CX-Cloning-Tool

The CX-Cloning-Tool is a command line Tool which is used to change the unique features (computer name, AmsNet-Id, SID) of the Windows XP embedded operating system in a simple and secure way.

This Tool simplyfies the deployment of Windows XP embedded operating system which have been recovered from a master-image. In this case the computer name, AmsNet-Id and SID are identical to the settings of the master-image so the devices won't work if they are attached to the same network.

Function description of the CX-Cloning-Tool:

The CX-Cloning-Tool can be used with the windows command prompt (start --> run ... , type: "cmd", press enter button)

The text below describes the function parameters of the CX-Cloning-Tool:

The described function parameters are available in the CX-Cloning-Tool, version 3.1.0.14 or higher. This version of the CX-Cloning-Tools is included in the XPe operating system, since version 1.35 / 135a, for Beckhoff Embedded-PC platforms.

Combo-parameters of the CX-Cloning-Tool:

• Sequently call of all CX-Cloning-Tool function parmaters (at runtime):
  This parameter can be used for a fast configuration of the windows XP embedded operating system. All functions (Basic-functions, optional-function) will be called sequentially at the runtime.
  After finishing this function call the CX-Cloning-Tool will initiate system restart. All unsaved data will be lost.
  

cxcloningtool –all

• Sequently call of all CX-Cloning-Tool function parmaters at next start of the operating system:
  This function parameter writes a "run-once" entry in the Windows Registry which causes call of the CX-Cloning-Tool with the "-all" parameter at the next start of the operating system.

The command-line output of the CX-Cloning-Tool after the run-once-entry was successfully written in the Registry: "CXCloningTool runs after reboot"

NOTE: This function is useful for creating "master-images" for image cloning-procedures and deploying on identical hardware platforms, the unique operating system data (computer name, AmsNetId, SID) will be changed on startup after restoring the image on the target station.

cxcloningtool –ro

Basic CX-Cloning-Tool parameters:

• Set of the computer name
  The computer name will check the computer name for uniqueness in the network and will change the name if the name is already assigned to another station.
  The created computer name begins with the profix: 'CX_' followed by the last six digits of the MAC-Id. The MAC-Id can be read on the surface of the Embedded-PC case.
  The initial computer name of the windows Xp embedded os should be BK_IPC. This computer name should be used to prevent the accidential change of the computer name by the CX-Cloning-Tool
  Notice After the change of the computer name a restart is necessary. All unsaved data will be lost.
  

cxcloningtool –n

• Set of the AmsNet-Id
  If the TwinCAT runtime system does not contain a valid AmsNet-Id the CX-Cloning-Tool will create a unique one it uses the last eight digits of the MAC-Id and adds '01 01' postfix.
  The CX-Cloning-Tool displays the AmsNetId in the hexadecimal number system.
  The new AmsNet-Id will be used after the restart of the operating system.
  

cxcloningtool –a

• Set of the SID
  The SID (computer Security Identifier) is a unique number of each operating system. It is part of the network security concept. The usage of identical SIDs in the same network can compromise the network security
  Notice After changing the SID the operating system will be restarted by the operating system. All unsaved data will be lost.
  

cxcloningtool –s

Optional CX-Cloning-Tool parameters:

• Clear the collected user data
  The Windows XP embedded operating system collects data that have been made by the user during the customisation process (typed urls, commands) will be deleted with this command:
  

cxcloningtool –c

• Restart the operating system
  The CX-Cloning-Tool can initiate an immediate restart of the operating system:
  Notice There is a restart initiated. All unsaved data will be lost.
  

cxcloningtool –rb

• Run user-defined script files:
  This command calls the run.cmd file in the "C:\Data" directory.
  

cxcloningtool –rc

• Execute Reg-files:
  Reg-files (.reg) can be imported to Windows Registry with the "run.cmd" by using this command in the script-file
  

REG IMPORT registryDatei.reg 

CX-Cloning-Tool behaviour with Write Filter protected operating systems:

The CX-Cloning-Tool checks the operating system for an active Write Filter. If an active Write Filter was detected by the CX-Cloning-Tool no CX-Cloning-Tool command will be performed.

For more information about Write Filter (EWF, FBWF) please read the article "Write Filter concepts"

The CX-Cloning-Tool output of the error-message: "A WriteFilter is active. Please disable the Filter and restart the program!"

Avoid side effects Disable any active Write Filter Perform CX-Cloning-Tool operation Enable the Write Filter

Call the CX-Cloning-Tool with the "-ro" parameter (a run-once entry will be created) --> enable a Write Filter. At the next operating system startup the cx-cloning-tool will detect an active Write Filter and won't perfom it's operations. The run-once entry still exists in the Registry because the Write Filter prevented it from deleting. At the next startup the situation repeats.