UIU FAQ

Below are a few general and troubleshooting questions about the UIU that have regularly come up. If you have a question not listed below, please call or fill out the form on the UIU Contact page and we will get back to you with an answer right away.
 
    UIU Support       Downloads       Support Policy       FAQs         Release Notes       UIU4SCCM          

General UIU FAQ


The UIU Free Trial is fully functional with two exceptions. The first, any image created with the UIU and deployed will live on the recipient machine for 14 days and then become inoperable. The second, the UIU Free Trial allows the user to join a domain, but not log into a domain. We do offer an alternate Trial Mode to customers with certain requirements that will allow the user limited login access to the domain.
  • Check to make sure the key is not expired
  • Make sure copy and paste did not include any extra spaces
  • Contact UIU Support and we will take care of you immediately
  • Check to make sure Trial Key has not expired
  • Check for any extra spaces when copying and pasting
  • If your username and password still do not work, contact UIU Support.
  • Problem Description
  • Company Information
  • License Key
  • Name
  • UIU Version
  • Application information including hardware specifics for the UIU build PC and the deployment target PCs.
No, because the UIU is so much more than just a large driver database. The UIU also manages many other things that frequently prevent cross-platform deployment. For instance, the UIU checks for missing hotfixes or anything that prevents registry changes such as Spybot or Ad-Aware, works in conjunction with Sysprep, programatically handles network controllers, hardware controllers, and installs the appropriate drivers in the appropriate order (Broadcom NICs don't play well with NVIDIA graphics cards)(Windows 7 Parent/Child hierarchy for driver installation).
The UIU is licensed per physical or virtual production PC (Seat) that receives the UIU-prepared image. If you would like a quote or more information about UIU Pricing, please contact UIU Sales sales@bigbangllc.com or call 414.369.5027.
Yes, with the latest release, the UIU 4.6, is now compatible with Windows 7 (32 & 64-bit) while continuing full support for XP and Windows Vista.
Our goal is that a Universal Image will work correctly on all business-class desktops and laptops. This includes, but is not limited to Dell, HP, Compaq, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, etc. The hardware component manufacturers include Intel, 3Com, Via, nVidia, ATI, and more. Because of this level of compatibility, most lesser-known PC brands and "white boxes" will work correctly as well. The UIU is not directly designed for, nor does it support home user PCs and hardware, although in most cases, it will still perform correctly because of the large volume of drivers. The UIU contains drivers for over 32,000 hardware components, and if yours is not already a part of the database, we will do everything we can to find it. Our goal is that you won't ever have to go looking for another driver again.
It will add just less than 4GB to an image file and add maybe a minute or two max to the deployment depending on your existing deployment tool. What we have done is try to work only with the actual hardware manufacturers' drivers, rather than the PC manufacturers' versions. For example, an ATI video card may be used in several systems, but we work with just the base component drivers as much as possible, which makes them smaller, faster, and cleaner. Not only that, but since the release of UIU version 4.0, you have the option of discarding unneeded drivers after installation as well as assessing your existing hardware for only required drivers with the UIU Discovery Tool.
No, the UIU is considerably more than that. The large, constantly updated and vetted driver database just allows Sysprep to work correctly to identify your hardware once the image is deployed. With a Windows installation CD, USB or network connection, you can install Windows on nearly any PC. The real heart of the UIU is that it takes your master image to as basic a level as when you install Windows directly from CD. It actually takes your master image to a more basic level than Microsoft's Sysprep utility. That is the real key to making certain your image does not blue screen when deployed to a new PC, and what sets the UIU apart. The UIU handles all HAL changes (in XP), and all hardware interaction prior to, and during Mini-setup. The UIU communicates with Windows on many programmatic levels to ensure that hardware is installed in the correct order and with drivers that will be compatible with one another.
The UIU currently includes drivers for internal devices - modems, network cards, video and sound cards, etc. It does not include external or USB devices like printers, scanners, etc. We are considering options for providing those drivers in future versions.
No, we have the drivers covered. You do not have to provide Sysprep, or the UIU application, any information regarding your hardware configurations, PC types, or drivers. However, the UIU Discovery Tool allows you to assess your individual hardware components prior to image creation and will build a UIUDT file that will compare itself to the entire UIU database. This not only ensures that the UIU contains the necessary drivers, but allows you to streamline your image with only the drivers necessary for your existing hardware. Also, the UIU Discovery Tool is hardware agnostic and will generate a report showing you which operating systems your hardware will be supported with UIU drivers.
We do not compile a list of compatible PC models as any given hardware component, a Broadcom network card for example, may be included in several PC models from several manufacturers. The UIU Discovery Tool can be run to determine exactly which drivers are needed for your existing hardware. But rest assured, the UIU will work with any and all business class hardware. If we missed an obscure driver somewhere, we will find it for you.
The benefits in time savings, money savings, and consistency are tremendous. With the UIU, to easily maintain all machines with current security updates, software maintenance or new user policies, you need update only one master image. One master image works for upgrading to a new version of Windows as well for any incoming future machines. The benefits really pay off in immediate ROI and the cost savings and confidence of having one easily deployable image with the same policies and settings on every desktop and laptop throughout your entire organization.
The procedure is easy: Setup your Master Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit) computer based on our guidelines and then capture a base image. Then simply run the UIU.exe. The UIU will modify your system, install drivers, launch Sysprep, and then shut your PC down - all in less than 10 minutes. At that point, take a normal image in DOS or Win PE (do not reboot to Windows!) using your existing imaging software such as Ghost or Altiris. That's it. No drivers, no Plug-n-Play IDs, no need to sweat through Sysprep. The UIU even creates your Sysprep.inf or Sysprep.xml file for you. Then all you need to do is deploy the image to your other PCs the way you always have, and watch as it successfully deploys correctly to all your machines.
No, the UIU is not a disk imaging application. It prepares your master machine so that the image created from it can be deployed successfully to multiple hardware platforms. The UIU will work with any Windows imaging software application that works correctly with Sysprep to deploy to any laptop or desktop or desktop regardless of manufacturer. This includes but is not limited to - Symantec Ghost, Novell Zenworks, Altiris, Acronis, Microsoft SCCM, MDT, ImageX, Clonezilla, FOG, etc.
Big Bang offers free phone, email, and Internet support for one year after your purchase. That includes all UIU program updates, as well as updates for new drivers. When you call Big Bang for support, you will always speak directly to our support team. A real person every time-no automated messages. Big Bang also offers free support with your trial version of UIU.


Troubleshooting UIU FAQ


Symptoms: I am missing a driver and want to add it.

Resolution:
Please contact UIU Support and we will extract and verify the drivers and put them into a format the UIU can use. Please have as much information as possible regarding the driver, including PC make/model information, and the driver installation files. Often there are multiple instances of particular workable drivers, and Big Bang tries to get the original manufacturer's driver whenever possible. If you are missing a driver, please contact UIU Support and we will do whatever we can to find the driver and incorporate into your UIU image.
Symptoms:
Windows did not find the UIU hardware drivers correctly.

Resolution:
Point to the C:windowsinfUIU folder to try to find the drivers. If successful, you may have an incorrect entry in your Sysprep.inf file. Alternatively, contact support for driver updates.
Symptoms:
When building an image on a system with a PS/2 mouse or keyboard and deploying to a machine that does not include PS/2 ports, the USB mouse and keyboard will not work.

Examples of affected machines may include:
  • Dell Optiplex GX280

Resolution:
Build your UIU image on a machine with USB mouse and keyboard. If a PS/2 mouse and keyboard had been connected, remove the PS/2 devices from the Device Manager.

Resolution:
Use the complete Sysprep.inf template provided with the UIU. If the complete template is used, mini-setup will not require any input from the keyboard. After deployment, the USB devices will complete installation, and the USB mouse and keyboard will function.
  • An incorrect Sysprep.inf or .xml file can cause several problems, including missing drivers, blue screens, etc. Do not use the Sysprep Setup Manager to create the Sysprep.inf file as it will add fields that are incompatible with the UIU. Please review the Sysprep.inf or .xml template provided with the UIU.
  • Modifications or security policy changes made to the local administrator ID, or deleting/renaming the local administrator account.
  • Installing the UIU from an account other than the local administrator ID.
  • An out-of-date BIOS on the PC receiving the UIU image.
  • Using an OEM version of a Windows O/S that is make/model specific.
  • Security software designed to block modifications to registry and system files, such as anti-virus, spyware, and adware programs, etc.
If MIMIC did not indicate any needed corrections during UIU run and your UIU image still fails, please contact UIU Support.
Symptoms:
Future attempts to incorporate previously saved program updates will fail to import and UIU will mistakenly prompt for additional Program Updates during Online Updates.

Resolution:
After Program Updates are saved to selected directory, move uiue.dat to sub-folder "appdata". Future attempts to incorporate previously saved program updates will function correctly - or - contact UIU support.
Symptoms:
Error indicating incorrect version of Sysprep.

Resolution:
Upgrade to UIU version 3.7 (or higher) - or - contact UIU support.
Symptoms:
Some anti-virus applications will discover BBGina.dll or Twunkapi.dll as a possible trojan.

Resolution:
These files are part of the Trial version of the UIU only, and handle the modification of the Windows login screen. These files allow the Windows login screen to display the UIU Trial expiration information. The UIU does not collect or transmit any data. The licensed version of the UIU does not contain these files and will not flag your anti-virus applications. Big Bang is working to have these files recognized as legitimate files by the anti-virus applications.
Symptoms:
Expired Trial Key

Resolution:
Contact UIU sales at Binary Research (USA and Canada) or Binary Resource (International)

Symptoms:
Invalid Trial Key

Resolution:
The Trial Key follows this format: #######-Trial-################ and the entire key is required.
Symptoms:
Missing Trial Key

Resolution:
The Trial Key will be in your Trial email. You can also contact UIU sales at Binary Research (USA and Canada) or Binary Resource (International)
Symptoms:
UIU displays "Connecting to update server" but does not appear to download.

Resolution:
If you are behind a firewall or proxy server, or do not have Internet connectivity, the UIU may not be able to connect to the update server. Standard Port 80 connectivity without a proxy is required.

Symptoms:
How do I know when a new update is released?

Resolution:
Driver updates are released based on availability of the drivers. We do not currently notify users except during the execution of the UIU.exe.
Symptoms:
How do I tell what version of the UIU I have?

Resolution:
Right click on the UIU.exe to see the version or after installation of the UIU, open the UIULog file in C:Program FilesUIU.
Symptoms:
How do I remove the Trial background once I have purchased the UIU?

Resolution:
You will need to create and deploy a new UIU image based on the licensed copy you purchase. The Trial and Live versions are not compatible with each other.

Symptoms:
What is the difference between the Trial and Live version of the UIU?

Resolution:
The Trial version does not allow for online updates or driver updates. Additionally, the Trial version contains a Trial background, and will not allow you to log into a domain, although you can join a domain to test network functionality. Finally, the Trial version will time out your deployed Windows Trial images.
Symptoms:
How do I uninstall the UIU from my master PC?

Resolution:
Depending on how far the UIU has run, you will not be able to "uninstall" it as it has made system changes. The best practice is to restore the base master image to the master PC. After deployment, the UIU reference in Add/Remove Programs is designed to help administrators track their UIU licenses.

Symptoms:
How do I uninstall the UIU after deployment?

Resolution:
After deployment, you can delete the following directory: C:windowsinfuiu to remove the UIU drivers. This is not recommended as the installation of other hardware will automatically search that path for appropriate drivers. If you would like to remove unneeded drivers from the UIU directory, select "Remove unneeded drivers" from the Advanced options screen when first running the UIU.
Symptoms:
When deploying a UIU image to machines with some Intel video cards, Microsoft Sysprep causes a conflict with the Video.inf, and the Add New Hardware wizard opens during mini-setup, asking for the video driver folder.

Resolution:
In most cases, including the Microsoft Hotfix referenced in Microsoft Knowledgebase article 883667 in your Master UIU image will fix this issue. Alternately, allow mini-setup to continue, and the wizard will automatically install the correct video driver.
Symptoms:
After deploying a UIU image, Windows XP has to be activated.

Resolution:
With Windows XP, you must use a Windows Volume License Key in order to avoid having to activate every deployed machine. Additionally, using an OEM version of Windows (the CD provided with your Dell, HP, IBM, etc. PC) may ask for activation when deploying to PCs other than the specific model the OEM CD was designed for.
Symptoms:
The UIU has a missing or invalid UIU.dat file.

Resolution:
If the UIU.dat file is missing, try pointing the UIU to the .dat file. If it continues to be a problem, you may have a corrupt .dat file. You will need to download the .dat file again, or contact UIU Support to receive a new CD.

Resolution:
The UIU.dat file from a Trial version is not compatible with a licensed UIU.exe, nor is the UIUTrial.exe compatible with a licensed version of the UIU.dat file. Please contact UIU Sales to receive a licensed version of the UIU.
Symptoms:
Is the UIU compatible with Server 2000 or 2003?

Resolution:
While some customers have had success using the UIU with Server operating systems, it is not currently supported by Big Bang LLC.

Symptoms:
Is the UIU compatible with server level hardware?

Resolution:
In some instances the UIU will be compatible with server level hardware; however, Big Bang LLC does not support server hardware.
Symptoms:
After deploying a UIU image to a PC with High Definition Audio, the audio does not work.

Resolution:
In most cases, including the Microsoft Hotfix from Knowledgebase article 888111 in your Master UIU image will fix the HDA issue. UIU 3.5 incorporates a programatic fix for High Definition Audio devices from Sigmatel. UIU 4.0+ include the MIMIC scan which will automatically diagnose missing Hotfix 888111 and prompt you for correction.
Symptoms:
When deploying a UIU image with Windows XP SP2, the Default User Profile is overwritten with the local Administrator Profile.

Resolution:
This is a Microsoft Sysprep issue, which can be fixed by applying the Hotfix from Knowledgebase article 887816 to your Master UIU image.
 Universal Imaging Utility   |  UIU  |  Purchase   |   Free Trial   |  Support   |  Testimonials   |   Contact   |  About   |  Partners   |   Media

 9851 S. 27th St.   |  Franklin, WI 53132  |  Toll Free: 866-754-3592  |  Direct: 414-225-9075   |  info@bigbangllc.com

Privacy Statement
Sitemap
  Find Us on the Web

UIUtoob Link
UIU Facebook Page LinkBigBangLLC Twitter Link

Copyright 2012
Big Bang LLC  
Login