Member Avatar for TularePC

Hi everyone,

My name is Jeramy and I am new to the forums. I did a search and tried to find a similar post and one came up with certain search terms - however I forgot which it was =(

I'm an independent contractor and I setup HDTVs, PCs, networks, etc. I just purchased an 8GB drive that I plan on using as my technician tool. I've already got the PortapleApps setup pretty well on it, but I was wondering if there are tools out there I am missing?

It'd be great to carry a suite of everything I could potentially need in the field, and while what I have right now works I know there are probably guys out there who have iron keys with absolutely perfect file structures.

I wouldn't mind hosting some sort of cloud folder where we could collectively upload/update it for users of the forum? I would gladly head the project development and put up the initial files.

I'm hoping to become a regular user of this community and hopefully will be able to provide valuable advise in the future.

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Dani AI

Generated

Building on ’s plan for an 8GB technician key and ’s automation idea, here’s a compact, practical layout and workflow that fits an 8GB stick yet scales if the drive grows. Focus: clear structure, predictable names, a tiny launcher, simple update discipline, and safe redistribution practices (respect licenses).

Suggested top-level layout (keep filenames short and consistent):

README.txt            <- manifest: version, last update, contact
APPS\portable\        <- portable executables (use date in filename)
DRIVERS\<vendor>\<model>\   <- driver packs + install notes
ISOS\                 <- small rescue ISOs (split if needed)
TOOLS\imaging\
TOOLS\recovery\
SCRIPTS\              <- batch/PowerShell helpers
BOOT\                 <- boot files (small FAT32 area for UEFI)
LICENSES\             <- redistrib/licensing notes
LOGS\                 <- job records or saved configs

Naming and update rules: prefix new files with YYYYMMDD; keep a checksums.txt (SHA256) and a short changelog in README.txt. For drivers save vendor/model and hardware IDs and a one-line install note. Keep offline installers only when redistribution is permitted; otherwise store download links and the installer hash. Use a small FAT32 boot partition for a portable recovery environment and a second NTFS/exFAT area for large ISOs if the stick and firmware allow.

Tiny launcher example (adapt paths to actual tools):

@echo off
set BASE=%~dp0
echo Technician Menu
echo 1) Open TOOLS
echo 2) Run quick network test
echo 3) Mount recovery ISO
set /p CHOICE=Choice:
if "%CHOICE%"=="1" start "" "%BASE%TOOLS"
if "%CHOICE%"=="2" start "" "%BASE%TOOLS\netdiag.exe"
if "%CHOICE%"=="3" call "%BASE%SCRIPTS\mount_iso.bat" "%BASE%ISOS\recovery.iso"

Troubleshooting notes: test on UEFI and legacy machines, keep two copies (one offsite/cloud), verify hashes after updates, avoid storing credentials on the stick, and document licenses so a later audit is simple.

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Member Avatar for skilly

well the only thing i know about that might help(at least for PCs) is
windows AIK(auto installation kit)
it is an IT pro tool that is somewhat technical.
once you learn to use it, you can do custom installs
by setting everything up ahead of time. the info goes on the usb drive
than you can install on multiple machines quicker
it can be downloaded somewhere from microsoft

Member Avatar for TularePC

I have actually been looking for something like this, especially for initial setups.

I've recently discovered PC Decrapifier which allows you to run multiples items through uninstallation. The process isn't automated, but it saves a few clicks.

Member Avatar for TularePC

Oh and thanks for the recommendation, I'll look into it!

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