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GENERAL

> What is the Returnil Virtual System?
Returnil uses advanced virtualization technology to clone your computer’s System Partition in memory. When Protection is ON all changes made to the System Partition will be gone with a simple reboot. Top^

> I tried this program in the past and see there have been quite a few changes.
Yes, we completely redesigned Returnil in version 1.62. To see what we have added, you can read the entire change history here: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=121615 Top^

> What is the Virtual Partition?
The main mission of the Virtual Partition is to allow a convenient means for the user to save their data while using the protection feature. You should also explore saving data in alternate partitions – part of the design concept of RETURNIL was to force awareness that you do not have to save your data in default locations, especially the System Partition. Top^

> The computer Security industry is overflowing with new software every day, so why are you different?
Everyone here came together out of a sense of frustration with current/past security industry thinking and practice. There are too many bad ideas out there and our focus is to prove that Security does not have to be complicated to be effective and relevant. We believe you deserve better from your providers! Top^

> What distinguishes your software from similar products?
By creating an on-the-fly cloning technology that uses your computer’s memory rather than the actual hard drive, Returnil will not only help improve overall system performance, but also does its part in helping to extend your hard drive’s life cycle when using the Protection feature. Top^

> Now that you have a freeware edition, how do Business Edition customers obtain a copy for evaluation?
Simply contact our sales department and we can supply you with flexible period testing Serial Numbers for your convenience. Top^

> Why are you giving Returnil free to Home users?
First, we want to force change and innovation in the security industry. Secondly, we want to be the catalyst for accelerating the adoption and recognition of Virtual technology for the average user. Lastly, all you have to do to see the failure of traditional security solutions is to look for HJT logs and cries for help from people who have been a victim of Malware infections. This is intolerable to us when there are solutions available that would have helped prevent this in the first place! Top^

> I know Returnil is fast, but is there anything I can do to improve its performance even more?
Yes, before installing Returnil make sure your system is clean of any infections and/or unwanted programs. Next, perform a full disk de-fragmentation. If you use Returnil System Protection on a system that is already infected, you will most likely experience a “bouncing ball” situation where you try to uninstall the target content, but it will reappear at the next reboot. Further, having a defragged hard drive will improve system performance and make the Returnil cloning process most efficient. Top^

TECHNICAL

> How can Returnil clone my System Partition in memory? I only have 128MB, 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB of memory and my System Partition is 80 GB?
There is absolutely no reason to save the entire contents of the System Partition outside of a normal system backup or recovery image. As Returnil does not allow changes to the real System Partition with Protection ON, there is no need to carry the extra baggage of an image except as noted above or in a full-blown testing environment which lab testing software handles quite well. Top^

> Will I always have to reboot my system to change my System Protection mode?
No, but you will require a reboot to turn protection OFF. To turn ON protection without a reboot, simply use the Session Lock feature available from the Main Interface, the Tray Icon menu, or the Toolbar. The second issue here, “Turn off System Protection without reboot”, is not a trivial thing to solve due to the design of Windows itself. We are exploring several ideas to address this, but remember there is a reason why even Microsoft itself must require a system reboot when installing some critical updates and patches. Top^

> What is the difference between the System Protection and the Virtual Partition features?
The System Protection feature will clone a copy of your computer’s System Partition in memory. The Virtual Partition is a feature that employs a file to simulate an actual partition on your hard disk drive so you can save data while the Protection is ON. Top^

> Can the user choose to exclude files & folders when using System Protection or Session Lock?
No, when protection is ON, all changes made to the System Partition will be lost with a reboot. If you save the content within the Virtual Partition or on an alternate drive, then the data saved in the VIRTUAL PARTITION remains following a reboot. Top^

> Why haven’t you included a feature to allow exclusion in Returnil?
Either you save data within your Virtual Partition or you do not (no exclusion or inclusion list required). Unless you are an UBER system tweaker, developer, program tester, or researcher there is no overriding need to exclude anything from protection on the System Partition; break your default Windows save directory addiction! Top^

> How do I use Returnil to Beta test or evaluate new software?
There are two distinct ways RETURNIL will help you in testing software:

A) Virtual leaks - when using products like VMWare or similar there is a chance, no matter how small, that content can "leak" into your real system. RETURNIL provides that last line of defense that will keep these leaks from making unintended changes to your real system partition. We have seen this happen in a Malware research lab and it is not pretty when a researcher looses valuable time recovering their system rather than testing the object of interest...

B) With just RETURNIL alone, there are limitations to testing software. This is only that if the program requires a reboot to complete its installation that installation will fail because the changes were lost after reboot while the protection is ON. For those applications or components you wish to test that do NOT require a system reboot, then you can install and observe the system for issues before you decide to make a permanent installation without the need for using .ISO images or more advanced testing environments. For the researcher we believe that "A" has merit and value by adding a layer of protection against "accidents". For the consumer/end-user that does not use or require an advanced testing environment, "B" has merit and value. Top^

> Will Returnil “freeze” my system?
NO, as the System Partition is not "frozen", you can do anything you want and there is no loss of experience while using RETURNIL. System Protection is cloning the System Partition in memory and this is why all changes are lost after system reboot. Top^

> Does Returnil create any issues when I surf the Internet or try to download files and E-mail?
NO, if you wish to save interesting web pages, download content and files, get your e-mail, or even make notes, simply save them within the Virtual Partition like you would to your desktop. An interesting thing to point out here is that saving data within your VIRTUAL PARTITION is more secure than saving to your system folders (desktop, My Documents, etc) as is the truth for saving data on alternate partitions. Top^

> I am familiar with using alternate data partitions, so how can I use Returnil comfortably on a system that does not have an alternate partition available?
What you will have with RETURNIL on a system with a single partition:

A) System Partition [C:] = Windows + Returnil + Applications

B) Data Partition [Returnil Z:] = Personal files, downloaded files, bookmarks, e-mails, address book, etc. The only difference here is that if you set the VIRTUAL PARTITION as a default save location for your applications, you must ensure that the VIRTUAL PARTITION is mounted. This is not a great sacrifice in time or effort, just change the appropriate data save location in the application you are using. Top^

> Do you recommend any particular system configuration for compatibility with Returnil?
We strongly recommend that the user consider creating an alternate data partition on their HDD. This is a widely accepted and recommended security configuration - never install programs in default directories, save your data on a non-system partition, etc. Top^

> Does Returnil “call home”?
RETURNIL does not require or use any form of network communications. It will not call home and has absolutely no reason to do so. Returnil is client side software and will work regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not. Top^

> If Returnil does not allow changes to happen on my System Partition, how do I use the program and still get my Automatic updates from Microsoft or update my Antivirus?
Microsoft security updates come once a month, are announced well in advance of release, and can be installed at any time you choose. Therefore, it is not a large hurdle to deactivate RETURNIL protection to allow the download and installation of these updates at the time convenient for you. What is more interesting here is that even if you mistimed this and did not get the update, your system is protected against unwanted changes that might exploit what these updates were developed to address. Top^

To ensure compatibility with your Antivirus updates, change the default download/save/load path for the product’s signature file to a non-system partition. A good example would be to change this to your data partition or the Returnil Virtual Partition. The only caution we would add in reference to saving data in the Virtual Partition is that you must have Returnil installed to mount this partition or access it. Top^

> Do I have to use Returnil with Protection always ON?
NO, a common way to use Returnil is to activate the Session Lock rather than change the default System Protection Mode. You can think of this like the shield space ships use in Science Fiction: When in doubt or about to enter a potentially hostile place, turn ON your Session Lock! Top^

> I do not buy it, if RETURNIL does not allow changes to my System Partition, then this is as good as “freezing” my system. This is as good as making my computer useless!
It is important to understand that there is no limitation on what you can do, create, or save.

The limit comes where "PERMANENT" change is concerned. Changes occur continuously to the cloned copy of your System Partition in memory, so you will see and experience exactly what you expect to see and experience. RETURNIL will allow you to have a full computing experience without worrying that harmful changes are made to your real System Partition while using the protection feature. Top^

> What does the RVSMOVER utility do?
WARNING: the following information is not recommended for inexperienced users! If you do not completely understand the potential consequences involved with moving system folders, DO NOT DO THIS! NOTE: This utility is currently designed for those who want to make the move permanent as part of their use of RVS System Protection

As part of our development process, we create a number of concept and testing programs that are designed to explore solutions internally without making changes to the main program. In this specific case, we created a utility that would allow the user to move some System Folders to an alternate partition including the Virtual Partition called RVSMOVER and is included in the Returnil Business Edition installation. The utility is located in the (default) "C:\Program Files\Returnil" directory. This utility will allow an option for experienced users who want to move their Desktop, IE Favorites, and IE Cookie system folders to an alternate drive.

We strongly caution the user that this is not a trivial thing to just experiment with, again, if in doubt, stay clear... We also recommend that if you are an experienced user who is familiar with this type of configuration that you should choose an alternate partition on your existing HDD to minimize any potential issues you might experience. When moving system folders it is essential that the target directory/partition be one that will boot with Windows! Top^

> Is Returnil compatible with RAID?
No, we are however researching solutions for use in RAID 0 (Striped) and RAID 1 (Mirrored) arrays. Please be patient as this may involve an extended period for development and testing. Top^

> Does Returnil protect my Master Boot Record (MBR)?
Yes, MBR (disk sectors 0-62) protection is now an integrated component of the System Protection/Session Lock feature. Top^

> Do I have to turn ON System Protection or use the Session Lock feature to use the Virtual Partition?
NO, Mounting/dismounting and use of the Virtual Partition is not affected by the System Protection mode or change of mode. Top^