Get Error message Working Directory is not valid when trying to create a WinPE disk on Windows Server 2022

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to create a WinPE disk for Windows Server 2022 using the instructions at WinPE: Create bootable media | Microsoft Learn. This is so I can back up the entire hard drive using EaseUS(it won't permit me to backup unless I create a WinPE disk).

On Instruction MakeWinPEMedia /ISO C:\WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso it says that ERROR: Working directory is not valid: "C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop\WinPE_amd64".

What I am doing wrong. Any help would be much appreicated.

Thanks,

Tony

Answer 1

Thanks for your help, unfortunatley it didn't work, but I've tried using the Emergency Disk creator in EaseUS and I've accomplished everything I need to do.

Thanks once again.

Tony

Answer 2

The error makes it appear you typed in MakeWinPEMedia /ISO WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso instead of MakeWinPEMedia /ISO C:\WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso.

I suggest you try the command with quotes. Ensure the directories exist and that there are no permission errors with the directories used.

MakeWinPEMedia /ISO "C:\WinPE_amd64" "C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso"

Answer 3

If you already have the directory destination created, delete it. Then run "copype amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64" to recreate the directory. Then try running the "MakeWinPEMedia /ISO C:\WinPE_amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64\WinPE_amd64.iso" again.

Answer 4

It seems to be a requirement to have "media" folder inside your working directory. I executed the following commands and it seemed to work for me.

> copype amd64 C:\WinPE_arm64

> Dism /Mount-Image /ImageFile:"en-us\winpe.wim" /index:1 /MountDir:"c:\WinPE_arm64\mount"

> MakeWinPEMedia /UFD /f "C:\WinPE_arm64" V:

P.S. - This code helped me fix the issue - Link. Although, I'm not sure if it'd be the best way to fix the same. Been following the below documentation - WinPE: Create bootable media | Microsoft Learn