Deploying Windows Vista Chapter 2. The Answer File Answer file is an XML file containing the detail of a custom installation Windows System Image Manager.

Deploying Windows Vista

Chapter 2

The Answer File

• Answer file is an XML file containing the detail of a custom installation

• Windows System Image Manager creates the file– Part of the Windows AIK

• Combined with a WIM image, allows automatic setup of Windows Vista

Windows System Image Manager GUI

Steps to Build an Answer File

1. Create anew blank answer file

2. Add components

3. Configure Windows settings such as disk partition

4. Validate the file

5. Move it to removable media like a USB key or floppy disk

Capture a Base Image

• A WIM image that includes a base software and customization beyond standard WIM file

• Use SYSPREP to prep a machine as a model for the image

• Use IMAGEX to capture the image• Used with an answer file for a fully

customized build

Transferring User State Data

• User State Data are the files and settings unique to a user’s profile

• Use the Windows Easy Transfer Wizard to one time migrations– Wizard based– Can use network, recordable CD/DVD, or

Easy Transfer cable• Use the User State Migration Tool

(USMT) for large migrations– Supports scripting and reporting– Command-line based

USMT Commands

• Scanstate.exe– Scans and stores files collected from a

source computer based upon command line switches into a image file

– Example command: c:/>scanstate.exe \\SERVER1\migration\user1store /i:migapp.xml /i:miguser.xml /o /config:config.xml /v:4 /encrypt /key:"vistamigrate1"

• Loadstate.exe– Loads user data saved previously onto a

new machine.– Example command: c:\>loadstate.exe \\SERVER1\

migration\user1store /i:migapp.xml /i:miguser.xml /v:4 /decrypt /key:"vistamigrate1"

Verify System Integrity

• Use System File Checker• Scans protected system files to

verify their integrity• Command-line: Sfc.exe

/verifyonly

Missing Drivers

• Add missing driver into the WIM file– Use SIM to reference new driver

path– Mount the WIM image using

IMAGEX– Use Package Manager to add the

driver– Save the change to the WIM

Troubleshooting Drivers

• Some drivers will not be selected, even when they are present during installation

• Know the ranking method for drivers:– 1. Signed driver– 2. Plug and Play ID matched– 3. Driver date– 4. Driver version number

Display Devices

• The 3D Aero interface requires a WDDM compatible display driver

• Windows display driver rank system:– 1. Windows Vista signed by WHQL or inbox-

signed– 2. Legacy WHQL-signed and Authenticode-signed– 3. Unsigned– 4. Feature criteria (such as WDDM over XDDM)– 5. Plug and Play ID match– 6. Driver date– 7. Driver version

• Customize display settings using Display Settings window

Application Compatibility

• When programs don’t function, use the Program Compatibility Wizard– Accessible in Control Panel– Applet called Use an Older Program

with This version of Windows– Pre-configured for proper settings of

many popular programs• Compatibility Tab properties also

accessible to manually configure when you right-click an executable

New Folders for Roaming Users

• New folders help with roaming profiles

• They help segregate differing types of data so that only essential data in synced

• New Group Policy snap-in allows for easy management of roaming profiles