Ghost automation

[Guest]

I Build computer systems and I would like to make a self
booting ghost image from my lab machine that I can just
give to customers when they purchase a machine. If there
is a problem All I want the customer to do is insert the
disk and and let it install the OS along with my machine
software. Can Imake this with ghost? I want it to be all
automated. If not ghost what
other tools may I use?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I Build computer systems and I would like to make a self
booting ghost image from my lab machine that I can just
give to customers when they purchase a machine. If there
is a problem All I want the customer to do is insert the
disk and and let it install the OS along with my machine
software. Can Imake this with ghost? I want it to be all
automated. If not ghost what
other tools may I use?

I hate when system builders give a customer a "image" to restore their
machine. I know it is the choice of the OEM how they provide the means to
restore the system to purchased state, but a image has to be the worst
(least flexible) way. The image becomes all but worthless if the customer
comes back to you and buys a new motherboard, video card, hard drive and
sound card so they can play games faster or something..

My suggestion, make your customers happy - give them OEM CDs - but
installable ones that boot and actually INSTALLthe OS and applications.
Give the customers the options they deserve...

Make an unattended CD/DVD with whatever applications you want included in
the "restore".

http://unattended.msfn.org/

If you are going with the ghost method - try sysprep so it is a BIT more
flexible - but your customers would be much happier with an actual
installable CD. heh

 

[KC]

Technically, very easy. But Licensing issue here...

 

[Josh]

This is for automated inspection equpment that runs on XP. The customer
will get the OEM cd's but I just want an install cd incase they loose a hard
drive. These systems will not change.

TIA Josh

 

[Guest]

Josh,
A disk image (ghost or otherwise) is an absolute godsend for non IT
specialists (like me) who just want to get the pc up and running again as
quickly as possible (see my post about corrupting windows when adding new
RAM).

If you throw in the OEM XP cd as well then everyone will be happy,

If not ghost what
other tools may I use?

I'm going to try out Digital Dolly from innotrix.com because of the price
factor.
Alan