Windows® Embedded Standard 2009 / XP Embedded

 

Windows Embedded Standard 2009 and XP Embedded are Windows XP Pro broken down into 12,000+ components. Each product come with build tools and embedded enabling features to help target the popular desktop operating system for embedded systems.

   
 

Books: Windows XP Embedded Advanced, Windows XP Embedded Supplemental Toolkit, and Real-Time from Theory to Practice

 

 

Windows XP Embedded Advanced (XPEA) was written to provide an in-depth how-to guide for OEMs and developers looking to develop with Windows XP Embedded. Although the book title says “Advanced”, the book's content ranges from beginners to advanced developers looking for a reference. Included are instructions for installing the development tools, building a first XP Embedded operating system, downloading it to the target device, and running the newly created OS from the target. Also provided are insights on developing Windows XP Embedded Images. In addition, key differences between Windows XP Embedded and NT Embedded, its immediate predecessor, are covered, as are recent updates to the operating system. All of the development tools are covered, including embedded features such as headless operation, booting from CD-ROM, and remote access and administration. An advanced topics section provides detailed instruction on subjects such as boot-time reduction, booting from flash memory devices, multiprocessor systems, and dual video systems.

Windows XP Embedded Supplemental Toolkit is the anticipated follow on to the popular Windows XP Embedded Advanced, which covers SP2.

Real-time from Theory to Practice covers the details of developing real-time applications for Windows Embedded.

eBook editions are available on Annabooks Online Store

   
 

Windows XP Embedded / WES2009 Articles

 

Intel Video Driver Solution for XP Embedded \ WES2009 Running on Intel® Atom™ Platforms - June 2011

See how the Intel® Embedded Graphics Driver (IEGD) and the Intel® Embedded Media and Graphics Driver (EMGD) makes Intel® video driver support easy for WES 2009.

XPE STOP 0x0000007B Error (V2) - Include AHCI Stop 0A Error -V2 November 2009 - v1.3 November 2006 -v1.2 October 2005 - V1.0 March 2005.

STOP 7B is one of the most common errors when trying to boot XPe for the first time. The application note discusses the issues and possible solutions to this error.

What is Embedded? And Some Notes on WES/XPe Licensing - June 2009

Covers a basic definition of "embedded system" and some note on WES2009/XPE licensing.

Customizing the DELL INSPIRON™ Mini 9 for Embedded Applications - December 2008

The paper explores different ideas for modifing the Mini 9. The SLD file provides the baseline to get started.

Mini9.SLD

Image Management with Windows® XP Embedded Image Difference Engine - September 2008

Creating update patches for systems in the field.

Creating a Hot Spot using Windows XPe - October 2007

Here is a creative solution to turning a system like eBox III into a make shift access wireless access point.

XP Embedded on Vista Notes - July 2007

Some notes on installing, setup, and running Windows® XP Embedded tools on Windows® Vista.

FBWF API .NET 2.0 Solution - June 2007

A solution to make FBWF API calls froma .NET application.

Visual Studio 2005 project code

What's New in Feature Pack 2007 for XP Embedded - January 2006

Here is a look at many of the new features and updates that are part of Feature Pack 2007.

First Look at the File Based Write Filter - September 2006

The File Based Write Filter (FBWF) provides the same protective filtering as EWF, but allows you to set certain files or folders as write-through zone so data can be written directly to the disk.

Taking Control of the File Based Write Filter with the FBWF API Set - October 2006

Like the EWF API set, the FBWF API set allows you to control the state of FBWF from within your own application.

Visual Studio 2005 project code

Booting XP Embedded from USB Flash - September 2006

One of the most requested and anticipated feature is the ability to boot Windows XPe from USB 2.0 flash disk.

"Warning 1006: Invalid registry data fixup" Solution - March 2006

Importing .REG files is a key feature of XPe. Sometimes the import doesn't catch registry resources that have values, but no value name. This article looks at the cause and solution.

The Business Value of XP Embedded's Embedded Enabling Features (EEFs) - March 2006

This article focuses on the business value of EEF for those decision makers looking at the differences between XPe and XP pro.

Coming Together: Best Practices for XPe in the Corporate Network - March 2006

With technology always changing, IT departments struggle with newer products coming to market. XPe provides OEM makers the flexibility to create devices with custom features and interfaces. Some times the goals of the OEM don't line up with the needs of the corporate IT departments. Architecting the image is import so the image can be managed in the field. This paper looks at the best practices for developing an image that IT departments can support.

Configuring XP Embedded ThinClients - April 2005

Thin Client solutions provide low cost and low maintenance computing solution for large organizations. Every company is different, and IT departments want to customize the installation to fit their applications and security policies. This application note provides the getting started tips to customizing a XP Embedded Thin Client.

Serial Console Administration - February 2005

Serial Console Administration (SCA) was a popular feature of NT Embedded. SCA provides remote administration via a serial connection. The application note discusses the development and the use of NTE's Serial Console Administration running under XP Embedded. You will need NT Embedded to extract the specific SCA files.

SCA.SLD download

SLD Import Error TIP - February 2005.

- SLD fails to import because a repository folder could not be deleted.

Dual-Booting Tips for XP Embedded - February 2005.

Dual-booting is one of the most popular target methods when getting familiar with Windows XP Embedded. The application note discusses some of the tricks to solve configuration settings for the ARC path and drive letters.

Controlling EWF Using the EWF APIs (MSDN) - October 2003.

The ability to control the state of Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) was a big improvement over the original NTe Write Filter. Now with a special set of API provided with a .H, .LIB, and .DLL files, you can control and query the state of EWF within your own application.

Different Shells for Different Users (MSDN) - August 2003.

Sometimes you need to have an administration account for your application, but you don't want users having access to security settings, Control Panel, etc. Here we discuss how to play with different registry keys to give have a custom shell per account.

Comparison Between Windows XP Embedded and Windows NT Embedded (MSDN) - August 2003.

A basic side-by-side comparison between Windows XP Embedded and Windows NT Embedded.

   
 

WES2009 / XP Embedded Sample Components

The table below contains pre-developed SLD files and components. The binary files are available from their manufacturers. Please let me know of any components that you would like to see posted or are having trouble with a component.

Information and components are supplied as-is without any warranty.

 
WES2009/ XPe SLDs and Components PDF SLD

.NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Installer Component

Example SLD for a .NET 3.5 SP1 Installer without the component dependency overhead.

 

Intel® Atom™ D510MO - WES / XPE Support Package

Platform component package and development guide for the Intel® Atom™ D510MO "Mount Olive". Intel® Atom™ Processor D510.

 

Intel® Atom™ D945GSEJT - WES / XPE Support Package

Platform component package and development guide for the Intel® Atom™ D945GSEJT "Johnstown". Intel® Atom™ Processor N270. Also supports Jetway NF92-270-LF and Advantech 2173.

 

Intel® Atom™ D945GCLF2 with IEGD Example - WES / XPE Support Package

Platform component package and development guide for the Intel® Atom™ D945GCLF2 "Little Falls". Intel® Atom™ Processor 330. Includes sample component for Intel® Embedded Graphics Driver.

 

Intel® Atom™ D945GCLF - WES / XPE Support Package

Platform component package and development guide for the Intel® Atom™ D945GCLF "Little Falls". Intel® Atom™ Processor 230.

 

PCM-9375

Platform component and development guide for the PCM-9375

 

ICOP 48XX Series

Platform component and development guide for the ICOP 48xx Series

 

ICOP 38XX Series

Platform component and development guide for the ICOP 38xx Series

 

PowerShell V1.0 Component

The SLD file contains 2 components. The first is the broken down version, and the second is for the isntaller. Please read the readme PDF file that comes in the zip file.

 

 

Full XP Pro Like Solution

Two SLD files with several macro-components based on the components software categories in the database. You have to run TAP.EXE on your hardware to get the appropriate hardware components.

Full XP Pro 2007 solution reaquires XP Embedded SP2 Feature Pack 2007 and Update Rollup 1.0.

The Full XP Pro WES2009 supports WES2009.

Google Chrome BETA

Component for the Google Chrome Beta Browser

Mozilla FireFox® v3.0.x

Component for the Mozilla FireFox v3.0.x Browser

NVIDIA Installer Component

There seems to be issues with creating XPe components for the latest NVIDIA drivers. The solution is to create an installer component, which will run a silent install during FBA. The SLD provides an example of how to do this.

 

Mozilla FireFox® v2.0.0.1

Component for the Mozilla FireFox v2.0.0.1 Browser

Nile Theme

The NileTheme.sld contains a sample component for the Nile theme, which you can download from Microsoft.

FrontMotion.SLD and LogonStudio.SLD

Many OEMS want to hide the fact that Windows XP Embedded is running in their system or they want the system too look more like an appliance. The ability to create custom boot screen, custom shells, and different themes allow the developer to create an OS image with some branding. Replacing the logon can also be achieved by creating your own custom GINA or a GINA solution from a third party. The GINALogon.zip file contains two SLD files for third party solutions. The first is from FrontMotion which is a full GINA replacement that uses Macromedia flash as a front end. The FrontMotion.sld file also contains a Macromedia flash player 8 component. The other is Stardock's LogonStudio which replaces the “Friendly Logon” graphic with your own custom version.

MySQL Server Example SLD

An Example Component for mySQL Server 4.1

Mozilla FireFox SLD

Component for the Mozilla FireFox v1.0.4 Browser

NVIDIA Video Driver SLDs

Two SLDs for video driver versions 7.19 and 7.19

Intel Ethernet SLDs

Two SLDs that cover 1GB and 10GB Ethernet Controllers

3COM Ethernet SLD

SLD contains 3 components for 3Com 1GB Ethernet controller chips.

Marvell Ethernet SLD

SLD contains a component for the Marvell 1GB Ethernet driver Yukon.

VisionTek ATI video driver components

SLD contains 50 components based on the VisionTek XTASY video graphics card.

ATI Video driver components

SLD contains nearly 300 ATI video driver components with Hotkey Poller service fix.

     

 

 

Flash Drive Information for CF, USB, and Other flash devices

Booting from flash is a very popular topic. There are various flash drives available: USB, Compact Flash (CF), and IDE. Below is some information on different flash devices, adapters, and duplication solutions. Please note that some of information is provided by input from different developers so data might not be accurate. Your contribution is appreciated.

Note: I DO NOT SELL THESE DEVICES. THE INFORMATION IS SUPPLIED HERE AS A REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPERS, THANKS.

 

 
 

Booting from USB Flash Disk

Windows XP Embedded SP2 Feature Pack 2007 was the first version to support USB Boot 2.0. Many PC systems that have USB 2.0 support only enable USB 1.1 at boot time. A switch to USB 2.0 speeds takes place once Windows has loaded the USB 2.0 driver. Also, the BIOS needs to emulate the USB flash disk as a hard drive. Finally, there are different USB flash manufacturers and products on the market. One complaint is that USB flash is slow. Performance will depend on the controller that is used in the USB flash device. Memorex, Patriot, Kingston, and PNY have been very good brands for OS boot.

 

 
 

Booting from Compact Flash Drives

Many developers are sending feedback on problems with XP Embedded running on CF cards. It is looking like the standard off the shelf CF cards for commercial products like cameras and PC storage are no longer suitable as boot drives for XP Embedded. From various replies, industrial grade CF cards from WinSystems and Transcend have better reliability as boot media for XP Embedded.

Note: It has been seen that commercial grade CF cards with the same model number may not boot WES/XPe.

 
     
 

Flash Duplication Solutions

Manufacturing is always part of the development puzzle to solve. As an alterantive to software solutions, here are a few hardware duplication solutions for duplicating USB flash disks and CF cards for production:

 
     
 

Tools

Beyond Windows Embedded Studio - There are many tools, add-on / support software, and solutions available.

XP Embedded Supplemental Toolkit - Tools R2 - Tool suite designed to help with WES2009 / XP Embedded development in several areas: creating components, dependency hunting, version control, and documentation.

DUA Script Engine - From Aaron Stebner's Blog, a very useful tool to help take the work out of creating Device Update Agent (DUA) scripts. There is also documentation and upates.

Dependency Walker - Static / Dynamic analysis tool for creating components.