How to add a program to PE 2.0

[pmuller]

I'm using DriveImage XML to backup my boot/system disk on a sereis of Win2008 servers

To be able to restore a backup (placed on separates disk in each server), I found the easiest way was to create a WIN PE 2.0 with Driveimage XML installed.

From runtime.org I have the CAB-file for DriveImage XML (designed for use with BartPE).

My question is how do I integreate the CAP file into the to PE-image?

Any experience regarding using DriveImage XML in that respect including modifying the setup-fil included in the CAP?

Thanks

Peter

[Tripredacus]

It seems odd to me that you would want to use the PE to image a machine with a program designed for the specific purpose of imaging a live OS.

Image creation uses Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services (VSS), allowing you to create safe "hot images" even from drives currently in use.

Alas, you need to start by figuring out the dependencies of this program. You can use PE Explorer or Depends to determine this. Then verify that all of these files exist within your Win PE boot image.

Most of these plugins for other PE solutions are merely to install a program shortcut. If you examine the BartPE plugin, for example, you will find that it does nothing other than allow the execution of the program, although it may make use of cmdline switches.

Also, note the documentation on Runtime.org. It refers to the Win PE as a basic version of Windows XP. If we are to take this information by their word, it would mean that they have only tested their software in Win PE 1.x environments. Win PE 2.0 is based upon Vista and not XP.

You can extract the CAB file with WinRaR. Then read the dixml_nu2menu.xml file, which shows how it executes the program. I am also experiencing issues trying to get programs designed to work in BartPE (plugins) to work in my custom PE as well. So far I am also unsuccessful.