How to deploy Windows 7 with Lite-Touch

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This guide details how to deploy Windows 7 over the network using the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit.

Software Required:

  • Windows AIK
  • Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010
  • Microsoft Powershell

Instructions

  1. Install the required software using the default options
  2. Open the Deployment Workbench (Start -> All Programs -> Microsoft Deployment Toolkit -> Deployment Workbench)
  3. Create a new deployment share by right clicking on ‘Deployment Shares‘ and selecting  ‘New deployment share‘
  4. Run through the wizard selecting the required options (I chose to turn ‘Allow image capture‘ off)
  5. To add an the operating system image expand the new deployment share, right click on ‘Operating Systems‘ and select ‘Import Operating System‘
    1. If you are importing Windows 7 DVD media, select the first options ‘Full set of source files‘ and select the required options in the wizard
    2. If you are importing a custom image, select ‘Custom image file‘ and select the required options in the wizard
  6. To add additional drivers, download the drivers and save to a single location. (I suggest you download the driver packs from http://driverpacks.net/driverpacks/latest)
  7. Right click on ‘Out-of-Box Drivers‘ and select ‘Import drivers‘ and run through the wizard selecting the required options.
  8. To add task sequence for the operating system deployment right click on ‘Task Sequences‘ and select ‘New Task Sequence‘.
  9. Enter a task sequence ID, e.g. “WIN7SOE1”. This can be 16 characters long, must be unique and can not be changed once created.
  10. Enter a task sequence name, e.g. “Install Windows 7 SOE 1”. This is seen from WinPE when selecting the deployment. Click ‘Next‘ to progress.
  11. There are several templates available for deploying operating system images-
    • Standard Client Task Sequence – Selecting this option creates a task sequence that can be used for deploying Windows operating system images to client computers such as desktop and laptop computers.
    • Standard Client Replace Task Sequence – Selecting this option backs up the destination computer, backs up user state information, and wipes the disk. This allows application settings and user state information to be restored to the computer after Windows has been installed.
    • Custom Task Sequence – Selecting this option creates a plain vanilla task sequence that doesn’t install an operating system. For example, you could customize this type of task sequence for installing applications on destination computers that already have Windows installed on them.
    • Standard Server Task Sequence – Selecting this option creates a task sequence that can be used for deploying Windows Server operating system images onto server computers.
    • Litetouch OEM Task Sequence – Selecting this option lets you pre-load Windows images onto computers for staging purposes before deploying them into a production environment. This type of task sequence is intended mainly for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and can only be used with Media deployment points.
  12. To simply deploy the operating system without needing to backup any files or settings on the client, select ‘Standard Client Task Sequence‘.
  13. Select the image you imported previously, and select ‘Next‘
  14. If required, enter in your MAK or OS product key and select ‘Next‘
  15. Enter in the owner information for the operating system and select ‘Next‘
  16. If required, specify the Administrator password and select ‘Next’
  17. Review the options and select ‘Next’ to start creating the task sequence
  18. Click ‘Finish’ once completed.
  19. From the task sequences list, double click on the new task sequence.
  20. From here you are able to define how the task sequence runs. You can also edit the unattend.xml file from the ‘OS Info‘ tab.
  21. To update the distribution point right click on the deployment share and select ‘Update deployment share’ and select the required settings in the wizard.

To boot into the deployment wizard:

  1. After updating the deployment share, access the Boot ISO images at C:\DeploymentShare\Boot
  2. There are two ISO files available, LiteTouchPE_x86 and LiteTouchPE_x64
  3. Burn the required image to a CD and boot to it using the client computer
  4. Once loaded you will be presented with a list of the task sequences on the deployment server.