2.1. Understanding and Designing Images

Images are used to deploy Windows 7 to computers. All of the images are derived from the basic Windows Imaging (.wim) file type in Windows 7. This is the same .wim file type used in Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2.

These images share many similarities no matter how they are deployed. You can deploy images using the following methods:

  • DVD installation

  • ImageX deployment

  • Windows Deployment Services deployment

  • System Center Configuration Manager deployment

Two primary image types are used:

Boot images

A boot image installs the Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE, or WinPE). WinPE is used to provide a basic environment where a full installation can start. In installations ...

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