How do I create a .wim from an XP Pro Sp2 cd?

[josh]

I am really new to Windows Server. We are running Windows Server
2003, and I work for a school. We want to use WDS to redeploy windows
xp across the entire network. I am at a lost because WDS asks for
a .wim file, which clearly does not exist on my XP Prof SP2 cd. What
do I do next?

 

[David Bolton]

You cannot create a .wim file from the XP cd, but you can get your installs
of XP to PXE boot to the WDS server, where you can then hand off to the MDT
which will install across the network quite sufficiently.

You will need to install and configure WDS, the WAIK, and the MDT. I
slipstreamed XP SP3 directly into the XP SP2 CD source files (once I added
them to the MDT), then using the Lite_Touch.wim file which I added to WDS as
a boot image, and am able to install just fine.

Since you are new to Server 03, you will have a lot of reading to do in
order to get everything up and running. Use the forums at
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=721&SiteID=17
which are an invaluable resource for getting WDS, WAIK and the MDT running.

Best of luck.