Tripredacus

I just thought of a new use for this tool... Since I've used PE Explorer before, I know that you can view string values that are registry keys that are written or read from. Can these types of values be changed in your program?

I believe the best practice is always change where the end of the volume is, never where it starts. If this all sounds too scary, maybe just add another drive. if it is a notebook, look at USB storage.

You can try doing this in the registry: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314054 Time Server info and list links: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/262680

I remember using a registry key in Windows NT 4 that would allow NT to shut down in about 5 seconds. This key held the timeout that Windows allows programs and processes to end themself when given the shutdown command. I believe the default is 30 seconds, but I had changed that key to another value and it shut down a lot faster. I was never really concerned with the shutdown or startup speeds of systems since XP came out, because they are reliable enough to just leave on. Does that registry key still exist?

The period is actually 30 days, but it will only ever show you 3 days at the most on the Properties page. If it ever says 0 days (say on day 4) and you reboot your system, it will say 3 days again.

maybe? http://www.msfn.org/board/forum/42-logonui-boot-screens/

I've had problems in the past with card readers in notebooks that like to take the C drive letter. I got around it by modifying my diskpart script to do something at the beginning: sel vol c assign letter=y

There are only a few things that can cause the XML to not be detected: 1. wrong arch in XML 2. file in the wrong place If you are installing a 32bit Windows 7, AND are using a 32bit install source, it should read this file. If you were using a 64bit install source, it would ignore this file since you have "x86" as your arch. As far as where the file is. Windows 7 Setup will look in the root directory of any attached drives for the XML file. It must be named Autounattend.xml. You can put it on the root of your install key, or you can put it in another USB key and have that attached. Another method is to use a USB Floppy Drive. I do not do USB installs for creating master images, I use a DVD without an unattend file on it. Then during an install, I insert a USB key with the appropriate XML file on it. One last thing, if your USB key has multiple unattend files in the root, this could be a problem also. Make sure you only have 1 XML in the root, and put the other ones you may have into a folder. And check for noob mistakes like having the wrong file on the drive.

I'm not certain how MDT works, but you definately do not want to use the Vista wim to deploy Windows 7 installs. The install method is different between the two. You could try it, but don't hang your hat on it if it works.

This looks interesting. Somewhat like PE Explorer but laid out better, and also have the ability to actually change things...

Are you just trying to change it using the Clock on the screen? What happens if you run the TIME command from the CMD?

If you know what update it is, maybe you can download it manually from here: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx * you need to use IE to go to that link.

Welcome to the MSFN! I will move this to the Unattend forum (which was were that topic you found was in) and you can also check out these links:

A strange introduction indeed! It really sounds like you have a virus. Make a post about it here: http://www.msfn.org/board/forum/114-malware-prevention-and-security/ Or in the software section: http://www.msfn.org/board/forum/19-software-hangout/

Is it possible that you are trying to install IE8 at a point in time when Windows is not activated? It may have something to do with IE8 doing the WGA check prior to install.

What about data discs? What happens if you boot a Live CD like Linux or WinPE?

Have you checked your drive off-line to see if that file is indeed missing?

I shall move this topic to the Customizing forum.

You can find sample XML files here:

Can you attach your XML file (sans product key) to a reply?

How much memory have you allocated to your VM?

How are you going about doing updates? Does it freeze at downloading, installing in Windows or installing during a restart?

Boot into Safe Mode and use MSConfig to disable all start up programs. Or you can create a different account and then try logging in with that instead.

You should probably look at Windows 7 Embedded, which has Thin Client support. There is a trial version available here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/products/westandard/default.mspx Of course, this isn't a retail product.