deploying 50+ winxp pro workstations

[michael]

hi

we are looking for the easiset way to deploy 50+ win xp pro
workstations (all same hardware)

We thought we would

1. build workstation using volume licensing so no need to activate
2. install anti virus, office apps etc etc
3. join domain

then we would take a ghost image using norton ghost and just dump that
image on each machine.

is this going to work or is there something we are missing. i know
with win2000 this would not work because of the unique sid that each
machine needed? is this teh case with win xp pro as well?


any help will be much appreciated


michael

 

[Dale]

3 ways,
Fastest and with most ability to recover in future from
user errors would be to use Remote install (RIS) from your
DC, if you have that ability, check with an MCSE on staff
or hire one to set this up. This requires that your NIC's
are able to boot from a network under the requirements.
This meathod is awsome as it can; useing reprep images
contain all your applications and auto join your domain
and many other advantages, best of these is that a trained
chimp can do the install to the end users desk and finsh
everything in a unattended install.

Second and this is the microsoft util for your exact
thinking (ie a 3rd party imageing tool), is to use
sysprep.exe This can be found on the XP-PRO cd in the
support\tools\deploy.cab file. It is a utiltiy that
removes the SID from 2k and of cource from XP useing the
XP version. This is done prior to creating the ghost image.
This requires a tech to complete each system so it has a
high tech overhead, this is why I would recomend you look
into RIS.

3rd: Symantec ghost is what you asked about (I think) has
a utility called 'ghost walker' to remove the SID from
each install, this would have to be done at each station
after the ghost install prior to connecting to the
network. (more tech overhead)

I have worked with all of these meathods, and the RIS is
so much better than any other it is almost silly. And you
likely have everything you need already.

A win2k server OR 2003, internal DNS, NIC's that adhere
to the Intel PXE specification, and DHCP also if in a
routed environment - the routers have to pass bootp
packets OR have a DHCP Relay agent on each segement.

For a primer on RIS see:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwdev/platform/pcdesign/insta
ll/risover.mspx

 

[Paul Russell]

Remote Installation Service (RIS)

Create your image, use RISPREP and snapshot the device and deploy using PXE
(networkinstall)

 

[Guest]

Hi I have done the trick on 130 machines. We used RIS as well. I could recomend using Wininstall as well! This is an easy way to install new applications! This is a muth more effecient way to deploy win xp, because you can keep all your computers on same level!

/Jabbador ;-)