Windows Preinstallation Phases

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Note

This content applies to Windows 7. For Windows 8 content, see Windows Deployment with the Windows ADK.

This section describes how to create, deploy, and maintain a Microsoft® Windows® installation. This section is divided into five phases: planning, preparation, customization, deployment, and maintenance. The phases are organized based on a typical deployment lifecycle. We highly recommend that you review each of the phases to understand the tools and processes.

Each phase contains a collection of topics including conceptual, how-to, and walkthrough topics. Conceptual topics focus on what you need to know during that phase of deployment. How-to topics provide specific instructions on common tasks. Walkthrough topics are step-by-step instructions on building specific solutions.

In This Section

Phase 1: Planning Your Deployment	Describes conceptual information about Windows deployment, including information about managing images, installing applications and device-driver management.
Phase 2: Building Your Deployment Environment	Describes the infrastructure work that may be required to deploy Windows. For example, this section describes how to create a technician computer, configure a network, or build a Windows PE image.
Phase 3: Preparing and Customizing Your Windows Image	Describes the many configuration options available during Windows deployment. In this phase, you primarily update an answer file with specific unattend settings.
Phase 4: Deploying Your Windows Image	Describes the process for deploying a Windows image, whether you are using Windows Setup or ImageX.
Phase 5: Managing and Servicing Your Windows Image	Describes the servicing tasks involved in updating and maintaining a Windows image. This section includes information about using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to install language packs, device drivers, and other updates.