Windows Server 2003 Build Process

In my current project we're using WinPE to handle the imaging and setup process. This is quite interesting since we can build a basic W2K3 image with Ghost, and then post-process all PNP differences during startup. In terms of time, this saves endless times trying to create HW-specific images, and allows an almost error-free installation.

After the system boots the first time, we use a startup script to continue the post-build processes; including hw patches, firmware upgrades, PNP, and security hotfixes and the like.

From CD boot to a complete and configured domain member server, with completely updated hotfixes and patches is about 20 minutes.

From that point, clicking on a desktop shortcut brings up a 'roles wizard' which allows installation and configuration of additional services; IIS, File & Print, DFS, Shadow Copy, among some others.

I've not seen anything this sophisticated in many years, short of a complete Ghosting of a complete image. Pretty cool stuff.

More on WinPE Development

It appears that CPU counts aren't the only missing pieces in WinPE. There are other API required for a sophisticated installation that Microsoft left out. I'll have a complete list later but one of the more important ones is the ability to use LDAP. Our development has to use some complex code to get information from the AD at this point. Unfortunately I can't post code yet but hope to soon.