Imaging Recommendation Needed

[Guest]

We are in a relatively small office (350 users + 300 outside) and are
currently using RIS to deploy images. We typically have to reimage 7 machines
a week. The RIS server was setup by an ex-employee, and I have been assigned
with re-evaluating the best way to deploy desktop/laptop images.

RIS seems to work OK, but seems kind of slow and tediuos. We have an image
for each model of laptop/desktop that we have. We bring the unit to our work
areas, boot to PXE, and then load image via RIS. We are still left with
profile migration and software configuration. I am looking for an alternative
method or solution that would allow us to perform some of these steps
(capture and deployment) without being in front of the machine, as well as
allow intergrated profile migration.

What in your opinion is the best imaging resource to use to stream line the
process, and make it as quick and efficient as possible?

Thanks,
Kelly

 

[Guest]

Try useing group policy,to start,go to run,type:gepedit

 

[Guest]

I switched this last year from RIS to using SMS with the OS Deployment
Package. It works great for assigning a re-image to existing machines, as
well as new ones using the custom WinPE cd created by SMS.

As for the profiles, I would re-assign them to a network share using the
intellimirror features of Active Directory. There are in-depth Microsoft
papers on re-directing "My Documents". "Application Data", and "Desktop", and
"Start Menu".

Other guys I know swear by Ghost.

Mr. Dana Nelson
IT Administrator
Seton Catholic School
Hudson, OH