Replace default recovery environment of Windows 7 / Windows Server 2008 R2 by Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset

Installing Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset

Microsoft has developed a new version of ERD Commander from Winternals, which Microsoft acquired a while ago. The new version is called Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset, or DaRT for short. DaRT 6.5 is a part of Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (available to customers with an active Software Assurance license).

1. At the PC, log in as user who is the member of Administrators group.
2. Insert MDOP DVD.
3. Click "Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset".

Figure 1: Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset

4. Click "Install DaRt 6.5 (32-bit)".

Remark: Preparing the DaRT for Windows Server 2008 R2, you have to select "Install DaRT 6.5 (64-bit).

5. At welcome screen, click "Next".
6. Click "I Agree".
7. Click "Next".
8. Select "Complete".
9. Click "Install".
10. Click "Finish".


Creating the ERD Commander ISO image
1. At the PC, click "Start > All Programs > Microsoft Diagnostics and Recovery Toolset > ERD Commander Boot".
2. At welcome screen, click "Next".
3. Insert and navigate to Windows 7 enterprise installation disk.

Figure 2: ERD Command Boot Media Wizard

4. Click "Next" twice.

Figure 3: The tools of ERD image

5. Select or exclude the tools that will be included in your ERD image, click "Next".

6. Select "Locate the Debugging Tools...", click "Next".

Figure 4: The option of Crash Analyzer Wizard

7. At "Standalone System Sweeper Definition Download" screen, select "Yes, download the latest definitions".

Figure 5: The option of Standalone System Sweeper Definition Download

8. Click "Next" twice.

9. If you want to add additional drivers, click "Add Device".

Figure 6: Addition Drivers for ERD image

10. Click "Next" twice.

11. Click "Next" to create a ISO file.

Figure 7: The path of stored image

12. If you want to burn the ISO into a media set the wizard to your media burner, click "Next" to proceed.

Figure 8: Burning CD option

13. Click "Finish".

Add the Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset image to Recovery folder

1. At the PC, launch Windows Explorer.

2. Press [ALT], select "Tools > Folder options".

3. Select "View" tab.

4. Select "Show hidden files, folders or drivers".

5. Un-check "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)".

Figure 9: The option of the folders

6. Click "OK".

7. At Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\.

8. Right-click "Recovery", select "Properties".

9. Select "Security" tab.

Figure 10: The security tab of Recovery folder



10. Click "Continue".

11. Click "Add".

12. Add the current user and assign Full control permission.

Figure 11: The permissions of Recovery folder

13. Click "OK" twice.

14. Mount the Microsoft Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset image ISO file.

15. Navigate to D:\Sources, copy the "boot.wim" file.

Remark: Assuming that D:\ is the virutal CD-Rom drive.

16. Navigate to "C:\Recovery\<UID>\", paste the file in here.

17. Delete the "Winre.wim" file and rename "boot.wim" to "Winre.wim".



Figure 12: Replace the original "Winre.wim"

18. At PC, restart the computer and boot in "Repair Your Computer".

Figure 13: The menu of System Recovery Options

DaRT has been added to the Windows RE menu.

Reference:

Replace Default Windows 7 / Server 2008 R2 Recovery Environment in Diagnostic and Recovery Toolset Version 6.5

This posting is provided “AS IS” with no warranties, and confers no rights!