creating a 2 OS thumb drive

SIW2 said:

BTW - not related to this - do you have a copy of bcdboot from build 7000 - anybody?

Here is your file, from build 7000 86-64:

[removed]

Cheers!
Robert

Jonathan_King said:

How could I add a line to boot from the first hard disk? You know how many Linux boot loaders have that option? Is it possible to add this in the Windows BCD?

What exactly do you want to add?

I managed to add the Grub loader to my USB , so must also be possible to add to your system!

this was added:

Code:

color yellow/black white/dark-gray
timeout 30
default 0

title Partition Wizard 4.2
map /pw42.iso (hd32)
map --hook
chainloader (hd32)
boot

title Paragon Partition Manager
map --mem /parpar.iso (hd32)
map --hook
chainloader (hd32)
boot

title EASEUS Partition Master v5.0.1
map /ease.iso (hd32)
map --hook
chainloader (hd32)
boot

title Boot Windows
find --set-root --ignore-floppies --ignore-cd /bootmgr
chainloader /bootmgr

title Reboot
reboot

Not possible with BCD I think.

Can be done with Grub4Dos entry in BCD.

SIW2 said:

You inspired me. I just did it.

1. Copy the contents of the x86 dvd/iso onto a partition. I used partition G. So I had a folder G:\GRM.... ( or a similar long list of letters). Rename the GRM... folder to x86 - that makes it easier. You now have G:\x86 as the folder.

2. Copy ONLY the install.wim from the x64 installation media onto the same partition. You now also have G:\install.wim. Rename that to Win7x64.wim. You now have G:\Win7x64.wim

Like this: Attachment 47641


3. Put a copy of Imagex in Windows\System32 of the o/s ( Vista or 7) you are booted into.

Attachment 47636

Attachment 140866

4. Open an elevated command and type the following - press enter after each line and wait for it to complete ( it's quick) : [obviously, replace G: with the letter of the partition you have the files on ]

Imagex /export "G:\Win7x64.wim" 1 "G:\x86\sources\install.wim" "Windows 7 Home Basic (x64)"

Imagex /export "G:\Win7x64.wim" 2 "G:\x86\sources\install.wim" "Windows 7 Home Premium (x64)"

Imagex /export "G:\Win7x64.wim" 3 "G:\x86\sources\install.wim" "Windows 7 Professional (x64)"

Imagex /export "G:\Win7x64.wim" 4 "G:\x86\sources\install.wim" "Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)"

5. Delete the ei.cfg file from the x86\sources folder.

6. You can now use the contents of the x86 folder to create a bootable flash in the usual way . All editions of 32 and 64 bit can installed from it.

Or make a bootable .iso from the x86 folder.

The .iso is only 3.65gb

Have fun.

What are the 2 imagex files above ?. 32 and 64bit ?

They are both 32 bit. The second is a slightly newer version.

They both work fine on 32 or 64 bit windows.

SWI2, I still claim your guide is the easiest and most straight-forward approach to doing this.

Thanks,

I always try to do things the simplest way:)