read-only compact flash boot device

**mrascii** · 07-03-2007, 08:15 AM

Hey everyone, thank you for the help on my first question, now it's time for a follow-up.

I'm planning on booting from a CF > IDE adapter. I've seen the instructions on how to set them up with EWF to limit the read/write cycles, but is it possible to make the boot device completely read-only, like a live-cd only on a CF card?

Not only would it eliminate the limited use problem of CF cards, but imagine the added security. You wouldn't have to worry about spyware, (most) viruses, etc.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this is even possible with windows (in my case, 2000) or how to do it? Thanks for your input!

**rationalpi** · 07-03-2007, 09:25 AM

EWF stops writes to the disk. So what you are talking about is what EWF does.

DIGItonium · 07-03-2007, 09:25 AM

I've never seen this approach done with Windows, so EWF is your best bet. That's what I use and I have no problems with it.

**mrascii** · 07-03-2007, 09:49 AM

Ah, I didn't realize EWF stopped ALL writing to the disc, thanks for the help (and for being patient with a VERY n00b question)!

**nobb** · 07-03-2007, 06:28 PM

Is it really even necessary nowadays to prevent all writing to a disc? You lose alot of functionality if you cant write to the CF. In a carpc, I dont think the drive even needs to be written on that much (assuming you are using something external to store your music). I believe some manufacturers of compact flash cards even offer a lifetime warranty.