Installation Techniques

Question 1

System image

Answer 1

When you create a system image, you take a snapshot of a computer and apply that snapshot to other computers. This usually involves using the system preparation tool, Sysprep. Sysprep will remove the security ID of the master computer and generate new IDs for each computer on which the image is to be installed. Keep in mind that Sysprep requires all target computers to have identical or nearly identical hardware configurations. If they do not, driver problems will need to be resolved after the installation.

Question 2

Unattended installation

Answer 2

This type of installation involves the use of an answer file. The answer file provides all the information that is manually provided by the technician during a manual installation. Often this answer file is placed on a network server with the image files or the operating system installation files.

Question 3

In-place upgrade

Answer 3

This type of installation involves upgrading from one operating system to another, while keeping as many settings as possible. Make sure that you understand all the possible upgrade paths for the operating systems on the exam. You can also upgrade from one edition of an operating system to another. In most cases, you should ensure that all the hardware in the computer is sufficient to run the new operating system. Microsoft usually provides an application that will check this for you.

Question 4

Clean install

Answer 4

This is a wipe-and-load installation that does not retain any settings from the previous operating system, meaning that user accounts and settings will need to be recreated and applications will need to be reinstalled.

Question 5

Repair installation

Answer 5

This type of installation repairs an operating system by overwriting the currently installed files with the version of the file from the installation media or ISO file. This type of installation will not change any settings.

Question 6

Multiboot

Answer 6

This type of environment allows multiple operating systems to be installed on the same computer. It involves modifying the boot.ini file so that the user can select which operating system to boot. Many companies are now choosing to use virtual machines instead of a multiboot environment.

Question 7

Remote network installation

Answer 7

In a network installation, the installation files (that are in the i386 folder on the installation media) are copied to a network location. Individual computers then boot, access the network share, and install the operating system. This often involves the use of a Preboot eXecution Environment (PXE).

Question 8

Image deployment

Answer 8

System images can be created using imaging tools. These image files are then placed on a network server so that they can be deployed across the network.

Question 9

Recovery Partition

Answer 9

In Windows, a recovery partition allows you to restore the operating system to its factory defaults. This recovery partition will allow you to refresh your computer without losing your files, remove everything and reinstall Windows, or restore to an earlier point in time (which requires System Restore to be set up on your computer.)

Question 10

Refresh/Restore

Answer 10

Refreshing keeps your personal files and settings. Restoring will allow you to undo system changes. They are different ways to use the recovery partition.