Cloning XP to 10 Computers

ComputerWizKid

Golden Member
Apr 28, 2004
1,188
0
86
The community center which I volunteer for was recently given 10 computers and they all have a bootleg copy of Windows 7. The community center director wants me to go back to XP. I want to install XP on one computer and clone it to the rest of them. The cloning part I am pretty sure I know (I will use cloneziilla) but the only part I have doubts about is the license information. If I use the key from one of the computers how can I activate all of the other computers, which have a different key? All of the computers are exactly the same with an XP Professional sticker on the top of the computer.
Is there a special way to do what I want to do?

Thanks

PS. Unfortunately I have to use XP as the director does not want Linux and they don't want to put any money into these computers
 

wayliff

Lifer
Nov 28, 2002
11,720
11
81
I think what you want to do is NOT activate the first computer until the image is created. Also use 'sysprep' to prepare the first computer for cloning.

If one already cloned using an activated image, one can also use 'sysprep' on each machine to create the out of the box experience which includes activation.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577
 

Matt1970

Lifer
Mar 19, 2007
12,320
3
0
Keyfinder allows you to change the key but I think you want to use sysprep like wayliff suggested so it will be easier to set up different user/computer names for all the machines.
 

WilliamM2

Platinum Member
Jun 14, 2012
2,980
876
136
You need to activate the first computer, or it won't let you use Windows updates. Once you have it just the way you want it, use sysprep choosing the "re-seal" option. This will shut down the machine. Then use a boot CD to create an image. You will be prompted to enter the keys on each machine on the first boot into windows.