Mike Gore - 2021-10-03

Windows 10 Base Image Creation

References

• https://cs.uwaterloo.ca/twiki/view/CF/WindowsActivation
  • How to Download And Activate Windows
• Lenovo Laptop Specific Configuration and Install Notes
  • LenovoLaptopSpecific - BIOS settings, USB key booting, Lenovo Support Drivers and update tools

Requirements

• We assume you have enabled Secure Boot in the system BIOS and that USB booting is enabled

Where to Get Windows 10

• Windows 10 Download links
  • ISO https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10ISO
    • Note: You can make a Windows USB key from an ISO image in Windows using rufus - see https://rufus.ie/downloads/
  • USB Windows Media Creation tool https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
    • Create Windows 10 installation media -> Download Tool Now
      • Run Media Creation Tool that downloads for example MediaCreationTool21H1.exe
      • You will see:
        • Getting a few things Ready
        • Accept License
        • Select Create installation Media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC -> Next
        • Uncheck "Use the recommended settings for this PC" if you plan to make a generic Windows 10 USB installer -> Next
        • Pick USB flash drive - alternatively you can also save an ISO at this stage

Windows ISO or USB image modification notes:

• Copy ei.cfg to the USB key \sources directory
  • This adds the ability to chose specific editions of Windows 10 on systems with existing BIOS keys enrolled
    • For example many of our Lenovo Laptops have HOME edition BIOS keys installed
  • Note: we use Windows 10 Education edition when installing systems

Install Windows 10

• Attach computer to a DHCP network such as Vlan 420
• Check BIOS settings - see above
• Boot Windows 10 USB Key (Boot BIOS menu at startup : F12 for most systems, alternatively F8, Lenovo Laptops Press Enter at prompt then F12)
• Pick Install -> Custom Setup -> Delete all Partitions using mouse -> Pick New partition (it will create 3) and continue
  • It will copy the installer files and start the installation
• During the setup it will as for Windows version -> Pick Windows 10 Education
• When setting up a user pick cscf-adm for staff members or cscf-op in you are helpdesk or coop * For privacy questions limit all options to basic or no

Windows 10 Updates

• In the Search bar enter Check and Check for updates should appear as you type - select that
  • When the Updater opens pick Search for updates - >update everything including optional updates
  • The system may have to reboot a few times

Install vendor specific drivers if you wish to customize this image for specific hardware

• Lenovo Laptops -> http://support.lenovo.com -> PC and Laptops -> Scan to detect -> Download and Install Tool -> Repeat and install drivers
  • You will see a Lenovo Update to in the Program FIles -> Run Lenovo Updates _> reboot if need and try again untill all updates are applied

Update Windows settings

• Change power profile to never suspend when plugged in while working on image

Add CSCF windows salt client install batch file and README.txt in C:\ but do not run it

• https://vault.cs.uwaterloo.ca/s/F7M97Yr69xE8zTx/download
• README.txt
• ei.cfg: updated Windows ei.cfg file permits choosing Windows 10 version when installing