Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE)


Windows PE beginning to boot under Microsoft Virtual PC. It uses the same, minimal version of NTLDR(SETUPLDR.BIN) as Windows NT/2000/XP Setup.

WinPE uses the same kernel as Windows XP, and it displays the same splash screen.

WinPE 2005, immediately after boot, running the Factory.exe application, which can be used to install drivers on the system.

WinPE 2.0 (Vista) running the shell (Command prompt) with several of the built in programs, Notepad, Registry Editor, and the Windows Task Manager.

Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) is a lightweight version of Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 or Windows Vista that is used for the deployment of workstations and servers by large corporations. It is also used by OEMs to preinstall Windows client operating systems to PCs during manufacturing. It can also be used as an alternative to MS-DOS as an OS by booting from a CD or USB flash drive instead of booting from a floppy or hard disk.