Easiest way to deploy a .wim image

[MiMadreMia87]

I have captured a .wim image from a machine I have after preparing it with sysprep, in order to deploy the hardware independent image on several other machines and to include all of the required applications pre-installed, none of the products is activated so activation occurs per user after deployment.. the OS is Windows 8.1 32-bit

What would the easiest way be!? and one that actually works.. and I am going to have the .wim and any other apps on USB memory, not a network share

Tried to apply it using imagex again (I captured it with ImageX) the process is not simple at all, and it didnt work for me to be honest, getting a boot error (not missing bootmgr, but something from windows) with code: 0xc0000001


Is there any other tool that would capture a hardware independent image in order to deploy it to several other machines?

 

[MiMadreMia87]

SmartDeploy done the trick.. but looking for a cheaper alternative

 

[MiMadreMia87]

bumo

 

[Anshad Edavana]

Hi

You don't need any third party software to deploy a custom install image. First create a bootable "Windows 8.1" 32 bit USB install stick and then delete the "Install.wim/Install.esd" inside the "Sources" folder in it. Then simply copy your customized WIM to the "Sources" folder. Make sure to name the WIM file as "Install.wim" if it is not already named so. Now you will be able to install Windows as usual but the installation will include all the customization you made.

 

[pricetech]

If you're using a Windows 8 PE disk, DISM does it. That's what I use here. DISM help should give you all the switches to use.

 

[MiMadreMia87]

Hi

You don't need any third party software to deploy a custom install image. First create a bootable "Windows 8.1" 32 bit USB install stick and then delete the "Install.wim/Install.esd" inside the "Sources" folder in it. Then simply copy your customized WIM to the "Sources" folder. Make sure to name the WIM file as "Install.wim" if it is not already named so. Now you will be able to install Windows as usual but the installation will include all the customization you made.

Gonna try that tomorrow!
If that worked, then I owe you big time.. seriously!