Ghost or Activate Windows XP first?

[DrVos]

I am planning a roll out of 20 computers and am using Ghost 8.0 to image a single computer and then push that image on to the other 19 computers. We are using oem copies of Windows XP Home Edition. I was wondering what the general consensus is on activation. Should I activate, clone, change the product key, then reactivate? Or should shoud I clone, then change the key, then activate?

Does it even make a difference?

Thanks for the help

 

[arbytech]

I have always activated Windows then imaged the PC. When you run sysprep prior to imaging you can reset the 30 day grace period. My office uses OEMs of XP Pro and there has been no problems with activation on the PCs that received the image (over 75 PCs).

 

[DrVos]

Originally posted by: arbytech
I have always activated Windows then imaged the PC. When you run sysprep prior to imaging you can reset the 30 day grace period. My office uses OEMs of XP Pro and there has been no problems with activation on the PCs that received the image (over 75 PCs).

Do you use Ghost to do your imaging? And just to clarify, are you saying that you:
1. activate a fresh windows installation
2. run sysprep
3. image
4. Then change the key and activate on the pc's that recieve the image?

BTW, what are using to change the key?

Thanks

 

[arbytech]

Sorry for the delay.

The steps you listed are correct but you don't need number 4. After you have ran sysprep and imaged the PC when you drop that image down on a new PC the mini-setup runs (make sure you check that option in sysprep). In the mini setup you have to enter in the key code.

Yes I use Ghost 8.0 Corporate Edition.