I don't get how everything can be working fine in Windows 7 with the AQS service stopped. I tried stopping my AQS service. Data import from HWINFO stopped working along with virtual sensors. I would not call that working fine. My setup relies on HWINFO data import and virtual sensors. Maybe OP is not using these features? Whatever the case, if you insist on running AQS on a Windows 7 build with the AQS service stopped, that is your choice I guess. Don't expect any support from Aquacomputer. Good luck.