PE State Defragmentation

[Asphyxium]

I have recently learned how to easily create a Preinstallation Environment for unfettered access to ALL files normally in use, including those necessary for boot-time defragging.

 

A PE state creates a virtual disk in memory from which files can be run and data stored and is usually used to install Windows. It occurs during boot.

 

I am wondering if Defraggler will even attempt to defrag the newly available files in such a state. It appears that it does based on the analysis of my disk post-defrag, but it seems as though it would be bad programming to attempt the defrag of these files from a normal Windows environment.

 

Can anyone tell me more please?

 

Also, if you would like to create a PE yourself, you'll need the Windows Automated Installation Kit (http://www.microsoft...ls.aspx?id=5753). There are several versions, but only two available directly from Microsoft, I believe.

 

Those are the Vista one (can be created from an XP installation) and the Windows 7 one (requires Windows 7).

 

Remember that once you create a PE, it doesn't matter which version of Windows your running as it's a completely independant environment.

 

Here is the URL for instructions on how to create a PE for defrag purposes using the standard Windows defragger (substitute in Defraggler during the defrag program copy part. I recommend the GUI version.):

 

http://virtualfoundr...ith-defrag.html

 

Keep in mind these directions are for a 32-bit PE (*they work from a 64-bit environment!*).

 

You CAN create a 64-bit PE, but it will only work for either AMD or Intel architecture and the directions do not address the needs of Intel's architecture (should work for AMD's, though).

 

If you attempt a 64-bit PE, you must identify the correct directory containing the 64-bit files (changing the X86 part to X64 won't work <"copype.cmd x86 c:\PEBuild">).

 

Keep in mind that while these environments begin with a command prompt, they are capable of running basically anything with the right files included.

 

They are ideal for virus scans. ESET Nod32 is the best for Windows and includes an automated PE creator (SysRescue). A 30 day trial can be downloaded from ESET.com.

[Asphyxium]

Oh, and remember to burn the image that's created to a bootable medium and just disregard this virtualization stuff.

 

AND BE CAREFUL IF YOU CHOOSE TO USE BARTPE!!! I HAVE DOWNLOADED IT BEFORE AND IT CONTAINED MALWARE.

 

It may not normally contain it, but I *believe* I downloaded it from the official site and it *did* contain malware.

 

Also, it is illegal to distribute a pre-built PE (if customized right they can basically be a working operating system).

 

UPDATE:

 

I have found out how to build a 64 bit PE for Intel processors!

 

Simply use the AMD64 directory, as ia64 is actually for Itaniums!

[Asphyxium]

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[Winapp2.ini]

That's interesting, but in the future, forum ettiquette dictates use of the edit button over successive posts.