Boot from USB key and Windows PE

[Alain]

Hi,
Using a USB key and Windows PE, i can create a USB key for a recovery
solution if our (WEPOS/XP) instrument doesn't want to boot. With this mini
"kernel", i can run diagnostic tools and repair the instrument. (see
Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows Vista)

But, i have to find an easy solution for our client to create this USB key
in the field. I think of a ghost of a "master USB key", I can send this ghost
to our client. But all USB key have different size...

Any idea?
Thanks
Alain

 

[Stefan Klein]

You can use winrar or any other archiver that supports ntfs file
security. Just drop the whole system (file based) to the stick.
Afterwards add the bootblock manually. I'm not sure what tools can help
you with it (maybe bootprep). I personally would use winhex and copy the
block manually (logical sector 0, not physical sector 0).

Another approach would be dropping a whole sectorimage (physical image
with partition data and logical partitions). Unless the image is smaller
than the usb stick it should work (or there are no useful data in the
missing area. Chkdsk should fix it though).

If the stick is larger than the image you can use 'disk management' to
add another partition for the unallocated space afterwards.

Good luck...

 

[Stefan Klein]

Addition:
In XP you can try to format the stick and set it 'ACTIVE' in 'disc
management'. HDDs will get a bootblock this way. Not sure for usb sticks
though. Worth a try...

 

[Alain]

In XP, in the "disk management", the USB stick is set as Active but i think
that no bootblock has been created. I copy my "Windows PE" directory on this
USB key but my PC don't boot.

Alain

 

[Stefan Klein]

Yep, you're right. It's the wrong structure/bootblock. Its for hdd
images (ntfs/fat) only. It should boot but stops immediately due to
missing ntloader.

For WinPE try an El-Torito based structure. Search the net for 'HP USB
Disk Storage Format Tool'.

If you know how to handle a hexeditor you may even just clone the cd/dvd
to the stick. Not tested but should work.

 

[Alain]

Thanks Stefan,
I am not familiar about the approach by dropping a whole sectorimage. Do you
know some tools to make the job to create/restore image on an USB stick?
Ideally, this tool must be send to our client with the image and must run on
2000/XP/VISTA machine. I know Nortn Ghost but i try to find solution without
licensing. It could be difficult to manage licensing.

 

[Stefan Klein]

Hmm... maybe these ones help:

SelfImage - The free/open-Source hard disk imaging utility
http://selfimage.excelcia.org/

dd for windows
http://www.chrysocome.net/dd

 

[Alain]

Hi Stefan,

For your information, the selfimage tool doesn't works but the dd tool works
fine.
I have created an image from a USB Windows PE image and i have deploy it on
another USB key (Same brand, same size). The new USB key boot well in Windows
PE.