Building a Common Image with Microsoft Windows 7 on HP Pro and Elite Desktop PCs 2012 Commercial Managed IT Models - Techical White Paper
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IMPORTANT
Make sure you have the latest compatible versions of drivers and
enhancements (Table 1). In addition, you must have a Microsoft
operating system license for each system on which you install
Windows 7 Professional. Deploying Windows images requires
special license provisions from Microsoft. For more information
please visit www.microsoft.com/licensing/.
Common Image
Advantages of a Common Image
Creating a common image has several advantages.
Image reduction—by creating a product family-based common image, image management
becomes easier because the number of images that require management is reduced.
Operating System-controlled driver installation—by implementing the .inf file-based driver
installation method outlined in this white paper, it is assured that hardware will be installed in
the most optimal manner possible.
Image validation—by using the image preinstalled by HP, you will start with an image that has
already undergone extensive testing and validation with the hardware on which it will be
deployed. This will save considerable testing resources in your environment. In addition, using
the HP image as a base will bypass the Microsoft Windows Activation process that requires
each user to activate their copy of Windows 7.
Limitations of a Common Image
While the use of a common image can be extremely advantageous, it is not without caveats. Creating
a common image causes a shift in the support liability from the PC OEM back to the organization
creating the common image.
It is also very important to be aware of the operating system license as well as licensed applications
that are part of the common image. Royalty-based applications typically have strict guidelines
surrounding deployment and usage. For example, devices such as DVD’s have strict distribution
restrictions regarding how DVD software is distributed.
Contact your Microsoft licensing representative for the proper operating system license.
Customizing the Preinstalled Image
This section provides guidelines when using the HP Elite 8300 preinstalled image as a base upon
which to build a common image.
Choosing a Base Image
As mentioned previously, HP recommends beginning with the factory preinstalled image as the base
image. If the file system type or the partition structure is not desirable, HP recommends that you still use
the factory preinstalled image to build the common image. File system and partitioning can be
customized during the image load phase of the deployment process.
Windows 7 preinstalled images support an F11 restore-feature, which allows a clean factory
preinstalled image to be restored by rebooting the PC and pressing F11 at the start of the reboot. After
pressing the “NEXT” button, check the “Recover the factory installed operating system, drivers and