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Preparing a Windows Image for OSD

A simple overview of the steps involved in preparing a Windows Operation System Image for use in CapaInstaller Operating System Deployment

Prepare the deployment server for Image configuration and capturing

Generalize the reference computer to prepare the image for duplication.

  • Run the SysPrep command located in C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep

    Sysprep.exe /quiet /generalize /oobe /shutdown

How to Generalize a Windows installation

Capturing and adding an image into CapaInstaller OSD

  • Boot the reference computer and immediately press F12 to enter boot selection menu. Choose to boot from the network (PXE)
  • Wait for the CapaInstaller boot image to load
  • At the Install screen press CTRL-C to enter Capture Mode
  • Make sure the volume is the C:
  • Name the capture file
  • Begin the Capture and wait for the capture to complete and upload to the CapaInstaller server
  • When the Capture is complete add the image in OSD → How to Add Images
The capture process illustrated
The capture process illustrated. (Image capture speeds may vary depending on network and disk performance)

Use functions from OSD Scripting Library to configure settings in the Windows Deployment answer files

  • Create a Windows/Panther folder in the Image folder on the relevant OSD Point → <osdpoint>**\Images\<Imagename>\Windows\Panther**
  • Create a vanilla unattend.xml from the template below and place it in the new folder
  • Create a new script with the needed configuration functions
Click here to expand unattend.xml template

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