How to use Windows System Image Manager (SIM)

Windows System Image Manager (SIM)

Windows System Image Manager is a tool created by Microsoft to manage and create answer files for the operating system.

The answer files can be used both for full unattended installations of Windows, and to automate the mini-setup, now known as the Out Of Box experience (OOBE). It automatically writes the XML from a wizard-like tool and validates the answer file against the selected installation source.

Installing System Image Manager

System Image Manager is part of the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK). It can be downloaded from Microsoft. You should download and install the most recent version of WAIK as it is backward compatible. Once installed you will find the System Image Manager under the Windows AIK program group.

Using System Image Manager

To take full advantage of SIM, make sure you have access to the install.wim file for the OS you are installing. This will allow you to validate the answer file and provide the correct options. You can create an answer file without access to the .wim file, but some functionality will be limited.

1. Click on New Answer File
   
2. A message will prompt you to select an image file. Select yes, then navigate to the appropriate .wim file.
3. Once you select the .wim file, you will be prompted to create a catalog. Select Yes.
   
4. Once the catalog file is created, you will see a screen similar to the following:

This is the standard editing window for creating the answer files. The configurable sections and values are in the Components section in the lower left panel. Once a property is selected, the configurable values will appear in the right panel.

Each property can only be assigned to certain "Passes". The passes are listed in the middle pane. They are:

1. windowsPE
2. offlineServicing
3. generalize
4. specialize
5. auditSystem
6. auditUser
7. oobeSystem

These passes are run in order and each property, or action in each section is run in the order listed.

A variety of configurations are needed in order to make a fully unattended installation. More information about what is needed to fully automate the installation can be obtained from Microsoft TechNet.

Some good TechNet articles to review:

Windows System Image Manager Technical Reference

Step-by-Step: Basic Windows Deployment for IT Professionals (Windows 7)

What is Windows System Image Manager?

Windows Setup Configuration Passes

Understanding Windows Image Files and Catalog Files

Once the answer file has been completed and validated, it can be used in LANDESK by either installing the script for provisioning or using it as a template in an OSD script.