Alexander said:
I've a question about the RIS installation. Is it possible to
install a RIS setup or riprep image from a CD, without a RIS Server?
I found nothing about it, so I guess it isn't possible or it's so
easy that isn't worth to talk about
Shenan said:
Alexander said:
Thanks for your answer. But I don't want to go a different path
We are using the RIS installation to setup our client machines. Now
some notebooks are preinstalled in our office but never come back
and wont ever connect to the enterprise network again until they
are waste. So we want to port our RIS installation to a CD or DVD
so that the notebook can be reinstalled without being connected to
our LAN.
And we don't want to develop a different way to setup these systems.
We also can use tools like Norton ghost to accomplish this task but
it should all be kept easy
So it would be nice if we could take our existing RIS installation
to a CD and give it away to those users.
RIS won't go to a CD - much like the network install (second link) I gave
you won't go to CD/DVD.
"Remote Installation Services" doesn't lend itself well to "Local
Installation". *grin*
Your best (and likely only) bet is to have the RIS installation and a custom
CD/DVD that you keep updated as well. That way you could send that CD/DVD
to any remote client location and they could reinstall their system without
you even being there. Sure - unless they know what they are doing, they
won't have exported their profile/etc - but that doesn't seem to be one of
your concern.
I stopped trying to deal with RIS for several reasons - mostly flexibiltiy.
I still use imaging - but only as a backup for old/dying systems and on a
few unique situations, for a reboot/scheduled imaging to a server/reboot to
normal -- or a quick and dirty backup. I also use it for mass deployments,
because not much can match it's speed if the configurations are the same.
I mostly use a much older and heavily modified version of the unattended
process found at the second link I gave you because it really gives me the
flexibilty I needed, central application management, etc. You should at
least read the "Why should I use it" first part of the page - you may change
your mind on it in comparison to other methods. *grin*
As for your situation (although as you describe it - I cannot imagine
wanting to redo a machine you are never going to see until "end-of-life"
anyway.. but..) the only solution that fits your needs is the unattended
CD/DVD option. You could have everything you normally install on that
CD/DVD and all unattended (completely or not depending on your needs and
licensing.)
I did not mean you had to get rid of one method - only consider a different
path for your other needs. If one solution fit every situation - then you
wouldn't be here chatting - right?