Add IE9 to a Windows 7 Image Using DISM

There are more ways than one to deploy Internet Explorer 9, especially if you’re an IT professional managing the computers of an entire organization. IT pros might want for example to slipstream IE9 inside a Windows 7 image they’re using for a specific infrastructure.

Those administrators that require some help getting started can access free training from Microsoft. The software giant has made available a TechNet Virtual Lab titled “Internet Explorer 9: Deployment,” designed to provide guidance into the alternative install options available to IT pros.

The virtual lab, as all similar resources from the company, is offered free of charge to customers.

According to Microsoft, by the end of the 75 minute long course, IT pros will be able to perform a variety of tasks, including:

“[Adding] Internet Explorer 9 packages to a Windows 7 image using Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM), [using] Windows System Image Manager to create an answer file for unattended setup, [deploying] a custom image, create an Internet Explorer 9 package using Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK), and [installing] IEAK package on a target computer.”

As part of the Internet Explorer 9: Deployment virtual lab, Microsoft is also offering a PDF document containing guidance, available as a free download.

The Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management Tool is a new utility introduced with Windows 7. With DISM, the Redmond company aimed to simplify the deployment and management of Windows 7 images.

DISM is just the latest tool in a series of solutions that IT professionals have been able to use, including ImageX, Pkgmgr, PEImg, and Intlcfg.

With the launch of IE9, Microsoft also upgraded the Internet Explorer Administration Kit. IEAK can be leveraged in order to build custom IE9 installation packages, including branded IE9 copies which can be personalized in a variety of aspects.

Internet Explorer 10 (IE10) Platform Preview 1 (PP1) is available for download here.

Windows Internet Explorer 9 RTW for Windows 7 and Windows 7 SP1 is available for download here.