One again the “Chinese†come up with a new method to trick out the Vista Activation. We have seen Softmode and VistaLoader, however “ Vista Boot by gkend†does promise even more.
We do not know much about it; however we know it will emulate a brand SLIC which will make an OEM Activation possible.
What is new and where this method does vary from the others is that it does integrate the SLIC table directly into BootMgr. Unlike other Paradox, this method can have no conflicts wit different chipsets, motherboards, or drivers. Unlike VistaLoader, this method has no conflicts with multiboot systems, does not require alteration of the Master Boot Record, and does not result in any text being displayed prior to Windows being booted. This method will also work equally well with Vista 32-bit or 64-bit and is independent of the version of Windows (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate) used. The bad news are, this method is vulnerable to the same types of detection which can be used on the other cracks - so can be disabled.
Some notes on using this hack:
1. Any SLIC table can be used with this program, simply by selecting it. No special encoding is present (like in the Paradox crack). All of the SLIC tables we have collected are viable candidates for integration.
2. This crack only applies the SLIC table. It does not apply (or even have) the matching OEM certificates - nor does it install a serial number for Vista. Both of these steps must still be done manually using the command prompt and SLMGR.VBS.
3. It is completely possible to take advantage of this cracks facility of specifying the partition of the BootMgr file to create a collection of pre modified BootMgr files.
Read more about Vista Boot and participate in our discussion: Keznews/forum
Download: Vista Boot v07.0518 (old)
Download: Vista Boot v07.0519 (old)
Download: Vista Boot v07.0521
see below for the latest version!
Thanks to clecha, Nighthief and fitterphil120 for most of the findings.
Update: (22 May)
Some more details (translated to english by ztpkmn2006)
Features:
1. Don’t revise the MBR
2. Better supporting those like DELL whose BIOS can’t be revised. If the memory, where RSDT is, can be written, then its supposed to work.(you can use hwdirec to test if your RSDT can be written or not)
The attachment is a tool to alter the bootmgr file, easier for you to add the SLIC brand you need, install the according vista oem automatic activated.(when it’s not an oem version, then you have to add the matching certificate)
How to use:
Must log in vista as administrator, then run vistaboot.exe as administrator, choose the slic brand you need, choose where the bootmgr file is, click ‘’modify bootmgr’ button , then its done.
Suggest to backup bootmgr, start up in other ways( like usb, cd or u-partition) can restore bootmgr. Once you have backuped, then theres no risk anymore.
Just for those who don’t have HWDirect and Vista Boot yet:
Download: HWDirect
Serial: 0011ff07ff01ff07ff08fd0
There are two versions of the tool, v7.0519 and v7.0531
V07.0531 Rewrite the kernel, using pure real mode programming. V07.0519 boot with the vista is essentially different. V07.0531 compatibility better!
If one version does not work for you try the other.
Download the latest (20-6-07):
Vista Boot 7.0531
Download the latest (29-5-07):
Vista Boot 7.0519
Note: Keep a Vista Dvd handy should you fail to boot up Vista.
Check with HWdirect if your memory in RSDT table can be written only if it can be written, this method will work for you.
How to use HWdirect:
Use Everest to identify the starting address for the RSDT table.
Then use HWDirect’s memory dump tab to read that memory location and attempt a change to it. (bytes which would have to be changed incllude offset 04h to 07h (Table length) and the zero padding at the end of the table (first 4 bytes).
You will see with Everest something like this: Memory Address 37E95ECFh , when you insert the addess into HWDirect you don’t need to enter the last h, the meaning of it is HEX and you need to enter the Size (bits in hex) too
somthing like,
Physical Address: 37E95ECF
Size: 60
Easy way to take ownership of system files in Vista:
If your are replacing or changing system files like (uxtheme.dll or imageres.dll) in Windows Vista then first you have to take ownership of the file and then grant your username full control of the file.
Just add this file to your redistry. To use the option press Shift and right click on the file you want to own and click on “Take Ownership”.
own.zip ( 338bytes )
To remove the feature just run this file.
own_rem.zip ( 248bytes )
Enjoy
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Virsion Number says 07.0519 at Title for vistaboot522.rar
May 22nd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
the author did miss out to update the number, thats why you still see 519; in fact it is 522.
May 23rd, 2007 at 3:43 am
Need an idiots guide to help setup as the detaails are a bit vague and detailed setup on how to test via Hardware direct. Thanks
Love the Blog though
Maybe Steve can create a simple install package like OEM 1.5
May 23rd, 2007 at 5:50 pm
@Daz999
Thanks for your feedback
This Vista Hack is still very young, if it keeps its promise, an install package will come out or even a new version that is more comaptible.
Have a look at the forum, and you can follow the development.
Cheers
sj
May 24th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
see http://stevejobs.blogs.keznews.com/2007/05/28/vista-bootmgr-installer/ for the latest installer
May 28th, 2007 at 4:28 am
dell optiplex gx280, slic tables don’t show up, tried with the asus and both dell tables.
May 28th, 2007 at 6:51 am
sorry, but its necessary to have a moded bios with SLIC included to execute the Vista BootMgr Installer v1.0.1 ?
or the Vista BootMgr Installer v1.0.1 can operate with a normal bios without SLIC table?
May 28th, 2007 at 11:38 am
[…] VistaBoot by Gkend Vista BootMgr Installer by Nightthief […]
May 30th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Please help!
I have a new Mainboard Gigabyte K8N-ULTRA-SLI, so I think my Memory can write in in RSDT table.
But when I start the program vistaboot-en as ADMINISTRATOR and I select any SLIC File the ERROR: Can not modify the file attributes.
Why??? The Vista X64 is new installed, I used NO other Crack before.
Please Help me!!
Big Thanks
May 30th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
1. try the latest version of the tool
2. you must take ownership of the file (bootmgr)
3. trurn UAC off
or
4. you can try the VistaBoot installer from here: http://stevejobs.blogs.keznews.com/2007/05/28/vista-bootmgr-installer/
hope that helps,…
May 31st, 2007 at 7:08 am
Steve, how do I use HWDirect to test if the RSDT can be written or not?
May 31st, 2007 at 10:26 am
Use Everest to identify the starting address for the RSDT table.
Then use HWDirect’s memory dump tab to read that memory location and attempt a change to it. (bytes which would have to be changed incllude offset 04h to 07h (Table length) and the zero padding at the end of the table (first 4 bytes).
You will see with Everest something like this: Memory Address 37E95ECFh , when you insert the addess into HWDirect you don’t need to enter the last h, the meaning of it is HEX and you need to enter the Size (bits in hex) too
somthing like,
Physical Address: 37E95ECF
Size: 60
June 1st, 2007 at 10:02 pm
First thanks to Steve Jobs!
But how can I get ownership to the bootmgr File??
thanks!
June 1st, 2007 at 10:58 pm
post was updated with “Easy way to take ownership of system files in Vista”.
thank you for your feedback
June 20th, 2007 at 1:01 am
[…] Read the full story at New Vista OEM Activation Hack – Vista Boot by gkend […]
June 21st, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Still some new methods to activate Vista. But,which of this method is recomended now ? (modified BIOS +Slic Table or VistaBoot,or another ?) Thanks!
June 21st, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Ciao Luko69!
recomended is what works best for you,… many methodes to activate vista you can choose from, they are all good, but do have downsides too.
if i would be you, i would you an easy activator (vistaloader) for the time beeing, however request a bios mobo already, in case your crack will be disabled, so you are safe and do not need to find a mobo last minute.
check out Gabriels blog, he did list the most popular cracks till now,…
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:00 am
When I run vistaboot-en (from both Vista Boot 7.0531, 7.0519) I get the error message: “Can not modify the file attributes!”
Any idea?
June 22nd, 2007 at 12:06 pm
at VistaFan
the attributes of “bootmgr” file can not be modified, you need to take ownership of the bootmgr and afterwards you can apply the tool
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:12 pm
@Blog Admin
I used own.zip but I still got the same message. Obviously I am taking ownership of the wrong file
I used Vista BootMgr Installer and everything is ok now. Thanx for the valuable info.
July 1st, 2007 at 12:39 am
It finaly worked for me , after China4ever modifed my bios and i get support for SLIC in my AMI bios after that i could run vista boot 7.0531 with sucess.
I’am now so happy,,,,,
/ bafnus /
July 1st, 2007 at 1:30 pm
@bafnus
if you have a moded bios that got slic, you do not have to use vistaboot.
vistaboot does emulate the slic and therefor you will not need it and i can make your system unstable
in your case you need only a OEM Certificate matching your slic and a OEM SLP key matching your vista edition, thats it
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:12 pm
people are not getting it……
having a modded bios (slic has been added) = just install the oem certificate and product key and your done.
having an ordinary bios (with no slic) = emulate a slic table first, then install oem certificate and product key and your done.
if your lucky enough your bios may have a slic table added by the manufacturer,
in that case just install oem certificate then the product key
how do you know if your bios has a slic table ??
install a program called EVEREST and look under ACPI it will list “SLIC” if its there.
July 29th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Anyone know what changes it makes to bootmgr?
July 29th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
@banana_boy
i does add the SLIC information to the memory.
July 31st, 2007 at 6:58 am
@Blog Admin
I assume it also adds instructions to bootmgr to add the SLIC info to memory? Excuse my ignorance.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:47 am
is anyone else having trouble with the german download site,
im writing in the numeric code and pressing download but nothing !!
does anyone else have anotherway
September 11th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
ok i get how to install vistaboot, now i just need to know, do i need a special OEM copy of vista, or any retail edition downloaded?
cause vistaloader does not work for me for some reason
January 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Do you know if this works on a tri boot xp, vista 32 and vista 64. I have it running with 32, but cant get it to work on 64.
Cheers