Few people know it, but when you boot off the Vista install DVD, you’re booting into a different version of Windows altogether: Windows PE 2.0.
It’s based on the Vista kernel, but it’s extremely compact. It provides read/write access to NTFS filesystems, a wide range of 32- and 64-bit hardware drivers, network connectivity and the ability to run both 32- and 64-bit applications.
However, stripped away from the Vista installer, it’s also a very versatile tool for administrators. It allows troubleshooting, installation and system recovery, and its small size means it can be run from CD, USB key or even via network boot.
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