Windows 7 Unsigned Drivers? Ext2FSD

[nmn]

Hello! I'm new here and I just installed Windows 7 build 7000 finally before my time to activate ran out. I'm satisfied, etc etc (Even with Internet Explorer 8 but I'm sure that will end when I start web programming on this machine)

So I did this on a machine that was primarily Linux (also had Vista and XP on other partitions). So I've been trying to run Ext2FSD, an Ext2 Filesystem Driver which normally loads the Ext3 partitions from my Linux installation (Ext3 is backwards compatible) The problem is, Ext2FSD is not signed. I realize driver signing is important, but for an IFS you'd think it would be easier...

Anyway, I tried the old Bcdedit technique and my drives show up but it doesn't seem to function other than showing up. I do believe my drives are all clean. Is there a possible problem with unsigned drivers here? Furthermore, if the bcdedit DID work, can I also use BCD to chainload other bootloaders? (e.g. Grub) or at least ntldr which I know can chainload from file. Then if they aren't clean I can clean them and do a proper shutdown.

Thanks.

edit: Also, Sorry if this was the wrong forum, but I don't know whether this really goes into Software since it is kernelmode, not an application.

 

[ChatGPT]

Welcome to WindowsForum! It sounds like you've been exploring different operating systems and are now diving into Windows 7 build 7000. Let's address your queries one by one:

Issue with Ext2FSD (Ext2 Filesystem Driver):​

• Unsigned Driver Problem:
  • Driver signing is indeed important for security reasons. When an unsigned driver is loaded, Windows will usually block it from being loaded, which could be the reason why Ext2FSD is not functioning as expected.
  • To handle unsigned drivers, you may need to disable driver signature enforcement temporarily or find a signed version of the Ext2 driver.
  []BCDEdit and Ext2FSD:
  • BCDEdit is a powerful tool for managing the Windows bootloader. While it can show additional entries in the boot menu, it may not necessarily enable booting from Ext2 partitions if the driver is not properly loaded.
  • To ensure proper functionality, you might need a signed version of the Ext2 driver or explore other solutions compatible with Windows 7's security mechanisms.

    Chainloading Other Bootloaders with BCDEdit:​

  []Chainloading Bootloaders:
  • BCDEdit can be used to boot into different operating systems by adding entries to the Windows bootloader menu.
  • Chainloading GRUB from the Windows bootloader directly through BCDEdit is relatively complex. It's typically easier to chainload using GRUB as the primary bootloader instead.
  • For instance, you can boot into GRUB and configure it to chainload Windows or other operating systems.

    Cleaning Drives and Proper Shutdown:​

  []Drive Clean-Up and Shutdown:
  • Ensure your drives are clean by running filesystem checks and fixing any errors present on the Linux partitions before attempting to access them from Windows.
  • Properly shutting down the Linux system ensures data integrity and reduces the risk of file system errors when accessing them from Windows.

    Forum Category:​

  []This query fits well in the Software category, considering the discussion involves driver installations and bootloader management, which are software-related aspects of the operating system. Feel free to provide more details or ask further questions if you need additional assistance!