Where are Windows 7 Deployment Tools Located?
When it comes to Windows 7, Microsoft offers dozens of tools. Why can’t Microsoft create just one tool that allows deployment of computers? I don’t know. Microsoft created Word, which can be used by a novice, who only uses minimal features, or by more advanced users that know how to utilize hundreds of Word features. Why didn’t Microsoft offer 20 different versions of Word for 20 different types of audiences? Well, perhaps the answer is “because it makes no sense.” Microsoft uses “one-size-fits-all” approach for Word, why not use the same approach for Widows 7 deployment tools?
Here is a list of common deployment tools for Windows 7 with their location and description.
| Deployment Tool | Location | Description |
| Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) | Microsoft Download Center | Inventories and analyzes application compatibility |
| Compatibility Administrator Tool (CAT) | ACT | Creates application fixes |
| Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) | Windows 7; WAIK | Services and manages Windows images |
| DiskPart | Windows 7 | Configures the hard disk |
| ImageX | WAIK | Captures, creates, modifies, and applies the Windows |
| Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit | Microsoft Download Center | Assesses a company’s readiness for Windows 7 |
| Sysprep | WAIK | Prepares Windows installation for disk imaging, testing or delivery |
| User State Migration Tool (USMT) | WAIK | Migrates user data and settings for a large number of computers |
| Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) | Microsoft Download Center | Supports the deployment of Windows operating system |
| Windows Deployment Services (WDS) | Microsoft Download Center for Windows Server 2003 SP1;
Server Role in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 |
Deploys Windows 7 over the network so you don’t have to visit individual computers |
| Windows Easy Transfer (WET) | Windows 7; Windows 7 product DVD | Migrates user data and settings for a single computer or a small number of computers |
| Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) | Windows 7 product DVD | |
| Windows Setup (setup.exe) | Windows 7 product DVD | Installs Windows or upgrades previous version of Windows |
| Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) | WAIK | Creates unattended installation answer files |
| Windows Upgrade Advisor | Microsoft Download Center | Advises on the feasibility of an upgrade to Windows 7 |
