Building Images (Standard 7 SP1)
7/8/2014
This section discusses how you can develop an OS image by using Windows Embedded Standard 7.
An image is all of the files and components that a device needs to run an operating system. An online image is an operating system that is currently running, and an offline image is an operating system that is not currently running. The process of installing an image on a device is known as deployment. For more information about images, see Image Files in Standard 7.
Every Standard 7 image contains a minimum core set of functionality, known as Windows Embedded Core, which contains boot-critical drivers and basic support for security, servicing, and networking. In addition to the Windows Embedded Core, you can add the drivers and functionality that your device needs. In Standard 7, you add packages to your image in order to add functionality. For more information about packages, see Packages.
In Standard 7, you have the following two main options to build your image:
- **Express Path Using Image Builder Wizard ** This path is the fastest, easiest way to develop an image. You run Image Builder Wizard on the reference device rather than another computer, such as a development computer. The wizard guides you through a handful of choices about the installation, and then it helps you add the functionality you need in the image. After you have made all your selections, Image Builder Wizard automatically builds the image and installs it onto the reference device. After the image is running, you can make additional changes manually such as installing and configuring software and drivers, adding language packs, modifying the registry, or configuring components in the operating system.
To begin building an image using the express path, see Build an Image Using Image Builder Wizard. - **Advanced Path Using Image Configuration Editor ** This path is the most versatile way to develop an image because you can add, remove, or configure any functionality in Standard 7. You can also modify the settings for individual features in Image Configuration Editor before installing the image on the device, which you cannot do by using Image Builder Wizard.
You use Image Configuration Editor to create an answer file that defines the functionality, software, and settings that you need in the image. You can modify your answer file so that it automatically installs and configures software and drivers, adds additional language packs, modifies the registry, or configures components in the operating system.
Once you have configured your answer file, you can then use Image Builder Wizard to use your answer file to build and deploy your image onto your device. After the image is built using the answer file and installed on the reference device, you can still continue making manual changes to the installation while it is running, as in the Express Path, or by modifying the Windows image (.wim) file that contains the image. In addition, you can use Image Configuration Editor to open and modify your original answer file, and then use that answer file to rebuild your image on your device. This method is especially useful if you need to change which functionality is included in your image.
To begin building an image using the advanced path, see Build an Answer File Using Image Configuration Editor.
In This Section
- Build an Image Using Image Builder Wizard
Walks you through developing and building an image on a reference device using Image Builder Wizard.
- Build an Answer File Using Image Configuration Editor
Walks you through developing an image on a development computer using Image Configuration Editor.
Related Sections
- Deploying Images
Deployment options for Standard 7.
- Maintaining Images
Servicing options for online and offline Standard 7 images.
- Standard 7 Toolkit Technical Reference
Technical information about tools in the Windows Embedded Standard 7 Toolkit.