[How-To] Re-imaging a Computer

What does it mean to re-image a computer?

Re-imaging a computer basically means wiping it and reinstalling the operating system so it’s fresh and clean. When re-imaging, you can also customize it with an external source (USB) to set up preconfigured settings, tools, and software. 

Process of re-imaging a computer:

• First, make sure you have the pre-imaging USB at hand. Provided below is an example of what one might look like:
  • 
• Also, make sure you are connected to the internet via Ethernet before proceeding.
• Next, shut down the computer that you wish to re-image. 
• Insert the USB into the computer while it is off.
• Power the computer on, and immediately tap the boot key rapidly until you see a message like "one time boot menu" or the boot menu pops up. 
  • The boot key depends on the computer. 
    • Windows: generally F12
    • Mac: Press and hold the power button (For intel macs, press and hold the option ⌥ key instead)
• Congratulations! You are now at the boot menu. Provided below is an example of what one might look like:
  • 
• Find your USB in the left column. In this example, we are using the UEFI Verbatim STORE N GO. Click on it or use the arrow keys to navigate to it and press enter.
• You should now find yourself in a screen like the one provided below. Enter your credentials. If you are a student worker, your t2 account is not necessary. Just use your regular netID.
  • 
• Choose "Enterprise-CALS" when prompted to do so.
• When asked to select the target disk for deployment, make sure that you select the correct disk on the left column. In our case, it is Disk 0: PC SN530 NV....
  • For the partition, select the row with "C".
  • Example image provided below:
  • 
  • Press Wipe Disk then click continue after it completes.
  • If a prompt appears saying that "An NTFS volume is required..." Click OK.
• At this point, you should be asked to select a task sequence to execute on the computer. Make sure the recommended version is filled in, then click Next.
•  Now, you will be in the Computer Details section. There are a few steps that must be completed here.
  • Make sure that the "Computer name" portion is filled in with the correct naming convention.
  • Make sure that the "Domain to join" and "Domain" portions are filled in with "ad.wisc.edu".
  • Your "OU Account Name" and "Password" fields must be filled in with your T2 credentials.
  • Example: 
    • 
  • Click Next.
• Once in Applications, here are the general check boxes that must be filled in, if not done so by default:
  • CALS - Application Bundle
  • _Dell - Command Update
  • _Generic Contract Applications
  • Microsoft 365 Apps - x64 (Single-User Systems)
  • In the end, just make sure you know what this computer will be used for and who will be using it. The applications will depend on that. Otherwise, go with the above. 
  • Click Next.
• Great! You've re-imaged a computer! It is recommended to run Dell Command Update and/or Windows Updates after reimaging to ensure all drivers are working properly.