XP small-scale deployment to multiple hardware...

[johnnyzero]

Hi,

In my work as a computer service technician, I often need to install
Windows XP Pro "from scratch" on my client's systems. To streamline
things and save time, I'd like to be able to install a pre-configured
installation of XP from a disk image, using Acronis TrueImage. The
installation would be pre-configured with all the latest WinUpdates,
settings the way I want 'em, a set of my "standard" apps & utilities,
etc.

My question is this: if I create such an image, will I be able to
install it to ANY system, or will WinXP have problems loading on the
different machines because of differences in HARDWARE? If so, is there
a way around this by perhaps purging the DLL Prefetch Cache (or
wherever the hardware driver info is stored on XP) before saving the
image, thereby forcing any machine it's installed on to re-scan for
hardware?

Any input will be MUCH appreciated!

JohnB

ps: in case you're wondering, I ALWAYS require my client's to purchase
their own *legitimate* copy of XP Pro. If I start using this "image"
method, I would simply use some freeware tool to modify the Product Key
to match that of the copy they've purchased.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Hi,

In my work as a computer service technician, I often need to install
Windows XP Pro "from scratch" on my client's systems. To streamline
things and save time, I'd like to be able to install a pre-configured
installation of XP from a disk image, using Acronis TrueImage. The
installation would be pre-configured with all the latest WinUpdates,
settings the way I want 'em, a set of my "standard" apps & utilities,
etc.

My question is this: if I create such an image, will I be able to
install it to ANY system, or will WinXP have problems loading on the
different machines because of differences in HARDWARE? If so, is there
a way around this by perhaps purging the DLL Prefetch Cache (or
wherever the hardware driver info is stored on XP) before saving the
image, thereby forcing any machine it's installed on to re-scan for
hardware?

ps: in case you're wondering, I ALWAYS require my client's to purchase
their own *legitimate* copy of XP Pro. If I start using this "image"
method, I would simply use some freeware tool to modify the Product
Key to match that of the copy they've purchased.

I would recommend RIS or better yet - the freeware version found at
unattended.sourceforge.net. Your concerns about imaging and multiple
hardware types goes away - as well as the CD Key issue - as you would enter
it at the beginning of the process with the freeware unattended.

Information on RIS:
How to Deploy Windows XP Images from Windows 2000 RIS Servers
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304314

Information on RIS:
Step-by-Step Guide to Remote OS Installation
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/howto/remoteos.mspxUnattended Install over Network: http://unattended.sourceforge.netUnattended Install with CD/DVD: http://unattended.msfn.orgSingle image (XP) for many different hardware types: http://www.gc.peachnet.edu/www/wbeck/W2KXP.htm#Masterfor a ghost and a sysprep version.Make/deploy packages and scripts (install other applications.) http://www.appdeploy.com/Business Desktop Deployment: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/articles/032805ds.mspx--Shenan Stanley MS-MVP--How To Ask Questions The Smart Wayhttp://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

 

[johnnyzero]

Thanks, Shenan. You 'da man...this would make my life much simpler..my
computer work, anyway...

I'll check out your suggested links and let you know how I make out..

thanks again,
JohnB

 

[Walter Beach]

Hi,

In my work as a computer service technician, I often need to install
Windows XP Pro "from scratch" on my client's systems. To streamline
things and save time, I'd like to be able to install a pre-configured
installation of XP from a disk image, using Acronis TrueImage. The
installation would be pre-configured with all the latest WinUpdates,
settings the way I want 'em, a set of my "standard" apps & utilities,
etc.

My question is this: if I create such an image, will I be able to
install it to ANY system, or will WinXP have problems loading on the
different machines because of differences in HARDWARE? If so, is there
a way around this by perhaps purging the DLL Prefetch Cache (or
wherever the hardware driver info is stored on XP) before saving the
image, thereby forcing any machine it's installed on to re-scan for
hardware?

Any input will be MUCH appreciated!

JohnB

ps: in case you're wondering, I ALWAYS require my client's to purchase
their own *legitimate* copy of XP Pro. If I start using this "image"
method, I would simply use some freeware tool to modify the Product Key
to match that of the copy they've purchased.

As far as I know the differences in hardware will screw this up every
time. The main concern is the motherboard.

You should sysprep an image and then deploy as well. Sysprep strips
off the SID's and product key. When the computer starts you run
through a little wizard and that's it.

Anyways since you want input, what I'd suggest is creating a WinPE
image. You can use it to include all the latest updates and drivers
within it, as well as adding any program you want installed during
initial setup then it can be completely automated.

That way at least your new PC's have some burn in time. Imaging them
and then selling off to your customers may be quick, but in no way
determines if the PC is running smothly or not.

 

[WS]

I second the RIS option - you also can automate the RIS process by adding
the drivers, applications, etc after system reboots.