Building Images
3/21/2011
This section contains topics that walk you through developing an image with Windows Embedded Standard 7. The first step is to choose which image development path is best for you:
- Express Path Using the Image Builder Wizard This path is the fastest, easiest way to develop an image. You run the Image Builder Wizard on the reference device rather than another computer, such as a development computer. The wizard guides you through a handful of choices about the installation, and then it helps you add and subtract the functionality you need in the image. After you have made all your selections, Image Builder Wizard automatically builds the image and installs it onto the reference device. After the image is running, you can make additional changes manually such as installing and configuring software and drivers, adding language packs, modifying the registry, or configuring components in the operating system.
To begin building an image using the express path, see Build an Image Using Image Builder Wizard. - Advanced Path Using the Image Configuration Editor This path is the most versatile, flexible way to develop an image because you can add, remove, or configure any functionality in Standard 7 automatically. You use the Image Configuration Editor to create an answer file that defines the functionality, software, and settings that you need in the image. You can modify your answer file so that it automatically installs and configures software and drivers, adds additional language packs, modifies the registry, or configures components in the operating system. You can create an answer file that performs a completely unattended installation of Standard 7. You can also customize the Windows Welcome Screen or Welcome Center. After the image is built using the answer file and installed on the reference device, you can still continue making manual changes to the installation while it is running, just like the Express Path, or by modifying the Windows Image (.wim) file that contains the image.
To begin building an image using the advanced path, see Build an Answer File Using Image Configuration Editor.
In This Section
- Build an Image Using Image Builder Wizard
Walks you through developing and building an image on a reference device using Image Builder Wizard
- Build an Answer File Using Image Configuration Editor
Walks you through developing an image on a development computer using Image Configuration Editor
Related Sections
- Deploying Images
Deployment options for Standard 7
- Maintaining Images
Servicing options for online and offline Standard 7 images.
- Windows Embedded Standard 7 Toolkit Technical Reference
Technical information about tools in the Windows Embedded Standard 7 Toolkit.