Mac OS X Server: Creating a Network Install Disk Image

You can create installer images using the Network Image Utility, which is found on the Mac OS X Server Administration Tools CD that comes with Mac OS X Server. Look in the folder /NetBoot, Network Install/Image Creation. To create an image that includes system software, you need a Mac OS X install CD.
Follow these steps to create an installer disk image:

  1. Open Network Image Utility.
  2. Click the lock button, and authenticate as an Admin user.
  3. Type a name for the disk image you are creating.
  4. Choose Network Install from the Image Type pop-up menu.
  5. To create an image that is unique to this server, choose an ID in the range 1-4095. To create one of several identical images to be stored on different servers for load balancing, use an ID in the range 4096-65535. Multiple images of the same type with the same ID in this range are listed as a single image in a client's Startup Disk preference pane.
  6. Choose the default language for the installed software.
  7. Optional: To have the installation proceed with limited or no interaction from the client computer, select "Enable automated install of the image."
  8. Click Create Image.
  9. When prompted, insert a Mac OS X Installation CD.


The image (.dmg file) and associated files are saved on the server in the following location, where "x" is the volume number, and "image" is the image name you provided:

/Library/NetBoot/NetBootSPx/image.nbi

Important software license information

In accordance with the Network Install and Mac OS X Server software license agreements, you may use the software in this manner as long as you ensure that each end user of the image files is aware of and complies with the terms of the software license(s) that governs the use of the software contained within the image files. The Network Install and Mac OS X Server software may be used to install and reproduce materials so long as your use is limited to reproduction of non-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, or materials you are authorized or legally permitted to reproduce.

Published Date: Oct 11, 2016