If you are looking for a way to do massive Windows 7 migration, Microsoft has updated its own tool sets for this purpose, called the Windows Automated Installation Kit or WAIK. It has a lot of new features for both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. This screencast shows how it works.
I recommend WAIK if you have already tried out earlier versions and know your way around SYSPREP and Windows volume licenses. Be prepared for a somewhat steep learning curve, especially if you are going to try to automate everything for your deployments and have a large collection of diverse PC hardware. While you can’t beat the cost (it is free), Kbox or SmartDeploy might be a better alternative for these more complex situations.
You can download the WAIK tool here.
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[...] In theory, you could use this built-in utility to create images to clone a custom Windows image for deployment. However, this is not the recommended way to create deployment images. Instead, follow the exact instructions given in Building a Standard Image of Windows 7 Step-by-Step Guide. For more on this topic, watch Using Windows AIK to Automate Windows 7 Deployment. [...]
You can sign up to listen to an upcoming webinar where I will talk about this and other Windows 7 migration options with an IT manager and product managers from a few of the vendors. See http://bit.ly/9hyAES, it will be held April 13th at noon Central time.
David,
Thanks for your post — yes, there are several new features that are available with Windows Server 2008 / Windows 7 that will assist you with the deployment and management of a large number of workstations. Enterprise IT infrastructures are increasingly complex to manage. The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack (MDOP) is a dynamic desktop solution that is available as a subscription for Software Assurance customers. The solution suite enhances application deployment and compatibility, increases IT responsiveness and end user uptime, and helps reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) of your desktop software and IT management.
To learn more about this package, please go here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/produ…
Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team
[...] is easier to use than Microsoft’s WAIK, and Kbox, both of which we reviewed [...]
Also now available is MDT 2010 (Microsoft Deployment Tool) which will help you create images and automate the OS and application installations, data migration, and desktop configuration process. To learn more, please go here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd7445…
Should you require additional assistance and guidance, Microsoft does have an official Windows 7 Support Forum specifically for IT Pros located here http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/cat… . It is supported by product specialists as well as engineers and support teams. You may want to also check the threads available there for additional assistance and feedback.
Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team
Thanks for the helpful links Jessica. Appreciate it!
[...] WAIK [...]