Windows XP Pro Volume License CD

[Guest]

Before I ask this question, understand I am not looking to do something
illegal or against Microsoft licensing policy.

OK - I have just purchased 20 computers from Dell. All 20 of these
computers have an OEM version of Windows XP Professional SP2 factory
installed.

I need to be able to setup a single computer with the standard configuration
that will be used on all of the other computers. I will accomplish this by
cloning the main computer to the other 19.

Problem - becasue all of the computers I have just purchased have the OEM
version of Windows XP, I am unable to use Sysprep to remove the SIDs from the
main computer and after cloning provide the valid product codes for each
cloned computer. Microsoft does not support the use of Sysprep with OEM
version of Windows XP.

Question - Can I obtain a copy of the Volume License version of Windows XP
which will enable me to use Sysprep to clone the computers and deploy the
computers WITHOUT have a VLA with Microsoft? As I stated from the start, I
am not looking to do anything illegal - I have 20 legal copies of Windows XP
Pro for the 20 computers I have just purchased. Due to a change in Microsoft
licensing policy, in order to accomplish what I need to do, I must use a VLA
version of the software. Since I legally have all the linces I need, how can
I obtain the CD without paying for an agreement (I am more than willing to
pay for the media).

Is there some other method I can use to accomplish my goal of deploying
these 20 computers without setting each one up individually?

Thanks for your help.

 

[R. McCarty]

Basically, Take one system configure it as you want it. Create your
image and clone to all other systems. Go to SysInternals and get the
NewSID tool. Run on each client PC. Since Dell's use BIOS locks
for activation it should work. Just be sure to rename each PC. Dell
uses a Factory Key to create and deploy it's images. It's the COA &
Key on the label that is each system's unique license.
I would try it on one machine and check your results. I don't think
this would violate either Dell or Microsoft's licensing rules.

 

[Guest]

Thank you. THant was the answer I have been searching for!

 

[Leythos]

I need to be able to setup a single computer with the standard configuration
that will be used on all of the other computers. I will accomplish this by
cloning the main computer to the other 19.

Problem - becasue all of the computers I have just purchased have the OEM
version of Windows XP, I am unable to use Sysprep to remove the SIDs from the
main computer and after cloning provide the valid product codes for each
cloned computer. Microsoft does not support the use of Sysprep with OEM
version of Windows XP.

Yes, you can do a SYSPREP, we do it all the time.

Setup the first station, get everything ready/installed, reboot, do a
sysprep, ghost image, restore image to 19 other machines, enter the
Licensing keys found on the Dell computer cases, same with MS Office,
done.