Microsoft OEM Partner Center

Windows OPK Deployment

The following materials provide everything you need to complete both a Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 deployment. Topics include: benefits of using the OPK, preparation, detailed deployment instructions and additional resources.

A system builder's most valuable tool is the Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). The OPK helps you:

Simplify the rollout of Windows operating systems to systems you build.
Customize your installation by adding branding, technical support information, and customized applications.
Save time and money while providing a satisfying customer experience that is uniquely designed by you.
Preinstall Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 with the updated Windows OPK.

Topic	Description
Windows OPK Deployment	Tools and supporting documentation to help you preinstall Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008.
Windows OPK Deployment Guide .pdf 5.2 MB \| .xps 5.6 MB	Complete, detailed installation instructions for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 deployment.
Creating a Hard Disk Recovery Solution .pdf 3.7 MB \| .xps 4.6 MB	How to create a hard-disk-based recovery solution using Windows Recovery Environment.
Creating a Hard Disk Recovery Solution for System Builder Scripts .zip 84 KB	These are the downloadable scripts to accompany the “Creating a Hard Disk Recovery Solution” instructions. Note: The custom executable called OEMFactoryRestore.exe can be created using Visual Studio 2008 or any third-party compiler that meets the following requirements: Win32 application Static linked libraries Application has an icon in the executables Application has the "Product name" and "File description" attributes of the executable Also note: Visual Studio 2008 Express Edition does not meet these requirements.
Windows Deployment Services Tutorial .pdf 2.9 MB \| .xps 3.2 MB	WDS enables the deployment of Microsoft Windows operating systems, particularly Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
Rapid Deployment Method for System Builders	Deploy Office Ready PC, Windows Vista, and Windows Live on new PCs in less than 10 minutes using this method.

Additional Resources

Topic	Description
Sidebar Allowance Addendum to the Microsoft Windows OPK .pdf 99 KB	Description of a license allowance for OEMs to replace Microsoft gadgets in Sidebar.
Windows OPK Support	Additional Microsoft support resources.
OPK Downloads	Download Windows OPKs.
Windows Vista SP1	System builder version of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to preinstall on new PCs.
Windows Server 2008 Deployment	Preinstall Windows Server 2008 with the same Windows OPK used to deploy the Windows Vista operating system.
Automating Windows Server 2008 Deployment	Instructions for creating an answer file to automate Windows Server 2008 installation.