Crafting a Valid PE File

The PE file format described at its most basic is a wrapper with information for the windows loader, which envelops an executable image. This information allows the windows loader to place the executable image and its associated resources into memory so that execution can begin and resources can be correctly accessed. Using a description of the PE file layout it is possible to produce a valid PE file, which is accepted by the windows loader even wothout an executable image present. The best description of the PE layout available is the ARTeam PE Tutorial authored by Goppit. Using the information from this tutorial I decided to build a PE file from scratch in a Hex editor in order to better understand the structure of the file. It is definately best to follow this tutorial with a hex editor open and filled in as you go as well as a PE tutorial for full explanation of the sections.