Okay guys here is my thing...i have installed 7 on my pc and then installed all the apps i wanted.

Now i want to capture the image..what is the best method of capturing it.

initially i used winpe and imagex to capture the image...then replaced the install.wim (original) with install.wim (custom) in the dvdroot/sources...after doing that i was trying to use vlite but it crashes. when i use the original install.wim vlite works just fine....the custom image creation was successful in winpe without any error i dont know what to do..

lead me in the right direction please

thanks

You need to create a catalog file with Windows System image manager.

Secondly did you sysprep your machine before capturing the image. If not then you need to install your OS and applications once again and then sysperp your system and then capture install.wim.

Remember if you wish to have all the icons on the desktop then copy all your icons in C:\Users\public\public Desktop.

Now regarding making ISO if vlite is unable to make ISO, you can try this

Make new folder on let say D:\ called myWin7 open it and make two new folders called DVD and ISO. now copy content of your bootable Win7 DVD in to D:\myWin7\DVD. Open it and find original install.wim file, take ownership of him and replace with your instal.wim.

Now run as administrator Win7 AIK and type

cd..

cd PETools

If you make x86 iso then type: oscdimg -n -m -b"%Programfiles%\Windows AIK\Tools\PETools\x86\boot\etfsboot.com" D:\myWin7\DVD D:\myWin7\ISO\"what ever you like".iso

This is a comprehensive tutorial:

http://www.ziddu.com/download/8876321/BuildingaStandardImageofWindows7Step-by-StepGuide.rar.html

I capture with pxe boot image on my WDS. Works fine!