Question about Windows 7 & integrated drivers within images

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by wyatt, Jan 17, 2021.

  1. wyatt

    wyatt MDL Novice

    Jul 13, 2011
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    I have a few systems both 7 & 10 - and have been using either console commands or editing tools to integrate needed drivers within images - and no problems thus far as for new/clean installs. However my question(s) are in regards to keeping a "all purpose" image of Windows 7 to cover the bases for installs on either systems, such as x470/x570 systems - USB and/or storage drivers, etc. and re-using a previous captured/edited image for further changes or captures without having to repeat the full process over again.

    If I use a previous captured image with a "full" driver package already integrated into the boot.wim and the install.wim - along with various other edits - adds/removals - and then want to use it again for another updated capture - I will have only the needed drivers included on that specific system - but, to have the full driver package available same as previous - would have to re-integrate the full driver set again into the updated install.wim - correct? The full driver packs/files are referenced from the previous install.wim until a final install or post boot - only the needed drivers are carried over into that specific installation.

    The boot.wim drivers previously integrated would remain as-is - no need to re-integrate there - that correct? Can use the same file set and boot.wim as before - only insert the re-captured install.wim and apply again the integration of full driver set on it alone before building ISO.

    Lastly - getting the drivers into the image is all great - but how can one verify what drivers are already included in a image to avoid duplicate files? - or prevent a repeated stack of driver files to remove.

    Anyway that's just something I wanted to verify before I get into a custom Win7 image to use all the way around - or have separate images.

    Thanks