Norton Ghost + Sysprep?

[Tan Thuan Seah]

Hi all,

I am new to deploying Windows for multiple computers. Currently, I have 20
of these computers, with identical hardware setup, and I would like to just
setup the software programs required on 1 computer. I was thinking of using
Norton Ghost to make an image of the 1 computer that I have setup and
restore that image on the remaining 19 pcs. I read from the Microsoft
website that we need to use Sysprep for deployment. Just wondering what are
the complication if I just restore the image on the other pcs without using
Sysprep? Does it matter if they all have the same SID? Any good tutorials
about deployment would be helpful. Thanks.

Thuan Seah

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

How to change the SID on a Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows NT computer
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/1999050308324125

The Microsoft Policy Concerning Disk Duplication of Windows XP Installations
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314828&Product=winxp

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

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

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

:

| Hi all,
|
| I am new to deploying Windows for multiple computers. Currently, I have 20
| of these computers, with identical hardware setup, and I would like to just
| setup the software programs required on 1 computer. I was thinking of using
| Norton Ghost to make an image of the 1 computer that I have setup and
| restore that image on the remaining 19 pcs. I read from the Microsoft
| website that we need to use Sysprep for deployment. Just wondering what are
| the complication if I just restore the image on the other pcs without using
| Sysprep? Does it matter if they all have the same SID? Any good tutorials
| about deployment would be helpful. Thanks.
|
| Thuan Seah

 

[Tan Thuan Seah]

Or maybe is there an easier way to setup all the custom applications on the
20 pcs without have to reinstall windows? The actual requirement is such:

20 pcs with Windows preinstalled
3-4 custom application needed to be installed on each of the 20 pcs.

Any way I can create a CD or something that will installing the 3-4
application unattended?

Thuan Seah

 

[george]

Hi all,

I am new to deploying Windows for multiple computers. Currently, I have 20
of these computers, with identical hardware setup, and I would like to
just
setup the software programs required on 1 computer. I was thinking of
using
Norton Ghost to make an image of the 1 computer that I have setup and
restore that image on the remaining 19 pcs. I read from the Microsoft
website that we need to use Sysprep for deployment. Just wondering what
are
the complication if I just restore the image on the other pcs without
using
Sysprep? Does it matter if they all have the same SID? Any good tutorials
about deployment would be helpful. Thanks.

Thuan Seah

I would sugest using Sysprep.
1. Because it is the manufacturers supported method.
Always nice if you happen to run into problems later on and need MS
support.
You can then at least say you 'did everything by the book' with the MS
supported methods of deployment. (See also #3 below)
2. Because you are in a lucky position that your target machines have
identical hardware.
3. Because Sysprepped machines have a mini setup upon first boot that takes
care of Duplicate SIDs, Duplicate machine names etc.
This avoids tinkering with (non-MS) SID changers and the like and
therefor avoids possible errors/problems in that area,
no matter how good these changers are.
As the MS article mentioned states:
"Microsoft supports several methods for *proper* deployment of the
Windows XP operating system.
It is recommended that you use a supported method to avoid compromising
security."
and a bit further:
"Microsoft does not provide support for computers on which Windows XP is
installed by duplication of fully installed
copies of Windows XP. Microsoft does support computers on which Windows
XP
is installed by use of disk-duplication software and the System
Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe)."

Just my personal take on the matter.

george