The Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 RC has accompanied the Release Candidate development milestones of Windows 7 client and Windows Server 2008 R2. The latest release of the Windows AIK is specifically tailored to the next iterations of the Windows client and server operating systems. Microsoft is offering the kit in an effort to streamline deployment of both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. According to the Redmond company, the Windows Automated Installation Kit allows for the customization and deployment of the successors of Windows Vista and Windows server 2008.

“The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) is a set of tools and documentation that support the configuration and deployment of Windows operating systems. By using Windows AIK, you can automate Windows installations, capture Windows images with ImageX, configure and modify images using Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM), create Windows PE images, and migrate user profiles and data with the User State Migration Tool (USMT). Windows AIK also includes the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT), which enables IT professionals to automate and centrally manage the volume activation process using a Multiple Activation Key (MAK),” Microsoft informed.

It is important to understand that Microsoft does not allow for the Windows 7 WAIK and the Vista WAIK to mingle. Only one of the two can be installed on a computer. With no support for the deployment of multiple instances of WAIK, the software giant recommends that testers opt for the latest version. The Windows Automate installation Kit for Windows 7 RC is capable of customizing and deploying Windows Vista with SP1, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2. But even if it is specifically tailored to the RC build of Windows 7, Microsoft informs that Windows AIK can run into issues related to the offline servicing and Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE) customization components.

Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows 7 RC is available for download here.