Deploying Windows 7 in an Enterprise Environment overview

In a nutshell, the deployment process intends to get Windows 7 on the specified target computers. Whether it is being installed on one or many systems, the general approach would be as follows:

» Prepare to build master installation – This step encompasses setting up a technician computer with the necessary tools, Windows 7 source files, applications, device drivers, and additional software packages. In this step, you would also prepare the setup automation by creating answer files and configuring a source distribution share.

» Build, test, and capture image of master installation – You will designate a reference or master computer in which you will use the answer file that was previously generated to run and test the Windows 7 installation from the distribution share and ensure that the setup automation works properly. After setup is complete, you can perform the necessary customizations to meet the needs of your business. Once you are satisfied with the master installation, you can then prepare it for duplication and thereafter capture your progress.

» Prepare deployment media and network distribution – In this step, you will make the captured image available on a network share that may be accessed by the destination computers to which the image will be deployed. Alternatively, the images may be stored on other media including a DVD, an external mass-storage device, or Windows Deployment Services (WDS).

» Run setup/transfer images on to destination computers – By accessing either the network share or the prepared media, you ultimately will deploy the prepared source media to get Windows 7 on the target computer.

Source of Information : Syngress Microsoft Windows 7 Administrators Reference Jun 2010