WinPE?

[brandonkick]

I'm using Redstone V5, don't think I paid for it... isn't it something that he changed to where now you basically have to "pay" or donate to be able to download?

At any rate, if your only using it as a PE environment... updates probably aren't important.

I haven't found a need to update. I was using a version of Redstone (V3) which I think was from 2016 before I found V5. Updated just because, not because there was a real need for it.

If you buy the latest version that was just released at the end of July 2020, I think you'd be good for a long time.

 

[Markverhyden]

I'm using Redstone V5, don't think I paid for it... isn't it something that he changed to where now you basically have to "pay" or donate to be able to download?

At any rate, if your only using it as a PE environment... updates probably aren't important.

I haven't found a need to update. I was using a version of Redstone (V3) which I think was from 2016 before I found V5. Updated just because, not because there was a real need for it.

If you buy the latest version that was just released at the end of July 2020, I think you'd be good for a long time.

I think it was about 2-3 years ago he made "donations" mandatory to get a current download. There are some other sources but, like with any other software publisher, I'm leery "just any website" to get something like a PE. After all you can't drop it in VirusTotal to check.

 

[Fred Claus]

I broke down and got the Redstone 6 version. So far the only drawback I can find is that it won't work with Ventoy. I guess it's a known issue with the latest version of Ventoy. I have it as a bootable usb on it's own using Rufus. I plan to spend New Years playing with it.

 

[Markverhyden]

I broke down and got the Redstone 6 version. So far the only drawback I can find is that it won't work with Ventoy. I guess it's a known issue with the latest version of Ventoy. I have it as a bootable usb on it's own using Rufus. I plan to spend New Years playing with it.

Make sure you keep multiple copies in several places. I think the link goes down when he releases a new version.

 

[Fred Claus]

Yes I have three copies so far, plus my bootable flashdrive.

 

[putz]

I just had a thought. I've been working on trying to create my own winPE but it's a struggle. I found an old video from Britec09 about how to use WinBuild and wonder something. I think Hirens is a form of a WinPE is it not? If so can I use WinBuild to add some apps to the Hirens WinPE instead of making my own from scratch?

Not sure if this is the Winbuild thing you are referring to:

GitHub - ChrisRfr/Win10XPE: Win10XPE is a Complete Project Based on Win10, Win11 Recovery Environment With Many Windows Features Added...

Win10XPE is a Complete Project Based on Win10, Win11 Recovery Environment With Many Windows Features Added... - ChrisRfr/Win10XPE

github.com

Not sure about the Winbuild tool but you can use DISM tool to mount any WIM file on your PC and copy other files to it. Whether or not it will run or not one you get it booted up is a different story.

 

[Fred Claus]

I think I messed up my test computer some how using these WinPE's. Now whenever I boot it asks me do I want to boot to Windows 10, Gandalf PE, or Sergei's PE. Even when the drive is not plugged in that houses the PE's. You think someone is trying to tell me not to use them?

 

[Sky-Knight]

I think someone is trying to tell you to stay away from your boot sector!

 

[Fred Claus]

I think someone is trying to tell you to stay away from your boot sector!

Yep, now I have to figure out how to fix that. Never came across that problem before.

 

[Sky-Knight]

Yep, now I have to figure out how to fix that. Never came across that problem before.

How to repair Master Boot Record (MBR) on Windows 10 - Pureinfotech

These instructions will walk you step-by-step to repair Windows 10 when the Master Boot Record (MBR) is corrupted or misconfigured.

pureinfotech.com

 

[jogold]

I would only use Windows To Go from a USB 3 external HD.
Using it from a USB stick isn't recommend because the USB sticks have a finite read write and the stick will burn out, probably when you need it most. Windows is crazy with the read writes.

 

[Fred Claus]

Been playing with Gandalf and Sergei's PE's for a little while now. I like what they have to offer, but to be honest, I don't see what Gandalf has that makes it better than Sergei's that would warrant the $20.00 price tag verses Sergei's free. If anyone was looking into getting one of these, I would say go with Sergei's. Seems to be just as good as Gandalf is if not better.

 

[jogold]

You can get Gandalf here https://www.fcportables.com/gandalf-boot-iso/
Where can I find Sergei's PE. I googled it but I'm not comfortable downloading from a Russian site.
Thanks

 

[Fred Claus]

You can get Gandalf here https://www.fcportables.com/gandalf-boot-iso/
Where can I find Sergei's PE. I googled it but I'm not comfortable downloading from a Russian site.
Thanks

I got my copy here.

Download Sergei Strelec's WinPE - MajorGeeks

WinPE creates a bootable DVD or thumb drive for computer maintenance, partitioning, backup and restore, diagnostics, data recovery, and more. Backups include Acronis, Nortons Ghost, Disk2vhd, Macrium and more. Drive utilities include MiniTool, Macrorit, Defraggler, Auslogics Disk Defrag...

www.majorgeeks.com

 

[Porthos]

The problem with the premade PE disks from everybody is all the commercial working unlicensed software in them.
Just because a program has a free and paid version, does not mean we can use it in our work.
Both the mentioned disks here have this software on them.

 

[Fred Claus]

The problem with the premade PE disks from everybody is all the commercial working unlicensed software in them.
Just because a program has a free and paid version, does not mean we can use it in our work.
Both the mentioned disks here have this software on them.

I agree. That was one of the issues I had with Gandalf as well as the others. When you boot from a PE and you try to run some of this software it only sees drive x. Sometimes it won't even run on the main drive.

What would be your suggestion for a bootable repair disk? I have PC Unlocker bootable for forgotten passwords, but nothing else. I wanted to get the bootable Malwarebytes program but wasn't going to pay $300.00 a year for the partnership program that I need to get it.

Thoughts? What do you use a WinPE for?

 

[Porthos]

Thoughts? What do you use a WinPE for?

Running Fabs, CrystalDiskInfo, Password resets for some.

 

[Fred Claus]

Running Fabs, CrystalDiskInfo, Password resets for some.

I tried to make my own WinPE, but had many problems. When I went to the premade WinPE's I noticed that the way I have to drive set up I can run Fabs from it as well. Love that fact. This way I can get data from a computer without having to pull the drive. Do you use PC Unlocker for passwords resets?

 

[Porthos]

Do you use PC Unlocker for passwords resets?

I have it but I am usually able to work with the user to reset the MS account.

 

[Fred Claus]

How to repair Master Boot Record (MBR) on Windows 10 - Pureinfotech

These instructions will walk you step-by-step to repair Windows 10 when the Master Boot Record (MBR) is corrupted or misconfigured.

pureinfotech.com

Ok stupid question. I got tied up and never did work on this. I'm assuming the FixMBR is what I need in my case? I have multiple PE's listed when I boot the computer, even when the PE's are not plugged in. It doesn't just go to Windows10. This is what FixMBR does.

Use the FixMbr option when you need to repair Master Boot Record corruption problems or when you need to clean the code from the MBR. This command will not overwrite the existing partition table in the hard drive