How To: Create USB Boot Media

Overview

The OneDeploy Media Tool allows you to synchronise Deployment Sources and create bootable USB media.

This guide walks through creating a bootable USB memory stick for environments where PXE booting is not available.

OneDeploy uses Media Profiles to define and save the configuration for different types of media you want to create.

Prerequisites

• A configured Deployment Source
• A valid Boot Profile
• A USB memory stick (this will be wiped during the process)
• Access to an elevated Command Prompt

Create a Media Profile

1. Navigate to Pre-Deployment → Media Profiles

   

2. Click New, or select an existing Media Profile to edit

3. Configure the Media Profile:

   • Enter a Name
   • Set Architecture to Intel/AMD 64-bit
   • Select a Boot Profile (Default is fine if only one exists)
   • Leave other settings as default for standard USB Boot media 

   

4. Go to the Scripting tab

     

5. Note the generated MediaTool command line
   This command will be used to create the USB media.

Create the USB Boot Media

1. Insert your USB memory stick into the computer
2. Open an elevated Command Prompt

3. Run the MediaTool command shown in the Media Profile

   

4. Select the correct USB device when prompted

   

5. Confirm the operation by entering ‘Y’ when prompted (this will erase the USB drive)

6. Wait for the process to complete

   

Result

The USB stick is now bootable and can be used to start a device into the OneDeploy pre-installation environment.

From there, the device will connect to a Deployment Source over the network to perform the OS deployment.

Common Questions

Does creating USB media delete the contents of the USB stick?

Yes. The process wipes and repartitions the USB device, so ensure no important data is stored on it before proceeding.

Where is MediaTool.exe located?

MediaTool.exe is located within your Deployment Source:

Can I create different types of boot media?

Yes. Media Profiles allow you to create different configurations, including:

• Boot-only media
• Boot and deploy media
• Different architectures (Intel/AMD or ARM)

Do I need PXE if I use USB media?

No. USB Boot media is specifically designed for environments where PXE booting is not available or has degraded performance/reliability.

Related Articles

• Pre-Deployment → Media Profiles
• Pre-Deployment → Boot Profiles
• Pre-Deployment → Deployment Sources