A simple way to Create a windows 7 image to roll out to multiple computers

While studying for the win7 exam (70-680) I stumbled upon rather simple way to implement desktop imaging without investing in external tools such as Ghost or Acronis. Although, due to the numerous errors and omissions from all sources I researched, I found no single reference that contained the information needed to generate and apply a working image without error. I’m therefore puting together the following how-to as a complete reference. Click read more to see the how-to. Questions/Comments can be directed to (opticfiber at topsight.net).

First create a PE disk

1. Download the Windows Automated Installation Kit from here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=696dd665-9f76-4177-a811-39c26d3b3b34&displaylang=en
2. Install AIK
3. Run: C:/Program Files/Windows AIK/Tools/PETools/copype.cmd x86 c:/winpe_x86 (or amd64 for x64)
4. copy c:/winpe_x86/winpe.wim to c:/winpe_x86/ISO/sources/boot.wim
5. copy C:/Program Files/Windows AIK/Tools/x86/imagex.exe to c:/winpe_x86/iso/
6. Run C:/Program Files/Windows AIK/Tools/x86/oscdimg -n -bC:/winpe_x86/etfsboot.com C:/winpe_x86/ISO C:/winpe_x86/winpe_x86.iso
7. Burn winpe_x86.iso to CD
8. Sysprep the computer you would like to image by running C:/Windows/System32/sysprep/sysprep.exe be sure to check off oobe(out of box experience) and generalize options if moving to new hardware.

Creating a WIM image
9. Boot the freshly sysprep’d computer with the CD you just made
10. At the command prompt enter d: (enter) to go to the cd drive
11. (optional) map a network drive using NET USE T: //SERVERNAME/SHARE
12. Enter imagex.exe /capture /boot c: T:/win7.wim "Windows 7 Image"

b>Deploy a WIM image
13. Boot the freshly sysprep’d computer with the CD you just made
14. At the command prompt enter d: (enter) to go to the cd drive
15. (optional) map a network drive using NET USE T: //SERVERNAME/SHARE
16. Enter diskpart
a. select disk 0 (list disk to verify you have the correct disk)
b. clean
c. create primary partition 1
d. select partition 1
e. active
f. format
g. exit
17. Enter imagex.exe /apply T:/win7.wim c: /verify

If you get the dreaded error “bootmgr is missing”
18. Boot back into your PE disk
19. Enter bootsect.exe /nt60 c:
20. Enter bcdboot C:/Windows
21. reboot