MDT 2012 and Windows 8.1 deployment

MDT 2012 and Windows 8.1 deployment

Troubleshooting

So when you attempt to create a Catlog file for Windows 8.1 it fails with the following message "Windows SIM was unable to generate a catalog. For troubleshooting assistance, see the topic: 'Windows System Image Manager Technical Reference' in the Windows ADK User's Guide."

The log that pops up starts with:

This application requires version 6.2.9200.16384 of the Windows ADK.
Install this version to correct the problem
Windows SIM was unable to generate a catalog. For troubleshooting assistance, see the topic: 'Windows System Image Manager Technical Reference' in the Windows ADK User's Guide.

Even though version 6.2.9200.16384 of the Windows ADK is installed when you attempt to Generate a Catalog File the issue is there is a new version of ADK version 6.3.9600.16411 located here http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=39982

Once you have updated ADK you will need to update MDT to 2013 here http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40796

The above will also be the root cause of a Failure deployment summary as below:
FAILURE (5627)
Failed to run the action; Install Operating System.
Unknown Error (Error: 000015FB; Source: Unknown)

A useful command to run from an Administrator command prompt is "dism /cleanup-wim". This will remove any stale mount points that could be causing a conflict.