GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST
You’ll need these three items to complete your evaluation
STEP-BY-STEP VIDEO GUIDE
Everything you need to complete your SmartDeploy evaluation
Setup Your IT Workstation
Gather these three items to complete your evaluation
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: up to 60 minutes
- Install SmartDeploy by running the .exe file you just downloaded. An internet connection is required to license SmartDeploy.
- SmartDeploy requires Windows ADK, if you do not already have it, SmartDeploy will guide you through the installation process.
- While you’re installing SmartDeploy you can gather:
- Virtualization Software
- OS Media (Note: If you don’t have your media, use the Windows media creation tool.
1. Build Reference VM
Create a virtual reference machine with the target OS and apps
Active time: 30 minutes
Inactive time: —
- Launch the Build Wizard to create your golden Virtual Machine
- If your virtualization software is not listed in the Build Wizard, you can build the VM manually
- For testing purposes, we recommend starting with just Windows OS
- You do not need to Sysprep your reference machine, SmartDeploy runs Sysprep automatically at deployment time
2. Capture Image
Create an image of the reference machine
Active time: 2 minutes
Inactive time: 10 minutes
- Launch the Capture Wizard to create an image from the VM you
created in Step 1 - SmartDeploy creates a .WIM file, Microsoft’s standard format
3. Platform Packs
Acquire a driver package for your target device
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: 5 minutes
- SmartDeploy architecture allows you to manage your image (software) and hardware (drivers) separately
- Download pre-built Platform Packs and save them to the specified folder
- SmartDeploy uses WMI queries to deploy only drivers specific to each hardware make, model, and OS version
4. Answer File
Create an answer file to automate deployment
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: —
- Launch the Answer File Wizard to create an answer file
- Include the SmartDeploy Client in your answer file
- Mark it for unattended installation for Network Deployment with SmartDeploy
NEW! Try zero-touch remote computer imaging over your network.
5. Boot Media
Create boot or deployment media
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: —
- Launch the Media Wizard to create boot or offline deployment media
- SmartDeploy leverages WDS for PXE boot
NEW! Try zero-touch remote computer imaging over your network.
Learn more about SmartDeploy and WDS
Optional: Cloud Deployment Upload Wizard
Upload files to your cloud storage provider
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: 15+ minutes
- Launch the Upload Wizard to post your Cloud Deployment Package to Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive or OneDrive for Business, or Dropbox.
- Once posted, you can push images to target computers in your organization from your preferred cloud storage provider.
- After uploading, create media that references your Cloud Deployment Package
Learn more or request access to Deployment from the Cloud
6. Deploy Image
Deploy your image to your target device
Active time: 5 minutes
Inactive time: 10-15 minutes
- Advanced options include setting default Windows settings, disk options, and custom scripts
- Deploy Wizard can automatically join the computer to a domain
- During your trial a network connection is required to deploy machines
- Sysprep runs automatically during deployment
Technical, product, or pricing questions? We’re here to help.
GETTING STARTED RESOURCES
Resources to help you get started with SmartDeploy