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Create a Configuration Set

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Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Note

This content applies to Windows 7. For Windows 8 content, see Windows Deployment with the Windows ADK.

The following procedure describes how to create a configuration set by using Windows® System Image Manager (Windows SIM).

A configuration set is a smaller version of a distribution share and is more easily copied to removable media or a network share. It is a collection of files converted to binary form. These files are a self-contained alternative to referencing a distribution share.

Because a configuration set contains only internal references, it can be used for both online and offline installations. It can also be duplicated and edited for different types of installations.

To create a configuration set

  1. Open Windows SIM.

  2. Open an answer file. For more information, see Open an Answer File.

  3. On the Tools menu, select Create Configuration Set.

    The Create Configuration Set window opens.

  4. Browse to the destination folder for the configuration set, or enter a folder name.

  5. Select a folder to copy to your $OEM$ folder (optional), and then click OK.

Important

If a configuration set is used during Windows Setup, all of the contents at the root of the media where the answer file exists are copied to the Windows installation. If there are many files and folders at the same level as the answer file, Windows Setup copies all of the files and folders to the Windows installation. Note that this might slow down installation, and, in some cases, you might run out of disk space.

See Also

Concepts

Validate an Answer File
Understanding Distribution Shares and Configuration Sets