Windows 10: A few questions about using and creating wim files

I have a few questions about wim/winpe/imagex. Is there a way to create a .WIM file for a windows installation that has already been created. Im basically wanting to (for now) create a .wim file that I can install as a sort of custom "factroy image restore" I understand doing it this way I would have to run Windows PE to deploy the .WIM. Also sysprep wouldnt be necessary as all the information would be okay as the same, (usernae, product key, etc.) I see that DSIM is in option in command peomtp on regular WIndows 10, but when I attempted to capture an image and save it to a (made by me) E: Recovery Drive, it said completed, but didnt work. Is it just not possible to make a WIM outside of Win PE? Also as a secondary question, I am a budding programmer. I was wondering how hard it would be to create in option in the Win RE(Recovery Enviroment/F8 Adv Boot Options...Repair your computer), like Dell and other OEMs do that wuld automate deploying the .WIM "Factory Image Restore"? I understand I would have to put together the code for the GUI once the option was clicked. Im just wondering how hard it would be to add that to the win RE options. Sorry If this is a little more specialized then a general question but with al the facets of the question(s), I thought General Support would be the best place for it. Thanks for your help.

:)

 

Compacting a wim file?

Sorry, no idea where to put this. I just recently learned how to use dism. I use it to slipstream all hotfixes and ie10 ect into an AIO install disc. The problem is, it creates a huge install.wim after 8 index mounts and slipstreams. Considering all 8 images use the same darn wim and files, don't know why it has to increase the wim size by 1gig. Either I need to figure out how to use the same wim.install file for all indexes, or I need to compact the wim file which is now 4gbs with ie10 and all updates to April. Any way to do either?

 

Compacting a wim file?

Actually it turns out the answer is the dism that comes with Win8. Using the new Export-Image command, and a simple batch file, was able to compress my AIO wim by several hundred mbs.

 

how to open wim files

Hi , I am Dexter, an Independent Advisor, here to help you.

I'll suggest you read this doc from Microsoft:

Capture and apply a Windows image using a single .WIM file

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardwa...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.