What is Image Assist Static and when should I use it?

What is Image Assist Static and when should I use it?

The Image Assist Static tool allows you to capture a Microsoft Windows image for a single platform. When using Image Assist Static, you must create multiple images to support multiple system types.

The image captured by using Image Assist Static does not update drivers, install drivers, or modify settings within the captured static image.

• NOTE: As a customer, you own responsibility for image content and testing of captured images.
• NOTE: Some partition sizes or orders may be changed to work with the Dell factory process or to adhere to Microsoft guidelines.

Dell Image Assist is based on Microsoft recommended imaging practices.

If your image captured with Dell Image Assist Static includes customization of the default partitions structures or layouts outside of the MS standards referenced below, functionality of local restores may be impacted.

Please see the following links to review MS recommended imaging and hard drive partition practices.

• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/
• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/configure-uefigpt-based-hard-drive-partitions#recommendedpartitionconfigurations
• https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/configure-biosmbr-based-hard-drive-partitions

Dell recommends fully testing any custom image.

FAQ

1. What is a Static Image? The industry generally refers to this as a "Ghost" image. A specific hardware model is configured with Windows, applications, drivers, etc. - captured and redeployed to identical hardware configurations.
2. When should I use Image Assist Static? If there's not a need for ordering different system models, Image Assist Static can quickly capture the state of a customized Windows environment for reimaging to identical hardware configurations.
3. How do I use Image Assist Static? Refer to the ImageAssist Static Users Guide
4. Is Image Assist Static like Ghost or DISM for capturing an image? It is free, easy, works with UEFI and MBR, and there is no need to learn how to build Windows PE or use a command line. Plus this tool expedites your image preparation for the Dell facility!
5. Can I restore a Image Assist Static image back on my PC or to create a local backup? Yes, the tool makes it easy to take your previously captured image and reinstall it onto your PC using a self-creating bootable USB key. Image Assist Static is designed to only work as a backup or restore to an identical system. For a cross platform solution use Image Assist Dynamic.
6. Does Image Assist Static run Sysprep? No, Dell highly recommends that you run Sysprep prior to running the Image Assist Static tool to capture your image.

Additional resources on Microsoft’s Sysprep:

• The Microsoft policy for disk duplication of Windows installations

• Sysprep (System Preparation) Overview

• Dell Image Assist Dynamic includes Sysprep and provides more robust image creation functions.

For additional details and installation instructions please see the Image Assist Static documentation or contact your ImageAssist helpdesk.

Image Assist - List of helpful links & articles