Windows XP Embedded
P>Posted January 14, 2003
Chat Date: January 8, 2003
Chat Participants:
- Bill Luan, Program Manager
- Bill Moxley, Software Test Engineer
- Brad Williams, Test Lead
- John MacIntyre, Program Manager
- Jon Fincher, Program Manager
- Michael Fosmire, Community Program Manager
- Mike Hall (EAPG), Product Manager
- Patrick Azzarello, Program Manager
- Peter Wilson, Product Unit Manager
- Steve Jang, Program Manager
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
Welcome to today's Chat. Our topic is Windows XP Embedded. Questions, comments, and suggestions are welcome.
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
The Participants Room (below) is where you can enter questions for our
Hosts today. We will read them and select questions to answer.
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
The questions and answers will be posted in this room, the Experts Room.
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
Please feel free to begin posting your questions in the room below. Please begin your questions with a Q: this will help us quickly identify the questions.
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
We will make an effort to answer as many questions as we can. There may be times when a question may be asked that we do not have an immediate answer for or cannot get to. We encourage you to post any of these questions in the newsgroups.
Host Guest_mikehall_MS:
Let’s introduce our Hosts for today.
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
Jon Fincher, Program Manager, Windows XP Embedded Team.
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
I am the Product Unit Manager for the XP Embedded Team. Thanks for attending the chat today.
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
Hello. I'm Pat Azzarello - Program Manager - Windows Embedded, focusing on Deployment technologies.
Host Guest_Bill_MS:
Hello everyone, Bill Moxley, Software Design Engineer on the Embedded Enabling Features test team.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Bill Luan, Program Manager, XPE Tools. Good Morning everyone!
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Hello I'm John Macintyre, Program Manager with the Windows Embedded team.
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
I am a program manager on XP Embedded team. I was responsible for the authoring tool set and MUI for XPE and XPE SP1, and now I am working on embedded platform strategy.
Host Guest_Brad_MS:
Brad Williams, Windows XP Embedded componentization test lead.
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
Q: Any word on the MSDE Component for Embedded?
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
A: The MSDE component, as well as some other QFE's, will be released within the next two weeks.
Host Guest_Bill_MS:
Q: Any idea on when the updated EWF which corrects the bluescreen-on-boot problem will be released?
Host Guest_Bill_MS:
A: The release time for the updated EWF for the IRQL_NOT_LESS_THAN blue screen is still being investigated.
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
Q: The .NET framework causes a huge footprint because it drags almost everything with it as a dependance. Is there anything that could be done about this?
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
A: .NET Framework component footprint is not being addressed at this point.
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
Q: JonM - Is it going to be possible to add nic drivers to winpe, as those at least on the TD CD are limited?
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
A: At this time, it is not possible to add NIC drivers to WinPE. What is the specific issue you are trying to overcome? We may be able to offer another alternative.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: In the article on the first boot agent, it states that FBA resource RunOnce requests run after FBA has completed. I tried this today, and it actually ran quite near the beginning of the FBA process. What am I doing wrong?
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: What flag did you use for the optional Flags (DWORD)? They can have 0 - Run, 1 - RunOnce, 2 – RunOnceEx
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: 1, which IIRC is default. The article did not say that the flags determine when they run, but that they run after FBA as opposed to runonce keys put in as registry data.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: The Run key (Flags = 0) is processed after every logon by the Explorer shell, if it is present in the run time. If the Explorer shell is not present, such as when the run time uses the command shell or the task manager shell, then FBA processes the Run key after every logon. Note that even though FBA does the Run key processing in these cases, it is always done, not just after the first boot. The RunOnce key (Flag = 1, default) is processed by FBA during the first boot of the run-time image, following Plug and Play device enumeration, and then again following DLL registration processing. It is then processed after logon exactly as the Run key. The RunOnceEx key (Flag = 2) is processed only by the Explorer shell after every logon. If the Explorer shell is not present then this key is ignored.
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
Q: The .NET framework causes a huge footprint because it drags almost everything with it as a dependance. Is there anything that could be done about this?
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
Q: I would really like to see the Compact Framework for XPE; as we all struggle against the evils of limited resources it would make sense to produce a x86/win32 version of compact framework suitable for XPE. Any hints of this becoming a reality?
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
A: Thanks for feedback about compact framework. It is something we are considering for a release prior to next major OS release.
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
A: What device type's are you interested in using compact framework in?
Host Guest_PeterWilson_MS:
A: Are UI limitations (full screen UI only, etc.) problematic for using compact framework with XPe?
Host Guest_Brad_MS:
Q: The IIS web server has a large footprint and drags in tons of stuff. Any plans to re-componentize it into much smaller
Host Guest_Brad_MS:
A: Currently there are no plans to re-componentize IIS.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Q: Given the problems everyone has with EWF and Compact Flash cards can you produce more information on the whole process for us. Specifically what el-torito and etprep has to do with it.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
A: We are planning to release a white paper on EWF with more detail on the setup/process and best practices. This should hit MSDN early in the year.
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
Q: jonm : As XPE only runs on x86 and INTEL are the major supplier of x86 motherboards with embedded chipsets are MS going to attempt to get Intel to release updated drivers in a better form to turn into components?
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
A: We've been discussing supporting these drivers directly with Intel. Specifically, we are looking at the 815 and 845 chipset. Unfortunately, the person on our team who has been following up on these discussions is not on this chat. I will contact him for an update, and if we can get it before the end of the chat I will repost.
Host Guest_PatAzz_MS:
A: Follow up to Intel Chipset component question: The person who is managing this process with Intel is out of the office today on business. I have sent a mail, but cannot expect an answer before the chat ends. I will ask him to follow up in the newsgroup.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: Bill: So, when using the command shell, what would you recommend, as I need to run a batch file after FBA but before EWF starts in order to configure my device.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: You should use flag 1 (RunOnce). 2 is ignored if you use Command Shell. Of course, this goes without the saying that, before you start the authoring of the FBA RunOnce Request information, you need to first include the run-once executable file resource information into your component definition. In this case it's your batch file. It needs to be a component to be added to your configuration.
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
Q: I want to remove components from my builds which are added by the auto-dependency feature but not used by my application. Is there a good way to figure out what can go and what can stay? For example .NET framework drags MSMQ in, which I no need of.
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
A: Currently components depend on other components to cover all functionality present in the component. However, if some sub feature is not needed by your embedded system, you may try removing the dependency that would support that particular feature. However, our test team did not test based on broken dependencies during testing, and you would need to make sure that other features that you use are not broken unexpectedly.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Q: Is there a document that elucidates what the various EWF error messages mean and possible causes ?
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
A: Currently no, this is definitely something we could look to address with a documentation refresh. In the meantime, are there specific errors that we help you with?
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: I did use flag 1 (runonce) however, this results in the batch file running early in the FBA process…
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: I don’t know whether your other components and EWF would cause any change to the behavior. I will investigate this with our team, and in the future chat let you know. If your need is urgent, please contact Product Support Services.
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
Q: Steve_Jang_MS : The FBA takes half an hour on my target.. trying it and hoping is a very tedious business...
Host Guest_Steve_Jang_MS:
A: I understand. I agree that it would be better if we had componentized at more granular level, however, on this particular issue, I can't say we are working on it. Let me take this as a feedback although I don't have an immediate answer...
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: Are there any plans for automating Target Designer?
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: Yes. In the future TD we have planned many automation features, such as running based on answer file, running in batch mode, etc.
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
Q: Lets say I wanted to install winzip (any 3rd party app ) on an unsealed build - Is there a less tedious way of dependency preplanning - other than using Filemon on a desktop machine and running the install program - then sifting through log dumps.
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
A: As Heidi said, InCTRL5 is a good tool, as is Dependency Walker, which you can use to find the static and dynamic depdendencies. Go to https://www.dependencywalker.com.
Host Guest_mikefos_MS:
Hello. For those just joining the chat - Our topic is Windows XP Embedded. Questions, comments and suggestions are welcome.
Host Guest_mikefos_MS:
Q: SimonG : When I called PSS they hadn't heard of XPE. It was an interesting conversation. They couldn't give me a SRQ number but I did get to talk to a nice chap in Germany called Karl.
Host Guest_mikefos_MS:
A: When you call in for Windows XP Embedded, you might want to mention that you need Bill Glandon's team. :-)
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: When trying to assign a fixed ip with netsh I fail because the network interface has a GUID instead of a name….
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: There should be a white paper on this coming out soon, if not already. Basically, To specify static IP addresses for runtimes three things must be done. First, components need to be added to the runtime to support TCP/IP networking and the netsh utility. Second, a script must be created that will use the netsh utility to set the address. Third, a component must be created to add an entry to the Registry’s Runonce key that will call the script. The components required for netsh are the following: CMD - Windows Command Processor, Network Command Shell, Network Command Shell Interface Context, IP Router Monitor Library
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: Bill: So even with a command shell, runonce should run after FBA? I'll be stripping down my build over the next week or so
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: Yes it should. Good luck in your trying. Again, if you get stuck and need urgent help, contact PSS, and they can help taking a look at your configuration.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: Any ideas for a release date on a TD that dosen't take forever to do anything and stops you doing anything whilst it is working. At least the CE stuff let you do other things.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: This relates to the automation feature we are planning for the next generation authoring tools. No specific date yet at the moment, since it’s way too early. Sorry that I can’t give you any answer that may satisfy you.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Q: johnmac_MS - thanks. One EWF error that comes up alot is 0x800057 unable to open file?
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
A: I'm looking into this - if we don't resolve it during the chat, I will post a follow to the newsgroup.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: dibbe : Bill - But in the netsh script do you still have to specifiy GUID?...
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: You will need to create a component that RunOnce, and set a reg key that will call the script. See if this shed some light for the third step… Start Component Designer, and Add Component. Give the component a Name. Select Registry Data. Right click and select Add, Registry Data. Set Key Name to: System\FBA\RunOnce, Set Type to REG_SZ (this means the key value will be a string). Set Value Name to some name of your choosing such as static_ip. Set Value to the path and file name of the script that you want to run. Use the %% syntax to define system folders when specifying the path. For example: %11%\set_static_ip.cmd designates a file named set_static_ip.cmd in the System32 folder.
A: When you are done, import the component into database, and add that to your configuration. After building your runtime image you will need to copy the script file to the folder you designated in the Runonce key. Create the necessary script and then copy it using Windows Explorer. An example:
netsh interface ip set address name="Local Area Connection" source=static addr=192.168.1.10 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1 1
netsh interface ip set dns name="Local Area Connection" static 192.168.1.2 primary
netsh interface ip add dns name="Local Area Connection" 192.168.1.3 index=2
netsh interface ip add dns name="Local Area Connection" 192.168.1.4 index=3
…etc.
Note that if you are using a language other than English you will need to change “Local Area Connection” to the appropriate connection name.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Q: Can you include a partitioning tool in the XPE 'kit of bits' as I spend lots of time messing about with a hard disk for FBA pre FC... G Host is something of a pain and it doesn't like EWF partitions one bit.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
A: Simon, have you looked at SDI? You can use it to move entire disk volumes.
Host Guest_Bill_MS:
Q: Why when preparing to get EWF on CF are we supposed to run etprep after FBA? & What does its means when etprep /all fails with error code 1?
Host Guest_Bill_MS:
A: I will try to get the information regarding ETPREP and post it to the newsgroup soon.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: To answer questions from Dibbe and Heidi, I don’t know the answer for using command shell only. I will have to investigate this. Will include that in the future white paper.
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
Q: Does anyone know why sc can't be used to set the password for a service until services.msc has been used to do the same thing?
Host Guest_JonFincher_MS:
A: That's something we'll have to investigate. If you haven't already, please post this question to the newsgroup so we can follow-up.
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
Q: Can I use the WinPE and SDI to make a bootable distribution CD of resealed run-time image?
Host Guest_johnmac_MS:
A: That was partially the intent of putting SDIMgr on the disk with WinPE - so, from a technical standpoint, yes. But I believe there are some licensing implications to this. Do you go through a dist? You should follow up with them on WinPE licensing.
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
Q: Bill - there's a big thread on the group at the moment...
Host Guest_BillL_MS:
A: Thank you Heidi. I will take a look at it later and see if I or someone else can follow up…
Host Guest_mikefos_MS:
Thanks for joining us today and thanks for the questions. It's time for us to go now. You'll be able to find the transcript of this chat soon on the MSDN Web site at https://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/recent.asp.
.gif)
Top of page