Re: [Info] Ghost Sysprep

Author	All Replies
NyQuil Kid 8f The Nyquil Kid join:2001-01-06 Brick, NJ 2 edits	reply to Badger3k Re: [Info] Ghost Sysprep Here's what I did when I maintained images (keep in mind that I used the Ubiboot program instead of using Sysprep, so you may have to modify the following a bit to reflect your environment). VMWare/Virtual PC would work, but you would want to test any image that is updated there on a real machine. 1) We had five machines, all Dell's ranging from GX110 to GX280 models. While the Ubiboot program allowed me to update and maintain an image on just one machine, I liked having the others there for testing. 2) I would update my images at least once a month, to account for updates to WinXP vis MSFT - we later adopted an SUS server, but I still followed the "once a month" policy. This allowed me to make sure any updates to WinXP went smoothly. Also, if new applications/updates to pre-existing apps were available, I would update the images on a when needed basis. What I don't believe in doing is creating an image and letting it stay "static" without applying OS updates. Before updating an image, I would rename the old one so that it didn't get overwritten. Once the image is updated, I would apply it to any of those five machines at random. 3) Have you applied that Sysprep image to both the desktop and laptop? If not, you can edit the Sysprep inf file to account for additional drivers for each machine. That way, the image can work on both platforms, yet you can update the image on one machine. However, if it were me, I would occasionally apply the image on both machines to ensure it continues to work on both. If you don't mind me asking, how are you handling the configuration of user profiles? Will multiple people be using one PC at a time? If you think it may help, I have some documentation I can provide that may help with tweaking out your image. [8F] The NyQuil Kid -- [8F] The NyQuil Kid comes into town not looking for trouble... n00bz gang up, but he ain't seein' double,... pulls and draws, his deagles two... n00bz litter the ground you know it's true.
	to forum · permalink · 2005-12-12 15:54:50 ·
Badger3k We Don't Need No Stinkin Badgers Premium join:2001-09-27 Franklin, OH	How does VMWare/VPC handle the different hardware? Testing the image on each of the machines isn't a problem, it's being able to keep 2 machines in my hands. We tend to have a lot of rogue "So and so started 2 weeks ago, here is all is hire information we need equipment now." so it's hard to keep any stock of machines for very long. We also have a lot of dated(pre-2000) machines that are slowing dying, which results in them being replaced. So, what I'd like to do is if possible, create all of the images using VPC/VMware type problem on my machine, and then testing them isn't an issue, as I can grab a new machine for a few hours to verify it works. We aren't really into any solid imageing procedure right now, which is why I'm trying to get all of this straight. For profiles, only 1 user per PC, but within the next few months we're switching to roaming profiles so I don't think that is going to be an issue. We'll probably stick with a laptop and desktop image, just because the laptop's get different software then the desktops do. VPN, wireless cards, etc for the laptops that the desktops just don't really need. However, does adding the drivers to Sysprep slow down the setup process any? Right now we're at about 15-minutes to have a basic machine up and running(just the time it takes to blow down the image and configure Outlook), so I would be afraid to add too much more time to the setup process. I would absolutely love anything you can provide to help. This is my first undertaking dealing with image management. =) Thanks! -- Team Discovery: Project Hope \| ET is out there, can you find him?
	to forum · permalink · 2005-12-12 16:45:53 ·

NyQuil Kid 8f The Nyquil Kid join:2001-01-06 Brick, NJ 1 edit	If the management expects you to maintain images, they need to understand that having the equipment to do so goes hand in hand with the responsibility of image creation/maintenance (I wouldn't be surprised at all if management _didn't_ comprehend that, since most IT managers are complete morons). That being said, you can use VMWare for image testing/maintenance. Given you have a laptop with additional equipment and software, placing it on VMWare may not prove to be ideal, since you wouldn't be able to update any wireless software/drivers (since it won't show up in VMWare AFAIK). Your best bet, IMO, is to _insist_ that you keep a desktop and laptop for your images. Check your earthlink email for some documentation - if you have any questions, feel free to email me. [8F] The NyQuil Kid -- [8F] The NyQuil Kid comes into town not looking for trouble... n00bz gang up, but he ain't seein' double,... pulls and draws, his deagles two... n00bz litter the ground you know it's true.
	to forum · permalink · 2005-12-12 17:27:21 ·
Badger3k We Don't Need No Stinkin Badgers Premium join:2001-09-27 Franklin, OH	Haven't gone to management about anything, so I am just exploring all of my options. If I have to have equipment, then that is what I will tell them. Thanks for the docs, I'll give them a good reading tonight/tomorrow. -- Team Discovery: Project Hope \| ET is out there, can you find him?
	to forum · permalink · 2005-12-12 19:02:30 ·

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