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Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 11:13:52 AM

Title: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 11:13:52 AM

Hello

Are there are links, please, that show how to install Windows (let's say Win 7) onto 50 PCs (same model and components) in a company environment?

Thank you.

High1

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: Geek-9pm on January 05, 2014, 11:20:32 AM

Please don't double post.
a PC that can boot from a network and do an unattended install of Windows.
Look for:
How to: Install Windows Over Network
Here are some links:
http://www.overclock.net/t/345500/how-to-install-windows-over-network
http://www.ehow.com/way_5272460_install-windows-over-network.html
http://www.cyberstreams.com/posts/2009/october/how-to-install-windows-7-over-the-network-using-pxe-booting-and-tftp
And a video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xi0xRVlxbk
Have fun!

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: Allan on January 05, 2014, 11:26:19 AM

There are problems with the forum at the moment and I'm guessing you double posted by accident. I can't delete the duplicate right now but I'll lock it.

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 12:12:48 PM

OK, sorry about that, Allan

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 12:14:01 PM

Thanks for that, Geek, I'll take a look at the links!

High1

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: patio on January 05, 2014, 12:46:36 PM

Geek is sending you down the correct path...an unattended install is exactly what you want to research...

Also take a quick look at nLite which is a software app that helps ease the process...a fine Tool.

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 01:21:12 PM

Thanks to you all for your help. I'll take a look at nLite, Patio.

So, to summarise, one way is to do this (if I have understood correctly):

The Server

1) The server needs to install RIS (Remote Installation Services) through the Control Panel. The Windows installation files of a clean image/disk are installed onto the server hard drive. Once the files are copied to the server's hard drive, right-click the directory containing the installation files and choose 'Sharing'. This configures permissions for client access.

The Client

2) In each computer's BIOS, the client machine needs to boot using the network card. This forces the computer to query the network for boot files. The client computer finds the RIS server and RIS instructs the client to install Windows. Since Windows installation files include boot files, the client machine is able to boot and start the installation.

Is that correct?

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: patio on January 05, 2014, 01:40:57 PM

Yepper...so far so good.

Title: Re: Imaging/ghosting question
Post by: High1 on January 05, 2014, 02:08:12 PM

Oh, great. Thanks, Patio.

At least it's sunk in!

Cheers

High1