How to freeze the state of the hard drive?

Question

Backup

There is a task: Windows XP is installed on one specialized controller and controls the work process (offtopic: not realtime, another module is responsible for it). This is done with the help of a very crooked and complex software package. The problem is that from time to time someone changes some settings with playful hands and the machine stops working. These settings are all done in different places. It is necessary to somehow freeze the state of the system, including any non-system files on a certain (system) disk, preferably as transparently as possible for the system. Of the possibilities, I would like to be able to mark exceptions, because some changes are still made by the operator and they must be saved.

Answer 1

Implementing an Enhanced Write Filter (EWF)

Answer 2

I don't know what you mean by freezing, but the problem you describe is solved by setting permissions.

Answer 3

Windows is such a thing, you can't slip a file "transparently" into it, because it is oblique from birth and there is nothing - alas - to fix it. The following options remain:
I will immediately note that an attempt to "partial" freezing can lead to strange consequences, for this you need to know the machine system thoroughly.
1. Try to put control in a virtualized environment. Then you can simply take snapshots of the desired system states and roll back to them if you wish. We also solve the issue of connecting the iron of the machine to the virtual environment.
2. Use software to automatically deploy the image on reboot. The image can be on a hidden or network drive.
3. Organize disk connection via iSCSI. Then, if problems arise, you can simply connect another system image over the network.
4. Use the principle of the version control system (the same git) with exceptions for some files. Then restoring "back" will consist of a command to this system to roll back to a given fixed version.
5. Use all kinds of sandboxes for software, such as ThinApp . Then, if problems arise, it will be possible to roll back to another folder with the files of the complex.