UIU 5 User Guide

NOTE: This document is for use with the UIU 5, versions 5.6.x.x and newer. If documentation for UIU 5.5.x.x (and older versions) are required, please use the following link: UIU 5.5.x User Guide (deprecated)


Section 1: Requirements and Limitations

UIU 5 Supported Hardware and Deployment Solution Environment

General

UIU 5 – Ghost Solution Suite – Custom Commands
UIU 5 – GhostCast Server
UIU 5 – Microsoft ADK (DISM)

  • Microsoft .NET 4.6 or newer (Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.2 (Offline Installer))
  • Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or Windows Server 2008, 2012 operating system installed on Admin Machine
  • Microsoft Windows Automated Deployment Kit (WADK): Requires at least Deployment Tools & Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) components
    [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Only required if building ISO or WIM media.]
  • UNC path-based Network Share to store the UIU Repository (accessible to deployed PCs) – Minimum 20Gb
  • UIU License Key (Found on your UIU License Certificate)
  • Internet connectivity is required in order to obtain UIU Online Updates
  • Administrator access to the UIU Repository (UNC path-based network share)

Target PCs

  • Windows 7, 8.1, 10 Professional or Enterprise (32 and 64-bit), and Windows Thin PC (WinTPC)
  • Internetwork connectivity for all target PCs

The system requirements for installation of the UIU are the same as the system requirements for installation of your Windows operating system.


Specific Deployment Solutions

UIU 5 Ghost Solution Suite – Custom Commands
  • Working Ghost Solution Suite 2.5.x/3.x environment
  • Captured and Sysprepped OS in GHO format

UIU 5 – GhostCast Server
  • Working GhostCast environment (Ghost32.exe and/or Ghost64.exe)
  • Captured and Sysprepped OS in GHO format

UIU 5 – Windows ADK (DISM)
  • Windows ADK 10 (includes DISM.exe) - based on Windows 10
  • Windows ADK 4.0 or 5.0 (includes DISM.exe) - based on Windows 8/8.1
  • Windows ADK 3.0 or 3.1 (optional - to support older versions of Windows PE) - based on Windows 7/7SP1
  • Captured and Sysprepped OS Image in WIM format


Technical Support Requirements
  • The Admin Machine/Deployment Solution must be tested and proven capable of mounting a WIM file successfully and deploying a supported Windows operating system independently, (without the UIU software.)
  • Submission of log files and supporting information as requested by UIU Support personnel

UIU 5 Limitations
  • The UIU 5 is not designed to deploy Windows Server OS versions


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Section 2: Definitions

The UIU 5:

UIU executables and UIU Driver Database files that interoperate with an operating system deployment solution to facilitate the delivery and installation of drivers required for specific hardware components.



The UIU 5 Console application:

The utility application designed to facilitate the preparation of UIU-augmented media integrated with various OS Deployment Solutions. The UIU 5 Console application is also designed to update the UIU 5 product and to facilitate the establishment, management and updating of the UIU Repository which contains both the UIU-managed driver files as well as UIU component executables.



UIU Repository:

The UIU Repository consists of Big Bang-prepared driver files, UIU-specific Driver database(s) (udb files) and UIU Components, including UIUPREP.exe.



UIUPREP.exe:

This UIU executable, stored in the UIU Repository and delivered to target machines during the deployment process, queries the UIU Driver Database to locate and extract the drivers required for that specific target machine.



IMP Files:

UIU Import files (*.IMP) contain required driver files, driver database(s) and UIU components which are used to populate a UIU Repository from which deployed target machines will draw necessary files during OS deployments. These files are used in conjunction with the UIU 5 Tollbox application.



Deploy or Deployment:

Provide a UIU-augmented Deployment Solution methodology for distribution during OS deployment, using the UIU 5 technology to provide drivers in an offline (PE) state of the operating system to be deployed.



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Section 3: Quick steps

    1. Launch the UIU 5 Console application

    2. Configure/review UIU Repository settings (Repository Management menu) and perform an Update Repository (if desired)

    3. Configure/review Deployment Settings (Deployment Integration menu). Select the driver database (scan for updated UDB's) and WinPE version to be used, and provide network credentials for access to the installed (UNC) UIU Repository (if required)

    4. Select and complete the UIU 5 wizard appropriate to the Deployment Solution of choice

    5. Apply the wizard’s deliverable to the Deployment Solution or execute as directed

    6. Perform an OS deployment, using the Deployment Solution methodology, augmented with UIU technology

Please refer to Section 5 of this guide for specific instructions on how to deploy Windows operating systems with the UIU 5 using various Deployment Solutions.

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Section 4: Using the Universal Imaging Utility 5 (UIU 5)

Validate the UIU Repository Directory Share (UNC Path)

A network location in which to install the UIU Repository is required. This network location needs to be shared and available to target PC’s via UNC path.

Locate network path desired, right-click on the root directory and select Sharing.

Select “Share…” in the Network File and Folder Sharing section.

Enter either the Administrator account or other specific account designated for target machines to access the UIU Repository and provide at least Read access for that user on this share.

Manage Settings Specific to the UIU 5 Console

Under the Main menu option, several selections are available.

The Home screen provides a brief description of the UIU along with some helpful links. When the UIU 5 Console is launched, this screen is displayed initially, (if a UIU license key has been stored in the registry for the Admin machine), and information regard the product version is displayed as well as whether a UIU 5 Console application update is available, (if Internet access is available/accesible from the Admin machine).



UIU 5 - Main - Home Screen


uiu56 main home


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On the Settings screen, there are three tabs that will assist the Administrator in managing the UIU 5 Console application.

The Internet tab allows the Administrator to input and test proxy settings to ensure that the UIU 5 Console has access to the Internet for download and update capabilities.



Internet Proxy Settings


UIUPM Main Settings Internet


The Performance tab allows the Administrator to enable the UIU 5 Console application to utilize multiple threads on the Admin machine when performing its operations. Tasks will be performed more quickly at a cost of greater local system resources.



Performance Tab Settings


uiu56 main settings performance


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The In Development tab allows the Administrator to opt-in to the UIU 5 Beta channel, providing UIU 5 product updates that are out of development and not yet certified for release. This feature should be used as instructed by UIU Support.



In Development Tab Settings


uiu56 main settings in development


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The Licensing screen allows the Administrator to input the UIU License Key upon initial launch of the UIU 5 Console application on an Admin machine. This screen also allows the Administrator to apply a new or renewed UIU License Key.



UIU Licensing


uiu56 main license


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The update feature allows the Administrator to update the UIU 5 Console application if updates were accessible and discovered during the launch of the UIU 5 Console. If an update for the UIU 5 Console is available, a message will be displayed in the lower-left corner of the window. These updates do not include UIU Driver files or UIU executables associated with OS deployment.



The Update selection provides the Administrator with the option of initiating updates to the UIU 5 Console Application.


uiu56 main update


This update will NOT affect the UIU Driver database or UIU executables.



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UIU Repository Management

The Repository Management menu selection allows the Administrator to establish and manage a UIU Repository or multiple UIU Repositories. A UIU Repository contains UIU driver files and UIU executables. Use the Change Repository button to identify the UIU Repository to be managed. This path must be directed to an already established, shared UNC path location.

Repository Management


uiu 5 repository location


Repository Update Options - Five options are presented to manage the selected UIU Repository:

  • UIU Components - Downloads the latest UIU executables and associated program files, if available.

  • Driver Database - Downloads the latest UIU Driver Database, if available.

  • Driver Files - Reviews the driver files referenced in each driver database (*.udb file) and downloads missing or incorrectly sized files.

  • CRC Validation - When updating Driver Files, also reviews each referenced driver file's integrity.

  • Clean Up - Removes driver files and folders, that are not referenced in any UDB, from the UIU Repository.


  • Update Repository - This button, when selected, will perform the functions selected in the menu window above.



Additional Actions:
  • Change Repository - This allows an Administrator to create a new UIU Repository at a particular shared UNC path location (e.g. during initial implementation) or to manage a different or more than one UIU Repository, depending upon network topography/design.

  • Import Repository - This feature allows an Administrator to create a new UIU Repository (e.g. during initial implementation) or to perform updates to a selected UIU Repository in an offline capacity. After a Driver.imp (Standard format: DB-YYMMDD-Pxxxx.imp) is downloaded from Big Bang LLC’s download sites, it may be imported to the selected UIU Repository using this feature.

  • Sharing - This feature will open the Sharing tab of the Properties dialogue box for the selected UIU Repository's shared UNC Path location. Using the Advanced Sharing button will allow an Administrator to set, change, or verify Permissions set on the shared UNC path.

  • Custom Drivers - This feature will open a window displaying the custom folder in the selected UIU Repository folder structure. If no custom folder exists, one will be created and subsequently opened. This location is where UIU Support may direct an Administrator to add UIU Suuport-supplied files to include for consideration by the UIU during deployment.

  • Script Updates - This feature will provide an Administrator with a contextually relevant example of the command line required to script updates to the UIU Repository.



Notes on Change Repository: (as of UIU 5.7.0.0)


As of version 5.7.x.x, the Repository Management control's "Change Repository" feature has been further modified to better support the new philosophy of allowing a UIU Repository to live "anywhere", including a non-shared path, a removable drive, etc. Because of this change, it no longer attempts to convert local paths to FQDN UNC paths--which means users will need to be specific when entering their Repository path, as it's passed along as-is to built media. This resolves an issue that was preventing users from entering a network path in the new Change Repository control.




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Manage Settings Specific to the Deployment Environment

Under the Deployment Integration menu option, a Deployment Settings selection is available.

On the Deployment Settings screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are five tabs that will assist the Administrator in managing the UIU Repository that was established using the UIU 5 Console application.




The Overview tab gives a description of the Deployment environment-specific settings.


uiu deployment settings overview


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The Drivers tab allows the Administrator to select the version of the UIU Driver Database to be applied during deployments that have been UIU-prepared.


uiu deployment settings drivers


Settings to apply Signed Drivers only and Custom Drivers (as directed by UIU Support) are also available.

In order to select a specific database version (UDB), 'Scan Databases' must be performed, particularly after an update. Select the desired UIU Database version from the drop-down menu.



The Windows PE tab allows the Administrator to select which version and architecture of Windows PE is to be used during OS deployment.


uiu deployment settings winpe


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The Network Credentials tab allows the Administrator to update or otherwise change credentials


uiu deployment settings credentials


These credentials are required for target PCs to access the UIU Repository during OS deployment.





The Advanced tab will allow the Administrator to implement UIU command line arguments/switches during the preparation of wizard-driven deliverables (as directed by UIU Support).


uiu deployment settings command


Employ the "-computername" advanced switch (without quotation marks) to instruct the UIU to prompt the Administrator for a Computer Name during the UIU process, prior to mini-setup on each target machine.

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Deployment Integration menu options

The UIU 5 Deployment Integration (Deployment Solution-specific) options will be discussed in Section 5 of this user guide.


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Utilities Specific to the UIU 5

In addition to the Deployment Solution specific wizards, the UIU 5 offers additional features to assist in successful OS deployments. Under the Utilities menu option, several selections are available.

uiu 5 utility menu



Wizard – Windows PE Boot+

On the Utilities>Windows PE Boot+ screen of the UIU 5 Console application, the wizard facilitates the injection of boot-critical device drivers into a prebuilt Windows PE image’s Driver Store. The modified .WIM image will include Hard Disk Controller (including SCSI and RAID), NIC and USB drivers supplied by the UIU to ensure bootability. Simply export the desired boot image from your imaging solution, augment the .WIM with the UIU and import the UIU-prepared boot image back into your deployment solution.

Please contact UIU Support for more information regarding this feature.




uiu 5 utility bootplus





Wizard Complete





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Wizard – Custom Windows PE

On the Utilities>Custom Windows PE screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are six tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating a custom Windows PE environment, integrating the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository). The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers and UIU technology that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy (or SCCM PXE service, stand-alone) or convert the WIM to an ISO and burn it to bootable media (DVD or USB). Initiation of the resultant WinPE environment on the target PC boots directly to a Command Prompt wherein manual operations are required to perform imaging functions with the (automatically installed) selected client(s).



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu 5 utility custom pe overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu 5 utility custom pe deployment settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.





The DISM tab informs the Administrator that the DISM tools (for working with .WIM image files) are automatically included in the UIU Custom Windows PE image.


uiu 5 utility custom pe dism


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The Ghost tab allows the Administrator to select the GhostCast location (accessible to the UIU 5 Console application), where the Ghost executables (Ghost32.exe and/or Ghost64.exe) are stored for insertion into the WIM file.


uiu 5 utility custom pe ghost


The Ghost tab also allows the Administrator to select the location of the Ghost Client executable (ngctw32.exe) for inclusion in the prepared Windows PE environment, if desired.





The UIU tab informs the Administrator that the UIU may be invoked at any time during the Windows PE session by executing “UIU.bat” from the Command Prompt.


uiu 5 utility custom pe uiu


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The Create Media tab allows the Administrator to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the DISM environment.


uiu 5 utility custom pe media


Additionally, the Administrator may elect to also create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.




Wizard Complete





Security Requirements

A network access account other than a domain administrator account is recommended for the purpose of accessing the UIU Repository from target PCs in UIU 5. It is recommended that an account be specifically created for that purpose.

The following section has been excerpted from the following Microsoft TechNet article and copyrights are attributed to Microsoft:
Configure the Network Access Account



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Wizard – Clean Mountpoints

On the Utilities>Clean Mountpoints screen of the UIU 5 Console application, the wizard facilitates the release of mounted WIM images.

Please contact UIU Support for more information regarding this feature.



The Clean Mountpoints tab provides the Administrator with the option of releasing mounted WIM images that may have been ‘orphaned’ for a variety of reasons.

uiu 5 clean mountpoints


The Administrator may be directed to use this feature during a Support incident.





Wizard Complete





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Help Specific to the UIU 5 Console

Under the Help menu option, several selections are available.



The Help menu provides contact information for UIU Support and Sales as well as links to online documentation.

uiu 5 help menu


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Under the Help>Log menu option, several log file selections are available.



The Log menu will assist the Administrator with locating, viewing and clearing the UIU 5 log file.

uiu 5 help menu


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Section 5: Prepare the UIU 5 for use with a specific Deployment Solution

Wizard - Ghost Console – Custom Commands

On the Ghost>Ghost Console screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are three tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during a Ghost Console Task; OS deployment operation. The deliverable consists of two, prepared commands that will need to be added to the Software and File Actions:Command section of the desired OS deployment Ghost Task.



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu ghost console overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu ghost console settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Save Integration Commands tab allows the Administrator to save the UIU-prepared, customized commands.


uiu ghost console integration


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Wizard Complete




Apply the deliverable (two, prepared commands) to the Ghost Console Task for OS deployment.

In Ghost Console, open the desired OS deployment task, navigate to the Software and File Actions Tab and under the Deploy Actions frame, select Add and choose Execute a command as an action. After entering a command, (enter them in order), choose “Execute Command in the Ghost Partition”.


Wizard - GhostCast Server

On the Ghost>GhostCast Server screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are four tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during a GhostCast session for OS deployment operations. The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers and the UIU technology that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy or burned (ISO) to bootable media (DVD or USB).



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu ghost cast overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu ghost cast settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Ghost tab allows the Administrator to select the GhostCast session name that will be setup to deploy an OS to target PCs.


uiu ghost cast session


The Administrator is also required to identify the location (accessible to the UIU 5 Console application), where the Ghost executables (Ghost32.exe and/or Ghost64.exe) are stored for insertion into the WIM file.






The Create Media tab allows the Administrator to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the GhostCast environment.


uiu ghost cast media


Additionally, the Administrator may elect to create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.





Wizard Complete




Apply the deliverable Windows PE WIM file to your GhostCast environment for OS deployment.

Wizard – Ghost Client

On the Ghost>Ghost Client screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are four tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to automatically launch the Ghost Client once the prepared Windows PE environment has booted. The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy or burned (ISO)to bootable media (DVD or USB). Initiation of the resultant WinPE environment on the target PC boots directly to a Command Prompt and loads the Ghost Client. Ghost Console must then be used to initiate action on the target PC.



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu ghost client overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu ghost client settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Ghost tab allows the Administrator to select the location of the Ghost Client executable for inclusion in the prepared Windows PE environment.


uiu ghost client location


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The Create Media tab allows the Administrator to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the DISM environment.


uiu ghost client media


Additionally, the Administrator may elect to create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.





Wizard Complete



Wizard – Ghost Offline Deploy

On the Ghost>Ghost Offline Deploy screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are four tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during offline Ghost OS deployment operations. The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with Ghost image, Ghost executables, UIU PE Drivers and the UIU technology that will be transferred to bootable media (USB).



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu ghost offline overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu ghost offline settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Ghost tab allows the Administrator to select the location of the Ghost Client executable for inclusion in the prepared Windows PE environment.


uiu ghost offline location


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The Create Media tab (BIOS selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines do not require UEFI or are set to boot in Legacy mode.


uiu ghost offline media BIOS


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The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM, the Ghost image to be deployed, the Ghost executables, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disk will be completely erased and re-formatted!






The Create Media tab (UEFI selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines require UEFI (are not set to boot in Legacy mode).


uiu ghost offline media UEFI


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Bootable WinPE Media (formatted Fat32): The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM.

UIU Repository (formatted NTFS): The Administrator is required to select the location of a second removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Ghost image to be deployed, the Ghost executables, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disks will be completely erased and re-formatted!



Notes on creating UEFI media:


  • Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media, (Bootable WinPE Media), will evaluate the provided removable drive and it's total size. If it's total size is greater than 32 GB, it will be partitioned to 32 GB, (FAT32 maximum). If it is less than 32 GB, it will be partitioned accordingly to fit it's maximum capacity.


  • When building Offline UEFI media, the user may select a removable drive for Bootable WinPE Media and/or a removable drive for UIU Repository. If only one is selected, media will be built only for the selected option. For example, if a removable drive is selected for Bootable WinPE Media, (but not for the UIU Repository), the wizard will create the Bootable WinPE Media and will not attempt to create UIU Repository media. The inverse is also true.

  • When booting a target PC with media created via UIU 5, (Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media), the boot process will pause once WinPE has initialized and state:

        "Make sure the removable media containing the UIU Repository and target image to deploy is connected and press ENTER."

    This provides the Administrator a chance to attach or swap removable drives to the target PC. Once ENTER is pressed, the STARTNET.CMD script looks for a UIU Repository directory structure on all drives, and upon finding one, attempts to deploy the provided OS.WIM or OS.GHO image, and then runs UIUPREP.







Wizard Complete



Wizard - ADK Basic Capture

On the Microsoft>ADK Basic Capture screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are three tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to capture a prepared WIM image for deployment using the DISM tools included in Windows ADK. The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers and the UIU technology that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy or burned (ISO) to bootable media (DVD or USB).

Upon booting the UIU-prepared Windows PE environment, the Administrator will be prompted to assign a name to the captured image. The resultant captured image file (WIM) will automatically be stored in the ADK Basic Captures folder in the UIU Repository:

<UIU Repository UNC path>\ADK Basic Captures

The ADK Basic Capture wizard is designed to facilitate a quick and simple capture of a sysprepped Windows operating system for use specifically (although not exclusively) with the ADK Basic Deploy feature of the UIU 5. As options for capturing a WIM with ADK (DISM) are varied, many assumptions are made to accommodate the most commonly used parameters.




The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose, including details regarding assumptions made to simplify the process.


uiu adk capture overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu adk capture settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Create Media tab allows the Administrator to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the DISM environment


uiu adk capture media


Additionally, the Administrator may elect to create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.





Wizard Complete



Wizard - ADK Basic Deploy

On the Microsoft>ADK Basic Deploy screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are three tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during a DISM OS deployment operation. The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers and the UIU technology that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy or burned (ISO) to bootable media (DVD or USB). Optionally, the Administrator may prepare removable media for Offline Deployments for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment.

The ADK Basic Deploy wizard is designed to facilitate a quick and simple deployment of an image capture with ADK Basic Capture feature of the UIU 5. As options for deploying a WIM with ADK (DISM) are varied, many assumptions are made to accommodate the most commonly used parameters.




The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose, including details regarding assumptions made to simplify the process.


uiu adk deploy overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu adk deploy settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Create Media tab (Create Online Media) allows the Administrator to either create online media for use in situations where target PCs will have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment.


uiu adk deploy media online


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For the creation of Online Media, the Administrator is required to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the DISM environment. Additionally, the Administrator may elect to create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.





The Create Media tab (Offline BIOS selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines do not require UEFI or are set to boot in Legacy mode.


uiu adk deploy media offline BIOS


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The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM, the OS WIM image to be deployed, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disk will be completely erased and re-formatted!






The Create Media tab (Offline UEFI selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines require UEFI (are not set to boot in Legacy mode).


uiu adk deploy media offline UEFI


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Bootable WinPE Media (formatted Fat32): The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM.

UIU Repository (formatted NTFS): The Administrator is required to select the location of a second removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the OS WIM image to be deployed, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disks will be completely erased and re-formatted!



Notes on creating UEFI media:


  • Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media, (Bootable WinPE Media), will evaluate the provided removable drive and it's total size. If it's total size is greater than 32 GB, it will be partitioned to 32 GB, (FAT32 maximum). If it is less than 32 GB, it will be partitioned accordingly to fit it's maximum capacity.


  • When building Offline UEFI media, the user may select a removable drive for Bootable WinPE Media and/or a removable drive for UIU Repository. If only one is selected, media will be built only for the selected option. For example, if a removable drive is selected for Bootable WinPE Media, (but not for the UIU Repository), the wizard will create the Bootable WinPE Media and will not attempt to create UIU Repository media. The inverse is also true.

  • When booting a target PC with media created via UIU 5, (Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media), the boot process will pause once WinPE has initialized and state:

        "Make sure the removable media containing the UIU Repository and target image to deploy is connected and press ENTER."

    This provides the Administrator a chance to attach or swap removable drives to the target PC. Once ENTER is pressed, the STARTNET.CMD script looks for a UIU Repository directory structure on all drives, and upon finding one, attempts to deploy the provided OS.WIM or OS.GHO image, and then runs UIUPREP.







Wizard Complete



Wizard - ADK Adv Deploy

On the Microsoft>ADK Adv Deploy screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are six tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during a DISM OS deployment operation The deliverable consists of a prepared Windows PE environment (WIM file), complete with UIU PE Drivers and the UIU technology that will need to be imported into WDS if PXE is being used to deploy or burned (ISO) to bootable media (DVD or USB). Optionally, the Administrator may prepare removable media for Offline Deployments for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment.




The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu adk advanced overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu adk advanced settings


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Disk Partitioning tab allows the Administrator to specify a DISKPART script file (.txt) in order to detail the sequential instructions


uiu adk advanced diskpart


that DISKPART requires to perform disk partitioning operations in accordance with IT requirements.






The Apply Image tab allows the Administrator to enter the DISM arguments to apply the desired image in accordance with IT requirements.


uiu adk advanced apply-image


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The Boot Configuration tab allows the Administrator to specify the BCDBOOT arguments to adjust the boot configuration in accordance with IT requirements.


uiu adk advanced boot config


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The Create Media tab (Create Online Media) allows the Administrator to either create online media for use in situations where target PCs will have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment.


uiu adk deploy media online


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For the creation of Online Media, the Administrator is required to select the location to where the UIU-prepared WIM file will be stored for application to the DISM environment. Additionally, the Administrator may elect to create an ISO for direct application to DVD or virtual ISO applications.





The Create Media tab (Offline BIOS selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines do not require UEFI or are set to boot in Legacy mode.


uiu adk deploy media offline BIOS


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The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM, the OS WIM image to be deployed, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disk will be completely erased and re-formatted!






The Create Media tab (Offline UEFI selection) allows the Administrator to Create Offline Media for use in situations where target PCs will not have internetwork connectivity to the UIU Repository during deployment and where target machines require UEFI (are not set to boot in Legacy mode).


uiu adk deploy media offline UEFI


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Bootable WinPE Media (formatted Fat32): The Administrator is required to select the location of a removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the Windows PE WIM.

UIU Repository (formatted NTFS): The Administrator is required to select the location of a second removable disk (e.g. USB) that is large enough to contain the OS WIM image to be deployed, the UIU Driver Database, and any other files required for OS deployment in accordance with IT requirements.

WARNING: The selected removable disks will be completely erased and re-formatted!



Notes on creating UEFI media:


  • Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media, (Bootable WinPE Media), will evaluate the provided removable drive and it's total size. If it's total size is greater than 32 GB, it will be partitioned to 32 GB, (FAT32 maximum). If it is less than 32 GB, it will be partitioned accordingly to fit it's maximum capacity.


  • When building Offline UEFI media, the user may select a removable drive for Bootable WinPE Media and/or a removable drive for UIU Repository. If only one is selected, media will be built only for the selected option. For example, if a removable drive is selected for Bootable WinPE Media, (but not for the UIU Repository), the wizard will create the Bootable WinPE Media and will not attempt to create UIU Repository media. The inverse is also true.

  • When booting a target PC with media created via UIU 5, (Create Offline UEFI (GPT) Media), the boot process will pause once WinPE has initialized and state:

        "Make sure the removable media containing the UIU Repository and target image to deploy is connected and press ENTER."

    This provides the Administrator a chance to attach or swap removable drives to the target PC. Once ENTER is pressed, the STARTNET.CMD script looks for a UIU Repository directory structure on all drives, and upon finding one, attempts to deploy the provided OS.WIM or OS.GHO image, and then runs UIUPREP.







Wizard Complete



Wizard - Universal WinPE Integration

This wizard is designed to integrate the UIU functionality with any Windows PE-based deployment solution including, but not limited to, WDS, Altiris, KACE, Landesk, and ZENworks.

On the Universal WinPE Integration screen of the UIU 5 Console application, there are three tabs that comprise the wizard which will assist the Administrator in creating the specific deliverables required to integrate the UIU 5 (with access to its Driver Repository) during a WinPE-based deployment solution; OS deployment operation. The deliverable consists of two, prepared commands that will need to be added to the deployment solution's OS deployment task. The UIU-prepared commands should remain sequential and should be placed in the task during the WinPE portion and after the application of an operating system image. The first command will map the UIU Repository using the network credentials provided in Deployment Settings, and the second will employ UIU technology on each Target PC.



The Overview tab gives a brief description of the wizard’s purpose.


uiu ghost console overview


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The Deployment Settings tab presents the Administrator with an overview of established settings, such as UIU Driver Database version, Windows PE platform, etc.


uiu ghost console overview


If one or more settings require modification, the Administrator should return to the UIU Settings or Deployment Settings section of the UIU 5 Console to make the desired changes before completing the wizard.






The Save Integration Commands tab allows the Administrator to save the UIU-prepared, customized commands.


uiu ghost console overview


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Wizard Complete





uiu logo user guide


Below are two suggestions or how to apply the UIU-prepared, Windows PE WIM file to your environment:


Import WIM to WDS for PXE


If you’re using PXE services to boot target PCs to the network for distribution of deployment services, follow the procedure below:

  • Open WDS Console in Windows Server Manager
  • Navigate to the “Boot Images” branch
  • Right-click on Boot Images and select “Add Boot Image”
  • Complete the “Add Image” wizard, selecting the UIU-prepared Windows PE Boot WIM, created with the UIU 5
  • Boot target PCs to Network via PXE and select the desired menu (Image Name from Add Image wizard) option to deploy the OS. Make sure the imported image is enabled!


Convert the WIM to ISO and burn to bootable media, DVD or USB

If you’re using bootable media to boot target PCs to the network for distribution of deployment services, follow the procedure below:

  • Convert the UIU-prepared, Windows PE WIM file to an ISO (bootable)

    • Microsoft AIK (Windows 7) toolset:
      • WIM to ISO
      • oscdimg.exe –b  C:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com –u2 –h -m -lWIN_EN_DVD  C:\expandedSetup\  C:\Windows 7.iso

    • Microsoft ADK (Windows 8) toolset:
      • x86 Version can be found in the following location:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\8.0\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\x86\Oscdimg
      • x64 Version can be found in the following location:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\8.0\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\Oscdimg

  • Microsoft ADK (Windows 10) toolset:
    • x86 Version can be found in the following location:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\x86\Oscdimg
    • x64 Version can be found in the following location:  C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\Oscdimg

  • Burn the resultant ISO or the UIU-prepared ISO to DVD or USB
  • Boot target PCs to prepared, bootable media and deploy the OS




uiu logo user guide


Section 6: Deployment

What will I see on my target machines?




Boot into WINPE.

Launch an OS Deployment Task containing the UIU.

Observe the typical Install Task Sequence steps through “Apply Operating System”

As the UIU deployment step is executed, settings selected in the UIU configuration are initialized and UIUPrep is executed.




The UIUPrep application performs the bulk of the work for the UIU


uiu prep prepare drivers


After initialization, the UIUPrep application performs the following steps:
  • Copies all necessary executables and supporting files to the target machine.
  • Analyzes all hardware components on the target machine for applicable Hardware IDs.
  • Identifies all required UIU drivers as analyzed in the previous step and copies only the required driver files to the target machine.
  • Applies proprietary technology to ensure that a complete driver set is provided to the target machine.
  • Removes existing driver components in order to allow Microsoft’s driver enumeration method to function efficiently.
  • Installs the copied drivers into the Local Driver Store to be presented to (and enumerated by) Microsoft mini-setup.


Upon completion, UIUPREP will initiate a restart of the target machine and invoke Microsoft mini-setup to perform Sysprep-related functions and driver enumeration.

After which, the UIU releases control to the deployment task sequence for completion of any tasks that followed the UIU deployment step.

The target machine operating system setup is complete and login may be initiated.


uiu logo user guide


Section 7: Trial Version of the UIU 5

Trial installations of the UIU 5 may obtain driver and executable updates from Online Updates during the Trial period associated with the Big Bang LLC-supplied UIU License Key.

Trial installations available for download include the latest executable and driver database versions at the time of release.

Trial versions of the UIU 5 may shut down the operating system of target machines where trial images are deployed. Notification or warnings may be displayed during the installation of the UIU 5 on the Admin Machine as well as on target machines after deployment.

Deployments to target machines using a Trial version of the UIU 5 are designed for test environments only, and shall not be deployed to live environment PCs.

It is imperative that no TRIAL UIU Image be deployed to any production PC. The TRIAL UIU product is intended for evaluation use only in pre-production or testing environments.

The Trial version of the UIU will install a Trial Background for the Windows login screen and all users. This Trial Background is not included in the licensed version of the UIU.


uiu logo user guide


Section 8: Updating the UIU 5

The UIU will be updated from time to time with code changes, feature additions and periodic driver database updates. These updates may be performed through an online updating service offered by Big Bang LLC or through a manual method initiated by UIU Support.


Reminder: The UIU 5 Console application is the management application designed to manage the UIU Repository and update the UIU 5. The UIU 5 is comprised of the UIU executables and UIU Driver Database files that interoperate with an operating system deployment solution to facilitate the delivery and installation of drivers required for specific hardware components.

When this document refers to updating the UIU 5 Console application, it is only referring to the Console application and not the UIU 5 executables and UIU driver Database which are contained in the UIU Repository.

When this document refers to updating the UIU 5, it is only referring to the UIU 5 executables and UIU driver Database which are contained in the UIU Repository and not the UIU 5 Console application.



Online Updates: (Where the Admin Machine is Internet-aware)

If the Admin Machine on which the UIU 5 has been launched has access to Internet services over HTTP (port 80), UIU Online Updates may be invoked through the UIU 5 Console application.

Update the UIU 5 Console application - Online Updates

  • Updates to the UIU 5 Console application are automatically checked for at launch. If an update is available, a message will indicate as such in the lower left-hand corner of the application.
  • Select the 'Update' option under the Main menu.
  • View Progress on the lower-left corner of the tab window.





Update the UIU 5 Driver Database and executables - Online Updates

  • Navigate to the 'Repository Management' screen.
  • Verify the path of the current UIU Repository.
  • Select 'Update Repository'.
  • View Progress on the lower-left corner of the tab window.


If updates are available, the following screen is displayed indicating the specific version of the program or driver database that is in use and the newer version that is available.

Updating a UIU Repository on offline media:

If a UIU Repository has been established on offline media, (typically via a UIU 5 wizard that culminates in a Create Media step), that UIU Repository may be updated in-place by adjusting the UIU Repository path in the UIU 5 Console application's Repository Management menu option. Be sure to select the path that represents the root of a UIU Repository, consisting of at least the following folders:
  • x86
  • amd64
  • components
  • repository


It is recommended to record the path of the primary UIU 5 Repository so that path may be replaced after offline media has been successfully updated.








Manual Updates (Where the Admin Machine is not Internet-aware)



If the Admin Machine on which the UIU 5 has been installed does not have access to Internet services over HTTP (port 80), UIU 5 Console and UIU Driver Database/executable updates may be downloaded from the UIU website.

Update the UIU 5 Console application - Manual Updates

The UIU 5 may be downloaded from Big Bang LLC’s website. Select the button below Executable Files, labeled "UIU 5 Live (or Trial)". Extract the Uiu5.exe from the downloaded ZIP file and execute it on the UIU 5 Admin Machine.



Manual update of the UIU 5 Console application


uiu updates available


Download, extract, and launch.


Update the UIU 5 Driver Database and executables - Manual Updates

  • The UIU 5 may be downloaded from Big Bang LLC’s website. Select the button below Driver Database Files, labeled "UIU 5 Live (or Trial) DB Files".
  • Extract the IMP file from the downloaded ZIP file and copy it to a directoy on the UIU 5 Admin Machine, accessible to the UIU 5 Console Application.
  • Navigate to the 'Repository Management' screen.
  • Verify the path of the current UIU Repository.
  • Select "Import Repository" on UIU 5 Console Application's 'Repository Management' menu.
  • Browse to the location where the IMP file was saved and select it.
  • View Progress on the lower-left corner of the tab window.


Updating a UIU Repository on offline media:

If a UIU Repository has been established on offline media, (typically via a UIU 5 wizard that culminates in a Create Media step), that UIU Repository may be updated in-place by adjusting the UIU Repository path in the UIU 5 Console application's Repository Management menu option. Be sure to select the path that represents the root of a UIU Repository, consisting of at least the following folders:
  • x86
  • amd64
  • components
  • repository


It is recommended to record the path of the primary UIU 5 Repository so that path may be replaced after offline media has been successfully updated.






For special requests or questions, please contact UIU Support for custom IMP files.

Section 9: Creating Custom Driver Sets

UIU Support may provide you with a UIU Custom Driver Set (e.g. CustomerName_Custom.IMP) which may be imported in order to troubleshoot driver issues within your environment.



Note: "Use Custom Drivers" must be enabled!


uiu custom drivers


In the Deployment Integration menu, under Deployment settings, in the Drivers tab.


In the UIU 5 Console application, navigate to the UIU Settings > "Repository Management" tab and select “Import Repository” to import into UIU Repository’s Custom driver location.

Alternatively, the required files, as prescribed by UIU Support, may be copied (drag-and-drop) into the folder that is opened upon selecting the "Custom Drivers" button in Repository Management, (also located for convenience in Deployment Integration > Deployment Settings > Drivers tab).

Contact UIU Support for details.

uiu logo user guide


Section 10: UIU Discovery Tool – UIUDT

The UIU Discovery Tool (UIUDT) is designed to analyze machines in your environment to determine their compatibility with the UIU Driver Database.

When using the UIUDT to either pre-determine if drivers will be missing, (potentially leading to blue-screen BSOD errors) or when experiencing driver “bangs”, please notify UIU Support immediately by submitting the results file to UIU Support. Thank you!

How do I get the UIUDT?

The new UIU Discovery Tool v2.0 may be downloaded from UIU Support Tools Download.

How do I run the UIUDT?

ALERT: The UIUDT process has changed! Please refer to the UIUDT v2.0 Instructions before attempting to execute the new UIUDT.


uiu logo user guide


Section 11: Creating an image to deploy using DISM

In addition to the ADK Basic Capture feature of the UIU 5, there are many different methods of creating an image deployable through DISM. We’ve included an additional sample method for reference:
    • Prepare the master machine
      • Choose master machine make/model
        Apply OS to master machine
        Apply Updates to OS on master machine
        Apply applications (non-SID specific) to master machine

    • Boot Windows PE on master machine (Create with UIU Custom Windows PE wizard)

    • Execute DISKPART from Windows PE; inspect partitions
      • >DISKPART
        >List Disk (list of disks present)
        >Select Disk 0 (if only one disk is present; this includes removable media)
        >List partition (Identify the windows partition)
          Partition 1 = C: and is typically the System partition, depending upon OS Partition 2 = D: and is typically the Windows partition, depending upon OS
        Map a drive letter to the image storage location
          >Net Use Z: \\server\share /user:domain\username password

    • Execute DISM from Windows PE

    • Deploy the collected image with UIU DISM wizard


uiu logo user guide


Section 12: Technical Support

As part of the licensing agreement with Big Bang LLC, technical support for the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU) is available for one year from the original purchase date. Big Bang LLC technical support can be reached through the following methods:

On Line Support Form (Preferred):
UIU Support

Direct Telephone Support: 414-369-5020
   (M-F 9:00am-5:00pm Central:GMT-6)

Email Support: support@bigbangllc.com Send UIU Support an email

When contacting support, please be ready to provide the following information:

The prerequisite Windows ADK environment must be tested and proven capable of mounting a WIM file and deploying a supported Windows operating system independently, (without the UIU software.)

  • Version of the UIU
  • Revision of the Driver Database (including Custom Driver Packages
  • UIU License Key


  • Brand and Version of the Deployment Solution employed, (e.g. Ghost Solution Suite v2.5)
  • Specific deployment methodology with respect to the employed Deployment Solution, (e.g. GhostCast as opposed to GSS Task Sequence)
  • Version of Windows Server or PC OS including Service Pack
  • Process used to create an operating system image used in the Task Sequence, (Build & Capture, DISM\ImageX Capture, etc.)


  • PC operating system and Service Pack
  • PC Make/Model of Recipient (deployed to) machine(s)
  • UIU log file (C:\Program Files\UIU\UIULog.htm)


  • Nature of the Problem; Blue Screen, Continual Reboot, Missing Hardware Driver, etc.


  • In situations relating to missing or incorrect hardware drivers, please be able to provide the following files from the Recipient Machine:

    Windows XP
  • UIU log file (C:\Program Files\UIU\UIU5.log)
  • SETUPAPI Log (C:\windows\setupapi.log)


  • Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • UIU log file (C:\ProgramData\UIU\UIU5.log)
  • SETUPAPI Log (C:\windows\inf\setupapi.dev.log)
  • SETUPAPI.SETUP.log - (Additional for Windows 10)


  • NOTE: Technical Support and UIU Updates are only available for operating systems and hardware currently supported by the UIU. Please see the section titled “Universal Imaging Utility Features and Requirements” for more details.


    Please review this User Guide
    before employing
    the Universal Imaging Utility v5