Preboot Execution

Discussion in 'Virtualization' started by datavirtue, Oct 4, 2011.

  1. datavirtue

    datavirtue MDL Novice

    Oct 4, 2011
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    I have a boot VHD that is working good. I need to execute various commands before booting the VHD. Is there an easy way to do this? Or should I look into modifying a boot loader (GRUB?). I need to copy the VHD before it boots and then start/boot it. As an alternative solution, is there a way to run a read-only VHD that automatically writes any output needed to a temp partition? I want to boot into a clean base environment each time. This is using Windows 7 Enterprise. Any help or pointers are appreciated. I have Google'd the heck out of this and was not able to find anything specific to my goals.
     
  2. datavirtue

    datavirtue MDL Novice

    Oct 4, 2011
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    Thanks

    I'm looking to develop a solution. Paying for this is not an option, I work in education. We are already paying for a solution and I want to get rid of it.
     
  3. datavirtue

    datavirtue MDL Novice

    Oct 4, 2011
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    VBoot

    Looking at Firadisk, it seems that it maps the whole image into RAM; this is way too top-heavy for me. Looking at VBoot, I see source code offered but I see nothing about VBoot being free for education. VBoot is a perfect solution for what I need (immutable), but I need free.
     
  4. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    Speak to them!

    But also try first, I never got it working on the image that I needed it for

    Or check Win7VBlock


    sebus
     
  5. TCM

    TCM MDL Addicted

    Aug 25, 2011
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    Maybe another approach: VHDs can be created in differential mode. All writes go into another VHD which you can delete afterwards, leaving the base VHD intact.
     
  6. TheLostOne

    TheLostOne MDL Novice

    Aug 26, 2009
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    Sorry for digging up this old thread!

    I would like know if there is still a free educational license of vBoot I couldn't find anything.

    Thank you
     
  7. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
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    #9 sebus, May 15, 2012
    Last edited: May 16, 2012
    NO, buy it if you need it

    But you could ask them directly about it, I remember they did say something to this effect

    sebus
     
  8. TheLostOne

    TheLostOne MDL Novice

    Aug 26, 2009
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    Too bad, thank you!