BlueIce:
Disclaimer: This code was not created by PhoenixLabs. All third party code is use at your own risk. PhoenixLabs will not accept any responsibility for problems extending from third party code.



Origin: I got sick and tired of having to update PG2 by hand every time I started up the computer, so I wrote this up real quick to go ahead and clean out the files that you need to, in order to start it up under Vista x64, and get it all updated.

This is ONLY for the people who've gotten PG2 Vista RC1 already running on their Vista machine by itself! I don't know how many times I have to say it, we cannot, and will not address your issues in getting PG2 Vista RC1 Test 2 working here. This is a thread for help with using the LOADER ONLY.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR FIXES TO GET PG2 WORKING -BEFORE- YOU TRY MY LOADER, HERE ARE MY SUGGESTIONS:
For those using x64 SP1, I suggest the ready driver plus (test signing requires vista test mode)
For those using x64 only, I suggest uninstalling all the listed service packs here, and disable the signature check using BCDEDIT (Google it)
For those using 32bit SP1, you guys don't have driver issues, so use either RobrPatty's batch file (hint #4), or my loader since it's just an fully automated version of said batch file.
If you have issues with any of these fixes, please post in the relevant thread about getting PG2 Vista RC1 Test 2 working on your computer first. NOT HERE.

Problems with your lists not downloading? "Error contacting URL" messages in the update window? USE IBLOCKLIST. I use it from day one since it's pretty much always up and working, but just like PG2, it needs donations to stay alive too. So make sure you donate!

UPDATE: After installing Vista 32bit into a virtual pc, I was able to test and fix a lot of the bugs plaguing the 32bit users. I now submit PG2Loader RC1 to the masses for breaking in and testing out. I've patched it well enough it works on both my host 64bit Vista OS, and my virtual 32bit Vista OS. I seriously hope this is the fix everyone was looking for.

DEBUG MODE: Please add "debug" to your shortcut's target to enable debug output mode, it switches the loader to start spitting out more details. I.E.: "C:\Program Files\PeerGuardian 2\pg2loader.exe" debug

CHANGELOG: RC5b ("Damn summer sucks.") out.
RC5b:

• NEW: Added option for Windows 7 users experiencing lockout even when using Compatibility mode, see switches below for more information.
• CHANGE: Cleaned up some code, enabled checking throughout the process for pesky "Need Update" windows.

RC5:

• NEW: Added option for hiding PeerGuardian 2 while running the Loader so you can continue doing whatever you want and not have the PG2 window hung open in the way.
• NEW: Added option for removing the PG2 Loader tray icon
• CHANGE: Altered the installer to allow custom switch combinations

RC4:

• NEW: Added option for hiding/making silent, the Loader. "C:\Program Files\PeerGuardian 2\pg2loader.exe" hide - There is 1 danger to this, and that is, if the loader hangs, the only way to kill it is either using the Task Manager, or right-clicking on it's icon in the system tray, and if the tray icon isn't there, Task Manager is your only option. Fortunately, I've named this aptly, so you know what to kill.
• PATCH #27: Investigated and applied changes to the loader's behavior to account for the random occurance of what I'm calling "Automatic update on startup by PG2". Loader shouldn't hang anymore on these rare instances, so no more having to run it again.

RC3:

• NEW: Added check for administrator privledges since that's about the one major problem facing users of the loader. You don't run it as Admin, it doesn't work so well. Now including check and disclaimer if you're not running it as Admin.
• BUG #27: Investigating a forced-reload's behavior since even I'm having some trouble.

RC2:

• NEW: Added new command line option "full" to perform all fixes and not just the known ones for your version of Vista. See the "debug" option image below and swap 'debug' for 'full' instead. I.E.: "C:\Program Files\PeerGuardian 2\pg2loader.exe" full

RC1:

• PATCH #26: Added progressive logging, so even if you error out, it's already been writing direct to the log file (there was an issue with 32bit not getting a log file even on a successful run).
• PATCH #25: Changed the kill system a bit, now keeps checking for the process ID to be killed rather than resampling the process name for possible PID.
• PATCH #24: GLC sections updated... Forcing check both times for 64bit (we're expecting them both times) and enabled timeouts under 32bit (they don't always occur on this arch).
• CHANGE: Shortened a lot of the timers to make PG2Loader faster now that we're making dependent checks and waiting for the results rather than taking a guess when we should have them.
• CHANGE: Changed wording a bit when it comes to listing off what type of archetecture, using "kernel" (more accurate), rather than "processor" (bad generalization)

Please reply with posts on how it works out for you, also it generates a log every startup, if you have problems, please grab the log and post it here so I can help troubleshoot. Please refrain from posting here if you haven't already gotten PG2 working on your Vista computer, and do not ask how to get PG2 Vista RC1 Test 2 working, I've posted the different methods above to getting it working on each OS version.

The ZIP file contains 2 files, pg2loader.exe and pg2loader.jpg - These need to go in the SAME folder as the PeerGuardian pg2.exe executable. No exceptions. The loader will exit with an error message if it's not in the right place. It can be rerun WHILE PG2 is running in case you need to "recover" PG2. (It will NOT recover the driver, that requires a restart if it's badly hung, otherwise Vista should automatically restart the driver.)

Again, questions, comments, issues, please come back here. I hope more people enjoy this as much as I do, and damn I'm glad I'm spending the time doing it.

PLEASE REMEMBER EVEN THOUGH WE'RE IN RC THIS IS STILL VERY MUCH BETA. I've tested everything I can, but I'm sure there's plenty more that can go wrong.

The loader does a few things: (Green=32&64bit) (32bit Only) (64bit Only)

1. Kills any existing running copy of PG2
2. Backs up permanent lists
3. Does everything the batch file does
4. Restores the permanent lists to the lists folder
5. Disables protection: Edits pg2.conf before starting up (hangup fix)
6. Starts PG2
7. Addresses "Generating List Cache..." input request (Waits 5s and continues if not found)
8. Disables protection: via GUI
9. Automatically starts and watches for the updates to complete
   
   
10. Closes update window
11. Addresses "Generating List Cache..." input request (This happens all the time after update, so it's mandatory)
12. Enables protection
13. Hides PG2

NOTE: You want to change your desktop link to the new PG2Loader.exe instead, so that way it does everything automatically. I also updated it before anyone else downloaded it to include checks for Vista, and if you're running x64 or x86.

Also, you want to run PG2Loader as an Admin EVERY TIME. It has to do things like killing and starting a child process, so it'll need the elevated permissions to do so. When you're editing your shortcut, it might be worth it to go to the Compatibility tab and fill in the checkbox for "Run shortcut as Administrator" and then hit OK/Apply, so that every time you run it, it's elevated and PG2Loader can do it's job. 90% of the problems that stem from using PG2Loader after following these instructions is due to the fact that people are NOT running it as an Administrator. This was partially my fault for not outlining it previously. So here's your notice. RUN IT AS AN ADMINISTRATOR. Fail to do so, and I have no idea where PG2Loader will break.

This was meant as a replacement for the BAT file so you can now start PG2 up with the computer again. So far, so good, wouldn't you say?

Below are the attached files, if you're just starting out using PG2 Loader, or want to take the easy route to getting started, then "PG2LRC# Installer.zip" is the file you want. It'll make all the shortcuts and put everything in the default folder of PG2. Great if you just downloaded and installed PG2 Vista, and already have it running.
If you have a custom setup, or want to set things up your own way (shortcuts, startup options, etc etc), then the pg2loaderRC#.zip is the package for you as it just contains the 2 files you need.

Quick instructions for the installer: When running the installer, it'll now prompt you for the switches you want to use with all your PG2 Loader shortcuts, here's the list and what they do. Note that the DEBUG option is automatically added to the switches with the Debug shortcut in the start menu folder.

• full - Runs all known fixes for PG2 x32 and x64 modes
• hide - Hides the PG2 Loader window in the bottom right corner of the screen
• hidepg2 - Hides the PG2 windows while it goes along so they don't block you from doing things (this was an annoyance to me)
• notray - Disables the tray icon for PG2 Loader from showing up in the tray.
• debug - You don't need to use this option in your switches, it's automatically added to the debug shortcut in the start menu.
• win7 - ONLY AVAILABLE ON RC5b! Use this option if you're getting problems running the loader on Windows 7 with the error message "This loader is designed for Windows Vista only." even with Vista SP1 compatibility enabled.

Okay, so because the PhoenixLabs servers took a shit not too long ago, the downloads here have been TRASHED. So as of right now, downloads for the Loader are unavailable. Also, you don't need the loader, look for MarkSide's PeerBlock project, he's pretty much replaced the entirety of PeerGuardian2 with fixed code, AND A SIGNED DRIVER! PeerBlock Official Website PeerBlock Official Thread @ PhoenixLabs Forums

Ran your loader and worked fine 1st time around. But after reboot pg2 did not load. Is this suppose to run after every boot?

Edit: Ignore 1st post. I just added loader icon to desktop and run it after each boot. Nice.. real sweet setup. Does everything for you! Thanks for your efforts

BlueIce: When posting consecutively to update a post please use the edit button. Thank you.

I do believe I asked for some feedback... I mean, anything. "Thanks" "This sucks, get a real job" "You're an asshole" etc etc

Constructive criticism is a plus, but not really needed. Is there anything more I can add to this setup to make it any better for anyone else out there? Or are we fine as is?

I'd like to know what else can be done if anything.

Hey Cynagen, thank you SO much for this handy loader!

I can run PG2 *again* on my dipshit Vista setup now :)

The only problem I've encountered happened occasionally while "Allowing" an IP from the list. PG2 would simply hang up and end up not responding. The good news is I can reload PG2 with the linky immediately.

Great work and thanks again, this will hold us till PG3 comes roaring :P

That's neat it uses the same scripting thing many Diablo 2 bots use.

__________________
Latest Peerblock: http://forums.phoenixlabs.org/showth...ight=peerblock

Whenever making a change to the list, DISABLE protection, wait for the cache to complete, and then re-enable. Only way to get around that bug, and mind you, it is a bug in the code for something, prolly the driver being impatient about the list being denied.

I didn't realize you could hook into the D2 window that easily and make bots with AutoIt... I'll have to look into that.

now this is nice - thanks alot!
seems to run without problems. if i should come across any errors or such, i'll report.
but it seems as if there won't be any need to do so. :)

i cant get this to load i get this error:

AutoIt Error

Line-1:

Error: Unable to execute the External program.

The request operation requires elevation.

Run PG2Loader as admin, the windows protection is blocking you from having my application open PG2.