Author Topic: Anyone have experience with image on file servers? (Read 661 times)

AG Sach · « **on:** August 26, 2001, 10:38:00 PM »

I ask this question for I am about to embark on an ambitious program to delete multiple image files and create one that will work across multiple platforms. The OS is win 2k, so the question is has anyone ever done this before? And if so could they possibly shed some light on this? Any help would be very appreciated.

AG

Lephturn · « **Reply #1 on:** August 27, 2001, 03:36:00 PM »

How about if I told you that you could have multiple image files that only took up a bit more room than a single one?

You can do that with Win2k. Win2k is much more flexible in this situation in any case, and you can even use Syspart to automate the setup of computers with different HALs and/or different storge controllers. Win2k has automated setup options designed to work with programs like ghost. It's the best OS Microsoft has ever produced for automated installs.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/TechNet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/deploy/sysprep.asp

That will give you some info.

For everything you need, go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/reskit/dpg/default.asp

That's got everything you need as far as Win2k goes.

Are you rolling out only clients, or is this an AD network? If it's AD, you can solve most of your app deployment needs with Group Policy Objects. It's very slick.

AG Sach · « **Reply #2 on:** August 27, 2001, 04:37:00 PM »

Leph, thanks for the links. What we have is local PC's and we image them with a standard build, software, OS, and hardwareetc... The prob we are runing into is we have multiple desktop platforms and we are trying to see if we can cut the 30 or so images we have down to 1 universal image with win 2k or XP. I will see what I can get going with these links and report on progress.

I was able to make a single image file for NT 4.0 over multi platforms and that was using scripts and such. But this is different with so many out there now. Will soon see thanks again for the links.

AG

qts · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2001, 03:20:00 PM »

I'm not entirely sure what you're after. If you want an *image*, then you're stuffed. If you want an auto-install, that's a different matter.

Realistically, how are your systems going to differ? OS, CPU/motherboard, and video card mainly. So have an auto-install set which is modified depending upon your selection of the OS and video card.

AG Sach · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2001, 04:01:00 PM »

QTS, well it took me some figuring out but I came up with a solution. I am not going to be able to get it down to one build but in fact 2 builds 1 for desktop and 1 for Laptops. Rather ingenious way of doing it, but I am starting out the development and testing in the lab tomorrow. Once I get it working to the fullest and our company has implemented it I will come back with details.