Continuing on with out step by step into Windows Recovery Environment, the previous times we created a CDrom version of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Once produced directly from the Windows 7 Backup / Restore environment (which a click of a button) and an ISO image created from scratch.
I should also mention that same procedure that was used to create the ISO image can be used to customize it and expand to that environment, but we’ll deal with a bit of that next time.
This time we’re going to show you how to put that environment on a UFD (USB Flash Drive) or memory key.
Now because it’s all based on the same core as Windows 7, the procedure is identical to putting Windows 7 or Server 2008R2 media on a bootable key.
Go into a Command prompt (CMD.EXE) with Administrative rights.
Once there plug in your MEMORY KEY.
*** WARNING *** THIS PROCEDURE WILL ERASE YOUR KEY ***
******* IF THERE IS IMPORTANT DATA, BACK IT UP FIRST *******
***** NOTE THE BIG FLASHING WARNING SIGNS BEFORE ******
****** PROCEEDING FURTHER! THIS MEANS YOU *****
Start up DISKPART from within that Command prompt. This is your command line based partitioning software
DISKPART
You’ll need to execute a LIST DISK to see which drives are attached, and more importantly which number has been assigned to yours. Typically your removable is probably “Disk 1” or “Disk 2”, You can usually tell by the physical size. That’s odd. What’s a 16MB Compact Flash doing here?
So ignoring the plight of my useless 16mb Flash, we need to change the focus of the Didk Partitioning software to that particular drive, in my case “Disk 2” the 8gb memory key
Now that we’re looking at Disk 2 we need to *** ERASE IT *** with the CLEAN command
CLEAN
Then Create a Paritition
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
Once done, we need to format it
FORMAT FS=FAT32 QUICK
Then set it as Active
ACTIVE
and of course, once done, Assign a drive letter to it.
ASSIGN
Good! Now here is the bit you’re going to love.
Take that Windows Recovery Environment that you’ve burned to CD, Select the Contents and copy it to the USB key.
That’s right. This is the exact same process as you use to make a Windows 7 Bootable disc. It also applies if you have the “Desktop Application Recovery Environment” handy on disc or even Windows PE.
There you go! A free Christmas Present
Sean
The Energized Tech
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