Microsoft® Windows Embedded Standard (WES) 2009 for HP Thin Clients Quick Reference Guide

File-Based Write Filter Manager
WES 2009 includes the File-Based Write Filter (FBWF) console application command-line tool,
fbwfmgr.exe. In addition to the DOS command-line tool, the WES 2009 image includes a Write filter
GUI. FBWF maintains the appearance of read and write access to write-sensitive or read-only storage
to the operating system, making read and write access transparent to applications.
Benefits of the File-Based Write Filter
The FBWF provides a secure environment for thin client computing. It does this by protecting the thin
client from undesired flash memory writes (flash memory is where the operating system and functional
software components reside). The write filter also extends the life of the thin client by preventing
excessive flash write activity. It maintains the appearance of read and write access to write-sensitive or
read-only storage to the operating system, making read and write access transparent to applications.
File and/or folder exclusions can be configured to allow certain changes to persist, while preventing
others from writing to disk.
File-Based Write Filter Status Service
This service creates an icon in the System Tray that shows the status of FBWF. The FBWF Status icon
will appear as a red 'lock' when disabled and a green 'lock' when enabled.
Status Description Example
Red Disabled
Green Enabled
Yellow Commit Mode
Yellow with Red 'X' Write Filter Corrupted
If you are logged on as Administrator, you can change the status of FBWF by right-clicking on the icon
and selecting the desired FBWF status.
Write Filters
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