rolling out laptops from image

[-keevill-]

I bought 6 end of the line laptops for use by our field reps.
I have spent a day and half setting up the first one with winxp pro and all
the drivers and windows updates and finally software.
Is it possible to use some cloning software to make an image of the
completed pc and put in on a thumb drive in order to set up the other
machines quickly.
Can it be done with Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image perhaps ?
How will I be able to put in the windows activation codes is one question
which comes to mind ?

 

[Malke]

I bought 6 end of the line laptops for use by our field reps.
I have spent a day and half setting up the first one with winxp pro and
all the drivers and windows updates and finally software.
Is it possible to use some cloning software to make an image of the
completed pc and put in on a thumb drive in order to set up the other
machines quickly.
Can it be done with Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image perhaps ?
How will I be able to put in the windows activation codes is one question
which comes to mind ?

Did XP Pro come with the laptops and you installed with that disk? If yes,
then use imaging software (I prefer TI) and create an image of your perfect
laptop. Apply the image to the other 5 machines. You can change the product
key to match the ones on the COA stickers on the bottom of the laptop with
the free MS keychanger or, IIRC, Magic Jelly Bean although strictly
speaking it isn't necessary in this case. Activation (by the end user or
you) is normally not necessary with OEM versions like that because it has
already been done in volume by the laptop mftr.

If, OTOH, you used your own copy of XP Pro to install then you do indeed
have a problem because you need a copy of XP for each one of the 6 machines
and you only have one. You can still make your image but you'll need to
purchase the missing 5 licenses, change the license keys after the image is
applied, and activate the machines.

Malke