To anyone looking to add custom files to install.wim

[thmtrxhsu]

Imagex allowed this for Windows 7.
Dism has since forbidden it.
Trying to use ImageX on Win 10 wim corrupts it.
However, there exists linux and wimlib, and together you can modify your install.wim to your hearts content.

Happy Modding,
2.16GB Installed Win 10 2019 LTSC X64

 

[crypticus]

we just explore mounted files.

 

[garlin]

Or sysprep, if you're not using NTLite.

 

[thmtrxhsu]

You can't overwrite system files with NTLite, DISM or Sysprep. And btw, wimlib is available for windows.

 

[crypticus]

You can't overwrite system files with NTLite, DISM or Sysprep. And btw, wimlib is available for windows.

yes you can if you have rights. i personally can get ownership of any file or force anything via nsudo.

 

[nuhi]

Right-click loaded image and choose Explore Mount Directory.
From there on it's the same as on installed Windows, files are not used so it's simpler, just need to take ownership before replacing or use tools like Unlocker.
At the end make sure to not have Explorer or any other opened tool using files or folders from the mount directory, then unload the image with saving, or Apply + save, to store the files into the actual image and unload the mount directory.

 

[garlin]

All these tools capture a mount directory and write a WIM image. They're really not that different on one level.

What ege914 is saying, NONE of them grant you elevated security permissions to overwrite protected system files. You need nsudo for that. After you force those files into the mount directory, they all capture the same files. Allowing elevated security permissions into an image capture tool is a loaded gun, and you don't want to provide that as a default.

 

[KikiGames]

Right-click loaded image and choose Explore Mount Directory.
From there on it's the same as on installed Windows, files are not used so it's simpler, just need to take ownership before replacing or use tools like Unlocker.
At the end make sure to not have Explorer or any other opened tool using files or folders from the mount directory, then unload the image with saving, or Apply + save, to store the files into the actual image and unload the mount directory.

Nuhi: Maybe it would be an usefull touch to give a pop-up message about permissions after you click open directory. Tell the user you need permission if you wanna modify something and maybe an external problem for easier process. (Nsudo for example)
For non-begginer user there would be a checkbox "don't show it again"
I know you have more important stuff to do but maybe its quick to add but still very usefull.

 

[Clanger]

if you are going to bandy about(move/copy) files that require elevated persmissions, use these,
Everything(best for file searching + bulk renaming) and Q-Dir run from Power Run's gui. Open source and target folders in Q-Dir and drag drop files as needed(including Mount folder), job done, no warnings. tested. Q-Dir is free and portable. you can change the amount of panes in the toolbar.