PROJECT: B.W.E.F

BOOTABLE WINDOWS ERROR FIXER ● 2012 ●

B.W.E.F was the final year diploma project I undertook with my friend Daniel, under the supervision of Mr. Mohd Bazri bin Mhd Bahri Shah. The core objective of this project was to assist users in fixing the "boot loader is missing" issue.

During our college years, Windows 7 was hugely popular. Even today, it stands as one of the best Windows operating systems. The "boot loader is missing" problem frequently arose due to issues like corrupted or missing boot configuration data (BCD) files, malware attacks, among other reasons.

We was inspired by the Hiren Boot to design a simple bootable system with a terminal appearance. However, as we delved deeper into my research, we discovered other bootable systems, which influenced the evolution of B.W.E.F beyond just a terminal-based interface.

This project has an ongoing nature for us, as we can continuously update it with the latest tools and enhancements. we hold a deep passion for this project, and we believe it has enriched our skills and perspectives in various ways.

Objective

  • To facilitate the replacement of damaged or missing windows system files.
  • To avoid the use of commands in the replacement of damaged or missing windows system files.
  • To guide computer users in solving problems.

Awards

  • 1 st Place - JMTI 2nd Creativity and Innovative Competition 2011
  • Gold Award - JMTI 2nd Creativity and Innovative Competition 2011

Experience

Research

Understanding the mechanics of bootable systems is crucial. This comprehension helped shape the requirements for our project, ultimately contributing to its success.

In the course of our research, We discovered that Hiren Boot isn't the only solution providing bootable images. Here are other similar options:

  • Active @ Boot Disk
  • Emergency Bootable Antivirus CD
  • Ultimate Boot CD
  • Windows Emergency Repaird Disk (ERD)
  • Wondershare LiveBoot 2012

After experimenting with several bootable images, We conceived an idea to enhance B.W.E.F's interface from a terminal appearance to a more user-friendly GUI. The right tools are all that's needed.

During our search for tools to create a GUI-based bootable image, We stumbled upon a website named reboot.pro. The community there shared insights on using the Windows Preinstallation Environment (PE).

The final piece of the puzzle for our project is developing a GUI for the B.W.E.F Application. This will automate the process, addressing the "boot loader is missing" issue.

Development

During the development phase, We used the Hiren Boot Portal as a reference to craft my first bootable image. Additionally, We dissected the Hiren Boot image to grasp its workings.

We also created a batch script to identify drive labels containing the operating system folder and either overwrite an existing file or add the file if it's missing. This step was crucial for achieving my project goals.

We collected and integrated all the tools I wanted as part of my bootable image. While doing so, We observed that many portable tools have been designed to address specific purpose.

We employed Visual Basic to design a GUI for the B.W.E.F Application, ensuring that all tools can be accessed from a one panel.

Skills & Tools

Programming Languages
  • Batch Script
  • VB.Net
Tools
  • Bat to Exe Converter
  • WinBuilder
  • Visual Basic
  • VMware Workstation
  • EasyBoot
  • UltraISO
  • WinUHA
  • Notepad++
  • 7-Zip

Images

References

Problems
  • http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-fix-bootmgr-missing-error-vista-and-windows-7.htm
  • http://www.webtlk.com/2010/10/21/how-to-fix-mbr-in-windows-7-operating-system-not-found/
Bootable Image
  • http://www.hiren.info/
  • http://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
  • http://www.prime-expert.com/ebcd/
  • http://www.ntfs.com/boot-disk.htm
  • http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/products/mdop/dart.aspx
Forum & Website
  • http://reboot.pro/
  • http://www.911cd.net/forums/index.php
  • http://www.sevenforums.com/
  • https://www.ultimatebootcd.com/
  • http://www.nu2.nu/
  • http://www.bootdisk.com/
  • http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/end-of-sale.aspx
  • http://programmerworld.net/articles/windows/osboot.php
  • http://duartes.org/gustavo/blog/post/how-computers-boot-up
  • http://duartes.org/gustavo/blog/post/kernel-boot-process