Download the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK)
The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) helps you to install, customize, and deploy the Microsoft Windows Vista™ family of operating systems with a minimal OS based on the Windows Vista kernel. It replaces DOS as a means to automate the deployment of Windows.
I’ll be discussing this over the next couple of months here at Realtime-Vista, so please download it now. Why now? This is clearly an “enterprise” tool and the current trend is for Microsoft not to provide these to retail customers. For example, you cannot use the Office Customization Tool (previously known as the Custom Installation Wizard (CIW)) unless you have a “non-retail” version of Office 2007. Disappointingly, MSDN provides a retail distribution at this time. Microsoft has been making it more and more compelling to take part in their Software Assurance program for some time and now with offers like the Desktop Optimization Pack being provided exclusively to those with Software Assurance, it won’t be long before something like this little gem is hard to get your hands on!
Once downloaded, rename the extension from IMG to ISO (depending on the software you use) and burn it to DVD with your favorite burning software.
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Comments
Good discussion Bob. I just wanted to let you know that administrators will also find the WAIK in Microsoft's Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment 2007. This is another must for administrators as it also supports the deployment of Windows XP and is a lot more automated than version 2.5 is. Get BDD 2007 here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/bddoverview.mspx
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Posted by: NelsonR | December 13, 2006 4:59 PM
Very good suggestion Nelson, the BDD is loaded with good stuff worth getting your hands on. Hey, didn't you write some of that ;)
Posted by: Bob | December 13, 2006 7:42 PM
can i download imagex alone available in windows AIK????
Posted by: Suraj | July 2, 2007 8:35 AM
No, it is not officially available alone-- Windows AIK is your best bet.
Posted by: Bob | July 2, 2007 11:29 AM