Create a Distribution Share

A distribution share is an optional storage folder for third-party drivers, applications, and packages issued by Microsoft, such as security bulletins. To create a distribution share, you must first create a distribution share folder.

You can create a distribution share folder manually, or by using Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM). The procedures in this topic describe how to create a distribution share folder.

After you create the distribution share with the required subfolders, you can add files to the subfolders by using Windows SIM or the user interface in the Windows Vista® operating system.

Note

Packages must be added by using Windows SIM. For more information, see Import a Package to a Distribution Share.

To create a distribution share by using Windows SIM

1. In the Distribution Share pane, click Select a Distribution Share.
2. Right-click Create Distribution Share.
3. In Create a Distribution Share, click New Folder, and then type a name for the folder.
4. Click Open.
   In the Distribution Share pane, the distribution share folder opens. Windows SIM automatically creates a folder structure for the distribution share

To create a distribution share on the Windows desktop

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop, point to New, and then click Folder.
2. Type a name for the new folder, and then double-click the folder to open it.
3. Right-click the folder pane, click New, and then click Folder.
4. Name the folders that you add, as follows:
   $OEM$ Folders
   Packages
   Out-of-Box Drivers

Note

Windows SIM recognizes only these subfolder names. A minimum of one of the three folders must be present to be a valid distribution share, and the subfolder name must match exactly to enable Windows SIM to read the subfolder contents.

See Also

Concepts

Open a Distribution Share
Explore Distribution Shares
Add Content to $OEM$ Folders
Add Out-of-Box Drivers to a Distribution Share
Import a Package to a Distribution Share