choice and others may have different opinions.

I simply don't understand what the issues are? Afraid you can't boot?:)

Don't buy win8 pc's and you'll be safe (for the moment).

Finally they came out with something good! I personally hope they keep it this way.
As I mentioned before in some post, I'm in favor of UEFI until I get issues with it, but if malware is blocked form booting, that's a good thing.

You didn't read the details:
HTG Explains: How Windows 8′s Secure Boot Feature Works & What It Means for Linux - How-To Geek

Only the ARM version gets locked (and those are no Windows PC's).

The (usual) x86 gets the ability to disable secure boot or keep it and install certificates.:thumb:
Linux is able to boot, your OS'es are able to boot, Win7 is able to boot.... what else do you need?

It's a bit complicated in begin (compared to normal BIOS mode) but with time, one gets the habit using this stuff.

If my PC gets infected, I'll personally blow it up, so what can UEFI do me wrong?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Great tutorial!

It can save a lot of trouble.

Thanks for the link gregrocker!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Ok guys, I just bought a new Sony VAIO SVE171290X and was planning on removing Windows 8 and installing Windows 7 and I come upon this stinkin SECURE BOOT crap. I cannot access the BIOS in the traditional way I've tried all "F" keys. Is there some key combination I do not know of?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows POS 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    SVE171290X
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