Solved Really need help with Windows 7 unattend.xml file for Windows 7 deploy

[Kari]

You did understand that the tutorial I referred to is for private use, to capture a system image, and the method should not be used in your case. It was only a suggestion for additional reading.

The difference between capturing an image with ImageX and capturing a system image with third party imaging program is that with ImageX you capture a so called offline image which basically means you save your customized install.wim file and deploy that offline image by running Windows Setup from install.wim on all target computers, whereas the method told in my tutorial captures an already installed Windows system image and deployment is done by restoring that system image to target computers.

This Microsoft TechNet article explains how you can add drivers to your install.wim: Add and Remove Drivers to an Offline Windows Image.

Kari

 

[computergal]

Yes, I understood that your tutorial was giving me an overview of the process and was not necessarily geared towards an enterprise-level deployment. Although I did not know there was a difference in the way it is deployed using ImageX and a 3rd party tool until I read your reply. Does the article you recommended work for Windows 7 as well as Windows 8? I have not really looked into DISM because I assumed that it was a server-based tool.

 

[Kari]

It's important to understand the difference between the two methods of deployment, difference between deploying by installing from a custom install.wim or restoring a system image backup from a vhd file.

Yes, that article about adding drivers applies to Vista and later.

 

[Layback Bear]

I can't rep you Kari but I will say great job and follow though.
I learned a lot reading this thread but their is still more for me to learn. If I ever need to do such a thing I know where to go.
Great job.

 

[Kari]

Thanks Layback .

 

[computergal]

Is it ok to use same unattend file for sysprep as for unattended install? And even though there are 2 different ways to capture the image, is the end product the same?

 

[Kari]

Basically the answer file is the same, doing the same stuff. The end product is the same whether installing from customized hardware independent install.wim, or doing the same by restoring a customized hardware independent system image.

 

[computergal]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your help and your patience, you have really helped me a lot.

 

[Kari]

You are welcome. Please come back to tell how it went.