Chapter 2 Operating Systems 63
Windows installation program when performing
a complete installation from a Windows DVD.
The latest version at the time of this writing is
Windows PE 3.0 and is based on the Windows 7
operating system.
In addition to preparing a computer for
operating system installation, Windows PE
can be used to recover a failed computer or for
troubleshooting purposes. Windows PE is part
of the Windows Automated Installation Kit
(WAIK). The WAIK is a set of installation tools
available for free download from the Microsoft
Support website. The tools allow a computer
technician to create disc images, deploy operating
systems automatically to computers that have no
operating systems, manage existing systems by
automatically installing new device drivers, and
create a Windows Pre-installation Environment on
disc or flash memory device.
Microsoft Windows Boot
Sequences
A boot sequence is the step-by-step process
of bringing a computer to an operational state.
This involves a combination of hardware and
software control to initialize hardware and load
When selected, a dialog box similar to the one in
Figure 2-29 is displayed.
The process uses the Internet to obtain an
upgrade key. During the upgrade, application
software, files, and settings are preserved. This is
handy when a user discovers a feature is needed.
Windows Anytime Upgrade is available in most
Windows operating systems, but the ability to
upgrade is phased out when a newer operating
system becomes available. For example, the
Windows Vista version of Windows Anytime
Upgrade was disabled after the release of
Windows 7 to encourage users to purchase the
newer operating system.
Windows PE
Windows Pre-installation Environment
(Windows PE) is a minimal 32-bit Windows
operating system that prepares a disk storage
system before the complete operating system
is installed. In addition, Windows PE supports
CD, DVD, and USB flash drives, all of which
may be required for the complete operating
system installation. Windows PE supports
the Remote Installation Services (RIS), which
allows an operating system to be installed from
across a network. Windows PE is part of the
Figure 2-29.
Windows Anytime
Upgrade allows a user
to upgrade from one
Windows edition to
another that has more
features.