Batch (USMT/FAST/?) Backup of Individualized System Files & Settings

[Craig]

microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment

This is a msg I hitherto had submitted in the
"microsoft.public.windowsxp.setup_deployment" user group. It
languished completely unanswered for 9 days. Therefore, I deleted it
there and now submit to the eager, creative & technically-proficient
minds here ... that means you! ... yeah you! ...the one reading this
right now! ... you know who you are!! ...

https://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/usermigr.mspx
contains the following passage regarding usage requirements for the
User State Migration Tool (USMT): "...individual users do not need to
use USMT. In addition, USMT requires a client computer that is
connected to a Windows Server domain controller."

Q: Is this true? ... that in order to use the USMT, I MUST be
"connected to a Windows Server domain controller." (i.e., a server)?

What I'm getting at is this: I'm hoping to maybe use the USMT on
stand-alone systems and/or SOHO, P2P (non-server supported) networks.
My motivation is that I've been unable to implement or discover a way
to batch script the backup of settings and files using FAST (File and
Settings Transfer Wizard). I would like to be able to batch backup
settings by individual components (e.g., "Command Prompt settings",
"Display settings", "Windows Media Player", etc.) as opposed to the
comprehensive "All". I also want to be able to create and configure
additional non-default programs (e.g., Trillian, Maxthon, MusicMatch
Jukebox, etc.) using this same batched backup routine.

I know I could create a comprehensive batch script pulling from each
component's applicable settings files and associated Windows registry
entries, then individually .RAR them up; but I was hoping to find an
alternative tool (FAST, USMT, ?) that I could tailor according to my
variable needs (new system setups; existing system enhancement;
recovery, etc.), and in this way get a head start. This, it seems to
me, would cut my scripting labor investment considerably ... but then
again, maybe not.

Anyone have an answer to my first question and/or any advice on
realizing my goal?

Any/all replies welcomed and sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

"Today's the best day of my life...and NOW you're part of it!" ...
Craig

 

[Kerry Brown]

I could be wrong but I think what you are trying to do is well beyond the
capabilities of either tool. I think you'll need some 3rd party software. I
have not used any of the following.

http://www.spearit.com/about_MoveMe.html

http://www.codework.com/PCtransplant/product.html

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/migrateeasy/

You could also try your favourite search engine.

 

[Craig]

Thanks Kerry for taking the time to reply. I perused the capabilities
of each of the SW links you included. They appear to do essentially
the same tasks as FAST and USMT.

What I plan on doing is downloading the USMT and testing to see if its
use does indeed REQUIRE A CONFIGURATION THAT INCLUDES A SERVER(?). I'm
presuming it doesn't, but I'll soon know the answer to that one. Will
report back on this post the results of that endeaver.

Input from any/all is still desired & greatly appreciated.

"Today's the best day of my life ... and NOW you're part of it!"
Craig

 

[Kerry Brown]

You're welcome, although I wasn't much help. Let us know what you find out.
I use FAST quite a bit and haven't found a way to do what you want. I've
only used USMT a couple of times and it was with an Active Directory domain.