Intriguing question about old setup

Rbcc · Aug 18, 2025

DISM /Mount-Wim /wimfile:F:\test\boot.wim /index:2 /mountdir:M:\Mount
reg load HKLM\TEMP M:\Mount\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM
reg add HKLM\TEMP\Setup /v "CmdLine" /t REG_SZ /d "X:\\sources\\setup.exe" /f
reg unload HKLM\TEMP
DISM /Unmount-Wim /mountdir:M:\Mount /commit

Shouldn't this HKLM\TEMP\Setup /v "CmdLine" /t REG_SZ /d "X:\\sources\\setup.exe" /f put something in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup in boot.wim?

neemobeer · Aug 18, 2025

Yes it will. Doesn't guarantee it will do anything.

garlin · Aug 18, 2025

For a live Windows system, the SYSTEM and SOFTWARE hives are mounted in this manner:

Code:

reg load HKLM\SYSTEM C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM
reg load HKLM\SOFTWARE C:\Windows\System32\config\SOFTWARE

Because HKLM\SYSTEM is already in active use, we're forced to mount the offline image's SYSTEM hive on a different path.

Code:

reg load HKLM\TEMP M:\Mount\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM

Reg changes are applied relative to the temporary path (HKLM\TEMP). There is nothing named SYSTEM under HKLM\TEMP, because the hive doesn't save its own name as part of the reg path.

What happens when the updated boot.wim runs?

Code:

reg load HKLM\SYSTEM C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM

So your offline changes to a SYSTEM hive mounted on HKLM\TEMP will end up as HKLM\SYSTEM on the live system.

Rbcc · Aug 18, 2025

I've tried in answer file, batch file and manually, after that rebooting. what is the suggested way of usage?
This work in 24h2 2620.5570 but not in 26200.5764. I wonder why?

garlin · Aug 18, 2025

I didn't have a problem with 26200.5733. Don't mix and match with startnet.cmd or winpeshl.ini changes.

Rbcc · Aug 18, 2025

This is a squeeky clean boot screen with the reghacks being the only thing in boot.wim!

Rbcc · Aug 18, 2025

I'm thinking about getting the old setup working.

Rbcc · Aug 19, 2025

I went an installed windows on a vmware virtual machine clicked where it said old setup and asked to go the command prompt then I keyed in X: then cd sources and ran setup from the prompt it went back to the new setup. Now I am putting the made windows install iso and will reboot rufus made drive and will see if it works! Which doesn't work! It was a fun idea but I guess I'll use the new one!

Rbcc · Aug 19, 2025

Thank you garlin for your help
Great support

Intriguing question about old setup

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