> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://strg.gitbook.io/welcome/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://strg.gitbook.io/welcome/setup-spoofer/prepare-for-the-spoofer.md).

# Prepare for the Spoofer

{% hint style="warning" %}
Complete **every** check on this page before opening a ticket or starting the remote session.
{% endhint %}

## 1. Previous Spoofers

**Have you ever run any other HWID spoofer on this current Windows installation?**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Yes" %}
You **must** perform a clean Windows reinstall **before** the STRONG spoof.

Most other spoofers (even those claiming to be temporary or permanent) leave bootkits, kernel drivers, or registry traces. Removing them manually is unreliable and time-consuming.

A clean install is the only reliable way to guarantee a clean slate.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="No" %}
Good. You can continue.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## 2. RAID Arrays

**Is Windows currently installed on a RAID array?**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Yes (AMD RAID / Intel RST / etc.)" %}
You must reinstall Windows onto a standard **AHCI / non-RAID** partition **before** the spoof.

{% hint style="danger" %}
STRONG requires a modified BIOS flash on many systems. This process can corrupt RAID metadata and leave Windows unbootable.
{% endhint %}

Install on a single drive in AHCI mode first. You can optionally recreate a RAID array **after** the spoof if desired (see After Spoof section).
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="No" %}
Perfect. Continue to the next check.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## 3. Windows Language

**Is your Windows language set to English?**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Yes" %}
Good. Continue.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="No" %}
Please change your Windows display language to **English** before the remote session.

This avoids issues with tool localization, command outputs, and remote assistance.

**How to change it:**

1. Open **Settings** → **Time & language** → **Language & region**
2. Under **Windows display language**, select **English**
3. Sign out and sign back in (or restart) if prompted
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

## 4. BitLocker

**Is BitLocker enabled on any of your drives?**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Yes / I'm not sure" %}
You must **disable BitLocker** before the spoof.

### How to check if BitLocker is enabled

1. Press `Windows key + X` → **Windows PowerShell** (or Terminal) **as Administrator**
2. Run this command:

```powershell
manage-bde -status
```

Look for any volume that shows **Protection Status: Protection On**.

Alternatively:

* Open **Control Panel** → **BitLocker Drive Encryption**
* Or search for “BitLocker” in the Start menu

### How to disable BitLocker

1. Open **Control Panel** → **BitLocker Drive Encryption**
2. Click **Turn off BitLocker** next to each protected drive
3. Confirm and wait until decryption finishes completely (this can take a long time depending on drive size and amount of data)

{% hint style="danger" %}
Do **not** start the remote spoof session while BitLocker is still decrypting or enabled. The process must be fully complete.
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="No" %}
Perfect. You can continue to the next page.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Next Step

Once **all** checks above are clear:

→ Go to **Disable Windows Defender**