Solved How to convert a windows WIM file to a ISO file

[Pakka77]

I am trying to find a way to take a WIM file from WDS, and convert it to an ISO image, so that I can use the ISO to install into VMware machines. I've read the many posts on how to convert a discover.wim to an ISO, but this doesn't work for what I'm trying to do.

Any suggestions on how to get a captured WIM converted to an ISO?

Thanks,
Pakka77

 

[FuturDreamz]

what OS is in the WIM? It might be easier to redownload as an iso image.

 

[VistaKing]

You might want to try using Windows AIK . oscdimg will allow you to create an iso from an .wim file. It will gather all the files and put it into an iso. I know it works cause that is what I do to install and test on vmware.

Link Coretech Blog » Blog Archive » Create ISO using WAIK and OSCDIMG

Command: oscdimg.exe –bC:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com –u2 –h -m -lWIN_EN_DVD C:\expandedSetup\ C:\Win7.iso

 

[Pakka77]

Most of the Images are windows 7, but they have a bunch of 3rd party applications added to them, that we are trying to add into the eventual ISO. So when the new VM is made it comes with the OS and 5 to 10 standard applications like (Office, etc.) already installed. Cuts way back on the build time if we can shortcut it a bit by taking the WIM that has that information in it and make it an ISO for new VMs.

 

[VistaKing]

Yes that will create the iso from the wim file " install.wim " it will take all the files needed to create the iso for you. Then you just need to burn it onto a disc. Or what you could do is download UltraIso . Add the files you want and save it as an iso. I do that as well.

 

[Pakka77]

You might want to try using Windows AIK . oscdimg will allow you to create an iso from an .wim file. It will gather all the files and put it into an iso. I know it works cause that is what I do to install and test on vmware.

Link Coretech Blog » Blog Archive » Create ISO using WAIK and OSCDIMG

Command: oscdimg.exe –bC:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com –u2 –h -m -lWIN_EN_DVD C:\expandedSetup\ C:\Win7.iso

The -m option doesn't appear to be working It is also not listed in the /? file for OSCDIMG when I try and convert my 6.6gb image it comes back and says its larger then 4GB and errors out. Any suggestions around that? Is it possible that ADK is causing issues with the AIK command?

Well I uninstalled Win8 ADK, and ran a Repair of AIK, for no change. The -m function does not appear to be part of the oscdimg.exe command structure any longer. Which appears to limit my ISO image size to 4GB. Does anyone have any additional suggestions? Vistaking's suggestion would work except for the size issue, as I was able to use it for a smaller ISO.



Thanks,
Pakka

 

[gregrocker]

In addition to VistaKing's excellent suggestion, have you looked at SysPrepping the setup install before imaging and then just applying the image which takes about 20 minutes? SysPrep to move HD to another computer

 

[VistaKing]

You might want to try using Windows AIK . oscdimg will allow you to create an iso from an .wim file. It will gather all the files and put it into an iso. I know it works cause that is what I do to install and test on vmware.

Link Coretech Blog » Blog Archive » Create ISO using WAIK and OSCDIMG

Command: oscdimg.exe –bC:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com –u2 –h -m -lWIN_EN_DVD C:\expandedSetup\ C:\Win7.iso

The -m option doesn't appear to be working It is also not listed in the /? file for OSCDIMG when I try and convert my 6.6gb image it comes back and says its larger then 4GB and errors out. Any suggestions around that? Is it possible that ADK is causing issues with the AIK command?

Well I uninstalled Win8 ADK, and ran a Repair of AIK, for no change. The -m function does not appear to be part of the oscdimg.exe command structure any longer. Which appears to limit my ISO image size to 4GB. Does anyone have any additional suggestions? Vistaking's suggestion would work except for the size issue, as I was able to use it for a smaller ISO.



Thanks,
Pakka

Looking at this link Oscdimg Command-Line Options it does state that there is a -m switch which Ignores the maximum size limit of an image. Try this switch " -maxsize:4096 " without the " -m " switch.

 

[Pakka77]

VistaKing had the answer to my question, save one item I didn't think to provide. I didn't have the -m option and was unable to get past the 4GB size limit, because I was using AIK version 1, Not the most current version... I'm now able to break the Limit with no problems.

Thanks again, for all the help.
Pakka77

 

[VistaKing]

No problem.

 

[Loremaster]

How did you get the new version Pkka?

I just downloaded the ADK for Windows8 from MS directly, how do I upgrade it? I am having the same problem with the file size limit

 

[CJH2012]

Hello. I have bought a netbook with a genuine copy of Vista but the goof who sold me it installed linux or some rubbsh like that and put the 3 vista files (boot.wim, install.wim and X14-63452.exe) on the desktop: now I can't convert install.wim into ISO format! pleas HELP.

 

[SIW2]

Linux isn't rubbish. NASA use it exclusively.

If you are more familiar with windows, it is possible to create an .iso from what you have. However, you are probably better off buying a windows 7 license. Vista isn't the best thing to run on a netbook - you would also need to install SP2 and a gigantic number of updates.

 

[CJH2012]

Okay Linux isn't rubbish but please can some give me simple systematic step by step instructions to convert these 3 files to an ISO then make it on a bootable pen drive?

 

[Slartybart]

Here you are - from the SF sister forum for Vista:
Vista ISO - Download and Create Installation DVD or USB

You already have the files, so you can skip step 1

 

[CJH2012]

Thanks, I missed school this morning because I stayed up all night trying to get this to work!

 

[Slartybart]

You're welcome ... now you can get some sleep and make it to school on time tomorrow

 

[CJH2012]

Hmmm... now it runs the installer program from the USB but it won't accept the (valid) product key...? Any clues?

 

[gregrocker]

Are you sure you've installed the correct Vista version as shown on the COA sticker? If so then the issue is always a mistyped character. 8 can look like B. If necessary use a magnifying glass or take a camera snap with zoom. There is no way it won't work if the version and key are correct.

 

[CJH2012]

Hi, I think there was Ubuntu installed already so I guess I have to re format the recipient computer hard drive to NTFS. This could cause the installation to abort. The Vista installer could not reformat the HDD so I will try using my favourite partition tool Gparted. Can't remember if I need two partitions or one (maybe two because the windows boot .ini file needs to be on a separate, much smaller, partition)?