Thanks! So it wasn't such a dumb question after all. I have installed all updates now on my "reference computer", it's now creating the new .wim (dism /capture-image /imagefile:e:\new.wim /capturedir:c:\) I booted with a self-created WinPE4 iso (from usb, using grldr). Normally I use WinPE_SE, but I wasn't sure that had the right DISM version, so I decided to test this one first. I really like WinPE_SE better, because it has the diskmanagement gui, but WinPE4 is doing fine. I put XYplorer in it as a file explorer, and TCCLE as a commandprompt. Also Autohotkey, so I can boot WinPE4 from USB, after that I have a completely empty screen (only has a painted desktop, made by BGInfo), then I press control-F9 for a nice big TCCLE prompt. So far so good, next test is installing a PC with the new .wim!! (Also using WinNTSetup)
Now we can use "WIN TO GO" with all tools installed, it is so far the smoothest,easiest boot tool i have worked with, previously i have used umpteen number of self built PE3 with custom explorer,+pstart (with most portable apps),driverpacks. but now it feels not so nice after enjoying the comfort of "WIN TO GO".
OK, then WinToGo will be the next project for me. For now, my "Audit mode experiment" went perfectly, once again thanks to all!! Never thought it would be this easy... The procedure I used: (1) Boot with WinPE_SE, run WinNTSetup, use same install.wim as I always use, just select an alternative unattend file to enter audit mode. (2) Start Windows update and install all updates. (3) dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup (4) Generalize - shutdown (5) Boot with WinPE4, dism /capture-image /imagefile:e:\new.wim /capturedir:c:\ /name "Windows 8 updated 20121220"
Now that I have my new install.wim, there's nothing stopping me from using *this* as my next "starting point", right? If I use it with an unattend.xml that contains the Audit mode setting, it's like starting from scratch, no? Or is there some hidden setting that remembers it was created from previously used sysprepped image?
Thanks rrohela. So the proper way should be starting with a clean setup every time. Makes sense! Luckily, with WinNTSetup it's very easy to select a different unattend.xml, so I can just put 2 of these files on my USB, 1 for normal setups, and 1 to enter Audit mode automatically. Both are fully unattended setups, so I think I'll probably build me a new install.wim with all updates every couple of months or so... In the time between building a completely new install.wim I might try injecting it with offline updates using DISM (which is, after all, the topic of this thread).
Sorry, yes, that's what I meant: I use the same install.wim, with two unattend.xml files. Thanks for your replies!!
sukinsin88: I'm sorry, this will not be the answer you wanted, but could you please explain why you insist on burning to a 4,4gb DVD? Can't you use a 8gb USB, or a double layer DVD?
1.Why do you need a dvd,is a USB not feasible to you? 2,How do you intend to use this image/installation: through windows installer or are you going to deploy the image? 3.If you are going to deploy than you may always split the wim 4.Else you tell us what you intend to do, so that we may help you.
so now i have WIN 8 PRO x86 WIM INTEGRATED ALL UPDATES WIN 8 PRO X64 INT... WIN 8 ENT X86 INT WIN 8 ENT X64 INT... now i want make AIO with windows down. integrator so can i use all wims for once time. ? so i add all x64 and x86 both cos for me not work DISM... and also i dont want pro with WMC
finally my option for the wim size was install all updates in audit mode except for KB2770917. My wim size es now 3.65 GB, good for a single layer DVD. Only need to download about 120 MB and not the 500 MB w/out the updated iso file
now i make AIO without WMC wait how many GB will be int all updates X86 and x64 (x86=35) (x64=40) iso created now is 5.18GB 5.36 = so 18MB is WMC
Now is the big cash price question: AIO Iso file come around 4.6 GB..I can't burn on single layer DVD Does any one has any idea how can i reduce the size that i can burn into normal layer DVD 4.4 GB?? Of course without compromise Iso Boot. Thanks in advance