i currently have a Windows 7 AIO Disk (every version with 64 and 32 bit) i have created a custom image.wim file but when i place that image.wim file onto my AIO disk i lose every version but the one i install to customize how can i create a custom image.wim file that still has all versions?
before install i have 9 options they are starter (32bit), Home Basic (32 and 64 Bit), home premium (32 and 64 Bit), Professional (32 and 64 Bit), Ultimate (32 and 64 Bit)
i'm in the IT world so what i'm trying to do is have an image that is pre loaded with Adobe reader, flash, air, java, notepad ++, chrome, power dvd, microsoft security essentials, and open office. and i'm wanting that same setup across all 9 editions, i have created an image.wim based off Professional but when i place that wim file in the sources directory i loss all the other versions
how is something like this done?
The normal image.wim consists off an instal wim file with index 1 and a name, name is "Home Basic x86" for example. That's the name you see in the list. index 2 is "Professional x86" for example. etc
So all versions are in the same wim file, the only have another index! What's more important each file like defrag.exe for example is only once in the wim file. All indexes point to the same file.
DISM.EXE and IMAGEX.EXE are the tools to use.
What do you mean by saying "have an image that is pre loaded with Adobe reader, flash, air, java, notepad ++, chrome, power dvd, microsoft security essentials, and open office"? you did install win7 and all the applications as well and created the wim file (as kind of snapshot)?
No, there is not.
When you enter Audit Mode on your reference computer, Windows edition is already selected and installed, in your case the Professional edition. The installation has completed, although you have entered Audit Mode and bypassed the OOBE phase meaning no user profiles exist yet.
Simple logics: you cannot change the edition of the installed Windows version, not even by editing something (anything!) in install.wim file and assume that the software you installed in Professional will then when your image is deployed also be installed and work if the end user selects Home Premium.
Kari
There are no other options. You simply cannot create a universal image with all third party software installed and let the end user then decide which edition and bit version of Windows to install.
I repeat: no, there are no other options. You need to prepare an image for each edition separately. Windows updates are not edition specific and can be slipstreamed to an image, that's a totally different thing. You are talking about installing software, not Windows Updates.
A not so practical workaround would be to prepare all 9 images (Starter 32 bit, all others both 32 and 64 bit), install all needed software to each in Audit Mode, then copy them to a Flash Drive (even double sided DVD has not enough space for all 9 images) with a boot menu for user to select whis OS and bit version will be installed. Messy and complicated.
Kari
Hello Kari.
I'm using the following Operation System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise X64.
And I was wondering if it is possible if you used Sysprep and keep afterwards the Metro Menu with all you Customizations like you're Icons & Names above?
Can I create this into the Answer File (WADK) Windows System Image Manager?
If yes can you please make a new turtorial for this or can explain what I must check into this program.
Many Thanks,
DJTest.
Start Screen items and customizations do not survive the sysprep. There's no use to customize the Start Screen in any way in Audit Mode and then sysprep because Start Screen resets it to default. Can't be done, sorry.
Notice that you cannot enter the Store in Audit Mode to install apps. Apps can be added to image using DISM which takes the whole process to a totally another level. Read more at out sister forums in this thread: Creating a windows 8.1 image containing metro apps
Other than the above and the fact that you should not relocate the ProgramData in Windows 8 you can follow this tutorial; the sysprep and customization processes are the same.
Kari
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