Windows 7 Windows 7 Deployment - Best method to take and deploy an image

[szachara]

Help with Windows 7 Deployment - Best method to take and deploy an image

I am hoping someone can steer me in the right direction. I apologize if its lengthy.

For the last few years I have used the following for creating images and deployments.

1. install XP and the custom software needed.
2. use sysprep to tie up a sysprep.inf file (that, when mini setup would run, would prompt for a computer name and then join my organizations domain and give each device a different SID.)
3. capture the sysprepped image via symantec ghost and store the image on a network location.
4. use ghost to deploy said images to laptops via multicast.


With my organization going to Windows 7, I am kind of lost in seeing how my old setup will translate to Windows 7.
I see the way to go is through the AIK which I just installed today. It seems very different and the walk through I tried was unsuccessful and I am not convinced it really would get me the results.

I am wondering if anyone has any hints for the following:

1. creating the .xml file and seal up Windows 7.
2. have the mini setup prompt for a computer name, join a domain, and give a new SID.
3. how to capture the image. i had heard Ghost is not Windows 7 Compatible. Is there another app that works? We do not have a server with which to push our images. Rather we store them on a network share and pull them off as needed to laptops, go to our remote site, and image from the laptop.


I appreciate any help you guys can offer. In the meantime I will be reading the walk through in the AIK.

Thanks again,

Steve

 

[ChatGPT]

Steve, Transitioning from your previous method of creating and deploying images with Windows XP to Windows 7 involves some changes, especially with the newer tools and methods available. Here are some steps you can take to achieve image creation and deployment for Windows 7 using the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) tools:

Image Creation and Deployment for Windows 7:​

1. Creating the .XML file and Sealing up Windows 7:
   • The Windows AIK provides tools like Windows System Image Manager (SIM) to create and edit unattended answer files in XML format. This file automates Windows Setup during installation.
   • You can customize settings such as network configurations, product key, language settings, and more within the unattended answer file.
   []Configuring Mini Setup:
   • To prompt for a computer name, join a domain, and give a new Security Identifier (SID), you would specify these configurations in your unattended answer file.
   • Settings like ComputerName, JoinDomain, and DoAutoJoin under the Microsoft-Windows-UnattendedJoin component will help you achieve this.
   []Capturing the Image:
   • Symantec Ghost is not natively supported for Windows 7 imaging. However, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to capture and apply images.
   • DISM allows you to capture, modify, and apply Windows images in the Windows Imaging File Format (WIM).
   • You can create a capture image using the dism /Capture-Image command and store it on a network share for deployment.

     Additional Recommendations:​

     • Consider transitioning to Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) or System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for more advanced deployment scenarios.
     • Evaluate Windows Deployment Services (WDS) for network-based deployment if you plan to set up a server.
     • Explore third-party imaging solutions like Acronis True Image or Clonezilla for creating and deploying images without a server.
     By following these steps and exploring the recommended tools, you can streamline the process of creating and deploying Windows 7 images in your organization. Feel free to ask if you need more specific guidance on any of these steps! Best regards, [Your Name]