Understanding WDS boot image

[LDSSMI]

I am just trying to understand when it is necessary to update the WDS boot image that i've created using SmartDeploy. Does the WDS boot image actually load the Answer File in it, or does it just store the path to get to the Answer File?

If I update the Answer File but keep it the same name, do I also then need to update the WDS boot image?

Thank you for any asssistance!

[Aaron@Shared]

Every single time you change anything:

1. SD Upgrade
2. Answer file change.
3. Image change
 

Hope that helps.

 

Edit: Welcome to SmartDeploy! I got this working for my IT Department and been using for about 2 years.

[SmartDeploySupport]

Aaron is quite right - whenever you create SmartDeploy media of any type and select an answer file, a copy of that answer file is written into the WindowsPE boot image. It is that copy of the answer file that is loaded when you boot to SmartDeploy media - the copy back on the console host is not involved. Thus, if you make any changes to the answer file, you also need to recreate your media.

Likewise, if you update the SmartDeploy console version, you also need to update your media - otherwise the media would still be using the old version of Deploy Wizard to apply your image.

For WDS boot media, once you've recreated your media, you need to replace the boot image on your WDS server, and then you're all set.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to support@smartdeploy.com.

Glenn
SmartDeploy Support

 

[LDSSMI]

Thank you both very much. :) That is the information that I was looking for.

 

Aaron - Good to hear! It's new to us, but i'm liking it so far. We previously used Ghost.

[DudeSweet]

 

On 10/2/2020 at 9:57 AM, Aaron@Shared said:

Every single time you change anything:

1. SD Upgrade
2. Answer file change.
3. Image change
 

Hope that helps.

 

Edit: Welcome to SmartDeploy! I got this working for my IT Department and been using for about 2 years.

Don't forget Platform Pack updates.

[SmartDeploySupport]

6 hours ago, DudeSweet said:

 

Don't forget Platform Pack updates.

This can't hurt, but it is not necessarily required. Some Platform Packs include additional WindowsPE drivers (which may be needed for the Ethernet or Storage controllers, or occasionally other components), for the device to have full functionality while deploying in WindowsPE. If you're adding support for a model whose pack contains WindowsPE drivers, then you must indeed recreate your media, selecting Platform Packs for all devices you plan to support, so that these new PE drivers can be injected automatically into the WindowsPE boot image. Then replace the boot image on the WDS server, and you're all set.

If the newly added model does not have PE drivers, however, then recreating the boot image is not strictly necessary.

Glenn
SmartDeploy Support