MicroWinpeBuilder to adapt its own Winpe : tutorial or 'under the hood'?

Hi noelBlanc,

I hope the water in your pool is not as cold as in France.

I do not have a pool, I use City Pool which is enough warm. 


But since covid .... you know the rest.

ref. https://www.karsiyaka.bel.tr/tr/kapali-yuzme-havuzu-5d80d902ef7aae463d11d75b

*
I fully understand how you use WinPE 
Since I do not have a job like yours, My WinPE usage is only for my 2 or 3 pc/laptop,
 so I do not much spend time creating a new WinPE as long as existing work enough for me.

*

My question: is there an action, a troubleshooting, that would not be possible since a winpe 64 latest version targeting an old OS x86 (XP for example)?

To me:
For "Very old PC" better use older PE (Gena or Win7PESE) .....
I do not have "Very old PC"  I use Gena on my laptop only following my old habit since I have massstorage driver of my Laptop and PC working both with Gena_x86 and Gena_x64 ...

ps: And I do not use WinPE much anymore, Win10 is quite stable with OS updates, I use WinPE maybe once a year.

This question better goes to HeyJoe. Why HeyJoe prefers 10PEx86 I have no idea.


*

i don't follow thread that speak about pluggin and the langage of winbuilder.

It is batch syntax, like .cmd files, easy to read once you get familiar with it.

Code: [Select]

ShellExecuteex,Open,notepad.exe
=
Start notepad.exe

see Lancelot Reply 15 http://theoven.org/index.php?topic=2390.msg29318#msg29318

But i communicate in the past with Bob Omb. Please give me some news about him and some simple informations about linux in winpe.

My mistake.
Correct is : "Linux Bash Shell" in WinPE 
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/use-bash-shell-windows-10

The idea is first to install Bash Shell to source (Step 1) , later copy files+registry to PE. (Step 2)
Bob.Omb had done Step1 in the past (~ 2 years ago) ..... I asked HeyJoe if HeyJoe has any interest with Step2. That is all. 

Hi Noel,

I will collect more info for You. Will post soon. Please remind Me if time exceeded in case I forget about.

Just noticed Reply #280 by Lancelot concerning "... Linux Bash Shell in WinPE ...".

... Because my poor english, i don't follow thread that speak about pluggin and the langage of winbuilder.

If I can support You with further info about plugin written by Bob.Omb please let Me know.
I would like Bob.Omb to read your request and get in touch if he can.

Have a good time.

See You.

Hi Noel,

sorry, late reply. Was busy w/ other things.

Your PM send to Me on March 05, 2021, 01:47:11 AM

I ask you an other help : I push a new ISO  in the link and make modification for "scaner". So, if you have free time and if you get an other device than mine, it really helpfull for me if you can test scan for a new device.
You understand that in this site, i can't make my link public. it's unethical on this site.

Only today can I tell you about my test results.

Test enwironment:
Your iso file name: winpe10V20H2en-GB.ISO --> x64 v.2009 (20H2) build 10.0.119042.631
Created: 2021-Mar-05 by Noel buddy
Downloaded from the link kindly given: 2021-Mar-05
Size: 972 MB - 1.019.707.392 Bytes
Written to usb3-stick by "rufus-3.13.exe" --> mbr-mode

Target machine: HP ProBook 470 G5
Printer: Samsung CLX-3185 series - borrowed from a friendly neighbor because Mine has been in the workshop for repairs already for 3 weeks

OK let's go...
Booted up the laptop into system session - OK.
Typed in commandline: tsdiscon.exe (as it was written by You: "... Lancer tsdiscon.exe si besoin ...") - continue booting into admin session - OK.
(It was a bit cumbersome because I just didn't remember how to switch quickly - from Your French ? - to the German keyboard layout. No matter, continue!)

As expected: Devices in "Printer and Devices" panel were immediately visible as they should look like in real OS.
BTW: How did You manage (in admin session) that the explorer remembers the setting changes?
Ex.: After changing the icon view (or other things) and reloading the panel, the icon view was not lost unlike in my PESE!

I established an usb cable connection to the printer - working OK w/o additional driver package for now.

I ran "wfs.exe" (Windows Fax and Scan) resulted in warning: "No scanners were detected..."
Therefore first downloaded installer package for CLX-3180 series Printers x86/x64 from HP website - installed --> OK
Then downloaded installer package for Universal Scanner x86/x64 from HP website - installed --> OK

I ran again "wfs.exe" --> scanner found immediately.
Started a "New Scan" from gui menu results in errors:
"An error occurred while setting the scanner properties ..." which one?
"... another program is running - wait for completion ..." or something like that
"A problem prevented the document from being scanned ..." Dunno which one.

BlueTooth and other features not tested.
Spend a couple of great hours.

Hopefully You can do something with this information.

Have a nice time. Take care.
See You.

Edit: Just found:

...because I just didn't remember how to switch quickly ... to the German keyboard layout ...

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/openspecs/windows_protocols/ms-lcid/a9eac961-e77d-41a6-90a5-ce1a8b0cdb9c?redirectedfrom=MSDN
Scroll down a bit.

Assuming one has the Input Indicator in systray bottom right visible - which is not an obligation but useful in case one wish mouse clicking (if don't, one may look for it @TheOven) then at PE runtime:
run commandline: start ctfmon.exe & wpeutil SetKeyboardLayout 0x0407:0x0407

Regards.

hi,
I spent several days helping a friend who builds his house. And it was impossible for me to connect.
Sorry for the delay.

@Lancelot: thanks for the photo. I kind of visited the site of the municipality.
It's a real change of scenery for me who doesn't leave my house often.
I was pleasantly surprised by this presentation: Karyaka'da Toplumsal Cinsiyet E-itli-i Paneli'nin Oturumu Tamamland
It's a subject close to my heart.
Maybe one day I will visit the rest of the world as there are beautiful things to see.

@HeyJoe: thank you for the test. It is already a very good thing that the scan is recognized.
It is therefore that all the common elements are present.
For the "New Scan" menu: only if you have time, you could take a track/catch with procmon.
This would allow me to confirm that the missing objects are linked and depend on the hardware, the device.
For example, my Samsung scan uses a lot of dll/exe in 32bit mode.

This morning, again, I played with VirtualBox. My winpe version is based on ADK's Winpe. The additions of dll generates a "hell" with the versions.
The ADK's many DLL/EXE version of Winpe is older than ISO 20H2.
And the VirtualBox installation failed ("The procedure entry point CheckIsMSIXPackage could not be located in the dynamic link library OpenGl32.dll").
ADK's KernelBase.dll Of Winpe file does not export the offending api.
Now I can use winpe, launch virtualbox, create a VM (winpe because it's fast), stop/start my winpe host  and find the entire VirtualBox environment with the VM created.
But you have to copy the two hives system and sofware. That's the most annoying point.
It is true that there is no point. But it amuses me.
I tried to install HYPERV: failure for now.
As I once said, HyperV, SandBox, WSL are FODs.
I managed to install FODs. It's a bit of a complex environment especially if FOD requires a reboot like Hyperv
One day I would try WSL.
Can't wait for the end of this pandemic.
See you soon

Hi Noel,

Hopefully You are fine.
So sorry, late reply. Was verrrry busy w/ urgent obligations.

Test enwironment:
...
Printer: Samsung CLX-3185 series - borrowed from a friendly neighbor because Mine has been in the workshop for repairs already for 3 weeks
...

Own printer (same model) is back home since days. Thank God. 

...
@HeyJoe: thank you for the test. It is already a very good thing that the scan is recognized.
It is therefore that all the common elements are present.
For the "New Scan" menu: only if you have time, you could take a track/catch with procmon.
This would allow me to confirm that the missing objects are linked and depend on the hardware, the device.
For example, my Samsung scan uses a lot of dll/exe in 32bit mode.

You are welcome.
I can't test before next week, or so. Please be patient...

...
I think you want to say "Seulement ceci pour le moment: blabla". I appreciate you try the french language.
...

I'm sorry My friend. I only know a few French words. But I love to use them sometimes to make others smile - and hopefully they are translated correctly.
Translator by big G. told Me:
Je suis désolé mon ami. Je ne connais que quelques mots français. Mais j'aime parfois les utiliser pour faire sourire les autres - et j'espère qu'ils sont correctement traduits.
Does it sound good in Your ears ?


Have a good time. Stay healthy.
See You.

@HeyJoe
This sounds really well !
I like to speak in French because I understand better what I read and also what I write. But I'm afraid to talk to myself.

About the scaner test : take your time, i'm retired and covid limits my activities.
About "How did You manage (in admin session) that the explorer remembers the setting changes?" : i'm sure i don't understand.

Ex.: After changing the icon view!

Sorry, i don't understand what is an icon view.

(or other things) and reloading the panel,

Sorry,  i don't understand what is this panel.

the icon view was not lost unlike in my PESE!

I understand that you loose something. Maybe if you talk to me like you're talking to a baby...

I also have an question about PESE : what is the B: drive and what are its particularities ( write protected...) ? (Yes, i can search by myself but i'm lazy to do that. I prefere trying/playing with hyperV/SandBox in winpe)
Thank you

Hi noelBlanc,

I also have an question about PESE : what is the B: drive and what are its particularities ( write protected...) ? (Yes, i can search by myself but i'm lazy to do that. I prefere trying/playing with hyperV/SandBox in winpe)
Thank you

B: is RamDrive.

Using ramdrive with pe is one of the oldest feature since PE1. I remember there is ms ramdrive too but not popular.
(ms ramdrive 2k days https://www.itprotoday.com/compute-engines/jsi-tip-3515-great-ram-disk-and-more )
Gavotte RAMDisk was popular a long time with PE1 and XP,  later Imdisk popular with PE. (Imdisk certified)

These days ramdrive option with Imdisk available with all Projects now (WimBuilder LiveSystemPro Azin Gena ... ).

With your FlatBoot, It will not be important to you. Temp size is the size of your boot disk. 
With .iso boot, RamDrive is more helpful :
+
 Without RamdRive -> Installing an application both app + temp size follows available fbwf (X:) free space. 
 With RamDrive -> Temp at B: -> Installing an application only app follows available fbwf (X:) free space. 
+
 Disable fbwf -> you will need a writable environment for temp and other things -> Ramdrive always ready out of box


Bonus:
Symbolic links (hardlink, junction etc.) works out of box with ramdrive when you need such things. (mostly NTFS ramdrive used)
Imdisk Bonus: Ramdrive size can be increased without restart ramdrive when you need.
Imdisk Bonus: you can use imdisk features like mount .iso etc. files

I hope this info helps.

@ Lancelot,

You're faster than Me turtle


@ Noel,

...
As expected: Devices in "Printer and Devices" panel were immediately visible as they should look like in real OS.
BTW: How did You manage (in admin session) that the explorer remembers the setting changes?
Ex.: After changing the icon view (or other things) and reloading the panel, the icon view was not lost unlike in my PESE!
...

better explained by pics:
1st pic shows "Printer and Devices" panel at first callup with large symbols (icons)
See pic_1.png

Now I change the icon (symbol) view from large to less large that looks like this shown in 2nd pic:
See pic_2.png

Now I close "Printer and Devices" panel then open again (reloading the panel).
See pic_3.png

You can see: nothing was saved by explorer --> whereas real OS does and iso of Yours too.
That is: 1st pic looks same as 3rd pic

+

...
I also have an question about PESE : what is the B: drive and what are its particularities ( write protected...) ? (Yes, i can search by myself but i'm lazy to do that. I prefere trying/playing with hyperV/SandBox in winpe)
...

Drive B: is a fully writable RAM-disk created at pese startup by executing command e.g.: 'ImDisk.exe -a -m B: -s 716M -p "/FS:NTFS /C /Y'
ImDisk is (c) from great Olof Lagerkvist, author of ImDisk, e.g.: https://sourceforge.net/projects/imdisk-toolkit/

This ram-disk is not really (I guess) really needed in PE's - but verrrry nice (imho)
See pic_4.png + pic_5.png


Have a nice time. Stay healthy.
See You.

@Lancelot : thank you for your good help. I try to understand why, in a WinpeXPE, an MSI's file doesn't works when launched from B:\xxx.msi and works well when it launched from x:\xxx.msi. I see in the Procmon's file PML that a copy failed ( perhaps from b:\xxx.msi to %temp%\yyy but i don't get some needed logs at this time).
@HeyJoe : thank for your information about B:. I understand better where to look for in this MSI's echec.
And about the visual effect (Thank you to take time to explain ), i never played with the icon size before today. So i can't find instantanely the tips. But if you send me a boot.wim, i can try to compare. A long way.
An other question : with explorer as desktop ( not startisback or other ) can you move the icons on the desktop?

Actually, i play with HyperV/SandBox. I get a new step. But it's not the end. I hope this the last error : the virtual network doesn't work.
See you soon....if the country's door stay open ( i hope my humour is not so bad )
Take in good health

Hi HeyJoe,

Small forum tip :

You can insert picture on your reply
eg.
Test with Edit your previous reply this way :

Code: [Select]

1st pic shows "Printer and Devices" [b][u]panel[/u][/b] at first callup with large symbols (icons)
See pic_1.png

-->

Code: [Select]

1st pic shows "Printer and Devices" [b][u]panel[/u][/b] at first callup with large symbols (icons)
See pic_1.png
[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]

*

You're faster than Me turtle

Mostly not, sorry for the delay on the other topic, I was quite busy and you are really very fast.
 

Hi noelBlanc,

@Lancelot : thank you for your good help. I try to understand why, in a WinpeXPE, an MSI's file doesn't works when launched from B:\xxx.msi and works well when it launched from x:\xxx.msi. I see in the Procmon's file PML that a copy failed ( perhaps from b:\xxx.msi to %temp%\yyy but i don't get some needed logs at this time).

On very very rare cases :
RamDrive used with Imdisk are mostly MediaType "RAM Drive" not "Fixed Media" which very rarely make some "app" mixed things fail.
 I forgot details, It is very rare very old and I do not face that for lots of years now.

ps: "Fixed Media" can be called "Harddisk Emulation" on internet and other ramdisk apps which as far as I can remember slower ........

@ Lancelot,

Did not understand.

What do You mean with:

...
 [ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ]
...

Can it be that I crossed Your post.

However I guess all My attached pics are valid, right?

Regards.

Hi HeyJoe,

Sorry, forumengine auto change my reply, I mean this :


See also this:

However I guess all My attached pics are valid, right?

To Lancelot,
Clarified 

See You.

@ Noel,

...
And about the visual effect (Thank you to take time to explain ), i never played with the icon size before today. So i can't find instantanely the tips. But if you send me a boot.wim, i can try to compare. A long way.
...

A very very loooong way (at least from My experience). Don't worry. Let it be good, mon ami.
I only thought that You were busy with that matter in the earlier past, so You can quickly remember some details.
I don't want to waste Your valuable time.
Better I want to go on My way -> search .. search .. search.

...
An other question : with explorer as desktop ( not startisback or other ) can you move the icons on the desktop?
...

Explorer makes the desktop as usual. No limits regarding: "...move the icons on the desktop...".
StartIsBack manages startmenue. No limits.

See you soon....if the country's door stay open ...

I hope so.


Have a good time. Stay healthy.
See You.

Hi noelBlanc,

Related to HeyJoe question:
In your MicroWinpeBuilder, do you have Folder Options-View-"Apply to Folders" Button working ?

I mean:

Hi HeyJoe,

...
And about the visual effect (Thank you to take time to explain ), i never played with the icon size before today. So i can't find instantanely the tips. But if you send me a boot.wim, i can try to compare. A long way.
...

A very very loooong way (at least from My experience). Don't worry. Let it be good, mon ami.
I only thought that You were busy with that matter in the earlier past, so You can quickly remember some details.
I don't want to waste Your valuable time.
Better I want to go on My way -> search .. search .. search.

Maybe helps:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shell_bags_view.html

Inside PE (System User) since Bags not created views not saved, as a result, NirSoft ShellBagsView result empty.
(first browse some folders and change their view settings)

"Apply to Folders" button greyed out makes me feel something missing but maybe not related.
(at least something to check with procmon  etc. )

+
When you add Administrator Account (tested with WimBuilder) and login as Administrator,
View works 
With other words, folder view settings saved, Bags created 
ShellBagsView do not show empty

*
Summary:
PE: Administrator-View Change works
PE: System-View Change do not work

I hope the above info gives you a head start.
Further good luck with your research. 

*
Waiting for your next on the other topic, I hope you have free Saturday time. 

Good night

to Lancelot: yes, "my" winpe gets "apply to folders" ! like a normal Windows : only if you select an other item than "this pc". In the 2 sessions, system and administrator. I make some choices when i build : for sample, i use the software hive from install.wim because i don't want/need to find each needed keys. I a Big VHD, 10GB, there is too much space.

to HeyJoe : in france, we're going to an other containment. So, i can download winpese/winbuilder but understand how to build takes too much time for me (days and perhaps weeks).  But it's really better for me if you can put in a share a boot.wim for me.
note :I got discouraged several times over the years spent by the winbuilder GUI. I didn't understand anything. Which is the source...etc. And i didn't understand the words and concepts. Not because winbuilder is bad but only because my english is bad ! That's why I chose to build my own builder, ugly and heavy but I understand and master. I understand the PS language (I don't use any application/program other than those offered by MS). The winbuilder language is too abstruse for me.It's true, winbuilder is a wonderful tool for professionals. But I'm an eternal amateur.

On the picture, you can see a first screen of hyperV : Yes, it doesn't work at this time !
And Yes, like VirtualBox in winpe, HyperV in winpe in not usefull. But it's a good game for me.
take care
 

Hi noelBlanc,

to Lancelot: yes, "my" winpe gets "apply to folders" ! like a normal Windows : only if you select an other item than "this pc". In the 2 sessions, system and administrator. I make some choices when i build : for sample, i use the software hive from install.wim because i don't want/need to find each needed keys.

Thanks for the report. 
Personally, I am fine PE not save folder view settings.

I made some tests with Wimbuilder, + "Build Full Winre.wim" + "Use full install.wim's Software hives" + "Use Full Catolog" , no success.
Further slore knows better.

I hope all these posts will be a nice head start to HeyJoe.

because i don't want/need to find each needed keys.

I deeply understand you. 

I a Big VHD, 10GB, there is too much space.

10GB  , As I wrote previously, You do not need ramdisk.   

Still, I advise you to spend some time with Imdisk, It is a very useful tool.

See you.

Hi Lancelot :

no success

sorry, my bad english... i can't understand what is the"no success" subject. If it is the "view folder", i can see in Slore's WimBuilder because i build one on the begginiing of the year when we search something about termservice.
I'll try it ("view folder" settings) .... it is ok in "my" Slore's Wimbuilder2 that i put in a VHD ( because i investigated and ISO is not a good media for research into winpe)

About ImDisk, it's only because a friend is facing an issue with .msi in winpeXpe.
I can't imagine msiexec.exe not working with a volume like B:. I 'll try to look at in the msi file with orca if i find it (orca).
My philosophy is : i use MS's OS, so, i use MS's programs. Else i should use Linux. I hope not to upset any of you.
See you soon.