ComTech: IT Support Stirling

ComTech: IT Support Stirling

Today we are going to use a Windows PE CD to capture and deploy a Windows 7 image.  You will need a test computer with Windows 7 installed, which is a member of a domain, and another computer to apply the image to.

If you haven’t already done so you will need to install the Windows Automated Installation Kit before you do anything.  Once installed open up a command prompt (as an administrator) and type:

cd c:\windows\system32\sysprep and then;

sysprep /generalize /oobe

The above commands will generalize the Windows 7 installation and shut down the system.

Next we have to capture a WIM file image.  First we need to create a network share on the Windows 2008 server.  Create a folder in the root of the C drive called images.  Share the folder and assign everyone the full control permissions.  Now insert the Windows PE CD in the drive on your Windows 7 computer and allow it to power up.  The computer will boot up into the Windows PE environment.  When the command prompt appears map the drive images by typing:

net use z: \\(your server name)\images

When you are prompted enter a set of administrator credentials for your domain.

Now navigate to the root of the CD drive and type:

imagex /compress fast /capture c z:\MyImage.wim “Master Image” /verify

After the capture completes type:

wpeutil shutdown

This will shut down the local computer in Windows PE.

Now we need to apply the image to the new computer.  Insert the Windows PE CD and allow it to boot.  When Windows PE boots type:

diskpart

This will open up the diskpart command prompt which will allow us to set up the hard drive ready for installation.  Type the following one line at a time:

select disk 0

clean

create partition primary size = 12000 (set the size to the size of your hard drive)

select partition 1

active

format

exit

Now type:

net use z: \\(your server)\images

You must now provide a set of valid administrator credentials for your domain.  Now type:

Imagex /apply Z:\MyImage.wim c:

and then:

wpeutil reboot

This will reboot the system into Windows Welcome.  Complete the installation as you would any other time.

About the Author

Hi I am Chris the owner of ComTech. I provide IT Support, Laptop repairs and Computer repairs to both personal and business clients in and around Stirling. For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find my blog, testimonials, services and much more.  Start supporting a local business today so I can start supporting you.

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