ReadyBoost in Server 2008

Forums Operating Systems Windows Server 2008 Wish List Progress ReadyBoost in Server 2008

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    • #43098
      Arris
      Moderator

        Description: Using ReadyBoost to speedup Windows Server 2008.

        Solution
        * JonusC made it possible to get Readyboost working on Windows Server 2008 x86: Tutorial. Note that this is still in the development phase, but if you are an experienced user you can do it.

        Alternative
        ReadyDriver Plus V1.1 – See the comment of imposter for more info.

      • #46164

        Unfortunately readyboost isnt just disabled – Microsoft removed readyboost on purpose – im not sure, but looks like there was some stability issues so they removed it completely.
        So far i ported ecache.sys and all of the registry entries from vista, but there is readyboost service called “EMDMgmt” which is started from svchost.exe and i cant move it from vista to 2008.If anyone have an idea how to do it, im open for ideas πŸ™‚

      • #46165

        For those craving the benefits of readyboost (as small as it may be), I may have an incomplete solution. You can downloaded a program called eBoostr, which you can find via google. It works in exactly the same way as readyboost, i.e. cache system. When installing the program, you must run the installer in compatibility mode -> Windows XP, as it is primarily meant for Windows XP. The program is 100% efficient even when installed through this method. The only problem is that vista doesnt recognise it as a signed driver.. dun dun duunnn. So the only way to be able to run this is via:

        1) Finding a way to prevent signed signature driver check w/e
        2) Manually disabling signed driver signature check, i.e. F8, disable.

      • #46166
        Arris
        Moderator

          It is also possible to disable driver signing without having to select the option in the F8 menu. Just go to start -> run -> cmd and execute the following command:

          bcdedit.exe -set loadoptions DDISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS

          More info on the Techpowerup.com Forums.

        • #46167

          @Arris wrote:

          It is also possible to disable driver signing without having to select the option in the F8 menu. Just go to start -> run -> cmd and execute the following command:

          bcdedit.exe -set loadoptions DDISABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS

          More info on the Techpowerup.com Forums.

          Doesn’t the -set have to be /set ?

          Besides, I don’t think the old permanent disable config for driver signing doesn’t work anymore with vista 64 SP1 and server 2008.

        • #46168

          It doesn’t work for me…
          I found a program named drivercert:
          http://drivercert.oxyhostsfree.com/

          it signs drivers with test signatures and sets the testmode in bcdedit to “ON”
          Bad thing is, in all 4 corners of the desktop there is a message: test mode….

        • #46169

          I now tried ReadyDriver Plus V1.1
          It is a bootloader, which automatically selects the option without signed drivers.
          It is working for me now πŸ™‚

          http://citadel.x10hosting.com/readydriverplus/

        • #46170

          Update on Robson:
          German Forumdeluxx:
          http://www.forumdeluxx.de/forum/showthread.php?t=522442&highlight=robson

          I got a 1GB Module now…
          Unfortunately Alternate delivered a 512 MB Module than the ordered 1 GB…

          I don’t know why: There are 2 Modules on the Robson. Maybe only one is shown, maybe it is really 512 MB.
          I am now able to use it as a USB Stick…

          First thought: FUCK, thats fast….

          €: Unfortunately, the Robson is recognised as a Harddisc. Eboostr doesnt create Cache Storages on HDs…
          I wrote an email to the company:

          I have an Intel Robson Module and I am able to use it as a Harddisc. Windows can write and read, the speed is incredible. Much faster than a USB Stick.
          Is it possible to get eboostr making a cachestorage on a Harddisc?
          I know, normally this is deactivated because HD’s are too slow. But the Robson Modules speed is incredible: Average 214,4 MB/sec average. Access Time 0,2 ms.

        • #46171

          Sawo wasn’t online for quite a while…
          I wrote a PN, but is there any progress in porting readydriver from Vista to WS2008?

        • #46172
          Arris
          Moderator

            I think sawo is busy with school; he isn’t online at Google Talk either.

          • #46176
            Arris
            Moderator

              I think sawo is busy with school; he isn’t online at Google Talk either.

            • #46173

              Just noticed this thread and signed up for the sole reason to let you guys know…

              I’ve been a “hacker/cracker” for many years now and am pretty handy with reverse engineering Win32 based programs. To my dissappointment I only noticed today that my 8GB ReadyBoost-Optimized stick is useless in my Server 2008/Vista hybrid!

              I’m working on transferring the EMD Driver/Service from Vista Ultimate right now, starting with research. Hopefully it will be ready within the next 24 hours as this is a top priority for me.

              I will post here if I run into any problems in the hopes that somebody can help out. I think that porting the Service and Driver will be the easy part, but of course I have no idea if it will compatible. Alas, as i said, i’ve made this my #1 project and want to finish it ASAP. So where there’s a will there’s a way πŸ˜‰

              I’ll keep you guys posted. Starting work right now. Well, after a shower. Lol. Peace!

            • #46177

              Just noticed this thread and signed up for the sole reason to let you guys know…

              I’ve been a “hacker/cracker” for many years now and am pretty handy with reverse engineering Win32 based programs. To my dissappointment I only noticed today that my 8GB ReadyBoost-Optimized stick is useless in my Server 2008/Vista hybrid!

              I’m working on transferring the EMD Driver/Service from Vista Ultimate right now, starting with research. Hopefully it will be ready within the next 24 hours as this is a top priority for me.

              I will post here if I run into any problems in the hopes that somebody can help out. I think that porting the Service and Driver will be the easy part, but of course I have no idea if it will compatible. Alas, as i said, i’ve made this my #1 project and want to finish it ASAP. So where there’s a will there’s a way πŸ˜‰

              I’ll keep you guys posted. Starting work right now. Well, after a shower. Lol. Peace!

            • #46174

              UPDATE

              This is going to be tricky. So far i’ve managed to get 2008 to load the ecache driver at pre-boot and run the EMDMgmt service with the right credentials, at a seemingly functional level. I managed to trick the ReadyBoost “tab” to appear via a rundll32 command [i.e., not on the property page of a flash drive] and it is normal on the appearance side of things – but there is no visible way with this to actually have it ‘assigned’ to the proper drive letter or device. I think there is a missing dependency/class in regards to the ecache.sys/emdmgmt.dll talking to the USB Stack/Volume Mount component :S

              I kinda wish that guy who was working on this was here so I could see where he got. It looks like i’m going to have to debug/spy/process monitor the entire process of EMD becoming active under Vista. That could take weeks, as I would have to have a logger enabled when I…
              1.insert a USB drive
              2. Open the property page and switch to ReadyBoost
              3. Enable ReadyBoost
              …and then cross check every single system file that is referenced to see how they are called, and there is no practical way to filter out the EMD-related activity from the normal crap that goes on in the background with Vista. Not to mention that i’m expecting i’ll run into a dependant library that is probably different between Vista and 2008 – so my hopes of “100% exactly the same functionality as Vista” has now completely plumeted! πŸ™

              I guess it’s only been a few hours though! I’ll let you guys know when I have something that someone can test for me, to make sure it half-works on other systems and not just mine. Peace.

            • #46178

              UPDATE

              This is going to be tricky. So far i’ve managed to get 2008 to load the ecache driver at pre-boot and run the EMDMgmt service with the right credentials, at a seemingly functional level. I managed to trick the ReadyBoost “tab” to appear via a rundll32 command [i.e., not on the property page of a flash drive] and it is normal on the appearance side of things – but there is no visible way with this to actually have it ‘assigned’ to the proper drive letter or device. I think there is a missing dependency/class in regards to the ecache.sys/emdmgmt.dll talking to the USB Stack/Volume Mount component :S

              I kinda wish that guy who was working on this was here so I could see where he got. It looks like i’m going to have to debug/spy/process monitor the entire process of EMD becoming active under Vista. That could take weeks, as I would have to have a logger enabled when I…
              1.insert a USB drive
              2. Open the property page and switch to ReadyBoost
              3. Enable ReadyBoost
              …and then cross check every single system file that is referenced to see how they are called, and there is no practical way to filter out the EMD-related activity from the normal crap that goes on in the background with Vista. Not to mention that i’m expecting i’ll run into a dependant library that is probably different between Vista and 2008 – so my hopes of “100% exactly the same functionality as Vista” has now completely plumeted! πŸ™

              I guess it’s only been a few hours though! I’ll let you guys know when I have something that someone can test for me, to make sure it half-works on other systems and not just mine. Peace.

            • #46175
              Arris
              Moderator

                Don’t let that stupid protection beat you! πŸ˜‰ Sounds you have a lot of experience/knowledge about this stuff so Good Luck with it! I’d like to know how you did it if you got it working. πŸ™‚ I also think this interesting stuff: reverse engineering / patching the assembly code / intercepting system calls etc. Currently at school we are working with Minix, and so we are learning the internals of an operating system. It’s nice/interesting to learn!

              • #46179
                Arris
                Moderator

                  Don’t let that stupid protection beat you! πŸ˜‰ Sounds you have a lot of experience/knowledge about this stuff so Good Luck with it! I’d like to know how you did it if you got it working. πŸ™‚ I also think this interesting stuff: reverse engineering / patching the assembly code / intercepting system calls etc. Currently at school we are working with Minix, and so we are learning the internals of an operating system. It’s nice/interesting to learn!

                • #46180

                  nice work JonusC :mrgreen:

                  i’ll be watching this thread with great interest. having readyboost will be awesome!

                • #46181

                  nice work JonusC :mrgreen:

                  i’ll be watching this thread with great interest. having readyboost will be awesome!

                • #46182

                  cewl πŸ™‚
                  keep going 😎

                • #46183

                  IM STUCK!!!

                  I don’t know how the hell I even got this far to be honest, I have no idea how to get the ReadyBoost tab to appear – I’m pretty sure I found the right registry keys, but for all I know it could be some other DLL with the dialog data that Vista has but 2008 doesn’t…. eh I think i’ve burnt myself out for the day πŸ™ maybe i’ll call it a night. Damn.

                  EDIT: I just noticed that the vLite tool has matured quite a bit. I’m going to build an extremely cut-down copy of Vista [keeping ReadyBoost of course] stripping EVERYTHING else, then use Process Explorer to watch the ReadyBoost detecting/enabling process with NO FILTER AT ALL to find every damn DLL and Registry Key thats read or changed during ANYTHING to do with USB and/or ReadyBoost functions!

                • #46184

                  please, don’t give up

                • #46185

                  Don’t worry, I wont go down without a fight I want this pretty bad too! I havn’t given up yet πŸ˜‰ just got home from work, will spend a few more hours on it today now im fresh and rested and see how we go πŸ™‚ pray to your gods to bestow me with great intelligence! Nevermind, I’ll do it lol.

                • #46186

                  SUCCESS!

                  Everything seems to be working. The ReadyBoost tab appears, the cache file creates properly, and the loading-light on my USB stick was always thrashing about so it seems to be good! Although, it did crash my system when i tried to shutdown… I’m pretty sure I know why it did that though and I HOPE any stability issues will not happen again, it should be working anyway maybe i should double check everything…

                  …but its 11:10pm here in Chittaway Bay, Australia; and I have work tomorrow. Alas its Saturday and i will be home at midday – then I will do some quick tests and such to make sure its all right, then clean it all up and make an installer for someone daring enough to test it! Stay tuned… Peace

                • #46187

                  Making the installer is being a real pain in the a$$. Trying to figure out a SAFE way that will work on ALL 2008 systems. Having trouble finding a program that APPENDS to a REG_MULTI_SZ value instead of just overwritting it [which would most definately break many systems that have non-standard services installed, such as AntiVirus and Defrag tools and such].

                  Eh, i’m going to install an extremely cut-down version of Server 2008 now haha and do it all from scratch with a damn complex batch file, thanks to the fancy command-line tools in the new NT6 family [such as SC.EXE].

                  Yeah i know its a pointless post, but I was expecting to have it done by now but jus thought i’d give you guys an update. Not long now hopefully. Peace.

                • #46188

                  Wow, JonusC I really appreciate the effort your making on behalf of resurrecting readyboost on server 2008. Thanks for the hard work! keep it up.

                • #46189

                  Haha cheers man, it’s working fine ey it was no trouble and sorta fun πŸ˜› im using it right now but sadly is still eluding my efforts to make an easy installer without breaking the system, or doing it manually [which takes 30 minutes, 5 reboots and an accompanying guide] but yeah no need to thank at all because I am just as happy as anyone is about this πŸ™‚ and I hope nobody thinks im being a huge fake here, just hold out for another day or two and I will provide a download link as soon as the kinks are worked out ;D I wont ‘spam’ again until its done!

                • #46190

                  good work dude, keep it up!
                  how do you learn to do this stuff by the way?

                • #46191

                  he wrote, he was a cracker…

                  which cracker group?

                • #46192

                  @impostor wrote:

                  he wrote, he was a cracker…

                  which cracker group?

                  Thats naughty business! I don’t do that stuff anymore and havn’t for a long time, too many more important things to worry about than ripping off hard peoples’ work πŸ™‚

                  How do i learn this? With too much spare time over the past ten years haha. I can pretty much identify everything in the Windows 5/XP OS registry, classes and handles and all that…. it helps that I’ve been a debugger in previous jobs too!

                  Im still having trouble making a working installer without screwing with the security/permissions of the registry, therefore exposing Windows to possible threats in the future. I think I need to research how to make custom INF installers. If anyone can help with things like ‘Creating a service with SC.ExE’ and ‘installing legacy drivers via command-line’ please PM me as I am kind of stuck here. Thanks!

                • #46193

                  Hello everybody!

                  JonusC is my guru πŸ˜‰ ReadyBoost in Win2008 great.

                  But if MS will publish some updates for ReadyBoost service (example security or performence), Windows Update from w2k8 will not see them?

                  //sorry for my English, I hope that it will be better soon πŸ™‚

                • #46194
                  Arris
                  Moderator

                    Good to hear you got it working! Looking forward to the installer!

                    How to install .inf files (taken from HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTinffileshellInstallcommand)

                    %windir%System32InfDefaultInstall.exe myfile.inf

                    I don’t know more about sc than the command sc query, but I think you can find the information you need at Microsoft Technet: SC.

                    To install drivers from commandline, maybe the following page can help you:
                    dashken.net: Install INF Drivers From Command Line or Script

                    Looking forward to see the first release! :geek:

                  • #46195

                    Holy crap! Keep going, dude, this is great work. I applaud your patience/craziness.

                    lol, this would have been my typical thought process upon doing something like this:
                    1) Hmm….let me poke around these files on the Vista installation..
                    2) F*ck this, my brain hurts, back to Organic Chem II. πŸ™‚

                  • #46196

                    nothing new? πŸ˜₯

                  • #46197

                    I’d also like to know what the latest instructions are with this. Maybe this will fix my code 10 problem or once I get that fixed, allow me to have the readyboost/drive like in vista.

                  • #46198

                    HERE IS THE READYBOOST FILES AND PROCEDURE, INCLUDED IN THE ATTATCEHD RAR FILE!!!

                    Sorry for going away there without a trace guys, I have been very busy! But this is working 100% for me, with a few little exceptions that dont really affect it at all πŸ™‚ PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT AN INSTALLER AND YOU WILL NEED TO DO SOME MANUAL REGISTRY EDITING. Also, this works for me – I cannot guarantee that it will work for you and i’m SORRY if it causes a BSOD for you it was not my intention! Note also that I tested this in a COMPLETELY FRESH install of 2008 Enterprise 32-bit [x64 PROBABLY WONT WORK and i cant make it work for that as I dont HAVE 64-bit] but yeah. Ummm…

                    Yeah I will make an installer as soon as I can, unless someone beats me to it πŸ˜€ If you have any low-level volume filters already installed this will BREAK it [Bitlocker for example will fail, if thats even possible on 2008] as the registry keys do not accomodate for existing entries it just assumes they are BLANK.. but as i said if you have a FRESH 2008 install it should work well πŸ™‚

                    If incase you DO get a BSOD, DO NOT BLAME ME. YOU ARE INSTALLING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK, IT IS STILL IN TESTING STAGES that’s part of the reason why i’ve been so slow to release it but if anyone daring enough wants to try it, I suggest installing a second fresh copy of 2008 on a seperate partition if you are worried…. but yeah if you are happy waiting a LITTLE longer I feel like working on an installer now πŸ™‚ I tried making one with NSIS but its not good enough lol but i’ll find something πŸ™‚ and standard INF method is neither advanced enough…

                    Anyway files are below. Please note the following MISSING functions though –
                    – ReadyBoost will not appear in the Autorun menu when a USB stick is interted, you have to go to “Properties > ReadyBoost” yourself
                    – The .sfcache file on the memorystick will not be hidden, the filetype/file association is not included in the installer. So if you make a 2GB readyboost cache file, dont be freaked out or scared by the 2GB file you can see on your memory stick πŸ™‚
                    – Windows is ignorant to the RadyBoost sfcache file – i.e. the Windows Backup will attempt to include it automatically as a “user data” file or whatever.

                    AS I SAID YOU ARE INSTALLING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND BY DOWNLOADING IT YOU AGREE TO NOT PUT ANY RESPONSIBILITY ON ME FOR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER PLEASE!

                    All instructions are included in the “Procedure.txt” file. Follow it carefully. Peace.

                    EDIT: You may need to take ownership of the winsxs folder or something in order to copy required files there. If you don’t know how to do this, dont ask because that means you don’t have the experience to try out this TEST which is not PROVEN TO BE WORKING FOR ANYONE BUT ME yet!

                    EDIT2: If you DO get a BSOD and cant get into windows, try doing Safe Mode and reverse every step that the registry files merged. Yes it would be a pain in the ass sorry πŸ™ if you are lazy just use LAST KNOWN GOOD CONFIGURATION to restore from the registry backup. BUT this might result in loss of data which is why I CANT STRESS ENOUGH only for EXPERIENCED users to test this for me, EVEN THEN I suggest a FRESH BLANK TEST Server 2008 install ONLY!

                  • #46199

                    Although I wont test it (dont have any backups or space to make one), all I can say is Kudos for the great work. Unfortunately I have a 64 bit copy, so chances of functioning on my rig is probably less likely than as is. Again great work and thanks.

                  • #46200

                    @end0rphine wrote:

                    Although I wont test it (dont have any backups or space to make one), all I can say is Kudos for the great work. Unfortunately I have a 64 bit copy, so chances of functioning on my rig is probably less likely than as is. Again great work and thanks.

                    Yes well I disocvered that I can make an installer with AutoIt3 although it will take time… and still, that’ll be only for 32-bit. So hopefully someone with some experience can also take my work and make a 64-bit version too πŸ˜€ not to mention, actually test it to make sure its working and I didnt just fluke my PC into getting it on hehe!

                  • #46201
                    Arris
                    Moderator

                      Wow! That’s a fantastic job JonusC! Just tested it in a virtual machine. Installation procedure takes some time but finally… it works!
                      [attachment=0:3fu14vpi]ReadyBoost_2008_x86.jpg[/attachment:3fu14vpi]
                      Note that the screenshot is made from a virtual pc so because of the virtualization the USBStick is not fast enough.

                    • #46202

                      @Arris wrote:

                      Wow! That’s a fantastic job JonusC! Just tested it in a virtual machine. Installation procedure takes some time but finally… it works!

                      Note that the screenshot is made from a virtual pc so because of the virtualization the USBStick is not fast enough.

                      Cheers. Yes I don’t know if so many restarts are actually required, but yeah the registry is a fickle thing especially the LOCAL_MACHINE hive which is only loaded when the OS starts and I just wanted to make sure the instructions worked as well as possible πŸ™‚ well thats good news that it works not just for me πŸ™‚

                      Also, I had to actually press ‘Retest’ on my stick about 5 times before it actually detected it as fast enough. But this may be because my PC is dodgy – I have a few blown capacitors on my motherboard from overclocking [i’ll NEVER do it again] and my USB sometimes fails for no reason lol. Just pointing that out though incase it is infact a known issue for any others who test it before an installer is made.

                    • #46203

                      I followed your directions to a T and everything is working perfect. I was also able to get the intel turbo memory to no longer say code 10, now I just need to figure out how to enable readyboost on it.

                      EDIT:
                      Well here’s how I got turbo memory working…

                      After following the above guide and installing the latest turbo memory driver from intel

                      First of all, there is no longer turbo memory console window in this updated version. So you have to do it manually.

                      I went to the computer management program. From there you format the imd-0 as maximum size to fat32, label however you want, and give it a drive letter.

                      Now go to my computer and right click the newly made drive, go to properties, now go to readyboost, and enable it.

                      The only problem now is windows keeps writing a recycle bin file to the drive and bitching about how there is no space left on it.

                    • #46204

                      I have nothing more to say…congrats BboySoniK — mad props.

                      Perhaps you can try tackling the motherload of Server 2008 Wishlists: Media Center? Please…? πŸ˜‰

                    • #46205

                      Haha thanks guys! In regards to your RECYCLE BIN problem ShadowGuy, that is really strange. Windows should never create a RECYCLER folder on a Removable Drive! Perhaps this “Turbo Memory” thing you speak of [i’ve never used it] is somehow making Windows see the USB drive as a fixed disk instead of removable? Don’t know!

                      And yes, I know of the Media Center problems haha. I will definately make that the next thing on my list to do! However, I recieved a PM from a chap here asking to get “Origami” working on Server 2008 – I will try to get that working first as it will most likely be a lot easier I think [as it’s not tied into the system like the MCE components and hence will be easier to monitor and diagnose and such] but yeah I will probably have a glance at BOTH these things during this week πŸ™‚

                    • #46206

                      Dude you are awesome! I am using 2008 Server Enterprise 64bit. Waiting for your final installation package.

                    • #46207

                      I am using 2008 Server Enterprise 64 bit on Thinkpad T61, and thinking to purchase a 2GB Turbo Memory. Before I saw this post, I thought it was not possible working a Turbo Memeory on 08 Server. I am really excited to see how close it gets to the final succeed here. Hope the final installation version will be soon released, both x86 and x64.

                    • #46208

                      I don’t have a 64-bit machine, nor a 64-bit OS to even emulate if thats possible [dont think VMWare can emulate 64-bit can it?]

                      So until I find someone… capable enough…. of helping me with that, im afraid its only for 32-bit….. πŸ™

                    • #46209

                      VMware can emulate 64bit OS’s.

                      But the physical computer hardware must be 64bit as well.

                    • #46210

                      @Nevexst wrote:

                      VMware can emulate 64bit OS’s.

                      But the physical computer hardware must be 64bit as well.

                      Bugger. I’ve never ever used a 64-bit machine before, never looked at the system file structure or the registry, as such I have no idea how different they are AT ALL. Eh who knows, maybe I can find someone who knows enough about the internals of a 64-bit OS to port it/adapt it over…

                    • #46211

                      I’m new so first of all, I want to say hello.

                      In addition, thanks for the details Windows Server 2008. Appreciated.

                      Regards,

                    • #46212

                      No worries champ! Welcome to the board!

                      To everyone watching this topic, I AM STILL WORKING ON IT! πŸ˜›

                    • #46213

                      I’m sure someone has tried this, but why cant you just over ride the security setting in Local Secuity Policy, in the admin tab? It doesnt look like you can added things directly, but you could maybe copy them from vista.

                    • #46214

                      @Ashell wrote:

                      I’m sure someone has tried this, but why cant you just over ride the security setting in Local Secuity Policy, in the admin tab? It doesnt look like you can added things directly, but you could maybe copy them from vista.

                      Which security settings? What’s this for?

                    • #46215

                      Will it work to just cpoy the files from a WinVista x64 Windir or do I have to modify the files?

                    • #46216

                      I honestly have no idea, and wouldn’t dream of suggesting to try it unless you have a full image backup, or its a test install. I’ve never EVER even looked at a x64 version of Windows! But guess what – i’m getting a new PC next week, and as such will have the capability to install a 64-bit version of Server 2008 in VMWare! So hopefully soon a 64-bit version will be up!

                      Sorry for the lack of an installer still, busy busy busy. Havn’t forgotten don’t worry!

                    • #46217

                      Hi

                      Switched to Server 2008 Standard x64 from Vista Ultimate x86 a few weeks ago and I am loving the new lease of life my puter has been given.

                      My only gripe though – and it’s a very minor gripe – concerns the time it takes to boot up… around thirty seconds longer than Vista. I know that x64 takes longer anyway because of WOW, but thirty seconds?

                      I know that Readyboost does two things: lets you use USB drives to help boot speeds, and rearranges Windows’ own boot files on the hard disk. I’m wondering if this ported Readyboost service can also optimise files on the hard disk? If yes, can’t wait for the x64 version!

                      Barmad

                    • #46218

                      @Barmad wrote:

                      I’m wondering if this ported Readyboost service can also optimise files on the hard disk?

                      Interesting… I thought that was a function of the Superfetch service? Well I remember reading a very detailed article on ReadyBoost but can’t find it now, if you could find a source for that i’d appreciate it! But i’m going to start at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReadyBoost [most of those External Links I recognize from my research on this] and also re-read the article at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc162494.aspx in the meantime πŸ™‚

                      Anywho, my computer blew up last week [literally! but no fire luckily] so i’m out for a few more days… again… but i’m still here!

                    • #46219

                      Well I remember reading a very detailed article on ReadyBoost but can’t find it now, if you could find a source for that i’d appreciate it!

                      Any help?
                      http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/cc162480.aspx

                      Barmad

                    • #46220

                      Yes thats one of them – thanks for that.

                      Well my new PC is running, but I will now need to download an x64 ISO of Server2K8 AND VISTA to run in trial so I can try and do it for x64 aswell….
                      …horray for new PC!

                    • #46221

                      Yeah another double post… I figure I should bump this though anyway for what i want to say.

                      Either something is very wrong with the little hack I shared here, or the two “ReadyBoost Capable” USB drives of completely different brands [countries of manufacturing too] are coincidently buggy with ReadyBoost. Untested on Vista, because this problem cannot be recreated on-demand [it appears random] After a while of ReadyBoost running and all good and well, after some time for some reason something bad triggers – the USB Mass Storage device doesn’t fail or anything, but the filesystem looses its’ mountpoint somehow. What i mean is, i browse to my X: [8GB SanDisk Cruizer] and it is completely blank, in Properties Page > Filesystem is {blank}; Capacity is 0 bytes and Freespace is 0 bytes. And ReadyBoost is not switched on [activity light doesnt flash].

                      As soon as i unplug it and replug it though, it works again.

                      Also, I don’t know if this happens in Vista too, but when I either first-create the sfcache file [in the Properties Page] or change the size of the cache that I already created, it takes about 30-60 seconds to actually “OK” when I click OK. If you know what i mean… the usual UI hangings that occur in Windows. Is this normal?

                      Anyway, in light of this, im not working on this anymore and looking at other 200u8 Workstation things instead, until someone can confirm that they have been using this ReadyBoost hack this whole time without problems – or even if they had the same problem so I know it’s not just my hardware. And no, no x64 yet either. I’t might have something to do with WinSAT or the missing Event Log reporter keys for ReadyBoost service, if that’s the case i’m going to have to start it from scratch again and thats not something i’m looking forward to. So…

                      If this doesn’t go anywhere from here, I think we might be stuffed until further notice….

                    • #46222

                      Seems this post has been dead. Anyway…

                      I tried both in x86 and x64.
                      With x86 it works great. Is not my main OS but I didn’t have any problem. Β‘Great!

                      Tried the same with x64:
                      – It’s the main OS for my main computer.
                      – Some files have to be copied from a 64 Vista installation. They differ from the x86 version and when you try to run them the OS won’t start. ecache.sys for example.
                      – If you do copy the files from a Vista x64 installation, the process run smoothly and without any BSOD or problem. But…
                      – The ReadyBoost service won’t start. Whenever you try to start the service a dialog box is displayed saying:

                      – Seems something should be different, at least for a x64 installation. My hunch is that some registry key is harcoded for x86. I will give it a try later to see if I can find the keys in the Vista x64 installation for the registry.

                      If somebody has any experience to share, it will gonna be welcome.

                      Edit: Scratch that. I’m looking into some issues with Volume Shadow Copy Service. Seems related to it.

                    • #46223

                      Any updates to this?

                    • #46224

                      No. I got stuck at “The executable program that this service is configured to run in does not implement the service.”.

                      I can’t seem to find the reason. Help will gonna be preciated. ❓

                      Anyway, hopefully I will gonna be installing Win2008 R2 and we will gonna be back at square zero. :mrgreen:

                    • #46227
                      hackerman1
                      Moderator

                        hi !

                        does Readyboost work in server 2008 ?

                        iΒ΄ve done a search, but i canΒ΄t find any other thread about readyboost.

                        update: i found info about how to merge reg-files, you can forget my question about merge.

                      • #46228
                        hackerman1
                        Moderator

                          hi !

                          Readyboost is installed but doesnΒ΄t start.
                          when i try to start Readyboost in services, i get Error 1083: “The executable program that this service is configured to run in does not implement the service”

                          iΒ΄ve followed the instructions, including all reboots.

                          this part of the instructions is a little bit confusing:
                          “Navigate to the…
                          HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSvchost
                          …key and edit the Multi-String entry “LocalSystemNetworkRestricted” – add “EMDMgmt” to the end of it, on a new line.”

                          “add EMDMgmt” ?
                          add as what, a string without value ?

                          any ideas ?

                        • #46229

                          @hackerman1 wrote:

                          this part of the instructions is a little bit confusing:
                          “Navigate to the…
                          HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSvchost
                          …key and edit the Multi-String entry “LocalSystemNetworkRestricted” – add “EMDMgmt” to the end of it, on a new line.”

                          “add EMDMgmt” ?
                          add as what, a string without value ?

                          You need to edit the existing entry LocalSystemNetworkRestricted which is not a string entry but a multistring. When you open it it will look like a textbox which can take multiple lines like Notepad. All the existing entries are other serives so don’t make a mistake and delete some of the texrt! Scroll to the end of the value and type EMDMgmt and OK it. Here’s a screenshot –

                          [attachment=0:bctnclk8]EMDMgmt_REG_MULTI_SZ.png[/attachment:bctnclk8]

                          Note that I did that grab on Windows 7 so the existing services are probably different to 2K8, but hopefully you can see what I mean by the example of adding the service.

                        • #46225
                          hackerman1
                          Moderator

                            hi !

                            @JonusC wrote:

                            @hackerman1 wrote:

                            this part of the instructions is a little bit confusing:
                            “Navigate to the…
                            HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionSvchost
                            …key and edit the Multi-String entry “LocalSystemNetworkRestricted” – add “EMDMgmt” to the end of it, on a new line.”

                            “add EMDMgmt” ?
                            add as what, a string without value ?

                            You need to edit the existing entry LocalSystemNetworkRestricted which is not a string entry but a multistring. When you open it it will look like a textbox which can take multiple lines like Notepad. All the existing entries are other serives so don’t make a mistake and delete some of the texrt! Scroll to the end of the value and type EMDMgmt and OK it. Here’s a screenshot –

                            [attachment=0:wzqaxzqx]EMDMgmt_REG_MULTI_SZ.png[/attachment:wzqaxzqx]

                            Note that I did that grab on Windows 7 so the existing services are probably different to 2K8, but hopefully you can see what I mean by the example of adding the service.

                            THANKS !

                            your screenshots really helped.
                            my mistake was that i went “one level” too deep, i opened svchost & right-clicked on “LocalSystemNetworkRestricted”, and added a string.

                            now i have learned how to edit multistrings…

                            Readyboost is working now.

                            is this the only thread about readyboost in WS2008 ?
                            any news about the installer ?

                          • #46226

                            EDIT: Since I will start making an installer soon, please anyone mention if you’ve had any bugs or problems with ReadyBoost after installing via this guide! (It will also support 64-bit)

                            Yeah this is the only thread as far as I know, I remember working on this ages ago.

                            Yes, the installer. I had started one, but I found it difficult to program because of those manual steps and stuff. But I remember I made this a while ago, it’s amazing what you can learn in just a few months πŸ˜‰

                            I use Windows 7 right now i don’t have much interest in Server > Workstation conversion anymore I because I think 2008 R2 is crap… and I have lots of serious projects I’m working on. But hey I will make an installer for it soon unless someone beats me to it. It will be something to put on my soon-to-come blog =)

                          • #46230

                            any chance there is still movement on this project? i am running server 2008 rc2, so x64 of course and i would like to have this πŸ™‚

                          • #46231

                            Thanks for this. I have just backed-up after a clean install on an old 32bit Gateway server. I’m going to give it a go!

                          • #46232

                            Everything went well…Don’t make the mistake I did on the “LocalSystemNetworkRestricted” key as there is a “LocalServiceNetworkRestricted” key under the name root that tricked me into making the changes there! – LOL
                            So far it is working without a hitch…Hopefully it will remain stable.

                          • #46233

                            Your procedures are referring to merging registry files but I don’t see any .reg files in your archive. Am I missing something here?

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