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Understanding Windows SIM and sysprep
I'm currently studying Windows 7.
I have used sysprep and Ghost in the past to image and deploy Windows XP machines.
From what I remember, I was able to use sysprep to create my answer file for my installations.
It seems Windows SIM also does this and then some.
After some study, it seems like I would use Windows SIM to create my answer file and only use sysprep to generalize the image for deployment.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, when do you use Windows SIM and when do you use sysprep? Or do they need to be used together?
A second question I have is about Windows SIM only. It read that it can be used to add security patches/software updates/applications to a WIM image.
Does that mean it actually integrates these into the image, or you simply set up the answer file to install these applications during Windows installation?
I have used sysprep and Ghost in the past to image and deploy Windows XP machines.
From what I remember, I was able to use sysprep to create my answer file for my installations.
It seems Windows SIM also does this and then some.
After some study, it seems like I would use Windows SIM to create my answer file and only use sysprep to generalize the image for deployment.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is, when do you use Windows SIM and when do you use sysprep? Or do they need to be used together?
A second question I have is about Windows SIM only. It read that it can be used to add security patches/software updates/applications to a WIM image.
Does that mean it actually integrates these into the image, or you simply set up the answer file to install these applications during Windows installation?
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ASKER
You're first link helped a bit. I have loads of technical material but I was looking for something dumbed down for me. The example was pretty much as I had said. WSIM to create the image and sysprep just to generalize the image.
ASKER
"Your" not "you're". I'm not an idiot I swear. lol
Just to clarify, WSIM only creates the answer file, not a disc image. You'll still need to run Ghost or some other disc imaging tool after the PC is sysprepped, to create and restore a disc image.
ASKER
Right. ImageX is included in the Windows AIK that you must download in order to get Windows SIM.
http://briandesmond.com/blog/how-to-sysprep-in-windows-server-2008-r2-and-windows-7/