Do MS have a cloning utily like GHOST

[MSExchange2003Student]

Hi all

What is Microsoft's utility called that you can use for images and to clone
pc's like GHOST is. My boss wants to stick with MS on our infrastructure.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Og]

Hi all

What is Microsoft's utility called that you can use for images and to
clone pc's like GHOST is. My boss wants to stick with MS on our
infrastructure.

Thanks for the help.

MS does not have a stand-alone cloning utility;
The only thing that MS offers is:
"Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore" ,
which is integral to Windows VISTA.
No other MS Operating System has a cloning utility.
Steve

 

[MSExchange2003Student]

OK, thanks. So the information that i heard about sysprep or some sys* thing
is not correct/true. Thanks anyway for the help

Craig

 

[Mike Lowery]

Sysprep prepares an OS for cloning, it does not DO the cloning.

 

[Guest]

Hi all

What is Microsoft's utility called that you can use for images and to clone
pc's like GHOST is. My boss wants to stick with MS on our infrastructure.

Thanks for the help.

Hi MS,
Yes, but Sysprep for duplication for multiple installation of the OS on
identical Machines.
Sysprep tool (also known as sysprep.exe) to create images of operating
systems:
http://oem.microsoft.com/script/sites/public/sysprep.htm

How to use the Sysprep tool to automate successful deployment of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577

How To Use the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep.exe) to Perform Disk
Duplication:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/298491
HTH.
nass

 

[Harry Ohrn]

For info on sysprep http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457073.aspx

 

[Uncle Grumpy]

OK, thanks. So the information that i heard about sysprep or some sys* thing
is not correct/true.

It's true. You merely misread it.

Sysprep is for folks who build computers (OEMs) and want to do mass
installations of the OS.

 

[Phisherman]

I found Microsoft's backup utility to be a wolf in sheep's clothing. I
backed up my Win 2000 machine weekly using the backup utility which
produces a large file that can be copied to an external storage
device. One day my PC failed to boot and full recovery turned out to
be a joke. Fortunately I was able to retrieve and restore individual
file copies. I suggest buying a (non-Microsoft) backup utility that
will give you several options. In any event, the most important thing
is to have a written backup plan which includes periodic full backups,
may have incremental backups, and occasional off-site backup storage.
I like to schedule a full disk scan, a full anti-virus scan, and then
a full backup. Best to do this automatically at night and set a
reminder to insert new backup media before ending the day. The next
morning take a look at the logs and store your backup media in a safe
place. Tape can store a lot of data but is a PIA to recover.

You can also clone a partition using Partition Magic. The
instructions are not clear on this, but it does work, at least for
most Windows versions. Whatever you decide to try, do a recovery
test. After all, what good is a backup without decent recovery?

 

[Plato]

What is Microsoft's utility called that you can use for images and to clone
pc's like GHOST is. My boss wants to stick with MS on our infrastructure.

A cloning app. you may want to try out:

http://www.xxclone.com/

 

[MSExchangeStudent]

Firstly, Let me explain what i want to do. I have xp machines. on the xp
machines is several apps which is standard for our users. To get the machine
to the standard where it should be take quite a bit of time and we don't
want to do this evrtime we format a machine or get a new one. Any tool or
utility that i can use to point a blank machine or with only windows on to a
specific path, hit enter, and the machine will be rebuildt by itself up to
the standard we want (all the apps, etc)

OK, thanks for all the replies. This is as i see all the responses. MS
doesn't have the perfect utilty. Sysprep is the closest that one can get.
the ideal is to buy a 3rd party one.

After i explained myself (hopefully clear) is my recap (above) right.

Craig