.wim files

[kirbz]

Hi All,

I haven't worked very much with .wim files and need a bit of help.

I know that W7 disks come with 2 .wim files (install and boot).

I want to get to grips with these files so that I can roll them out over a network which will cut down on time spent rebuilding machines.

So the question... The install.wim file, can I use this to install an os using imagex? I tried doing it locally using a live cd and a usb stick but it wouldn't boot unfortunately.

Thanks for your help.

 

[winoutreach5]

Since your ultimate goal is to deploy a WIM file over the network in an effort to simplify the process of refreshing machines, there are a few options available. First, it would probably be best to customize your own WIM file with necessary drivers, applications, etc. as opposed to just using the default boot.wim from the disk.

So, with that said, your first option is to use ImageX to deploy images captured from your reference computer to your destination computers. If you would like to go this route, I recommend reading the TechNet library article Apply images by Using ImageX. I also would suggest that you watch Preparing an Image Using Sysprep and ImageX from the Springboard Series on TechNet page for a visual walk-through on using ImageX to capture an image and then apply it to other systems.

Another option you might want to consider is the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) because it acts as a common console for all of your deployments. You can easily import the WIM files into the deployment share from the Windows installation media, create a task sequence tailored to your needs, and then import necessary drivers based on computer model and applications as well. MDT can be downloaded from the Deliver and Deploy Windows 7 page on Springboard. Additionally, there are two videos that can demonstrate how simple the process of deploying Windows using MDT is:

• Deployment Day Session 1: Introduction to MDT 2012
• Deployment Day Session 2: MDT 2012 Advanced

I hope one of these two options work out for you. Keep us posted on your progress!

Jessica
Windows Outreach Team – IT pro