Hard drive images

albert001 · Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 13

I just started working at a company as their IT manager. Unfortunately they have all Dell computers and they have been buying them just like a home user. At least they were smart enough to get all the same model when possible. So my problem is that if I want to make a master hard drive to duplicate from or an image for each model. It will have an OEM installation of Windows XP and Office because that is what they have purchased for every single computer in the office. Is there a way around this without buying anymore copies of Windows and Office? Or at least just one copy of each that isn't OEM?

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

You can get Ghost 2003 (easily obtainable) to make a backup to DVD of each HD, for future use, if that HD crashes.

See my post on the ultimate HD crash.

The Doctor

albert001 · Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 13

Yeah but I want to set up one with all the software/configs we use and duplicate the other like models from it. But they have OEM windows and office Sad

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

OK....here's the deal.....

If the hardware on different units is identical, you can set up just one PC and make a Ghost DVD of it and then Restore that image to the others.

You'll wind up with several PC's with the same serial number....Oooops!
Then you'll have to use a program like "Magic Jelly Bean" to change that serial number to the proper one for each PC. It's messy, but do'able.

OK?

Doc

albert001 · Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 13

Cool thx

BudDurland · Joined: Dec 05, 2002 Posts: 426

We do this sort of thing at work with Acronis True image without much fuss. depending on how high up the product chain you want to go, Acronis has very sophisticated tools for image generation & deployment, as well as automatic individual workstation backup. I believe they had free trial software for download on their web site.

alphanumeric · Joined: Jun 02, 2004 Posts: 633

As far as XP goes you could do your install on the one PC then run sysprep on that PC before you create your image. Sysprep can clear the product code so its blank. Then you image each PC and then when prompted for the product code enter the one on the sticker on the side of the PC. In theory it should work. You might have to make two images if you have OEM and retail versions of XP. You will for sure if you have XP Pro and XP home. I don't know if sysprep can reset office though. The other option is to buy as many corporate licenses as you need and one or more volume license edition XP Cd's. Then you only have the one product code to mess with (one image) and no activation is required.

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1134 Location: Central FL, USA

Albert,
I'd be grateful if you'd let us know how you finally solved your problem. Idea

Personally, I'd be using Ghost 2003, because it's small enough to be run from a boot floppy, CD or even a flash drive and NEVER needs to be loaded on any PC hard drive.
When run from a boot floppy (even a USB floppy drive) it will make a self booting DVD copy of the hard drive. Nothing's simpler when it's time to do a restore.
Toshiba uses the same technique for their Factory Restore DVD's.

Doc

albert001 · Joined: Jan 01, 2008 Posts: 13

This has been put on hold. I bought a copy of Norton Ghost 14.0 and downloaded Magical Jelly Bean, but when I talked to one of the higher-ups, he didnt like the sound of Magical Jelly bean. He made a wierd face when I explained it to him. We don't have that many computers that are the same model, so for now I just will keep doing it their way. I did find a drive duplicator that will do two drives at a time (sata or ide) for only $1500 at http://www.ics-iq.com. We only have 35 computers/users though. If and when I do anything, I will let you guys know. Thanks for the help though.