Ready to use bootable .iso live media with DiskCryptor and some tutorials

[Anfinuo]

Since I didn't get any response to my inquires, I'm forced to take the "hope for the best" approach

I've made three .iso files:

• 32 and 64 bit default one, is a minimal approach (removed the unnecessary bits, added bare necessities),
• 64 bit plus version (which you can get for 9.99$. That's only 9.99$ ), which has all of the stuff minimal has, and more.

Source: Windows 7 SP1 x32/x64 Ultimate English
Tool used: Win 7PE SE Complete
Created PE main features:

• included additional languages and codepages, for those people with "funny" letters,
• for increased security, removed networking bits,
• included Macrium Reflect Free v5.2.6444, for disc backup\restore purposes,
• included IrfanView, for taking screenshots,
• included official DiskCryptor WinPE plugin v1.1.846.118,
• integrated driverpacks.net drivers for chipset, and mass storage, for smoother usage,

Plus version only:

• included Memtest86+, for RAM troubleshooting (accessible from main PE screen),
• included Parted Magic (version from when it was still freeware), for partition management, etc. (also accessible from main PE screen),
• included Foxit PDF Reader, for Adobe .pdf file support,
• included Office Readers, for support for Microsoft, and Open Office files,

I've tested both versions (although not extensively), and they work - mounted volumes in DC, made "clones" in Macrium, mounted\browsed them too, screenshots in IrfanView.

Known Bugs\Limitations:

• if you need "funny" letters in DC, you'll gonna have to change the language in the PE you're running (via Control Panel), then close, and reopen DC. Fully close, that means from the tray too.
• if Macrium Reflect keeps loading, and loading and nothing happens, just press "Esc", it will load just fine
• for some reason 32 bit version doesn't resize to maximum resolution, but you can easily fix that with MultiRes in tray

Download:
Default x32 (~281 MB):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/8fav5qhymtw4h6s/TxMJpaKn4o.7z?dl=1
SHA-256 checksums
7-Zip archive:
AB8FC9FD445DF54F88638C41C0829453E32D1423EB43CAAD2D8552E79FC05D14
.iso file:
563AA4C6186BD7A8B83DF24F2C6C6A1FDAA09A2F61B08D0AE6CC1C6B7FB9C54E

Default x64 (~370 MB):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a4tmprs14t3wglz/BskqwQjYK5.7z?dl=1
SHA-256 checksums
7-Zip archive:
9E63550BF9D6BA8C612498B202F7AC3F9515B7F7DA5F0377365FD441D5D08E49
.iso file:
C7E3BE0987F0A9D0E62BA7A11359C460C3E9DF410C82259A19273B1A4EF6C645

Plus (~674 MB):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gjjrefde6tm28sf/OG21TjIBrh.7z?dl=1
SHA-256 checksums
7-Zip archive:
B6534AE9F4F831D4F1CAD1B50F9EF5128A13117032DC065391183FE1AC971734
.iso file:
C2BE15F6592B5128DDFD144FBFD7C6C00749EC16C6486EF136F065D466582277

Password: Backup&Encrypt


Useful tools:
For various checksum calculations, I recommend HashTab:
http://implbits.com/products/hashtab/

For burning CD's, DVD's, .iso images, I recommend CDBurnerXP:
https://cdburnerxp.se

For creating a bootable pendrive, with .iso image I recommend Rufus:
https://rufus.akeo.ie/

[Anfinuo]

Checking checksums with HashTab

What's the point of checking checksum ?
To find out if the file you've downloaded isn't changed, corrupted, etc.

1. Download it, and install.

2. RMB the file you want to check. Choose: "Properties".

3. Now choose "File Hashes" tab:


4. Checksums will be automatically calculated. Cancel it, and click: "Settings":


5. Choose checksums you want, need:

Most popular is MD5 (although not 100% safe\sure). SHA "family" is used by "security aware" people (DC download page provides SHA-1 checksums), most often the second "generation" (SHA-256 - 512).

6. Now paste checksum here, and await for results:

If it's correct, you'll see that green sign.

Burning .iso file\image to a CD\DVD with CDBurnerXP

Why use CD\DVD instead of pendrives ?
Cheaper, safer, and compatible with older computers while booting.

1. Download and install it.

2. Run it. Choose this:


3.

A - browse for the .iso file\image you want to burn.
B - choose your burner. Be warned - if you have a virtual drive, it could show up here too, so take care.
C - choose burning speed. If you're using a good quality media, you can leave it as it is. If not, take it down a notch, or two.

4.

If you don't know what other options do, leave them as they are, and click: "Burn disc".

Creating a bootable pendrive with Rufus

Why use bootable pendrive, instead of CD\DVD ?
Faster loading time, some computer don't have CD\DVD drives.

1. Download it.

2. Plug in your pendrive(s), run Rufus.

3.

A - here you can choose which pendrive use.
B - for greater compatibility choose this setting.
C - if you're using that pendrive for some time, it's better to test it for defects.
D - quick format to "clean" it of any leftover data, etc.
E - from this dropdown list choose "ISO Image".

4. Click this, browse for .iso file, image you want to use:

Rufus could change some setting, but don't worry about it.

5. Globe icon on the right, changes language.
Click the "Start" button at the bottom:

Depending on your pendrive speed, settings you choose, .iso size, etc, it could take 10 minutes or more. After it finishes, Windows probably won't be able to access it, but don't worry it will* boot. And if you want to use it like before, for data, whatever, just plug it in, run Rufus and quick format, while unchecking other options.

Booting your computer with LiveMedia

Why boot your your computer with LiveMedia ?
If you mess things up with DC, and you won't be able to start your computer normally, it will allow you to boot it into a "bare necessities" Windows 7, and un-mess.
Also using a LiveMedia to encrypt, is safer, and recommended.

1. Locate your computer on the following list:
http://i.imgur.com/FILt1Hl.jpg
2. Look at the: "Boot Menu" column.
3. Put\plug the LiveMedia you've created before into your computer. Reboot it.
4. Keep pressing the key you located in step #2. Choose the device that hosts your LiveMedia. Press "Enter".
5. You will boot into a stripped down Windows 7. Use included DC to un-mess the mess you did with DC (decrypt, change bootloader config, etc.).

[Anfinuo]

Reserved for Q&A\FAQ (if needed)

[fmaz]

Do you have a walk-through / version that will boot on a USB stick ?
Ps.: And seriously, as much as I like what you did and feel like hugging you... couldn't you find a hosting service that doesn't require a 3 pages tutorial to use ? :p ( Not complaining, just trying to improve things !  )

[Italick]

Do you have a walk-through / version that will boot on a USB stick ?

I think that is what Anfinuo's instructions about using Rufus are for.

Rufus makes an ISO file bootable on a USB drive.

[Anfinuo]

...couldn't you find a hosting service that doesn't require a 3 pages tutorial to use ? ;p

Well, when I first encountered then ifolder.ru, I didn't need any tutorial, so...

( Not complaining, just trying to improve things !  )

Then please provide the address of free service, that keeps files virtually indefinitely, even without download..

I think that is what Anfinuo's instructions about using Rufus are for.

Well, had the screenshots, and text when I've posted the earlier tutorials, but posted that one after his request, so don't "scold" him
Four down, one to go
Let's hope.

[Anfinuo]

Added mirrors which should be easy to use for everyone.

Edit:
lol, 3 of 4 of the mirrors are dead.
Rusfolder "stays strong".

Edit #2:
Reuploaded files on filedropper.

Edit #3
Reuploaded files on clicknupload.
I wonder how long they survive this time.

Edit #4
And again dead, now 4/4...

[Anfinuo]

Since clicknupload and filedropper kept deleting them, reuploaded files to another filehost.

[dude]

Ok, got it to boot from usb stick with WinPE and everything works fine but it keeps crashing and giving me a blue screen saying something along the lines of 'the computer shutdown was made in an atempt to protect your computer, it detected a read/write attempt on red-only files' help me ??

[Anfinuo]

Do you have UEFI enabled ?
Which one of my PE are you using ?
Did you use my tutorial on bootable pendrive creation ?
Keeps crashing when ?


Guess not\someones computer asploded.

[geeky]

Thanks for the nice work! The links are down, can you possibly re-upload the ISOs? Preferable you should use Google Drive. It´s free, has no download limits and no expiration of files etc. You just would upload it to your own Google Drive (has 10GB space) and then click on the file and get a shareable link. Really easy and straight forward. Thanks a lot:)

[Anfinuo]

The links are down

No, they're not.

Preferable you should use Google Drive.

No.

You just would upload it to your own Google Drive (has 10GB space) and then click on the file and get a shareable link.

I've used Dropbox, so I know how services like that work.

Thanks a lot:)

You're welcome.
I like to thank you for that "bucket of cold water" in: "An Easier Way to Create a Windows LiveCD Disc or USB". Unfortunately from time to time, we get that kind of people here...

[geeky]

Hi:)

well, once the error message I get is translated from Polish to English, it clearly says that the file has been deleted (see screenshot) + it wants me to buy a premium account for catshare in general since I am not from Poland and hence can´t download the file for free from them anyway, even if it wasn´t deleted:



Sorry, but I won´t buy a premium account from them, especially since it says that the file is actually deleted too + the process is not even automated but you need to contact them manually. I still think that a Google Drive download would be the much easier and free for everyone option that will last forever than some dubious Polish filehoster where I have to spend money on to get your free release of the live CD.

But no worries, I´ve created my own one as you´ve noticed already in the other thread. So thanks for the efforts in any case.

Cheers:)

[gr2y]

Guys, you can try mega.nz for heavy files sharing.

[Anfinuo]

lol, I didn't have a clue it was a polish filehost, just saw it being really popular on WBB, and other forums. Nor did anyone report the geoblock thing (files are still there, and I can download them without even a free account, but when going through GT, it displays what you have), and files were downloaded according to the(ir) admin panel.
I'm sorry for doubting you.
This sucks big time

Guys, you can try mega.nz for heavy files sharing.

Used its predecessor. "We all" know how that ended...

Guess I have some "researching" to do.