Multiple identical XP setups for classroom

M

Mark Butler

I have a need to setup 17 desktops identically for a corporate classroom
environment which will belong to a Windows 2000 domain. I want to use
Norton Ghost to burn a copy of a model desktop to a file server. All
desktops are new Dell computers that came with Office XP Pro and Windows XP
Professional licensed and installed. I want to complete the install and
activate windows and office on the model machines, apply all current service
packs, obtain current virus definitions and install other application
software. Once the model machine is finished I want to copy it to a file
server and then replicate it to the other machines. I have a couple of
questions.

I can use a SYSPREP file to supply the unique machine names, product key and
other configuration items.
What about the activation key?
Not knowing what this is based on will each copy need to be activated each
time it is cloned?

This sequence will need to be repeated each time there is a new class or
software upgrade. I am looking for the best way to accomplish the above.

TIA
Mark
 
C

Carey Frisch [MVP]

HOW TO: Use Sysprep.exe Tool to Automate Successful Deployment of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302577

System Preparation Tool and Answer File Usage
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314460

How to Use Sysprep with Windows Product Activation or Volume License Media to Deploy Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299840

Customizing Sysprep Installations
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...prodtechnol/winxppro/reskit/prbc_cai_oziz.asp

Learn to exploit WinXP's disk cloning support
http://techrepublic.com.com/5102-6268-1052333.html

Automating Windows XP Installations
http://www.labmice.net/WindowsXP/Install/unattend.htm


--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-


| I have a need to setup 17 desktops identically for a corporate classroom
| environment which will belong to a Windows 2000 domain. I want to use
| Norton Ghost to burn a copy of a model desktop to a file server. All
| desktops are new Dell computers that came with Office XP Pro and Windows XP
| Professional licensed and installed. I want to complete the install and
| activate windows and office on the model machines, apply all current service
| packs, obtain current virus definitions and install other application
| software. Once the model machine is finished I want to copy it to a file
| server and then replicate it to the other machines. I have a couple of
| questions.
|
| I can use a SYSPREP file to supply the unique machine names, product key and
| other configuration items.
| What about the activation key?
| Not knowing what this is based on will each copy need to be activated each
| time it is cloned?
|
| This sequence will need to be repeated each time there is a new class or
| software upgrade. I am looking for the best way to accomplish the above.
|
| TIA
| Mark
 
M

Mark Butler

Thanx Cary, but the following statement is what I am trying to work around:
----
Product Activation with Retail Media
Windows Product Activation is designed to work with drive imaging products
that are available from third-party manufacturers. You can use the Sysprep
utility that is included with Windows XP to reset activation up to three
times.
----
I want to supply the activation key as part of the sysprep. If I could do
it unlimitted times on the same machine I would not have a problem. I
definitly will be exceeding the three times. If they are referring to 3
times, each on a different machine, that is one thing but I am cloning the
same product key to the same machine multiple times. Does a reinstall to
the same machine count as a reactivation? I will have internet access and
the activation can be automatic.

Again TIA
Mark
 
C

Crispin

I don't know of any easy way to get around activating each computer.
Especially since each one will need its own serial number typed in
every time you reimage it (unless you keep a separate image for each
system.) This will get tedious very quickly.

You might want to look into a volume license for Windows XP. I
believe for more than 5 systems, it's more economical. And the big
plus is volume licensed versions of Windows don't require activation
or separate serial numbers for each machine.
 
M

Mark Butler

These machines also have Office XP Professional, is the activation of office
machind specific? Or if the machine being cloned has an activated copy of
Office will it install to the cloned machine OK?
 

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