Tasks performed during the Preinstallation phase include:

• Windows Setup configuration Windows Setup is configured by using either the Windows Setup dialog boxes (interactive) or an answer file (unattended). Windows Setup configurations include configuring a disk or language settings.


• Windows PE configuration Answer file settings are applied during the Windows PE configuration pass.


• Disk configuration The hard disk is prepared for image deployment. This might include partitioning and formatting the disk.


• Windows image file copy The Windows 7 image is copied to the disk from the distribution media or a network share. By default, the image is contained in Sources \Install.wim on the product media or distribution share.


• Prepare boot information The Windows 7 boot configuration is finalized. This includes configuring single- or multiboot configuration settings.


• Process answer file settings in the offlineServicing configuration pass Updates and packages are applied to the Windows 7 image, including software fixes, language packs, and other security updates.