hardware independent imaging

[ViviTheMage]

We typically use Ghostcast to build up our images.

But we now have about 6 DIFFERENT machines, with 3 types of images. So I am looking into getting some HIL software.

I checked out ghost, UIU, and Landesks, but they all seem to charge per seat, which is insane!

We have about 1400 laptops/desktops, but we'll only image 200 or so a year, if that. Any recommendations on some software? We only re-image if the laptop is in our hands, we'd like to image at branches, but I assume that'd be a headache, more licensing, etc...not worth it, yet. So we just need the capabilities to have HIL on multiple Dell/IBM machines.

Any input on UIU, Ghost, or Landesk's solutions and costs are welcome!

 

[Nothinman]

Have you looked at just automating the installs with something like Windows RIS?

 

[ViviTheMage]

Not at all, how does RIS work exactly?

 

[Nothinman]

Actually, that might be the old name. A quick google turns up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Automated_Installation_Kit now.

 

[ViviTheMage]

All of the downloads I found for WIK are :

The Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) helps you to install, customize, and deploy the Microsoft Windows Vista™ family of operating systems.

We need XP PRO SP3

 

[tdawg]

I think you want to look into sysprep: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302577, and unattended installs: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314459

 

[ViviTheMage]

I haven't had any luck switching from desktops to laptops, and video card drive issues...sysprep is not that great.