OEM Recovery partition creator - 3.0.

0 - Alpha 2
By AnarethoS
Monday, March 10 2014 / 2:00 PM



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Table of content

Table of content
1 Software presentation ............................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose of this software ................................................................................................. 1
1.2 What it can do ................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 What it cannot do ............................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Functionalities ................................................................................................................. 3
1.4.1 Windows 7 ............................................................................................................... 3
1.4.2 Windows 8 ............................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Requirement .................................................................................................................... 5
1.5.1 Windows 7 requirement .......................................................................................... 5
1.5.2 Windows 8 requirement .......................................................................................... 5
1.6 Select the right partition layout ...................................................................................... 6
1.7 Supported partition layout .............................................................................................. 7
1.7.1 Windows 7 MBR/BIOS .......................................................................................... 7
1.7.2 Windows 7 GPT/UEFI ............................................................................................ 7
1.7.3 Windows 8 MBR/BIOS .......................................................................................... 7
1.7.4 Windows 8 GPT/UEFI ............................................................................................ 7
1.7.5 Windows 8 MBR/BIOS - Recovery image partition and the end .......................... 8
1.7.6 Windows 8 GPT/UEFI - Recovery image partition and the end ............................ 8
1.7.7 Partition types ......................................................................................................... 8
2 Installation ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Preparing the USB drive .................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Installing Windows .......................................................................................................... 9
2.3 Installing the recovery tools .......................................................................................... 10
2.4 Step by step installation ................................................................................................ 11
3 Testing scenario ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.1 Windows 7 ..................................................................................................................... 17
3.2 Windows 8 ..................................................................................................................... 17



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4 Upgrading .............................................................................................................................. 18
5 Settings file explanation ........................................................................................................ 18
5.1 Windows 7 ..................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Windows 8 ..................................................................................................................... 19
6 Splash Image (Logo) ............................................................................................................... 20
7 Translation ............................................................................................................................. 20
8 Frequently asked questions................................................................................................... 21
9 Technical support .................................................................................................................. 22
10 Change log ......................................................................................................................... 22
11 Credits and thanks ............................................................................................................. 25
12 Licensing ............................................................................................................................ 26




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1 Software presentation
1.1 Purpose of this software
Computers, we use them every day. To check our mails, play games, do homework. We used
them so much that, sometime, we forget that they are like car and that they may broke,
suddenly, without warning, and this normally happen when you have something important to
do.
Now, your computer does not boot anymore. What can you do? Reinstall Windows? It will take
hours with the time required to reinstall all your drivers and required apps. And if you don't
know how to do it, you will have to bring it to the computer store. But, it may be closed or they
may have too much computer to repair and you will have to wait several days.
It would be easier to repair it automatically whit the press of a button or by connecting an USB
drive, no?
Well, that is exactly what I am offering you. A small software that can help you automatically
repair and reinstall your Windows installation. And as a bonus, it can do all that without deleting
your personal data. And if you can't wait to complete the recovery process, you can still access
your files off-line to copy them to an USB drive so you can continue working on another
computer.
But be warned! This solution is not made to do full system backup. Rather, it has been made to
allow you to bring back your Windows installation to the working state it was when the recovery
image was made. If you made it 6 month ago, you will have to reinstall everything that changed
since then. The only exception here is under Windows 8 that supports custom "Refresh" point,
which is a custom recovery point for your Windows installation.
Also, this recovery image must be done during a new installation of Windows. If Windows is
already installed on your computer, you won't be able to create the recovery image.




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1.2 What it can do
This software will allows you to create a one-time image of a base installation of Windows 7 or
Windows 8 and copy this image to a hidden partition on the first drive of your computer. If, for
any reason, Windows cannot boot anymore or you just want to revert back to this image, you
will be able to use Windows Recovery Environment to completely reinstall Windows based on
this image. It is up to you to decide what this image will contain. Will it be only Windows with its
drivers, Windows with its drivers and all your personal applications? You decide. But chose
wisely as the image CANNOT BE upgraded later. It is not a backup. It is a recovery image.
1.3 What it cannot do
Like I just said, this application creates a recovery image. Not a backup. So dont use it to create
a recovery image with all your personal files. Use backup software for that.
Also, dont waste your time personalising your settings. The Administrator account used during
the preparation of the recovery image will be deleted. Dont waste your time.




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1.4 Functionalities

1.4.1 Windows 7
Under Windows 7, the recovery tools will give you the following options:
A central place from where you can access recovery options, including
o Recovery media creator
Can create a USB key to be used to restore the computer
Can create DVD ISO that can be used to restore the computer
o Launch recovery environment
Reboot the computer in the recovery environment
o Launch Windows backup
This will allows you to backup your personal files, programs and settings
The recovery environment, either booted from the recovery partition or the USB recovery media
will give you the following options:
Option to repair your computer
o Repair boot option
o Use system restore to go back to a snapshot made by Windows
System recovery
o Use a custom recovery image you may have created using the backup software
built into Windows
Reinstall Windows
o Move the previous installation and you personal file to the Windows.Old
folder and then reinstall Windows from the recovery image on the recovery
partition
DoubleCommander file browser
o Access your file off-line. Useful if your computer can not boot and you dont
have time to repair it right now. This will allows you to copy your personal file to
a USB key to continue working on another computer.
o For security reason, the file browser will require you to authenticate with an
administrator account from the Windows installation
Please note that Windows 7, opposed to Windows 8, does not gives you the option to do a full
reinstall. Previous installation of Windows will be always moved to Windows.Old folder. If you
want to completely erase all data and trace of previous installation, you can either use a
recovery media created on the computer, use the FullRestore.cmd script that can be found in
C:\Windows or use the Full system recovery from the Advanced tools under the Recovery
Environment.




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1.4.2 Windows 8
Under Windows 8, the recovery tools will give you the following options:
A central place from where you can access recovery options, including
o Recovery media creator
Can create a USB key to be used to restore the computer
Can create DVD ISO that can be used to restore the computer
o Launch recovery environment
Reboot the computer in the recovery environment
o Launch Windows backup (File History)
This will allows you to backup your personal files, programs and settings
o Create a custom recovery point
Allows to create a custom recovery point, delete it or create a new one
A recovery point will replace the recovery image when do you a
Refresh of your pc. A refresh reinstall Windows without deleting your
files
A custom image cannot be used to Reset the computer, which
completely delete all files
The recovery environment, either booted from the recovery partition or the USB recovery media
will give you the following options:
Option to repair your computer
o Repair boot option
o Use system restore to go back to a snapshot made by Windows
Refresh Windows
o Move the previous installation and your personal file to the Windows.Old
folder and then reinstall Windows from the recovery image on the recovery
partition
o If a custom recovery point was created, it will be used. Otherwise, it will use the
recovery image
Reset Windows
o Completely erase the computer and reinstall Windows
DoubleCommander file browser
o Access your file off-line. Useful if your computer can not boot and you dont
have time to repair it right now. This will allows you to copy your personal file to
a USB key to continue working on another computer.




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1.5 Requirement
This software will run only under Windows 7 or Windows 8. It does not work under Windows
Vista or Windows XP.
Any computer that can run Windows 7 or Windows 8 can use this software, although a specific
partition layout must be respected.
The following section will explain the different partition structure supported by this program. All
the files (XML, script, etc.) for these scenarios are included with this package.
1.5.1 Windows 7 requirement
You will need the following files for Windows 7:
ImageX.exe (32bits version)
o Copy it to ImageX\32bits folder of the Windows 7 tools
ImageX.exe (64bits version)
o Copy it to ImageX\64bits folder of the Windows 7 tools
OscdImg.exe (32bits version)
o Copy it to OscdImg folder of the Windows 7 tools
1.5.2 Windows 8 requirement
You need the following files for Windows 8:
Boot folder from DVD
o Copy the folder to Boot folder of the Windows 8 tools
EFI folder from DVD
o Copy the folder to Boot folder of the Windows 8 tools
Bootmgr file from DVD
o Copy the folder to Boot folder of the Windows 8 tools
BootMgr.Efi file from DVD
o Copy the folder to Boot folder of the Windows 8 tools
OscdImg.exe (32bits version)
o Copy it to OscdImg folder of the Windows 8 tools




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1.6 Select the right partition layout
For Windows 7, the recovery image must be on the same partition as the recovery tools at the
beginning of the drive. Since there is not choice to make for the partition layout, you just have
to use the included AutoUnattend.xml file to configure the computer.
As for Windows 8, the recovery image must be on a separate partition. The software comes with
two configuration scenario:
Recovery partition (image) as the second partition
Recovery partition (image) at the end of the drive
When using the version with the recovery image on the last partition, Windows 8 will allows you
to delete this partition and regain the space when you create a recovery media (USB key). If the
recovery image is on the second partition of the drive, this option will not be available.
Although it would seems natural to select the second package (recovery image on the last
partition), please note that all the scripts use partition number to find their required files. This
means that if you resize your Windows partition to create a new partition, the partition
number of the last partition (with the recovery image on it) will change, making system
recovery impossible. Also, this version needs manual partitioning to works.
So, except if really needed, I recommend the use of the version with the recovery image on the
second partition.




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1.7 Supported partition layout
1.7.1 Windows 7 MBR/BIOS
Partition 1 2 3
Default size 12gb 150mb All
Partition type Primary Primary Primary
File system NTFS NTFS NTFS
Role Recovery Boot manager Windows
Active No Yes No

1.7.2 Windows 7 GPT/UEFI
Partition 1 2 3 4
Default size 12gb 150mb 128mb All
Partition type Primary EFI MSR Primary
File system NTFS FAT32 N/A NTFS
Role Recovery Boot manager System reserved Windows
Active No Yes No No

1.7.3 Windows 8 MBR/BIOS
Partition 1 2 3 4
Default size 1gb 12gb 150mb All
Partition type Primary Primary Primary Primary
File system NTFS NTFS NTFS NTFS
Role Recovery Recovery image Boot manager Windows
Active No No Yes No

1.7.4 Windows 8 GPT/UEFI
Partition 1 2 3 4 5
Default size 1gb 12gb 150mb 128mb All
Partition type Primary Primary EFI MSR Primary
File system NTFS NTFS FAT32 N/A NTFS
Role Recovery Recovery
image
Boot
manager
System
reserved
Windows
Active No No Yes No No





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1.7.5 Windows 8 MBR/BIOS - Recovery image partition and the end
Recovery partition can be delete and its space reclaimed
Manual partitioning needed. No AutoUnattend.xml included
Not recommended unless really needed (small SSD, etc.)
Partition 1 2 3 4
Default size 1gb 150mb All 12gb
Partition type Primary Primary Primary Primary
File system NTFS NTFS NTFS NTFS
Role Recovery Boot manager Windows Recovery image
Active No Yes No No

1.7.6 Windows 8 GPT/UEFI - Recovery image partition and the end
Recovery partition can be delete and its space reclaimed
Manual partitioning needed. No AutoUnattend.xml included
Not recommended unless really needed (small SSD, etc.)
Partition 1 2 3 4 5
Default size 1gb 150mb 128mb All 12gb
Partition type Primary EFI MSR Primary Primary
File system NTFS FAT32 N/A NTFS NTFS
Role Recovery Boot
manager
System
reserved
Windows Recovery
image
Active No Yes No No No

1.7.7 Partition types
1.7.7.1 MBR
All partitions are of type 07 (ID = 07) except the recovery partition (and the recovery image
partition) which are of type 27 (ID = 27).
1.7.7.2 UEFI/GPT
Recovery partitions (and the recovery image partition) are of type {de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-
bfd50179d6ac}. MSR, EFI and Windows partitions dont have any particular type.




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2 Installation
2.1 Preparing the USB drive
1. From the AutoUnattend folder, under either the GPT or MBR folder, copy the
AutoUnattend.xml file to the root of a USB
2. From the Settings Examples, under either the GPT or MBR folder, copy all files to
the Settings folder
3. Run the Update_Settings.cmd script
4. Copy the configured package (INSTALLER folder) to the USB key
5. All other files can now be discarded, as the INSTALLER folder and the
AutoUnattend.xml files are only required for this software
2.2 Installing Windows
1. Connect the USB key to the target computer and start Windows installation
a. Use only RETAIL or MSDN media
b. Dont use media that came with your computer as they may contains scripts
that will prevent this software from working correctly
2. Select to install Windows
3. If you are using a media with more than 1 operating system available, select the one you
want to install
4. Wait during the installation process
a. All data and partitions of the first drive will be deleted
b. Partitions will be automatically created
5. Proceed to the installation of all your software, drivers, updates, etc.
a. Never use the SYSPREP screen. It will prevent the use of this software.




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2.3 Installing the recovery tools
When everything is working as expected, you can then install the recovery tools to create the
recovery partition
1. You should copy the installation folder on the hard drive in case something goes wrong
and file access is lost to the USB drive
2. If copying the tools from a CD, remove the read-only attributes of the files on the
computer
3. You should create a full backup of the computer, using Ghost or similar software, prior
creating the recovery partition. If something goes wrong, you will be able to recover
your base installation without having to do it again
4. Launch the Install script and wait for the SYSPREP and capture process




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2.4 Step by step installation
This section will show you how to install the recovery tools under Windows 8. For this scenario,
we will be using the package that creates the recovery image on the last partition, on a
MBR/BIOS computer. The process is similar for Windows 7 or other package version of Windows
8.
Step Description Image
1 Unzip the software package on a computer
and select which version of the package
you want to use.

2 Open the Autounattend folder.

3 Select the configuration that suits you
need. In this scenario, we will be using the
MBR package for BIOS computer.




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4 Copy the Autounattend.xml file to the
root of the USB drive you will be using for
the installation. You will need a USB drive
even if you are using a DVD media to install
Windows.

5 Now, open the Windows 8 Recovery
tools folder.

6 Go to the Settings Examples folder and
then into the MBR or GPT folder. You
must use the same folder as in step 3!

7 Select all the files and copy them to the
Settings folder.



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8 Now, execute the Update_Settings script.

9 You should see this if everything went
correctly. If it is now the case, STOP NOW!

In case of errors, check for Read Only
attributes on the files.

10 Copy the Installer folder to the same USB
key on which you copied the
AutoUnattend.xml file.

Your drive should look like that.




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11 Connect the USB drive to the target
computer and boot the Windows 8
installation media. The USB drive must be
connected prior entering the setup screen.

Select your locale settings and click Next.

12 Select your Windows version and click
Next.

13 Wait while taking a beer or a coffee.

14 If everything went correctly, Windows 8
should boot to this screen. As you can see,
regular Metro apps are not present and
you are logged-in with the Administrator
account.

Now, click on the Desktop tile.




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15 Close this window.
ALWAYS close this window.
Do NOT PRESS OK ON THIS WINDOW!
Dont touch it. Ever!


16 From your USB drive, copy the Installer
folder on your desktop.

Install all your apps, drivers, updates, etc.

Continue to next step when ready.

17 Launch the Install script.

18 Wait during the creation of the recovery
partition.

19 This will takes some time. Please be
patient.




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20 Computer will reboot to capture the
Windows installation.

21 Capture in progress

22 Capture done. Go to next step to test
everything.






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3 Testing scenario
Now that everything is installed, you must test everything. You dont want to give something not
correctly working to your customers, dont you?
Here are some tests that should be performed before giving the computer to the customer.
3.1 Windows 7
Boot the computer and complete OOBE process. Then test the following:
Entering Recovery Environment by using the Recovery Tools inside Windows
Entering Recovery Environment by using the F7 key
Reinstalling Windows from the Recovery Environment
o Retest previous component to be sure they still works
Creating a recovery media and recovering Windows from it
o Retest previous component to be sure they still works
Test the FullRestore.cmd script
o Retest previous component to be sure they still works
If all test are OK, restore the computer one last time by using the FullRestore.cmd
script and give the computer to the customer
3.2 Windows 8
Boot the computer and complete OOBE process. Then test the following:
Entering Recovery Environment by using the Recovery Tools inside Windows
Reinstalling Windows from the Recovery Environment (Reset and Refresh)
o Retest previous component to be sure they still works
Creating a recovery media and recovering Windows from it (Reset only)
o Retest previous component to be sure they still works
If all test are OK, restore the computer one last time by using the Reset option or the
recovery media and give the computer to the customer




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4 Upgrading
Once installed, there is no way to upgrade the recovery tools on the computer without
rebuilding completely the system. This is due to the different partition layout that can be used
and the fact that a lots of WIM file would need to be upgraded.
Past version had an upgrade script. It has been removed since 3.0.0 due to compatibility
problems. There is currently no plan to bring back this option.
5 Settings file explanation
This software requires lots of settings files to work correctly. You must be very careful if you do
any modification to them.
5.1 Windows 7
ResetPartitions.txt
o This is the script used by the recovery media (USB) to repartition the hard disk
o It must match the settings of the SettingsRE.txt and AutoUnattend.Xml file
Settings.ini
o This is the file that include all language strings for the recovery tools
SettingsRE.txt
o This is the file used by CMD script to load the partitions, format them, etc.
o It must match the settings of the ResetPartitions.txt and AutoUnattend.Xml file
o WINLOAD parameter
Must be equal to Winload.efi on UEFI computer
Must be equal to Winload.exe on BIOS computer
o BOOTFS parameter
Must be equal to FAT32 on UEFI computer
Must be equal to NTFS on BIOS computer
Sysprep.xml
o File used to prepare Windows for capture
o Used to keep drivers and not delete them




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5.2 Windows 8
ResetPartitions.txt
o This is the script used by the recovery media (USB) to repartition the hard disk
o It must match the settings of the SettingsRE.txt, ResetConfig.xml and
AutoUnattend.Xml file
o Must NOT include Select Disk or Clean commands
ResetConfig.xml
o Used to tell recovery image location (partition number, etc.) in the recovery
environment
o Used to tell the name of the ResetPartitions.txt file
o It must match the settings of the SettingsRE.txt, ResetPartitions.txt and
AutoUnattend.Xml file
Settings.ini
o This is the file that include all language strings for the recovery tools
SettingsRE.txt
o This is the file used by CMD script to load the partitions, format them, etc.
o It must match the settings of the ResetPartitions.txt, ResetConfig.xml and
AutoUnattend.Xml file
o WINLOAD parameter
Must be equal to Winload.efi on UEFI computer
Must be equal to Winload.exe on BIOS computer
o BOOTFS parameter
Must be equal to FAT32 on UEFI computer
Must be equal to NTFS on BIOS computer
Sysprep.xml
o File used to prepare Windows for capture
o Used to keep drivers and not delete them
WinRE.xml
o Used to rename the DoubleCommander file browser to Off-Line file browser





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6 Splash Image (Logo)
Starting in version 1.3.10, there is now a splash image for the recovery tools inside Windows.
This splash image does not apply to the recovery tools when booting on the recovery media or
the recovery partition.

The image must be placed in the following folder for Windows 7
Windows 7 Recovery Tools\Installer\Files\Windows\System32\RecoveryTools

The image must be placed in the following folder for Windows 8
Windows 8 Recovery Tools\Installer\Files\Windows\System32\RecoveryTools
Once the file copied, you must edit Settings.ini file to enable it and change the following
parameters:
Parameter Description Default Value
LogoFile Filename of the logo. Must be
JPG or BMP.
Logo.jpg
LogoWidth Width of the logo 400
LogoHeight Height of the logo 200
LogoTime Time, in seconds, to display
the logo.
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7 Translation
All the language strings are saved in the Settings.ini file. Windows will automatically detect the
current language and tries to load it from the file. If the current language is absent the software
will roll back to English as the default language.
When booting on the recovery media for Windows 7 (DVD and USB) and Windows 8 (DVD), the
end-user will have to select the language he wants to use.
Starting in 1.3.10, you can use a semi-colon (;) as a carriage return to split a line on multiple
lines.




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8 Frequently asked questions

1. My computer crash after the image capture
a. Can be due to a driver error. Try to isolate the driver in question and install it
using SetupComplete/FirstLogon script
b. Be sure to have the computer unplugged from the network while installing the
recovery tools
c. Disable your anti-virus when installing the recovery tools
2. Can I upgrade my recovery image?
a. Windows 7: No
b. Windows 8: Not exactly. You can create a custom recovery point using the
recovery tools
3. I already have a working installation of Windows. Can I use your tools to create a
recovery partition now?
a. No. You can only create a recovery image and partition during a fresh
installation of Windows 7 or 8.
b. Under Windows 8, you can always create a custom Refresh image of your
computer by using the RECIMG command line tool.
i. This application may also help you in this situation




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9 Technical support
Technical support is provided free of charge on the My Digital Life forums.
Update to this software can be found on my personal web page.
10 Change log
3.0.0-Alpha 2
o Recompiled EXE files to prevent false positive
3.0.0-Alpha 1
o Added : DVD Media Creator for Windows 8 and Windows 7
o Added : Windows 8.1 support
o Added : Recovery Image on second partition for Windows 8
o Removed : All language except French/English for Windows 8 and Windows 7
due to new menu made for DVD recovery
o Removed : WIM on first partition for Windows 8
o Removed : OscdImg.exe file which should not be distributed
o Changed : Version numbering to stop confusion between current tools and
Legacy tools
1.3.15
o Added : UEFI support under Windows 8 32bits (still not supported under
Windows 7 32bits)
1.3.14
o Added : Italian under Windows 7 Recovery Tools
o Added : New version for Windows 8 where recovery image is on the last
partition of the computer, allowing the user to delete it after the creation of a
recovery USB key
o Updated : Instruction manual
1.3.13
o Modification to capture and reinstallation script to prevent phantom
recovery drive under Windows
o Added : Full system recovery option in Recovery Environment under Windows
7
o Added : Access to basic repair tools in Recovery Environment under Windows 7
1.3.12
o Windows 8: Now using a FirstLogon script since SetupComplete was not
working with OEM key. The script is configured to run by using the Sysprep.xml
file.
o Minor translation error in English fixed
1.3.11
o Fixed bug with the path of the splash screen image



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o Fixed bug in Windows 7 recovery. Not more variable errors.
1.3.10
o Added line-splitting in settings.ini. See translation section
o Added auto-reboot at the end of the recovery process for Windows 7
o Added support for splash image under Windows (not recovery media)
1.3.9
o Added : Spanish, Hebrew and Arabic in Windows 7 tools
o Added : Hebrew in Windows 8 tools
o Modified recovery media creator script under Windows 7 to make the boot
drive Active.
1.3.8
o Fixed a bug in the Update script relating to SetupComplete script
Updates from 1.3.X to 1.3.7 will lose the ability to rename the off-line
file browser in Windows 8
Updates from 1.3.X to 1.3.7 will lose the ability to dismount
automatically the recovery partition in Windows 7 / 8
Clean install of 1.3.7 will not have the problem
Updating to 1.3.8 should fix that
1.3.7
o Added a script (both in Windows 7 and Windows 8) to dismount the recovery
partition from Windows at the end of OOBE
1.3.6
o Added update tools for Windows 7 and 8
You can upgrade from 1.2.0 and 1.3.X
You must recreate the recovery media after upgrade
You must configure the settings file to match your configuration
1.3.5
o Removed ImageX from the package, as required by Microsoft EULA
o New set of icons for the menus, which are not made by Microsoft
1.3.4
o Fixed a bug with the SetupComplete.Cmd script under Windows 8 to identify
the File Browser
o Updated the file browser to latest version
o Added instruction guide (this guide)
1.3.3
o Fixed Windows 8 recovery media. No more error about missing partitions
1.3.2
o Modified installation script so Recovery partition is now hidden in Windows 7
1.3.1
o Added some checkups (Winre.Wim file exist, etc.)
1.3.0



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o Initial release of this version which include Windows 8 support




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11 Credits and thanks

Thanks to the My Digital Life forums community. Without you guys, this software wont have
been made possible.
Also, thanks to my entire beta tester.




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12 Licensing
All scripts, either the one made for command line (CMD) or in AutoIT, where made by
me, Anarethos. These files can be freely distributed and modified. Just give me credits.

The file browser (DoubleCommander) included with this software is a SourceForge
project and more info can be found by clicking here.

The Hard Drive icon used in the software was found on Internet. Source unknown. If you
are the owner of this icon, please contact me (support forum) so I may remove it from
this software or gives you credits for your works.

Icons used in this software seem to be licensed for redistribution. The icons package is
under the Source folder.

If you are a computer manufacturer/store/seller, you can use my tool without any
compensation (free laptop may be cool though!). But, I would really appreciate if you
can send me a message telling me that you are using my software. Also, please give me
credits on your web site or instruction manual.