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2024 Cass Award Winners
The Single-operator Cass Award recognizes the DXPedition that works the most unique callsigns in a 2-week interval. In 2024, it was
won by Janusz SP9FIH, who operating as A52P made an amazing 15,396 QSOs with unique callsigns from Bhutan - a new record. The Unlimited Cass Award recognizes the multi-operator DXPedition that works the most unique callsigns in a 4-week interval. The PX0FF team - Bernd "Ben" Och DA1DX, Andreas Paulick DL5CW, Markus Staude DK2CX, Wolfgang Klier OE2VEL, Renner Pedroza PY7RP, and Ville Hiilesmaa OH2MM - won with 34,336 unique callsigns worked from Fernando de Noronha. The Cass Awards are sponsored by Club Log, the Northern California DX Club, and DXLab. For more information, see 73, Dave, AA6YQ |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
开云体育I wish to thank all you for your excellent suggestions and advice.I have decided to do a fresh install of Windows 11 on my current machine and will follow Dave and Joe’s sage advice. ? Thanks again! 73 de W5SV, Dave |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
开云体育Hi Everyone, More as an academic exercise than anything else, I did have one PC here that has only ever had upgrades since Windows Vista. Well, it finally got stuck at Windows 10 23H1 and would not proceed any further. After installing the upgrade and rebooting it would get stuck at the swirling icon and eventually fail and perform a roll-back. Needless to say, for normal purposes I do concur with Laurie and Dave. Whenever you can, always do a fresh install. 73, On 9/04/2025 1:03 pm, Dave AA6YQ via
groups.io wrote:
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Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
开云体育Nothing I? can do about it. I did get 12 years of use out of the system though. I can still use it for things like browsing, email, word processing, managing photos, etc. The system does not have the needed TPM chip. No TPM. I can only upgrade with the published hacks. Sort of furious with Microsoft. ? I have a new W11 Desktop. It is really fast . It is a Ryzen processor. ? I do have DXLABS and other Ham programs running now. ? Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Joe - W9RF via groups.io
Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 3:06 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 ? Gilbert, ? Before tossing a perfectly good computer look into upgrading your win10 computer to win11, some computers will and some (with the wrong processor) will not, lot cheaper than a new computer. ? ? 73, ? W9RF - Joe ? ? ? ? ? ? On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 12:43:53 PM CDT, Gilbert Baron W0MN via groups.io <w0mn00@...> wrote: ? ? I hate to risk the security exploits and I hate to throw away a perfectly working set of hardware. OTOH at my age (86) I am not sure I want to start learning Linux since I really would need to learn a lot of? new apps too. Maybe I will just keep the machine with W10 as long as I can and just use for word processing, photos, email, and etc. -- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W Hierro candente, batir de repente HP Laptop |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
Gilbert, Before tossing a perfectly good computer look into upgrading your win10 computer to win11, some computers will and some (with the wrong processor) will not, lot cheaper than a new computer. 73, W9RF - Joe
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 12:43:53 PM CDT, Gilbert Baron W0MN via groups.io <w0mn00@...> wrote:
I hate to risk the security exploits and I hate to throw away a perfectly working set of hardware. OTOH at my age (86) I am not sure I want to start learning Linux since I really would need to learn a lot of? new apps too. Maybe I will just keep the machine with W10 as long as I can and just use for word processing, photos, email, and etc. Sad but asi es la vida I guess. Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Mike - W1MI via groups.io Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 10:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 From that page, I've tried "How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM Requirement Using Rufus" on a laptop with an i7-4700mq CPU and a v1.2 TPM. It seemed to work fine. I have it on a spare hard drive and haven't decided whether to make it permanent yet. 73, Mike - W1MI -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 9:54 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 Among other results from a Google search for "Windows 11 without TPM" is this one: <> There are also many other links/hacks although Microsoft have been closing some of those exploits. However, given the significant number of mini pc systems with significant CPU/RAM/SSD capability that run Windows 11 for under $500 (at least pre tariffs), I don't know that I would rely on 10 year old technology for my primary system (I may try the bypass on a 10+ year old laptop with an I7-4xxx CPU and no TPM just to have a Win11 laptop in case I need something on the go). 73, ? ? ... Joe, W4TV -- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W Hierro candente, batir de repente HP Laptop |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
To continue running Windows 10 after Microsoft drops support,
1. don't use the system to maintain financial information, or any information that could facilitate identify theft 2. use a quality router with a bult-in firewall, and close all unnecessary ports 3. use a secure DNS, e.g. CloudFlare's free 1.1.1.1 https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/dns/what-is-1.1.1.1/ 4. maintain an up-to-date version of MalwareBytes, and direct it to scan for malware once each week? Detailed recommendations from Perplexity are appended below ? ? ? ?73, ? ? ? ? ? ? Dave, AA6YQ **Security Precautions for Unsupported Windows 10 PCs**
?
**1. Use a Robust Anti-Malware Solution** ?
Install a reputable third-party antivirus with active updates (e.g., Malwarebytes, Kaspersky) to compensate for the lack of Microsoft security patches. **Microsoft Defender will no longer receive updates after October 14, 2025**, leaving inherent vulnerabilities unpatched[2][4]. Avoid running multiple antivirus programs simultaneously to prevent system instability[3]. ?
**2. Enable Advanced Browser Protections** ?
Use browsers like **Firefox** or **Microsoft Edge** with strict pop-up blockers, ad-blockers (e.g., uBlock Origin), and enable **SmartScreen** to block malicious sites[3]. Avoid downloading untrusted files or opening suspicious email attachments[3]. ?
**3. Apply Third-Party Security Patches** ?
Services like **0patch** offer micro-patches for critical vulnerabilities. The free tier covers some 0-day exploits, while the Pro plan ($24.95/year per PC) provides comprehensive coverage[4]. This is essential for mitigating unpatched Windows vulnerabilities. ?
**4. Minimize Attack Surface** ?
- **Disable unnecessary services/ports** - seen report appended below - **Use a standard (non-admin) account** for daily tasks to limit malware privileges[3]. ? - **Enable Tamper Protection** in Windows Security to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings[3]. ?
**5. Network-Level Protections** ?
- **Use a firewall** (hardware or software) to restrict inbound/outbound traffic. ? - **Route traffic through a secure DNS** (e.g., Cloudflare 1.1.1.1) to block malicious domains. ? - **Consider isolating the PC** from critical network devices using VLANs or a separate physical network. ?
**Critical Reminder:** ?
Unsupported systems remain vulnerable to **zero-day exploits** and targeted attacks. Use this PC only for non-sensitive tasks, and avoid storing critical data or accessing financial accounts from it[2][4]. Citations:
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] ?
**Ports to Consider Closing in Windows 10 for Enhanced Security**
**Critical Ports to Block** ? - **Ports 135-139, 445**: Associated with SMB (Server Message Block) and NetBIOS, historically targeted for exploits like EternalBlue. **Disable SMBv1** first via "Turn Windows Features On/Off," then block these ports if no network sharing or printing is needed[4][5]. ? - **Port 3389**: Used for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Block inbound connections unless remote access is explicitly required[4][7]. ? - **Ports 1433/1434**: Used by Microsoft SQL Server. Close if no database services are running[4][7]. ? - **Port 3306**: MySQL default port. Unnecessary unless hosting a MySQL server[4][7]. ? - **Port 5000**: Often used by vulnerable services (e.g., Universal Plug and Play). Block unless required[5]. ? **General Guidelines** ? 1. **Identify Open Ports**: Use `netstat -an` to detect listening ports[7][5]. ? 2. **Block via Windows Firewall**: ? ? ?- Navigate to **Windows Defender Firewall > Advanced Settings > Inbound Rules > New Rule**[2][3]. ? ? ?- Select **Port > Block Connection** and specify the port number (e.g., 445)[3][5]. ? 3. **Outbound vs. Inbound**: ? ? ?- **Inbound**: Block unused services (e.g., RDP, SMB). ? ? ?- **Outbound**: Generally safe to leave open unless restricting telemetry/data exfiltration[4][6]. ? **Impact of Closing Ports** ? - **SMB/NetBIOS**: Disables file/print sharing and network discovery[4][5]. ? - **RDP**: Prevents remote access but has no effect on local use[4]. ? - **Database Ports**: Stops external access to SQL/MySQL services[4][7]. ? **Security Best Practices** ? - **Disable Unused Services**: Turn off SMBv1 and RDP in Windows Features/Settings[4][5]. ? - **Use a Router Firewall**: Block inbound ports at the network level (e.g., disable UPnP)[5][7]. ? - **Minimal Rule Set**: Allow only ports 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS), and specific application ports (e.g., SSH on 22 if used)[6][7]. ? **Tools for Management** ? - **Windows Firewall**: Primary tool for port blocking[2][3][8]. ? - **Third-Party Software**: Tools like Windows Doors Cleaner simplify port management but are less transparent[5]. ? ?
Citations:
[1] [2] [3] [4] ?
[5]
[6] [7] [8] ?
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share ? |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I hate to risk the security exploits and I hate to throw away a perfectly working set of hardware. OTOH at my age (86) I am not sure I want to start learning Linux since I really would need to learn a lot of new apps too. Maybe I will just keep the machine with W10 as long as I can and just use for word processing, photos, email, and etc.
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Sad but asi es la vida I guess. Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Mike - W1MI via groups.io Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 10:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 From that page, I've tried "How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM Requirement Using Rufus" on a laptop with an i7-4700mq CPU and a v1.2 TPM. It seemed to work fine. I have it on a spare hard drive and haven't decided whether to make it permanent yet. 73, Mike - W1MI -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 9:54 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 Among other results from a Google search for "Windows 11 without TPM" is this one: <> There are also many other links/hacks although Microsoft have been closing some of those exploits. However, given the significant number of mini pc systems with significant CPU/RAM/SSD capability that run Windows 11 for under $500 (at least pre tariffs), I don't know that I would rely on 10 year old technology for my primary system (I may try the bypass on a 10+ year old laptop with an I7-4xxx CPU and no TPM just to have a Win11 laptop in case I need something on the go). 73, ... Joe, W4TV -- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W Hierro candente, batir de repente HP Laptop |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
From that page, I've tried "How to Bypass Windows 11's TPM Requirement Using Rufus"
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on a laptop with an i7-4700mq CPU and a v1.2 TPM. It seemed to work fine. I have it on a spare hard drive and haven't decided whether to make it permanent yet. 73, Mike - W1MI -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 9:54 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 Among other results from a Google search for "Windows 11 without TPM" is this one: <> There are also many other links/hacks although Microsoft have been closing some of those exploits. However, given the significant number of mini pc systems with significant CPU/RAM/SSD capability that run Windows 11 for under $500 (at least pre tariffs), I don't know that I would rely on 10 year old technology for my primary system (I may try the bypass on a 10+ year old laptop with an I7-4xxx CPU and no TPM just to have a Win11 laptop in case I need something on the go). 73, ... Joe, W4TV |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
Among other results from a Google search for "Windows 11 without TPM"
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is this one: <> There are also many other links/hacks although Microsoft have been closing some of those exploits. However, given the significant number of mini pc systems with significant CPU/RAM/SSD capability that run Windows 11 for under $500 (at least pre tariffs), I don't know that I would rely on 10 year old technology for my primary system (I may try the bypass on a 10+ year old laptop with an I7-4xxx CPU and no TPM just to have a Win11 laptop in case I need something on the go). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2025-04-09 9:24 AM, Gilbert Baron W0MN via groups.io wrote:
I HAVE A VERY NICE BUT OLD HP PC THAT IS w10. I TRIE TO UPGRADE AD OF COURSE IT MIS ISSIG THE HARDWARE THA Microsoft has demanded. How do I get around this? It is really a rotten thing to have to throw away a perfectly good machine. Talk about recycle wishes. !!! |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
开云体育I HAVE A VERY NICE BUT OLD HP PC THAT IS w10. I TRIE TO UPGRADE AD OF COURSE IT MIS ISSIG THE HARDWARE THA Microsoft has demanded. How do I get around this? It is really a rotten thing to have to throw away a perfectly good machine. Talk about recycle wishes. !!! ? Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb ? ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Inbody, Don via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 9:48 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Considering upgrading to Windows 11 ? I did it some time ago. Bought a new computer and transferred DXLab to it. Win 11 itself is no issue. You will see little change other that where the start menu is located. Follow Dave's instructions to the letter on transferring DXLAB. The only problem I m had was skipping one step - all my doing. ? Go for it. ? I gather Microsoft has surrendered and will allow computers that previously could not be upgraded to do so. When that happens I am not sure. Someone on here will likely know that answer. ? 73, Don AD0K? ? ? Don Inbody Buda, Texas ? On Tue, Apr 8, 2025, 20:10 David Reed via <w5sv.dave=[email protected]> wrote:
-- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W Hierro candente, batir de repente HP Laptop |
Re: Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC
Many thanks for the various comments which have been most helpful.
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As I understand it Laplink provides exceptions so this might be the route to go down and follow Dave's detailed instructions. 73 Steve GW4BKG -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Dave AA6YQ Sent: 08 April 2025 20:59 To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC + AA6YQ comments below I am aware that detailed instructions exist for DXLabs migration butForget about it! DXLab Suite stores much of its configuration data in the Windows Registry. I would not trust Laplink to get that right. Do a new install with move specific files and load saved registry data (Workspace) as documented in: <> + I strongly agree. There is no way to know exactly what an application like LapLink does or doesn't do; therefore, there is no way to know whether what it does is sufficient to accurately and completely relocate your DXLab applications. + The step-by-step instructions cited above have been successfully employed by users here for more than 20 years. Print them out, and check them off as you execute them. 73, Dave, AA6YQ |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
I did it some time ago. Bought a new computer and transferred DXLab to it. Win 11 itself is no issue. You will see little change other that where the start menu is located. Follow Dave's instructions to the letter on transferring DXLAB. The only problem I m had was skipping one step - all my doing. Go for it. I gather Microsoft has surrendered and will allow computers that previously could not be upgraded to do so. When that happens I am not sure. Someone on here will likely know that answer. 73, Don AD0K? Don Inbody Buda, Texas On Tue, Apr 8, 2025, 20:10 David Reed via <w5sv.dave=[email protected]> wrote: Realizing that Microsoft is threatening stoping support for Windows 10 |
Re: Considering upgrading to Windows 11
开云体育On 09/04/2025 11:10 am, David Reed via
groups.io wrote:
I admit some concerns about trying an "upgrade in place" as opposed to a fresh install. My advice is to do a fresh install. With an upgrade of an old Win10 install you will likely be bringing across years worth of garbage data/files. I never perform upgrades, always fresh installs on my personal PCs and in my corporate IT capacity (30+ years of IT support). de Laurie VK3AMA (JTAlert author) |
Considering upgrading to Windows 11
Realizing that Microsoft is threatening stoping support for Windows 10 this year, I am thinking about biting the bullet and getting it over with and starting the learning and mental adaptation to it.
I am looking for advice from those who have already gone down this path, and opinions as well. For our Gurus, your advice and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I admit some concerns about trying an "upgrade in place" as opposed to a fresh install. I am also considering a newer desktop, though according to Dell and Microsoft, the current machine should be adequate for my needs. Your advice is appreciated. Thanks and 73 de Dave, W5SV |
Re: Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC
I would be very surprised if the Geeks got the DXLabs stuff transferred correctly. The majority of the instructions are of the form "if you modified/changed this, then transfer this file". The Geek will have no idea what you have done with DXlab stuff. Nor will he be able to meaningfully verify that it is reinstalled correctly on the new machine.
Since you said you're not too computer savvy, I'm guessing you have not customized much if anything. If that is the case, there are only two files to worry about - your log backup and your workspace backup. Hopefully you make those on a regular basis! I recently moved to a new machine and all I had to do was install DXlabs on the new machine, then copy my log and workspace backups over. It took maybe 15 minutes and I was up and running. You can let the Geeks move all the Windows stuff over, but I would follow Dave's advice and handle DXlabs yourself. If you get into trouble, you can get plenty of help here. 73, Chuck KM3V |
Re: Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC
+ AA6YQ comments below
I have downloaded the instructions you gave me earlier to move from a Win 10 PC to a new Win 11 PC. I am having the info transferred from one to another by Geek Squad. Will that transfer capture the DXLab and Log info and bring it over or will I need to do it. + There is no way to know. You should assume that your DXLab files and settings will not be transferred. I am not very computer savvy and I am not looking for an "easy button" but I am a bit nervous about my ability to do this right and things going awry, and my losing my logs and logging capability. + Your DXLab files and settings will remain unmodified on your Win 10 PC; critical files like your log should already be "backed up". Thus the process of copying files and settings from your Win 10 PC to your new Win 11 PC will not place your log or any other DXLab files and settings at risk. + After your Win 11 PC is up and running pin out the step-by-step instructions in + and check each one off as you execute it. If you reach a step that you don't understand or that causes you concern, stop and post a message here. Many ops are available to help you over any hurdles you encounter. The new computer is supposed to be here tomorrow and I will start the changeover with Geek Squad soon. Also I took note of the instructions to move LOTW and understand that the ARRL has someone who will help me with that, though I think it will be easier. + Step-by-step instructions for setting up TQSL on your new Win 11 PC and copying your settings, Callsign Certificates, and Station Locations are here: 73, Dave, AA6YQ |
Re: Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC
This is possibly the ore and only thing you may not jump for joy about with DXLAB. BUT BUT BUT it is the only way to be sure that you get everything and do not have to start over.
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In some cases it may not be a bad thing to start over from scratch. You will then know everything about your setup. I do not necessarily recommend this but it is a possibility. In any case when done you will be a happy camper again. Once it is working then be sure to make a good backup. This trouble is not caused by DXLABS. It is a direct result of the complexity of Windows and of the process of starting with a new computer. When completed you will be happy and will not have to suffer the process again, At least until Microsoft forces it on you when they stop support W11. I think that is a Longway off. At my age I may not have to worry about it. ? Outlook LT Gil W0MN Hierro Candente Batir de Repente 44.08226 N 92.51265 W EN34rb -----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV via groups.io Sent: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 2:14 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [DXLab] Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC On 2025-04-08 2:49 PM, Steve GW4BKG via groups.io wrote: I ama aware that detailed instructions exist for DXLabs migration butForget about it! DXLab Suite stores much of its configuration data in the Windows Registry. I would not trust Laplink to get that right. Do a new install with move specific files and load saved registry data (Workspace) as documented in: <> At the very least you will probably need to load the workspace data after using Laplink but there are registry keys that are only created by the various DXLab Suite application installers that may be missed by Lap link. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2025-04-08 2:49 PM, Steve GW4BKG via groups.io wrote: My present PC runs Windows 10 and I am aware that in October of this -- W0MN EN34rb 44.08226 N 92.51265 W Hierro candente, batir de repente HP Laptop |
Re: Moving existing DXLabs installation to new PC
+ AA6YQ comments below
I am aware that detailed instructions exist for DXLabs migration butForget about it! DXLab Suite stores much of its configuration data in the Windows Registry. I would not trust Laplink to get that right. Do a new install with move specific files and load saved registry data (Workspace) as documented in: <> + I strongly agree. There is no way to know exactly what an application like LapLink does or doesn't do; therefore, there is no way to know whether what it does is sufficient to accurately and completely relocate your DXLab applications. + The step-by-step instructions cited above have been successfully employed by users here for more than 20 years. Print them out, and check them off as you execute them. 73, Dave, AA6YQ |
Re: new article: Pursuing DX Marathon Awards with DXLab
+ AA6YQ comments below
Thanks for the quick reply. That actually fixed the problem. I have no idea why "no prop" should be checked since there is no award dependency on propagation mode. + That's not correct: "Contacts through repeaters or satellites are not allowed nor are contacts with maritime or aeronautical mobile stations. All contacts must be made entirely over amateur radio frequencies – i.e., Echolink-type, DMR, All-Star, etc. contacts do not count." - from "Frequencies and Disallowed Entries" in 73, Dave, AA6YQ |