Write-Protect Filter (FBWF)

Write Protect Filter (FBWF)

Overview

Rackmount Streambox systems are shipped with a write-protection system called File-Based Write Filter (FBWF), an application that ships with Microsoft Windows Embedded OS.

You can see whether this is enabled by going to the Decoder: Start -> Run: "cmd" and enter "fbwfmgr.exe" at the prompt. The output will display two sets of data: The current state of the File-Based Write Filter (and, if enabled, what folders are protected), followed by the state it will be in after the next reboot.

When enabled, FBWF allows new data to be written to protected folders, up to some 60MB, after which those folders are locked. Furthermore, after a reboot, all new data/changes are deleted and the folder is reverted to the way it was when the the filter was enabled.

You can use "fbwfmgr.exe /disable" to disable the filter so you can freely write the files to wherever you want on the SSD. If you leave it enabled, you can safely write files to the c:\Streambox folder as well as the Desktop. Writing files elsewhere may appear to work normally, but the FBWF will clear new files from the protected folders at restart.

WHEN INSTALLING ANY UPDATE TO DRIVERS, SOFTWARE, OR OPERATING SYSTEM, THE FILE-BASED WRITE-FILTER MUST BE DISABLED.

Disabling Write Protection

  1. Open a command-line window (Start -> Run "cmd") and disable the Write Protection with the following command: †fbwfmgr.exe /disable
  2. Completing this command will require a restart.

Enabling Write Protection

  1. Open a command-line window (Start -> Run "cmd") and enable the Write Protection with the following command: †fbwfmgr.exe /enable
  2. Completing this command will require a restart.