Question about custom windows images

[AlaDes]

@PCX
As to anytime upgrade, I had no idea that was an option to install other versions. We currently have a separate image for each version of vista, 7 and 8 for both 32 and 64 bit. If we want to install ultimate from a home premium image, is it as simple as choosing "anytime upgrade" and entering the oem key? If so, that is very cool.

Yes, it's that easy lol.

 

[AlaDes]

But why have all the different versions? How often are you really doing something other than Home Premium. I can understand having Pro if you work with a lot of businesses, but other than that, you rarely see things like Starter or Ultimate.

We do things a lot differently than anything else I have ever heard before, but we also have two images, one we keep for editing (updating) and another final copy that we create after updating and sysprepping the edit image. That final image is then cloned onto multiple hard drives, either in bulk for hard drive replacements or for reinstalls. As soon as you turn on each machine with the cloned image, it configures itself for that machine and is ready for user information and EULA. We do this both for Windows 8 and Windows 7 and we only use the Core and Home Premium images and upgrade as needed. Basically our Windows installs can be done in 20-30 minutes baring that we do not run into weird driver issues.

Honestly, I really don't use the different images that often anymore. I mainly use the anytime upgrade now. I guess old habits die hard (OCD lol). Besides, I am continuously learning how to speed this process up, I just wish I knew how to write better for the tutorial I am doing on "Lessen your time...", which is one reason I started to learn how to use the different VMs and capture the video.

Just like you, I tend to do things a little differently than other businesses do them, especially the ones around here. One thing I do different is replacing the original install.wim file with my modified one and going through the setup process with the installation disc (I use a thumb drive of course).