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We then run ImageX to capture the image of the reference computer.ĭ:\Tools>net use n: \\server\share /user:Domain\username "password"ĭ:\Tools>imagex /capture /flags "professional" c: n:\images\win7圆4_pro.wim "Win7Pro" Alternatively you could use an external hard drive to capture the image. We then use net use to connect to a network share to store the image on. In the example below we will switch to the drive containing our WindowsPE disc and then to the directory containing ImageX. Please note that while it is possible to place ImageX onto the root of your WindowsPE disc I prefer to place it into a separate Tools folder. This will sysprep the reference computer and shut it down, allowing you to then boot it up from your Windows PE disk with ImageX and capture an image.Ĭ:\Users\*User*>cd c:\windows\system32\sysprepĬ:\Windows\System32\Sysprep>sysprep.exe /oobe /generalize /shutdown /unattend:unattend.xmlīoot the reference computer into the WindowsPE environment. So, I create a custom unattend.xml file that tells sysprep to keep the drivers: Because I will be deploying the image to identical devices I don’t want sysprep to strip out the drivers I’ve installed. If you would like to customize the sysprep process, create an unattend.xml file and place it in: C:\windows\system32\sysprepįor instance, I typically create images for a specific platform. Set it up how you like (ie programs, drivers, etc) – just keep in mind that sysprep will remove certain elements depending on which switches you utilize in the command.
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The reference computer is your model from which to create your customized image. Step 1: Load and customize the reference computer Create a Bootable Windows PE Disk – Spiceworks article.Create WinPE boot disk with ImageX – Video.Once installed here are two resources you can utilize to assist you in creating your disc: If you need to create one, you will first need to download the The Windows AIK. To utilize ImageX and complete the steps below you will require a Windows PE disk with ImageX.
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Load and customize a Microsoft Operating System.In the interest of keeping this somewhat complicated topic short I am assuming you (the reader) already have the basic skills to:
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The configuration of your network and the unique factors in your environment will likely require you to modify several of the details I provide in the steps below. Please keep in mind that this is just a basic example to give you an idea of how to utilize these tools.
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