Creating a Live CD Using Make_PE3 (Without AIK):

 Make_PE3 is a free program that allows you create a Windows 7 Live CD without the automated installation kit (AIK). You can create a Live CD by using AIK, but the process is too tedious for normal users.

After you have downloaded Make_PE3, double-click the setup file. This will automatically run the self-extracting archive. Set the destination path to the “C:” drive. It doesn’t always have to be “C:” drive. If you are using a different partition, it might a different drive letter. It just has to be letter of the drive you are currently using (the main drive, where your Windows OS is installed).

Access the “Make_PE3” folder and double-click the “Make_PE3” executable (.exe) file. This will launch the installation wizard.

Now you need to mount the Windows 7 ISO file. Browse t the location of the ISO file. The ISO must also be located in the C: drive or the drive where you’ve installed the Windows OS.

Now click “Go” to create your Live CD. After it’s done, you will find the ISO file of the Live CD inside the “Win7Pe” sub-folder inside the “Make_PE3” folder.

Once the Live CD is created you can use it to recover your files from a crashed PC or disinfect your PC from a malware infection.

Creating a Live CD Using WinBuilder:

WinBuilder is another program you can use to create a Windows 7 Live CD. However, you will need AIK.

Before starting, you need to download all of the scripts and plug-ins. Make sure to download the “Complete” set of scripts. The download link is at the end of this article.

Now go the “Source” tab, and mount the ISO file of the Windows 7 setup disc.

Now click the “Play” button to create the Live CD:

Here is the Live CD Running in action

When you insert the Live CD, boot from the CD Drive. You can change this option in your System BIOS.

Windows OS is loaded from the Live CD.

All necessary drivers are loaded to let you run the Windows OS.

The Live CD Desktop has some useful tools to help you diagnose any issues with your OS.

Keeping a Live CD for Diagnosis during Times of Trouble is a Good Idea

Since Live CDs don’t depend on the hard drive, they rely on RAM—which makes them very fast. If you have a portable antivirus software, you perform a quick scan by using your Windows Live CD. Most applications don’t work on other platforms.

Having a live CD is important if you are someone who regularly performs diagnostics to fix computers. Many users experience errors when trying include the necessary files from AIK, in WinBuilder. If you are experiencing problems, use Make_PE3 instead.

Download Windows 7 Enterprise Free Trial

Download Make_PE3

Download WinBuilder