Deployment of a Linux or Windows image

Applies to: Imaging / Master Deployment
Version: All
Environment: On-Premise
Category: Imaging

Background

This procedure explains how to perform the deployment of a Windows or Linux master image on a target machine using Medulla’s Imaging module.

This FAQ covers:

• PXE preparation of the target machine
• Deployment of a Windows 11 master image
• Deployment of a Linux OEM master
• Restoring the default PXE menu

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1. Prerequisites

Before starting a master deployment, verify the following:

• The target machine must be able to boot via PXE first
• The BIOS/UEFI must be configured to boot from the network
• The DHCP server must point to the Medulla PXE server

Configuring the Medulla PXE Menu

The default Medulla PXE menu must be configured correctly.

In Medulla:

Imaging → Default Boot Menu

If the menu is not configured correctly:

Go to:

Imaging → Manage boot services

Add the following services to the menu:

• continue
• backup

Then go back to:

Imaging → Default boot menu

Check the menu and adjust the order using:

• Up
• Move Down
• Edit

The Edit action allows you to set the selected item as the default.

Saving the target machine

Boot the machine via PXE, then select:

Register

Give the machine a name, then confirm.

On the next reboot, when the PXE menu appears, temporarily shut down the machine to assign it the master image for deployment.

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2. Windows 11 Master Scenario

Prerequisites

A. Create a Windows answer file

In Medulla:

Imaging → Windows System Image Manager

Create a response file for Windows OOBE.

Select:

• Windows 11
• Windows 11 OEM

Difference between Windows 11 and Windows 11 OEM:
The OEM version automatically retrieves the license key stored in the machine’s BIOS if it is OEM hardware.

Set a title for the answer file.

Example:

Win11.xml

Important:
Keep the exact name of the XML file. It will be used later in the post-installation scripts.

If you are using a volume license, enter the product key.

For French Windows:

• Set up the Administrator account
• Set the associated password

Note:
The administrator account name must match the operating system’s language.

The other settings can be modified as needed.

The arrow icon allows you to view advanced settings.

Click:

Confirm

to save the response file.

B. Create a Post-Imaging Script

In:

Imaging → Post-imaging scripts

Duplicate the script:

Medulla Windows 11 OEM

Then configure the script.

The field:

Script name

will be used later when associating the master.

Note:
Edit the file:

windows11oem.xml

with the filename defined earlier:

Win11.xml

Click:

Validate

to save.

Associating the master with the target machine

In:

Computers → All computers GLPI

Click on:

Imaging Management

corresponding to the target machine.

In the tab:

Images and Masters

Click on:

Add image to boot menu

on the master for deployment.

Select:

Displayed

and then confirm.

In the tab:

Boot menu

Click:

Edit

then select the corresponding Post Install script:

Post-Install Script Win11

Master Deployment

Boot the machine via PXE, then select:

• The item containing the master
• The associated post-install

Wait for the deployment to complete.

After restarting, Windows will automatically run its setup process.

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3. Case of a Linux OEM master

Associating the master with the target machine

In:

Computers → All computers in GLPI

Click on:

Imaging Management

corresponding to the target machine.

In the tab:

Images and Masters

Click on:

Add image to boot menu

on the Linux master for deployment.

Select:

Displayed

then confirm.

Deployment of the master

Boot the machine via PXE, then select the Linux master.

Wait for the deployment to complete.

After restarting, Linux will prompt you to configure the new system.

Wait until the configuration is completely finished.

Then install the Medulla agent on the machine if it was not included in the master 

https://docs.medulla-tech.io/books/installation-medulla/page/etape-4-installation-de-lagent-medulla 

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4. Restoring the default PXE menu

Important:
Once the deployment is complete, restore the default PXE menu to prevent accidental redeployment of the master.

Go to:

Computers → All computers GLPI

Click on:

Imaging Management

for the target machine.

At the top of the page, a message indicates that the machine is using a custom boot menu.

Click on:

Click here

to restore the default boot menu.