Is it a good idea to alter win cabs so patched ESDI_506 installs?

[keropi666]

As topic, is it a good idea to replace the file in the windows installation cabs so that it installs by default and have 48bit LBA support out-of-the-box ?

Not sure how I can replace a file inside the cabs though , but I hope I can do it! Maybe run a .bat from msbatch to do this or something similar...

What do you think?

thanks for any info!

[PROBLEMCHYLD]

If you decide to do it heres a link for you.

[LoneCrusader]

Replacing files inside the CABs is rather complicated. It's not as simple as just rebuilding one CAB with a new file inside.

The Windows 9x CABs are all "linked" together and files can be split across multiple CABs. Any given CAB may contain a whole file, the beginning of a file, the middle of a file, or the end of a file. Some do not even contain a whole file at all, just part of one.

It's like splitting up a very large file with WinRAR or a similar program. You cannot just edit one "piece" of the whole.

I have purchased a set of tools from RLoew that allows slipstreaming, but without them it would be a nightmare to attempt. If all you need to do is add one or even a small handful of files, the best course will be to simply place the updated files in the same folder as the CABs when you install Windows 9x. You can do this by burning a CD with the new files added into the \WIN9x folder, or you can copy the install files and the updated files to a folder on the hard drive to install them. Windows 9x Setup will automatically use any files outside the CABs instead of the older version inside the CABs.

Edited August 25, 2011 by LoneCrusader

[rloew]

It is possible to update a file in one CAB. I have sold patched CABs with my High Capacity Disk Patch built in for years. This provides 48-Bit LBA support from day one.

You will need tools I have written, similar to the slipstreaming tools that LoneCrusader bought.

[keropi666]

@PROBLEMCHYLD:

thansk, I'll ccheck the link

@ LoneCrusader:

thanks for the help again

I did take a look in the cabs, they are indeed a multi-volume archive, certainly a little difficult to add files wince you would need to alter other infs too to update new files/locations.... but what you said seems very interesting: I put the new ESDI_506.pdr file in the same directory as the rest of the installation files then the "out-of-the-cab" file gets used instead? Is this correct?

I will give it a shot on my VM

@rloew:

your tools seem interesting, is there a site or something similar to check them out?

Edited August 25, 2011 by keropi666

[bphlpt]

@rloew:

your tools seem interesting, is there a site or something similar to check them out?

You can find his website contact info by looking at his profile - http://rloew1.no-ip.com/

Cheers and Regards

[LoneCrusader]

It is possible to update a file in one CAB...

You will need tools I have written...

I stand corrected. However some of your tools would still be required.

...I put the new ESDI_506.pdr file in the same directory as the rest of the installation files then the "out-of-the-cab" file gets used instead? Is this correct?

Yep. I used this method for "slipstreaming" my Windows 95 processor updates to bypass the IOS and NDIS "Windows Protection Errors" up until I purchased the tools to update the CABs themselves.

BTW, with these tools you can also add new files and new functionality if you know what you're doing and have a LOT of patience. I have slipstreamed 80+ HotFixes along with NUSB and USB 2.0 support into a standard 98SE installation.

[keropi666]

LoneCrusader I actually tried your tip and it worked like a charm

what is the name of rloew's tools you are using? I tried the website but did not see anything relevant ...

[LoneCrusader]

The slipstreaming tools are actually not listed there yet. I know RLoew has been very busy lately with updating some of his other tools and creating an initial release of advanced CD/DVD/BD tools, so I don't know if he plans to add them right now or not. He may address this here, or you may want to send him an email.

[keropi666]

thanks again, I will PM him...