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It can be helpful to create a Base Image or a Master Image for use with various deployment solutions such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).

Although these deployment solutions can assist in the creation of a base image through various methods, it can be beneficial for some to simply employ Microsoft's free ImageX tool to produce a WIM file for deployment purposes.

What should be in a Base Image?

In addition to the Windows operating system of choice, you may want to include

• critical updates;
• operating system add-ons such as codecs, language packs, third-party system tools;
• anti-virus or systems management client applications.

How is a Base Image different from a Master Image?

Whereas a Base Image includes system level components and applications only, a Master Image may contain application sets intended for use throughout an entire organization, such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Reader, and other applications. If Application Deployment is being handled by SCCM or MDT, the Master Image concept may not be necessary.

What is ImageX and where can it be obtained?

ImageX is a command-line utility that allows an administrator to manipulate a WIM image file in an offline state within Windows PE, Microsoft's Preinstallation Environment. (ImageX can also be used in an online operating system provided it's not performing operations against the live OS.) Some WIM file manipulations may include disk formatting, partition configuration, OS deployment, registry modification, and file system modification.

ImageX is included in Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) or its successor, Windows Assessment & Deployment Kit (WADK). WAIK and WADK also include Windows PE, DISM, USMT, and other associated tools. It is a requirement for Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).

Windows Deployment Services (WDS) is a separate Microsoft-provided service that may be configured to present a Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) for network booting into Windows PE and is included in any server OS.

These tools are available from Microsoft Download Center:

WADK: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=30652
WAIK: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5753

ImageX process

Once WAIK or WADK is installed and configured for use, and optionally, WDS is configured on a server of choice, you can undertake operations to produce a Base Image or Master Image. This article assumes that an application deployment solution will be employed for business applications and will focus on producing a Base Image with Windows 7.

How to create a Base WIM

• Import the captured WIM file into the deployment system of your choice or use ImageX with WDS to deploy your Microsoft operating system.
• Repeat this process for each make and model of PC in your environment to ensure the OS deployed to a target PC contains the proper drivers for that PC. Alternatively, if the UIU Standard product has been employed, simply deploy to all hardware with confidence that all required drivers will be installed.