HowTo Install WinServer-Compact RAM Disk for audiophile usage Installation Guide V1.3_engl.pdf · Shut down pc. 2.4 System 2 (TEMP disk) Configuration Start the PC with System 2 (TEMP

WinRAM Installation Guide V1.3_english version 1 / 20

HowTo

Install WinServer-Compact RAM disk for audiophile usage V1.3 2014-12-17 – translated 2014-12-31

Translation by non-native speaker modmix to help people who do not understand the primary German

version.

In this version, options and screenshots are as in the German version – a later version might have

english texts where in the German version German texts appear.

This HowTo shows how to install a compact Windows Server 2012 test version into a VHD file (size: 3.9

GB @ 8 GB physical RAM, 7 GB @ 16 GB physical RAM). The compact VHD will be started in a RAM disk.

Disclaimer:

You do the installation described below at your own risk.

There is no liability for damages resulting from faulty installation.

Lesson learned from some beta tester:

It is important to read each section entirely prior doing the first comand of the respective

section.

Means: read (and understand ,-) section 2.8 entirely before you start with 2.8

Some errors done in a earlier step are not evident immediately.

In case a step fails, most likely there was a mistake in an earlier step.

Might be a good idea to start right at the beginning in that case…

It’s strongly recommended to create a complete backup of the running system on SSD/HDD – eg. by

means of an image tool like Acronis True Image.

The procedure described below doesn’t affect the boot section of the existing system. Removing the

USB flash drive, the system behaves as it was before (as long as the BIOS settings as needed).

System 1: Existing installation on SDD/HDD of full Windows Server 2012 R2 (HARD disk)

– no change due to this HowTo at all

System 2: By means of WinNTSetup created full Windows Server WinServer 2012 R2 (TEMP disk)

VHD file ca. 12 GB

– just an intermediate step; some driver might be installed here, if needed

System 3: By means of VHD_W8_Compact V 8.5 compressed VHD (FILE disk)

VHD file size 3,9 or 7 GB, depending on size of physical RAM installed

– software player etc. will be installed here

System 4: System 3 (FILE disk) is loaded into RAM (RAM disk) and booted from there

– all changes done to System 4 are gone ones the system was shut down

For daily use, the USB stick, configured to start System 4 (RAM disk), remains plugged into the pc – this

causes windows to start from the RAM disk to achieve better audio quality for tracks being played.


In case you wish to change the System 4 (RAM disk) configuration permanently, make sure to boot

System 3 (FILE disk) to make modifications in that system. Once the changes have been made in System

3, they are also present in System 4, because it will be created from modified System 3 VHD file.

In case you are running a headless system, a second USB stick can be created which boots

System 3 (FILE disk) automatically.

What is needed:

- Existing operating system like Windows Server 2012 R2 (or W 7 /8 /8.1) on your existing

HDD/SSD

- One empty USB stick (less then 100 MB will be used)

o A second empty USB stick (same size) in case a headless system should be supported

- Test version Windows Server 2012 R2 (ISO)1

- tools (all freeware) and drivers 2 – best to have them all in one folder like \ramdisktools

o RMPrepUSB Portable V.2.1.725

o WinNTSetup 3.7.2

o VHD_W8_Compact V 8.5

o EasyBCD 2.2

o FiraDisk RAM disk driver package

o Defraggler Portable

When ever possible, make use of portable versions because you do not need to install them.

Note:

For the time being, activation of the test version of Windows Server “=!” r” isn’t feasible as

some required files are missing. It’s for that reason likely (but not yet proofed) that the test

period ends after 180 days.

1.0 Perperation on your existing System 1 (HARD disk)

In case Audio Optimizer is installed: Be sure to reset all settings to default !

Download Windows Server 2012 R2 (ISO) into a folder \Server2012r2iso.

Unpack ISO in folder \Server2012r2iso into \Server2012r2.

Folder \Server2012r2iso may safely be deleted, if not needed otherwise.

In case of an (U)EFI BIOS, make sure that all boot media are MBR typ; GPT will not work.

In many BIOS versions option ‘Legacy Boot’ is the one needed here.

2.0 Installation

The Installation comprises steps given in the subsequent chapters, which shall be executed in the given

order.

1 German version is used in this HowTo. Installation using english version following this HowTo was successful, too.

2 Valid links as of writing this HowTo can be found in German forum aktives-hoeren: Links


2.1 Prepare USB stick

Boot System 1 (HARD disk).

Once Windows is up & running, plug in an empty USB stick.

Run RMPrepUSB_Portable_2.1.725 by double click on RMPREPUSB.exe in \ramdisktools.

Make choices as shown in screenshot – listed here for convenience:

In the blue field, select USB stick as to be treated drive – best to have just the one stick attached at this

point in time which shall be used here.

Item #1: Größe (size): MAX

Item #2: LW Bezeichnung (drive name): BM VHD (or similar)

Item #3: select Bootloader-Option 3: „WinPEv2/WinPEv3/Vista/Win7 bootable“

Item #4: Dateisystem und Zusatzoptionen (file system and options): „FAT32“ and“ Boot as HDD“

Item #5: not ticked

Start stick preparation by selecting Item #6: „Laufwerk bereitstellen“ (create drive) located in the lower

left window corner.

Few seconds later, stick preparation is done.

Tool „RMPrepUSB“ should be closed.


2.2 Create „empty“ VHD file (TEMP disk)

Reminder:

In case Audiophile Optimizer (AO) is installed, reset all settings. Otherwise the next steps will fail.

In folder WinNTSetup 3.7.2 double-click on WinNTSetup_X64.exe opens this window:

Choose „Windows Vista/7/8/2008/2012“ at the upper right corner.

Click on „VHD >>>“ and select „Create“.


Location:

Full path of the to be created .vhd file serving as System 2 (TEMP disk)– e.g. C:\AUDIO_FULL.VHD.

Use button „Browse …“ for both, to select path and to enter the file name.

Other options set to

- Virtual hard disk size: 12 GB 3 „VHD“

- Virtual hard disk format: "Fixed Size"

Start VHD creation with „OK“ - Audio_full.vhd will be created on drive C:.

Installation progress is shown by slowly counting the bar up to 100%.

In addition an empty folder Z:\\Audio_full.vhd is mounted. 4

In order not to loose this mount Z:, do not shut down or reboot the pc before next step (2.3) is done.

3 different to screenshot

4 In case Z: is already in use, Y: or so might occure – that’s fine. The drive letter appearing shall be used whenever

later in this HowTo Z: appears.


2.3 Installation of Windows into System 2 (TEMP disk)

Tool WinNTSetup 3.7.2 should still be open. Next step is to set the appropriate paths as shown in the

screenshot.

Note:

Drive letters may be different to the ones shown here. Please use search buttons to select the

appropriate drive.

Set location of Windows installation files to file install.wim in folder „sources“ of the un-packed

Windows Server 2012 R2 ISO

Set location of the Boot drive to prepared USB stick attached – name as chosen above (eg. „BM

VHD“)

location of the installation drive shall hold the drive letter to which System 2 (TEMP disk) was

attached above.

Under „Options Edition“ make sure to select the GUI-Version of Server 2012 R2 Standard

This should be the second entry in the list. Please double check it. You also find the chosen version

shown in italics under the field „Select location of Windows …“

„Mount Installation drive as:“ should be C.

Be sure to have the correct Boot drives selected!

Here it should be USB stick E:.

Choosing a wrong drive may risk of writing to the boot entry of your SSD/HDD !

Set ticks in sub-menu „Tweaks“ as shown in the screenshot and close window (upper right corner x).


Select „Setup“-Button (located at lower right corner) and make entries as shown in the next screenshot.

„OK“ does start creation of Windows in System 2 (TEMP disk).

Close WinNTSetup Tool after ready message appeared.

It’s recommended to make a copy /backup of the just created VHD file in a separate folder.

Shut down pc.

2.4 System 2 (TEMP disk) Configuration

Start the PC with System 2 (TEMP disk) from boot menu on USB stick.

At login, enter admin password as previously choosen.


2.5 Server-Manager Autostart de-activate

Do the steps shown in the next screenshots to avoid Server Manger being started automatically.

f5

2.6 Activate AutoLogon

Open PowerShell, copy the following statements into PowerShell and press Enter.

New-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon' -Name

AutoAdminLogon -Value 1


DefaultUserName -Value "Administrator"


DefaultPassword -Value XXXXX

Replace XXXXX by the admin password choosen during Windows installation.

5 Set tick to prevent automatic start after login.


Both, Server-Manager and PowerShell will not work in System 3 (FILE disk).6

All drivers and packets needed shall be installed now according to your needs – e.g. WLAN.

In case you use WLAN, nmake sure to activate that feature in the Server-Manager in System 2 (TEMP

disk).

2.7 Install RAM disk Driver

Open Firadisk-Driver-0.01.30 folder and perform actions on these files in this order:7

- TestSignRootCA.reg double click

- TESTSIGNING_ON.cmd double click

- firadisk.inf right mouse key and select install

Reboot your PC.

You may now install all required drivers (chip set and the like) in System 2 as done in System 1 (HARD

disk).

If it seems to be appropriate, Windows Updates might be installed after activation.

2.8 Backup current Boot Stick version

Having a boot stick backup will be of some value in case something goes wrong during System 3 (VHD

disk), though this will only happen in case the HowTo isn’t followed exactly.

Create a boot stick backup as follows:

Make file manager to show also hidden items

Open “Folder Options” by pressing the button “change folder and search options“

6 Both programs normally need various files missing in System 3 (FILE Disk). They may copied into System 3 (FILE Disk) – this is not described here. 7 Test-Signing activation must be done prior to driver installation.


Remove the hook at “Hide protected operating system files”

Press “Apply to Folders”

Create a backup folder somewhere on your hard disk (eg. „Bootstick VHD V1“)

Open boot stick partition and copy all files (7 pcs) into your backup folder

2.9 Shrinking Windows on System 2 (TEMP disk)

Boot System 1 (HARD disk) from USB stick boot menu. This is important to get GRUB4DOS written into

the stick boot section, which will not happen in case the USB stick is attached after System 1 (Hard disk)

Windows was started.

To shrink windows contained in System 2 (TEMP disk), run VHD_W8_Compact.exe (double click). Adjust

paths and features settings as shown in the next screenshot.


Make sure you have selected the version „Portable“ 8

Be sure to have no tick set at „NTFS Compress” – otherwise the following installation will run into a

Diskpart error and fail.

Set VHD-Size depending on the physical memory installed:

16 GB physical memory >> 7,0 GB

8 GB physical memory >> 3,9 GB

Press „GO“ to start shrinking of the existing System 2 (Windows Server 2012 R2).

After a short while a window opens which allows you to select the users (Benutzer) folder to be used

here.

Select „Administrator“ under Z:\Users and press „OK”.

8 Smaller version „Mini 8“ is reported to work with some extra care – this isn’t covered here.


This sets „User Path“ automatically to „Z:\Users\Administrator“ and then installation will be continued

automatically:


Defrag Ready is indicated by a window which simply is to be ok-ed.

„END OF PROGRAM – OK“ window indicates that the shrinked / compressed System 3 (VHD disk) is

created an can be accessed on the USB stick boot menu.

Again, making a copy of the newly created VHD containing System 3 (VHD disk) is a good idea. Make

sure to copy to a persistent partition, regardless you copy from a Windows started under either System

1 or 2.


2.10 Run System 3 (VHD disk) the first time

Boot just created System 3 (VHD disk) from USB boot stick in order to make some adjustments System 3

(VHD disk) as described below.

System 3 (VHD disk) runs as drive C:.

System 1 (HARD disk) is mounted as drive D:

In this configuration D: holds the .vhd file used to run Windows in C:

It is likely to happen that System 3 (VHD disk) re-boots automatically serveral times. Be sure to have

that happen often enough to have System 3 (VHD disk) runnning stable.

In the boot menu, System 3 (VHD disk) is labled by default as W864DEP1-VHD.9

At this point in time you may copy folders like \MQn from D: to C: to have them in System 3 (VHD disk)

available with no further modifications.

9 To change lable start System 1 (HARD disk) from USB stick and run EasyBCD.


2.11 Audiophile Optimizer

Of course, the Audiophile Optimizer can be installed into System 3 (VHD disk), but not earlier.

Be sure to have a copy of the .vhd file serving as backup of System 3 (VHD disk)

In some cases, „Disable driver and services?“ has to be answered with “no”. 10

All other AO features can be used as usual. Some installation to have no restrictions when running

AO 1.25, other installations run nicely with AO 1.26 or even AO 1.30.

2.12 Defragment .vhd File (System 3)

Once all adjustments are done in System 3 (VHD disk), please defragment this disk. Run with

„Defraggler64.exe“ both functions, „Analyze“ and „Defrag“ until 0% fragmentation is achieved.

Again, do make a copy of the .vhd file in order to have a backup.

Note that the .vhd file name must remain unchanged unless boot manager wasn’t modified to use a

changed file name.11

10 If you disable the drivers and services on the affected computers compact Windows would otherwise crash

occurred shortly after booting. The VHD file will not boot and can not be corrected. In some individual cases, however, the computer is running from the second or third try, after that is booting stable in the Filedisk and can then be easily booted from the RAM. The exact causes are not yet known. 11

This topic isn’t covered by the HowTo


2.13 Boot System 4 (RAM disk)

Prior to boot System 4 (RAM disk), System 3 (VHD disk) should be started several times (more than

2-times ,-) just to ensure that all installation tasks done by Windows itself are completed.

Now, the System 4 (RAM disk) is ready for take-off (aka boot):

From the USB stick boot menu select “Grub4DOS” and press Enter.

Select from the Grub4DOS boot screen the entry labled „… FiraDisk RAMDISK …“ and press Enter.

The system which was generated as System 3 (VHD disk) will now be loaded into the RAM disk and be

booted from there as System 4 (RAM disk).

Note that any changes made within System 4 (RAM disk) will be lost after shut down. A change which

shall be persistent must be done in System 3 (VHD disk).

2.14 2nd USB Stick „BM RAM“ to run RAM Disk in a Headless System

Boot System 1 (HARD disk) with no USB stick attached.

Prepare a second USB stick using RMPrepUSB_Portable as described above. Name ist eg. „BM RAM“ to

tell it easily from „BM VHD“. Then the new USB stick „BM RAM“ is ready, but still empty.

Now, attach in addition „BM VHD“.

Make sure that the file manager shows also hidden items (apply it to all folders)

The following configuration steps concerning the folder options normally you already did in Chapter 2.8


Copy all files (7 pcs) from stick „BM VHD“ to stick „BM RAM“.

Have EasyBCD installed in System 1 (HARD disk).

Remove USB stick „BM VHD“. USB stick „BM RAM“ remains attached.

Re-start System 1 (HARD disk) from boot menu on USB stick „BM RAM“ and run EasyBCD.

Select „Start-Menü bearbeiten“. Make entry „Start GRUB4DOS“ being the default ( Voreinstellung).

Entry „Start GRUB4DOS“ can be moved to any place in the list – eg. to its top.

Audiophile Optimizer changes BCD entries automatically. This may result in two entries having the same

name. Entries may be modified for better reflecting the actual system.

“Wartezeit” may be set to a lower value (eg. 10 sec.), if appropriate.

EasyBCD now can be closed.


2.15 Modify GRUB4DOS Boot Blocks

GRUB4DOS boot manager must be set, to get System 4 (RAM disk) booting automatically.

Make a copy of „menu.Ist” to have a backup and then open the original „menu.Ist” with a text editor.

Find entry „… FiraDisk RAMDISK …“ and cut it out


Then insert it directly under the line „default 0“ to get it as the first and active boot entry

Timeout value may be set to your preferences.

In case you modify other entries, make sure to keep the term „title” unchanged.

Entries other than RAMDISK might be used in case the option to go back to the windows boot manager.

But this feature isn't needed here.

Please copy the entire USB stick content to have a backup, ... ,-)


2.15 1st USB Stick „BM VHD“ – Boot Menu Changes

System 3 (VHD disk) should be set as default on USB stick „BM VHD“.

EasyBCD should be installed in your System 1 (HARD disk).

Re-start System 1 (HARD disk) from boot menu on USB stick „BM RAM“ and run EasyBCD.

Edit boot entries similar to those shown in this screenshot:

Done.

Enjoy music played from a audiophile Windows RAM disk !

Documents

HowTo Install WinServer-Compact RAM Disk for audiophile usage Installation Guide V1.3_engl.pdf · Shut down pc. 2.4 System 2 (TEMP disk) Configuration Start the PC with System 2 (TEMP