Creating reference images

Before you can deploy your operating system, you need to capture it. This is an important step; what you capture in your reference image will be the base to all of your corporate machines. It's important to make sure you think about what you want or need in this image.

For example, what Windows features do you want enabled or turned off in your image? Do you require any additional files such as a corporate background on the image? Do you need any additional information added into the registry?

Tip

Your reference image is vitally important. Ensure that you discuss the details of the reference image with your peers and document what you have on your reference image and why it exists.

Another big decision is where you capture your reference image. Lots of people say capture your image outside of Configuration Manager using MDT, for example, or using the command-line tools available with the Windows ADK.

One reason for this may be the fact that when you deploy and capture...