Imaging with SmartDeploy and Windows Deployment Services

General Idea

1. Create a new image or update an existing image in VMware.
2. Use the SmartDeploy Capture Wizard to convert the VMware VMDK file into a WIM file.
3. Use The SmartDeploy Media Wizard to create a boot image that contains platform specific network drivers and an answer file. The answer file is what creates an automatic installation.
4. Add the boot image to WDS making it available via PXE boot.

Platform Packs

Either use Platform Manager to build your own or download a pre-built pack from https://www.smartdeploy.com/download/platform-packs/

Capture Wizard

Choose defaults unless otherwise noted.

• Virtual Hard Disk: Select the newly created or updated VMDK file. (Disk scanning may take up to several minutes.)
• Select Virtual Disk Volumes: Check ‘For use with Windows Deployment Services (WDS)’
• Operating System: Leave blank
• Image Type: Standard Image
• Save Image
• Choose a path and file name for the new image. (e.g. E:\Images\Win7Ent64CorpMaster)

Naming Convention: OS Version + 32/64 + Corp/Field + Master (e.g. Win7Ent32FieldMaster)

• Image Name: Add the image name

Naming Convention: SDPE + OS + Corp/Field (e.g SDPE Win7Ent64 Corp)
SDPE = SmartDeploy Preinstallation Environment

• Finish: This process can take a long time.

Unattended Install Answer File

• Browse to E:\AnswerFiles
• Make a copy of TEMPLATE.xml
• Rename the copied file to match the image name being automated.

Naming Convention: OS + 32/64 + Corp/Field + Brand + Model (e.g. Win7Ent32FieldDell2230.xml)

• Edit the renamed file changing the following
  • image_file: Z:\Images\IMAGEFILENAME.wim
  • image_name: SDPE Win7Ent64 Corp Lenovo TC M73
  • platform_pack: Z:\Drivers\PLATFORMPACK.ppk

Media Wizard

Choose defaults unless otherwise noted.

• Select Task: Build boot media and check ‘For use with Windows Deployment Services (WDS)’
• Platform Pack: Select the appropriate pack for the image you are creating.
• Optional Components: Add the path and file name of the newly created answer file.
• Media Type: CD / DVD disc
• Save Options: *Choose a path and file name for the new image. (e.g. E:\ISOs\Win7Ent64CorpLenovoTCM73.iso)

Naming Convention: OS + 32/64 + Corp/Field + Brand + Model (e.g. Win7Ent32FieldDell2230.iso)

• Finish

Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

Add Drivers to a Boot Image : If error check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WIMMount\Mounted Images – Deleted all under this