Force Windows 98/ME to redetect all hardware on Startup

[foxkm]

I am trying to make a generic image of Windows 98/ME to be able to ghost over to machines. I would like to be able to load the image, and then have it come up with a redect all hardware (no prompts or anything) and then if possible, come up with the form to regenerate the Netbios name, and the form which asks for a new Product Key.. I have seen it done on OEM machines, but I don't know how to set up Win98 or ME to do this.

I have tried removing the HKey_Local_machine/enum and this works, but it doesn't automatically do it and you loose all installed networking protocols/client drivers. Any way around this?

Thanks..

Kyle

 

[jfunk]

There are tools on the CD to do this, haven't done it in years and can't tell you exactly what you have to run, but it's like oemsetup or something.

However, there is nothing you're gonna be able to do about networking drivers etc.. not being there. They can't be there without a network device to bind to.

Also, a driver install is still a driver install. If it detects new hardware that it doesn't have a driver already installed for, your still gonna get the install screen.


j

 

[LiLithTecH]

The easiset way to do it is to CREATE the IMAGE, then;

- remove any hardware specific drivers (onboard/addon video, audio, modems, ethernet)
- set video to STANDARD VGA
- DELETE the 'IDE/ATAPI Controllers'
Go To Start \ Settings \ Control Panel \ System \ Device manager

Select "IDE/ATAPI CONTROLLERS" tab
The first item in the list is your primary ide controller.
Double click on it and select "Update driver"


next, in popup window choose "Select from a known list of drivers..."
(what is displayed is dependent on OS)


A Window with two options will be displayed:
Your current controller and then "Standard Dual Channel IDE controller"


Double click on the "Standard Dual channel IDE controller" and install it.
Once done it will ask you to reboot...say Yes.

This changes the controller driver from your specific one to a generic driver provided
and recognized by the OS.


The rest can be done with the SYSPREP Utility.
Be sure to have the IMAGE as you want it before running SYSPREP.
Also, be sure to use the -pnp -reboot switches.


If you need more specific info on how to setup sysprep leave me a PM.

 

[foxkm]

I think you are confused, Sysprep is for XP and 2000 only (as far as I can tell). I have tried using the OEM tool which comes on the 98/ME called ImagePrep, but its much different as it only outputs a directory with a couple of unknown files I have no clue what to do with. I believe it was just a simple batch wizard which didin't directly change anything in windows. If you have any clue how to make ImagePrep work for 98/ME I'm more happy to listen.

Thanks

foxkm

 

[LiLithTecH]

Trust me.

I have made images with SYSPREP of most Microsoft OS's (excluding Dos, Win3.1x).
Works like a charm when you get the hang of it.

 

[foxkm]

Then how do I make sysprep work in Windows 98, cause it just gives me a bunch of NT.DLL errors when I run Sysprep? Can you point me to a location where I can get Sysprep to work in Windows 98/ME ??

foxkm

 

[LiLithTecH]

Microsoft really did not support Cloning/Imaging and Sysprep in Windows ME
(the lack of a Resource Kit was the 1st indicator - it was not a usuable Enterprise OS release).

However, Windows 9x/2K/XP all support SYSPREP and its cloning features.

I have gotten SYSPREP to work on Windows ME, but it not a thing for the faint of heart.
You must use SYSPREP 1.1 or 2.0 (1.0 does not work well at all in ME).

The ANSWER file is the key to success when using SYSPREP.

If you are gettting DLL errors, list them here (by OS) and I will try to help you sort them out.
(the NT.dll and Kernel32.dll usually indicate a renegade driver leftover or not removed)

 

[NogginBoink]

Sysprep on Win9x?

What crack have you been smoking?

My cedibility meter is reading zero here. That's one of the most ridiculous things I've read in this forum, and that's quite a feat if you look at your competition.

 

[foxkm]

Originally posted by: NogginBoink
Sysprep on Win9x?

What crack have you been smoking?

My cedibility meter is reading zero here. That's one of the most ridiculous things I've read in this forum, and that's quite a feat if you look at your competition.

Sounds like someone got OwNeD