
How to Make Boot.wim File with Flag 9 Settings: A Detailed Guide
Creating a boot.wim file with flag 9 settings is a crucial step in the process of deploying Windows images. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary tools to finalizing the boot.wim file. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to make a boot.wim file with flag 9 settings.
Understanding Boot.wim and Flag 9
Before diving into the creation process, it’s essential to understand what a boot.wim file is and what the flag 9 setting entails.
A boot.wim file is a Windows Imaging Format (WIM) file that contains a Windows image. It’s used for deploying Windows installations across multiple computers. The boot.wim file is typically used in conjunction with a Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server or a System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) server.
Flag 9 is a specific setting within the boot.wim file that enables the installation of Windows from a network location. This setting is particularly useful when deploying Windows to a large number of computers simultaneously.
Tools and Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following tools and requirements:
- Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) or Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 10
- Windows Server with WDS or SCCM installed
- Source Windows installation media or ISO file
- Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or SCCM server
Creating the Boot.wim File
Follow these steps to create a boot.wim file with flag 9 settings:
- Mount the source Windows installation media or ISO file to a virtual drive.
- Open the Windows ADK or Windows ADK for Windows 10, and navigate to the “Deployment Tools and Settings” folder.
- Double-click on “ImageX” to open the command prompt.
- Use the following command to capture the Windows image to a .wim file:
imagex /capture E:Windows E:boot.wim "Windows 10"
In this example, “E:Windows” is the path to the mounted Windows installation media, and “E:boot.wim” is the path where the boot.wim file will be saved. “Windows 10” is the name of the image within the boot.wim file.
- Set the flag 9 setting by using the following command:
imagex /setflag E:boot.wim 9
This command enables the flag 9 setting within the boot.wim file.
Deploying the Boot.wim File
Once you have created the boot.wim file with flag 9 settings, you can deploy it to your target computers using WDS or SCCM.
For WDS:
- Open the WDS server management console.
- Navigate to the “Boot Images” section.
- Right-click on “Boot Images” and select “Add Boot Image.” Choose the boot.wim file you created.
- Follow the prompts to complete the deployment process.
For SCCM:
- Open the SCCM console.
- Navigate to the “Distribution Points” section.
- Right-click on “Distribution Points” and select “Add Distribution Point.” Choose the boot.wim file you created.
- Follow the prompts to complete the deployment process.
Conclusion
Creating a boot.wim file with flag 9 settings is a straightforward process when you have the right tools and follow the correct steps. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create and deploy a boot.wim file with flag 9 settings to your target computers efficiently.