Windows 7 deployment with Microsoft Desktop Toolkit

Steps to deploy Windows 7 Beta with MDT 2008

1. Download Windows 7 Beta and extract files from the ISO – I use 7zip
2. Upgrade to MDT 2008 Update 1 if you’re not already running it
   1. Via Components Update to WAIK 1.1 which will also download WinPE 2.1
3. Launch Deployment Workbench
4. Add a new Operating System under Distribution Share
   1. OS -> New
   2. Choose “Custom Image File”
   3. Browse to the “Sources” folder of your extracted Windows 7 ISO
   4. Select “Install.wim”
   5. Choose option 2 “Copy Vista or 2008 setup filefrom the specified path” and browse to your extracted ISO files.
   6. Name it
   7. When done you’ll see four Windows 7 Flavor OS’es
5. Add a new Task Sequence for Windows 7 –
   1. ID and Name= whatever you like
   2. Template = Standard Client Sequence
   3. Choose your OS – Windows 7 Ultimate
6. Go to Johan’s site (duh – as always!) and read this
   1. I followed step 1 and 2. 3 I didn’t need because I’m not messing with user data
   2. Step1 “ZTISupportedPlatforms.xml can be found in your \Scripts folder of your distribution point.
   3. Step 2 “Unattend.xml” edit via the Properties of your OS Task Sequence for Windows 7
7. I booted a ThinkPad T42 off my LiteTouch ISO and viola, Windows 7.

Windows 7 is running like a champ on my Thinkpad T42 1.7ghz single core with 1gig of RAM and 32meg Intel integrated video. I’m looking for ward to Windows 7!