Users Guide

Frequently asked questions
1. How many Windows images should I capture for my Image Assist project?
You can capture several images using Image Assist. However, it is recommended that you capture the following images:
● Reference or Maintenance image—the image captured before the sysprep process.
● Gold or Dynamic image—the image captured after the sysprep process.
2. Can I use a virtual machine to build an image?
Yes, it is recommended to use a virtual machine to build an image. For more information, see Using Image Assist Dynamic on
virtual machine on page 14.
3. Can I use the default Dell factory installed operating system to create a Dynamic image?
No, Dell factory installed operating systems are not supported by Image Assist Dynamic. You must format the hard drive and
rebuild the image using your operating system media.
4. What backups should I capture while creating an image?
You must backup the following:
● Base—this backup is the operating system installed with customized profile changes. It also includes the Windows
updates without drivers.
● Base and Apps—this backup may include multiple images or snapshots as you test the functionality of scripts that may
have to be processed for first logon or to run synchronous commands.
● Reference or Maintenance—this backup is the image that is configured before you install Image Assist. This snapshot
can be used for updating the image periodically.
5. What languages is the Image Assist user interface available in?
The user interface is available in all Microsoft operating system languages and German, Dutch, English, Spanish, French,
Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese Simplified, and Chinese Traditional. If Image Assist does not support
your operating system language, the user interface is displayed in English.
6. Where are the driver packs for Image Assist located?
The driver packs for Image Assist are available at Dell.com/FamilyPacks.
7. Can I create an Unattend XML file without completing the sysprep process?
Yes, you can create an Unattend XML file using Additional Tools. For more information, see Create an Unattend XML file
on page 10.
8. How do I check if my build base contains drivers or software that are not compatible with Image Assist?
The Check Image process verifies if your build base contains incompatible drivers or software. For more information, see
Checking the image on page 11.
9. Why are there more recent drivers on Dell.com/support?
Drivers used during the development process are tested and qualified by our Dell Product Group for both platform and
factory integration. At times, newer drivers are provided by vendors. To provide the drivers to customers quickly, the drivers
are validated and posted on Dell.com/support.
10. Are there known issues with some USB drives during restore?
Yes, we have seen drives from some manufacturers not performing as expected with the read or write functionality. If you
have issues when you create, boot, capture, or restore an image, try a different drive or USB port.
11. Can I create an ISO version of the Image Assist USB drive?
Yes, you can create an ISO version of the Image Assist USB drive by using Additional Tools. For more information, see
Create a bootable USB drive or ISO file on page 9.
12. Why do I see alignment issues when I boot from the USB PE key?
A
20 Frequently asked questions