“Blue Badge” tool available, unlocks all known protected features
Last week, I revealed a weird protection scheme around some unfinished features in Windows 7 (build 6801). I provided a buggy tool to enable the new Taskbar, then teased everyone with other features such as gestures, panning, and Desktop Slideshow. It wasn’t intentional, I just needed some time to rework the unlocking tool.
As the dialog indicates, patched files are not backed up. I suggest all users back up, by copying into a temporary folder somewhere, the following files:
WindowsExplorer.exeWindowsSystem32wisptis.exeWindowsSystem32ieframe.dllWindowsSystem32shell32.dllWindowsSystem32stobject.dllWindowsSystem32TabletPC.cplWindowsSystem32themecpl.dllWindowsSystem32themeui.dllWindowsSystem32powercfg.cpl
Update (Nov. 14): As of revision 2, files are backed up with a .original extension.
Understanding the risks involved in patching core system files, you may download a copy of the tool for x86 or x64 (both rev. 2). Please keep in mind this tool is not affiliated, sponsored, supported by, written by, or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation.