UBCD for Windows

UBCD for Windows (UBCD4Win)

Ultimate Boot CD for Windows was created as Windows version of the UBCD. It includes an extensive complement of tools that run under Windows XP. Before you create this CD, you need a Windows XP CD with at least SP1. SP2 is recommended. There is a technique called slipstream that can be used to combine SP2 with the Windows XP image. For additional help, visit UBCD4Win's forum.

I've successfully created this CD with and without slipsteaming SP2 using a Gateway OEM Windows XP Home Edition with SP1. It can be a little tricky because plugins need to be enabled/disabled.

How I Created a UBCD for Windows CD

Copy Windows XP CD to c:\BootCD\WinXP_CD
1. Make sure the folder option (show hidden files and folders) is checked and (hide protected operating system files) is unchecked
2. If space is limited, just copy the home directory and i386 directory
Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package to c:\BootCD\WinXP_SP2
Optional SP2 can be slipstream into these files
1. To accomplish this, follow the Gateway OEM Windows XPCD Slipstream instructions
2. Copy the following files from c:\BootCD\WinXP_SP2\i386 to c:\BootCD\WinXP_CD\i386
3. These files are required by Bart PE when building the ISO
  1. ATAPI.SY_
  2. HALAACPI.DL_
  3. HALACPI.DL_
  4. PCIIDEX.SY_
  5. SCSIPORT.SY_
  6. USBCCGP.SY_
  7. USBEHCI.SY_
  8. USBHUB.SY_
  9. USBOHCI.SY_
  10. USBPORT.SY_
  11. USBUHCI.SY_
Download UBCD4Win
- I downloaded the latest version from SecurityWonks.net
After downloading, run a virus scanner against it
Run the executable to install it in C:\UBCD4Win
- A copy of Bart's PE is installed with it
During the install verify the MD5 of the UBCD4Win.EXE
Click Yes to check for updates
Startup UBCD4Win
- The purpose of this program is to create an ISO image that is a combination of the Windows XP CD and the software that comes with UBCD4Win
- It can also be used to slipstream and burn a CD
Specify the the source field as c:\BootCD\WinXP_CD
Leave Output field at BartPE
Make sure Create ISO Image: Is Clicked.
The file should be C:\UBCD4Win\UBCD4WinBuilder.iso
Press F4 to Set Plugins
1. If using SP1
  - Disable- !Critical: DComLaunch Service, it is only to be used when building with SP2.
  - Enable- !Critical: LargeIDE Fix (KB331958), this hotfix is needed for SP1 or you could have hard drive corruption.
2. If the file i386\ATAPI.SY_ is missing. My Gateway OEM SP1 CD is missing it.
  - Disable the "!Multiboot: Windows" RecoveryConsole(7.69mb)"plugin
Click Build
- I always get this warning
  Warning: building from an OEM version of Windows can mean trouble.
When completed use << and>> to review errors and warnings
1. For errors about missing system files you have two options
  1. Slipstream SP2 if you have not already done so and then copy the missing files to the corresponding directory.
  2. Disable the plugin. For help in identifying the plugin search the UBCD4Win Forum.
2. Try the build again and hopefully it works
3. The following warnings do not seem to cause any problems
  
  Warning:creating file system that does not conform to ISO-9660.
  Warning: Creating ISO-9660:1999 (version 2) file system.
  Warning: ISO-9660 filenames longer than 31 may cause buffer overflows in the OS.
Click Close and then exit
Burn ISO image to CD using BurnCDCC
- I've tried Bert E's StarBurn and it did not work but CD-Record did work
Test the CD by rebooting the PC with the CD in it
If it works you will get a Bart PE's desktop.
The desktop used is very similar to Windows XP Desktop. All the software is available through the start programs. A help system is available that provides instructions on using the software. For additional help visit UBCD for Windows Contents web page. So far the software I've tried have had no trouble.
UBCD4Win provides instructions for customizing the installation.

Bart's PE

Bart's PE can be used to create a custom bootable Windows CD. It comes with its own default set of plug-ins. I am unsure of the differences between Bart's PE and UBCD for Windows. I have both on CD's in case one does not work. Before installing Bart PE, UBCD4Win needs to be uninstalled because two versions of Bart PE on the same PC causes confusion.

Using Bart PE

Uninstall UBCD for Windows if on the PC
- Two copies of Bart PE on the PC can cause problems in using it
Download Bart's PE
Scanned the downloaded file for virus. Always scan downloads.
Install Bart PE
Follow the same directions for using UBCD for Windows except use Bart PE instead of UBCD for windows
Test the CD by rebooting the PC with CD in it

Additional Tools to Create Bootable CDs

UBCD4Win site has a nice set of tools that help with creating ISO images
XP-ISO-Builder is an excellent tool that may be able to help you if you are one of the unfortunate people that do not have a "true" XP CD. If you have a repair or recovery CD, this software may be able to help you create an XP CD that you can use to create UBCD4Win.
Bootdisk.com - has an extensive collecting of bootable images.

CD Mounting Tools

Virtual CD Control Panel- Small and free tool from Microsoft for mounting ISO images. Its suppose to be used for testing ISO images without having to burn them to a disc. Please read the documentation provided in the download for instructions on it's use. I have not used it.
DAEMONTools- The FREE Virtual CD/DVD-ROM-EMULATOR. Suppose to work with nearly all common image types. Emulates nearly all known protections. I am not sure how free it is so I have not used it yet.

Other great FREE Tools

WinBuilder is like BartPE. I have not used it.
Reatogo-X-PE Boot CD - seems to be different version of the BART PE. The installation was rather elaborate so I did not proceed with it. I have not used it.
BCD- Build CD-Rom - 2.7 MB. It is no longer being developed but is still available free as is.
Bart'sway to create bootable CD-Roms (for Windows/Dos)
Great step by step instructions for creating bootable CDs for different versions of Window OS and DOS.
Linux LiveCD's are another type of bootable CD that are more intended to run Linux than fix a PC.