Creating Disk Images

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Creating disk images is a straightforward process that involves three key tasks:

• Build a master installation for each of your disk images. A master installation is built on a master computer. Building a master installation includes installing and configuring the operating system and any software you want to include on your disk image.

• Prepare each master installation by using Sysprep. This includes configuring and running Sysprep on each master computer.

• Create a disk image of each master installation by using the disk-imaging program. This includes saving each disk image to a permanent storage location.

Figure 3.7 shows the process you must follow to create disk images. None of the steps are optional: you must perform each step in the order shown.

Figure 3.7   Creating Disk Images