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Using ImageX as part of and Operating System Deployment (OSD) script is quite straight forward. From the OSD script in the Image information screen, select the image type as ImageX, and provide the path to ImageX and the image store location

LANDesk will then generate a basic imagex command line to capture or deploy the image. Please note that LANDesk creates a BASIC command line and does not add any advanced or complex ImageX functionality.

Default capture command line:

imagex.exe /compress fast /capture C: i:\%Computer - Device Name{8}%.wim "Drive C"

• This will create an image using the Fast compression algorithm (not Maximum), captured from drive C, to the file I:\(Final 8 characters of the device name or MAC).wim and name that image file inside the .wim "Drive C"

Default deploy command line:

imagex.exe /apply i:\filename.wim 1 C:

• This will apply the image in spot/ID 1 inside filename.wim to an already partitioned and formatted C: drive

If you need to use any additional options or settings when capturing or deploying the ImageX image, you will need to add these using an "Advanced edit" of the script.

Getting ImageX

ImageX is contained in the Windows AIK for Windows Vista or Server 2008. This can be downloaded freely from Microsoft. It is typically located in \Program Files\Windows AIK\Tools\x86 after the Windows AIK is installed. Once the ImageX executable is obtained, it is completely portable.

A copy of ImageX (%WAIK install folder%\..\x86) should be placed on a share accessible to client machines as imagex, for example \\<your_core_server>\ldmain\osd\imaging\

Conclusion

ImageX provides additional functionality, capacity and tools for imaging and deploying computers. It can be used for simple or complex imaging tasks. Due to the different imaging technology (file-based vs. sector-based) it should be carefully evaluated, studied and tested before applying on a large scale. LANDesk can be used to run a ImageX commands to capture and deploy images, but by default they are very basic. If any changes are needed they can be added manually and must follow the documentation provided by Microsoft. LANDesk does not provide support for the ImageX tool, but only for the process of running the ImageX command. If ImageX itself is not running as expected, please consult Microsoft for assistance.

References

ImageX Technical Reference:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc748966%28WS.10%29.aspx

What is ImageX:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722145%28WS.10%29.aspx

ImageX Command-Line Options:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc722145%28WS.10%29.aspx

Windows Imaging File Format (WIM):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749478%28WS.10%29.aspx
For more information on using "Advanced edit" please see the following article:

Advanced edit of OSD scripts