Mixed Mode

Mixed mode describes a server state in which both OSChooser and Windows PE boot images are available. In mixed mode, access to the old Risetup and Riprep images is possible through OSChooser. Additionally, you can access the .wim image files via a Windows PE boot image. A boot menu allows users to choose RIS or Windows PE. You will use legacy management tools to manage Risetup and Riprep images and the Windows Deployment Services management tools to manage all facets of the server, including the .wim image files. Windows Deployment Services mixed mode is available only on Windows Server 2003.

You configure mixed mode by first installing RIS on Windows Server 2003 and adding legacy images to it. Then, you install the Windows Deployment Services update, as described in the section titled "Installing Windows Deployment Services" later in this tutorial. Last, you run Wdsutil or use the Windows Deployment Services management console to configure Windows Deployment Services and then optionally add .wim images to the image store.

To configure Windows Deployment Services in mixed mode in Windows Server 2003, perform the following steps:

1. Install the RIS optional feature on Windows Server 2003 SP1 or later and then configure it by running Risetup. Optionally, you can add images to it.
2. If needed, install the Windows Deployment Services update. (Windows Server 2003 SP2 and later installs this update by default.
3. Run wdsutil /initialize-server or configure the server in the Windows Deployment Services management console.