ImageAssist Dynamic for Multiple Platforms Version 10.0 User's Guide November 2020 Rev.
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Contents Chapter 1: Introduction................................................................................................................. 4 ImageAssist Dynamic.......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Supported operating system and recommended framework....................................................................................4 Chapter 2: Getting started with ImageAssist.......
1 Introduction ImageAssist is a tool set that enables you to use Dell imaging services to quickly create and maintain a ready-to-deploy Microsoft Windows image. Depending on your requirement, use ImageAssist Static or ImageAssist Dynamic to create an image. To use ImageAssist Static, install the ImageAssist Static tool. ImageAssist Dynamic The ImageAssist Dynamic tool enables you to create and capture a custom cross-platform, ready-to-deploy Microsoft Windows image.
2 Getting started with ImageAssist This section provides information about setting up your system, downloading ImageAssist, and installing it. Setting up your system You can create an image using a physical system or a virtual machine. But, it is recommended that you use a virtual machine to create an image. For more information about virtual machines, see Using ImageAssist Dynamic on virtual machine on page 13. Before you begin using ImageAssist, ensure that you: ● Use the Windows 10 operating system.
Download ImageAssist Steps 1. Register and sign in to https://www.techdirect.com. 2. Go to Services > Orders and Deployments > Dell ImageAssist. 3. On the Download Dell ImageAssist card, click DOWNLOAD. Results The ImageAssist installer package (.zip) is downloaded. Install ImageAssist Dynamic Steps 1. Right-click the ImageAssist installer package (.zip) and click Extract All. The Select the Destination and Extract Files window is displayed. 2.
3 Using ImageAssist Dynamic ImageAssist Dynamic helps you prepare a custom cross-platform Windows 10 image that includes the operating system, licenses, applications, desktop customization, and network configuration settings. Create and capture Dynamic image Steps 1. On the ImageAssist home page, in the Create Dynamic Image card, click GET STARTED. 2. To create a bootable ImageAssist USB drive, select Yes. 3.
6. In the Restore process complete window, perform one of the following steps: ● Click SHUT DOWN to turn off the system. ● Click REBOOT to immediately restart the restored system.
4 ImageAssist Dynamic tools Additional tools are recommended for system administrators or users familiar with ImageAssist. Create a bootable USB drive or ISO file Create a bootable USB drive or ISO file that you can use to capture and restore images. Steps 1. On the ImageAssist home page, click and click Additional Tools. 2. In the Create USB Drive or ISO File card, click CREATE. The Create USB Drive or ISO file page is displayed. 3.
Table 1. Fields and description of the Unattend XML file (continued) Fields and options Description Time Zone Select the time zone for the destination systems. Workgroup or Domain Specify a workgroup or domain. Computer Name Provides an autogenerated system name or allows you to customize the system name. Administrator Password Provide the administrator password for all destination systems. User Account Creation Create a local system administrator account and set a password.
ImageAssist checks the following sections of the operating system: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Registry Services ReArm Policy Sysprep Unattend XML AppX package Software Drivers The most common build errors that you may encounter are: ● ● ● ● Installed device drivers Appx sysprep failures Configured encryption software Errors in the Unattend XML file ImageAssist checks if the Unattend. XML file is available at %SYSTEMDRIVE%\Windows\Panther.
6. Note the path where the file is saved and click SHUT DOWN to turn off the system.
5 Using ImageAssist Dynamic on virtual machine You can create an image using a physical system or a virtual machine. But, it is recommended that you use a virtual machine to create an image. If you are using a physical system, it is recommended that you use a Dell OptiPlex, Dell Latitude, or Dell Precision system.
2. Click Next. 3. On the Guest Operating System Installation page, select one of the following options and click Next. ● Installer disc ● Installer disc image file (ISO) ● I will install the operating system later The Select the Guest Operating System page is displayed. 4. Select the guest operating system and from the Version list, select the version of the operating system. 5. Click Next. The Name the Virtual Machine page is displayed. 6.
Results The Windows 10 operating system is installed on the virtual machine and you can download, install, and use ImageAssist to create an image. Connect USB drive to VMware Workstation Prerequisites Ensure that a USB drive is connected to the host system. Steps 1. On the VMware Workstation Pro home page, go to VM > Removable devices > USB device > Connect (Disconnect from host). 2. Click OK. Boot from CD or DVD ISO file in VMware Workstation Pro Steps 1.
Create virtual machine in Hyper-V Manager Steps 1. Go to Hyper-V Manager page and click Action > New > Virtual Machine. The New Virtual Machine Wizard window is displayed. 2. Perform the following steps: a. On the Before you Begin page, click Next. b. On the Specify Name and Location page, perform the following steps and click Next. i. Enter the name of the guest operating system. ii.
15. Select the Display tab, select Save my settings future connection to this virtual machine option, and then click Connect. 16. Log in to your system and verify if the hard drive is connected. Results The Windows 10 operating system is installed on the virtual machine and you can download, install, and use ImageAssist to create an image.
6 Related documents In addition to this guide, you can access the following documents for more information about ImageAssist. Table 3. Related documents Document title ImageAssist Dynamic for Single Platform Online Help ImageAssist Dynamic for Multiple Platforms Online Help How to access the document Click on the ImageAssist Static home page. Click on the ImageAssist Dynamic home page. ImageAssist Dynamic for Single Platform Version 10.0.0 User's Go to ImageAssist Manuals and Documents.
A Frequently asked questions 1. How many Windows images should I capture for my ImageAssist project? You can capture several images using ImageAssist. 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.
12. Why do I see alignment issues when I boot from the USB PE key? WinPE supports the base VGA display settings. Therefore, the display in the WinPE environment might not be aligned properly. Some text may also be cut off, and window elements may not be positioned properly. Also, on some systems, video cards and monitors may not be able to display full resolution graphics. For more information, see Technet.microsoft.com. 13. 19.
B Glossary The following table describes the terms used in this guide: Table 4. Glossary Name Description Image The image is a file encapsulating the operating system, software, and settings configured on the system. Reference or maintenance image To prepare a reference build, several tasks must be performed such as installing an operating system, running Windows updates, configuring desktop, customizing policies, and so on.
