Forum :: Easy2Boot

Topic: Easy2Boot

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 ssems that g4p 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

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

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 'play' rather than 'infinite' then you cannot abort it.
The position can be changed by specifying a different offx/offy position.
Britney is not a very 'clean' animation in transparent mode, you may see some odd pixels around the edges. Try DNA animation.

SteveSi 09/04/2016

Re: Re: Suggestion: add Option to clear/empty keyboard buffer before showing MAIN MENU?

Here is the contents of a SoakKeys.g4b batch file
!BAT
# soak up any previous key presses
:loopk
# Check for key in BIOS keyboard buffer
call Fn.20
# Call Fn. 19 to get the key character if present
if not %@retval%==-1 call Fn.19 && goto :loopk

I will include \_ISO\e2b\grub\SoakKeys.g4b in the next version of E2B. To use it, add
call /_ISO/e2b/grub/SoakKeys.g4b
anywhere that you want all key presses to be absorbed (e.g. after an animation 'play' command).

SteveSi 09/04/2016

Sample_MyE2B.cfg - not commented line

in Sample_MyE2B.cfg this line have no #
GMODE is set in the lines above - run graphicsmode before splashimage

BilBg 06/04/2016

Re: Sample_MyE2B.cfg - not commented line

Thanks - will fix in next 1.80c

SteveSi 06/04/2016

FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

I think this bug was introduced when NOWINXP checks were implemented.
I don't set NOWINXP - while v1.79 is "installed" I searched for string NOWINXP all the files < 1 MB on the USB (using Total Commander) and the only 2 are:
U:\_ISO\e2b\grub\MenuWinInstall.lst
U:\_ISO\Sample_MyE2B.cfg

Reproduce:
1) install Easy2Boot v1.79 (final) (UPDATE_E2B_DRIVE.CMD)
2) put one ISO in \_ISO\WINDOWS\XP\ (no other ISOs in any \_ISO\WINDOWS\ subdirectory), e.g.:
Windows_XP_Professional_SP3_Nov_2013_Incl_SATA_Drivers.iso

3) boot from USB (I used QEMU_MENU_TEST (run as admin).cmd)
4) Enable FASTLOAD
5) Rebuild Main Menu [F8]
Observe how "WINDOWS INSTALL Menu [Ctrl+I]" is shown

The Bug:
6) Reboot [F9]
"WINDOWS INSTALL Menu [Ctrl+I]" disappears

Notes:
Easy2Boot_v1.78h do not have the bug

in Easy2Boot_v1.78h\_ISO\e2b\grub\menu.lst is this line which is deleted in menu.lst of v1.79 (I don't know if this is the cause of bug):
# add Windows counts to menu for FASTLOAD
if not exist WINCOUNT if exist /FASTLOAD.YES echo -e iftitle [set CALL=%CALL% \&\& set CXP=%CXP% \&\& set CV=%CV% \&\& set C7=%C7% \&\& set C8=%C8% \&\& set C28=%C28% \&\& set C12=%C12% \&\& set C10=%C10% \&\& if 1=0] dummy\nboot\n >> (md)0x3000+0x50

BilBg 06/04/2016

Re: FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

Yes, somehow those two lines got deleted!
Try putting them back in and see if that fixes the problem.

SteveSi 06/04/2016

Re: Re: FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

Don't test using QEMU_TEST because writes don't work very well. Use VBox+VMUB or a real system.

SteveSi 06/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

In this case they are OK
I compared the generated FASTLOAD.MNU from v1.78h and v1.79 - they are different:

v1.78h:
..............
password --md5 $1$1$okAQ3AJUdhqf3TVrwKvJP1
debug 0
set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
#SS
default 1
timeout -1
iftitle [set CALL=1 && set CXP=1 && set CV=0 && set C7=0 && set C8=0 && set C28=0 && set C12=0 && set C10=0 && if 1=0] dummy
boot

set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
..............

v1.79:
..............
password --md5 $1$1$okAQ3AJUdhqf3TVrwKvJP1
debug 0
set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
#menu_defaults.txt
default 1
timeout -1
set MFOLDER=/_ISO/MAINMENU
..............

BilBg 06/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

Try v1.80b in Alternate Download Area

SteveSi 06/04/2016

Re(5): FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

Yes, v1.80b is OK
(Was this affecting only XP or all Windows?)

I can only guess what happened for the 2 lines to disappear - maybe you used Ctrl+X to move the lines up/down and then forget about it (no Ctrl+V)
Phone-call? ;)

BilBg 07/04/2016

Re: Re(5): FASTLOAD bug in new Easy2Boot versions (v1.78h is OK, v1.79 have the bug)

Don't know how it happened (maybe WinMerge accident??). Yes, it would affect all Windows Install menu entries, not just XP.

SteveSi 07/04/2016

MPI_Tool_Pack - MakePartImage.cmd fails in rare (my) case

in MakePartImage.cmd , line:
for %%a in (U T S R Q P O N M L K I H G F E D) do (

- is there a special reason to omit J and V W X Y Z in search for a free drive letter?

In my case the only free drive letters are V W Z so the above fails with:
"Can't find an spare driveletter to mount RAMDRIVE on."
(3 HDDs (c-i, x, y), DVD j, Alcohol 120% (k-t), USB flash (u) = free are V W Z)

I changed the line and .imgPTN was created OK using V as the first found free:
for %%a in (U T S R Q P O N M L K J I H G F E D V W X Y Z) do (

BilBg 04/04/2016

Re: MPI_Tool_Pack - MakePartImage.cmd fails in rare (my) case

Missing J was an oversight
I omitted VWXYZ just because I thought that no one would have more than 20 drives!
I will fix in next version 0.065

SteveSi 04/04/2016

What USB 2.0 flash drive works with E2B?

Hi Steve,
What USB 2.0 flash drives have you tested that work with Easy2Boot? I am going to buy a new one but i'm afraid that it could be one of the Windows To Go drives that are recognized as fixed disk by Windows.

Carlos 24/03/2016

Re: What USB 2.0 flash drive works with E2B?

I recommend a SanDisk Cruzer Extreme USB 3.0.
It is removable and compatible with USB 2.0. Fast and reasonably priced with retractable connector (so no cap to lose).

SteveSi 25/03/2016

Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

(This report is only for info - fix only if/as you wish)

Windows XP
Easy2Boot_v1.77A ... 1.79b
Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 (Robocopy GUI 3.1.2.0 - 2006) (I think the last Robocopy for XP)

Robocopy GUI (UtilitySpotlight2006_11.exe) from:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2006.11.utilityspotlight.aspx

Before installing: UPDATE_E2B_DRIVE.CMD was working using XCOPY

After installing:
ROBOCOPY.EXE is in D:\WINDOWS\system32\
UPDATE_E2B_DRIVE.CMD gives error about Robocopy fail and exits (do not try to use XCOPY)

To remedy: I just edit the .CMD file to remove /MT:1 so the line for me is:
robocopy "%~dp0\" %USB%:\\ /E /NFL /NDL /NJH /r:2 /w:3 /XF %~nx0 "MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE (run as admin).cmd" E2B_ReadMe.txt

BilBg 24/03/2016

Re: Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

Thanks,
The MT:1 is needed for Vista+ because without it we get fragmented files. The Xp version is single-threaded anyway (I think). Most people won't have robocopy in XP and it is MS copyright so I cannot include it in E2B.

SteveSi 24/03/2016

Re: Re: Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

From:
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc733145.aspx
"
/MT[:N]
Creates multi-threaded copies with N threads. N must be an integer between 1 and 128.
The default value for N is 8.

Note
The /MT parameter applies to Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.
"
So:
1) It seems to me "The default value for N is 8" applies Only if you actually use /MT and omit [:N]
i.e. without /MT on cmdline Robocopy will not "Create multi-threaded copies with 8 threads" (= will just use 1 copy thread)?

2) Are you sure Vista version of Robocopy have /MT switch? ("Note: The /MT parameter applies to Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7")

BilBg 25/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

No, the default of 8 applies if you do not specify the switch. I found that when I used just Robocopy default switches to copy the files, it produces fragmented files. That is why I had to specify 1.
Maybe also not in Vista (I haven't tested that).

SteveSi 25/03/2016

Re(4): Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

In old unused installation of original Vista 32-bit (no SP1) I found Robocopy.exe in the usual place (\Windows\System32\)

It can't start on Windows XP ("Robocopy.exe is not a valid Win32 application.") to use /? but Unicode strings are visible inside the Robocopy.exe (using Total Commander - F3 View)

It also don't have /MT switch
(I don't know how it is on Vista SP1, SP2)

The Properties of the two files (all is Copy/Paste):

XP file:

ROBOCOPY.EXE 212992 22.11.2005 06:14
1bf6e85078ca54fed534afdb436b2ecc *ROBOCOPY.EXE
File version: 5.1.2600.26
Product Version: XP026
Copyright 1995-2005

Vista file:

Robocopy.exe 87040 02.11.2006 11:45
f7a0790ebc72bd740137fa0c12aaf79f *Robocopy.exe
File version: 5.1.10.1027
Product Version: XP027
Copyright 1995-2004

BilBg 26/03/2016

Re: Re(4): Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

v1.79 should work with the XP version of robocopy now.

SteveSi 01/04/2016

Re(6): Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

:) Yes, v1.79 works (I didn't expected such kind of detection using /? ;) )

BilBg 05/04/2016

Re: Re(6): Bug report - Robocopy 5.1.2600.26 for XP do Not support /MT:1 switch

Yes, it's a nice way to check different versions which I thought of, and I have used it several times before (e.g. checking grub4dos versions).

SteveSi 06/04/2016

Grub4dos dd command

Hi Steve,
You're grub4dos master while i'm new with grub4dos. Please forgive me if my question is a stupid question. Tks

With dd command

dd if=(hd0)30+1 of=(hd0,0)/MBR.BIN
dd if=(hd0)60+1 of=(hd0,0)/MBR.BIN
these command backup grub4dos MBR.
So my question is: grub4dos always locate at (hd0)30 and (hd0)60 ?? Can you explain what (hd0)30 vs 60 mean?

And to backup current PBR, we use

if=()+1 of=()/PBR.BIN

so my question is how can I backup PBR at partition 2?

and some other "special" parameter such as skip= seek= bs= count=

Tks.

thailand_guy 09/03/2016

Re: Grub4dos dd command

http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/grub4dos#TOC-Using-dd-to-edit-sectors
so to back up PBR of ptn 2 use
dd if=(hd0,1)0+1 of=(hd0,0)/PBR2.BIN
but file PBR2.BIN must already exist and be 512 bytes or larger in size.

SteveSi 09/03/2016

Re: Re: Grub4dos dd command

Dear master,
Your tut is very very detail.
I'll read it carefully.
And another question, from your tut, it say that the best way to install grub4dos for USB is use RMPrepUSB.
After download and use RMprepUSB, i foud that grub4dos is not latest ver, and i replace grldr with grldr from E2B.
But after replace, grub4dos stuck with text say that

grub4dos 0.4.6a 2016-03-03, root is (0x80,0)
Processing the preset menu ....
grub4dos 0.4.6a 2016-03-03, root is (0x80,0)
Processing menu file /menu.lst ....

My menu.lst is very very simple.
If replace it with menu.lst from E2B then it work.
Can you tell me why?
Tks, master.

thailand_guy 09/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Grub4dos dd command

This forum is about E2B, not grub4dos.
If you have any questions about grub4dos or RMPrepUSB, etc. either use Contact Me form or reboot.pro forums.
If you have questions about E2B then post here.

SteveSi 09/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Grub4dos dd command

Oh, i'm sorry.
I will create an account then start new topic. tks

thailand_guy 09/03/2016

DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

Hi Steve,
i'm come from Vietnam and i use DLC/DLCD Boot instead Hiren's.
After some works, I found that if I boot DLC.ISO with map 0xff or map hd32, then MiniXP get BSOD error.
But if I boot to DLC with extract method then boot to MiniXP and it boot fine.
Can you explain what differences between ISO boot with extract Boot? Tks

p/s: I'm sorry for my bad English
p/s2: ISO Boot work fine with E2B (.WH extension), I just want to know why map 0xff not work
Tks :)

congnt92 06/03/2016

Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-boot-iso.html

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

Hi Steve,
Tks for your reply.
Your link is useful for newbie like me. But this problem only happen for me, not others.
If extract ISO then MiniXP boot OK.

congnt92 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

What do you mean 'it only happens for me'?
How does it know who you are?
What if you wear a mask?
Seriously, what do you mean?
Do you mean that it only happens on one particular computer? How many have you tried? Have you tried booting via QEMU or VBox? It should boot OK. So the problem is that your system is different from normal systems?
So maybe look at your system memory size, CPU, etc?

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

Hi Steve,
I'm sorry if I say something make you not happy.
I just want to say that: with same XP.WIM, i can boot it with extract method, but if i boot with ISO boot then get BSOD.
With the same ISO Boot code, virtualbox or some other machines boot fine (my friend laptop, and some other DLC Boot user). My laptop 5 years old, corei3, 2gb RAM
Here the code in case you need. Tks
title DLC Boot (ISO)
set isoname=/DLC.ISO
map %isoname% (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff) || rootnoverify (0xff)
chainloader (0xff)
boot

congnt92 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

I have already communicated with you on reboot.pro, and we discussed using e820cycles parameter and also loading whole ISO into memory using map --mem (which you have not replied to). Except that discussion was about Hirens not DLC.
The BIOS on your system is 'bad'. If there is no new version of BIOS, you just have to try different methods and see what works.

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: DLCD/DLC MiniXP BSOD

Hi Steve,
May you have a confusing here.
After you hint me try map --mem method, I reported it's still BSOD via inbox.
And it's is MiniXP from LiveXP project with wimboot method not Hiren.
After each advice that you give me, I alway try and report to you.
Please forgive me if I say something wrong via inbox.
Tks

congnt92 07/03/2016

E2B NTFS+FAT32

Hi sir,
I want to create USB multi partition with FAT32 for some Linux persistence and NTFS for ISO Windows install.
I do not know why grub4dos can map an ISO put on another partition while you say that
"You can move and run payload files (but not Windows Install ISOs) to other partitions or even on other drives."
ISO was map to (0xff) and chainload from (0xff) so it's not important where to put Windows Install ISO, right?

Tks

kayathone 05/03/2016

Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Windows and linux boot in two stages:
1. Use BIOS (or UEFI) to boot from media
2. Load own OS drivers and access media direct

Consider Windows ISO. grub4dos can map ISO as a CD and we can start Phase 1 because it uses BIOS calls to access media and load OS drivers. Now in Phase 2, Windows uses Windows drivers. All grub4dos BIOS mapping is lost - Windows drivers do not use BIOS, they access the media direct but all they find is .ISO file, not \sources\install.wim, etc. because it is inside the ISO. Also, if E2B is a Removable USB drive, Windows can only access 1st partition.
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-boot-iso.html
http://www.easy2boot.com/faq-/how-e2b-works/

SteveSi 05/03/2016

Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

For linux persistence, use NTFS E2B drive and create ext2 files.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/linux-isos/linux-with-persistence/
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/persistence/
or can have full linux OS (not boot from ISO but fully installed)
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/how-to-have-multiple-fully-installed.html

SteveSi 05/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Hi sir,
Tks for your reply.
And i'm sorry but can i ask a question?
I do not think that Linux can work with NTFS USB.
I tried to boot ubuntu ISO file from harddisk with grub4dos, it boot fine if ISO put on FAT32 partition but fail if i put it to NTFS partition.
If you need screenshot, i can give you later.

kayathone 05/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Many linux distros work OK with NTFS.
It depends on what linux distro you have and how you are booting it.
Please use Contact Me form and I will email back.
I need details.

SteveSi 05/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Hi sir,
Because partnew will not work with my HDD, so I use this code

title ubuntu
find --set-root /ISO/ubuntu.iso
map /ISO/ubuntu.iso (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff)
kernel /casper/vmlinuz file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper persistent iso-scan/filename=/ISO/ubuntu.ISO splash
initrd /casper/initrd.lz
boot

On NTFS partition, I create ISO folder, then rename Ubuntu ISO to Ubuntu.ISO and put it here. Boot and error.
But if I format this partition to Fa32, then it boot fine.
Tks
p/s: I'm not test with many ISO, just Ubuntu, Kubuntu.

kayathone 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

older versions of Ubuntu does not like 'persistent' on NTFS.
Remove word persistent and try.
http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/ubuntu
Ubuntu 13 and 15 do work on NTFS+persistent cheat code.
P.S. case-sensitive - .iso .ISO ???
If you need 'persistent' then check casper-rw volume is not corrupt.

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Hi sir,
i use lastest ubuntu ISO, download from homepage.
And you say that ubuntu 15 do work on NTFS with cheat code. So you meant "partnew" command.
I cannot use partnew command on HDD.
Tks.

kayathone 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

This works OK for me on NTFS
title Ubuntu 15.10\n Boot using .mnu file
set ISO=/_ISO/LINUX/ubuntu-15.10-desktop-amd64.iso
map %ISO% (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff)
set k=/casper/vmlinuz
if exist /casper/vmlinuz.efi set k=/casper/vmlinuz.efi
kernel %k% file=/cdrom/preseed/ubuntu.seed boot=casper iso-scan/filename=%ISO% quiet splash --
initrd /casper/initrd.lz
boot

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Tks sir,
I will try it now.
How can i use this code if i need a persistence.

kayathone 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

As I said, it does not work using a \casper-rw file because it does not detect it on an NTFS partition.
You could create a separate partition on the hard disk with a volume name of casper-rw and formatted as ext2/3/4.

SteveSi 06/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: E2B NTFS+FAT32

Greate. Now I clearly understand. Tks, Sir

kayathone 07/03/2016

Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
from e2b website, i found a method that we can use NTFS for UEFI.
After following your method5, UEFI boot fine but I get grub2 command instead of loading grub.cfg file
Can you tell me which step i did wrong

- Create 2 partition, one Fat32, one NTFS
- Copy EFI 2 go files to FAT32 partition
- Swap to NTFS by RMPrep
- Copy all contents of E2B to here
- install g4d to MBR and PBR by RMPrep
- Make imgPTN then rename to imgPTNlba23
- Swith to imgPTN by Switch USB.exe
- Boot to UEFI machine
Tks

zhuanglee 04/03/2016

Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Once you have switched, check the partitions.
ptn 1 should be NTFS and contain the payload files
ptn2 should be FAT32 and contain the EFI folder and EFIToGo files.

SteveSi 04/03/2016

Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

tks for your quick reply.
As you describe, i think you are saying about method 4. I follow method 5 which need rufus or EFI 2 Go files from download area.
That's right?

zhuanglee 04/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Sorry, you are right (I got confused with Method 4).
See previous edited post!
What do you mean about grub2?
What are you booting to?

SteveSi 04/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
I have EFI folder put in NTFS partition and of course this NTFS par has E2B files.
In EFI folder, i have boox64.efi which configfile boot/grub/grub.cfg (this .efi file from Androidx86).
My goal is, if we boot on legacy machine, then E2B will work.
If we boot on UEFI machine, then EFI file from fat32 partition will call bootx64.efi file from NTFS par then this file config file grub.cfg and display menu for booting Androidx86 on UEFI.
Tks

zhuanglee 05/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

If you can boot to grub2, then it has worked.
The grub.cfg may be wrong for working from the 2nd partition.

SteveSi 05/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

The E2B NTFS partition should not have an EFI folder (it does't need it).
You make a .imgPTNLBA23 file from the android iso using MPI_NTFS shortcut.
When you switch to it using Switch_E2B, then it should already have an EFI\boot folder with either bootx64.efi and/or bootia32.efi (from the android ISO). If it does not contain either, then the original source did not support UEFI-booting.
So we should have:
Ptn1: NTFS with all android files + CSM files
Ptn2: FAT32 EFIToGo files
I that what you have?

Why do you need NTFS? Why not just make a FAT32 .imgPTN file and use that?

SteveSi 08/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
After long time now i come back to e2b uefi ntfs. (my laptop has broken and it take long time to fix).
I follow your method 4 but do not know how efi2go file work.
I create android.imgptn and efi (no extension) and put to \_ISO\LINUX folder.
switch e2b drive by click on .imgptn
but i just got ntfs partition. how about efi file and fat32 partition?
Tks

zhuanglee 08/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

You need to create two partition images, e.g.
abc.imgPTN
abc

SteveSi 08/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
Tks for your reply.
I create 2 files: Android.imgptn and android (without extension).
When i run e2b switch, it only detect .imgptn file
I click .imgpnt file to switch USB but USB still NTFS. So i cannot boot to UEFI machine.
Tks

zhuanglee 09/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

As an experiment, name the android file as android1.imgPTN and use Switch_e2b to load just that file. This will check that it is actually the correct format and works as a partition image.
if not, explain how you made the android file.

SteveSi 09/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
Here all of steps that I did.
- Run makee2b.cmd to create a "clean" e2b NTFS usb drive.
- Download make part image and create desktop shortcut.
- Download android.iso and drag it to MPI NTFS shortcut.
- ENTER all step to leave setting default.
- Copy android.imgptn to \_ISO\LINUX folder.
- Download EFI2Go folder and drag to MPI_FAT32 to make android (without extension)
- Copy android to LINUX folder
- Run switch e2b.exe and double click android.imgptn
- E2B switched, and its format is NTFS
- Boot from UEFI machine but it failed
Tks

zhuanglee 10/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

I do not understand why you need to use two partition images? Why don't you just drag-and-drop the androidx86.iso onto the MPI_FAT32 Desktop shortcut to create a ,imgPTN file and use that file? Why do you need to create two partition images and why does one of them need to be NTFS???

Anyway, assuming you have made the NTFS+FAT32 files, does SWITCH_E2B v1.0.10 show:

android.imgPTN :&: android

i.e. two images? It should.

I followed your method using android-x86-4.4-r4.iso and it at least booted under VBox both on a 32-bit UEFI VM and a 64-bit UEFI VM to a console/shell.

You do not specify the EXACT ISO you are booting and you do not give any details except 'but it failed'. So it is difficult to diagnose the problem any further.

SteveSi 10/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

P.S. I see androidx86 has a .img version which it says is for EFI - maybe the ISO does not work for UEFI. Did you try making a FAT32 .imgPTN file from the .img download?

SteveSi 10/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

I downloaded a copy of Remix_OS_for_PC_64_B2016020201_Alpha_EFI.img and dropped it onto MPI_FAT32. It seems to boot OK on UEFI if you select Guest Mode (but not resident mode) on VBox. It doesn't MBR boot.

SteveSi 10/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

I also download the android 5.1.1rc5.img file and converted that via MPI_FAT32 to a .imgPTN file. This boots on my Z87 via 64-bit UEFI (but I had to type exit twice in the shell before it booted to the 'Desktop'). In fact, I am writing this now from within android!

SteveSi 10/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve, tks for your detail reply.
Also i'm sorry for my delay respone.
All of these day, i test many times with some Android base ISO: Androidx86, phoenixos, remixos and consoleos to make sure E2B Boot fine before ask you again.
And of cources all of it work fine if just use one NTFS partition for E2B then use FAT32 imgptn convert.
But It would be greate if we have 2 partition at one: 1 NTFS vs 1 very small FAT32 par with EFI2Go files.
I try to find on your E2B website and found method 4. it is very helpful for me. But i failed when try to test it.
E2B switch only display .imgptn extenstion, so android file (without extension) created from EFI2GO folder cannot be list on E2B switch.
Tks

zhuanglee 14/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Well, it works OK for me. Are you using the latest version? If so, use the Contact Me form and then we can try to find out what is going on by email.

SteveSi 14/04/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Method 5 - NTFS UEFI

Hi Steve,
yesterday i had a busy day.
Now I will take a screenshot for each step then send you via email.
Tks for your support.

zhuanglee 15/04/2016

Tut 96

Hi sir,
I'm very interested your #96 tut.
But automenulinux.bat just work for .ISO file.
Can you update newer version to show some other extensions, such as: .img, .ima, or can you help me make my own automenulinux.bat.
tks, sir

thailand_guy 02/03/2016

Re: Tut 96

I found this command in automenulinux.bat

WENV check "#.iso#"=="#%~x1#" || goto :EOF

so i need check some other extensions, can i edit it to something like

for %%x in (.iso .img .ima ...) WENV check "#%%x#"=="#%~x1#" || goto :EOF

tks

thailand_guy 02/03/2016

Re: Re: Tut 96

The partnew trick only works for linux ISO files. It will not work for other extensions. You have to use different code and methods for other extensions.
Easy2Boot will work for many extensions. Look at the \_ISO\e2b\grub\QRUN.g4b file to see how it works.

SteveSi 02/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Tut 96

Tks steve, i'll try e2b and see how it work.

thailand_guy 02/03/2016

Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Try rename to isowinvh but no luck. since we boot DLC/DLCD by iso boot, then we still need to extract some folder to USB??
Can we use firadisk to mount ISO after boot to winpe ?? Tks

vfcontig 27/02/2016

Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

DLCD normally works with .isowinvh, but why not try .isoask and then test a few other extensions - e.g. isofira.
The best thing for an Hirens ISO is to convert it to a .imgPTN file.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/hirens-isos/

SteveSi 27/02/2016

Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

P.S. for Win8 you can use .isoPE file extension, but E2B must be running from a Removable drive. Otherwise, when you get to the Dekstop of Mini8, run \_ISO\e2b\firadisk\LOADISOPE.cmd to mount the ISO as drive Y:. Then run the menu.exe file from Y:.
E2B v1.78 has new .isoHW file extension.

SteveSi 27/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

tks for detail explain. i try DLCD 2015 ver1.0 with isowinvh but no luck. after boot to desktop, ISO was not mount.
I will try with isoask then report.

vfcontig 28/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

DLCD 2015 has two WinPEs - XP and Win8.
XP will work OK
Win8 will not work unless you have a Removable USB flash drive and name the file .isoPE.
If you use E2B v1.78h, then name the file as .isoHW and it should work for both WinPEs if you have a Removable USB E2B drive.
If your E2B USB drive is a fixed disk, then either extract the DLCD folder onto the E2B USB drive or make a .imgPTN file. This is all explained in the Hirens page in the link I already gave you.

SteveSi 28/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Oh, i'm using Removable USB, not HDD Box
But not ver1.78,
I will update it now then test and report.
tks sir.

vfcontig 29/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Try isowinvh for DLCD on some laptop, MiniXP cannot boot to desktop
winvblock bug??
And where can I download ver1.78h
Tks

vfcontig 29/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Check Alternate Download Area on Download page for Beta versions.
What is model of system that does not work with .isowinvh ? Dell? What model? In what way does it 'not work'?

SteveSi 29/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Try .isowinvh from laptop Toshiba.
Not BSOD, just not logon to desktop

After Logo Windows XP show and disappear, MiniXP hang, screen goto blank.

P/s: Now i try with ver1.78 then report

vfcontig 29/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

ver 1.78h work very well.
but still same error with MiniXP, i don't know why but if i add # before line using winvblock then it work.
so i sure that this problem came from winvblock.
tks.

vfcontig 01/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Hi steve,
I found that i can map firadisk with fd0 then use f6 to load firadisk then use code in menu.lst to tell where .ISO located to mount it after boot to minixp.
can you tell me how to do it?
where can i download firadisk.img
and what grub4dos menu.lst to do?
tks

vfcontig 01/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Does .isofira work?

SteveSi 01/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Use .isoask and try alternatives - e.g. .isowinvhe0 or other e0 alternatives.

SteveSi 01/03/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Full icon for DLC/DLCD

Tks steve, rename to .ISOask then type HW then it works.
i.e. use .isoHW file extension.

vfcontig 02/03/2016

Remove E2B and restore USB

Hi there,

I'm trying to find instructions to remove E2B from a USB and restore it to it's original size.
I've tried formatting but it only shows 4GB of the original 16GB.

Thank you

Jason 22/02/2016

Re: Remove E2B and restore USB

Just formatting a drive under Windows will not change the partition size.
It sounds like you have used a .imgPTN image.
Under Windows you can run \e2b\SWITCH_E2B.exe and Restore E2B partitions - or just use RMPrepUSB to re-partition and re-format the drive.

SteveSi 22/02/2016

Re: Re: Remove E2B and restore USB

Thanks Steve :)

Jason 24/02/2016

automenu

I use AUTOLINUXMENU for multibooting internal HDD.
Is possible to change the created automenu in order by date?

dan 21/02/2016

Re: automenu

No. Grub4dos is not able to get the date of a file.

SteveSi 21/02/2016

Disk write error

Hi Steve
I recently bought a 16 GB Kingston DataTraveler DT 101G2 pen drive and installed Easy2Boot on it, but when i boot from the pen drive and select an ISO file from the Easy2Boot menu i get this error message:
if not exist CD dd if=(bd)%XML% of=()/AutoUnattend.xml > nul
Error 29(http://grub4dos.chennal.net/e/29)
Disk write error
Press any key to continue...
I have updated to the 1.78c beta but the problem persists.
I don't get this error when i boot from a 8 GB Sony Microvault pen drive, which is what i've been using before for Easy2Boot.

Carlos 20/02/2016

Re: Disk write error

It is probably a fake!
Test it using RMPrepUSB - Quick Size Test or FakeFlashTest.
P.S. DT10x are too slow. Alway buy USB 3.0 and preferably fast one like SanDisk Extreme.

SteveSi 20/02/2016

Re: Re: Disk write error

The Quick Size Test didn't report any errors, what else can i do to fix this problem?
Also, i know there are faster pen drives but i can't afford them, they are expensive where i live.

Carlos 21/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Disk write error

Try using QEMU (RMPrepUSB - F11) and see if you get the same error.
What XML file did you pick? What ISO are you running and where is it located? Does it happen with any ISO and any XML file?

SteveSi 21/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Disk write error

With QEMU i get error 21 with a Windows 7 x86 ISO. I always choose the Easy2Boot XML file, the ISO is located at _ISO/WINDOWS/WIN7 and i get the error with any of the XML files. The error also occurs with a Xubuntu 15.10 i386 ISO with persistence but with "partnew (%E2BDEV%,3) 0x0 %ISO%" command instead of the "if not exist..." command above the error 29 text, but after pressing a key to continue and reselecting Xubuntu 2 times, it boots.

Carlos 21/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Disk write error

Something seems wrong with that drive!
It is failing on writes to the drive.
If a different drive works under the same set of conditions, then it points to a faulty drive.

SteveSi 21/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Disk write error

Well, i guess i'll have to buy a new one. Thanks for the help :).

Carlos 21/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Disk write error

Hi,
Well, i'm not sure about this problem, but if your usb has a button that can switch on/off write protected mode then may it is reason.

vfcontig 01/03/2016

Accessing other partitions when booting imgptn

Hello,

I am using a large external usb drive with 2 partitions. The first for booting is 137GB, the second partition is used for storing data/manuals/utilities/various files.

Is there a way to boot from a imgPTN file and still access the second partition? It seems to vanish when an imgPTN file is booted from.

Thanks

Tec 17/02/2016

Re: Accessing other partitions when booting imgptn

Sure, just give the file a .imgPTNLBAa23 file extension.
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/list-of-file-extensions-recognised-by-e2b/

SteveSi 17/02/2016

Grub4dos command

Hi Steve,
I'm new with grub4dos command.
I try cat --locate command and don't know how it work.

boot grub4dos from qemu
type c to get command line
type:
echo 123a > (md)0x300+1
cat --locate=a (md)0x300+1

result: 3
I don't know why is 3. From string "1233a", so the result must be 4??

Can u explain me why? Tks
p/s: i'm sorry for my poor English!

bighero 17/02/2016

Re: Grub4dos command

Cat --locate returns the offset (address of string)
byte at offset 0 = 1
byte at offset 1 = 2
byte at offset 2 = 3
byte at offset 3 = a
use cat --hex --length=16 (md)0x300+1
to see bytes

SteveSi 17/02/2016

Re: Re: Grub4dos command

Oh, tks Steve.
Another question,
Why we must map mem winblock twice

map --mem /winvblock.img.gz (fd0)
map --mem /winvblock.img.gz (fd1)

when install XP from ISO or load Hiren ISO (use from QRUN easy2boot

Tks

bighero 18/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Grub4dos command

You don't have to map twice on many systems. But some systems which have a floppy disk don't work (it has been reported to me), so I map to fd0 and fd1 for best chance of it working.

SteveSi 18/02/2016

openSUSE

Hi Steve,
openSUSE-Edu-li-f-e.x86_64-42.1.1.iso fails to boot under easry2boot(partnew)

dan 11/02/2016

Re: openSUSE

openSUSE live DVDs are a bit tricky!
See http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/boot-opensuse-isos-from-e2b.html

SteveSi 11/02/2016

Re: Re: openSUSE

Thank you Steve, I read it.
This simple way works for me:
1. Format external HDD as NTFS
2. Install Grub4dos
3. Copy openSUSE-Edu-li-f-e.x86_64-42.1.1.iso
4. Create menu.lst:
title openSUSE-Edu-li-f-e.x86_64-42.1.1.iso
root (hd0,0)
set myiso=openSUSE-Edu-li-f-e.x86_64-42.1.1.iso
partnew (hd0,3) 0x00 /%myiso%
map --heads=0 --sectors-per-track=0 /%myiso% (0xff)
map --hook
root (0xff)
chainloader (0xff)

The problem is Partnew/opensuse does not create iso9660 partition but create udf partition instate.

I will email you a screenshot

dan 11/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: openSUSE

Glad it works for you - I cant get it to work for me.
Why is the ISO being visible as a udf a problem?

SteveSi 11/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: openSUSE

Sorry, I did some testing udf looks like cause a problem, but I think the problem is the opensuse.

I found, Easy2boot will work fine to boot opensuse.iso with partnew methode if no hidden/unknown or unallocated partition exist.

During booting opensuse will find in first place the hidden/unknown partition and convert/format to EXT4 and fail to continue booting.
The same with unallocated partition, opensuse will format it and fail to boot.

The solution is you have to format hidden/unknown/unallocated to NTFS/Vfat/ext* etc. or resize to one whole partition.

dan 12/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: openSUSE

I think you are correct. It is making a type 0x83 partition out of any spare space on the drive and then failing to boot. If I use the ISO cheat codes then it doesn't do this. They seem to assume that the OS has been installed on the disk rather than live booting.

SteveSi 12/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: openSUSE

I had a HDD with
PTN1 NTFS
PTN2 NTFS
(very little unused space)
This would not boot. I then reduced the 2nd partition to leave 3GB of unused space at the end of the drive. This still would not boot. I then changed the partnew command to use type 0x83 - now it boots and creates PTN3 as type 0x83 read-write partition.

SteveSi 12/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: openSUSE

Booting opensuse.iso using type 0x83 on external HDD works fine in any way: One whole disk or One PTN with unused big/small space or 3 primary PTNs with space or no space.

But never try booting opensuse.iso using type 0x83 on internal HDD.

dan 15/02/2016

Removing Keybinds

Hi guys,

I'm really interested to know how to remove the keybinds.. or rather how to get the Chars in one line
Example:
0 Utilities [Ctrl+8]
1 Tools [Ctrl+4]
2 Things [Ctrl+2]

Would be nice if anyone could help._.
Thanks !:)

JGR 08/02/2016

Re: Removing Keybinds

Bad example..Thje lines correct theirselfes here ..
I hope you know what i mean

JGR 08/02/2016

Re: Removing Keybinds

Not sure what you mean, but the current hotkeys for the menu folders are set in the STRINGS.txt for each language.
e.g. Copy the \_ISO\e2b\grub\ENG\STRINGS.txt to the \_ISO folder and then change the entries
change
$$STRm018=^Ctrl+O DOS Menu [Ctrl+O]\n MS-DOS and FreeDOS utilities
to
$$STRm018=^Ctrl+2 DOS Menu [Ctrl+2]\n MS-DOS and FreeDOS utilities

SteveSi 08/02/2016

Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

I meant that the "[Ctrl+O]" and so on ... aren't in one row like it should be. The one is more left then then the other one. They are differently shifted.

JGR 09/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

What language?

Stevesi 09/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

German

JGR 09/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

They seem OK to me in E2B v.1.76 and 1.77m?
Are you using latest version? It is easy to update.

SteveSi 09/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

Yep. I updated it yesterday.

JGR 09/02/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Removing Keybinds

Try latest v1.80e and use GERMAN_ALT as language.

SteveSi 14/04/2016

Just load Win8 ISO

How can I make E2B just load a Win8 Core ISO, without asking for a key input or an option with a pre-defined key? We have many machines with keys already embedded on BIOS, so it is not necessary to enter a key before instalation.

Thxdr 26/01/2016

Re: Just load Win8 ISO

If you install exactly the same version, then just pick the correct generic key that is in the E2B key files.
Once the system boots, it should use the BIOS key to activate via the internet.

SteveSi 26/01/2016

Re: Re: Just load Win8 ISO

Thank you.

Thxdr 21/02/2016

About grldr.mbr vs g2ldr.mbr

Hi Steve
Can u tell me what does grldr.mbr do? I found that if we install grub4dos menu entry on windows vista and later, we need to copy grldr.mbr to C:\
So grldr.mbr is need to copy to usb if we install grub4dos to usb??
Same question with g2ldr.mbr.

Tks.

zhuanglee 17/01/2016

Re: About grldr.mbr vs g2ldr.mbr

It depends on how grub/grub4dos is launched. The .mbr files contain the MBR sector data boot code and can be run from the XP boot.ini or Vista+ BCD.
See http://diddy.boot-land.net/grub4dos/files/install_windows.htm for details.
So, if the boot sector of the disk does not contain grub4dos (or the PBR of the active partition), but we boot using Windows NTLDR or bootmgr, then we use a .mbr file to load grub\grub4dos.

SteveSi 24/01/2016

Re: Re: About grldr.mbr vs g2ldr.mbr

Tks for your reply, Steve
grldr and grldr.mbr can be download from grub4dos pack. But I can't find where I can download g2ldr and g2ldr.mbr. Can you send me a link?

I need g2ldr because with g2ldr file I can chainload from grub4dos to grub2

title grub2
kernel /g2ldr

zhuanglee 24/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: About grldr.mbr vs g2ldr.mbr

http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/chainload-syslinux#TOC-Load-grub4dos-from-grub2
http://www.filewatcher.com/m/g2ldr.mbr.8192-0.html

SteveSi 24/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: About grldr.mbr vs g2ldr.mbr

that's great, steve. but how about g2ldr. where can i download it? I mean, latest version (grub2.02 beta)

zhuanglee 24/01/2016

Tut #27 Diagnose how your BIOS boots USB drives

I'm very interest tut #27. But in latest RMPrepUSB version, I cannot found File >> USB to load .bin file.
Can u show me how?

zhuanglee 14/01/2016

Re: Tut #27 Diagnose how your BIOS boots USB drives

File -> Drive button in RMPrepUSB utility.

SteveSi 14/01/2016

Re: Re: Tut #27 Diagnose how your BIOS boots USB drives

Ahh, tks Steve. I see

zhuanglee 15/01/2016

E2B on encrypted disk

hi Steve, there is a way to install E2B in a encrypted disk (any kind of encryption)?
because, some times (against of my desire) I need to borrow my HDD and the other plug it on inffected systems and everytime I need to make it again and again, and again.
there is a way to avoid it by using an encrypted file system?
can u answer me by email too?´
Luciano Branco
A.K.A llbranco

Luciano (aka. llbranco) 06/01/2016

Re: E2B on encrypted disk

I have replied by email, but basically read
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/protection-and-security/

SteveSi 07/01/2016

UEFI and GPT

Hi Steve,
First, I'm sorry for my poor English!
From this link http://windowsitpro.com/windows-8/q-what-tips-will-help-me-install-windows-uefi-machine-i-built-myself,
I read a line which wrote: A UEFI system can boot only from a GPT disk
From easy2boot website - UEFI things to know, you wrote:
"Do I have to use GPT if I want to boot via UEFI?
This is a common misconception!"
I don't clearly understand why we have diffrences between 2 sites. Can you explain why? Tks

congnt92 04/01/2016

Re: UEFI and GPT

Since I can boot via UEFI from a FAT32+NTFS Removable USB drive by using a VHD, which do you think is more accurate!
Windows Setup will not allow you to install to an MBR partitioned disk if you UEFI-boot to Setup, but that doesn't mean it is not possible to UEFI-boot from an MBR partitioned drive!

SteveSi 04/01/2016

Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

Oh, install vs boot. I confuse two concepts.
Cannot INSTALL windows to MBR disk (in UEFI)
But we can BOOT uefi from MBR disk.
Tks Steve!

congnt92 05/01/2016

Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

Hi Steve,
From #127 - How to make Dual-boot 32 & 64-bit MBR & UEFI WinPE USB drive
http://www.rmprepusb.com/tutorials/127-make-dual-32-64bit-pe
I just want to ask a question (Sorry because of rmprepusb.com not allow user leave a comment so I must be ask you here)
Why we must use both of 32 and 64bits Windows PE since we can install Windows 64bits from WinPE 32bits. I read this info from this link
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh824993.aspx
Quote: X:\windows\system32> D:\setup /InstallFrom:"N:\Windows_64-bit\sources\install.wim"
Tks

congnt92 06/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

If you have a UEFI system and want to install Windows in UEFI-mode, you need to first boot via UEFI.
How can you do this on a 32-bit UEFI system and a 64-bit UEFI system unless you have both EFI boot files present?

SteveSi 06/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

But if we can install windows 64bits from 32bits of Win PE sao we just need 32bits version of Win PE, right?

congnt92 07/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

Why not read the article
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh824993.aspx
There is a difference between UEFI-booting and BIOS booting.
How can you boot on a 64-bit UEFI system if you only have 32-bit UEFI boot files?

SteveSi 07/01/2016

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: UEFI and GPT

Ah, Ok. Now i do understand. Tks Steve.

congnt92 07/01/2016

Encryption

Hello. I was wondering if there is any way I could encrypt my entire easy2boot USB drive so that no one could see or use the files on it. I've looked into it but so far I haven't found any useful information on the subject. Thank you.

Ceapa 29/12/2015

Re: Encryption

http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/protection-and-security/

SteveSi 29/12/2015

Back convert imgPTN to iso

Hi. I can convert iso to imgPTN by MakePartImage.cmd. But can I process back operation?

Yura 25/12/2015

Re: Back convert imgPTN to iso

Short answer -> no!

SteveSi 25/12/2015

Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

Hi author.
I'm missing. What happened to the classic Forest with northern lights Background (theme)?, and your other nice backgrounds?
It scares the background with boy closer to a Trash can. x-p .
Moreover, that StripedFlat requesting password. Horrible!
It is "fred"?

Bertholdous Perez 23/12/2015

Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

Hi
You can easily change the background - just add a \_ISO\MyBackground.bmp file or a \_ISO\MyBackground.bmp.gz file.
You can download the old wallpapers and a new Aurora wallpaper from the Themes folder in the Alternate Download Area - Aurora Backgrounds.7z.

SteveSi 23/12/2015

Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

Thanks Steve.

I applied to use a background image of a different name or location (/MyBackgrounds/), copy the configuration file \_ISO\Sample_MyE2B.cfg file to \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg and changing the MyWBMP entry, (bmp images compressed to gzip).

Also, I could see that E2B recognizes jpeg images; and even, images own bitmap not exactly as you advised, ex: 900x506 pix.

Good work with /_ISO/docs/mythemes, I want to apply any of those "scheme fonts" on wallpapers.

I tried these wallpapers:
[URL=http://www.imagebam.com/image/20a114454462021][IMG]http://thumbnails114.imagebam.com/45447/20a114454462021.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://www.imagebam.com/image/2a331a454462062][IMG]http://thumbnails114.imagebam.com/45447/2a331a454462062.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://www.imagebam.com/image/4f7f46454462086][IMG]http://thumbnails114.imagebam.com/45447/4f7f46454462086.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I read: http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/wallpaper/

Bertholdous Perez 25/12/2015

Re: Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

You can use E2B_Editor to design the menu and see also Laura's examples
http://www.1910.eu/

SteveSi 25/12/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

Ok, Ok. Tks.

Steve, I deleted accidentally the autorun.inf file inside E2B pendrive USB.
I tried paste this autorun.inf again, but the file manager displays there is an (invisible) autorun.inf file, dated March 02, 2009, size 5B.
I tried from windows, and distro Linux too.

Bertholdous Perez 26/12/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

You may have a virus?
Configure Windows Explorer to display system and hidden files to see if the autorun.inf file is there. If it is, delete it (you may have to change it's attributes) also run an antivirus program on the USB drive (in Safe Mode).

SteveSi 26/12/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

Hello Steve.
Scanning in secure mode throught Panda Antivirus and Malwarebytes AM. They got 0 threats.
I think if there is a conflict of autorun.inf Panda usb vaccine which could not be properly saved, I think I deleted the proper autorun.inf of E2B.
Or conflict copy/paste to replace factory (invisible) autorun.inf usb harware.
Currently, Panda vaccine Autorun.inf neither can be saved to this pendrive USB. Nevertheless, Panda displays that USB is vaccinated. :-¿ But its autorun.inf would have to be available as hide, but it's not like that.

E2B works nice, I think.
Pendrive USB: Kingston DTSE9 2.0.

Bertholdous Perez 30/12/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Get back those Backgrounds :-¿

See http://rmprepusb.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/remove-panda-vaccine-protection-from_28.html

SteveSi 28/01/2016

Boot from HDD 2

Hi,
by default pressing F7 in E2B will boot from first internal disk. Is it possible to boot from a second internal disk as well without changing boot order in BIOS first?? If yes how can this be enabled optionally within E2B main menu ?
Helmut

HCT 11/12/2015

Re: Boot from HDD 2

Just add a new .mnu text file - e.g. \_ISO\MAINMENU\Boot2.mnu
It should contain a title line and then the comand lines - e.g.

title Boot from Disk 2 \n This will boot from disk 2 in the system
rootnoverify (hd2,0)
chainloader (hd2)+1 || chainloader (hd2,0)+1

It is unusual not to remap the USB drive though, so depending on what is on disk 2, this may not work.

If you want the menu to appear only when there is a 2nd disk present use
iftitle [cat --hex --length=1 (hd2)0+1 >nul] Boot from hd2\n Boot from 2nd disk in system

SteveSi 11/12/2015

Re: Re: Boot from HDD 2

This may work better...

iftitle [cat --hex --length=1 (hd2)0+1 >nul] Boot from Disk 2 \n Boot from second disk
errorcheck off
map (hd0) (hd)
map (hd1) (hd0)
map (hd2) (hd1)
map --hook
# hd0 is now 1st internal disk, hd1 and hd2 is 2nd internal disk, hd3 is USB drive
rootnoverify (hd1,0)
chainloader (hd1)+1 || chainloader (hd1,0)+1

SteveSi 11/12/2015

Re: Boot from HDD 2

That's great!
Exactly what I was searching for. Many thanks.
Helmut

HCT 13/12/2015

persistence

is it possible to have persistence for linux distros?

shmu26 26/11/2015

Re: persistence

http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/persistence/

SteveSi 26/11/2015

imgPTN on USB HDD

Hello. I have another issue with 1.75e.
On my 1TB USB HDD I can't boot imgPTN's anymore, but my USB key works great. I'm getting Error: "Sector at lba30 appears to contain code."
I updated my HDD to 1.75e (from a very old version) and made sure the MBR and PBR were set to Grub 046c (several times) with Bootice. The 60Gb Grub partition is the first one.
I don't want to reformat of course because I'll have to move all of my partitions and 500Gb of data.
Anything to be done?

gggirlgeek 24/11/2015

Re: imgPTN on USB HDD

You probably have grub boot code in sector 30.
You just need to erase that sector.
One way is to use RMPrepUSB - Drive->File - x.mbr - 0 - 1sec - 0 to save a 512byte MBR
Then write it to LBA30 using
RMPrepUSB - File->Drive - x.mbr - 0 - 30 - 0 to write it to sector 30.
Then switching .imgPTN files should work.

SteveSi 24/11/2015

Re: Re: imgPTN on USB HDD

Worked!
I assume by x you meant any .mbr so i used grldr.mbr.
Thank you! Honestly don't know what I'd do without you.

gggirlgeek 24/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: imgPTN on USB HDD

Good!
E2B needs to see an unused sector at LBA30 (full of FF, 00, or E5 bytes) or it should contain a valid MBR.

SteveSi 24/11/2015

Hiren's booting Error

Hi,
After updating to E2B v1.74 I cannot boot my HBCD_16.imgPTNLBA23 formatted as Fat32.
My error: Cannot find the batch label specified: HBCD_16.imgPTNLBA23
Never had this problem before so I updated to v1.75b and no luck. Tried Qemu and same thing. Also tried recreating the imgPTN as imgPTNLBAa and imgPTNLBA23.
I am booting a UEFI system in Legacy CSM mode.

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

Re: Hiren's booting Error

hmm. Not quite sure how it happened, but there are several typos in the labels in QRUN.g4b!!
Please try v1.75BetaD

SteveSi 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

Oops just saw your message about 1.75D. Will try now. Thanks

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

Now nothing will start -- not imgPTN's nor .iso's. They just kick me back into the E2B menu. I used the Update cmd to install 1.75D

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

Seems to be a bug in grub4dos!
I added an extra label and now it doesn't work as a batch file. I will report the bug to chenall.
The label
:.imgPTN23aLBA
seems to cause grub4dos to think it is not a batch file!

SteveSi 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

1.75BetaE available. Should work now!

SteveSi 23/11/2015

Re: Hiren's booting Error

I've gone back to v1.68 for now. Should I just wait for stable 1.75 or 1.76 then?

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

Never mind. I keep posting before I've seen your latest post. :-)
I'll try 1.75e

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: Hiren's booting Error

That did the trick. Thank you!
Thanks also for adding Switch_E2B and the imgPTN format. Life just keeps getting easier with E2B. You're the best!

gggirlgeek 24/11/2015

Re: Hiren's booting Error

Update: I tried rebuilding the drive with E2B 1.74 from scratch. Same result.

gggirlgeek 23/11/2015

E2B 1.74

Working great for me. Thank you so much Steve. Keep on the good work.

E2B menu 1: http://i68.tinypic.com/2r2swh3.png
E2B menu 2: http://i65.tinypic.com/24yy58i.png
PI menu: http://i67.tinypic.com/ic3cqh.png

Starla 08/11/2015

Re: E2B 1.74

Cool menus! very 'steam punk'! Did you use .bmp or .jpg?

SteveSi 08/11/2015

Re: E2B 1.74

BMP-saved resources from extracted FOT:BoS raw assets. And using uncompressed BMP in E2B. Can't notice any boot delay (USB3.0 booting).

Starla 08/11/2015

E2B 1.73 font size...

Hi Steve and everyone else;)

I got a question: Is there any way to change the font size in all E2b menu's?? I try edit string in grub folder (polish language) buy i didn't find any of that option....

Sorry for my Pidgin English - I'm not a champion;)

AdekHadek90 06/11/2015

Re: E2B 1.73 font size...

No not unless you use a GFXboot menu

SteveSi 06/11/2015

Re: Re: E2B 1.73 font size...

I'm used menu wich looks like that:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-osqd4BhlrB8/UZEXSLPRSnI/AAAAAAAAAS8/ECWAxhSXHiQ/s1600/TEST_MyMenu.lst.jgp.jpg

It is gfx menu??

AdekHadek90 07/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: E2B 1.73 font size...

No, GFXMenu is an example of a GFXBoot menu
\_ISO\docs\Templates\GFXMenu
Read
http://www.easy2boot.com/configuring-e2b/gfx-menu-support/

SteveSi 08/11/2015

Re: E2B 1.73 font size...

P.S. E2B now supports large 24-pixel high fonts!

SteveSi 09/04/2016

Re: Re: E2B 1.73 font size...

Hello Steve.
How to change the font size in my menu?

Sergey 30/10/2016

multiboot usb problem

hi face a problem with easy2boot usb during process make multiboot usb plz u tell me how we can send a large file up to 4 gb in our easy2boot usb fat32 file system from our ntfs windows 7 os without split files i,m waiting sir.....?

imran malik 05/11/2015

Re: multiboot usb problem

http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/adding-windows-install-isos-without-needing-a-helper-flash-drive/
If that doesn't help, please give exact details (payload, large files, what you are trying to do, etc.)

SteveSi 05/11/2015

Windows Install .imgPTN Not in Menu

The way I read the instructions, I should be able to create .imgPTN files and place them in the directory, then E2B more or less does the rest. However, for Windows installs, the E2B menu does not show the .imgPTN files. Rather, I always have to do Switch_E2B to boot into them via UEFI. Am I just reading the instructions wrong?

John D 04/11/2015

Re: Windows Install .imgPTN Not in Menu

Yes - you are probably reading the instructions incorrectly. Try reading them again!
http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/

SteveSi 04/11/2015

Re: Re: Windows Install .imgPTN Not in Menu

OK, I think I finally get it. ISO files go into the WINDOWS subdirectories while imgPTN files go into the WIN (or some other) directory. I don't understand why, but at least I think I understand the what.

John D 04/11/2015

Re: Re: Re: Windows Install .imgPTN Not in Menu

Starting with E2B v1.75BetaB you can now add .imgPTN files to the \_ISO\WINDOWS\xxxx folders (except XP folder).

SteveSi 13/11/2015

Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Hi, thank you for all the stuff you made here :)

I was trying to create an imgPTN of Openelec :
1. Use of RMPrepUSB to create USB Stick Openelec from Openelec.img. Ok, drive L:
2. Drag icon of L: on MPI_FAT32 shortcut. Ok.
After typing size and pathname of imgPTN, some errors appears :
SOURCE = "L:\"
RAMDRIVE = U:
NEW IMAGE = "c:\temp\essai.imgptn"
FORMAT = FAT32
VOLUME NAME = EASY2BOOT
IMAGE SIZE = 185MB (Source=166MB)

CREATING AND MOUNTING RAMDRIVE U: as "c:\temp\essai.imgptn"

Running: imdisk -a -s 185m -m U: -f "c:\temp\essai.imgptn" -x 63 -y 255 -p "/FS:FAT32 /Q /Y"
Error defining drive letter: Descripteur non valide
Creating device...
Created device 0: U: -> c:\temp\essai.imgptn
ImDisk operation failed to mount "c:\temp\essai.imgptn"

After this message, i press enter and then 2 more messages but too fast to copy "Il manque une opérande" then the window close and ImDisk opens, with the file in the list. No drive created, no files copied i guess, fileSystem indicates N/A.

I have no clue of what happens :/
Im' using imdisk 2.0.6, and MPI_Tool_Pack_Plus_CloverLite_055 on Windows 10 Biuld 10565.

If you have some ideas :D

Pupoul 28/10/2015

Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Hi
When you create the USB stick containing Openelec, what files can you see on the USB stick? Are they accessible to Windows?
If you want to have Openelec, why not follow my blog posts on how to create an Openelec and OpenElec-Live image?

SteveSi 28/10/2015

Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Hello, thanks for your answer.

I'm following this tutorial (maybe old) :
http://rmprepusb.blogspot.fr/2013/10/how-to-add-openelec-installer-to.html

If I create USB Stick from Openelec image with Win32DiskImager or REMPrepUSB, i see the 2xxMB partition with all files needed to boot and begin Openelec installation (what i did last night).

To be totally clear, this is not Openelec wich cause metrouble, because as you can see, there is alternate option to add it to easy2Boot.

But if imdisk is not working on my PC, i could not be able to add Windows 7, 8 and 10 install as i need imgPTN to do this (if I fully understood what I read on easy2boot website).

Pupoul 28/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

I forgot to list files on USB Stick, sorry. Result of list l:\ /s /b
l:\syslinux.cfg
l:\KERNEL
l:\SYSTEM
l:\EFI
l:\EFI\BOOT
l:\EFI\BOOT\bootx64.efi
l:\EFI\BOOT\ldlinux.e64
l:\EFI\BOOT\syslinux.cfg
l:\System Volume Information\IndexerVolumeGuid

Pupoul 28/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Is U: a free unused drive letter?
Try rebooting Windows.
Try copying the files from the USB flash drive to an empty folder and then drag-and-drop that folder onto the MPI_FAT32 desktop shortcut.

SteveSi 28/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Hello,

Reboot done, same problem.
u: unused, "subst u: c:\temp" creates u: drive.
"subst u: /delete" frees hit.

I copy files in folder then drag-drop and error message changed only one time :
"Accès refusé" (access denied)
after that, all trys show precedent error message : "Descripteur invalide"

I'm able to create c:\temp\essai.imgPTN with imdisk GUI in control panel : 28MB, drive U:. Windows says after that i have to format drive u: before use it...what i did with success.

I will try to disable antivirus when i come back. thanks for your time.

Pupoul 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

It may be your AV - what AV do you have?

SteveSi 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

I cannot free U: with imdisk control panel because imdisk cannot create U:.

My AV is Comodo : i disabled all comodo parts, and even exclude imdisk files, exe, cpl and sys, in system32 and syswow64. No change.

When i try to create imgPTN file and imdisk failed to create U:, i cannot delete imgPTN file created, because it always mounted in imdisk : if i remove it, imdisk warns me "can not lock file...." i can click ok and remove it.

I opened cmd as Admin and type :
"imdisk -a -s 280m -m U: -f "c:\temp\essai.imgptn" -x 63 -y 255 -p "/FS:FAT32 /Q /Y"
same error : "Descripteur invalide"

When I said i can create file in control panel, yes I can, but if i put files in it, they are not saved when I re-mount the file, and i cannot use "Save image File..." because "acess denied"...

:/

Pupoul 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

I have had ImDisk problems with 10565 build - I think it is Win10 10565 problem?
What Edition are you using? I had problems on 10565 Enterprise with ImDisk.

SteveSi 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

You right i guess, I'm using Windows 10 insider 10565.

I tried to stop insider program, but this is not working, maybe because stable 10565 not in live.

Pupoul 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

The problem is persistent with b10576...
My hope is an update of ImDisk now.

Pupoul 30/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

10576 is not released - you should report issue to MSoft.

SteveSi 30/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

Of course b10576 is released in the insider fast ring, the day I posted :D

imdisk dev Olof already had knowledge of my problem, caused by -p switch.

I modified the batch MakePartImage.cmd to format drive AFTER imdisk created letter, with format command and by passing parameters from -p switch. It is a little more dangerous for sure.
here the modifications of MakePartImage.cmd :

REM Modification for suppress Windows 10 build 10565&10576 error
REM Following 3 lines had been commented, then following 5 lines had been added

REM --------------------Commented------------------------
REM echo Running: imdisk -a -s %MYSIZE%m -m %SPAREVOL% -f !MYIMG! -x 63 -y 255 -p "/FS:%MYFMT% /Q /Y"
REM imdisk -a -s %MYSIZE%m -m %SPAREVOL% -f !MYIMG! -x 63 -y 255 -p "/FS:%MYFMT% /Q /Y" > imdisk.log
REM if errorlevel 1 type imdisk.log & echo ImDisk operation failed to mount !MYIMG!! & pause & goto :unmount
REM ----------------End of commented---------------------

REM ----------------------Added--------------------------
echo Running: imdisk -a -s %MYSIZE%m -m %SPAREVOL% -f !MYIMG! -x 63 -y 255 then only if no error FORMAT %SPAREVOL% /FS:%MYFMT% /Q /Y
imdisk -a -s %MYSIZE%m -m %SPAREVOL% -f !MYIMG! -x 63 -y 255 >imdisk.log
if errorlevel 1 type imdisk.log & echo ImDisk operation failed to mount !MYIMG!! & pause & goto :unmount
format %SPAREVOL% /FS:%MYFMT% /Q /Y >>imdisk.log
if errorlevel 1 type imdisk.log & echo ImDisk operation failed to mount !MYIMG!! & pause & goto :unmount
REM ------------------End of added-----------------------

This is not for modification of easy2boot (bug or undocumented modification, Olof have no idea as MS did not respond to him), but could be added in the faq ?

Pupoul 31/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

I tested a fresh install of Windows 10 Pro insider preview 10565 32-bit under VBox and the MPI Tool Kit 0.055 seems to work OK without needing your additions??

SteveSi 31/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Unable to create imgPTN of Openelec : error IMDisk

I don't know why you experienced this, Olof did not be surprised, and show me immediatly where was the problem I encoutered :/
Maybe something on some PC.
But finally, the problem is fixed on my PC, and i'm happy with that :D

Pupoul 31/10/2015

boot imgPTN into Memory

Hi!

I am trying to boot an imgPTN (image of an USB-Key)- file direct into the memory, like under isolinux with the keyword memdisk. Is something similar like this possible with Easy2Boot?

I am trying around with zip but that's not working for me. The key itself is about maximum 200MB large.
Thanks and Greetings!

Azrat 28/10/2015

Re: boot imgPTN into Memory

No. What image is it and why do you want it in memory?

SteveSi 28/10/2015

Re: Re: boot imgPTN into Memory

I dont understand your question... It's an image of an Service-USB-Key provided by an manufacture. It's supposed to scan system. To detach the usb-key after the scan has started I need to run it from memory. Under isolinux / syslinux it's working like I said. Now i am looking for an possible way by Easy2Boot as well.

Azrat 28/10/2015

Re: boot imgPTN into Memory

I got it working finally, and want to let you know what i did:

I made an Compressed Image File of the USB-Key (img.gz), done by the tool "USB Image Tool". Just place this file where you want, such as in _ISO/UTILITIES.

Easy2Boot is doing all by itself.
Source: http://www.easy2boot.com/add-payload-files/list-of-file-extensions-recognised-by-e2b/
" .. E2B\grub4dos automatically detects if a file has been compressed to gzip or LZMA format. The file extension is not used by E2B to determine if a file is compressed or not. For instance, a LZMA-compressed DOS floppy image can be named .ima or .imagz."

Greetings

Azrat 28/10/2015

Re: Re: boot imgPTN into Memory

Glad you found a solution. It is possible to run images from memory using various file extensions, but not .imgPTN files, which is what you asked about.
P.S. What form is the original source file(s) provided in? Why not just use that?

SteveSi 28/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: boot imgPTN into Memory

I just followed the tutorial given some posts ago, source is Openelec Installer as .img file.

Pupoul 31/10/2015

stable e2b 100% acquired

KEEP IT COMING XD

dcplx1 27/10/2015

USB harddisk

Hi Steve,

USB harddisk works fine in qemu test.

I'm not sure What is wrong in real boot:
"Booting Easy2Boot vl.72 - please wait...
Using settings in /ISO/MyE2B.CFG
Using strings from /ISO/e2b/grub/ENG/STRINGS.txt
BIOS 11/24/11
Last Sector of last partition of (hd0) is 58605052 (27Gb)
Checking last sector is accessible... "
and no go!

dan 22/10/2015

Re: USB harddisk

Did you format the drive using the Make_E2B_USB_Drive.cmd script? If not, try it.

SteveSi 22/10/2015

Re: Re: USB harddisk

Yes I did run it as admin under win7.
It created 2 partitions: ntfs=27.94Gb and hidden/unknown=31.5Kb,
but it didnt create any cdfs-partition to boot my.iso

da 22/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

strange, it should be OK. The cdfs partition is only created when you run an ISO. It is cleared on the next boot to E2B.
Try grub4dos 0.4.5c

Copy the \_ISO\e2b\grub\grub_045 file to \grldr and overwrite the \grldr file.

SteveSi 22/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

Now it works fine just by changing to regular menu.lst.
I dont know how to fix your menu.lst, any help?

I think If you have a lot of partitions on your HDD, still you need to create a space(primary) for cdfs partition.

dan 23/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

It is nothing to do with the cdfs partition.
The check is a simple disk read of some sectors near the end of the USB disk. This tests some BIOSes which have a bug and cannot access sectors past 137GB. You can disable the test using
set CHECKBIOS=
in your \_ISO\MyE2B.cfg file, but you may find that some payloads will not work if they are beyond 137GB on some systems due to a bad BIOS.

SteveSi 23/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

Thank you for remind me about 137GB BIOS-limit, but my HDD is only 30 GB.
I am curious why E2B created 2 partitions: ntfs=27.94Gb and hidden/unknown=31.5Kb. Is unknown partition necessary or what is the purpose? or may something wrong with rmpartusb?
I hope you have explanation of my questions.

Finally Easy2boot works fine after shrinking the partition, just the problem I have do it manually.

Thanks Steve

dan 24/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

The small partition is to try to fix a BIOS bug which is found on some systems, see FAQ page
After partitioning and formatting a USB drive using the Make_E2B_USB_Drive.cmd script or RMPrepUSB, there is a small hidden partition at the end of the USB drive - what is this used for?
Read more: http://www.easy2boot.com/faq-/

SteveSi 24/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

Do you have any more details on what system you are using and what size partitions work and do not work? It would help to make future versions more 'bootable'. How much did you reduce the partition sizes by and which parititions did you change, etc.?

SteveSi 27/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

Fujitsu MHS2030AT 30GB.
E2B (NTFS or FAT32) is not working on some computers:
Dell 4600/intel, Acer 5810TS/intel, Lenovo K100/intel, Toshiba A600/intel and working fine on: HP dm4/intel, Toshiba A215/AMD.

E2B works fine on all computers after shrinking the partition to any size or resize to one whole full partition.

I tested also using 80GB and 20GB HDD and everything work fine without to resize the partition.

dan 29/10/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: USB harddisk

So in the case of the MHS2030AT 30GB HDD and one of the 'bad' systems -e.g. Dell 4600 - are you saying that if you prepare the 30GB drive using MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE.cmd as either NTFS or FAT32 then it does not boot, but if you reduce the size of a partition (which partition? there should be two, and using what tool?) then it works?
If so, could you prepare the 30GB drive using MAKE_E2B_USB_DRIVE.cmd as NTFS and check it fails, then send me a 'Drive Info - 0' email of the LBA0. Then 'fix' the problem by reducing the partition size and send me another 'Drive Info - 0' printout please? You can use the 'Contact Me' form or directly email me.

SteveSi 29/10/2015

uefi system with no csm bios

how to use hiren or any MBR related tools to boot from cd or usb on system with only uefi support no csm /mbr support using easyboot or any other method. Thanks

shah 08/10/2015

Re: uefi system with no csm bios

See http://www.easy2boot.com/useful-things-to-know/
last item.

SteveSi 08/10/2015

Re: Re: uefi system with no csm bios

Thanks 4 ur quick reply :)

shah 08/10/2015

Booting in BIOS mode vs. UEFI mode

I put a Windows 10 ISO on my E2B USB key. But when I tried to boot it, it appears to have booted into BIOS mode. As a result, Windows refused to install to a GPT drive.

Is that the correct diagnosis? If so, can I force UEFI?

Will Pittenger 08/10/2015

Re: Booting in BIOS mode vs. UEFI mode

You need to boot in UEFI mode.
Convert the .ISO file to a FAT32 .imgPTN file using MakePartImage (MPI Tool Kit) and copy the .imgPTN file to the E2B USB drive \_ISO\WIN folder or \_ISO\MAINMENU folder.
Then you boot to E2B and select the Win10.imgPTN file and switch to the CSM Menu.
You can now either boot using the Clover menu or UEFI-boot using your UEFI BIOS selection menu. Watch the videos for more help.

SteveSi 08/10/2015

USB Disk Drive + Windows To Go + E2B

Hi there,

I have a WD Passport Enterprise, a 500 GB USB Disk Drive with support for BitLocker drive encryption. I have installed Windows To Go (Windows 10 Enterprise) on it; with BitLocker encryption enabled.

I want to be able to use disk for all kinds of situations, so besides Windows To Go (WTG), I also want to install Linux LiveCDs.

Is it possible to install E2B on a USB Disk Drive with WTG on it, and to boot into either Windows or E2B?

Yavuz 06/10/2015

Re: USB Disk Drive + Windows To Go + E2B

I am not sure, I have not tried that. I would
1. Make a 2nd primary partition
#1 - E2B NTFS (first 137GB or less)
#2 - WinToGo (rest of disk)
Check WinToGo still boots OK or use EasyBCD or BootIce to fix BCD.
2. backup the first 2048 sectors of the disk to a file using RMPrepUSB - Disk>File for safe keeping.
3. Install grub4dos to MBR and PBR of first (E2B) partition using RMPrepUSB - Install grub4dos
4. Add E2B files to #1 partition
5. Add a bootmgr .mnu file to \_ISO\MAINMENU for partition #2

Try it! If it doesn't work you can restore MBR+first sectors saved in step 2.

SteveSi 06/10/2015

Acronis True Image 2016 b5620 (Linux-based)

Hi Steve, this is the first .ISO I'm having trouble with to boot. I copy the .ISO as downloaded(dl.acronis.com/s/AcronisTrueImage2016.iso) to \_ISO\BACKUP. It then boots to lang+arch selection menu. After selecting x64 option (english default is ok for me), linux seems to start booting, but then my display blanks, no further activity. Since 2013 and 2014 versions were tested working, maybe the booting method in the new version has something to offer to improve E2B.
Thanks in advance.

Starla 16/09/2015

Re: Acronis True Image 2016 b5620 (Linux-based)

I tested the Acronis ISO under VBox with no problems. Usually a blank screen issue is due to the version of linux that is used does not support your graphics adapter.
Try converting the .ISO file to a .imgPTN file and then using the 2nd Acronis Recovery option. This will prompt you to choose a VGA mode - try different modes and see if that works.
I would also check the Acronis forums as probably others have found the same issue if they have the same graphics adapter.

SteveSi 17/09/2015

Re: Re: Acronis True Image 2016 b5620 (Linux-based)

You are right Steve. While I can not be sure about my physical graphics card being the problem (GTX 770, nothing new as of today for a "2016" product), exactly same E2B drive tested on VBox 5.04, and the x64 TI boots just fine. Definitely some hw incompatibility. Well, everything elese boots just fine, so no TI for me then (I'm not interested in the WinPE-based option).

Starla 18/09/2015

Hangs at "Adding menu entries..."

Hi,

I've created the USB key and am testing booting with Virtual Box 5.0.4 (nothing added as yet). Boots OK but when it gets to "Adding menu entries from files in /_ISO/MAINMENU..." it just stops there, can't tell if it has hung completely or is trying to do something. Anyone else come across this before ?

Thanks.

Joshua 13/09/2015

Re: Hangs at "Adding menu entries..."

Not seen that before.
How did you make VBox boot from USB?
Did you use VMUB?
What happens if you boot using QEMU?
http://www.easy2boot.com/testing-e2b/using-qemu-or-virtual-box/

SteveSi 13/09/2015

Re: Re: Hangs at "Adding menu entries..."

Increase the memory size of the emulated system, it gets stuck with 64MB. Increased to 512MB and booted successfully.

James J Greensky 07/12/2015

DPMS for Windows Vista/Seven

Hello. How integrate DPMS for Vista/7 x86 and x64 into easy2boot?

Here is this driverpacks:
http://driverpacks.net/driverpacks/windows/7/x64/mass-storage/12.12.1
http://driverpacks.net/driverpacks/windows/7/x86/mass-storage/12.12.1-0

but this driverpacks without ini files. Any solution? Thank you so much

Max 11/09/2015

Re: DPMS for Windows Vista/Seven

I used a thing called 'Google Search' and found this
http://www.win-raid.com/t750f25-Guide-Integration-of-drivers-into-a-Win-image.html

SteveSi 13/09/2015

Re: Re: DPMS for Windows Vista/Seven

I know about that perfect thing 'Google Search', but i need full driver pack on my E2B usb-flash, instead of instructions about how to embed a particular driver in a particular system image

Max 14/09/2015

Re: Re: Re: DPMS for Windows Vista/Seven

Why not just copy the driver pack files onto the USB drive? Once you have booted to PE, you could try loading the INF file using drvinst or drvload maybe?
What driver did you need to add?

SteveSi 14/09/2015

Re: Re: Re: Re: DPMS for Windows Vista/Seven

That's right, it can be used as one of methods, but on different hardware need different driver. It is mainly server hardware. Each time a different driver needs. So I'm looking for a way to integrate these drivers to E2B's DPMS

Max 14/09/2015

Bootable DVD

Can I create on some way bootable dvd with this app? Thanks!

Iznogoud 08/09/2015

Re: Bootable DVD

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

stevesi 09/09/2015

Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

hi,
i have been using e2b from longtime. the only thing i want to know, why usb harddisk cant be used as winhelper usb drive or what that usb flash drive does at the point of mounting iso that usb hard disk can not do??
can u explain me the trigger function of menu.lst present on usb flash drive that leads to work installing windows iso??

Siddhesh Dinde 07/09/2015

Re: Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

http://www.easy2boot.com/faq-/how-e2b-works/

SteveSi 07/09/2015

Re: Re: Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

so thats the Microsoft's way of installing an iso,
solution for this problem is either connect winhelper USB or modify iso to use firadisk
i will go for Winhelper USB
thanks for ur support!!

Siddhesh Dinde 07/09/2015

Re: Re: Re: Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

Best solution is to convert the ISO to an image partition (.imgPTN) file. Then you can UEFI and MBR boot.
Conversion does not add firadisk or any other driver.

SteveSi 07/09/2015

Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

so i have to keep both file,
an iso and an imgptn file??
right??

Siddhesh Dinde 07/09/2015

Re: Winhelper USB as a USB harddisk

No, only the .imgPTN file is required.
Watch the YouTube videos for more info.

SteveSi 07/09/2015

MESSED UP

always there's something wrong in newer versions of e2b like win7.imgptn it list AGAIN usb dribe as drive0. Can we not have a bugfree e2b

dcplx1 06/09/2015

Re: MESSED UP

srx, nm installs just fine, only sometimes in expanding windows files it misreads some files,
made a new vm with default settings. OK now

dcplx1 06/09/2015

Re: Re: MESSED UP

Sorry, don't understand, "srx nm"??
Do you mean that E2B is OK and something was wrong with your .imgPTN file?
P.S. I release Beta versions for feedback from users. If no one reports a problem, I can only assume it is OK. I cannot test every conceivable function of E2B - there are thousands of configurations and hundreds of payloads to test!

SteveSi 06/09/2015

Win 7 AIO Ask me activation key

Dear sir, I convert Win 7 AIO imagePTN and booted
it ask me win7 activation key to in put manually so please help me

Suresh 05/09/2015

Re: Win 7 AIO Ask me activation key

Win7 normally requires activation.
Buy a licence!

SteveSi 05/09/2015

Kali 2

Anyone else having issues having Kali Linux 2.0 boot up, or is it just me?

Alex 04/09/2015

Re: Kali 2

Kali is in the list of tested ISOs.
It works fine

E2B Users Forum

Topic: Easy2Boot

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

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

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

Grub2 menu system - no ISOs listed?

NO FUNCIONA EN SSD 120GB EN USB PERFECTO

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Grub menu password

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correct sized uncompressed wallpaper not accepted

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RMPrepUSB: mke2fs command failed

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

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Parted Magic's save session: doesn't work

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Strange list

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

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

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

show e2b drive as one partition

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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