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Topic: Easy2Boot

How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

Hi,
I use easy2boot to boot from a Linux or Windows PC to launch either Clonezilla or gParted or the Mageia installation.
I have under _ISO/LINUX the Mageia6.iso file which is about 3.9Gb. But the new Mageia7.iso is about 4.5 Gb big.
How can I add this greater than 4Gb iso file in the _ISO/LINUX directory ?
Thank you for your help.

Xuo 13/07/2019

Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

Just copy the file! What is the problem?

SteveSi 13/07/2019

Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

I can't as it is bigger than 4Gb and the FAT32 partition where is the _ISO/LINUX directory does not accept such big files.

Xuo 13/07/2019

Re: Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

Easy2Boot uses an NTFS partition by default.

SteveSi 13/07/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

If I remember correctly, I have run a script to create the easy2boot partitions : fmt.sh.
It is possible to ask for NTFS partitions instead of a FAT32 ones ?

Xuo 13/07/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

Why not use the NTFS script that is provided! fmt_ntfs.sh

SteveSi 13/07/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

I didn't know it was available. It might solve my issue.
Thank you for your help.

Xuo 14/07/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to add a Mageia7 iso bigger than 4Gb under the _ISO/LINUX directory ?

It worked and I could write the 4.5Gb file on the ntfs partition. Thanks.

Xuo 14/07/2019

Subfolders

Hello,
I would like to create two subfolders for e.g. Acronis and EASEUS or AOMEI under Backup in the main menu. Can you help me how to proceed?

Krauter_German 13/07/2019

Re: Subfolders

Use the Site Map
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/add-a-new-menu-folder/
For a sub-sub-menu see the example for Linux_Ubuntu.

SteveSi 13/07/2019

Why E2B drive created on Windows do not need to make contiguous?

I just tried the currently most recent Easy2Boot_v1.B2 both on Windows and Linux.
On Windows 7, use the installer then copy iso using Windows Explorer.
On Linux (Ubuntu 18.04) use the fmt_ntfs.sh then copy iso using rsync.
I was completely stumped by the fact that the usb drive created by Windows did not complain that the iso was not contiguous but the Linux one did complain about the iso was not contiguous !!!
What's the magic on Windows?

Long Vu 04/07/2019

Re: Why E2B drive created on Windows do not need to make contiguous?

My guess is that rsync opens several 'streams' and always makes fragmented files. e.g. a file will often be fragmented if you download it from the internet directly onto the USB drive using Windows because that also opens several streams.
Try to avoid rsync for copying files onto the USB drive or maybe try the -W option with rsync to copy whole files.
-W, --whole-file copy files whole (w/o delta-xfer algorithm)
or try the --preallocate switch which may also be faster when copying to a USB drive as well as making non-contiguous files. Let me know if this works...

SteveSi 04/07/2019

make contiguous

hello, is the script "make contiguous" mandatory? I have never launched it and my key works perfectly ... What is it exactly for?

max 27/06/2019

Re: make contiguous

Please use the site map first before asking questions on this Forum! There is also a search box you can use. This is explained on many pages, many times!

SteveSi 27/06/2019

legacy and uefi

Hello,
To boot easy2boot in uefi, I have to start a first time in legacy. I wanted to know if it's normal? If so, are future releases planned to work around this problem? I read that Intel could forget the legacy mode to have only bios 100% UEFI. Thanks!

max 25/06/2019

Re: legacy and uefi

The new Intel UEFI-only BIOSes are actually INTERNAL disk UEFI-only - they will still MBR-boot from external USB media (so they can boot to a DOS BIOS Flash program, for instance).
You can use SWITCH_E2B.exe first to switch in any .imgPTN file.
It is possible to UEFI-boot from an E2B drive BUT many BIOSes have bugs which means that a BIOS will always UEFI-boot from the E2B drive and will NEVER MBR-boot to the E2B menu even if you enable CSM in the BIOS Settings.
I recommend you look at http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/refind/ and eBook #3.

SteveSi 25/06/2019

128Go

Hello, is it problematic to use a hard drive with a partition greater than 128GB as recommended? Thanks

max 24/06/2019

Re: 128Go

I recommend that the first partition does not exceed 128GiB because some BIOSes have a USB driver bug and cannot access sectors past 128GiB. If you use a BIOS which does not have this bug then you will be OK - if you use E2B on a wide range of systems then you are bound to find systems with this common bug and then you may not be able to boot to E2B or to boot certain ISOs\.imgPTN files, etc.

SteveSi 24/06/2019

Re: Re: 128Go

ok, I understand. But with a 1TB hard drive for example, can I use the rest of the disk space to boot systems with easy2boot? Or can we really only use the 128GB? Thanks!

max 26/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: 128Go

If you use the Easy2Boot install GUI download, it will make a 128GB NTFS partition for E2B and another NTFS partition to use the rest of the 1TB disk. You can store any files you like on the second partition.

SteveSi 26/06/2019

alphabetical

some page in alphabetical order, name application with extension and indicate if it is necessary to change extension to another one. But applications in alphabetical order

Carlos 17/06/2019

Re: alphabetical

QEMU can be used for menu testing and booting some 32-bit ISOs.

To change order use _nnn_ prefix, e.g.
_100_Ubuntu 64-bit.isodef
_200_Linux Mint 64-bit.isodef
_250_Blank_Entry.mnu
_300_Parrot.isodef

SteveSi 17/06/2019

Acronis Backup

Hello,
I need your help with a question:
I use Zalman ZM-VE500 and IODD-2541 to install Sysprep pre-installations via Acronis. This works on almost all systems.
Alternatively with E2B on Sandisk Extreme 256GB USB Stick ???
I thought I naiv a Acronis img.PTN with 10 GB to create and paste the split backup in the img.PTN as a folder. Can this generally work before I test, or is my idea stupid?

Krauter_German 14/06/2019

Re: Acronis Backup

Most people use a large E2B USB hard drive with two partitions:
Ptn1: E2B NTFS (16-128GB)
Ptn2: for images NTFS (rest of drive).
Then convert the Acronis ISO to a .imgPTN23AUTO file.
Put all your backup images on partition 2.
Not sure if this will work with Acronis and a Removable USB drive because it depends on what version of Windows they use, but as long as it is not older than 2 years, it should detect the 2nd partition OK.

SteveSi 14/06/2019

Re: Re: Acronis Backup

Hi,
Ptn1: E2B NTFS (16-128GB)
Ptn2: for images NTFS (rest of drive).
Then convert the Acronis ISO to a .imgPTN23AUTO file.
Put all your backup images on partition 2.
It also works with a Removable USB drive.
Tested on 3 PC, on 1 PC the images are not recognized.
In the alternative, I have inserted the images in the .imgPTNAUTO, they are recognized on all 3 PC. I will test if it is installed correctly in this variant. Then I think this is the more compatible option. Unfortunately a little more complicated.
Maybe it would be possible in the MPI Tool Pack to include an option to integrate additional folders.

Krauter_German 15/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Acronis Backup

I am interested in the one that didn't work.
Was this UEFI booting or MBR booting?
You can copy images to the .\CUSTOM folder in the MPI folder and whenever you make a .imgPTN file, they will also be copied over. But they must be under 32GB because of the FAT32 partition size limitation imposed by Windows. If you use MPI_NTFS then they won't UEFI-boot.
Also, the E2B first partition must be under 128GB in size if you want to MBR-boot from the .imgPTN file.

SteveSi 15/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Acronis Backup

Hi,
it was MBR booting.
But the PC on which the backup images were not found: it was the data partition that was visible to Windows. That is, on all three PCs, the E2B partition for Windows must be visible, otherwise it will not work on all 3 PC, which can be accessed in Acronis on the data partition.
With Windows 10 it is no problem if the EB2 partition is visible, because I still have access to the data partition.
With Windows 7 I want to access the data partition and boot E2B. Therefore, for me the solution of a .imgPTNAUTO file with integrated image of a pre-installation would be the max. 15GB is supported and UEFI (FAT32), the better choice.
For permanent backups, a USB Hard Drive is the better choice.

Krauter_German 16/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Acronis Backup

You can access the Data partition under Windows 7 using SWITCH_E2B.exe - 'Access partition 2 on Removable drive' button.
Copy SWITCH_E2B.exe to your Win7 system from the E2B drive and run it. You can then add/delete files from the DATA partition. You can then run the same command to switch back to view the E2B partition.

SteveSi 16/06/2019

Windows Install Menu Not Showing Up

I noticed on v1.B1 and newer that when I built the drive and booted, when counting the windows install ISOs (before the main menu) it would get to XP (0) and then just jump to the main menu. Once in the main menu, I noticed that the "windows install" menu was missing entirely. After many hours of trying to fix this, I was able to fix it by replacing the file at _iso\e2b\grup\countfiles.g4b with a version from my old flash drive. My old file was dated 3/7/2016. I'm not sure if anyone else has had this issue, but just in case.

SemperCoitus 13/06/2019

Re: Windows Install Menu Not Showing Up

Thanks for the report, I will look into it. Are there any ISOs present in any of the \_ISO\WINDOWS subfolders? If so, which ones and how many?
No one else has reported an issue and presumably they would not see any menu for any of the other windows folders. Can you think of why your E2B drive may be different? Any special files in the XP or VISTA folders or special extensions on the ISO files? Maybe you deleted the VISTA folder? Try E2B v1.B2e1 Beta.

SteveSi 13/06/2019

Re: Re: Windows Install Menu Not Showing Up

I am using a SanDisk 256gb extreme 3.1 drive with a single NTFS partition. I have deleted all of the folders that I do not put ISOs in. The only folders left in the "Windows" directory are:
SVR2012 with 1 ISO
SVR2016 with 1 ISO
SVR2019 with 0 ISOs because I deleted it while testing.
Win7 with 2 ISOs
Win10 With 3 ISOs

I see where you're going with the deleted folders, but I also deleted the XP folder and it was showing up when counting ISOs. I tried v1b1 - 1b2d_beta with no luck. I'll try 1b2e1 and let you know. Also, is there a way to either remove the box around the menu, or make it clear?
Thank you
Jeremy

SemperCoitus 13/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Windows Install Menu Not Showing Up

OK - so that explains why no one else has reported a problem! It should be fixed in new beta.
Use the \_ISO\E2B_Editor.exe to configure the menu including the menu border width (0 for none).

SteveSi 13/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Windows Install Menu Not Showing Up

Right again, sir! Everything works perfectly now. Next time I'm in the UK, I owe you many beers!

SemperCoitus 13/06/2019

PfSense Payloads

Hello Steve,
I tried to add a PfSense Memstick image (VGA - 2.4.4-RELEASE-p3) to my E2B following the following Guide:
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/freebsd/
I created a .imgPTNA5 File with an empty folder and extracted and renamed the .img file matching the .imgPTN without any dots and file extension.
Afterwards I made the drive contigous and switched it in using the E2B menu. But I get only "Boot Error" when trying to boot. I looked at Switch_E2B and the images are recognized properly.
Did you have this Problem on your own or do you have any idea?
Thank you very much :)

Steffen 12/06/2019

Re: PfSense Payloads

Using pfSense-CE-2.4.4-RELEASE-p3-amd64.isoBSD (non-memstick ISO) MBR-boots OK. I will try the .imgPTN memstick image soon.
Do you want to UEFI boot or MBR boot?

SteveSi 12/06/2019

Re: Re: PfSense Payloads

I wanted to MBR Boot generally. I'm not sure if pfSense is generally bootable via UEFI. It would be interesting for future use cases but at the moment servers still support MBR Boot.

Steffen 12/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: PfSense Payloads

OK, well use the ISO file and a .isoBSD file extension.
For UEFI booting, use the memstick image and create some partition images as detailed in a blog article https://rmprepusb.blogspot.com/2015/03/adding-freebsd-freenas-pcbsdtrueos-to.html

SteveSi 12/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: PfSense Payloads

I would need to MBR boot from the memstick-serial image because i have some appliances with only a serial port.
I will have a look for a workaround.
Thanks for your help :)

Steffen 12/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: PfSense Payloads

You did not say you needed to boot the Serial version!
I have added an extra menu to the blog instructions so you can MBR-boot from a memstick image as well. :-)

SteveSi 13/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: PfSense Payloads

I just tested to boot to the memstick image. Works perfectly as described. Thank you for that :)

Steffen 14/06/2019

Dualboot with PE Files on E2B_PTN2

Hello Steve,
My setup at the Moment is the normal E2B Partition with the E2B files and a second FAT32 Partition with the UEFI Bootfiles for WINPE. I have an aditional folder for tools and data on ptn2 so i would like to format ptn2 to NTFS to store files larger than 4 GB. The first option is to add refind into the payload files. And the other is to use the.imgPTNSWPEFAT32 file extension.
Could you explain me how that works? I haven't found a detailed description yet.
Thank you very much.
Greetings
Steffen

Steffen 10/06/2019

Re: Dualboot with PE Files on E2B_PTN2

Well if the 2nd partition is NTFS then you wont be able to UEFI-boot to WinPE immediately. Also, if you add refind to the images you wont be able to secure boot. If you use .imgPTNSWPEFAT32 file then you can UEFI secure boot but you will have to switch it in.
Another solution is to have 3 ptns. NTFS,FAT32,NTFS. With FAT32 holding WinPE files. The problem with this is that you cant use Legacy booting of Linux ISOs with persistence because the 3rd partition is in use (but you could convert the linux to a .imgPTN file and use a 2nd image file as the persistence partition).
This is all explained in my eBook #3 - Chapter 9 ;-)

SteveSi 10/06/2019

Re: Re: Dualboot with PE Files on E2B_PTN2

Hey Steve,
thank you for your quick answer. I knew about the problems with the third partition and Linux with persistence thats the reason i wanted to avoid it. Thats the reason i asked about the imgPTNSWPEFAT23 file extension because i didn't know how it works.
I think I will try the linux distro as .imgPTN and add a second image File for persistence.
Thanks for your help :)

Steffen 10/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Dualboot with PE Files on E2B_PTN2

Not quite sure what you mean (do you mean .imgPTNX4 file extension?), but you can always contact me using live chat.
e.g. FRED.imgPTNX4DORIS will replace ptn 1 with this file and will also add in Partition 4 using another file \_ISO\DORIS which is also a partition image. So DORIS could contain a FAT32 partition with WinPE files and FRED.imgPTNX4DORIS could contain FAT32 UEFI files for linux or whatever payload you wish to boot to.

SteveSi 10/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Dualboot with PE Files on E2B_PTN2

Ahh okay now I understand what this extension is for. Thank you :)

Steffen 12/06/2019

RAID controller

Hello All,
I am working on a specific project that I am having trouble with and was wondering if I could obtain some advice.
I have a system that contains a SIL3114 Raid controller. This controller has 2 Samsung 1Tb SSDs that are striped.
The system has ESXi installed on a 1Tb drive and has one VM (so far) that is Windows 10.
The SIL3114 controller is PCI-Passthrough’d to the Win10 machine.
I then cloned the Win10 virtual disk to the stripe and want to be able to boot to it.
The problem is that in ESXi‘s virtual BIOS, the raid controller is not seen because the passthrough doesn’t happen until after the virtual machine has booted, so I cannot set it in the boot order.
A trick for this is to create another virtual hard drive, and install either E2B or Clover or AIOBOOT and have it automatically then boot the VM to the stripe.
The problem is that I cannot seem to figure out how to get any of these boot loaders to contain the right driver for the SIL3114 so it can be seen and then have it as the bootable drive.
Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you!!
-=oCeAN=-

ocean55 06/06/2019

Re: RAID controller

Why not install win10 boot files on another virtual disk. Then configure it to load bootmgr and configure the BCD to load the Win10 on the striped disks?
You should be able to boot from a Win10 install ISO as a virtual DVD and then use repair\troubleshooting or BCDBOOT to add in the boot files.

SteveSi 06/06/2019

New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I created a new USB drive with v1.b1 and added all my ISO's that have worked perfectly under v1.a6 and V1.a9.
I booted the new USB fine, but when I try to start Acronis TI it just says "Starting Acronis Loader" and never completes. Assistance please.

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Try it on a different system or under a VM.
You can downgrade to one of the previous E2B versions (just click on 'update button' in the GUI of a previous version) and see if the problem goes away.
If the USB drive is brand new, I would test it with FakeFlashTest.

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I have tried it on 2 different systems and it fails on both. I created another USB with V1.a9 and same Acronis ISO and that works fine. The Acronis version is 2016. If I can find a 2019 Acronis iso, I will try that on V1.b1

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

OK, so it is not the target system at fault.
Could it be the flash drive is bad? Is it new? Did you test it? Is the ISO checksum correct?

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I used both a new flash and updated an old flash from 1.a9 to 1.b1. Both fail the same. I will download and run fakeflashtest on the new flash and then recreate it. Since 1.a9 still works I will keep that flash drive around till the issue with 1.b1 is resolved. I will also test my other payload files to insure they all still work under 1.b1. I will update this thread as I test.

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

2016 and 2019 both work fine for me with E2B v1.B2b. No one else has yet reported an issue.
Maybe it is a strange issue with the new grub4dos (\grldr)?

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

As stated earlier, I had an older flash drive using v1.a9 that up updated to 1.b1 and that drive fails also. That particular drive has been in use for over a year with no issues. To me, the only thing that has changed is the new 1.b1 version.

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

well, you would need to test the same flash drive on the same system. Try an earlier version and then update to 1.B1 and then downgrade to the earlier version again so nothing changes except E2B and the position of the files on the USB drive.
QEMU MENU TEST will boot TI 2016 OK so you can try that too to remove any target system issues.
v1.B1 works OK for me.

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I ran QEMU menu test and it fails there using v1.b1. I have a v1.A9 version flash that works. I will update that to 1.b1, test, and then downgrade again to 1.A9 and test again. Heading to work. Will be back in about 6 hours.

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Booted new flash drive created with V1.A9. Boots ok.
Ran Qemu and Acronis loads.
Rebooted 1.A9 flash drive again and selected Acronis to load - loads ok.
Used 1.B1 to update same flash drive.
Booted 1.B1 flash - boots ok.
Tried to load Acronis - just hangs.
Rebooted 1.B1 flash and loaded Kyhi Rescure with no issues - loads ok.
Downgraded same flash drive to 1.A1.
Booted 1.A1 flash - boots ok.
Loaded Acronis - loads ok.
Did not run FakeFlashTest as drive appears ok.

Dick 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Thats really odd.
Can you update to 1.b1
check it fails to boot TI
Then change the \grldr file to the one used in 1.A1.
If that still fails, change the \_ISO\e2b\grub\QRUN.g4b file to the 1.A1 version too. Thanks.

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Progress!!
Booted 1b1 and tried TI - fails.
renamed grldr on flash to 1b1gldr.
copied grldr from 1a9 to flash.
Booted 1b1 flash with 1a9 grldr and loaded Ti with success.

Dick 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Could you update to E2B v1.B2c and try it please?
If it doesn't work, can you try various versions of 0.4.6a working back from the latest version. Just extract the grldr file from the zip file and replace the one on the E2B root folder.
http://grub4dos.chenall.net/
I will report to the developers if we can narrow it down to a version change.

SteveSi 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Updated to 1.B2c
Ran Qemu to attempt TI load - fail.
Downgraded grldr to 190325
Tested again - Success.
All after 190325 (190507 and 190512) fail

Dick 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

That's great! Good work!
The only thing now is that I cannot reproduce the problem. So could you tell me the checksum (MD5\CRC32,SHA1 or whatever) of your ISO and where I can obtain it (so I can download it - you can email me if you prefer at [email protected]).
I will then reproduce the issue using QEMU and raise an issue report for it.
P.S. In E2B - have you selected a different keyboard translation file (not QWERTY USA)? If so, which one are you using (see \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg KBD setting and try removing that line so USA kbd is used).
I have tried 5 different versions of 2016 ISOs and they all work.

SteveSi 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I don't have a checksum for the ISO, but if you mean I should create one, I can do that. I am uploading the ISO to Mega at the moment. Once upload, I will send you a link to the file. On the way to work, will send link on return.

Dick 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

Please try latest grldr file - it seems to work
http://grub4dos.chenall.net/downloads/grub4dos-0.4.6a-2019-06-09/
Should be fixed now in E2B v1.B2e Beta or later.

SteveSi 09/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

The date of your posts is incorrect.

Where is the latest beta (v1.B2e) so that I can download and test.

Thanks

Dick 22/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

v1.B2 is the latest version.
(v1.B2e was a previous Beta.)

SteveSi 22/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Version 1.b1 and Acronis

I downloaded and tested the latest v1.b2 and all is good now. TI loads correctly.

Thank you for your quick and excellent help to resolve this.

Dick 23/06/2019

137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Hello,
I use a Sandisk Extreme Pro 256GB. The first partition NTFS 114Gb for E2B_v1.B2b and a second primary partition NTFS 123GB for data.
1. Dell Workstation T3500 with Windows 7. Data partition visible to Windows 7. Boots from E2B without problems.
2. PC with Asus P6T SE socket 1366 and Windows 7. Data partition visible for Windows 7. Booting E2B with Note: e2b.cfg is corrupt or missing, enter. Note: BIOS Bad (possible 137GB BIOS limt?). Warning: THIS BIOS MAY HAVE PROBLEMS ACCESSING SOME FILES ON THIS DRIVE!
Then the option click U and load USB 2 driver (something like that), then the E2B menu appears.
The first partition for E2B has significantly less than 137GB and still this error appears. Can one ignore this message or do some files not work?
Before I had E2B partition 100GB and data partition 137GB.
RMPrep CTRL-O-2 makes data partition visible but under Windows 7 E2B partition was still visible.

Krauter_German 02/06/2019

Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

If you load the USB driver (U) OK, then there will be no problem.
If no USB driver, then you will not be able to access files past 128GB on the drive. So E2B\grub4dos will not be able to access some files on the 2nd partition using the BIOS (no problem once booted to Windows). So in your case you can ignore the message.
E2B does not know if you have ISOs etc. on 2nd partition.
But the e2b.cfg file is corrupt or missing message is a bit worrying... not sure why you see that!
Can you use RMPrepUSB - Drive Info - 0 to view partition table - maybe you have accidentally installed E2B to the last partition?

SteveSi 02/06/2019

Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Hello,
I've tested even further: first partition 99GB E2B, second partition 99GB DATA, the remaining capacity unallocated. DATA partition for Windows 7 made visible and booted. e2b.cfg is corrupt or missing does not appear. Note: BIOS Bad (possible 137GB BIOS limt?). Warning: THIS BIOS MAY HAVE PROBLEMS ... will continue to appear. Then I installed with Easy2Boot_v1.B1.exe, EB on the USB stick, deleted the second small partition with EASEUS and a second primary data partition with the remaining capacity erstellet, created PBR and MBR. DATA partition for Windows 7 made visible and booted. e2b.cfg is corrupt or missing appears, Enter, Note: BIOS Bad (possible 137GB BIOS limt?). Warning: THIS BIOS MAY HAVE PROBLEMS ... will continue to appear. E2B partition for Windows 7 made visible and booted: e2b.cfg is corrupt or missing does not appear. Message:
Booting Easy2Boot v1.A9-please wait ...
Using settings in /-ISO/MyE2B.cfg
Using settings from / _ISO / e2b / grub / German / Strings.txt file
BIOS 09/21/10
Last Sector of last partition of (hd0) is 500170748 (238GB)
Checking (HD0) sector 500170494 is accessible ...
BIOS BAD (possible 137GB BIOS limit?)
Warning: This BIOS MAY HAVE PROBLEMS ...
On an AM4 board with Ryzen and Windows 10, there are no problems. On Dell Workstation with Socket 1366, XEON and Data Partition visible for Windows 7, there is also no problem booting E2B. On ASUS Board, Socket 1366, I7 960 witerhin the symptoms described above. Maybe you think of something else.
Incidentally, yesterday I received the download link for the purchased eBooks, a big compliment for a great job.

Krauter_German 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

So to sum up:
ASUS P6T
1.A9 99GB+99GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD
1.B1 99GB+400GB NO SWAP >> BIOS BAD
1.B1 99GB+400GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt
1.B2b 114GB+123GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt

I think the e2b.cfg message is caused by a change I made in v1.B1 and 1.B2b. E2B v1.B2c should fix this - please try it.

Since the last partition is always past 137GB, you will always see the BIOS BAD message on the P6T because it has a bad BIOS!

SteveSi 04/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Hello,
I have E2B 1.B2c installed but unfortunately no change:
1.B2c 125GB + 113GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt.
I think it's very difficult to make all bios (especially older ones) compatible with E2B. For these cases, it is probably advisable to use a USB stick with max. 128GB to use.

Krauter_German 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

But according to your report, the behavior of the two E2B versions is different:
1.A9 99GB+99GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD
1.B1 99GB+400GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt
??? I don't understand why you see the e2b.cfg error message ???

SteveSi 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

1.B2b 114GB+123GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt

1.B2B 99GB+99GB remaining capacity unallocated SWAP >> BIOS BAD

v1.B1.exe 127GB+111GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD + e2b.cfg is corrupt,
If e2b is visible for Windows 7, the message Bios Bad appears

Krauter_German 05/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Hello,
I came to a conclusion.
I have tested with v1.89, v1.A9, v1.B1 and v1.B2c.
The E2B partition must not be larger than max. 99GB.
Then no version will show e2b.cfg is missing or corrupt.
V1.89, v1.A9, v1.B1, v1.B2c 99GB + 138GB SWAP >> BIOS BAD
Interested for you? : If E2B partition in v1.89 greater than 99GB,
I get more information.
Message: Fatal! Inconsistent data read from (0x80) 354345113 + 127
Fatal! Inconsistent data read from (0x80) 354345232 + 2
Error: No such command: ... progamming code? ...
e2b.cfg is missing

Krauter_German 08/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

So it will depend on the size of both the first and second partition and where each partition starts. What are the sizes and start positions of the two partitions?
The limit should be 128GiB (or 137GB).
So are you saying a 110GB first partition behaves differently from a 99GiB partition? The start sector of the partition is important not just their size. Even if your 2nd partition is only 3GB but starts at the end of the drive, it will fail.
What folders/files are on the 2nd data partition?

SteveSi 08/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

EaseUS shows for E2B partition:
First Physical Sector: 2048 (Cyl: 0, HD: 32; Sect: 33)
Last Physical Sector: 206551039 (Cyl: 12857, HD: 52, Sect: 59)
All physical sectors: 206548992 (98,49GB)
DATA partition:
First Physical Sector: 206551040 (Cyl: 12857, HD: 52; Sect: 60)
Last Physical Sector: 500170751 (Cyl: 31134, HD: 48, Sect: 18)
All physical sectors: 293619712 (140,01GB)
For testing, the second data partition was empty

Krauter_German 08/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Is the Last Physical Sector: 500170751 (Cyl: 31134, HD: 48, Sect: 18)
the very end of your drive (check with RMPrepUSB - Drive Info - 0)? If so you may get errors. You should always leave the last 1MB of a drive unused for best BIOS compatibility. EaseUS Partition Master has a bad habit of using right up to the very last sector of a disk which can cause problems (grub4dos nnn + 127 error messages).
I cannot reproduce the '/_ISO/e2b/grub/E2B.cfg is MISSING or CORRUPT! Press ENTER to continue...' message. I used a 119GB E2B partition and a 119GB DATA partition and swapped them over using RMPrepUSB Crtrl-O and then tested it on an EeePC which has the 128GB USB BIOS bug. I got the BAD BIOS message but not the E2B.cfg message. Strange.. I don't know why you get this message...

SteveSi 08/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Hello,
I have recreated the USB stick:
First partition E2B 119GB, second partition DATA 119GB.
DATA partition created with AOMEI Partition Assistant:

First Physical Sector: 2048 (Cyl: 0, HD: 32; Sect: 33)
Last Physical Sector: 250591231 (Cyl: 15598, HD: 148, Sect: 38)
All physical sectors: 250589184 (119.49GB)
DATA partition:
First Physical Sector: 250597935 (Cyl: 15599, HD: 0, Sect: 1)
Last Physical Sector: 500166655 (Cyl: 31133, HD: 238, Sect: 17)
All physical sectors: 249568721 (119,00GB)

RMPrepUSB_Drive Info:
Disk Signature bytes (1B8h-1BBh) = 21 E0 A7 AC

Partition 1 SIZE = 121859,727MB Type: 07 NTFS
START POS = CYL: 1023 HD: 254 SEC: 63 END POS = CYL: 1023 HD: 254 SEC: 63
START (LBA) = 250,597,935 (0EEFD22F) SIZE (LBA) = 249,568,721 (0EE01DD1) [End = 500,166,655]

Partition 2 SIZE = 122358MIB Type: 07 NTFS * ACTIVE *
START POS = CYL: 0 HD: 32 SEC: 33 END POS = CYL: 1023 HD: 254 SEC: 63
START (LBA) = 2.048 (00000800) SIZE (LBA) = 250,589,184 (0EEFB000) [End = 250,591,231]

P1 start = 250,597,935 (128,306,142,720 bytes) end = 500,166,655 (256,085,327,360 bytes)
P2 start = 2,048 (1,048,576 bytes) end = 250,591,231 (128,302,710,272 bytes)

Drive 6 SanDisk Extreme Pro F / W Rev. = 0 Serial No. = [bytes = 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00]
Reported size 256,087,425,024 bytes (238.5GiB) Last LBA 500,170,751
RMPrepUSB Max 256,077,642,240 bytes (238,4908GiB) Last LBA 500,151,644
Is that how it should be?

I got the BAD BIOS message but not the E2B.cfg message :-)
This ASUS P6T board has another peculiarity.
On the USB port of the rear panel:
When I click USB Driver U I briefly see the message:
Error 81 No USB Drive found, USB Drive enumeration failed.
On the front panel: USB found.
Tested with 2 SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB.
It is crazy but the e2b.cfg message does not appear anymore.

Krauter_German 10/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Thanks for re-testing. That is what I expected and yes, the unused sectors at the end of the drive is prudent.
The P6T has two USB controllers (6+6 USB 2.0), so I guess one is compatible with the grub4dos USB driver code and the other controller is not.

SteveSi 10/06/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 137GB BAD BIOS BUG

Thanks for your help and great respect for your tremendous knowledge.

Krauter_German 10/06/2019

UEFI

Wow, Ok, So i had visions of sugar plums dancing in my UEFI menu, Launching Windows10 Pe's of my making, Modified Pe's, UEFI friendy password changers, UEFI friendly cloning software etc.
Not so Huh ;)
It's very picky, I've even tried cheating and extracting ISO's, renaming the UEFI payloads and booting them extracted and compressed and it's given me no love.
You're almost better off making a huge UEFI capable windows 10PE with every portable tool you can think of (Which I've done on the MBR one and can just burn as UEFI).
Not a criticism, just sharing what I've discovered, I definitely appreciate what you've built here.
I think the only thing I'll miss in a Windows 10PE is MEMtestX86, I know it can be booted as UEFI, but having it as a boot option prior to the Windows 10PE UEFI booting is still eluding me (Not a question, just a ponder) hmmm

Batfink 28/05/2019

Re: UEFI

There is no multiboot UEFI menu unless you use the E2B grub2 menu system which is limited.
Except for grub2 and syslinux-EFI with some linux ISOs (which are limited in what they can do), EFI booting requires the files to be in a 'flat-file' structure. This means you cannot have two OS's with the same files/directories on the same partition.
The E2B grub2 menu will let you have multiple PEs and linux's in a large menu, but you basically have to hand-craft each menu entry. There is no simple automatic or even semi-automatic way.
WinSetupFromUSB may be a better option for UEFI for you (mainly Windows-based source files) but it is limited too.
The MBR CSM menu can be customized and have animations, etc. using grub4dos commands and you can put the mods in the CUSTOM folder so that any new .imgPTN file you make will look the same.
The latest UEFI eBook #3 describes how you can add MemTest86 (or most other EFI small payloads) into your main UEFI .imgPTN file and includes URLs to ready-made UEFI files.
The .imgPTN solution allows you to Secure Boot from any signed UEFI payload or from a very wide range of other UEFI payloads (just not all from the same menu at the same time).
By adding a 2nd FAT32 partition containing a UEFI-bootable WinPE (see UEFI eBook #3 which includes download URLs for required WinPE files) you can boot on a pure UEFI system and choose any .imgPTN file that you want to boot to.
P.S. Latest BETA files in Alternate Download Area have improved E2B_Editor and MakePartImage CSM menu functions (see Change History for details).

SteveSi 28/05/2019

Re: Re: UEFI

That's actually what I've done as an experiment .. The dual partition usb stick.. *sigh*, I suppose I could use it primarily for mbr like the pictures I've shown you, replicating that to a new dual partition stick isn't a problem and then keep MEMTESTX86 and a few other maybe useful apps that are on the excel list in the efi partition... But ultimately as you said the items on the Excel list have limited functionality depending on your needs... Looking at the list there's almost nothing there I can't do on a UEFI secure boot enabled Windows 10pe.
Ultimately I was going to use two usb sticks anyway, even though your dual partition supports mbr grub I was going to ignore it and have one for mbr and one for uefi.
I know I can do the whole change a single file to imgptn, boot from it and then change it back, but by then I could have booted a winpe environment in the same length of time it takes to change it to imgptn and back again.
Just out of curiosity, which of the Linux uefi payloads on the list contains a MEMTESTX86 option in its menu before it boots the Linux.

Batfink 28/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: UEFI

Sorry, I was just rereading the last bit of your message, so I can have the GRUB mbr menu on the first partition and a UEFI WINPE System and boot any imgptn file... Does it have a menu system or does it boot to a Windows desktop?

Batfink 28/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: UEFI

If it boots to a WINPE quick select sort of menu then I'll look at the books, I presume I need books 1&3, if it boots to a windows desktop and uses that as a launcher, I've got win pe environments that can already do everything I need, really I wanted a nice easy to select menu that comes up very fast (obviously not as fast as grub since it's a PE) but something with some kind of selectable menu.. Is there a place I can look at what it looks like or see it working.
Haha I'll stop bothering you now... I appreciate all your help.

Batfink 28/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: UEFI

The E2B grub2 menu system uses two partitions, the first is a .imgPTN file with grub2. The second is your existing 2nd partition which can contain linux ISOs, etc. (as well as your WinPE boot files, etc.)
http://www.easy2boot.com/uefi-grub2-ptn2/
The WinPE UEFI 2nd ptn just allows you to run SWITCH_E2B to choose a .imgPTN - you then need to reboot. Use the SITE MAP!
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/refind/

SteveSi 28/05/2019

Fastload Caching menu spacing

Hahaha I hate asking for your help, I feel i should be able to work it out myself but out of all the things I've built this USB stick to do, Your menu is always the hardest thing for me :) .
Is there a way when you enable FASTLOAD.YES to not be directly under the bottom menu option.
https://imgur.com/6tPp528
This link shows the top one as it looks by default, and the bottom one is a photoshop i made to ask if it can be done to look like that or something along those lines.
As soon as I find out if this is written in stone or can be spaced out a bit I've finished my legacy stick, Then I'll be moving on to the UEFI...SMH hahaha I don't even know where to start.

Batfink 26/05/2019

Re: Fastload Caching menu spacing

Oooops sorry, I thought the two pictures would appear in the same link.
https://imgur.com/u0mmtaB
This is the photoshop one.

Batfink 26/05/2019

Re: Re: Fastload Caching menu spacing

Hi
FASTLOAD is controlled by \_ISO\MAINMENU\ZZSubMenuAll.mnu
If you look at the start it has
# --- FASTLOAD ---

iftitle [if not exist CD && if not exist NOFLDMNU && cat --locate=NO ()/FASTLOAD.YES > nul] $$STRhMFE
# use current menu
echo YES > /FASTLOAD.YES && set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
# update cached menu file
cat (md)0xa000+0xA0 > /_ISO/e2b/grub/FASTLOAD.MNU
configfile (md)0xa000+0xA0

iftitle [if not exist CD && if not exist NOFLDMNU && cat --locate=YES ()/FASTLOAD.YES > nul] $$STRhMFD
# Disable fastload
echo NO > /FASTLOAD.YES && set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
configfile /_ISO/e2b/grub/menu.lst

# --- FASTLOAD STATUS INDICATOR

iftitle [if not exist NOFLDST if exist STALE && cat --locate=YES ()/FASTLOAD.YES > nul] $$STRmFS1
if not "%GFX%"=="" configfile (md)0xa000+0xA0
root ()

So NOFLDMNU will stop the menu entries from appearing
However the Status indicator line is suppressed by NOFLDST.
So if you use
set NOFLDMNU=1
set NOFLDST=1
in your MyE2B.cfg file, then it should suppress them.
Now if you want to add your own .mnu file for Fastload, then copy these lines and change them as you wish.
Obviously, you will need to remove the 'if not exist NOxxxxxx' bit or they won't display!
http://www.easy2boot.com/speeding-up-e2b/
(Tip: Use the Search box and search for FASTLOAD if you want to find out about FASTLOAD - or - look in Sample_MyE2B.cfg for all possible settings ;-)

SteveSi 26/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Fastload Caching menu spacing

Thank you Sir, You are a gentleman and a scholar, That worked perfectly.
The problem is I'm a computer technician, not a programmer.

Batfink 26/05/2019

Multiple partitions

Hello, I still have a USB stick with Easy2Boot v1.89 and a second primary partition for data. If I make the data partition visible in Windows 7 with RMPrep Ctrl-O-2 I can still boot from e2b. This no longer works with the newer Easy2boot versions and ends with an error. Only after restart can then be booted from the E2B partition.
With Windows 10, it does not matter because both partitons are recognized.
Since Windows 7 is still very common it makes sense to use the data partition but to boot from e2b. Can this feature be integrated into the new e2b version?

Krauter_German 25/05/2019

Re: Multiple partitions

I don't see how it can have worked? When you boot to Windows 7 Setup, the Win7 ISO will be on the 2nd partition which is inaccessible to Windows 7 PE and so it will not be able to find the ISO.
1. Can you retest with v1.89 and confirm you can fully install from a Win 7 ISO.
2. What is the exact error message that you get with E2B v1.B1?
3. You say after running RMPrepUSB Ctrl-O you must do a reboot before it will boot to the E2B menu. So how are you managing to run RMPrepUSB and then boot to E2B without rebooting the PC?

SteveSi 25/05/2019

Re: Re: Multiple partitions

Hello, Maybe I have expressed myself inaccurately by the bad English. I have 2 Windows 10 PC and a Windows 7 PC. The USB stick with Easy2boot v 1.89 and visible data partition can boot on the Windows 7 PC, Easy2boot and I can use Acronis, Aomei, Easeus or other software, all imgPTNAUTO files.
The Windows 7 install imgPTNAUTO will start to select the partition selection for the installation, then I canceled.
I can later gladly install for testing on other SSD completely.
If I use another USB stick with Easy2boot v 1.B0A on the Windows 7 PC with visible data partition, Acronis, Aomei ... imgPTNAUTO in the main menu can not be executed.
(hd0,0) EASEUS_PART_ASSIST__13.5_PE.imgPTNAUTO
root ()> nul
ERROR 22: (http://grub4dos.chenall.net/e/22) No such partition
Press any key to continue ...

Krauter_German 25/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Multiple partitions

ah, OK. So you are saying that switching to a .imgPTNauto file when the two partitions are switched produces an error.
I think this is now fixed in todays version of E2B v1.B2b in the Alternate Download Area. Please update your E2B drive to it and try again.

SteveSi 25/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Multiple partitions

Yeah, it's working perfectly.
Many thanks and best regards

Krauter_German 25/05/2019

Space after Subdirectories

I've been beavering away at this for ages, modding PE Windows, 7Zip compressing executables etc and I'm finally close to finishing the Legacy version (haha haven't even started the UEFI version), But for the life of me I can't figure out if there is a way to put a space after a Sub Dir, especially between the F8 to rebuild the main menu...I know I can turn it off, but i actually want to keep it.
Menu's 23,24,25 & 26 are sub menu's, is there a way to put a space between Menu 26 and the F8 menu below it.
https://imgur.com/acOYAYi
Many Thanks for making such a great menu system, I've been able to get things to work that I've never had working before.

Batfink 19/05/2019

Re: Space after Subdirectories

The submenus and the F7-F10 menu entries are all in one .mnu file (\_ISO\MAINMENU\ZZSubMenuAll.mnu).
Now you can change the name of this file (so it is not overwritten by any future update) and edit it to add a blank menu entry before the F8 entry.
If you do run 'Update E2B' on the drive in the future, the update script will detect that you have renamed the ZZSubmenu.mnu file (because there wasn't one!) and ask if you want to delete the new copy that it has just added.
The other alternative would be to suppress the F8 menu entry and simply add you own ZZTF8.mnu file which has the same F8 menu code in it as used in ZZSubMenu.mnu.
P.S. Online chat facility is available on this website for quick help.

SteveSi 19/05/2019

Re: Re: Space after Subdirectories

I've scoured your Sample E2B config file, Googled laboriously how to make a blank menu entry (I know how to make a blank menu to produce a gap between runnable payloads but these are subdirectories), I've scoured your website but keep going in circles..it's not that there's not enough information, there's soooo much information.
Could you be a little clearer and throw a guy a bone :)
Seriously, I don't even know where to start..Do I need to make a physical blank menu on the USB stick..I already have some blank menu's and they don't show up because they're empty.

Batfink 20/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Space after Subdirectories

Nevermind, I found the bone myself.
What you meant was take the text from a physical blank zzz_blank.mn.mnu and insert it into the ZZSubMenuAll.mnu like this

title \n
root ()

Batfink 20/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Space after Subdirectories

yes - OR simply add another blank.mnu file and another F8 mnu file.
E2B orders files alphabetically, so
ZZSubMenuAll.mnu (unchanged) < sub menus listed (NOF8MAIN)
ZZTBlank.mnu < separator
ZZUMyF8.mnu < your F8 menu

Copy the F8 menu entry from the ZZSubMenuAll.mnu file into a new ZZUMyF8.mnu file but delete the 'if not exist NOF8MAIN' text so it is always seen.

SteveSi 20/05/2019

load custom DSDT for XP?

Can Easy2boot load a custom DSDT table before loading XP ISO?
like add a kernel variable
acpi=/boot/dsdt.aml
then update grub?
sudo update-grub2
can I update grub when using easy2boot?

infuscomus 08/05/2019

Re: load custom DSDT for XP?

E2B uses grub4dos not grub2.
So the answer is no!

SteveSi 08/05/2019

Re: Re: load custom DSDT for XP?

are there any multiboot ISO software that use grub2?

infuscomus 08/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: load custom DSDT for XP?

I think MultiSystem is based on grub2, or you can try the E2B grub2 menu system.
http://www.easy2boot.com/uefi-grub2-ptn2/

SteveSi 09/05/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: load custom DSDT for XP?

Thanks,
I will try that

infuscomus 13/05/2019

Update 1.A9 to 1.B0

Hi, I have updated Easy2Boot from version 1.A9 to 1.B0. I use a master password. If I now enter the master password and confirm with Enter nothing happens. Only when I press a button afterwards loads the main menu.

Krauter 28/04/2019

Re: Update 1.A9 to 1.B0

Try updating to the latest Beta v1.B0A.zip
http://tiny.cc/ux0u5y

SteveSi 28/04/2019

Re: Re: Update 1.A9 to 1.B0

Hi, I have the menu.Ist (\ _ISO \ e2b \ grub \) from v1.B0 with the newer menu.Ist from v1.B0A replaced.
The input of the master password works perfectly again.
I have one more question: if I choose in the main menu HDD0 [F7] it works for most PC, with a PC with M.2 NVME SSD remains a flashing cursor and I have to restart the PC. Can it be because it is PCIe and not SATA.
Thank you for solving the problem with the master password.
Best wishes

Krauter 30/04/2019

Re: Re: Re: Update 1.A9 to 1.B0

Nvme Drive should be listed as bios disk 1 with usb as drive 0. Check in utilities menu. Configure bios for legacy support of the drive. Ensure NVMe drive is NOT set to RAID.
Some BIOSes will only UEFI-boot from NVMe drives. The F7 key will only MBR-boot.

SteveSi 30/04/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Update 1.A9 to 1.B0

Hi,
the F7 error is probably due to the GPT partition style of the NVMe drive.
The small detour via F9 is OK.

Krauter_German 08/05/2019

virus?

antivirus trend micro tells me that Easy2Boot_v1.B0.exe contains virus

mariano 28/04/2019

Re: virus?

VirusTotal does not show any problem with Trend Micro or 70 other antivirus packages.
http://tiny.cc/fowu5y
So it is safe to assume it is a false positive. You can always download the .zip file instead of the .exe.

SteveSi 28/04/2019

install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

I am attempting to install Windows XP via WinPE - but I have run into a problem when the install complains about "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0" and as far as I can tell in computer management, all my disks are dynamic

why would the installer complain about basic disks? have I missed something?

infuscomus 22/04/2019

Re: install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

Not quite sure what you mean? Are you booting from an XP ISO to XP Setup in the normal way, or some other way? Are you installing to a blank, clean disk? Are you attempting to install XP to a dynamic disk using XP Setup? When installing XP it has to be to a Basic disk - you can then convert it to Dynamic if you wish (AFAIK).
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/solutionbase-managing-dynamic-disks-in-windows-xp/

SteveSi 22/04/2019

Re: Re: install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

I am using the "Install Windows XP using WinPE" method
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/windows-install-isos/install-xp-using-winpe/
yes I am installing to a clean disk
I get the error after I enter the license key and select language

infuscomus 23/04/2019

Re: Re: Re: install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

What x86 32-bit WinPE OS did you use? Windows 10?
I think you need to use Windows 7 PE which does work.
I get the same error with WinPE 10 1607.
Win8 works. So Win10 is different in some way!

SteveSi 23/04/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

I have been using Windows 10 PE
I will try Windows 7 PE

infuscomus 23/04/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: install XP via WinPE - setup cant continue - "Basic Disks created by Windows NT 4.0"

Windows 8 PE worked

although I thought on reboot it would start Step 2 of XP install not Step 1

infuscomus 25/04/2019

Samsung T5 SSD - how have 2nd partition visible with UEFI-boot

I have 2 primary partitions on the T5. MBR boot works, and second partition (NTFS) is visible and usable. When I change with SWITCH_E2B.exe to a imgPTN for UEFI-boot, the 2nd partiton is not visible after booting. When I have a look disk management in windows I see a unused diskspace and are able to make a partition. But partition should already be there. Can someone help me out on how to make this work. So that the 2nd partition is usable with MBR and UEFI boot?

utilman 15/04/2019

Re: Samsung T5 SSD - how have 2nd partition visible with UEFI-boot

The .imgPTN file extension clears the MBR partition table and uses Ptn1 for the .imgPTN file.
If you want to keep the 2nd (and 3rd) partitions, simply change the file extension to .imgPTN23.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/wizard/primer/

SteveSi 15/04/2019

Re: Re: Samsung T5 SSD - how have 2nd partition visible with UEFI-boot

thx SteveSi !! Exactly what I was looking for. Sometimes hard to find between all the documentation on the website :)... simple solution, but works like a charm. Renamed the files, and now works.. Now I can boot UEFI from acronis/easeus WinPE and backup to 2nd partition on external SSD.. great!

utilman 15/04/2019

SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB Solid State USB-Flash-Laufwerk USB 3.1

Hello,
I've been using Sandisk Extreme PRO USB 3.0 Flash Drive with E2B for a long time and I'm still excited. I wanted to buy Sandisk Extreme PRO USB 3.1 Solid State Flash Drive, although there are always problems with the Flash Drive (Amazon reviews).
On Amazon Germany I read in questions and answers:
I want to install a bootable linux on the stick. Is the stick USB 3 bootable?
SanDisk Customer Care: We would like to point out that we did not test the sticks like bootable drives and we do not recommend this usage. Because our USB sticks are not suitable as bootable devices in contrast to our internal SSDs. Using a SanDisk USB flash drive as a boot device is not covered under our warranty.
What is your opinion on this statement? I am now testing an NVME M.2 SSD with external housing (JMS583 chip).
Many Thanks

Krauter_Germany 06/04/2019

Re: SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB Solid State USB-Flash-Laufwerk USB 3.1

Hi, if you want a fast, removable USB flash drive I recommend the Extreme Pro 3.1. I have 5 SanDisk Extremes and never had a problem using them as E2B drives in over 5 years.
All MLC Flash memory wears out and has a limited number of erase/write cycles of about 30,000. Unlike SSDs, flash drives don't tend to have expensive controllers which fully handle wear leveling, so it all comes down to how you are going to use the drive.
As a USB multiboot drive, booting to Linux LiveCD ISOs or WinPE is not going to do many writes to the drive. However, if you intend to run WindowsToGo or Linux from the Flash drive all day and every day and have a swap file on the drive and hyberfile, then you will probably wear it out after a year or so.
SanDisk cannot give a 3-5yr Warranty if you use a drive in this way (so just don't tell them!).

SteveSi 06/04/2019

disable Wimboot

Hey, Would it be possible to disable Wimboot, as in, I'd like it that if I choose the windows 10 install ISO, it would start the installation like if it would boot straight into a windows install disk. as in I wouldn't need to press any keys until it'll prompt me into the windows installer.

I'm asking it because I would like to not have any key files or anythings as this is for a commercial use, I would like to have my windows install as clean as possible, whilst still be able to multi boot to different tools on the drive.

Thank you!

Mihkel Kukk 27/03/2019

Re: disable Wimboot

Hi
I am assuming that you don't really mean that you don't want to run WIMBOOT...
If you dont want the XML choice, then as soon as you see the message to press ENTER quickly to run Repair\Setup then just press ENTER quickly.
The alternative is to copy the Windows Install ISO to some other folder (e.g. \_ISO\WIN).
The keys used are general purpose installation-only keys. They are perfectly 'legal' because they cannot be activated. They are for installation of Windows only and are actually made public by Microsoft for that purpose.

SteveSi 27/03/2019

Cannot boot Linux ISOs with persistence.

Hello! I've been trying to boot Linux ISOs (Xubuntu 16.04.3 i386 and KDE Neon amd64 in particular) with persistence, but i get an error message that says the the persistence file was not found.

I'm running the latest E2B release, 1.A9 and using an edited ubuntu-13.04-desktop-i386_Persistent.mnu file from the sample mnu files folder where i changed the ISO and persistence file paths accordingly.

I created a 1024 MB persistence file using Make_Ext.exe at the root of my flash drive, named it "neon-rw" for KDE Neon but while trying to boot it says the neon-rw persistence file was not found. I even tryed moving the neon-rw file inside the MNU folder and changing the set PF line to set PF=$HOME$/neon-rw, but it still said persistence file was not found.

The ISO files are detected fine, before showing the error message, it says the file system is joliet. Also, both ISO files boot fine without persistence. My flash drive is formatted NTFS.

Carlos 20/03/2019

Re: Cannot boot Linux ISOs with persistence.

Can you post here the exact line that you used for the PER line in the menu?
Also check that the file exists by booting from the E2B drive and use the utilities menu to list the root directory files.
Also test the menu using the test_using_qemu CMD file under Windows.

Stevesi 20/03/2019

Re: Re: Cannot boot Linux ISOs with persistence.

I've put the KDE Neon ISO, edited MNU file and neon-rw file inside /Linux/MNU folder. Using the ls dir command from the utilities menu lists the 3 files correctly.
The lines i used for the MNU files are the following:
"set ISO=$HOME$/xubuntu-16.04.3-i386.iso"
and
"set PF=$HOME$/neon-rw"
Both without quotation marks.

Carlos 20/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Cannot boot Linux ISOs with persistence.

see below...

SteveSi 20/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Cannot boot Linux ISOs with persistence.

P.S. You said that you were using ubuntu-13.04-desktop-i386_Persistent.mnu
Well that mnu file uses PER not PF!!!
...
set ISO=$HOME$/ubuntu-13.04-desktop-i386.iso
set PER=/ubuntu1304-rw

SteveSi 20/03/2019

How do I install W7 & W10, as Dual-Boot OS's?

I've built a new PC.
I want to be able to Dual-Boot by installing W7 & W10,
preferably by installing each of them into their own GPT partition on one HDD.
So can I install each of these OS from their original install DVD's ?
And what should my BIOS settings be ?
I seem to getting issues, so could you provide a detailed guide as to how to do this?
Hoping you can help,
Many thanks.

mac 08/03/2019

Re: How do I install W7 & W10, as Dual-Boot OS's?

Hi
First convert each ISO to a .imgPTN file and add the two files to the E2B drive.
Then UEFI-boot from the Win7 x64 .imgPTN file (after switching it in) and install Win7.
Then reduce the OS partition to make room for the Win10 OS.
Then boot to the Win10 .imgPTN file (after switching it in) and install Win10.
Note that to make the Win7 imgPTN bootable you will need to add the bootx64.efi file - see http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/win7-uefi/
Also note that Win7 is very old and does not contain drivers for USB 3 - so you may have problems installing Win7 from a USB drive!
or you could always read my eBook... ;-)

SteveSi 08/03/2019

Re: Re: How do I install W7 & W10, as Dual-Boot OS's?

Hi Steve,
Many thanks for your reply, seems like a great website!
I'm new to these problems, so I have a few queries & questions:
Q1: Firstly, I was told that installing W7 & W10 with UEFI enabled in my BIOS
would 'Cause Problems' because W7 was developed B4 UEFI ?
Q2: Also, Do I need UEFI enabled in my BIOS ?
Q3: What exactly do I need to 'SET' in my BIOS ?
And in your reply you said...
First convert each ISO to a .imgPTN file
(Q4: How do I do that? *)
...and add the two files to the E2B drive.
Then UEFI-boot from the Win7 x64 .imgPTN file (after switching it in)
(Q5: * after switching it in * So how do I do that ?)
...and install Win7.
...Also note that Win7 is very old and does not contain drivers for USB 3 -
so you may have problems installing Win7 from a USB drive!
(Q6: * Win7 does not contain USB 3 drivers * So can I use USB2 ?)
...or you could always read my eBook... ;-)
(Q7: Does that explain everything in more detail ? If so where's the link ? )
Many thanks

mac 08/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: How do I install W7 & W10, as Dual-Boot OS's?

I also forgot to ask:
Q8: What preparation do I need to make to my HDD before I use easy"boot to install the Os's ?
Q9: Eg BIOS settings / Formatting HDD to GPT etc ?
Thanks

mac 08/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: How do I install W7 & W10, as Dual-Boot OS's?

Q1. If you have 2TB or larger disks, then you need GPT partitions. If you need GPT partitions then you need UEFI. If your disk is smaller than 2TB there is no need for GPT and no need for UEFI. Win7 64-bit works OK with UEFI+GPT.
Q2. See Q1 above.
Q3. For BIOS - just do not disable UEFI. preferably also enable CSM.
Q4. - Q9. Please use the Site Map or Google for your answers. This is an E2B forum, not a 'How do I install Windows' forum.
Read http://www.easy2boot.com/useful-things-to-know/

SteveSi 08/03/2019

XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

I am trying to install XP on a MSI MS-6570 XP wipes out the boot record of the E2B flash. I am using the boot menu (F8) with the same issue. I am using a SIL3114 SATA card and a Kingston 240GB SSD.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

I can tell this because after the initial dos screen where XP copies the basic files and reboots, this error comes up "Windows could not start because of a computer disk hardware configuration problem.
Could not read from the selected boot disk. Check boot path and disk hardware.
Please check the windows documentation about hardware disk configuration and your hardware reference manuals for additional information.
When I remove all disks except the E2B flash this error comes up. anyway else and I get the standard "No boot disk found" error. "BOOT DISK FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER"

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

When I remove the E2B USB drive and insert it into the PC that I built the drive with, and press with "TEST with QEMU I see the same "Windows could not start" error

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

After removing all drives from BIOS, i have stopped XP from wiping out the boot record on the flash drive but the second step for the xp install only copies the image to ram disk and then reboots to the E2B menu.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

It sounds like the first hard disk in the system is not the disk you are installing XP onto? It needs to be the first hard disk (if you boot to E2B - Utilities and use List BIOS Disks - it should list hd1 as the SSD drive).
Do you have both an internal IDE controller enabled in the BIOS and the SATA card? If so disable all controllers and disks except for the SATA card and SSD.
Step 2 assumes that you have installed the boot code to Disk 0.
When you run Step 2 - you should see a message like
'Mapping (hd0) to (hd1) and (hd1) to (hd0)
SPACEBAR=Pause, ENTER=Start now - STARTING IN 5 SECONDS...'

When you see the last message - quickly press the C key and then press ENTER key to get to the command line. Then type

find
ls (hd0,0)/
ls (hd1,0)/
ls (hd2,0)/

now if one of these lists the file /ntldr on the XP hard disk, type the following (assuming that (hd1,0) has the XP files...

root (hd1,0)
chainloader +1
boot

SteveSi 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Hi Steve, Yes I do have an IDE controller enabled. It has a optical drive attached. I will do as you suggested and get back to you. I saw your response after giving up. The file copy takes such a LOOOOOOONNNNNGGGG time. Its easily 40 minutes for each try.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Steve: >It sounds like the first hard disk in the system is not the disk you are installing XP onto? It needs to be the first hard disk (if you boot to E2B - Utilities and use List BIOS Disks - it should list hd1 as the SSD drive).
Do you have both an internal IDE controller enabled in the BIOS and the SATA card? If so disable all controllers and disks except for the SATA card and SSD."

Yes I did have the IDE controller enabled. As of this posting it is Disabled (both controllers)

I ran List Bios disks and here is what came out:
(fd3): Volume name is "(unsupported)".
Filesstem type is fat12, using whole disk
(hd0,0): Volume name is "E2B"
File System type is ntfs, partition type 0x07
(hd0,1): Volume name is "PTN2"
file system type is fat12 partition type is 0x21
=================hd0===============
drive 0x80(LBA): C/H/S=1885/255/63. sector count/size=30282525/512
Partition num: 0, active, filesystem type is ntfs, partition type 0x07
Partition num: 1, filesystem type is fat12, partition type 0x21

Contents of (hd0,0) E2B
{looks like it lists some files}
Contents of (hd0,1) PTN2
System\ Volume\ Information
==========
Press a key for current drive map...
floppies_orig=1, Harddrives_orig=2, floppies_curr=0, harddrives_curr=2
Number of atapi CD-ROMs: 0
ram_drive=0x7f, rd_base=0x3FFAF000, rd_size=0x13000
Fr To Hm Sm To_c _H _S Start_Sector Sector _Count DHR
03 ff 00 88 8882 FE 3F 00000000001FFE40 0000000000000140 M=R
After waiting for 10 minutes, I pressed a key and it returned to the utilities menu.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

ok. After running the find command it returned the following:

(0xff)
(hd0,0)
(hd0,1)
(fd0)
(fd1)

ls (hd0,0)/ returned files that appeared to be on the e2b flash drive. I see "MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE (run\ as\ admin).cmd etc
ls (hd1,0)/ returned the same files. (yes I don't understand it but there it is.)
ls (hd2,0)/ returned Error 21: (http://grup4dos.chenall.net/e/21) The selected disk does not exist.
It seems your environment is not seeing the SSD drive.
I will hold off installing the XP OS from CD rom (as I know this does work) and work with you on this. If you want to take this to email let me know.
Sincerely,
Harold Robinson

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Hi
You obviously need to enable the external SATA controller in the BIOS so the SSD can be seen by the BIOS (and XP).
If E2B warns you that no HDD was detected, then it is never going to boot from the SSD.
Ensure the first boot device in the BIOS settings is set to the SSD drive.
If the SSD is not visible in the BIOS settings, then it obviously can't boot from the SSD.
If XP Setup is trying to write the boot code to the USB drive, then there will be no boot code on the SSD so it will not boot in Step 2. You must configure the BIOS so the SSD is the first drive in the system and keep the E2B drive connected so that you can tell if it has corrupted it or not after Step 1. If the boot code has been written to the USB drive, then there is no point trying Step 2.
If any more problems - use the online Chat facility on this website (enable pop-ups if using FireFox) or Contact Me page.

SteveSi 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

There is no BIOS setting to make the external SATA visable. I went into the SATA cards bios and there is no option in there either only menu selections dealing with creating a array, deleting an array, repairing an array, and an exit option. I am not seeing an error that tells me that there is no drive or hard disk present. I do see that when I run under QEMU when testing to make sure it will boot. The computers BIOS is set as follows:
Advanced BIOS Features
1st boot device [HDD-0]
2nd boot device [Disabled]
3rd boot device [Disabled]
Boot Other Device [Disabled]
I can list other BIOS settings if you wish.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Ignore QEMU - it is a virtual system and has nothing to do with your real system.
If the 1st boot device [HDD-0] is set - then what exactly is that HDD-0 device (with no USB drive or other storage device connected). Surely it must be the SSD if that is the only device connected?
If E2B does not give you a warning on boot, then it must see an internal BIOS HDD in the system.
Can you boot to E2B and go to the Utilities Menu and run the List BIOS devices option? hd0 should be the USB drive and hd1 should be the SSD.

SteveSi 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

I can confirm that if I slipstream the SIL drivers into my ISO and burn that to a CD, XP will install successfully. So Your Easy2Boot drive is selecting the correct drivers. during XP's first stage installer (the text part) It does see the drive, it formats it and (that is when the USB key boot record is wiped out). the USB key is listed as Drive 0 and the SSD is listed as Drive 1, which is were we are having our problem.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

So does the E2B Utilities - List BIOS disks menu option list hd0 as the USB drive and hd1 as the SSD?

The issue here is that the BIOS must see the SSD.
Of course XP Setup can see the SSD because it loads the driver for it. But in order to boot from the SSD, the BIOS must be able to see it.

The boot code is transferred to the internal hard disk at the end of the copy files stage. So pulling out the USB drive just means that it cannot write the boot code and files to the USB drive (if it was going to). XP Setup will want to update the boot code on the 'boot' drive and E2B takes steps to ensure this happens by changing hdd0 to be the internal hdd instead of hd1.
For instance, if you run Step 1 and then allow it to reboot from the SSD, it should boot OK (it will fail later with an 'asms not found' error - but at least it will boot).
So your 'objective' is to run Step 1, when it starts the 10 second timer to reboot at the end - pull out the USB drive and allow it to boot to the SSD. If it does not boot - then Setup has gone wrong.
Once it does boot from the SSD, you can reboot and run Step 2 (which should then also work) and complete the install.
P.S. Make sure you use the F8 boot selection pop-up menu when booting to E2B - do NOT set the USB drive as the first boot device in the BIOS Settings menu.
If you do spoil your E2B drive, you should be able to fix it by running RMPrepUSB - Install grub4dos twice, once for MBR and once for PBR.

SteveSi 04/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Steve:> "So does the E2B Utilities - List BIOS disks menu option list hd0 as the USB drive and hd1 as the SSD?"
Harold: No I just checked again and it only lists the USB drive as HDD0
Steve:>"The issue here is that the BIOS must see the SSD. Of course XP Setup can see the SSD because it loads the driver for it. But in order to boot from the SSD, the BIOS must be able to see it."
Harold: "After the computer BIOS has completed its post stage, I then see:
Sil 3114 SataRaid BIOS Version 5.4.03
Copyright (C) 1997-2006 Silicon Image, Inc.
Press <Ctrl+S> or F4 to enter RAID utility
0 KINGSTON SV300S37A24 223 GB"

My BIOS does not support SATA drives, hence I am using the SATA card. I don't even have an option in BIOS (I don't think) to see the drive because the BIOS of the SATA card had not been initialized yet.
If you want I can run freedos to see if I can see the drive. but under grub4dos (E2B) I am not seeing it. I am guessing you are using grub4dos.

Harold Robinson 04/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Thanks for the clarification. So if E2B does not list the SSD SATA drive as a BIOS drive then installing XP from the E2B drive is not going to work.
BUT I don't understand why E2B does not warn you that it cannot see an internal hard disk when you boot to E2B??? If E2B does not detect an hd1 (the first internal hard disk) you should see that coloured warning text???

What should happen is that after switch-on, POST should run, it should add its Option ROM code into the BIOS and detect SATA drive, then it should allow you to boot from USB or from the SATA drive or go into the BIOS and see the SATA drive listed.
According to the SIL website, if you are not using RAID, you should update the firmware on the SIL card to use the 'IDE' base 'b' version of the firmware. Maybe this will help? http://www.latticesemi.com/en/Support/AnswerDatabase/4/7/8/4784
Do you still say that you can install XP from CD (with the only drive being the SSD drive) and it boots to XP OK? I am not quite sure how it could do that!
P.S. Update firmware+manual is here https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqlrQcdsFA-KsQhnt96X0lkfYfFs
Extract the files to the root of your E2B drive, boot to E2B and run DOS menu - boot to FreeDOS - choose default NTFS option to get to C: prompt. Now you can type UpdFlash and load the b5403.bin file (r is for RAID version).
Here is an excellent post from someone who seems to know where his towel is...
https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=49471#p734172

SteveSi 04/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

Please try v1.B0c Beta
http://tiny.cc/i4nr3y
If you try it before you update the SIL3114 firmware, it should give you plenty of warnings.
If you try it after updating the SIL3114 firmware, hopefully it will work :-). I have not changed E2B XP install functions though - it won't fix your issue (unless you update the SIL3114 firmware).

SteveSi 04/03/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

I just found this buried in the manual. It seems you can use the RAID firmware!

Creating a JBOD Configuration
The BIOS RAID utility does not report non-RAID drives to the system BIOS. If a non-RAID boot drive or data drive is desired, create a JBOD so the BIOS RAID utility will report the drive to the system BIOS.
1. Select 'Create RAID set' from the Main Menu section of the RAID Configuration Utility screen.
2. Select 'JBOD' and press Enter.
3. Select 'JBOD drive' from the Physical Drive list and press Enter.
4. Select the size of the JBOD drive with the ↑ and ↓ keys and press Enter.
5. When the 'Are You Sure?' confirmation prompt appears, respond 'Y' to complete the JBOD configuration.

The hard disk should now be listed in the BIOS menu as a 'JBOD' device.
Obvious, isn't it! To add a non-RAID single disk, you use the Create RAID set option!!!

SteveSi 04/03/2019

Re: XP wiping out boot record on E2B flash drive

I have given up on this for now. I have been at this for 12 hours. I can not get the second stage of XP to start. In order to get the first stage to successfully run. I would wait until the XP files were copied to RAM disk. then before the XP install started, pull the USB drive to prevent XP from overwriting the boot record.
the first stage install would run successfully and reboot. After the 2nd stage completed its copy it was suppose to boot off the hard disk, and this would not happen. I could not get the second stage of XP to work properly. I am going to use old school, stream line a set of drivers and do it this way. I will continue to monitor this thread for possible solutions.

Harold Robinson 03/03/2019

Passcape

Hi. How to Proper Boot Passcape?. I tried once boot it but my keyboard and mouse did not work. tnx, easy 2 boot :)

Robb 02/03/2019

Re: Passcape

Passcape Reset Password is based on WinPE. It may not have the drivers required for your (modern?) PC. Try using a USB 2 port for the kbd and mouse. Since it is a commercial program, contact Passcape. The latest trial version seems to have drivers which were added on Jan 2019 - so it seems up to date and should work. Is your ISO too old?
Also, try converting the ISO to a FAT32 .imgPTN file and see if UEFI-booting works?

SteveSi 02/03/2019

Neater Menu

I've been using Grub4dos for a long time and I've set up my menu with all the things i use the most at the top of the screen (HDSentinel for dos and then a space) and then after the space i have Cloning Software clumped together like Acronis,Paragon etc..These arent in sub menu's, they are launched directly from the main menu.
Then I have another space and after that i have partitioning tools, once again Acronis,Paragon etc.
Then another space and after that portable OS's , Hirens Windows 7,Gandalfs Windows 8 & 10 etc.
Then another space and finally under that i have submenus of the things i don't use as often.
Its just there is sooooo much information I'm having trouble coming to grips if i can move out the default menu's completely, Insert my top options and add a line in between the different genres of programs.
I took some quick pictures of what I'm trying to achieve but there's nowhere to post them unfortunately.
Is there anywhere i can download peoples e2b config files or even whole iso images of usb sticks that i can go through and see how they've done it...Thats originally how i learnt on grub4dos...pulling apart somebody else's work, making changes and seeing what it did, seeing what changed.
Is there a place you use to host a couple of pictures to show you what i mean ?

Batfink 10/02/2019

Re: Neater Menu

I added a couple of pictures to Imgur
https://imgur.com/a/1mPXU6b

Batfink 10/02/2019

Re: Re: Neater Menu

Hi
The first entry you have is Hard Disk Sentinel for DOS. So copy the ISO to the \_ISO\MAINMENU and boot to E2B and try it. It will appear in the Main Menu is 'hdsdos' but you can change the file name to 'Hard Disk Sentinel (DOS).iso if you like. If you want it in the Utilities menu, then just copy the ISO to \_ISO\UTILITIES.
If you want it to be listed as the first entry, name it aaa_hdsdos.iso. Entries are listed alphabetically by file name.
Now to change the entry text and also add the lines of help text under the menu when you select it, create a aaa_hdsdos.txt file using \_ISO\Txt_Maker.exe.
The next item you have is a blank line, so copy "\_ISO\docs\Sample mnu files\E2B Menus\A_BlankMenuEntry.mnu"
to \_ISO\MAINMENU folder and rename it as aab_blank.mnu.
The next item you have is Acronis True Image 2018. So copy the .ISO file to \_ISO\MAINMENU and name it aba_Acronis2018.iso. Then make a aba_Acronis2018.txt file for it.
Rinse and repeat...
For some of the other items, e.g. Antivirus, backup, Windows Install, just copy the ISOs to the correct E2B menu folders.

The other alternative is to simply use your current menu.lst file. Copy your menu to \_ISO\MAINMENU and name it 'Batfink Menu.mnu'. Edit it to remove the initial grub4dos lines so it starts with 'title xxxx' and all the following entries. Copy your ISOs to the correct folders on the E2B drive as expected by your menu.

You can always start a chat session with me if you have any problems. There should be a chat icon pop-up on this page.

SteveSi 10/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

Thank you so much for your reply, it put me on the right path so to speak.
Hahaha however I think this menu is going to drive me to drink.
Is the sorting Alphanumeric, When i first started with just HDsentinel and the cloning software i could have sworn they were in the correct order.
Then I added a space and added partitioning software, Removed the backdrop,set it to 1024..I know it looks like a dogs breakfast, I was going to ask and read a bit more about removing help menu's and highlighting menu items etc..eventually.
However, This is driving me bonkers ..as you can see from the explorer picture all my files are in perfect alphanumeric order and yet in the second picture you can actually see them detecting in the wrong order as the USB stick boots, and finally in the last picture you can see them in the wrong order (or the same order they detected in)
https://imgur.com/a/7g5agy5
Am i insane, is it my numbering system, is it something to do with me not having a backdrop or turning off the extra menu's.

Batfink 13/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

Whoops! You have found a bug! Though I did tell you to use aaa not 000 ;-)
It is because grub4dos is treating 002f as a number and is discarding the non-numbers, so 002a is smaller than 002g (g=GB so 002g=2GB whereas 003d = 3 and 002f=2). grub4dos treats k,m,g and t as multipliers and so the list is not sorted correctly. You can use a non-number as the first character and it should work correctly - e.g. @002f-
or download the latest E2B v1.A9j Beta from the Alternate Download Areas on GDrive or OneDrive.
http://www.easy2boot.com/download/alternate-download-sites/
if you try the latest version, please let me know if it works or not.

See also
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/mainmenuonly/
and use the E2B_Editor.exe to make your menu (load a 1024x768 bitmap so the editor switches to 1024 mode - you can remove the bitmap later if you wish).

SteveSi 13/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

Hahaha I found a bug.
Goddammit, yes you did say to use aaa but I thought I'd be a smarty-pants and use numbers to give myself more options to expand if needed be.. Lots more numbers than letters in the alphabet etc etc.
I'll try the beta first before I do anything else because now I'm curious to see what happens.
Ah OK, I thought the editor only supported up to 800..I'll give that a try. At least I know I'm not freaking insane.

Batfink 13/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

Actually there are more letters! a-z is 26 whereas 0-9 is 10. so aaa-zzz gives far wider scope than 000-999 ;-)

SteveSi 13/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

You're hurting my brain ;)
Your beta worked perfectly, I upgraded it directly over the USB stick.
I'm actually pretty bland when it comes to this stuff, I don't need a backdrop at all, or a logo..just a surrounding box is good enough...It's a tool, not a Picasso :)
I don't even need a help menu, Its for me, I know what everything does since I made it, The more i can fit on the screen the better.
That being said, I do like a menu thats easy to see, Easy to tell whats selected so i have a couple of questions.
1. In the Imgur pictures i posted you'll notice the text is white unless selected and then a large white selection over it highlites it and makes the text under it black..nice and easy to see...Can that be done ?
2. Also the RETURN TO PREVIOUS MENU (F8), is that location set in stone, can it be moved to the top of the sub menu's and be the default item selected and set apart with a space so if you're looking for something and went to the wrong menu you can just press enter to go back.
3.Is there a way to actually completely remove the help ...I did move it down totally off the screen but for the built in items (MENU REFRESH) like shown in the picture it still shows up in the default place.
4.Can i move the wwww.easy2boot.com to maybe the top of the main menu where it shows the version number.
Hahaha, So many questions, so little time..I'm appreciative of all the help you've given me so far.
After this I'm going to used my applied knowledge to try and make a UEFI one, I'm sorely in need of one of those. https://imgur.com/a/MqcQ5uu

Batfink 16/02/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Neater Menu

1. As in the Sample_MyE2B.cfg and on the http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/ page,
the selection text can be highlighted by defining a highlight colour - e.g. color highlight=0xFFFFFF00000000
2. Any menu can be removed using one of the NOFxxx variables in your MyE2B.cfg file. Any new menu can be added by adding in a .mnu file (see v1.A9k Sample mnu Files\E2B Menus for example .mnu files). A menu space can be added as already explained by adding a .mnu file. http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/mainmenuonly/
3. Help can be removed using set NOF1=1 in your MyE2B.cfg file - http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/f1-help-menu/
4. The FOOTER help text can be removed by setting its position to just after the last line of the menu - or moved - using HBTM. The Main Menu heading is determined by the HEADING variable. As already explained, the E2B_Editor.exe GUI will help you and it already has an Options list for suppressing F1 and F8, etc.
You may find it useful to define Global Hotkeys - http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/global-hotkeys/
and look at the Sample_MyE2B.cfg file which contains a load of example settings. Use the SITE MAP!
P.S. grub4dos does not UEFI-boot. You will need to use grub (grub2) for a UEFI menu system or the new syslinux for UEFI.

SteveSi 16/02/2019

Support

I am very impressed with this product, but also the support is amazing. I had an issue (turned out was my windows 10 machine) but the help was far better than any other support forum.

I wish there were more products like this out there and more companies that run with this service level.

Ryan 24/01/2019

Re: Support

I can totally agree with this. Seriously, look at my question right below this. I couldn't tell one company I BOUGHT something from that has such a fast + straight forward support.

C.F. 25/01/2019

Re: Support

Hello, I'm trying to boot a 7GB windows 7 based WIM file. I get the following error: There isn't enough memory to create a ramdisk device

Any idea what i'm doing wrong?

Nicolai 29/01/2019

Re: Re: Support

wim files are loaded into RAM. So does your system have at least 8GB of RAM?
Why didn't you use a VHD instead?

SteveSi 29/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Support

Hi Steve, Thanks for your answer.
I'll check that asap. It's a weird customer request and we don't have people with experience to set it up, im left with google. Is that always the case for wim files from USB? Would that problem be solved with a server or using MDT to make a bootable USB?

Nicolai 30/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Support

boot.wim files (the WinPE that is initially booted to from an ISO or MDT, etc. when deploying an image) are typically 300-800MB in size. They typically run Setup.exe which is used to deploy a second much larger install.wim file to a target system.
The large install.wim is not usually bootable and contains a copy of the OS files that you want to install onto the target device.
All bootable .wim files are always loaded into memory as the X: drive. You cannot boot the install.wim type of file with E2B or MDT or Microsoft bootmgr+BCD because it is not intended to be bootable.

SteveSi 30/01/2019

How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

So far the only thing I didn't accomplish, using E2B is, to switch back to the regular Legacy Boot menu after booting a payload via an imgPTN file. (I know, this is not the right place for support, but as I hope I am only to stupid / blind to find the hint and you can help me with one link I didnt find so far, I ask it here:
I boot a payload via ImgPTN, but not in UEFI but in CSM Mode.
1. I boot in the regular E2B menu, chose the .imgPTN payload and the MBR gets overwritten (-> the partitions switched)
2. I boot the payload (also in CSM Mode) and use it, so far it works like you describe in the corresponding instruction.
3. How do I flip the partitions back now (to get back to the regular E2B menu) without the need to boot a windows and use the .exe ? In your article about the use of imgPTN files you write, that after I booted the stick in UEFI-Mode to boot the payload I will get an simple menu with the option to switch back the partitions if I boot the stick in legacy / csm mode again. This doesn't work for me since I boot the payload again immediately when I boot the stick in csm / legacy mode. That is logically because the Bios / UEFI only sees this one partition after the partition swap. Does this mean, its impossible to switch back the partition table without a working windows-pc or am I just to stupid to understand, how it works ?

However, I can totally live with this limitation since I mostly use payloads that doesn't need the imgPTN trick to work, I just wondered if I've missed the trick of switching back.

C.F. 19/01/2019

Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

If you UEFI-boot to Windows\WinPE then you can use one of the utilities in the \e2b folder to restore the E2B partition.
If you UEFI-boot to linux, then you can use the \e2b\Restore_E2B.sh bash script to restore the E2B partition (it will be in MPI v0.090 and later versions).
Otherwise you must find some other way to MBR-boot or boot to a linux or Windows\WinPE system in order to switch back in the E2B partition.
If you want to try a variety of linux payloads from a single UEFI menu, try the E2B grub2 menu system - see Site Index for the page (but it has it's own set of drawbacks).

SteveSi 19/01/2019

Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

In fact the only tool I would want to use on daily basis would be rescatux (by the creator[s]) of the SuperGrubDisk. Since that is based on a linux live system, the bash file should work. I will try that.
I've read the page about using grub2 instead of grub4dos, but because of the drawbacks (and because of the fact that I wouldnt consider myself as an "expert" in terms of booting) I didnt try it so far.
Thank you for the fast response.
Also I tried to boot the switch-back-menu again on a much older laptop - and it works. It seems to be a problem with my current device (Acer Travelmate x349). Do you have any other advice considering the UEFI-Settings except Secure-Boot=Off, Fastboot=Off, Legacy-Boot/CSM=On that might help me to use the switch-back-menu on my laptop ?

C.F. 19/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

You have found the exact reason why E2B uses the .imgPTN scheme! Some BIOSes will ONLY UEFI boot from a UEFI-enabled USB drive even though you have enabled CSM mode. Many BIOSes have this bug. It means such solutions as SARDU or WinSetupFromUSB or YUMI will only be able to UEFI-boot on your system and it will never boot to the MBR menu so you cannot run any MBR payloads on those systems (unless you delete\rename the \EFI folder).

SteveSi 19/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

I see. Thank you. I thought of E2B being the problem because it does neither work on my current laptop nor on my tower-pc, but as it looks, both seem to have this bios / UEFI-bug, as it does work on my old laptop.

BTW I recommend your tool to everyone I think it would be usefull for and I know that min. 3 people also started using it. I realy dont know how I missed this for long.

C.F. 19/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

Either you have not set the BIOS options correctly OR your systems have this BIOS bug.
To check, select one of the .imgPTN images which show the problem and confirm that it will not boot to the CSM MBR menu. Then rename the \EFI folder to \EFIxx and try again. If it now boots to the CSM menu then your BIOS has a bug or it is set to boot from UEFI first. If it still does not boot to the CSM menu then you have not set up the BIOS settings correctly.
Always use the F8/F12 or whatever function key to get the BIOS Boot Selection Menu pop-up - do NOT set the boot order in the BIOS Settings menu to boot from USB first.

SteveSi 23/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

I checked my BIOS settings again. My Bios has only 2 options (concerning boot style): Legacy (only) and UEFI (only). So I dont have any option on how to boot the stick in the boot menu (like UEFI USB Stick: SanDisk... / USB Stick: SanDisk...) And since my local OS is MBR-installed, Legacy (only) is the choosen setting.
If I switch to an imgPTN Partition, the first time I boot I get the CSM menu. After I have booted the imgPTN-Payload once (Legacy-Mode, ofc.), my Notebook boots the payload immediately. This doesn't happen if I rename or delete the EFI folder. If I do that, it always boots to the CSM menu. I guess that means: buggy bios confirmed.
So I can't use the imgPTN-trick for uefi-booting (and switching back easily) with my notebook, but that's not realy a problem since I can totally live with Legacy-only booting. The only payload I wanna use on a daily basis that isn't bootable as a simple ISO is also fully functional when booted in Legacy-mode, so I will just delete its EFI-folder and use it this way.

Thanks again for the really fast and qualified help.

I still have one question: You wrote that I shouldn't set USB boot as the default option, but use the boot-menu-hotkey instead. Is there any technical difference between this two options ? If yes, what exactly ?

C.F. 25/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

So what options do you actually see in the BIOS Boot selection pop-up menu? Does the BIOS Settings menu system show anything in 'Boot devices' or anything under + Hard disk?
You should not set the USB device as the first boot device in the BIOS settings because many BIOSes have a bug and they can tell an OS that the USB is the 'boot device' of your system. The result is if you then install an OS to your internal hard disk (XP, linux, etc.) you may find that the boot code and files have been installed onto your USB drive because that is the system 'boot device'.
Now the boot code on the USB drive is trashed and you can only boot to the internal hard disk if you first boot to your USB drive! This can often happen when using a USB HDD to install an OS from.
This issue can still happen when booting from the pop-up menu too, but E2B tries to fix it by swapping over the BIOS hd0 (USB drive) with hd1 (first internal HDD).

SteveSi 25/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

Okay, possibly I was describing it a little bit misunderstandable.
If I choose the way to boot in the BIOS / UEFI, I have only two options:
1. Legacy
2. UEFI
https://ibb.co/wdnPgyd
(Screenshot of my BIOS settings)
I know about other PCs (at my workplace, for example) which have a third option, like "UEFI and Legacy" (or with a similar name). Take the following BIOS-Screenshot for example (not my BIOS):
https://browse.startpage.com/do/show_picture.pl?l=english&rais=1&oiu=https%3A%2F%2Fi1.wp.com%2Fneosmart.net%2Fwiki%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F5%2F2014%2F05%2FASUS-Boot-Device-Control.jpg%3Fssl%3D1&sp=93d3a0226b9295113b636263aaf675d2&rl=to&t=default

At that place I can only choose between UEFI or Legacy. At the PCs with the "both" option, I can choose at the boot menu wether I want to boot the device in UEFI or in Legacy mode, it looks like at this screenshot:
https://browse.startpage.com/do/show_picture.pl?l=english&rais=1&oiu=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FMHOP3VY4qZM%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&sp=046dea4b255f12c3c9fb7bd8eba93bee&rl=to&t=default

And Since I can not choose the "both" option, I have no choise in the pop-up-boot-menu.
https://ibb.co/9b59NC0
<- My boot menu in legacy-mode) Thats all I wanted to clarify with my last post.

Thanks for the information about the default boot option. Luckily didn't encounter this problem so far, but good to know for the future.

C.F. 25/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

OK, thanks. So your BIOS is like this one:
https://youtu.be/BA4Zhh2zU4c
Just a thought... did you try setting a BIOS Supervisor password? Sometimes you get more options when you do this.

SteveSi 25/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

Yes, my BIOS is 90 to 95% like the one in the YT Video. Not really surprising since it is an Acer, too.

About the Supervisor PW: Yes. I knew it so I did it, but the only additional setting which was availible after that, was a toggle for Secure Boot (and the corresponding settings at the security tab).

C.F. 25/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

OK - if the BIOS allows it, you can try setting Secure Boot = enabled + Legacy boot. Then if the EFI boot files are not signed (secure) it may boot in Legacy mode. Some payloads may have signed EFI boot files however, in which case this trick won't work!

SteveSi 26/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How to restore E2B partition after switching to .imgPTN file

Good Idea. I tried that. When I switch back to legacy-boot, the secure-boot switch gets hidden. It also makes no difference, if secure boot is on or off before I switch back to legacy.

Thank you very much for supporting me at this question.

C.F. 27/01/2019

Wrong year in version history page

In the version history page it say "v1.A8 2018-01-15" should that not be "v1.A8 2019-01-15"
[SS]It is called a typo!

Puzzled 18/01/2019

Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 doesn't work on VirtualBox 6.0

Hello,

I would like to ask if it is known that there is a problem with the Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 x64 and VirtualBox 6.0. If I want to start my USB-Stick I get an error message:

"--startvm ist eine Option für die VirtualBox VM-Ausführungs-Anwendung (VirtualBoxVM), nicht den VirtualBox Manager". Buttons under the error message: <OK> or <Kopieren>.

The error message ist from a German VBox Installation.

Maybe there is a fix around for this.

Peter Kalauer 14/01/2019

Re: Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 doesn't work on VirtualBox 6.0

https://github.com/DavidBrenner3/VMUB/issues

SteveSi 14/01/2019

Re: Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 doesn't work on VirtualBox 6.0

Workaround for VBox v6:
VMUB - Options - VirtualBox - Exe Path = C:\Program Files\Oracle\VirtualBox\VirtualBoxVM.exe

SteveSi 14/01/2019

Re: Re: Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 doesn't work on VirtualBox 6.0

Thanks SteveSi, works like a charm. Thank you for all of the great work. Excellent support.

Peter Kalauer 15/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Virtual Machine USB Boot 1.72 doesn't work on VirtualBox 6.0

http://rmprepusb.blogspot.com/2019/01/fix-issues-with-virtualbox-v6-and-vmub.html
Basically, it is best to use VBox v5 until DavidB releases a fix or someone else can fix.

SteveSi 16/01/2019

ISO contiguous issues

Hello again. I've set up another E2B stick. No background image issues this time!

But what is giving me a hard time is the ISO contiguous thing. For testing and demonstrations I made a 16GB Lexar USB3 stick with several flavors of Linux, like Fedora, Xubuntu, Manjaro etc.
After I loaded the ISOs I ran the make contiguous file and got an error there was not enough free space to make several files discontiguous. At this point there was about 2GB free. I started deleting some ISOs but the error would persist.

Finally, I removed all but one ISO, then could make that contiguous. Then I added ISOs one by one, each time running the make contiguous process.

I have about 5GB left and thinking about what would fit the idea of the stick I downloaded openSuse first to a harddisk. This image is 3.9GB large and I fear it can not be made contiguous if I copy it to the stick, and I would have wasted 4GB of the lifetime of the stick.

I do not exactly understand the purpose of the making contiguous process. I learned, fragmentation is no issue on flash memory, and even to be avoided.

When I write a single ISO to a single stick, there is never a problem with dis-contiguousness.

Rick Vansloneker 19/12/2018

Re: ISO contiguous issues

The file is required to be contiguous because E2B uses it as a partition and actually writes the start address of the file to the USB stick's partition table. Linux will then see the ISO as a partition and so can easily access the files inside the ISO. Partitions cannot be fragmented - they start at sector X and finish at sector Y in one contiguous block. So the ISO must be contiguous.
See http://www.easy2boot.com/not-contiguous-error/ for more info.
You need to realise that WinContig needs a contiguous block of free space in order to move the ISO and make it contiguous. I use Defraggler to consolidate the free space on the drive if the free space starts to get fragmented.
P.S. As I say on this site, 16GB is really the minimum size for a multiboot drive - because you need at least 4GB of consolidated free space to make a 4GB file contiguous. So Use the Action - Advanced - Defrag Freespace option in Defraggler and then copy on your last file.
P.S. NEVER download files DIRECTLY to your USB drive from your browser - it usually makes the file fragmented, even if there was enough contiguous free space on the USB drive, because it opens up several 'streams' when downloading the file.

SteveSi 19/12/2018

Re: Re: ISO contiguous issues

Thanks for explaining and thanks for the recommendations!

Rick Vansloneker 19/12/2018

Re: Re: ISO contiguous issues

After defraggling free space I copied the openSuse ISO and booted the E2B stick. A message appeared that Suse was discontiguous. I tried it anyway. I had to walk away for a minute and when I returned an installer had started: the Suse ISO wasn't a liveCD as I had intended! I'll remove it from the stick and find something else.

Rick Vansloneker 19/12/2018

Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

Hello, and thanks for this great tool!

What I want to do is this: add three or four Linux ISOs and make an Easy2Boot USB drive, make an ISO of the whole thing using RMPrepUsb, and then burn it to DVD. I have added two regular downloaded-from-the-website *buntu ISOs, and a Remastered version of Lubuntu (made using Pinguy Builder) in which I have added LibreOffice. This Remastered Lubuntu ISO alone boots in VirtualBox and directly on the computer, but when I add it to E2B and make an ISO of the E2B USB (to burn to DVD) and try to boot the Remastered Lubuntu by testing it in VirtualBox, I get a Kernel Panic.

E2B first tries to ISOBOOT the Remastered Lubuntu using ISO Cheat Codes, fails saying "Error: No initrd file found!", asks to "Press a key to boot..." to which I press the down arrow, a whole lot of text goes by as it tries to boot and then finally stops with the message: "---[ end Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (0,0)". This same Remastered Lubuntu boots otherwise, only not in E2B.

Please help. I'm a noob in such matters.

FL99 13/11/2018

Re: Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

Hi
So your only problem is the remastered ISO - the other two ISOs work fine?
You can test ISOBOOT from an E2B drive by holding down the SHIFT key before you press ENTER to run the ISO from the menu.
It is probably easier to start a Chat session with me on the website if the ISOBOOT web page does not help you.
http://www.easy2boot.com/faq-/isoboot/
If the ISO contains a casper-rw file, you will probably need to extract it to the root of the E2B USB drive.
If the initrd file cannot be found, then ISOBOOT is probably looking for the wrong file. Look at the isolinux.cfg or grub.cfg file inside your remastered ISO file to see what cheat code parameters it is using. Then make a new ISOBOOT.g4b file as described on the isoboot web page above. If the iso is using initrd.gz then you will need to add the 'try' lines into the :.isoubu code section.

SteveSi 13/11/2018

Re: Re: Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

I have been looking at an ISO built with PinguyBuilder and it does not seem to support any cheat code parameter to specify the name of the ISO file. This means that the only way to boot it as you want to do from an E2B DVD is to extract the contents of the ISO to root of the E2B drive. If it works, you could then remove those folders from the remastered ISO.
However, if you are booting other ubuntu-based ISOs, they may find the \casper folder on the root of the DVD instead of the \casper folder inside the mounted ubuntu ISO, and so they would all boot to your remastered files instead of the files inside the ISO.
I suggest making a special .mnu file, extracting all the files from the remastered ISO (so the .iso file is not needed):

title Start PinguyOS 18.04.1 Full LTS
kernel /casper/vmlinuz file=/preseed/custom.seed boot=casper quiet splash --
initrd /casper/initrd.gz
boot

This works, but if the \casper folder is renamed and the menu adjusted, it no longer boots and so the other ubuntu ISOs may get 'confused' still! See https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=35567 for how to modify it to boot from a different folder.

SteveSi 13/11/2018

Re: Re: Re: Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

Thanks for the reply. Yes, only the Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot, the other ISOs work fine.

Actually I don't understand all this stuff about casper and initrd and stuff, I'm a noob, and I am still learning. So I'll keep learning and tinkering, and maybe after I've gained some amount of knowledge about how the Linux booting works, and still have a doubt, I'll ask you again then. Thanks again!

FL99 14/11/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

Sorry to bug you again, and maybe I am just typing what I typed earlier, but the problem I face is that the Remastered ISO only boots if the media is not write-protected. If I add the Remastered Lubuntu to a USB drive, reboot, and try to boot the Remastered Lubuntu normally, the regular way Easy2Boot boots it, it works fine. If however, I press the Shift key when selecting the ISO, it is not able to boot it.

If I try to boot it with the Shift key, first E2B asks whether to change the extension, then gives a screen with a huge list of options one of which has to be typed, and if I select the first option to just boot it, a lot of text goes by and finally it ends in kernel panic - "Kernel panic - not syncing: VFS: Unable to mount root fs on unknown-block (0,0)". But if at the E2B options screen where it asks how to boot the ISO, I select the option to load the entire ISO to RAM, then it loads the ISO to RAM and boots fine.

The problem I think is because of the media being write-protected. Is there any simple workaround for this?

FL99 20/11/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Remastered Lubuntu doesn't boot

If it works when you load the ISO into memory, then simply change the file extension to the one that works (e.g. .isomem).

But I already told you how to get it to work.
1. Extract all the files from the ISO onto the root of the E2B USB drive.
2. Add a .mnu file (as detailed earlier) to the \_ISO\MAINMENU folder.

Or just convert the ISO to a FAT32 .imgPTN file.

SteveSi 20/11/2018

partition restrictions

Hello again steve, i have a question about the partition restrictions when using e2b scripts to build a menu and load images. I know you stated we can have either ONLY 2 primary partitions or ONE primary and any number of logical partitions. I am using fbinst hidden partition to boot e2b, is that hidden fbinst partition counted as a primary partition? If so would e2b still run fine if i changed the partition it resides on to a logical partition?

JJ 26/10/2018

Re: partition restrictions

Use RMPrepUSB - Drive Info - 0
to examine the partition table.
It will show you the four table entries and how they are used.

SteveSi 26/10/2018

Language for CSM

The file MyCSM.cfg says:
"#set the language (uses \e2b\LANG\%LANG%.txt file)"
But there is no such folder. And according to the file too.
PS. How to set the Russian language for the CSM menu (NOT FOR MAINMENU)

БлагоЯр Тишина 20/10/2018

Re: Language for CSM

Sorry, only English and German are currently available. All details are on this website, use the Site Map. You must have latest version of MPI.
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/csm-menu-changes/

SteveSi 20/10/2018

Re: Re: Language for CSM

I always have the latest version
PS. Is it possible to translate (I can do it)?

БлагоЯр Тишина 20/10/2018

Re: Re: Re: Language for CSM

Yes, please send me a translated ENG.txt file when you have it working. Save in UTF-8 format using Notepad.

SteveSi 20/10/2018

Fbinst & Easy2Boot

Hello everybody, today i was messing around with a few bootable usb's i had laying around. I decided to create a FBINST usb drive and attempt to load e2b from it....im not having much luck. Is e2b compatible with fbinst boot partition (ud)? I got it to boot up by using the --set-root command but i noticed a few errors pop up with e2b, likely due to fbinst being mapped to (bd)

JJ 11/10/2018

Re: Fbinst & Easy2Boot

https://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/usbutils
You put grldr in the hidden Primary area but all other files in the 'normal' area using Windows Explorer.
You can format the normal area first to NTFS using Windows Format.
It is not really suitable for E2B because it is not compatible with .imgPTN files.

SteveSi 12/10/2018

Re: Re: Fbinst & Easy2Boot

Thanks steve, i'll give it another try.

JJ 12/10/2018

SUB_MENU_MAKER

Hello everybody
I came across the Easy2Boot a few days ago and I am very excited about it. First a great praise to the developers.
Now to my question:
It is indeed the file "SUB_MENU_MAKER" to create menu items. How can I do it that I get menu sub items? As an example: There is indeed the Linux folder. I would now like to create subfolders in this folder, such as "Ubuntu" or Debian. "This is how it should be visible in the menu, first as" Linux "and then follow the subfolders, but always with the" SUB_MENU_MAKER " only menu items in the main menu.
Can you tell me how I have to implement that, because I seem to be really stupid for it.
Greetings Marcel

Marcel 11/10/2018

Re: SUB_MENU_MAKER

All menu folders must be directly under \_ISO.
To do what you want, just make a new folder called \_ISO\LINUX_Ubuntu and drag-and-drop this folder onto the Sub_Menu_Maker.cmd file. This will make a .mnu file in \_ISO\MAINMENU folder.
Then simply move the new .mnu file to \_ISO\LINUX folder. see
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/add-a-new-menu-folder/
'Example for Linux - Ubuntu sub-sub-menu'

SteveSi 11/10/2018

Results from ISO conversion to imgPTN

When I drop an iso onto the MPI_xx desktop icons, everything goes just fine, but just before it all wraps up I see a series of comments regarding the imgPTN file (below) is this anything I should follow up on? Do I need to make these changes within the resulting image file?

INFORMATION: LABEL occurs in .LST files
INFORMATION: 'boot=' occurs in .CFG files

UUID should use 74AAC0F4AAC0B3C0
CDLABEL should be LABEL
LABEL should use EASY2BOOT
'media=cdrom' should be 'media=usb'

If it matters, the ISO is Kaspersky Rescue Disk 2018.
Thank you by the way, the software is great, but your support is amazing.
-James

James Pelt 24/09/2018

Re: Results from ISO conversion to imgPTN

It is for information only, no action is needed. MPI will adjust these for you.

SteveSi 24/09/2018

Booting on GPT systems

Good morning, I am able to install the framework on empty pen drive, fill in desired ISOs and multiboot on MBR computer, but the drive is ignored on GPT computer even though it takes highest priority in boot sequence order, so I suppose it's not compatible.

Is there a trick or workaround that would make the E2B bootloader compatible with both MBR and GPT BIOSes?

Hurvajz 23/09/2018

Re: Booting on GPT systems

You cannot UEFI-boot to the E2B menu system.

If you want to UEFI-boot from the E2B USB drive, you must make a UEFI-compatible .imgPTN file using the MPI Tool Kit and then select the .imgPTN file from the E2B menu system (MBR-boot) or use \_ISO\SWITCH_E2B.exe to select the .imgPTN file.
Once the .imgPTN file has been 'switched in', you can then UEFI-boot or MBR-boot from the E2B drive.
See http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/e2b-uefi/

SteveSi 23/09/2018

Re: Re: Booting on GPT systems

OK, is there a different known multiboot framework that once installed out of the box will boot as with UEFI as with MBR BIOSes?

I understand it as that I need different image for MBR and different for UEFI? I'd prefer rather to share one image for all platforms.

Hurvajz 26/09/2018

Re: Re: Re: Booting on GPT systems

You can MBR or UEFI boot from the same .imgPTN file - the ISO is not required if you use .imgPTN files.

The problem with other multiboot solutions is that some systems (Fujitsu LifeBook, Samsung, Acer and probably others too) refuse to MBR boot if an EFI boot file is present on a FAT partition. This means, that on these systems, they will not boot via MBR to MBR payloads such as Hirens, many linux OS's, DOS, Mini XP, etc. because they will *always* UEFI boot instead.
UEFI requires a FAT partition to be on the drive and many other products just use a FAT32 USB drive which limits the file size to 4GB per file.
You can try the E2B grub2 menu system, or other products such as YUMI UEFI Beta version, SARDU, WinSetupFromUSB (for Windows UEFI) or multisystem. http://www.easy2boot.com/uefi-grub2-ptn2/
I am afraid there is no good universal solution because of these 'buggy' BIOSes.
That is why E2B uses the .imgPTN scheme - so that you can boot on 99% of all systems including those with this annoying bug.
Also, the E2B .imgPTN scheme means you can Secure Boot and boot from a wide variety of payloads (linux, Windows, KonBoot, memtest, etc.) all from the one USB drive.
If you want to spend some money, try the IODD USB HDD enclosure https://rmprepusb.blogspot.com/2016/09/using-e2b-with-zalmaniodd-disk-drive.html

SteveSi 26/09/2018

Multiple backgrounds and/or Stamps (v1.A1+)

Hi.
It seems that this manual don´t work with new submenu folders created with SUB_MENU_Maker.cmd.
I can´t set a personal background to this folders. I copy it to _ISO folder with the same name that the folder and don´t work. It seems that .g4b files don´t work too.
The normal folders works OK, but created don´t.

Visolo 07/09/2018

Re: Multiple backgrounds and/or Stamps (v1.A1+)

Sorry, it's a bug in the SubMenu Maker script.
Ensure that there is no space character at the end of the set MFOLDER= line in the .mnu file.
I will fix in 1.A2 v. soon!

SteveSi 07/09/2018

Re: Re: Multiple backgrounds and/or Stamps (v1.A1+)

Working great in E2B v1.A2a Beta. Thanks for your work.

Visolo 07/09/2018

Grub2 menu system - no ISOs listed?

If you have tried the grub2 menu system, and could not get any ISOs to be listed in the menu, this issue should now be fixed with the new Beta9 version.

SteveSi 27/08/2018

NO FUNCIONA EN SSD 120GB EN USB PERFECTO

Buenas noches, he probado E2B en USB 32Gb y funciona de lo mejor,sin embargo trate de hacer lo mismo en SSD 120Gb pero no funciona correctamente, por ejemplo cuando voy a formatear win7 no encuentra los controladores del HDD que se va a formatear, o cuando booting HirenBoot15CD no funciona todas las opciones, espero puedan ayudarme, Gracias!

Good evening, I tested E2B on USB 32Gb and it works best, however try to do the same in SSD 120Gb but it does not work properly, for example when I go to format win7 it does not find the drivers of the HDD that is going to be formatted, or when booting HirenBoot15CD does not work all the options, I hope you can help me, Thanks!

Eduardo H. Mertz 19/08/2018

Re: NO FUNCIONA EN SSD 120GB EN USB PERFECTO

http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/how-to-make-a-helper-usb-flash-drive/
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/hirens-isos/

SteveSi 19/08/2018

Grub menu password

The default password of "easy2boot" does not work. I have tried adding "set psw=" to my MyE2B.cfg. Problem is if I set the password to whatever, it doesn't work...same for an md5 hash. Simply states Failed and restarts the menu. Now if I leave the "set psw=" blank to remove the password, it works and I am able to access the grub console. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

BrianB 23/04/2018

Re: Grub menu password

Hi
You should be setting pwd not psw and it is grub4dos not grub!
e.g.
set pwd=fred
Are you using a standard QWERTY keyboard?
If not, have you set the KBD type - as in Sample_MyE2B.cfg
# ---- KEYBOARD TYPE -----
#set which keyboard you are using (use one only!) - see the KBD_xxxx.g4b files in the grub folder if you want to modify the key mapping
#Note: Passwords may not work properly if the keyboard scan code mapping is not correct! Default = US keyboard
###set KBD=KBD_AZERTY.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_FRENCH.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_GERMAN.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_ITALIANO.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_JAPAN_106.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_QWERTY_UK.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_QWERTZ.g4b
###set KBD=KBD_SPANISH.G4B

SteveSi 23/04/2018

Re: Re: Grub menu password

psw was a typing error. I am using US azerty keyboard. As I said, set pwd= works without a password but not with one...either text or md5

BrianB 23/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Grub menu password

disregard...I thought the first choice for keyboard layout was US. My bad.

Brian 24/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Grub menu password

To make it work for both QWERTY and AZERTY do not use letter keys, a q w m or z in the password (and avoid numbers and special characters too!).

SteveSi 24/04/2018

correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

It's not the end of the world but I have tried to put in my default wallpaper to E2B. I tried both jpeg's and bitmaps, uncompressed, not progressive, 800x600 and 1024x768 and each and every file is rejected for being the wrong size, where a size is displayed that is not that of the image. Even Sample_MyBackground.jpg is rejected as being 640x480.

Version of E2B is the current download.

Rick Vansloneker 11/04/2018

Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

You mean rejected by E2B_Editor or rejected by E2B?
The sample file should work. Maybe you have strange DPI setting or some other OS display setting different from normal systems.
Can you try on a different system?
Have you actually booted to E2B using one of the graphics files?
If still no luck, enter Chat session with me.

SteveSi 11/04/2018

Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

Thanks for the reply. E2B_Editor rejects the files for being faulty dimensioned. And yes I have booted them all and none of them shows up. Will try another system but if even Sample_MyBackground.jpg is rejected I am pretty sure it has nothing to do with my OS or DPI.

Rick Vansloneker 12/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

Well the sample file works for me on three different Windows systems and no one else has mentioned it (well over 500,000 downloads). So it seems that there is something different about your system? If you still have problems, give details of your system OS and display.

SteveSi 12/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

Thanks again for the reply. I have now tried it in Windows 10 Pro/UK/64. My preferred imaged is accepted, but still does not show up when the stick is booted. It is visible in the editor. In the MyE2B.cfg I see no reference to any background image. Yes, I did click Save cfg file.

MyE2B.cfg:

!BAT
# See \_ISO\Sample_MyE2B.cfg for many more settings
if "%LANG%"=="" set LANG=ENG
set KBD=
# ---- ADVANCED MENU SETTINGS -----
set EXTOFF=1
# This drive is the removable type - so don't look for a WINHELPER USB Flash drive
set NOHELPER=1
set ANIMFD3=/_ISO/docs/Templates/Animate/E2B_GIF.ima
set ANIMATE=0x90=3=9=615=160 (fd3)/frame_0001.bmp
set STAMP1=0x80=570=23 /_ISO/e2b/grub/E2BPlate.bmp

Rick Vansloneker 13/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

If it is not in the \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg file on the USB drive, then of course it wont be loaded by E2B.
Try this
1. Run \_ISO\E2B_editor.exe
2. Load the \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg
3. Load the Sample_MyBackground.jpg
4. Click on 'Save config' button
5. Click Yes so file is saved as MyE2B.cfg - click OK if warned about Advanced Menu settings
6. Notepad should run and load the MyE2B.cfg file for you to see or edit. First lines should be:
!BAT
#Generated by E2B_Editor

set GMODE=800
set MYWBMP=/_ISO/Sample_MyBackground.jpg
#MENU

SteveSi 13/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

That did the trick! Once set MYWBMP=/_ISO/Sample_MyBackground.jpg was in the config I simply changed it with the filename of my preferred background and finally it showed up.

I tested it on a system with disconnected drives, and got a rather penetrating magenta message immediately after booting about missing drives. I ticked no error messages but that didn't remove it.

And can I get rid of the spinning E2B logo? It looks nineties and cheap, and is in the wrong place covering my background. E2B deserves a better logo imho.

So far I loaded a couple of Linux ISO's in E2B and it actually works to boot them. This is the very 1st multi USB boot I ever got to work properly, well done to you!

Rick Vansloneker 13/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

The warning message just warns you that there is no internal hard disk in the system. I do not recommend suppressing messages until you become experienced in E2B - the messages help you to get it to work properly!
If the system you use to boot E2B from has a hard disk, you won't see it.
The spinning logo animation is determined by the MyE2B.cfg file - see the set ANIMATE line?
Just comment it out. There is plenty of info on the E2B site - use the SITE MAP to find the relevant page.
What is the filename of your background file?

SteveSi 13/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

Thanks again, also for pointing me to the site map. I see there is more into E2B than 1st meets the eye!
The exact image I use is here: ibb.co/ekCNbn

Rick Vansloneker 14/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

I downloaded it to the \_ISO folder and it loaded fine in the E2B_Editor! Then saved the MyE2B.cfg file and it worked fine when booted. So not sure why it does not work for you???

SteveSi 14/04/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

Correction: why it didn't work.
Me dunno either, but at least now it works!

Rick Vansloneker 14/04/2018

RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

Hi.
Here Win8.1pro 64bit, E2B usb drive (Easy2Boot v1.97A) and RMPrepUSB v2.1.741 portable ("run as administrator").
I'm trying to make a persistence drweb iso (btw, there isn't any DrWeb900_Persistent.mnu persistence file in Sample mnu Files folder).
Iso file: drweb-livedisk-900-cd.isopersist
In RMPrepUSB v2.1.741, click on "Create "Ext2/3/4 FS":
-----------------------
1- "Create Ext filesystem" window ("i:" is my e2b usb drive):
Create a file of 1000MB on volume i:
fsutil.exe file createnew "i:\drweb-livedisk-900-cd-rw" 1000000000
-----------------------
Click on "OK".
2- "Convert to Ext filesystem" window:
Convert file \drweb-livedisk-900-cd-rw to an ext3 filesystem of 1000MB on volume i:
mke2fs.exe -F -L casper-rw -t ext3 "i:\drweb-livedisk-900-cd-rw"
-----------------------
Click on "OK" but then it throws a RMPrepUSB error:
"ERROR: mke2fs command failed (see mke2fs.log for details)"
By the way, I didn't find any mke2fs.log file.
Thanks.

dexter 08/03/2018

Re: RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

Works OK for me - are you using NTFS for USB drive?
Is there enough free space on your USB drive?
Press F3 to see the folder where the log file is made.
.mnu file is in E2B v1.98 and later.

SteveSi 08/03/2018

Re: Re: RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

> are you using NTFS for USB drive?
No (fat32), Is it a problem?
> Is there enough free space on your USB drive?
Yes, many GB.
thanks

dexter 08/03/2018

Re: Re: RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

> Press F3 to see the folder where the log file is made.
It doesn't work, quickly (less than one second) It opens (F3 in RMPREPUSB) the RMPREPUSB's folder only and there's no message in RMPREPUSB's gui (only the "Error: etc." message, in red).
BUT, I FOUND THE CULPRIT: RMPREPUSB doesn't like its folder path (currently is "c:\(inLine\(LOW_LEVEL-OS_DEPLOYMENT\RMPrepUSB\").
I put It in c:\RMPrepUSB\ and all works fine!!
Sorry Steve :-(
Thanks

dexter 08/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

Using () parentheses in paths and filenames is a bad idea! Also using other odd characters like & and ! and | is a bad idea too!

SteveSi 08/03/2018

Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Hi Steve.

I think I've found a critical bug in latest VBox 5.2.8. It causes a *host* computer BSOD when booting a VM using a physical E2B drive attached to host computer using the raw VMDK/Virtual Machine USB Boot tool trick.

Used E2B is updated to latest v1.98 and it boots the host physical computer as well as the same VM (if previous VBox versions up to 5.2.6 are used) without issuess.

I've narrowed the problem down to triggers being 2 lines (if commented out with # then no BSOD) in \_ISO\e2b\grub\menu.lst:

line 548
dd if=(md)0x3000+0xA0 of=(md)0xa000+0xA0 > nul

and line 575
cat --locate="\ntimeout " --replace=\n# (md)0xa000+0xA0

Both lines try to access memory at 0xA000 and seem related to the FASTLOAD feature. Other 3 lines access memory at that offset previously (443, 444 and 451) but I've not tested their impact because they are not executed if FASTLOAD is not enabled by user (I don't use it). However lines 548 and 575 are unconditionally executed.

This is clearly a bug in latest VBox (current and previous E2B works like a charm on real hardware and previous VBox versions), but I would like to get bug confirmation from you if possible since opening a ticket at VBox bug tracker is going to requiere some cumbersome account creation.

Thanks in advance.

Starla 06/03/2018

Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Hi
Well done for tracking down the lines!
I noticed the issue too and have reported the problem on the VBox forum already.
https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=86992&sid=100082440671fbaa05211550e3cceb26
P.S. 0xA000 is nothing to do with fastload, it is just where the Main Menu is stored by E2B (address 20MB) for quick reloading of the Main menu.

SteveSi 06/03/2018

Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Very nice Steve.

Here is BSOD summary (in case you want to add it to your VBox forum post)

Bug Check String: DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Bug Check Code: 0x000000d1
Parameter 1: 00000000`00000028
Parameter 2: 00000000`00000002
Parameter 3: 00000000`00000000
Parameter 4: fffff880`09abfe2d
Caused By Driver: VMMR0.r0
Caused By Address: VMMR0.r0+94e2d
Crash Address: ntoskrnl.exe+703c0

Extracted from report generated by NirSoft BlueScreenView:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html

Starla 06/03/2018

Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

From MS debugging tools for Windows documentation:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0xd1--driver-irql-not-less-or-equal

I can generate a BSOD minidump + VBox logs as requested, but I have a suggestion instead: maybe you could create a small "BSOD trigger demo" menu.lst file for VBox devs to easily reproduce it, something that stops just before any of the trigger commands and waits for a keypress to execute. I guess they could install grub4dos to the VDI in a test VM + \grldr + \menu.lst. You can better guide them here: setup a shared folder with grub4dos installer + grldr + menu.lst, then boot VM i.e. to WinPE using a Win install iso, press SHIFT+F10 for cmd, and install and copy files to VDI root. Finally boot the VDI.

Hope the above makes sense.

Starla 06/03/2018

Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

see
https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=86992&p=415809#p415809

I tried putting pauses in menu.lst code to find the point where it BSOD's and the two lines you indicated worked fine.
I found the cause was the map command (see link to forum for details). I can repro without using VMUB or .vmdk file or E2B.

SteveSi 07/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Easy and to the point setup for checking the bug by devs.

However note: on my host computer I can bypass the BSOD by commenting out lines 548 (dd) and 575 (cat). Uncomment any of them (tested uncommenting one keeping the other commented) and I get the BSOD. That means line 504 (map, the ones causing BSOD for you) gets executed w/o BSOD.

My host is Win 7 x64, I think yours is 10 x64. Also, I'm assigning 4 GB RAM to my VM.

Starla 07/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

And maybe important: PAE/NX is enable as well in my VM.

Starla 07/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Ok Steve, nothing changed in my setup, but some minutes ago I got a BSOD even with lines 548 (dd) and 575 (cat) commented out, so they are not the only triggers.

I've uncommented them (so both execute) and just commented out line 504 (map) and NO BSOD. Never touched that line in my previous tests (always executed). So it seems to be a trigger as well. I'll keep this mnu.lst (only skipping line 504) for further tests.

Starla 07/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Problem reproduced by VBox devs. It doesn't just crash Windows either but other OS's. To my mind, I think they should withdraw 5.2.8 urgently, as it could cost people hours of lost work if it crashes their host system...

SteveSi 09/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

I have re-released E2B v1.98 and modified the map (md)0x300+0x800 code line. It should have been (md)0x300+200 but somehow got modified at some point. It was copying 1M of memory when it should have been only 100K.
The new version of E2B does not cause a BSOD on my system now with VBOX 5.2.8. Can you test too pls?

SteveSi 09/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Possible bug in latest VBox 5.2.8 triggered by E2B menu.lst

Tested latest E2B 1.98 with revised menu.lst (20180309) on VBox 5.2.8: NO BSOD for me.

Nice job Steve. It seems that 5.2.8 introduced some kind of wrong memory handling behaviour causing the problem with old line 504 instance. According to devs it's already fixed in currrent 5.2.9? dev build.

I'll keep testing 5.2.8 with latest E2B in the meantime.

Thanks a lot for your time looking into this and the continous improvement of E2B!

Starla 11/03/2018

Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

Hi to all.
My e2b usb drive (made it with Easy2Boot v1.97A), 16GB.
The following files in "_ISO\MAINMENU\MNU\":
- pmagic_2018_01_08.mnu (properly edited from "Parted_Magic_2016_Live_Persistent.mnu").
- pmagic_2018_01_08.iso
- pmagic_2018_01_08.txt
File "pmagic_2018_01_08.SQFS" in \pmagic\pmodules\
It boots and loads, all fine.
After some working/settings inside parted magic, double clicking on "Quit" icon (on parted magic desktop), then click on "Save Session", then selected option is "Save: User settings from /root and /etc are...", click on "Ok" and here the error message:
"Save Session Notice - Unable to continue. Please verify that the Parted Magic USB is connected"
(but my usb e2b drive is connected).
Many thanks.

dexter 05/03/2018

Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

It sounds like it cannot find the SQFS file.
If you delete it, do you get the same symptoms?
If so, check the spelling and case of the SQFS file - in the ISO it is all uppercase...?

SteveSi 05/03/2018

Re: Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

Just tested it using VBOX and no problems. Upper or lower case for the SQFS both work on detection/booting.
Can you see and access the USB drive when under pmagic linux?
P.S. I tested it on a real system and now I get the same error on save! It picks up the Save file OK on boot, and if I choose 'delete Save file' then it deletes it OK, but it does not want to save it! Not sure if this is a just a problem with 2018 version all also previous versions.
Strange that it works under VBOX (where USB drive appears as a non-USB HDD).

SteveSi 05/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

OK - I think I have figured out what is going on!
For *detection* and loading of the save file on boot, the SQFS filename can be upper or lower case.
BUT, when *saving* the Save file, the SQFS filename must be all uppercase!
P.S. You don't need a mnu file - if you select the ISO file in the E2B menu and hold down the SHIFT key, it will run ISOBOOT and run the 32-bit version of pmagic and the Save feature will be enabled (if the SQFS file is present).

SteveSi 05/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

> P.S. You don't need a mnu file - if you select
> the ISO file in the E2B menu and hold down the
> SHIFT key, it will run ISOBOOT and run
> the 32-bit version of pmagic and the Save
> feature will be enabled (if the SQFS file
> is present).

But I would like to run the 64bit version: any chance to do that (e.g. with mnu file and SQFS file with its name all uppercase)? Thanks a lot Steve, You've been very fast.

dexter 05/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

Your .mnu file should work fine (I assume).
Just make sure the filename of the actual file on the E2B drive is in uppercase -
\pmagic\pmodules\PMAGIC_2018_01_08.SQFS

SteveSi 05/03/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

I tried with uppercase file name: It worked (on save session PM created the file xxx..sqfm next to file xxx.SQFS)!!!!
many thanks Steve!!!

dexter 06/03/2018

Strange list

After some update I get strange moving to scroll.
Please see video: https://youtu.be/329cajdl3s0

Yura 27/02/2018

Re: Strange list

strange - but without more details I cannot help.
See the FAQ pages for help with debugging.

SteveSi 27/02/2018

Re: Re: Strange list

You are using GFX=NONE but you have not changed the menu size parameters.
The defaults menu parameters for a 800x600 screen and are:
set noitems=24
set tophelp=26
set HBTM=3502

But if you use text mode GFX=NONE, then you have 640x400 pixels which has 80 chars by 25 lines. So the default values need to be changed.
# if GFX=NONE then may be in 640x400 = 80 x 25 lines (sometimes 80 x 30 with some BIOSes)
set noitems=17
set tophelp=19
set HBTM=2400
set HELPTEXT=Here is help text

# if you want 640x480 80x30 lines - use this in your MyE2B.cfg
graphicsmode -1 640 480
set noitems=18
set tophelp=20
set HBTM=2900
set HELPTEXT=Here is help text

tophelp is normally set to topstart+noitems

SteveSi 28/02/2018

Easy2Boot - How to disable unattend for Windows 2008 R2 Server ISO?

I'm trying to install Windows 2008 R2 Server, but it keeps saying the ProductKey can't be found. This is because I wish to manually enter this. How can I disable unattend and just install as normal?
I've tried deleting the xml files, and I don't have this issue with Windows 10 installations.
My setup for the USB was as simple as running the Easy2Boot installation, and copying the ISO files, then defragmenting the drive.

PaydenKP 06/02/2018

Re: Easy2Boot - How to disable unattend for Windows 2008 R2 Server ISO?

In order to make an unmodified Windows Install ISO load the ISO file as a 'virtual DVD' so it can access the files on the 'DVD', E2B has to use an XML file with commands inside the XML file which tell Setup to load the ISO file.
Unfortunately, most Win8 and Win10 install ISOs require a Product key to be specified inside the XML file or else it does not work.
Why don't you just pick a generic SVR2K8R2 install key as already provided. Then once the OS is installed, you can manually enter your own product key.
The alternative would be to convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file using MakePartImage. Then no XML is used and no key is required and you can enter your own key at Setup.

SteveSi 06/02/2018

Re: Re: Easy2Boot - How to disable unattend for Windows 2008 R2 Server ISO?

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks. I will use a generic key and go forward with that.

PaydenKP 06/02/2018

show e2b drive as one partition

i'm trying to start ghost 11.5 from the e2b drive, but it will not show the e2b drive in the dropdown list when ghost is loaded.
It works from my old single partition multiboot drive, so I guess it's because ghost doesn't recognize the multi-partition e2b drive.
Is there a way to make this work?

Nikolaj 31/01/2018

Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I see it works on new computers, but my old computers will not see the drive.

Nikolaj 31/01/2018

Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

If it works on new computers but not on old (with exactly same E2B USb stick, same MBR boot, all same conditions) then the problem must be with the old computer's BIOS or hardware. E2B has always made two partitions, it's just that the 2nd partition was not formatted on earlier versions.
P.S. Ghost 11.5 is based on Vista PE and only support USB 2 ports and older USB controllers.
P.S. Try using .isoPE01 file extension.

SteveSi 31/01/2018

Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I think this Ghost is based on Dos.
Ghost starts fine and if I attach the old yumiboot usb and boots from e2b and ghost, then from ghost I'm able to choose the old yumi drive, but not the e2b drive. It just doesn't show in the list.
So I think it's because of the extra partitions. But that's just my guess.

Nikolaj 01/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I don't see why 2 partitions would cause a problem.
The DOS version of Ghost works fine on my E2B drive which has 2 partitions as .iso.
Try a file extension of .iso01

SteveSi 01/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Hi
If I make these edits to my mnu file then Ghosts works after a second reboot:
partnew (hd0,3) 0 0 0
partnew (hd0,1) 0 0 0
So it must be something about the partitions it doesn't like.
Is there some builtin functions to make this easier?
Or to skip the reboot before it works?
And will this destroy the e2b functions?
Thanks.

Nikolaj 09/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I am afraid I do not know what your .mnu file contains, so it is difficult to comment.
Can you post the contents of the .mnu file?
What exactly is the file you are trying to boot from (.iso? .wim? .img?) - did you use the file extension recommended (.iso01) if an ISO file? Did you try other file extensions (use .isoask if an ISO).
Can you describe in detail, exactly what steps you followed to 'fix' the problem?
Are both partnew commands actually required or only one of them?
E2B runs partnew (hd0,3) when it boots, but if you just use .iso as a file extension, it will create a new hd0,3 partition when it boots the ISO.

SteveSi 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

My mnu file is not exactly working. I'm just playing around for now.
I've tried those extensions and more, but they have no effect on this problem.
I have these 15 year old desktop machines I need to re-image with symantec ghost 11.5.
Somehow on these machines ghost will only see the removable flash drive if it has just 1 partition. Hiding partition 2-4 is not enough.
If I do the partnew on the used partitions 2+4 and then do a reboot, then starting the ghost.iso will show the usb flash drive. But only after the reboot. So it's like the partnew first takes effect after a reboot.
On all other machines I have no problems.

Nikolaj 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

OK - well the DOS version of Ghost probably uses the system BIOS for disk access. So on reboot, the BIOS would see a USB drive with one partition.
The 2nd partition is not needed - but some systems will boot as a floppy disk and fail with flashing cursor if it is not present. The 4th ptn is created by E2B when you pick an ISO to run, but it is deleted the next time you load the E2B menu and is type 0 anyway so should be ignored by BIOS and DOS.
When testing BIOS issues like this - ALWAYS switch off the PC - insert USB drive - switch on PC. Do this each time you test booting. This is because, with some BIOSes, they only determine the USB 'type' on a cold boot (power up or hard reset) and not a warm reboot (software reset).
You could convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file and use a file extension of .imgptnAauto and see if that works... then you should only get one partition.

SteveSi 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

The imgptn does kind of solve the partition problem, but gives me other problems as I would need to put all images inside too and for now they are too big for DOS and FAT.
And my idea about this project was to have all the restore software: Ghost, Acronis and Clonezilla on one usb flash with easy access to add or renew the images.

Nikolaj 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I see your point.
Have you tried holding down the SHIFT key as E2B boots to load the grub4dos USB driver? Maybe that will fix the issue? i.e. Standard normal E2B drive - boot and hold down SHIFT key (check driver sees USB drive) - run ghost iso...

SteveSi 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Also try these tests on standard 2ptn E2B USB drive.
Test 1
1. Boot to E2B menu
2. Run partnew (hd0,1) 0 0 0 from a .mnu file
3. Reboot and run Ghost.iso from E2B drive - check symptom

Test 2 (standard E2B drive with 2 ptns)
1. ReName Ghost.iso to Ghost.isogz
2. Run Ghost.isogz from E2B - check symptom
3. Reboot and run Ghost.isogz again - check symptom

SteveSi 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Test 1 is working once. After first time I need to clear p4 too.
Test 2 is not working.
Shift is working and showing all partitions in Ghost.
But somehow my keyboard stops working in the bootmenu.

Nikolaj 10/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

For test 1, can you describe step by step what you mean by 'after first time I need to clear ptn 4 as well'? How did you run ISO and clear ptn 4 at same time?
For SHIFT kbd issue - did you try unplugging USB kbd and the re-connecting it?

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

For test1:
If I run it just as an iso it makes some changes to ptn 4, which after a reboot is enough to prevent Ghost from finding the drive again. So clearing ptn 4 and another reboot will make it work once more.
Is there some BIOS tricks to make the refresh without a reboot?

Shift:
Here I can make it work if instead of using my usb-hub I use 3 ports for my keyboard, mouse and flash. I can do this on my test-machine, but in real life it's hard enough just to find one port.

Nikolaj 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

When you boot to the E2B menu, then E2B will run partnew (hd0,3) 0 0 0 automatically.
So this process should work.
1. Boot to E2B and run a .mnu file which runs partnew (hd0,1) 0 0 0
2. Reboot - run ghost iso
Can you test please?

I don't understand what the BIOS\Ghost is doing in your system. If the BIOS is booting from the E2B drive, then the E2B drive should be BIOS ID 80h = HDD0 and you should be able to list files on it under grub4dos or DOS (e.g. using UTILITIES menu options). So why cannot Ghost see the E2B partition?? If you quit Ghost and go back to DOS - can you see the E2B files? I just don't understand why it cannot see the E2B partition under Ghost.

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

P.S. Do you have Ghost 11.5.0 2008 or Ghost 11.5.1 2009 or some other version?

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I see about partnew. If I boot to the menu and just do a reboot, then ghost works again. So this partnew requires a reboot and is set everytime.

I can't see the drive in dos. I guess because it's ntfs.

Ghost is 11.5 from 2008

Nikolaj 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

If it works without a usb hub then that explains why no one else has reported a problem. It might have helped if you had mentioned that fact!
Why not try the latest version of Ghost 2009?
Also try a better usb hub.

Stevesi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

P.S. Why not use the hub for USB kbd and mouse and put the E2B USB key into the PC port?

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

It doesn't work without the usb hub. Only the Grub usb driver conflicts with the hub.
I can try to find a newer Ghost. For now I have just tried to combine the software from the flash drives I have been provided.

Nikolaj 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

What do you mean 'it doesn't work without the USB hub'? Is this another piece of information that you failed to mention?
So if you connect the kbd, mouse and E2B drive directly to the PC, then it cannot be made to work no matter how you use partnew or anything else? Is that correct?

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

No, I mean the hub makes no difference to the e2b/ghost functions. With or without the hub I have the same problems.
Only when I try the shift key with grub usb drivers the usb hub gives problems with the keyboard.

Nikolaj 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

OK - please try to reply clearly.
So as it seems to rely on booting with a single ptn, we need two boots.
1. Boot to E2B - select 'remove ptn 2 and reboot' menu
2. Boot to E2B again (now BIOS sees only 1 ptn) and automatically re-instates ptn 2.
3. Pick Ghost ISO from E2B menu.

To make this happen, please can you re-run your tests as before, but instead of using partnew (hd0,1) 0 0 0 can you use parttype (hd0,1) 0 and parttype (hd0,3) 0
If that works, then I may be able to devise something for you easily. If it does not work and we must use partnew, then it will be more difficult (but not impossible).

SteveSi 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I tried the e2b 1.98 and it looks like if I use the freedos on there and start the ghost.exe I can see the drive. It shows the drive twice. Once with drive letter and once without. But that might not matter much.
Is there a way to make it autostart ghost.exe?

Nikolaj 11/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

yes, use 7zip to extract the .ima file
Load .ima file in WinImage
Extract autoexec.bat
add
A:\ghost.exe to end of the file using notepad
copy autoexec.bat back to image
copy ghost.exe into image
save image as .ima
Now you can run .ima in E2B

If you want to try the reboot scheme for the ISO file see https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqlrQcdsFA-Koz4Y2HAYbHrbp5ii

SteveSi 12/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Thanks. The reboot is working.

But I would like to try the freedos too.
I tried what you said, but there is not enough room for the Ghost.exe. I even made it 2.88.
Is it possible to delete some files from the ima or are all used?

Nikolaj 12/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

You can copy the ghost.exe to the root of the E2B drive and add
C:\Ghost.exe
to the end of the autoexec.bat file.
Most of the files in \FREEDOS are not required - e.g. edit, fdisk, part

SteveSi 12/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Try the floppy disk image in E2B v1.98f. It is now 7.6MB in size, FAT32, and has mouse driver added. You should be able to add Ghost.exe to it now.

SteveSi 13/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Thanks. Now it fits :)
But sadly it seems like I was tricked.
It still needs the reboot. It just showed the PTN2 drive, so I thought it worked with several partitions, but that might be the trick of your config mnu file.
Thanks a lot for helping.
I will use the reboot thing for now. And maybe see if I can find a newer ghost.

Nikolaj 13/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

You originally said that if you boot from the ISO on an E2B drive, Ghost cannot see the E2B drive.
Did you actually mean 'drive' or did you mean 'partition'.
i.e. can Ghost see PTN2 on the E2B drive but not partition 1 (the E2B volume) when you boot from an ISO on the old system?

SteveSi 13/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I mean drive.

What tricked me this time was something I think happens with your reboot menu and restore.
I tried the freedos and ghost.exe and suddenly I could see both E2B and PTN2 partitions. I've never seen both before.
When it worked the PTN2 was always cleared.
So I thought suddenly it could see both partitions with this freedos.
But I guess this happens when you restore the PTN2, but we don't refresh the BIOS with a reboot.

Another thought could be if it's possible when you boot iso's to clear the ptn 3 before reboot. So the drive would always show just 1 partition to the bios.

Nikolaj 13/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

I see.
I cannot clear ptn 4 because it is needed to boot linux.
i.e. set ptn 4 to iso file, boot to linux, reboot to E2B.
So I have no way to clear it once linux has booted.
Anyway, when booting to E2B, ptn 2 needs to be present or it won't boot on some systems.

SteveSi 13/02/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: show e2b drive as one partition

Yes, I also couldn't see how it could be done.
If I start ghost from the mini windows xp from hbcd, then I can see all partitions. So I think my way forward will be to find some winpe.

Nikolaj 13/02/2018

Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Hello, I succesfully created a second partition on my 256GB USB Key. ISOs like Antivirus, linux, etc... works, but not the Windows one. How can we do this?
Thanks

J-F Gagnon 22/01/2018

Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

I forgot to say that I put all my ISOs in the second partition

J-F Gagnon 22/01/2018

Re: Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Windows ISOs need to be in the first partition.
If you want them in the 2nd partition, convert them to .imgPTN files.
It is a bad idea to put E2B or any payload files past 128GB on the drive because of a very common BIOS bug which cant access files on a USB drive (in MBR mode) past 128GB.

SteveSi 22/01/2018

Re: Re: Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Ok, I wanted to put all the ISO files in the partition that Windows doesn't see to keep other files visible. So I read that BIOS doesn't read over 128GB put I was thinking it was 128GB of a partition and not from a drive. So I can create a 256GB partition and try to put all payload in the first 128GB?

J-F Gagnon 22/01/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Exactly - Windows (pre Creators update) cannot see the ISO file if it is on the 2nd partition - therefore it will not be able to load the ISO and use the install.wim file.
If you use a 256GB partition, you must ensure all files are before 128GB, but this is very hard to do because the NTFS filesystem will always use the unused clusters first. So once you have filled the partition with over 128GB of files - even if you delete 120GB afterwards - the NTFS filesystem will put the next file you copy past 128GB on the drive.
Hence I recommend making a 128GB first partition because then you know the files will not go past the 128GB point.

SteveSi 22/01/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Ok, but if I put my "other" files in the second partition and want to access it in Windows 7? I saw that we have a little program "SWITCH_E2B.exe" but when I press "Access Partition 2", it does nothing, the same partition is loaded.

J-F Gagnon 22/01/2018

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Second partition to put Windows ISO's

Both partitions must be Primary ptns.
Primary+Logical does not work when swapping the partition table entries.

SteveSi 22/01/2018

Desktop not found if not at default location

MPI-tool's CreateDesktopShortcuts.cmd
uses the default Desktop location - and fails if that was changed:
the real path then is:
REG QUERY "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" /v Desktop

Jesko 27/12/2017

Re: Desktop not found if not at default location

Thanks, can you try this version instead?
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AqlrQcdsFA-KoUo8nSin83ogdT6X

SteveSi 27/12/2017

Re: Re: Desktop not found if not at default location

Works! Thank You.

Jesko 27/12/2017

Re: Re: Re: Desktop not found if not at default location

Fixed in v0.079 of MPI Tool Pack

SteveSi 07/01/2018

Can I use E2B to make an ISO from a USB key?

Thanks

DrPepperCan 22/12/2017

Re: Can I use E2B to make an ISO from a USB key?

Use the Site Map...
http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/make-and-burn-an-e2b-dvd/

SteveSi 22/12/2017

Erro Warning Bad XML file

Hello my dear friend I have a problem when I try to boot into windows systems, for some reason it asks to select an .xml file but regardless of which I choose to give the following error .. ** WARNING: Bad XML file (/ _ISO / WINDOWS / Win7 / Load_ISO. ... or missing AutoUnattend.xml in root (or using VM)! Could you help me?

Andre rds 21/12/2017

Re: Erro Warning Bad XML file

You may get this error if you have a faulty USB drive, or if using QEMU_MENU_TEST.cmd or other VM which does not lock the volume. It should work on a real system or using VBOX+VMUB.

SteveSi 21/12/2017

Serial key menu

Hi
Thank you to people who made E2B possible :-) what do I need to do when I am not getting any prompts or menu to choose serial keys start wih or without repair option I have several windows ,iso to imgPTN in their appropiate folders. I have tried to get around this forum to find info, best part way over my head, i dont want to edit xml files. Im wondering why I am not getting any options.
TY
Pete

Pete 05/12/2017

Re: Serial key menu

If you are using .imgPTN files for Windows Installs, it is just the same as if you used the Windows USB tool or Rufus to make a bootable USB drive.
i.e. the same as using a DVD. You will not be prompted for an XML file. You can enter a key if Win8/10 because it will ask you if you want to OR you can just choose skip option.
If you want to automate Setup, you will have to use an XML file and place the XML file in the root (or inside the boot.wim file) - so you will need some expertise\knowledge for this.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/automating-windows-install-from-imgptn-files/

SteveSi 05/12/2017

Re: Re: Serial key menu

Thank you for the reply SteveSi I will take a look at the link you gave me. I have only just discovered E2B and think its brilliant! ;-}

Regards
Pete

Pete 05/12/2017

Re: Re: Serial key menu

SteveSi
say if i wanted to use I:\_ISO\WINDOWS\WIN10 how to choose a product key from the list, Im thinking its some sort of menu for keys click a number then install? would this need to be at root folder or have I missed the point?

TY
Pete

Pete 05/12/2017

Re: Re: Re: Serial key menu

When you 'switch' to a .imgPTN file, the E2B partition disappears. So the \_ISO folder and all other files are no longer present.
The only reason to use imgPTN files for Windows Installs is to UEFI-boot. So if you need to choose from a range of different keys, you need to have a range of different XML files present.
You should make the .imgPTN file using Chandra's Split_WinISO utility and choose the MySetup.cmd option when offered.
http://www.com/add-payload-files/split-winiso/
I am afraid it involves editing a \auto.cmd file and knowledge of .cmd script language, etc. and is not for beginners.

SteveSi 05/12/2017

Small problem adding Windows 10 to main menu

When you add windows 10 to main menu via $$AddWin2Main.mnu file you can't redirect runwin8.g4b to runwin10.g4b because this file not exist in grub folder. When you start windows 10 from main menu it shows windows 8 xml alternatives. Can you add runwin10.g4b file to grub folder?

dnecro 03/12/2017

Re: Small problem adding Windows 10 to main menu

runwin8.g4b is correct. It is used for Win8, Win10, SVR2012 and SVR2016. Please ensure you have set MFOLDER to point to the folder that contains your ISO file and your .XML and .KEY files.

# Win10 Example
# use this for Win8/8.1/SVR2012/WIN10 ISOs - all use RunWin8.g4b
iftitle [if exist /_ISO/WINDOWS/Win10/Win10_64.iso] Install Win10 64-bit \nInstall from the ISO
set MFOLDER=/_ISO/WINDOWS/WIN10
set ISO=Win10_64.iso
# to choose XML or Product Key do not set XML variable to anything
set XML=
# OR - Specify XML file name (must be in MFOLDER folder) e.g. Win10\ has\ spaces\ in\ name.xml - DO NOT USE FULL PATH!
# set XML=NO\ KEY\ (choose\ a\ version\ to\ install).xml
# Do not change next line...
/%grub%/RunWin8.g4b %MFOLDER% %XML%
boot

SteveSi 03/12/2017

Re: Re: Small problem adding Windows 10 to main menu

It seems worked that way. Thank you for your help.

dnecro 04/12/2017

Re: Re: Re: Small problem adding Windows 10 to main menu

P.S. for E2B v1.A1 and later, you also need to set HDG to the menu heading, e.g.
set HDG=My New Menu Heading

SteveSi 10/08/2018

Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

Tried ubuntu-17.10-desktop-amd64.iso and Fedora-Workstation-Live-x86_64-24-1.2.iso and got "no-live media found" errors. Downgraded to previous version Easy2Boot v1.95 and both isos loaded without issues. Something got broken in the latest version.

cheetoh 23/11/2017

Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

Did you use 1.96A or 1.96ADPMS?
No one else has reported a problem. Can you re-test v.1.96a (just run Update E2B).
You can easily revert to 1.95 by running Update E2B from the 1.95 exe.

SteveSi 23/11/2017

Re: Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

I used 1.96A, and tested it multiple times. I have now tried 1.97c and everything works. I'll just stick to the beta for now. By the way, thanks for your quick reply.

cheetoh 23/11/2017

Re: Re: Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

That's odd. I cannot find any issue and I was just live chatting to someone who is happily using 1.96A.
There have been over 20,000 downloads of 1.96A already and no one else has reported a problem. Could you investigate further?

SteveSi 23/11/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

You're right, it's odd. Did a fresh install of 1.96A on another flash drive and both live isos worked. Ver 1.96A was the first ever e2b for me, and I used the QEMU on both the installer and RMPrepUSB quite a lot. This time, I didn't use QEMU. Could it be that some corruption occurs through menu emulation?

I'm sorry if I caused you some alarm.

cheetoh 24/11/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

To further investigate, ran QEMU on the new flash drive, and could not replicate the errors. Perhaps my first flash drive is defective. Once again, my apologies.

cheetoh 24/11/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Easy2Boot v1.96A bug

You may need to allow time after file writes for flush of file system. Under Windows, some sticks seem to need 30 seconds or so before all files are written to USB drive. Under linux and QEMU, you seem to need to flush and eject and reconnect before using QEMU.

SteveSi 24/11/2017

windows version?

Hi there!
As it is said, there is a lot of informations on the site, no easy for a neophyte to find his way...
Is there a windows installer or portable version of E2B so as to use it as a more intuitive bootable usb creator?
Thank you

*human$bootmgr&missing-reboot~or#cancel 17/11/2017

Re: windows version?

The Easy2Boot download is a portable program that makes a bootable E2B USB drive in a few clicks.
It's pretty easy!

SteveSi 17/11/2017

Re: Re: windows version?

ok, I keep trying

'[email protected]|boot/ini 17/11/2017

Menu Help Text & Pimp my drive

Is it possible to remove pimp my drive once its been run ? Also can you edit which menu items it adds.

Also the menu help text that appears with each entry can you change the number of displayed lines from 4 to 2 or even remove it altogether ?

Varkanoid 14/11/2017

Re: Menu Help Text & Pimp my drive

http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/pimpmydrive/
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/

to remove help lines use
set tophelp=70

E2B v1.97c also has some changes which you may like. You can change the help text width and position. ;-)

SteveSi 14/11/2017

PTN2 to Windows 10

Why is this partition displayed?
If I remove it, the entire USB flash drive is removed.

PS. In Windows 7, there is no such thing

БлагоЯр Тишина 07/11/2017

Re: PTN2 to Windows 10

Latest Windows 10 editions (1607+) show the second hidden partition. It is a new 'feature' in Windows 10!!!
You should keep the partition there because some systems will not boot to E2B if you delete it.
If it is unformatted (31K), just use Windows to format it when you see the pop-up.

SteveSi 07/11/2017

2nd partition accessible from imgPTN

I set up a drive successfully but the wanted to add a partition with PortableApps and other personal files. Using minitool partition wizard, I reduced the 1st partition (contains _ISO) and added a 2nd primary (contains PotableApps) and deleted the small hidden partition. Everything works but I do not see the 2nd partition in any boot images. I only see the 2nd partition when I am in the "main" easy2boot menu table. How do I make the 2nd partition "stick" on the part tables when switching between boot images?

THANK YOU

L D 31/10/2017

Re: 2nd partition accessible from imgPTN

Hi, just rename the file extension to .imgPTNLBAa23 or .imgPTN23.
See http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/list-of-file-extensions-recognised-by-e2b/

SteveSi 31/10/2017

E2B UEFI with imgptn files

Hello Steve,
Would like to know if I could make all the iso files imgptn files (linux iso, win 10 iso, live av cd iso's). And if so, I should be able to ditch all the folder premade, and make my own Win10,Linux,Bitdefender folders, such that it appears in the main menu with custom backgrounds for each? How would I go about doing so?
Thanks

Shaan Subbaiah 25/10/2017

Re: E2B UEFI with imgptn files

You do not need to convert the ISOs to imgPTN for MBR booting, they will work from any folder.
You can convert most to .imgPTN but you may run into trouble with some of them.
You can create new menu folders and use them with any iso (but you will need to create special .mnu files for WIndows Install ISOs).
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/multiple-backgrounds/
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/add-a-new-menu-folder/
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/wininstmenu/

SteveSi 25/10/2017

Re: Re: E2B UEFI with imgptn files

Thankyou, was able to implement the custom folders. For linux iso's, do you recommend converting them to imptn files? As they seem to work properly as iso's. Im planning to use both windows and linux, shall make only the windows 10 iso imptn?
Thanks

Shaan Subbaiah 25/10/2017

Re: Re: Re: E2B UEFI with imgptn files

if you only want to MBR-boot linux, then I suggest you use the .ISO files.
If you convert Windows Install ISOs to .imgPTN, take care to answer the EI.cfg file question carefully and then you can install all the different Editions which are inside the install.wim file.
If you name the file extension as .imgPTNAUTO then it will switch without prompting you.

SteveSi 25/10/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B UEFI with imgptn files

I didnt get the last part, wont prompt you to switch what? As a failsafe, nming all iso's as isoauto should help right? Also The windows version im using has only a single edition in it (enterprise x64) so the ei.cfg shouldnt affect it if i keep/delete it right?
Thanks

Shaan Subbaiah 25/10/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B UEFI with imgptn files

When you run a .imgPTN file from the E2B menu, it will prompt you to switch partitions and you have to press ENTER or Y+ENTER to switch in the .imgPTN file. Using a file extension of .imgPTNAUTO just suppresses the prompt.
.isoauto is not a valid file extension.

SteveSi 25/10/2017

Easy2Boot on UEFI system

Hello, if I want to boot from stick with installed E2B, I need to switch booting in BIOS to legacy compatibility mode and back then.

This is inconvenient, is there a possibility that my stick will boot even if BIOS is set in UEFI mode?

solstiv 22/10/2017

Re: Easy2Boot on UEFI system

Hi
You can use \_ISO\Switch_E2B.exe to switch in any .imgPTN file.
I totally agree that it is inconvenient!

However, the reason it is done this way is:
1. Some UEFI BIOSes have a very annoying bug. If a valid UEFI boot file is present, these BIOSes will NEVER MBR-boot from the USB drive. So if you want to boot to Hirens say in MBR mode (or just the E2B menu), you cannot do that (even if CSM mode is enabled in the BIOS settings).
2. FAT32 would be required which means large files >4GB could not be added.
3. grub4dos does not boot via UEFI
4. It makes adding/configuring/deleting UEFI payloads very complex.
5. You would have to use an application to add/delete UEFI payloads and that app would need to 'know' about all possible payloads and be maintained monthly and ongoing.
6. Secure boot would be compromised

If you just want a Windows payload multiboot USB drive, take a look at WinSetupFromUSB. This does support MBR+UEFI, but if you are using it on lots of different systems, snag #1 above may catch you out!

SteveSi 22/10/2017

Change any WinPE - add shortcuts, change wallpaper, autorun apps, etc.

If you have lots of WinPE ISOs or WIM files on your E2B drive, you can easily add your own shortcuts, change the wallpaper, add drivers and autorun commands on startup. No need to change the ISO\WIM file. See the PEStartup Tutorial at http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/143_pestartup

SteveSi 05/10/2017

Issue cannot copy: Robocopy or winXP?

Hi Steve. I use winXP x32 from my user account with admin attributes.
I deleted some files on Easy2Boot pendrive, hoping to copy them on E2B updating. However, this could not copy "Make this drive contiguos.cmd", and maybe other files that I don't know.
Image E2B folder device: https://s6.postimg.org/9sldrzs1d/Cannot-copy-makethisdrivecontiguos-and-others.png

This displays the dialog window, but really E2B could not copy these files on second try, neither:

E2B USB Drive Letter to update? (e.g. E) : F

"robocopy" no se reconoce como un comando interno o externo,
programa o archivo por lotes ejecutable.
Using XCOPY /d to update - please wait...

C:\DOCUME~1\User~1\CONFIG~1\Temp\RarSFX0\MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE (run as admin).cmd
C:\DOCUME~1\User~1\CONFIG~1\Temp\RarSFX0\MAKE_THIS_DRIVE_CONTIGUOUS.cmd
C:\DOCUME~1\User~1\CONFIG~1\Temp\RarSFX0\QEMU_MENU_TEST (run as admin).cmd
C:\DOCUME~1\User~1\CONFIG~1\Temp\RarSFX0\UPDATE_E2B_DRIVE.CMD
4 archivos copiados

Presione una tecla para continuar . . .

I once tried to install a robocopy (2005 version) downloaded from the internet, but this did not work.

Bertholdouz-2 16/09/2017

Re: Issue cannot copy: Robocopy or winXP?

Is there any free space on the USB drive?
Try just copying all the E2B files to the USB drive using Explorer.
Maybe your Anti-Virus is stopping it?
Maybe your USB flash drive is faulty?

SteveSi 16/09/2017

Re: Re: Issue cannot copy: Robocopy or winXP?

I wonder if maybe it's a lack of winXP.
The XP remains without AV and internet, currently, just XP-Firewall turned On.
The USB Drive is the Kingston DataTraveler SE9 16GB. It's filled by 46%, 54% free space.
I write you from a GNU/Linux distribution.

Bertholdouz-2 20/09/2017

Re: Re: Re: Issue cannot copy: Robocopy or winXP?

So what happens if you just copy the files yourself. ?
P.S. Why are 8.3 short folder names listed by xcopy (as shown in your example in first post)? Usually XP will show the full folder names and not the short file name?

Stevesi 20/09/2017

What was the previous wallpaper (red sky)?

Hi Steve. Thanks, great work!
Plz, I want to download the previous wallpaper (Red Sky, and others), but I have not found it in Alternate Area.
P.S: Google+ to gmail users it's a problem to answer on rmprepusb.blogspot.com
Thanks.

Bertholdouz 13/09/2017

Re: What was the previous wallpaper (red sky)?

I have added all (?) default wallpapers to Themes - Default E2B Backgrounds folder on Alternate Download Sites now.

SteveSi 13/09/2017

Greek language Beta files for E2B

https://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/beta-version-of-greek-language-available.html
Also in E2B v1.95c Beta

If you speak Greek, please test and correct.

SteveSi 18/08/2017

rebootPro Forum

Hello SteveSi,
Two questions:
Do you remember, I asked for your convenience about a reboot.pro account issue? I can't complete the change of email address, and all the forum operations got blocked to me. Also, I couldn't email the admins. Although I might have given the impression that it worked, this topic haven't reached it's end. Waiting for another update, thanks.

This forum page 2 and beyond doesn't exhibit the further discussions. It gives Error 502.

Ivan 17/08/2017

Re: rebootPro Forum

If you email me or use the Contact Me form, I will give you nuno's email address.
Is the forum page 2 issue fixed now?

SteveSi 18/08/2017

UEFI .imgPTN direct booting from menu

I want to UEFI boot from an .imgPTN file from E2B main menu (I removed Windows sub menu with your instructions) but I don't know how to do it. I can only boot from UEFI by switching partitions but with that i can't use the main menu (Only windows setup) which is i want to use. I will be glad if you help me.

Thank you.

Allen 02/08/2017

Re: UEFI .imgPTN direct booting from menu

If it was possible to UEFI-boot to the E2B menu, I would have done it!
E2B uses grub4dos which cannot be UEFI-booted.
You may like to try the complex E2B Grub2 Menu system. This needs to be 'switched' too, but once switched you can MBR and UEFI-boot to many different linux payloads/ISOs. However, it does not support Windows ISOs/payloads.
If your main usage is for Windows and MBR\UEFI, you should try WinSetupFromUSB.
If you like it, you can make a .imgPTN file from a WInSetupFromUSB flash drive and add the image to your E2B USB drive. There is a page of instructions on this site.
Note that some 'buggy' BIOSes will not MBR-boot if there are valid UEFI-boot files on the drive. Also note that most UEFI-solutions use FAT32 which means you cannot have files >4gb.
Due to these limitations, E2B uses the partition-swap\Switch process. That way everything is kept separate but you can boot to 100's of different MBR and UEFI payloads on all types of systems.

SteveSi 02/08/2017

WPI ISO

Hello i have downloaded WPI iso file how configure easy2boot to auto oper the WPI ISO?

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: WPI ISO

Can you give me a clue as to what WPI stands for?
Exact name of ISO? URL to download it from?

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: WPI ISO

here you go :
LINK REMOVED AS VIRUSES IN DOWNLOADS!

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

I think I found the torrent- will download...
But for most ISOs that are AIO's you make a FAT32 .imgPTN file using the MPI Tool Kit.

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

The ISO does not seem to be bootable.
Furthermore that URL is full of terrible malware\viruses\PUPs as .exe downloads!!!

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

but how can i install applications plus have universal Lan Drives that is possible?

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

E2B is a USB multiboot solution.
It allows you to boot a wide variety of different payloads.
I can only answer questions directly related to E2B.

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

my antivirus showing nothing

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

Clicking on the first utorrent button downloads minstall-by-andreyonohov-leha342-lite-v_09_05_2017-x86-x64-2017-rus.zip
This contains minstall-by-andreyonohov-leha342-lite-v_09_05_2017-x86-x64-2017-rus.exe
Which if you run it puts lots of malicious nasty things on your Windows drive and infects your system and browser! Also known as bitchkeyru_key.exe and steam_api64.exe
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/d85e30bd9c24ee361adc1b517f9f28f2667981fe0e3506a2e69b06394bac1e32/analysis/1499882771/

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

sorry for the link i did bot know but when i download that iso file there was no .exe files((( but i have an .iso file that is not starting i just put it in main menu folder but cant run it,and for example i have a Folders and files that i need to be in E2B how can i create an iso file to run it from E2B?how to do it correctly?

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

It is not a bootable ISO. It does not contain boot files. It cannot boot. I am not sure what the ISO is supposed to do? I know nothing about it. It is not my software.

SteveSi 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

but if it will be bootable it will work yes?

karencho 12/07/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WPI ISO

for example i have Programm folders ,and there is many sub folders like ,CD&DVD,Codecs and etc.... in this folders there are .exe instalations files that i need... plus there is an autorun.exe file that is runing the whole program to use that intalation .exe files what i should do to put them in E2B?

karencho 13/07/2017

Force make e2b to identify internal hdd

It may seem counter productive, but i would really like to make the first partition of my fixed internal drive an e2b drive. This would allow me to use a vhd for my primary os, and make restoration as simple as copying a file. I can't get the "make e2b drive" program to identify any internal disk as an option. Any suggestions? (Other than taking the disk out and attaching it to my usb dock)

Zachary Haynes 01/07/2017

Re: Force make e2b to identify internal hdd

E2B is just a set of files.
You can make the internal hard disk boot to grub4dos by using RMPrepUSB - Install grub4dos.
Then extract all the E2B files to the first partition.
This will only work on FAT32 or NTFS volumes and only for MBR booting (not GPT disks or UEFI).
So I hope you know what you are doing or you could lose all your files!

SteveSi 01/07/2017

Re: Re: Force make e2b to identify internal hdd

That's why I love e2b... It takes all the guesswork out of the equation. Hd0 is currently blank and waiting for me to do something with it. I was just wondering if there was a line in one of the config files e2b uses that i could alter to make it identify fixed drives. Every time i have tried to manually configure boot loaders or grub i never seem to get it right.

Zachary Haynes 01/07/2017

Re: Re: Force make e2b to identify internal hdd

Thank you!!! At first the program seemed a little daunting... but once I realized what I was doing...

Everything about the work you are doing (while possibly intimidating to the uninitiated) is with out a doubt the greatest thing since sliced bread! No more yumi, No more unetbootin, No more any other program. You sir, have made me appear much smarter than I actually am. Thank you for the work you have done!

Zachary Haynes 01/07/2017

Hide a switched imgPTN

Hi

The "Hide E2B Partition" script works great for me. For maximum privacy though, is it possible to hide a switched in patrition image? So that you can hide the new partition when a imgPTN file is being switched in? That'd be great

7root 28/06/2017

Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

If the .imgPTN is a FAT32 partition, you can add the following lines just below the set VER=0.076 line
# Hide this FAT32 partition from Windows
cat --locate=\x00\x00 --skip=0x2a --length=2 --replace=\xaa\xaa (hd0,0)+1
hide (hd0,0)

This will cause the FAT32 ptn to be hidden from windows but not from linux.
You need to boot to the CSM menu once so the code is run.

See http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/130 for more details

SteveSi 28/06/2017

Re: Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

I found an even simpler solution to hide a switched in imgPTN from Windows (will still be visible to Grub4Dos and Linux): start diskmgmt.msc as admin and remove the drive letter!
Windows immediately unmounts the partition.
It works!

7root 29/06/2017

Re: Re: Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

No - all that does it makes a registry entry in YOUR Windows system. It has no effect if you plug the drive into a different system.

SteveSi 29/06/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

Which was exactly what I was trying to achieve

7root 30/06/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

So you don't mind other people being able to see the partition!

SteveSi 30/06/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

As long as it remains attached to my computer physically, they won't!

7root 01/07/2017

Re: Hide a switched imgPTN

Another way to do it is to "unswitch" (i.e. restore the e2b partition table) upon shutdown. That would make it impossible to access the files in your imgPTN since it restores e2b when you shut down your PC. I dont know how to implement this into e2b tho, probably u need to edit some file. Maybe @Steve can help here?

lachance 02/07/2017

Boot options toggle

Hi
Great program - its so configurable its brilliant
I am trying to get my home PC to automatically boot between two options and it should choose the opposite choice from what was automatically chosen last time - ie a toggle. This should be totally automated and not require me to be at the boot screen (ie If I am in Windows I choose restart and it will via easy2boot - boot automatically into another environment).
So far I have got as far as getting it to the CSM menu which I am using with my image and menua defaulting it to choice 3 but as mentioned I want it so that because choice 3 was automatically chosen 3 last time, then next time I want F7 (HDD boot) to take place.
I thought I might be able to it by creating txt file and getting it to check for the existence of that txt file ie
(if exist lastchoice.txt then boot USB option 3,
del lastchoice.txt)
(if not exist lastchoice.txt then boot F7, create lastchoice.txt)
and so on - effectively making it boot into the CSM menu and choosing the opposite choice of what was automatically chosen last time.
Many thanks!

JimmyK 05/06/2017

Re: Boot options toggle

Do you really want a toggle or would you prefer to be able to boot or reboot into either OS?
What is Option 3 - I can't see your menu...
What OS is the HDD booting to and what is Option 3 booting to?

SteveSi 05/06/2017

Re: Re: Boot options toggle

Set the default to boot to the Unraid entry
At the top of the \menu.lst (just under comments) use
find --devices=h /unraid.tag || map (hd0) (hd1) && map (hd1) (hd0) && map --hook && rootnoverify (hd0,0) && chainloader (hd0)0+2 && boot

This says - look for \unraid.tag on all hard drives (includes the USB) - if NOT found boot to internal HDD.

Create the \unraid.tag file using a batch file in Windows and create a script to delete the file in UnRaid to make it boot to Windows.

SteveSi 05/06/2017

Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml

Hello!
I am trying to make a working USB flash helper drive for installing Windows 10 for some hours now, but it won't work.
The drive is recognized properly, and Windows is trying to maker us of it, but then there's always the Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml error.
In your error messages collection I found this hint:
"check that the blank \AutoUnattend.xml and \Unattend.xml are at least as large as your original .xml file - if not you will need to make them larger! Check that no other drive contains these xml files in the root."
I tried increasing the size of the blank xml files to 2MegaByte, but it wouldn't help. And what do you mean by "original xml files"? I have no original xml files, I just want to plain install Windows 10.
Thank you in advance!

ElMariachi 18/05/2017

Re: Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml

Did you follow the guide
http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/how-to-make-a-helper-usb-flash-drive/
Make sure no other flash drive or CD is present in the system.
Does E2B say WinHelper drive was found and it is wiping it, just before E2B menu is displayed?
Is drive E: the correct USB drive (press SHIFT+F10 to get command console in Windows Setup).
Original files are the 100K ones in the WinHelper docs folder

SteveSi 18/05/2017

Re: Re: Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml

Hello!

I followed the instructions. I have tried multiple flash drives. A;; are of removable type. The path "E:" is correct. The xml files are the same as in helper directory, I have tried copying them over multiple times. Also I have tried FAT32 and NTFS.

ElMariachi 19/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml

When E2B boots, just before the Main menu loads, you should see a message that says
Wiping /AutoUnattend.xml and /Unattend.xml files on WINHELPER.USB
Do you see this when you boot to the E2B menu with the Helper USb drive also connected?
When do you see the E:\Unattend.xml message - after installation of Windows or before you can start the installation?
P.S. You can chat with me if the chat icon is displayed on website.

SteveSi 19/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Bad or Invalid E:\Unattend.xml

Did you get this working?
What does 'A;; are of removable type' mean??
Did you format the WinHelper USb drive using RMPrepUSB?

SteveSi 10/06/2017

Unbootable ISOs

Hello there, I need to decide about proper extension for some ISOs I can't make booting from E2B -
- Acronis Backup 11 (unknown)
- DLC Boot 2016 (unknown)
- Macrium Reflect 7 rescue media (appears to be WinPE)
- SystemRescueCD x86 (unknown)

Also I want to ask how to remove default main menu entries which are related to E2B menu, such as fonts demo, change menu default, timeout etc., or move them all to submenu, so that at top level only appear direct choices for bootable ISOs.

Thanks!

solstiv 11/05/2017

Re: Unbootable ISOs

Hi
You do not say what type of USB drive you have - Removable Flash drive or 'Fixed Disk' type?
E2B will usually suggest the best extension - did you turn this off? if so, press SCROLL LOCK before you select an ISO to see suggestions.
First search this page.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/list-of-tested-payload-files/
DLCD is a variant of Hirens so see
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/hirens-isos
WinPE based ISOs may boot as .isoPE01 from a removable USB drive or convert to .imgPTN file.
SystemRescueCD.iso should just work.
If you ran PimpMyDrive.cmd then a \_ISO\MAINMENU\PIMP folder will have been created - delete any .mnu file in that folder you do not want.
Use
set DEFMENU=0 in \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg file
to remove Set Timeout and defaults menu entry.
See http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/
To re-order menu entries, rename the payload and .mnu files in the menu folder.
If you have any specific issues with specific ISOs, please give details.
Remember that when you run E2B Update, the update process will copy the E2B files back, so if possible, use MyE2B.cfg settings or ADD extra files, but do not change existing files.

SteveSi 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

Firstly it's a removable drive.
As for DLC2016 I did already check suggestions at http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/hirens-isos/
.isowinvh seems work only for base Hiren's CD 15.2
.isowinvh seems work partially for Hiren's Boot DVD 15.2 Restored Edition 1.1 Proteus, only DOS utilities and no boot to Windows. i need a suggestion here too
DLCBoot2016 seems to fail with all suggested extensions <= suggestion here

SystemRescueCD and Macrium are sorted

solstiv 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

Acronis Backup is also not fixed - kernel panic not syncing VFS
True Image 2017 ISO just boots fine as .isope

solstiv 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

Acronis Backup?? You mean Acronis True Image 2017? Works OK for me as .iso.
If it is linux based, then it should work.
Maybe there is a hardware compatibility issue?
Did you make the 32-bit version or 64-bit version?
If 32-bit you can try booting it using \QEMU_MENU_TEST.cmd in root of drive.

re. DLC - it says to use .isoHW

For some you may need to convert to .imgPTN. HBCD Proteus is listed on the page link I gave you as tested and working if you use .imgPTN.

SteveSi 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

About the Acronis
Acronis Backup Advanced 11.7.50064 Boot CD
there's a difference between TI and BA

the root structure is as

<boot.images>
<efi>
<Recovery Manager>
abr32ker.dat
abr32ram.dat
abr64ker.dat
abr64ram.dat
bootmenu.exe
bootmenu.xml
bootwiz.cfg
bootwiz.sys
C1.png
C2.png
cpp.so
dat4.dat
dat8.dat
fox.so
gen_boot.so
graphapi.so
icu38.so
icudt38.so
libc.so
libgcc_s.so
menulogo.png
mouse.com
osfiles.so
resource.so
sgn5.sgn
sgn9.sgn
SPL1.EXE
SPL5.EXE
threads.so

I have an additional question, if I want to preserve all the default e2b menu entries (Change font, boot to hd0 etc..) and move them to some 2nd level menu, what do I edit?

solstiv 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

They use bootwiz which seems to need a real CD.
You can convert to a .imgPTN file, but it will also need a special menu entry in the \menu.lst file which will need to be worked out
see http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/boot-acronis-true-image-2017-ng-from.html
re. .mnu files. You can just copy them to any other standard menu folder, e.g. \_ISO\UTILITIES.
If you want to make a new sub-menu folder, then see http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/add-a-new-menu-folder/

SteveSi 11/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

I made a DLC 2016 3.2 ISO.
This seems to work well just as .iso

SteveSi 12/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

Thanks, I'll have look at Acronis forum.
Except DLC which won't boot for me as .ISO everything cleared.

solstiv 12/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

The first time I made the DLC2016 ISO it did not boot. I then used RMprepUSB - Ctrl+F11 (boot from ISO in QEMU) to test it and it reported a corrupted file. I then made the ISO again and that time it worked. So check your ISO actually works by booting directly from it in a VM.

SteveSi 12/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

Acronis Backup
\menu.lst (inside .imgPTN file) - add to bottom of menu...

title Acronis Backup 11.7.50064 (32-bit)
kernel /abr32ker.dat product=bootagent media_for_windows vga=791 quiet
initrd /abr32ram.dat /dat4.dat
boot

title Acronis Backup 11.7.50064 (64-bit)
kernel /abr64ker.dat product=bootagent media_for_windows vga=791 quiet
initrd /abr64ram.dat /dat8.dat
boot

SteveSi 12/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unbootable ISOs

http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/add-dlc-boot-2016-to-e2b.html

SteveSi 12/05/2017

Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

I know you have the "prompt for faster boot option in the E2B.cfg...Wondering if there would be a way to have E2B detect if the machine is capable of running graphics/GFX mode or if it would be faster to use GFX=none. Either by checking date of machine make or cpu speed or ram size or other? Thoughts?

Jonathan 10/05/2017

Re: Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

You misunderstand.
Slow speed is due to slow USB access. This is caused by the BIOS having poor USB drivers (e.g. USB 1.0 or slow USB 2.0 drivers) and\or a slow USB drive.
The unifont font file (576Kb) is only used in graphics mode, it cannot be used in text mode. The wallpaper file (103k) cannot be used in text mode.
If we use text mode, then we don't have to load these files from a slow USB device, thus speeding up the boot process.
All systems with a USB port will be capable of 800x600x32 mode and any CPU will be fast enough.
We could run a speed test on the USB drive as it boots - but as this would take many seconds, there is no point!

SteveSi 10/05/2017

Re: Re: Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

Let me try this example, perhaps I am still misunderstanding..

EX: I have a graphic interface and wallpaper with animated logo on my USB 3.0 E2B drive. I plug it into a very old machine that has usb 1.0 ports and or a bad bios, this takes significantly longer to load...

Could E2B detect a system like this, usb 1.0 or bad bios notification and automatically select text mode to boot E2B?

Thank you!!

Jonathan 10/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

How could it detect such a system?
Can you detect such a system - if so how?

SteveSi 10/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

I know you have the bad bios detection. But that doesnt mean it would be a slow usb drive. SO I guess our only options would be to test the usb port at boot and you are right at that point it would take too long! Trying to automate too much me thinks..hehe.. oh well. Thank you!!

Jonathan 10/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Auto GFX=NONE and or Enable GFX mode depending on hardware/Resolution/Components

Exactly!
You can always try holding down the SHIFT key just before E2B boots to load the grub4dos USB 2 driver.

SteveSi 10/05/2017

AHCI_XP_Z170

Hello, or put the AHCI files to be taken into account when installing xp on a z170 platform?
As are firadisk.
thank you

christophe 07/05/2017

Re: AHCI_XP_Z170

Hi
Go to Alternate Download Area - Other Files and download DMZ170_DPMS2.zip. This is 32-bit drivers. Note that E2B does not support 64-bit XP DPMS drivers.
Read ReadMe.txt inside for instructions.

SteveSi 07/05/2017

New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

A long time ago, windows 8 days. Someone was able to make a modified wim that was basically just the recovery portion of the win 8 installer. (the special reboot screen you get if you hold shift down on windows 8+) basically from there you could also run commands, .exes, portableapps, with the help of a little loader baked in. I have the wim if you would like to look. But I wonder if there could be a way to do this with windows 10 to use with utilihack so we dont need a full win 10 ISO to use?

Jonathan 03/05/2017

Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

Sure, just delete the \sources\Install.wim or .esd from a standard MS ISO and use it with E2B Removable flash drive.

SteveSi 03/05/2017

Re: Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

It worked! Downloaded the dual 32/64 bit version for MS media creator. Removed the .esd, file size is now 1gb iso. I am sure I can get it smaller with some more tinkering or gimagex... thank you!!!!

Jonathan 04/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

Why do you need a dual version? Just a 32-bit version will work.
Or if you have a WinPE ISO already, you could just boot to that and run the first .cmd file manually.

SteveSi 04/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

Good point. I thought there was issues with 64/32bit uefis on some tablets. Some requiring one or the other?

Jonathan 04/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

if you boot using UEFI you will need to convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file.
In that case, you will need to name the file \AutoUnattend.xml and put it in the root of the partition (if the USB drive is a Removable drive) or put the file in the boot.wim file (if the USB drive is the Fixed disk type).

SteveSi 06/05/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: New Utliman hack and windows 10 ISO

Thank you that works!!

Jonathan 10/05/2017

DBAN and Parted Magic?

Reboot.pro doesn't seem to work so hopefully someone will see this. I'm looking to make a flash drive that I can use for wiping hard drives. I've used DBAN for non-SSDs and Parted Magic for SSDs. Is there an easy way to put both of those on the same flash drive with a menu using E2B? I didn't see a tutorial about that but figured maybe someone had already done it.

Thanks!

Kel 17/04/2017

Re: DBAN and Parted Magic?

Hi - no need for a tutorial?
After you make the E2B USB drive, copy the ISOs to \_ISO\MAINMENU and boot!

SteveSi 17/04/2017

Grub2 menu system.. how to install Kali 2.0

Hi, i successfully got to the installation menu of kali linux 2.0 by using loopback.cfg, but when the cd error thing comes up i cant find the iso mount in shell.

mikoloko 17/04/2017

Re: Grub2 menu system.. how to install Kali 2.0

I don't think that the loopback.cfg is the correct menu for an install.
Look inside the ISO at \isolinux\install.cfg for the way to invoke the install menu.
You could convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file. Then you should get the install option.

SteveSi 17/04/2017

Re: Re: Grub2 menu system.. how to install Kali 2.0

yes i convert it to .imgptn and everything is working fine but i just want to try if grub2 is capable of installing os through .iso in uefi mode.

mikoloko 17/04/2017

Re: Re: Re: Grub2 menu system.. how to install Kali 2.0

Look at the kali EFI64 menu in the linux.grub2 file and make a new .grub2 file with just that entry.
Test it.
Then look at the \isolinux\install.cfg file inside the ISO file and use that to modify the new .grub2 menu - adapt the menu to use the install lines
#graphical install
linux /install/gtk/vmlinuz video=vesa:ywrap,mtrr vga=788 -- quiet
initrd /install/gtk/initrd.gz

However, Kali may not support UEFI installation??

Steve Si 18/04/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Grub2 menu system.. how to install Kali 2.0

hi sorry for the late reply, i confirmed that kali linux 2.0 weekly 15 supports uefi booting now, i am dual booting windows10 and kali on my uefi laptop. gonna try your suggestion on grub2 thank you very much :)

mikoloko 22/04/2017

100% disk usage booting vhd

hello

I got an intenso speedline 256 GB (usb 3.0)

Whenever i boot from my windows 10 VHD, it boots fine, but it is really slow. I open task manager and the disk shows 100% using only 0.1 MB.. What can i do to improve this?

Thank you for this wonderful tool!

Legenda 16/04/2017

Re: 100% disk usage booting vhd

Some USB drives have really fast Sequential rd/wr access but terribly slow 4K random access.
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/beware-of-this-fast-usb-30-flash-drive.html
Test with CrystalDiskMark and check 4K times - should be well above 5

SteveSI 16/04/2017

Re: Re: 100% disk usage booting vhd

Thanks i will read the link.

Would changing from VHD help increase performance a bit?..

Legenda 16/04/2017

Re: Re: Re: 100% disk usage booting vhd

The problem is probably the drive itself - you can't fix that - test it with the CrystalDisk benchmark to find out and let us know the result.

SteveSi 16/04/2017

e2b stucks

Today i tried a new version of e2b (1.91) and new Windows 10 1703. So i formatted my pen drive, put win10 iso to win10 folder, rebooted pc. I was successfully booted to e2b (MBR mode) and i can go to UTILITIES menu to see my utils but when i'm choosing WINDOWS INSTALL Menu it just hangs. No errors, waiting didn't helps, just hang, that's all :(

Fourty 12/04/2017

Re: e2b stucks

What happens if you run \QEMU_MENU_TEST.cmd ?

Are you sure the format process when you made a new drive actually worked successfully?

Steve Si 12/04/2017

Re: Re: e2b stucks

Hi Steve!

I got it working, let me tell you what happened:
Even on old Win 10 Ent LTSB (that was pre 1703 for sure) i had a problems with formattind using v1.91, script said me he can't find "grubinst_new.exe" so i entered "Make_E2B_USB_Drive" dir and found there "grubinst.exe", renamed it to "grubinst_new.exe" and formatted my pen drive successfully.

After this i rebooted and stucked at WINDOWS INSTALL menu and come here to post my first message. Then i tried QEMU and it worked as planned, so i started to search the problem. First i tried another .iso, rebooted and stucked again (QEMU works).

I came to downloads section, found v1.90 on your google drive, unpacked it and just manually copied all contents to pen drive with overwriting, without reformatting (cuz i'm lazy and already copied bunch of .iso there and don't want to format again :)) to see what happens and it worked! Now i have working e2b pen drive with grub from 1.91 and all the stuff from 1.90.

I'm successfully installed new Win 10 Pro 1703 .iso, used Acronis Boot CD 2016 and 2017 .iso's and other stuff like HBCD 15.2 .iso without any problems.

By the way, i have only modified MyE2B.cfg file:
!BAT
if "%LANG%"=="" set LANG=ENG
set KBD=
set MYWBMP=0x000000
set EXTOFF=
set NOHELPER=1

Nothing else changed from original and ofc i'm making the drive contiguous after each new file that i put there.

I hope this will help, with best regards, FourtyTwo :)
P.S. Sorry for bad English :)

Fourty 13/04/2017

Re: Re: Re: e2b stucks

If QEMU worked but a real system did not, then the problem is with your system's BIOS.
The usual reason is that you are using a partition of >137GB and the BIOS can only access sectors on a USB drive that are before 137GB.
grubinst_new.exe should never be used by the script because grubinst.exe is present in the directory and will always be used (unless there is a problem with your Windows somewhere).
The code is (where GR=grubinst.exe)
%GR% -h 2> gr.txt
set SILENT=
find "--silent-boot" gr.txt > nul
if not errorlevel 1 set SILENT=--silent-boot
if "%SILENT%"=="" set GR=grubinst_new.exe

so the find command should *always* be successful because the output from grubinst.exe included in the download will have the --silent text in the help output.
Please check you Windows PATH environment variable - maybe it is running the Cygwin version of FIND instead of the Windows version?

SteveSi 13/04/2017

windows 10 creators update got 2 usb e2b drive

Windows 10 X64 Build 15063.11 v1703 (windows 10 creators update) seems to had 2 usb drives. when i try to create new usb e2b drive. anyone can verify ??

Samuel 04/04/2017

Re: windows 10 creators update got 2 usb e2b drive

http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/windows-10-creator-edition-brings-major.html

SteveSi 04/04/2017

On Debian 8.7.1 Live mate desktop ISO No Persistence Despite Following Prescribed Procedure.../

I have followed following procedure prescribed in FAQ.
"You MUST run WinContig after preparing the USB drive and making the ext2 file - all files including the ext2 file need to be contiguous.
Check that you have created the ext2 file according to the instructions in the .mnu file (use the latest RMPrepUSB version 2.1.711+ which allows you to set the file name and volume name separately). Check the file name and the volume name are correct - you can edit\change the ext2 filename but do NOT change the name of the Volume name from the one specified in the .mnu file."
Despite following suggested procedure, no persistence observed.

Sidheshwar 31/03/2017

Re: On Debian 8.7.1 Live mate desktop ISO No Persistence Despite Following Prescribed Procedure.../

What instructions did you follow?
What .mnu file are you using?
What is exact name of ISO?

I tried the debian-live-8.7.1-amd64-mate-desktop.iso and debian-live-8.1.0-amd64-mate-desktop_Persistent.mnu
and found the echo command gave a 'permission denied' error after following the instructions in the .mnu file!
You need to use
sudo bash -c "echo '/ union' > /mnt/usb/persistence.conf"
instead

SteveSi 31/03/2017

Increase payload description detail lines

Hi Steve
My E2B drive is working great. I did notice though that the payload detail description lines is limited to 4 even though I see the screen allows for 3 more lines.
How do I increase the number of detail lines? ...I'll continue to look for this in the sample file and the other help pages as well.
Thank you

Chuck 20/03/2017

Re: Increase payload description detail lines

The maximum number of menu help lines is 4 - it is a limitation of grub4dos.
grub4dos can use the 5th line for its own messages/prompts, so any menu should leave 5 lines free below the menu area to allow for a maximum of 5 lines.

SteveSi 20/03/2017

Re: Re: Increase payload description detail lines

It would be helpful to have another line but I understand. Thanks for your reply Steve.

Chuck 23/03/2017

Re: Re: Re: Increase payload description detail lines

Why not re-design the menu to make the menu wider. Then you can use longer lines and get more words into each line?

SteveSi 23/03/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Increase payload description detail lines

Ah ok. I guess I'll look into that. If that works, it should take care of the extra line of text I'd like to add on some payloads. Thanks.

Chuc 27/03/2017

Hiding payload names as sub menu loads

First, thanks a ton for all the work you have put into E2B. Fantastic.
I have setup a password with MD5 to hide certain payloads in various menus. This is all working great. However, by default many payloads are hidden as I want but when you go into the menu E2B seems to take an inventory of the items for that menu and you can see *ALL* payloads in that list just prior to the menu being shown with the appropriate payloads hidden.
How can I stop E2B from showing all payloads it is discovering prior to displaying the actual menu?
Thanks!

Chuck 16/03/2017

Re: Hiding payload names as sub menu loads

Hi
If you add
set redir=> nul
in your \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg file, then E2B will not show the files that are being enumerated.
It also reduces other messages too, like QRUN autosuggest messages. See http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/reducing-the-e2b-messages/
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/autosuggest/
Tip: Check the \_ISO\Sample_MyE2B.cfg file for lots of different settings.

SteveSi 16/03/2017

Re: Re: Hiding payload names as sub menu loads

Thank you! setting redir= worked perfectly.

Yes I have been referring to the Sample_MyE2B.cfg file a lot and have been reading a lot of the very well written help pages on your site.

The http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/reducing-the-e2b-messages/ page that you referenced was exactly what I needed and I didn't find my way there before when I was reading. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

At this point, I think my e2b tools thumbdrive is done. I learned a lot relating to how e2b works and I know I still have a lot to learn but this is an excellent environment for creating these types of toolkits. Thanks again for all your work on this and also for your quick and helpful reply to my question here. :)

Chuck 16/03/2017

Troubles with Hiren Extracted

So I extracted the entire Hirens contents onto the root of my flash drive & tried to put Hiren's Extracted.mnu in my Utilities folder of E2B.
Doesn't seem to be working :-(
Tried the contact form once a few weeks ago.. no dice.. figured once I got an address to reply to I'd send some pictures of my directory structures.

Andrew 13/03/2017

Re: Troubles with Hiren Extracted

There are many different Hirens ISOs - exactly which one do you have?
The Contact Me form seems to work OK for me - can you try it again pls?
There is also an anonymous suggestions link too.

SteveSi 13/03/2017

Re: Re: Troubles with Hiren Extracted

FYI - Andrew had a DLC ISO file but was using the Hirens .mnu file instead of the DLC .mnu file. It works now!

SteveSi 23/03/2017

UEFI, stuck at shell

Hi Steve!

I have been at it all day trying to make my usb hdd uefi boot. I have read and watched nearly all you have put up, but I can't find anything about being stuck at the uefi shell in virtualbox. It loads fine non-efi VMs both mbr and csm but when I load a efi enabled VM I just get a UEFI Interactive Shell. It tries to load a start.nsh but just goes to Shell> and then nothing.

I am using a windows 7 32 bit aio which should work on both types of "bios". It is sourced from a localized retail dvd so not downloaded. Could it be that the iso I made from it is the problem? I have multiple machines running the 64 bit version from that source also with no problems but that was bios/mbr machines.

Sincerely Michael

Michael 12/03/2017

Re: UEFI, stuck at shell

I would just like stop wasting your time. I tried the mediacreationtool for windows 8.1 and that works just fine. So it is my win7 isos that have some kind of efi error. Sorry for bothering you and a big thank you for all your time giving us e2b!

Michael 12/03/2017

Re: UEFI, stuck at shell

Win7 32-bit does not support UEFI. It does not contain the UEFI boot files, etc. and is not supported by Microsoft.
Win 7 64-bit does support UEFI, but you must modify the files inside the .imgPTN image.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/win7-uefi/
When you switch to a .imgPTN file, E2B will tell you what UEFI-boot files are present and also it is listed below the CSM menu too.

SteveSi 12/03/2017

Acronis 2017 NG

Installed Acronis 2017 NG and installed the product key This allows me to create a Acronis image file for booting ether from a CD or for easy2boot usb works fine But when converting to a imgPTN file system it say's its a Trial version which it is not ,
is the conversion overwriting the product keys

Any advice would be appreciated

Warren 12/03/2017

Re: Acronis 2017 NG

Is it the linux-based version or WinPE-based?
Did you try creating a USB drive using Acronis and then making a .imgPTN file from the USB drive?
Did you try UEFI-booting from .imgPTN file?

SteveSi 12/03/2017

Re: Re: Acronis 2017 NG

Add this to the end of your \menu.lst

#Acronis - must use quiet switch or get busybox error!
iftitle [if exist /Recovery\ Manager/kernel.dat if exist /dat3.dat && if exist /dat2.dat] Acronis 32-bit \n Acronis True Image
kernel /dat2.dat vga=791 force_modules=usbhid quiet
if exist /dat4.dat set d4=/dat4.dat
initrd /dat3.dat %d4%
boot

#Acronis 64 - must use quiet switch or get busybox error!
iftitle [checkrange 2,3 is64bit && if exist /Recovery\ Manager/kernel.dat if exist /dat10.dat && if exist /dat11.dat] Acronis 64-bit\n Acronis True Image
kernel /dat10.dat vga=791 force_modules=usbhid quiet
if exist /dat12.dat set d12=/dat12.dat
initrd /dat11.dat %d12%
boot

http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/boot-acronis-true-image-2017-ng-from.html

SteveSi 12/03/2017

Re: Re: Re: Acronis 2017 NG

will try inserting the instructions in the menu.lst later

Thank You for the quick response

Warren 12/03/2017

Re: Re: Acronis 2017 NG

Yes to all parts created iso with Acronis and that works ok with easy2boot but need it to work with a image file imgptn

warren 12/03/2017

Re: Re: Re: Acronis 2017 NG

The ISO will work for MBR booting.
The .imgPTN will work for UEFI booting.
If you add the lines I gave to the end of the \menu.lst file (inside the .imgPTN file - just switch to the .imgPTN file to get CSM menu and then you can edit the \menu.lst file using Notepad) then you will get MBR booting from .imgPTN also working.

SteveSi 13/03/2017

Partition setup?

I'm a little confused about how I should partition the drive before I use easy2boot... did I miss that in the docs? Or does it not matter?

My goal is to have a USB drive that I can use to store files like any standard USB, from windows, mac, linux, etc.. but also be able to boot linux and still access those same files.

Doesn't that require a separate partition?

James Newton 05/03/2017

Re: Partition setup?

Please define 'USB drive'?
What type? Removable or Fixed?
What size?
Plenty of docs available under 'Make a USB drive' pages.
Since the whole idea of E2B is that you just copy on or delete the ISO files from linux or Windows, you can also add any other files\folders you like.

SteveSi 05/03/2017

switch_e2b.exe reported as Trojan.

Hi,
My Symantec Antivirus 14 reporting it as a trojan.

Tyler Nguyen 26/02/2017

Re: switch_e2b.exe reported as Trojan.

Is there an actual forum with proper threads and posts that this this can be discussed on? I have some questions but this is site format is just too much.... I would even offer hosting and set up a forum deicated to it if that would help!

diggity 04/03/2017

Re: Re: switch_e2b.exe reported as Trojan.

I have already given a link for a proper Forum - reboot.pro - see top of page.

SteveSi 04/03/2017

.imgPTN files

Taking in account that i already have all .imgPTN files that i need Is it necesary to create again .imgPTN files when newer version of MPI Tool Pack is released and go to the process of creating E2B bootable USB again?

Jorge 15/02/2017

Re: .imgPTN files

No. Old .imgPTN files will still work as long as they worked before!

SteveSi 15/02/2017

How to display Directory locations when adding menu entry .txt files?

Hi Steve. Great work.
By default, when I select any ISO payload on Menu, E2B shows as Help text under menu the Directoy location of ISO payload.
When I make a .txt file to display title of each ISO payload, then I cannot see these Directory locations how was by default.
Please. What "variable" must I adding to .txt files to show that location data to each ISO?
Thanks.

P.S.: I suggest adding permanent links over Subjects (Topics) on forum.
This makes it easy to save them as bookmarks or local html offline files.

Bertholdoüz 15/02/2017

Re: How to display Directory locations when adding menu entry .txt files?

Please see the page about .txt files
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/change-the-menu-entry-text-using-a-txt-file/
You can use $HOME$ and $NAME$
e.g. title Boot to $NAME$ \n Boot $HOME$/$NAME$.ISO

(but not for Windows Installer ISO .txt files)

This Forum page is pretty primitive and I cannot change it because it is a fixed feature provided by the WebNode host.
All info should be available on the site pages as I always add anything that is relevant if it comes up in the Forum questions if it is not already there. So just use the Search feature and the Site Map.

SteveSi 15/02/2017

CSM is NOT UEFI!

Never have I seen/heard so much verbiage that appears intent to obfuscate the fact that Easy2Boot itself cannot boot in a UEFI environment; it can only boot under a 'standard' BIOS (whether actual or emulated as CSM).

Tell me I am wrong - nothing could please me more.

Better yet, show me how to create a Easy2Boot USB drive that itself boots under 'standard' UEFI (not CSM), preferably without mention (let alone half the discussion) of any virtual machine. Even better, present an approach that does not involve any Microsoft product other than FAT32

Gobsmacked 12/02/2017

Re: CSM is NOT UEFI!

Hi
E2B supports UEFI-booting in two ways.
1. Use .imgPtN files
2. Use the grub2 menu system (MBR or UEFI-boot)
As you correctly point out, grub4dos cannot be booted in UEFI-mode. So with .imgPTN files, you need to switch-in the partition before you can UEFI-boot. It does mean that you can secure boot from a wide variety of UEFI OS's - something that no other multiboot USB solution can do!
There are videos about .imgPTN on YouTube and there is a page about the grub2 menu system (last in side menu tab).
grub2 menu systems are not generic, each menu has to be tailored to each individual payload. This means that those solutions need to be continuously updated/maintained.
If you want to GENERIC UEFI-multiboot for a variety of different payloads and want to prepare it under linux, then look elsewhere (and let me know if you find one)!

SteveSi 12/02/2017

Windows 10 don't open Flash-Easy2Boot

If flash-drive in .imgPTN mode - all is good, but in normal mode - "No access to H. Access denied"
http://savepic.ru/12853594.png
Why?
PS. Windows 10 Enterprise 14393. Log in as administrator.

BlagoYar 09/02/2017

Re: Windows 10 don't open Flash-Easy2Boot

If the drive is in normal E2B mode, how did you manage to copy any ISO files to it?
You need to describe how I can reproduce this issue.
It obviously is not a problem other people have - only you!

SteveSi 09/02/2017

Sample_MyE2B.cfg looks many changes Vs. MyE2B.cfg

Hi Steve.
Long ago I keep my old file MyE2B.cfg.
Now I have compared this Vs. Sample_MyE2B.cfg, and I notice that there are many differences, far more than the custom changes I had applied.
So, Do you suggest updating it manually by copying from Sample_MyE2B.cfg? and to apply custom changes again?
P.S.: Below, nice another topic about "Defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux"...
We should promote E2B on GNU/Linux forums. :-)

Bertholdoux 08/02/2017

Re: Sample_MyE2B.cfg looks many changes Vs. MyE2B.cfg

Most of the settings in the Sample_MyE2B.cfg are commented out.
You are welcome to change anything you like.
You can also find some settings in the E2B_Editor.exe GUI to help design your own menus or look at the \_ISO\docs\Templates folder for ideas.

SteveSi 08/02/2017

Windows Install trying to install on EZ2BOOT USB

im trying to install windows and it always says its going to install on the ez2boot USB, how do i get it to install windows on the internal drive?

Matthew 06/02/2017

Re: Windows Install trying to install on EZ2BOOT USB

You mean the internal hard disk is not listed?
What Windows are you trying to install - XP, Vista, 98, Me, 7, 8, 10, server 2016 or something else?
Are you installing from an official Microsoft ISO?
If you are using XP ISO, are you using the DPMS version of E2B (hint: you should be!)?

SteveSi 06/02/2017

Re: Re: Windows Install trying to install on EZ2BOOT USB

its all windows installs, i converted an official windows iso to a imgPTN and i go boot to the EZ2BOOT and select whatever windows im wanting to install and after i select it i get "WARNING: THE E2B DRIVE PARTITION TABLE IS ABOUT TO BE OVERWRITTEN!" with a bunch of other read text and some blue about UEFI booting then it asks "OK to replace E2B partitions ([Y]/ N) :

so from my understanding it is trying to install the windows i selected onto the E2B bootable, therefore overwritting it, is this correct or is it installing to the internal hard disk?

Matthew 07/02/2017

Re: Re: Re: Windows Install trying to install on EZ2BOOT USB

No - that is not correct.
It is replacing the partition containing E2B files with a new partition which contains the files that were inside the ISO so that it can run Windows Setup.
Why don't you just answer Y and you will see!
Or watch the YouTube videos or read the .imgPTN page on this site...

SteveSi 07/02/2017

E2B 1.88 Symantec Heuristic Virus

I just updated to Easy2Boot 1.88 this morning and Symantec Endpoint 14 1904 is flagging Switch_E2B.exe as a Heur.Adv.ML.B Heuristic Virus and it is being Quarantined.

Also, what is the maximum size USB drive allowed without the use of a WinHelper USB? I have been using 128Gb without issue. someone I knwo bought a 256 and it is telling him he needs a WinHelper USB.

Rodommoc 01/02/2017

Re: E2B 1.88 Symantec Heuristic Virus

You will have to whitelist it
The size of drive is not important , it is whether it is a Removable type or Fixed type. Some USB flash drives are fixed type. Most are removable

SteveSi 01/02/2017

Re: Re: E2B 1.88 Symantec Heuristic Virus

Sorry, I should have supplied the USB drive model info: Sandisk Ultra 256 USB 3.0. I'm trying different settings in RMPrep to see if I can get it to work. So far I have Used WinPEv2..., NTFS, and unchecked the boot as HDD option.

Rodommoc 01/02/2017

Re: Re: Re: E2B 1.88 Symantec Heuristic Virus

The type cannot be changed.
RMPrepUSB will tell you what type it is.
If it is Removable type then it is OK.
E2B only WARNS if any drive is over 128GB - it does not say that it will not work - it just says that Fixed disks will not work.
E2B (grub4dos) cannot distinguish between fixed and removable property - so it just looks at size and warns user if over 128GB because it is probably a HDD.
P.S. Many BIOSes have a USb driver bug and cannot access sectors past 137GB. For this reason, I don't recommend using a Removable USB Flash drive that is over 128GiB because if you make a 2nd partition it cannot be seen by Windows and this causes issues.

SteveSi 01/02/2017

Booting Windows ISOs

I am having problems booting Windows installation ISOs via Easy2Boot. I have got it set up fine booting to Acronis, Linux ISOs and various WinPE ISOs, but when I try to install Windows things generally go like this:

A) After choosing an ISO I get a menu of options, most of which I don't understand. I just want the ISO to behave in the normal fashion, so I choose the option that I guess is going to get closest to that.

B) 9 times out of 10, it doesn't work. e.g. I just installed W7 on a PC, that worked fine, but now I am trying to install W10 on the same PC and it's stuck at "Setup is starting". I have tried 2 different options.

Any advice?

Paul R 31/01/2017

Re: Booting Windows ISOs

Any error messages at all from E2B? What is size of USB drive? What is type of E2B drive?
Delete the ISO. Then copy the ISO again to the \_ISO\WINDOWS\WIN10 folder.
Run \MAKE_THIS_DRIVE_CONTIGUOUS.cmd
Now use a Windows utility to get the CRC\MD5\SHA1 hash value of the file on the E2B drive and compare it with the same file that you downloaded onto the system hard disk (or with official published value). This will check the file for corruption. If not same you have bad USB drive.
Otherwise, it may be a hardware issue with Win10. If it was an E2B issue, I would expect some other sort of error. For Win10 you need to choose correct Product Key for the version you are installing - but you should get an error message from Windows Setup if it was wrong.

SteveSi 31/01/2017

Re: Re: Booting Windows ISOs

Thanks, it was a corrupt ISO.

That left me with another problem - booting via Easy2Boot does not behave like booting from a real disc. In this case, all the Easy2Boot options I tried either asked me for a Windows 10 key (which I don't have because the Windows 10 licence on this machine came via an upgrade from Windows 7) or left me with an installation that would not activate.

Booting from a real disc (actually an SD card with the ISO installed on it) installed & activated fine without entering a product key.

Is there any way I can make Easy2Boot Windows installs behave exactly like installs from real discs?

Paul R 31/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Booting Windows ISOs

The keys that are provided in E2B are installation keys. If you are installing Win 10 Pro (retail) simply pick the Win 10 Pro installation key.
Once you have booted to Desktop, you can enter the Win7 key and it should activate.
However, if you want it to be able to accept your Win7 key during Setup, use the MPI Tool Kit to convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file.
This will then behave like the DVD.
MPI will ask you about an EI.cfg file - if you have a retail ISO, say R and you will be able to install either Core or Pro (it will ask you to pick).
With .imgPTN (FAT32) you can also boot via UEFI too if you wish. See videos for more info and MPI pages on this site.

SteveSi 31/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Booting Windows ISOs

Sorry but the explaination arounf this "IMPORTANT EI.CFG file", is very hard to understand what the process is (when reading the docs and the forum)
I understand that different ISO will need a different key and may require this file or not.
But if you could provide a typical example like
DL the 32/64bit win10 ISO from microsoft.com buy a Product Key (5x5)
create .imgPTN file choose R for retail.
...and this is the part I do not understand...
when installing Win10 installer will not ask for your Product Key because you chose "R", You will have to activate Win10 after installation, using your Product Key???

I have tons more questions, but slowly finding answers. Complicated Subject!!! You seem to have nailed it though!

JamieB 28/01/2019

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Booting Windows ISOs

Can you point to the exact piece of text that you are referring too please.
Adding\replacing the EI.cfg file allows the user to manually choose from the list of available Editions. For instance a Windows 10 Pro x64 DVD will automatically install Pro but it actually contains many more Editions (Home, Pro, etc.). If you change\add an EI.cfg file, the user is presented with the full list of all Editions it contains.
The Product Key that you set in the XML file will override the EI.cfg file so the EI.cfg file is ignored - the Product Key in the XML file will determine which Edition is installed.
If you use a Generic Installation Product key in the XML file then it will not activate because the Key is only to allow installation NOT activation. So if you use a Generic Installation Key then you must later type in a key that will activate.
Full details and Exercises are detailed in my Windows eBook.

SteveSi 28/01/2019

Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

I have created a .mnu file for unattended Centos 7 Installation using a Kickstart file.
I have modified the "title" inside the .mnu file but in the boot menu, it is still the same.
I also tried the delete that .mnu file from my usb key and the boot menu still list it !
So is that .mnu files cached somewhere? What to do to be absolutely sure the latest .mnu files is being used?

Long Vu 17/01/2017

Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

The Main menu is cached if you use FASTLOAD.
If so, just press F8 in the Main Menu to refresh the cache.
If you are not using FASTLOAD, are you using a VM to test or a real system? If a VM please describe how it is configured.
Where did you place the .mnu file and what does it contain?

SteveSi 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

I am not sure what you mean by FASTLOAD, how do I verify this?
I tried F8 anyways and it did not work (did not delete the entry from the Linux iso list).
I was testing my usb key like this "sudo qemu-system-x86_64 -machine accel=kvm:tcg -m 512 -hda /dev/sdc"
Here is the content of my .mnu file (that has been deleted from my usb key but keeps showing on the Linux menu)

=========================
[[email protected]:6 16:04:02 Iso]$ cat CentOS7_AutoInstall.mnu
# CDLABEL must match ISO volume label (usually file name)
# NTFS is not supported! use FAT32 or ext2/3/4
# ISO must not have spaces in path or name

title Auto Install CentOS 7 from Kickstart\n Auto Install CentOS 7 from Kickstart

#ISO is full path to ISO (no spaces)
set ISO=$HOME$/CentOS-7-x86_64-Minimal-1611.iso

#LBL=CD VOLUME LABEL OF THE ISO use \\x20 instead of a space
set LBL=CentOS\\x207\\x20x86_64

map %ISO% (0xff) || echo -e $[0147]%ISO% IS NOT CONTIGUOUS! && map --mem %ISO% (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff)
echo
echo -e $[1174]WARNING: THIS WILL NOT WORK ON NTFS DRIVES (use FAT32 or ext2/3/4).
echo
kernel /isolinux/vmlinuz root=live:CDLABEL=%LBL% iso-scan/filename='%ISO%' rd.live.image vga=791 inst.ks=nfs:it-deploy2.intelerad.com:/srv/exports/ks/wkstn_centos7-dev-ah.ks
initrd /isolinux/initrd.img
boot
==============================

The file was put under _ISO/Linux folder on the usb key, next to the CentOS-7-x86_64-Minimal-1611.iso it was refering to. Is that location allowed for .mnu file?

Long Vu 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

FASTLOAD is not the problem if you have not enabled it and it only caches the MAIN Menu, not the Linux menu.
If you place the .mnu in \_ISO\LINUX and the CentOS ISo file in \_ISO\LINUX, you will see two menu entries - one for the ISO and one for the .mnu file.
Try booting on a real system?

SteveSi 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

I actually want 2 menus. One to boot the .iso as-is and one that does full unattended install.
Have not tried on a real physical system yet. Need a real machine that I can zap the real harddrive under unattended mode.
Is there another way to test this "virtually"?

Long Vu 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

The problem is that you cannot see the .mnu entry in the LINUX menu or that you can see it when it should not be there?
So boot on a real system to E2B, go to LINUX menu - What is in the menu?
You do not need to run anything.
Or run QEMU_MENU_TEST.cmd under Windows?

SteveSi 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

I see it when it should not be there (I deleted the .mnu file).
I'll wait until I can get a real physical system to test again.
Will report my results.

Long Vu 17/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

OK. QEMU may be in snapshot mode or something...
You can also go to grub4dos console
SHIFT+P easy2boot
SHIFT+C
ls /_ISO/LINUX/
can you see .mnu file?
P.S. You are quitting QEMU before you edit the drive contents and then re-running QEMU?

SteveSi 17/01/2017

Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

Tried on a real physical system, the menu behave as expected (it is there when the .mnu file is there and not there when the file is not there).
Retried in qemu, also good.
I think, in addition to shutdown qemu, I have to also disconnect the usb drive and reconnect again.
So I think this is due to some kind of filesystem caching and not easy2boot caching.
Sorry for the false alarm.

Long Vu 18/01/2017

Re: Re: Is .mnu file cached somewhere?

OK.
If you have an NTFS E2B drive, you could try using the partnew technique. You can adapt one of the other sample .mnu files (e.g. ubuntu) to see how it is done. Then the iso-scan/filename= is then not needed and i should work on NTFS or even exFAT.

SteveSi 18/01/2017

bootmgr missing

bootmgr missing, using XP. I downloaded bootmgr from Microsoft.
TroubleShooting Instructions say to copy it to folder "\_ISO\e2b\grub\DPMS\NTBOOT.MOD" on the E2B drive.
But no such folder. The DPMS folder is there but pasting bootmgr to it don't work.

Any ideas?
Thanks

EdP 04/01/2017

Re: bootmgr missing

Hi Ed
if you look at the E2B download zip file, you will see that it does contain that NTBOOT.MOD folder. If your E2B drive does not, then please update it.

SteveSi 04/01/2017

Re: Re: bootmgr missing

So I copied the NTBOOT.MOD folder to the DPMS folder on the E2B drive with a WIN7 bootmgr file in it.
Getting the same bootmgr missing message.

Ed 04/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: bootmgr missing

I said you need to UPDATE your E2B drive.
Download the latest version.
Unzip it into a new empty folder.
Run Update_E2B_DRIVE.cmd.
Also, you will need a Win8.1 version of bootmgr - not all versions are compatible - e2b will warn you if it is the wrong version.

SteveSi 04/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: bootmgr missing

P.S. What EXACTLY are you trying to boot?

SteveSi 04/01/2017

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: bootmgr missing

@Ed - is it working now?

SteveSi 13/01/2017

onlymainmenu and unattended files

when **.iso.auto files in present windows iso folder it give "if exist %folder/%iso%.auto call %folder%/%iso%.auto"
error 13

Am I doing something wrong or missing ? maybe add something mye2b.cfg?

dnecro 25/12/2016

Re: onlymainmenu and unattended files

.auto is not a valid file extension (for a normal payload file). ??

Stevesi 26/12/2016

Re: Re: onlymainmenu and unattended files

wait what? How not valid? unattended install guide and example files in folders already have these files. Then which extension I should use?

dnecro 26/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: onlymainmenu and unattended files

So you are following instructions on
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/windows-install-isos/unattended-installs/

If so, you need to give all details. Exact paths and filenames you are using, contents of files, etc. What .mnu file you are using, etc.

SteveSi 26/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: onlymainmenu and unattended files

P.S. Is the first line of your xxxxx.iso.auto file

!BAT

???

SteveSi 26/12/2016

make drive contiguous

When an iso isn't contiguous, I get an error and a prompt to hit "ctrl+f2" to make drive contiguous, but when I press this key combination it doesn't do anything. Is it possible to use this function from usb stick?

dancaer69 17/12/2016

Re: make drive contiguous

It says Press Ctrl+F2 in **RMPrepUSB**.
or you can run USB drive \MAKE_THIS_DRIVE_CONTIGUOUS.cmd.

SteveSi 17/12/2016

Re: Re: make drive contiguous

Thanks for the fast responce.
Yes this is the message, but I still don't understand. Can I make the drive contiguous from stick(without the need to reboot to windows/linux), and if yes which is exactly the procedure? It's not clear to me.

dancaer69 17/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: make drive contiguous

MAKE_THIS_DRIVE_CONTIGUOS.cmd and RMPrepUSB.exe are Windows programs - so they must be run under Windows.
If you are a linux user, see http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/make-using-linux/

SteveSi 17/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: make drive contiguous

Yes, I've used both windows/linux. I just thought that you can do it from usb stick too and "ctrl-f2" was the combination to run the command.
Thanks.

dancaer69 17/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: make drive contiguous

If I could do it from grub4dos then I would not need to ask the user to do it!

SteveSi 06/05/2017

contiguous drive

if I create a new E2B drive, add ISOs, make contiguous, will I have to make contiguous again if I add non-E2B files to the drive after? non-E2B files would just be random stuff like videos, music, etc - essentially things not related to E2B AFTER the drive was made contiguous.

dimm0k 14/12/2016

Re: contiguous drive

No, the FILES are made contiguous by WinContig, not the drive. E2B needs contiguous payload files.

SteveSi 14/12/2016

w32.trojan.gen

Hi,
Webroot antivirus reports this program as a trojan. Is the downloaded files infected, or is it the program? (the function to override windows installation-files and default settings)

Gigante 12/12/2016

Re: w32.trojan.gen

What program> Which download?
Use the web based VirusTotal to check it with all virus scanners. https://www.virustotal.com/
E2B is used 1000's of times a day and is downloaded 100's of times a day. If it had a virus, I think it we would know about it!

SteveSi 12/12/2016

Re: Re: w32.trojan.gen

This file: %Documents% EASY2BOOT V1.86DPMS_MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE.EXE
I cannot find the file (maby temorary while installing? or removed by webroot?) It seems to warn when I make bootdisks with the cmd-file.
I have sent the question to Webroots support to see what exactly it warn for.

Gigante 14/12/2016

Re: Re: Re: w32.trojan.gen

Got reply from Webroot that it was false alarm. :) (Y)

Gigante 14/12/2016

E2B and reports

Hi.
I have sort of hdd testing software in iso format.
thise software doesn't work for me becouse need to write reports after finish work.
Is there any way to use e2b with thise tool ?
Regards Filip

Filil J 09/12/2016

Re: E2B and reports

Are you using a Removable USB drive or Fixed Disk drive for E2B?
Did you try converting to .imgPTN file, then you may have better access?
If you tell me what s/w is or can send me a copy, I can help.

SteveSi 09/12/2016

Up to date OpenELEC/LibreELEC Live

Hi.
I'd like to be running OpenELEC or LibreELEC live from E2B. Not interested in the installation, just the live functionality.
I've seen a couple of articles from 2013/2014 here at E2B.com. Are they still up to date?
Could you please make an update on those articles?
Thanks in advance.
Cheers

john3voltas 24/11/2016

Re: Up to date OpenELEC/LibreELEC Live

Yes, the 2014 instructions still work for the latest version 6.0.3

SteveSi 24/11/2016

Re: Re: Up to date OpenELEC/LibreELEC Live

Thanks, SteveSi.

john3voltas 24/11/2016

Usb drive does not boot anymore

I just bought a brand new Kingston SE9 G2 USB 3.0 64GB.
Formatted it with Easy2Boot.
It booted a first time.
I added more isos, it stopped booting. But I can still read and write to it as a data drive.

I format it again. Still do not boot.
Thinking it's my computer BIOS that is messed up, I tried an older usb drive that also has Easy2Boot and that worked.
Any pointers how to debug this weird problem?

Long Vu 16/11/2016

Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

See Troubleshooting page
http://www.easy2boot.com/faq-/troubleshooting-e2b/

SteveSi 16/11/2016

Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

Here's some surprising findings:

The problematic Kingston SE9 G2 USB 3.0 64G key works for:
- qemu
- my work machine Dell Precision T3610, all usb ports
- my older laptop Dell Vostro 3350, all usb ports
- my current laptop (where the problem originally occured) Dell Latitude E6230, only on the USB 2.0 port (USB 3.0 port do not boot). On the USB 2.0 port, it displays "Invalid Partition table!", then I press enter and it continue to boot the usb key.

Note that as previously stated, the USB 3.0 port did work once, then stopped working. Also that same USB 3.0 port was able to boot a smaller and supposely cheaper quality Kingston DataTraveler 101 G3 16 G.

I also destroyed the partition table on the 64G key, recreate from scratch, then format again, same result. This is using latest Easy2Boot_v1.86DPMS.zip, the fmt.sh script (Fat32).

I verified by Latitude e6230 is using Legacy BIOS and not UEFI. My ssd boot drive is using MBR partition anyways so it can not be using UEFI.

I am really stumped. Any other pointers as to why this weird problem happens?

I bought a bigger usb key so I can put my entire collection of Iso on it. I hope it is not the size of the key that is the problem because that will make me really sad.

Long Vu 17/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

The fmt.sh script does not add a small second partition. As explained on the website, when you use RMPrepUSB or the MAKE_E2B_USB_Drive.cmd Windows script, it makes a second small hidden partition on the USB drive. This is because some systems will try to boot a USB drive as a floppy disk if they only have one partition.
Can you add a small second PRIMARY partition to the USB drive or use the Windows script to make it?

SteveSi 17/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

Added a 2nd primary partition, still the same weird behavior.

sudo fdisk -l /dev/sdb
[sudo] password for lvu:
Disk /dev/sdb: 57.8 GiB, 62087233536 bytes, 121264128 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xefda3cf9

Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdb1 2048 119566335 119564288 57G b W95 FAT32
/dev/sdb2 119566336 121264127 1697792 829M b W95 FAT32

Long Vu 19/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

Did you switch off the system and switch on again?
Did you check the BIOS settings. e.g. USB Settings?
Does it say USB HDD in the BIOS boot menu?
Is the first partition marked as Active (boot flag)?
Did you install grub4dos to both PBR and MBR?
Latest BIOS version is A16 25th Oct 2016 with improved USB support. Do you have this?

SteveSi 19/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

Did you switch off the system and switch on again?
Yes

Did you check the BIOS settings. e.g. USB Settings?
Yes, boot order is USB first.

Does it say USB HDD in the BIOS boot menu?
This is the interesting part, it doesn't say when the usb key is plugged into the usb 3.0 port. Looks like BIOS do not detect/see a usb hdd on usb 3.0 port ... but only for my new 64G usb key. The older 16G usb key was booting fine from that same usb 3.0 port.

Is the first partition marked as Active (boot flag)?
No.

Did you install grub4dos to both PBR and MBR?
I don't know, I just run the fmt.sh script.

Latest BIOS version is A16 25th Oct 2016 with improved USB support. Do you have this?
I only have A15.

I also tried to format the usb key using Windows instead of linux. This is the latest fdisk output after Windows format:

sudo fdisk -l /dev/sdb
[sudo] password for lvu:
Disk /dev/sdb: 57.8 GiB, 62087233536 bytes, 121264128 sectors
Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes
Sector size (logical/physical): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
I/O size (minimum/optimal): 512 bytes / 512 bytes
Disklabel type: dos
Disk identifier: 0xfc5ed0c2

Device Boot Start End Sectors Size Id Type
/dev/sdb1 * 63 121242491 121242429 57.8G c W95 FAT32 (LBA)
/dev/sdb2 121242492 121242554 63 31.5K 21 unknown

Still the same behavior (usb 3.0 port do not boot) with formatting using Windows. However at least usb 2.0 port stop staying "invalid partition table!".

I guess a new BIOS might be the fix. At least now the usb 2.0 port boots properly so I have a fall back. I'll reply my findings if I feel brave enough to update the BIOS. I got burned once in the past updating BIOS.

Thanks for all the help. Looks like formatting on Windows does a more complete job than Linux. Is it because Linux is lacking any functionality or you just didn't get around to have feature parity between Windows and Linux?

I am still puzzled as to why my older 16G usb drive was working fine on that same usb 3.0 port although it was formatted on Linux.

Long Vu 19/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

The * in
/dev/sdb1 * 63 121242491 121242429 57.8G c W95 FAT32 (LBA)
I think means that the partition is active. So one difference is that the first partition was not active until you used Windows to prepare the USB stick.
The fmt.sh script only formats an existing partition it does not create partitions.
Did you enable both options in the BIOS under System Setup - USB Configuration - Enable Boot Support and Enable External USB Port?

SteveSi 20/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Usb drive does not boot anymore

P.S. I have improved the linux fmt.sh script in E2B v1.87b so that it makes the partition active and installs grub4dos to the PBR.
The only thing it does not do is make a 2nd small partition on the USB drive. You should do this yourself or it may not boot on some systems.

SteveSi 20/11/2016

E2B Multi-Boot

Dear Stevesi,
first of all thank you for the software package development and that for free!
I've been trying to make a Multiboot USB Stick/HDD usable for both UEFI and Legacy Mode Bioses and I've already read several tutorials on E2B website and have also seen several videos from other resources. But still haven't been able to make such a drive, which would work on both kind of Bios types (MBR/UEFI). The best results have been either working on some MBRs OR on some UEFIs, not both at the same time.
Therefor my first question is that, if you could recommend one main method/tutorial to focus on; because as I mentioned there are several Versions suggesting different methods, like using RMPrepUSB (and that with variety of options like choosing between ntfs or fat32, Boot as HDD as checked or not etc.) or using the scripts like MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE .cmd
My other question is that, if you by any chance know some tool to convert usb "fixed" drives into "removable" disks? Most of my USB drives are detected as "fixed" drives. I assume that, first of all they have to be "removable" drives for being able to make them bootable using E2B.

Farid 07/11/2016

Re: E2B Multi-Boot

E2B will work on Removable drives or Fixed Disk type.
The website explains the difference.
Not all payloads (ISOs) support UEFI booting.
Look at the 'List of tested payloads' page to see the best way to add each payload file.

SteveSi 07/11/2016

Find Only in hd0

Dear Stevesi
iftitle [find /ntldr] OS * Windows XP Loader..
how to set find only search in hd0.. If not found ntldr in hd0 then message not found ntld in hd0.
How to make menu like that's..??

SalimS 05/11/2016

Re: Find Only in hd0

That is tricky!
When you boot from USB, hd0 will be the USB drive.
hd1 will be the first internal hard disk.
So if you want to boot from the internal disk try
iftitle [ls (hd1,0)/ntlrd] Boot from NTLDR

or maybe

iftitle [ls (hd1,0)/ntldr || ls (hd1,1)/ntldr] Boot from NTLDR

SteveSi 05/11/2016

Re: Re: Find Only in hd0

For interest
# Ignore boot device and boot to Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8 from the internal hard disk
# This works by mapping the boot device (bd) which may have bootmgr or ntldr on it, to a virtual memory drive so that files on it are not found by the find command
title Boot to Windows from an internal hard disk
map --mem (md)+8 (bd)
map --hook
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /bootmgr || find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /ntldr
map (bd) (bd)
map --rehook
chainloader /bootmgr || chainloader /ntldr

SteveSi 08/12/2016

Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

Hi,

I got this error on Ubuntu 16.04:

[[email protected]:12 12:47:29 linux_utils]$ sudo ./udefrag -om /dev/sdc1
[sudo] password for lvu:
sudo: unable to execute ./udefrag: No such file or directory
[[email protected]:12 12:53:38 linux_utils]$

USB drive was created using Easy2Boot_v1.86DPMS.zip.

I used 'sudo bash ./fmt_ntfs.sh' to create the drive initially.

Then I copy over some .iso.

Long Vu 05/11/2016

Re: Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

Does the file exist?
Did you use chmod on it?

SteveSi 05/11/2016

Re: Re: Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

The udefrag binary is a 32-bit program.
If you have Ubuntu 64-bit, you may need to add 32-bit support. See the linux page on this site.

SteveSi 05/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

udefrag came from the tools.zip file at
http://jp-andre.pagesperso-orange.fr/advanced-ntfs-3g.html#download
If anyone would like to supply me with a 64-bit version of udefrag (find it or compile it), I will include it in E2B.

SteveSi 05/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

Yes udefrag file exist. Yes I chmod a+x it.

I will try to add additional 32-bits libraries to my 64-bits machine to see if I can run udefrag.

Thanks.

Long Vu 06/11/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to defrag NTFS USB drive on Linux

Confirmed able to defrag NTFS on Ubuntu 16.04 by following intructions on Linux page:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install libc6:i386 libncurses5:i386 libstdc++6:i386
(change to _ISO/docs/linux_utils folder)
sudo chmod 777 *
sudo udefrag -om /dev/sdX1 (where sdX1 is your NTFS USB partition)

Thanks.

Long Vu 13/11/2016

Administrative rights for RestoreE2B script

Hi!

I just wanted to thank you for the hugely useful software package development and also for providing that for free. I haven't been able to give much back to you. I noticed that I might be able to contribute with some code though. The thing is that its quite annoying to start the RestoreE2B script with administrative rights. Usually on broken computer the right click menu might take ages to pop up in Windows Explorer. Here is how I make batch scripts ask administrative rights, use it however you like:
In the beginning I usually add:

set "_FilePath=%~f0"
set "_FileDir=%~dp0"
setlocal EnableExtensions EnableDelayedExpansion

And then in the appropriate location the admin rights prompt trigger:

fltmc >nul 2>&1 || (
echo Set UAC = CreateObject^("Shell.Application"^) > "%temp%\GetAdmin.vbs"
echo UAC.ShellExecute "!_FilePath!", "", "", "runas", 1 >> "%temp%\GetAdmin.vbs"
"%temp%\GetAdmin.vbs"
del /f /q "%temp%\GetAdmin.vbs" >nul 2>&1
exit
)

I hope that helps. I feel that I cannot thank you enough for your kindness. So thank you again.

Kind regards,
Codeplayer

Codeplayer 04/11/2016

Re: Administrative rights for RestoreE2B script

Thanks for the code. I haven't seen that before.
The thing is that RestoreE2B needs to work in a minimal WinPE environment and not rely on fltmc or vb script runtime components.
Why not use SWITCH_E2B.exe instead?

SteveSi 04/11/2016

Boot from a USB HDD with two partitions

I have a 1Tb USB3 External HDD
Two primary partitions, the second one has data, the first one is empty.

I would like to install EASY2BOOT in the first one.
When I launch the installer, it says "WARNING: ALL PARTITIONS ON DRIVE 1 WILL BE DESTROYED..."

I don't want to destroy the second partition.

What can I do?
Thanks.

John 26/10/2016

Re: Boot from a USB HDD with two partitions

The cmd script is only for making a new drive.
See http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/make-and-e2b-usb-drive-using-rmprepusb/
Use RMPrepUSB to add the grub4dos boot code using 'Install grub4dos' button and just copy E2B files to the first partition.

SteveSi 26/10/2016

Re: Re: Boot from a USB HDD with two partitions

Thanks SteveSi for the fast answer

John 26/10/2016

Unable to launch the setup application

Hello, Sir,

I found a problem while trying to install Windows 7 and 8. Both of them are AIO x84/x64 activated ISO files . When i pick which system type to install, i see Windows logo and then a blue screen with an error: "Unable to launch the setup application". I tried all of the methods to somehow fix it, (renaming iso to isope, rewriting the program, editing autounattend.xml) except converting iso to imgptn. I also tried to find something about this problem on e2b forums and pretty much on the whole e2b site, but unfortunately, it's not even listed in the list of errors. For example, Windows 10 works fine, without any problems at all. I really like this program and i don't really want to change it if it has such malfunctions.

Thank you in advance for the help.

Crave 21/10/2016

Re: Unable to launch the setup application

AIO ISOs may not work because they have been changed a lot by the developer. You should convert them to a .imgPTN file if they don't work as an ISO file.

SteveSi 21/10/2016

win 7 pe.wi kas iso boot

Hi sir,
Sorry for my poor english.
I have latest version of e2b.
Recently i add win7pe.wim but getting winload.exe missing error. Try with almost wim and no luck. I have bootmgr on root of hdd partition. (format as fat32).
Also i want to know if i can add kas.iso to e2b, because my usb hdd has more than 2 partitions so partnew method cannot get to work.
I know that we can extract kas to rescue folder but i do not want to use this method (may not safe to extract since kas is antivirus rescue)
Try iso boot with some code from rmprep site too, but no luck.
Finally tks for your greate project.
God bless u :)

zhuanglee 17/10/2016

Re: win 7 pe.wi kas iso boot

A Windows bootable wim file should contain one image and a \windows\system32\loader.exe file should be present. Please check using 7Zip.
What is 'kas.iso' ? Do you mean Kaspersky AntiVirus Rescue disk iso? If so it can be booted directly using E2B. Only one free partition entry is needed.
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/adding-kaspersky-rescue-iso-to.html

SteveSi 17/10/2016

Windows ISOs and imgPTN boot issues

Hello, my apologies if I've missed something obvious, but I've been attempting to create a multiboot windows install / linux E2B USB for a couple of days and am flummoxed by windows ISO issues. I've looked through all the tutorials and topics I can but can't find the solution.

I can boot a linux ISO, and create a imgPTN from it and boot it no bother - tested with Puppy Linus.

However, Windows ISOs downloaded from the 'Windows Iso Downloaded' recommended on the site are another story.
- If the plain ISO is used in the correct folder, I get Error 13 Invalid or unsuppoted executable format.
- If I convert to imgPTN I get 'has no menu.lst file'.
- I created working Winsetupfromusb, Sagefile and Rufus USBs, and converted them to ISO/imgPTN, but get the same error
- For each attempt, I can mount the img using Imdisk as a removable drive and explore the contents, but after I attempt to boot, the image becomes corrupted and can no longer be accessed.
- I've tried different USB pens, same problem.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Liam 12/10/2016

Re: Windows ISOs and imgPTN boot issues

Can you describe what USB drive you are using and how you made it, size, make, model, etc.
If it is a flash drive, did you test it with H2TESTW or FakeFlashTest to see if it is a fake one?
You say you can mount an .imgPTN file using ImDisk and see the \menu.lst file and other contents - is the file on your internal Windows drive or are you using the .imgPTN file directly on the USB drive?

SteveSi 12/10/2016

There is not enough space on the disk

I have a problem using MPI to create imgPTN. It always says "there is not enough space on the disk" even though I have increase the size.
Please help. thanks a lot!

Bruce 23/09/2016

Re: There is not enough space on the disk

I include the screenshot here for visual ref. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B7VPcKBuhELCMGgzc1k1YUNsYUU

Bruce 23/09/2016

Re: Re: There is not enough space on the disk

AOI ISOs tend to be heavily compressed. There is a special option when making an ISO that allows an image to contain a single file with multiple entries for duplicate files in the same ISO.
You may have to add a LOT more to the size before it works.

SteveSi 23/09/2016

Windows 10 UEFI install choosing a version?

Is there a way for me to choose a version for UEFI install? For regular windows installation, I have the options to choose between pro and home. But for UEFI it would just install the Pro version every single time. Any workaround here? Thank you so much!

Charles 08/09/2016

Re: Windows 10 UEFI install choosing a version?

When you use the MakePartImage script, it should prompt you to delete or make a EI.CFG file. For a Win8/10 standard Retail\OEM ISO, choose R=Retail.

SteveSi 08/09/2016

Error on Windows iso

I have a 6,4GB iso of Windows 10 with both 32 and 64 bit Pro & Home edition. When i choose the version to install and pick 64bit i get a fvevol.sys error. Can someone help? Thanks in advance.

JimP 29/08/2016

Re: Error on Windows iso

From Googling, it seems that this is something to do with BitLocker. Several people have fixed it by updating the BIOS/firmware to a later version.
Does this error only happen on one type of system?

SteveSi 29/08/2016

Re: Re: Error on Windows iso

It happens on every system i try to install the 64 bit version.

JimP 29/08/2016

Re: Re: Re: Error on Windows iso

Try a different ISO. If that gives the same problem, then it must be a problem with your systems?

SteveSi 29/08/2016

Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

Hello, There is a E2B page where linux with persistence, one should use imgPTN for multiboot + persistence. Which leads to http://rmprepusb.blogspot.com.br/2015/08/add-debian-live-iso-with-persistence-to.html but not a word about imgPTN tutorial. What's the proper way of doing it? Or should I look other distro tutorial for equivalence. Have patience and a great time! Capum

Capum 19/08/2016

Re: Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

Hi,
The Debian-live-8.5.0-amd64-lxde-desktop.iso does not contain EFI boot files. So I don't think it will be UEFI-bootable. Why don't you use an ISO file + persistence and MBR booting?

SteveSi 19/08/2016

Re: Re: Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

UEFI with legacy boot? sure! actually this notebook is BIOS, just checked that. I could manage it if I wasn't kind lost, you have two pages about linux persistence. Could I use the the guide page with more reliable ext3,4 volume instead? thanks it's amazing tool.

Capum 19/08/2016

Re: Re: Re: Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

If you just want legacy BIOS boot, then you dont need a .imgPTN file.
See \_ISO\docs\Sample mnu files\linux
debian-live-8.1.0-amd64-mate-desktop_Persistent.mnu
and the blog post on how to make a persistence file.
A persistence file of ext3 or ext4 is more reliable in case of file corruption (which happens a lot with USB drives because you tend to just switch off the system or remove the drive without shutting down properly!).

SteveSi 19/08/2016

Re: Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

This way... would it be multiboot ?

Capum 19/08/2016

Re: Re: Debian (lxde) multiboot + persistence

Yes, you can have as many Debian ISOs as you like and as many persistence files as you like - just use a different persistence file for each one and edit the .mnu file to use the named ISO and persistence file.

SteveSi 19/08/2016

Manual Key input for Windows description

Hello!

Thank you for the best working USB-MUltiboot solution (at least for me). :)

Recently I had to enter the Generíc Windows setup key multiple times for different setups. When choosing to manually enter a key in E2B, the description says something like "25 digits". So I sometimes entered the key unhyphenated (without dashes) because otherwise it wouldn't have been 25 digits, but 29. Of course this was wrong and I had to enter the key a second time, including dashes. So I wanted to suggest that you might add a little hint, that dashes have to be input, too?

:)

ElMariachi 19/08/2016

Re: Manual Key input for Windows description

Hi
Thanks for the feedback. In the English version of 1.82 it says
'Product keys must be in AAAAA-BBBBB-CCCCC-DDDDD-EEEEE format (29 characters)'
So are you using an old version or a different language?
Also, what Generic Product Key are you entering? I thought that I had all the generic keys in the list?

SteveSi 19/08/2016

Re: Re: Manual Key input for Windows description

I looked through the languages files and the German one says 25 instead of 29. I will fix this in next v1.83 Beta.

SteveSi 19/08/2016

SDI_CHOCO

Has anyone tried the SDI_CHOCO feature in v1.82 yet? Any questions? Just looking for feedback...

SteveSi 08/08/2016

how can I use ghost.exe

I want to use ghost11
the file name is "ghost.exe"
not .iso and .img
how can I use it in E2B? dos? or other ways
thanks

hao 19/07/2016

Re: how can I use ghost.exe

Ghost.exe is (probably) a Windows executable, so it must be run under Windows.
You could try booting to a Windows 10 ISO to Setup, then press SHIFT+F10 and then run Ghost from the E2B USb drive (e.g. D:\Ghost.exe if D: is the USB drive).

SteveSi 19/07/2016

Error grub

Hi!
I have problem and I want to avoid reinstall.

message error:

Booting from hard disk...
GRUB loading.
error: no such device: 4d074ea1-008f-4cf9-a6c5-1a7fb76c38f2
Entering rescue mode...
grub rescue>

ty

Sheeddy 19/07/2016

deleted

nada

nobody 19/07/2016

Re: Error grub

It sounds like the partition has been changed/deleted/formatted. Try booting from USB and use gparted to look at the partition or try an automatic boot repair utility
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/add-boot-repair-disk-isos-to-e2b-multi.html

SteveSi 19/07/2016

Re: Re: Error grub

sorry, I was not specific.
The error is in the booting from USB and room "QEMU_MENU_TEST"
view the image->
http://prntscr.com/bux02v

TY and sorry for hassle.

Sheeddy 19/07/2016

Re: Re: Re: Error grub

E2B uses grub4dos not grub.
It looks like something has installed grub onto the USB drive. Use RMPrepUSB - Install grub4dos and run twice, once with Yes and once with No option.

SteveSi 20/07/2016

Slackware Live with persistence.

Hi,

1. How to create Slackware Live with persistence (Ext2 / Ext4 persistence file). http://alien.slackbook.org/blog/slackware-live-edition-1-1-0-comes-with-the-latest-plasma5-on-iso/

2. How to make Remix OS / Phoenix OS with persistence.

Thanks.

babam 19/06/2016

Re: Slackware Live with persistence.

See blog tutorials
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/p/easy2boot-useful-blogs.html

SteveSi 20/06/2016

Mastering E2B

Hey guys,

1st thanks for your great tools.

I've been trying for almost 3 hours now, i swear you, but i can't build that multiboot usb.

Tried the standard iso way, tried the conversion to .imgPTN also ... with NTFS or FAT32 (the drive and the files).
My BIOS can even handle both UEFI and legacy mode, i switched couple of times ... but i always fail, i must be noob.
I also checked /EFI/BOOT stuff.

Does the problem could be because i have multi os on my drive (seven and 8.1)? The default one is Windows 7 x64.
It's GPT NTFS formating.

It never wants to boot on this USB key.

Am i really that noob ?
Maybe I missed a useful link ???

Palteza 13/06/2016

Re: Mastering E2B

Booting from GPT USb drives is not supported

SteveSi 14/06/2016

Re: Re: Mastering E2B

Ok that means i have to format my hard drive in MBR ?

Palteza 14/06/2016

Re: Re: Re: Mastering E2B

Yes - format as two partitions.
First one 137GB NTFS for E2B, 2nd one as rest (up to 2TB).
Instructions are on this site
http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/make-and-e2b-usb-drive-using-rmprepusb/

SteveSi 14/06/2016

Lenovo tools

Hi sir, I have a lenovo tools that can update and edit machine type model of laptop,it is used and run only on a usb flash disk, i convert this utility into an iso (converting all contents into 1 file) when i copy this iso to my easy drive, the utility run but when i tried to use the functionality it always prompts that eeprom is write protected..is there other way to avoid this error anytime i used this utility.

jojo baquir 07/06/2016

Re: Lenovo tools

You should convert the flash drive to a .imgPTN file and boot from that. P.S. Are you sure that when you use the Lenovo USB flash drive it works on the same system?

SteveSi 07/06/2016

Re: Re: Lenovo tools

You can also make a .ima floppy disk image - see http://rmprepusb.blogspot.com/2016/06/adding-lenovo-maintenance-utilities-ibm.html

SteveSi 07/06/2016

Windows 7 Install Now, contains all other available versions, menu was slow to load

Hi Steve. Please these questions and experience.

1). I tried Install Windows 7, Easy2Boot displays various commands inbox, but, ¿Is it normal that E2B does not display the "Windows 7 Install Now" window?:
http://s6.postimg.org/9ku02l981/windows7_install_5.jpg

2). Is it normal that E2B displays all other available versions of Windows 7? They are not hidden from view.
Does E2B ignore the ei.cfg file inside ISO?
http://s6.postimg.org/fn1mt2xo1/windows_7_iso_ei_file_removed.png

3). I experienced the trouble that E2B takes a long time to display the Main Menu.
I fixed Load Optimized Defaults from BIOS. Still it works.
Mobo: MSI 760GM-P34 (FX), AMI BIOS version 2013-04-28.
https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/760GM-P34-FX.html#down-bios

Thanks!

Berthollucci 26/05/2016

Re: Windows 7 Install Now, contains all other available versions, menu was slow to load

Q1 - for win7, it is normal
Q2. yes ei.cfg is ignored because we use an unattend.xml file
Q3. Either slow USB drive or slow USB BIOS driver.
Read FAQ - menu is slow to load.

If you want the more standard install experience, convert the ISO to a .imgPTN file.

SteveSi 26/05/2016

need an E2B HELPER USB FLASH DRIVE

Hi.

when I tried to install using a 500GB hard drive appears caption

"install windows froam a sub hard disk you also an E2B HELPER USB flashdrive. if you do not have one you will get a "DVD drive device driver is missing" message"

please help me

luqman 24/05/2016

Re: need an E2B HELPER USB FLASH DRIVE

http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/windows-install-isos/installing-windows-with-a-helper-drive/

SteveSi 25/05/2016

USB formats

Just found this site/program and looks very handy. I do wonder if you use UDF format for the usb device? I have use UDF formats to move large files between Windows and Linux computers. (don't have any apples to play with)

Mark Keith 22/05/2016

RestoreE2B alert ?

Steve,
E2B is the best !
One little suggestion for us beginners about rebuilding an E2B flash drive though . . .
I started out just making an .imgPTN of Gandalf, dropped it into ISO\MAINMENU and the thing booted right off, no problem.

But when I went back to add another .iso, there was no ISO directory to be found because of the repartitioning from booting into an .imgPTN and I was a bit confused.

It took me a while to figure out I would have to run the "RestoreE2B" to get the expected partitions back. Up until then I was starting to think I'd have to rebuild the E2B drive each time I added something new.
Maybe I missed it but you might want to put an alert in there for us beginners.

Nonetheless, thanks a million for all your efforts developing this - it's really cool and I'm looking forward to experimenting and playing around with it.

Kent 17/05/2016

Re: RestoreE2B alert ?

Hi, yes that catches quite a few people.
When you select the .imgPTN file in the E2B menu, you should see a WARNING in lots of colours which you are supposed to read. if you don't read it then you may get a surprise. The first item on the CSM menu is to restore the E2B menu.
You can also use SWITCH_E2B.exe to switch and restore the partition.
How do you suggest I can improve the warning?

SteveSi 17/05/2016

Re: Re: RestoreE2B alert ?

Actually I saw that warning and wrote it down, not really knowing what it was about. I figured it was some expert optional choice as, when you're really excited to see something boot up and run, you're not really in the frame of mind to stop and contemplate something that comes up unexpectedly.
The whole notion that your flash drive is going to have partitions remade and shifted around takes a while for your head to wrap around (but now I get it).
And you don't really absorb it until you run into it. (Very ingenious though.)

So I was thinking, maybe on the "Adding Payload" or "Adding-uefi-images" page(s) something like, "NOTE : once you boot into an .imgPTN . . . . ".
That is, some page where you're in learning mode, so to speak.'
Just an idea.

Kent 17/05/2016

E2B asking for a helper usb, haven't needed one before

I have been using e2b for quite a while with no problems, but today I went to install windows server 2012 and it said I needed a helper usb. I looked into this and it said if my device showed as a fixed device in windows explorer I would need one, but mine shows as a removable device.. Am I missing something?

Josh 13/05/2016

Re: E2B asking for a helper usb, haven't needed one before

grub4dos/E2B cannot tell if the USB device is a Removable type, so E2B just looks at the size of the device and warns you if the USB device appears to be a large device. The inference being that most large USB devices are USB HDDs or Fixed-type removable USB flash drives. If you are sure that your device is a Removable type (as displayed by RMPrepUSB) then just go ahead and press C and ENTER as prompted.
What USB device are you using?

SteveSi 14/05/2016

grub2

Hi Steve.

After booting to grub2 in EFI mode, does it allow for a menu entry to boot the E2B drive in legacy mode (grldr)?

I'm currently using rEFInd on my E2B drive for EFI booting, but it doesn't support manual legacy entries, only those scanned at boot. This boot scan for legacy bootloaders usually fails for external USB drive, depending on mobo, requiring enabling deep_scan option. And deep_scan is too agressive, as it rewrites the mobo boot options permanently (reset to defaults required).

Starla 08/05/2016

Re: grub2

You cannot change from UEFI to Legacy mode.
You can go from Legacy to UEFI by using Clover because Clover is a BIOS-in-RAM implementation of a UEFI BIOS, but AFAIK, there is no equivalent Legacy BIOS-in-RAM for a UEFI-BIOS.

SteveSi 13/05/2016

E2B partition placement problem.

Hello again!
Part II: Continuation of the vicissitudes.
I have decided to merge my Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1 with my external USB HDD 500GB
used for my PC's internal HDD files backup so that I have
E2B boot & repair stuff (partition 1) + the PC's internal HDD's files backup (partition 2)
on a single device (the external USB HDD 500GB)
so that I later can get rid of the unnessesary USB Pendrive.
So I begun to install E2B on the external USB HDD 500GB
following instructions from:
http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/make-and-e2b-usb-drive-using-rmprepusb/
I wanted 20 GB E2B partition,
but because space from 4 GB to 99GB on the external USB HDD 500GB is damaged (bad sectors)
I created 137 000 (137GB) WinPE & NTFS E2B partition (unticked Boot as HDD)
and then in some partition program I shrunk that partition from 137 GB to 20 GB from left to right, (as I did not see in RMPrepUSB a possibility to set start & end of E2B partition, only can set size, thus I had to use so trick) leaving first 99 GB as an unallocated space before E2B partition.
Then behind it, I created a second 346 GB NTFS partition for the PC's internal HDD's files backup.
Then I run "Install grub4dos" thing two times.
Everything completed successfully.

So I got following structure:
0 GB - 99 GB - an unallocated space
99 GB - 119 GB - the first primary 20 GB NTFS partiton with E2B boot & repair stuff
119 GB - 465 GB - the second primary 346 GB NTFS partiton with the PC's internal HDD's files backup

Then I copied all my boot images from Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1 onto the external USB HDD 500GB onto E2B partition.

Then I begun testing phase 1:
1) I Rebooted my PC, and booted successfully to E2B menu.
Then I begun testing phase 2:
2) I Rebooted my PC again to OS, and run SWITCH_E2B.exe, and double-clicked one of imgPTN images to test imgPTN images UEFI booting, and I got an error:
MBR is not an E2B MBR ?
ERROR: MBR on drive 1 does not contain a partition near the start of the drive.
Use 'Safely Remove Drive' System Tray icon and re-insert USB drive.
But I cannot make a 20GB partition near the start of the drive because as I already mentioned before , space from 4GB to 99GB of the drive is unusable and damaged.
So now my question is: does E2B partition must be near the start of the drive?
If not, then how to solve the SWITCH_E2B.exe error issue? (maybe some hack/trick/sector swap?)
If not then maybe for ex. as first 4GB of the drive are undamaged I may create a small 4 GB primary E2B partiton and put E2B stuff there (it takes something like 600+MB) + some of the images and then behind the damaged space, make two logical partitions, and on the first one put rest of the images files, then edit somehow E2B settings to boot the rest of the images from this partition. (I have read somewhere on E2B webpages that this is possible). The second logical partiton will be for the PC's internal HDD's files backup.
This way I will have:
0 GB - 4 GB - the primary 4 GB NTFS partiton with E2B boot & repair stuff (some of the images)
99 GB - 115 GB - the logical 16 GB NTFS partiton with the rest of the images
115 GB - 461 GB - the logical 346 GB NTFS partiton with the PC's internal HDD's files backup
But I would rather prefer to fix the issue in a better way than complicated jugglery of partitions.
Steve, I know you can find the solution,
You are the man !
please help.
Thank You!

Marcinoo 05/05/2016

Re: E2B partition placement problem.

That is a safety feature of SWITCH_E2B to prevent someone from accidentally 'restoring' a drive that contains grub4dos but is not an E2B drive.
You should be able to use the E2B menu to switch partitions (e.g. boot it on a real system or under QEMU or VBox to E2B).
I don't recommend using a known faulty drive. It is bound to let you down just at the wrong time!

SteveSi 05/05/2016

Re: Re: E2B partition placement problem.

Astounding,
it really works !

Since it did not work in OS, I was supposing that it won't work also in menu, thus I didn't even checked nor made sure, however, just right after your post I checked and it really works in menu!

Thanks for creating E2B, it make life easier !

And as regards damaged disks, I am aware of risks and danger, however you're right, such damaged disks may fail at any time. I don't know myself why I still keep data on it - I think I have gambler :)

Best Regards :)

Marcinoo 05/05/2016

Boot XP VHD from bootmgr blog post (cont).

Ok Steve I've been reviewing the latest English release by SS and the following procedure is used to boot provided ISO/IMG files from DOS bootmgr. Sadly I haven't yet a XP VHD for a quick test. Would you be so kind to confirm it's able to boot yours?

1. Copy your grldr file of choice (ie the one provided at E2B root) to the folder containing your XP VHD file.
2. Rename grldr to payload.mbr (ie Fullxpvhd.mbr).
3. Run BOOTICE>Utilities>Grub4DOS Menu Editor and open Fullxpvhd.mbr.
4. Replace displayed default embedded menu.lst with the commands on your blog post and save changes.
5. BOOTICE>BCD>Other BCD and select your BCD. I use Professional Mode for editing.
6. Right-click any entry under "Application objects" and select "New RealMode Entry".
7. Select the created entry, then on the main panel, right-click "Aplication path", select "Edit" and point to Fullxpvhd.mbr file. You can also edit the "Description" value.

That should work: bootmgr>Fullxpvhd.mbr>ntldr within XP VHD file.

Starla 04/05/2016

Unable to boot sedutil *.img images

Hello,

I have a problem !

I used Win32DiskImager and burned successfully two images:

1) UEFI64_Debug.img
2) Rescue.img

downloaded from

https://github.com/Drive-Trust-Alliance/sedutil/wiki/Executable-Distributions

onto my USB Pendrive #2, and they both successfully booted in UEFI mode.

You may read more about the images here:

https://github.com/Drive-Trust-Alliance/sedutil/wiki/Test-the-PBA (UEFI64_Debug.img)
https://github.com/Drive-Trust-Alliance/sedutil/wiki/Test-the-Rescue-system (Rescue.img)

Now what I want is to add the images to my main Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1 as I always have all boot things on a single pendrive.

First try was simply to put the *.img images into Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1\_ISO\LINUX folder (just out of curiosity and for test purposes as I already know they are UEFI images and won't boot this way), thus as I expected, they both didn't boot, I got a black screen with a char indicator flashing in left-top corner of the screen and I had to reset the computer.

Another try was a proper way, to convert the *.img images to *.imgPTN format.
I made it by program "MakePartImage_AutoRun_FAT32.cmd" from the tool "MPI_Tool_Pack_Plus_CloverLite_064".
I made all strongly with instructions from ReadMe.txt file (except I didn't convert the *.img to *.iso first, but another time I converted to *.iso, and that made no difference) Result was: successfully!
Then I used "SWITCH_E2B.exe" to enable the UEFI images on my Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1 and rebooted the computer but again they fails to boot, the one image just don't even boot, nothing happens, and just the OS boots as usual, and the another one boot to CSM menu (and when I choose boot from current image as MBR) the same thing happens like in "First try", I got a black screen with a char indicator flashing in left-top corner of the screen and the USB Pendrive flashing to infinity and I had to reset the computer.

Perhaps the images require some special settings to get booting?

Please, help!

Thanks.

Marcinoo 04/05/2016

Re: Unable to boot sedutil *.img images

I forgot to add that I already have Windows 7 64 SP1 UEFI.imgPNT on my Easy2Boot USB Pendrive #1 and it boot with no problems (as I also used it to install W7 on my computer)

Marcinoo 04/05/2016

Re: Unable to boot sedutil *.img images

Hi
Something odd is going on when 7zip upacks the images. When you use the rescue.img file with MPI_FAT32 you get a 0.img file inside the .imgPTN file instead of it extracting the files!
However, if you copy this 0.img file and place it on the E2B partition at \_ISO\LINUX (for instance) it boots fine!
Its a similar story with the EFI DEBUG file - for this, just extract the contents to an empty folder and then drag and drop the folder onto the MPI_FAT32 shortcut. Then you can boot the .imgPTN file (but it doesn't seem to like booting with Clover - you must UEFI-boot from a UEFI system).

SteveSi 04/05/2016

Re: Re: Unable to boot sedutil *.img images

Hi again,

I confirm, odd things happens when extracting the both images by 7zip., it seems that there is some bug in 7zip or the images are corrupted in some way or there is some conflict between 7zip and the images.

I extracted both images by 7zip but at the end of the both extractions I got:
"Warning: there are some data after the end of the payload data" for Rescue image and
"Unexpected end of data" for EFI Debug image.

However, I followed your workarounds and both image are booting this way.

Thanks.
Best Regs

Marcinoo 04/05/2016

XP not in C drive

Hi.
After successfully installing XP to my Win 7 laptop, all is well, except I have some old software that has to be installed to drive C: - but C is a small system partition and XP is in a partition called D.
Is there a way to get the XP to be in C: not D:
Hope that makes sense!

Graham 03/05/2016

Re: XP not in C drive

I don't think you can change it (at least not easily and without some risk of it not booting again!).
I would re-order the partitions and then re-install XP.
http://www.computing.net/answers/windows-xp/rename-drive-letter-on-xp-installation/196484.html
OR
hide the first small partition (e.g. set to Type=27hex or 17hex instead of 07hex if NTFS) and then delete the large ptn and reformat it. Then *reboot* to XP Setup and install to the large ptn (which is the only one XP should see).
Also, make sure you boot using the BIOS Boot Selection Pop-Up box, do not set the E2B USB drive as the first hard disk in the BIOS.

SteveSi 03/05/2016

Re: Re: XP not in C drive

Thanks for the reply!
The weird thing is, when I boot into Win7, the 300MB System partition is there, but it has no drive letter allocated, so Win 7 in in C: .... When I boot XP, the Win 7 partition appears as F:, the system partition appears as C instead of no letter.
Previously, the machine dual booted Win7 32 or 64 bit, in both cases the booted partition appeared as C. I wonder if there's something in the MBR that controls this?

Graham 03/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

What partition type is the 300MB system partition? Is it hidden? If it is set as the Active partition then maybe XP assumes that it is the system partition? If you set the larger boot partition as Active, then installed XP and then changed it back so the 300MB ptn was active (and re-installed your boot manager), it would be happy?

SteveSi 03/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

Good thoughts, thank you.. I'll have a poke around. At first I thought it was a quirk of e2b, or rmprepusb, but then Win 7 would likely be the same. Ideally I'd get rid of that partition, but re-installing W7 would be a nightmare, so much installed software....

Graham 03/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

XP Setup tells you what drive letter it is going to use. So only start the install if it says C:.

SteveSi 03/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

Can I assign a drive letter via e2b? As when I create the partition I'm in win7, and that already uses drive C. I actually told it not to assign a drive letter, but I've never been convinced Windows pays attention to that.
Meanwhile, the boot manager entries are:
Entry #1
Name: Windows 7
BCD ID: {current}
Drive: C:\
Bootloader Path: \windows\system32\winload.exe

Entry #2
Name: Microsoft Windows XP
BCD ID: {e7ae09f6-96a4-11e0-ae57-d033c0a160e3}
Device: \Device\HarddiskVolume1
Bootloader Path: \NST\ntldr

... does the device: setting come from e2b? If I could alter that to match the Win7 entry it may also work?

Graham 03/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

Ok, so it seems Win7 creates a small hidden partition for it's boot stuff, and to allow for bitlocker.
Win XP can't boot from an un-lettered partition.
So, I either have to delete the system partition, or try and symlink C: to D: in Xp...
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/71363-system-reserved-partition-delete.html

Graham 04/05/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: XP not in C drive

So, I fixed this.. Hope it will help someone else too!
I removed the small system partiton as per this process:
https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/kb/article.php?id=409
Thanks for helping!

Graham 04/05/2016

Boot XP VHD from bootmgr blog post.

Hi Steve.

Very interesting post. I've seen that approach before being used in Sergei Strelec's DOS section of his distros, for booting different ISOs, IMGs, etc, from a bootmgr menu, but didn't know how those .MBR files (which seem to contain grldr + corresponding boot commands) where generated.

According to your blog post, .MBR files act as the the grldr written to the MBR in our E2B drives, but also includes info about the correct ANGx file to load. And the ANGx files would be the equivalent of grldr at E2B root, but including custom boot command for each payload.

On SS distros, only .MBR + payload pairs are used, there aren't multiple ANGx equivalents at distro root or elsewhere. So my question is: are the .MBR files (as created by EasyBCD) actually required as the entry point in BCD? Could the BCD entry simply point to the ANGx file of choice?

Starla 28/04/2016

Re: Boot XP VHD from bootmgr blog post.

If it was possible, then there would be no need for the mbr file!
The mbr file is just the same as the boot mbr+first 20 sectors which searches for grldr. They have modified it so it searches for ang0. Ang0 is just grldr but with an embedded menu which loads the payload.

Stevesi 28/04/2016

Strelec WinPE WinPE8 x86 WinPE10 x64 06.06.2016

Hey Starla & Steve. Reboot.Pro isn't allowing me to validate my registration email today so I'll go ahead and post this here instead.

I'm having some difficulty getting the latest Strelec (WinPE8 x86 WinPE10 x64) 06.06.2016 to work with my Easy2Boot as an .imgPTN.

I have a UASP mSATA drive in a USB 3 enclosure that's working great for the Win7 & Win10 .imgPTN I have on it. However, when I attempt to boot the Strelec .imgPTN on either PC I have I just get "an operating system wasn't found." I've attempted it as NTFS & Fat32. No change. Also Easy2Boot prompts as follows near the end of the .imgPTN creation.

INFORMATION: LABEL occurs in .LST files
UUID should use F694-A790
CDLABEL should be LABEL
LABEL should use EASY2BOOT
'media=cdrom' should be 'media=usb'
AUTO-CORRECT these? ([Y]/N) :

Whether I select autocorrect or not, still no luck with booting it.

Strelec's boot disc is in the list of tested payload files (it says to do it as FAT32 .imgPTN) however I'm guessing that was previous version???

I didn't pick up on anything in the FAQ, sample menu files, or forum thread on Easy2Boot.com that may help me to figure this out.

The latest Strelec works great with a USB flash drive...albeit mind numbingly slow compared to my high 4k iops mSata. Any ideas how I might debug this???

I'm pretty sure the ISO file extensions would only work if I was using a USB flash drive...even so I tried .isope01 without any luck. Should I try .isowinvh or .isoask or is that a waste of time like I think it would be???

Rangle_Newfangle 26/08/2016

Re: Strelec WinPE WinPE8 x86 WinPE10 x64 06.06.2016

I drag-and-dropped the SS 06.06.2016 ISO onto the MPI_FAT32 desktop shortcut and the .imgPTN seems to work OK for me.
If you boot it as an ISO from a fixed disk, you will need to use ImDisk to mount the ISO file as a virtual CD and then click on the blue MInstall icon in the bottom task bar.

SteveSi 10/09/2016

Re: Strelec WinPE WinPE8 x86 WinPE10 x64 06.06.2016

HELP!! same problem

andrew 19/07/2019

Re: Re: Strelec WinPE WinPE8 x86 WinPE10 x64 06.06.2016

Please start a new thread and state clearly your problem or start a live chat session with me.

SteveSi 19/07/2019

error 13 for ancient Linux

Hello to everybody!

My problem is:

Error 13:(http://grub4dos.chenall.net/e/13)
Invalid or unsupported executable format

I have very ancient RedHat of 2002 year (Linux 2.4.10). It works good.
Now I need to make bootable USB-device with this system.

I have made all the instructions from here:
http://www.easy2boot.com/make-an-easy2boot-usb-drive/

but I have this error message about error 13.

FAQ sais:
This usually means your payload file (.ISO, .IMA, etc) was not bootable or it is corrupt.
Some Windows ISOs are upgrade CDs or DVDs and are not bootable - they are designed to run
from within Windows.

I have tried simple DD-image from my partition /boot
and ISO-image made by "mkisofs" - error 13 both.

Please, help!

Thanks.

torrvic 16/04/2016

Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

Do you mean you have an installed system running Linux (or a Linux 2.4.10 ISO?).
If a live system, what partitions does it have (swap, etc.). You cannot just make an ISO from a live system and expect it to boot! You could maybe try clonezilla to copy the live system to a fresh USB drive. You may have to re-install grub to the USB drive to get it to boot.

SteveSi 16/04/2016

Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

Yes, it is installed system running Linux. Partitions: "/boot", "/" and "swap".
I made ISO-image by command "mkisofs" from "/dev/hdb1" (/boot).
I looked in image by command "od -x rh24boot.iso | more" and saw: first 512 bytes are not zeroes.
(But in DD-image they are zeroes.)

I tried make my own MBR:
1). copy first 512 bytes of "/dev/hdb" (not "/dev/hdb1" !)
2). combined MBR: 446 bytes from Linux (loader) and Partiton Tables from Windows where I have
"easy2boot".

I have the same results: error 13.

May be I understand wrong, (please tell me about it), but I think:
old BIOS-es did not have interruption for reading from USB-devices, due of that old kernels
did not have calls to it,
old kernels (at the first stage of booting) call only BIOS-interruption for reading from
hard disk, therefore they can not mount partitions, can not do anything with USB-device.

I think "easy2boot" makes this job instead Linux-kernel. If I am wrong?

Thanks.

torrvic 19/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

AFAIK, you cannot easily make an ISO from a fully installed linux OS. What you are trying to do will not work (maybe you can find instructions on the internet). A full OS expects to be booting from a rd/wr disk of some sort, not a cd.
You may be able to make a .imgPTN file from the installed OS, but not an ISO. Sorry.

SteveSi 20/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

Thank you for the hint about ".imgPTN" file.
I made it by program "MakePartImage.cmd" from the tool "MPI_Tool_Pack_Plus_CloverLite_064".
I made all strongly with instructions from ReadMe.txt file. Result was: successfully!
Then I have copied it to my USB-drive in the folder "_ISO\MAIN_MENU".
It's name is "rh24b-mkisofs.imgPTN".

When rebooting from my USB-device and selecting my image I have the message:

"(hd0,0) rh24b-mkisofs.imgPTN
WARNING: THIS E2B DRIVE'S PARTITION TABLE IS ABOUT OVERWRITEN!
..............................................................
..............................................................

INFORMATION: *** NO UEFI BOOT FILES IN FIRST PARTITION ***

To boot using UEFI, reboot and select the UEFI:xxxx boot option from your UEFI boot menu.
To switch back to Easy2Boot, boot in non-UEFI mode (Legacy or CSM Mode)
and select the Easy2Boot menu option.
(OPTIONS: a=Make-Active, LBA=Adjust-LBA)

OK to replace the E2B partitions ([Y]/N): "

I am surprised why "hd0,0"? May be "hd1,0"?
I am very surprised why E2B wants to overwrite my Partition Table !
BIOS of my computer is enough old and has not UEFI mode.
If I answer "N" I return back to E2B menu.
If I answer "Y" I get another message:

"Easy2Boot CSM Menu (v0.63) (UUID=..................)
rh24b-mkisofs
0 EASY2BOOT - switch back to Easy2Boot menu
1 BOOT from this drive (MBR mode)
2 Boot from internal Hard Disk [F7]
3 Rebbot [F9]
4 Shutdown [F10]"

The Line "1 BOOT from this drive (MBR mode)" is highlighted.

If I press "Enter" I get the next message:

"BOOTMGR is missing
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart"

I tried this for FAT32, NTFS and ExFat -the same result.
Please, tell me what I do wrong?
Thanks.

torrvic 27/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

As I said, you need a bootable source. You can't just copy some files from a partition and expect it to boot.
Via what mechanism did the redhat system boot? Syslinux, grub, grub2? Do you have the boot files in the source?

SteveSi 27/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

In the source I have partition /boot with all files: vmlinux-2.4.7-10, etc.
I have the directory "grub" with all files: grub.conf, etc.
The version of grub is 0.90.

I think "mkisofs" doesn't make simple copy.
I looked in image by command "od -x rh24b-mkisofs.iso | more" and saw: first 446 bytes are not zeroes.
(But in DD-image they are zeroes. Command "dd" makes just a copy.)

File "rh24b-mkisofs.imgPTN" was made from this source: "rh24b-mkisofs.iso".

Do you mean I should make the .imgPTN from "/dev/hdb1", not from file "rh24b-mkisofs.iso"?

torrvic 28/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

You said: "... you cannot easily make an ISO from a fully installed linux OS."

Now I have found the source of this distro:
http://archive.download.redhat.com/pub/redhat/linux/7.2/es/iso/i386/

May be it would be more easy way?

But there are two ISO files here... I have burned them to CDs. What should I do with them
to get a bootable USB-device? (If I simply copy them to the subdirectory _ISO\LINUX
I get installation USB-device, but I need not installation USB-device, I need bootable.)

In the other words I wish now to make LiveCD USB-device.

Thanks.

torrvic 30/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

Can you not find a LiveCD version?
If you only have the Install CD, then I suggest you install to a spare USB flash drive, but to a single partition with no swap partition (i.e. \ root and \boot on same partition on USB drive). Use FAT32.
Then you can make an imgptn FAT32 file from the flash drive and put the .imgPTN file on your E2B drive.

SteveSi 30/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: error 13 for ancient Linux

got the fix
www.deskdecode.com/how-to-fix-bootmgr-is-missing-error-on-windows-desktop-or-laptop/

kinjo 02/07/2016

Suggestion: add Option to clear/empty keyboard buffer before showing MAIN MENU?

I'm afraid I annoy you by too many posts/suggestions...
Your package is best that can be found, that's why I'm here and not on other site.

(I know about 7-8 programs that make bootable USB drives (I tested only the old XBOOT)
I don't like those that can put only one "thing" on the USB (and waste the entire drive for e.g. 100MB)
I don't like those that extract files because: 1) to copy 100s of small files to an old slow USB flash is just ... very slow; 2) extracted ISO usually prevents using several versions of the "same" ISO)
So, if you are still not (very) annoyed:
Suggestion: add Option to clear/empty keyboard buffer before showing the MAIN MENU
(or do we already have that Option?)
Maybe only when the MAIN MENU is first shown?
_____________________

What happened: during an experiment with Animated_BritneyLZMA I "accidentally" hit [Enter] several times and that sequence was executed (one of the ISO started) after showing the MAIN MENU
I start the Animated_BritneyLZMA from my real MyE2B.cfg by:
!BAT
call /_ISO/docs/BritneyLZMA/BritneyLZMA2.cfg
set GMODE=800
........

Since this was running very slow on QEMU I attempted to cancel it (sorry, I didn't read the code in detail) by [Esc] [Space] [Enter]

in QEMU (I still don't find a time to try VirtualBox + VMUB despite I Downloaded them a week ago):
Can the Animate be cancelled/skipped?
Can the picture be centred (it is in top-left for me)?
I see yellow vertical line of 1-2 pixels wide at the right of the small pictures (like big text cursor?), is this supposed to happen?

BilBg 07/04/2016

Re: Suggestion: add Option to clear/empty keyboard buffer before showing MAIN MENU?

re. SoakKeys - It is a feature of E2B that whilst it is booting, you can press a key (e.g. Ctrl-I) and it will jump to the next menu. If I add SoakKeys code, then this will not be possible. You can add the code yourself if you wish (I can tell you how).
re. Animation- if you have it set as