How to create a WinPE 2.0 Bootable USB Key

Posted on Wednesday, August 22 2007 @ 5:46 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

Ever wonder how vendors like Dell create pre-installations of Windows Vista in all their PCs? Pre-installing saves them time configuring each operating system for different hardware.

If you are a reseller, even someone who sells PCs on a part-time basis, you will want to learn this neat little trick because it can save you time setting up different systems, partitioning and formatting hard drive with Diskpart, backing up hard drive using ImageX, connecting to network, troubleshooting using Windows-based programs, system recovery and many more.

"Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) is a lightweight version of Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 or Windows Vista. It is used for the deployment of workstations and servers by large corporations. WinPE 2.0 is actually the lightweight version of Windows Vista with minimal GUI and drivers, with the ability to detect USB drives on-the-fly. Just plug it in, run diskpart and then list vol. You should see your USB drive listed with drive letter assigned."

Check it out at TechARP.

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

Loading Comments

Share this story!