Executing Windows based admin tools without Windows?

Question

Is there a boot CD / USB stick OS or similar which I can use to execute basic admin tools designed for Windows?

For example, I'd like to flash firmware on a RAID card, and the tools the vendor supplies all rely on Windows, but I am running Linux! So far I've use a FreeDOS based stick to execute stuff that's DOS based, but some tools die with "This program is not meant to be run from the command line" or similar. Any ideas? Any basic boot CDs or such? Is my only resort to install a free HD, install Windows, etc. just to flash some firmware??!

score 5 · Accepted Answer · edited Feb 19 '12 at 14:47

5

You can use WinPE, available on Windows AIK.

edited Feb 19 '12 at 14:47

Tamara Wijsman

57,881

answered Feb 04 '12 at 19:46

motobói

762

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 04 '12 at 17:46

2

You mean something like a Live Disc/USB drive of Windows? You can find one at LiveCD.com. Try it out.

answered Feb 04 '12 at 17:46

Bibhas

2,596

Executing Windows based admin tools without Windows?

2 Answers2