Question

How to install Windows XP Pro on multiple computers

Asked by: comteksystems

Hello experts,

I need to figure out the best and most efficient way of installing Windows XP Pro on 20 computers with similar but not exact same  hardware. The computers are not on a domain, but rather a big workgroup. Of course, each computer has its own legit product key. Obviously, I don't want to install them one at a time if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.

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Asked On
2007-02-08 at 10:31:20ID22155280
Tags

multiple

,

computers

,

xp

,

windows

,

install

Topic

Operating Systems Miscellaneous

Participating Experts
6
Points
500
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: PUNKYPosted on 2007-02-08 at 11:00:18ID: 18496192

Use Arconis. Check its website and chat with their technical support for right software you need.

 

by: supportsolutionsPosted on 2007-02-08 at 11:08:57ID: 18496255

 

by: PUNKYPosted on 2007-02-08 at 11:17:07ID: 18496309

Yes, that is also one method as well, Supportsolution :)

 

by: durindilPosted on 2007-02-08 at 11:34:29ID: 18496443

You could make an automated install with Nlite http://www.nliteos.com.  They would have the same key, so you would then go and use the microsoft license key replacement procedure to put the proper key on each computer.

 

by: KromptonPosted on 2007-02-08 at 11:54:15ID: 18496613

An unattended install is probably one of the best ways though it becomes a bit labor intensive if you need to install common applications during the install. It can be done but if you're not real proficient at setting up this kind of an install it's probably not worth the time for 20 machines.
If you need the various applications included in the install then I would probably look at setting up a single PC and install all apps and patches as you require. Then use Sysprep on the disk and maybe include an unattended answer file and making an image of the disk using Acronis as mentioned above or Ghost. Just Google Unattended Install and Sysprep and you will find a number of resources to guide you.
Sysprep will allow each system to install drivers for minor differances in hardware as well as giving each machine a new SID. SIDs don't really give you too much trouble in a Workgroup but they can cause issues if you ever move to an AD Domain.

Krompton

 

by: BradGrouxPosted on 2007-02-08 at 12:50:59ID: 18497082

A RIS can be a pain to setup if you've never done it before... but it is a God-send after you suffer the initial hassle of learning how to do it. I have one for imaging my servers and would never think about actually inserting a CD and doing a build again.

 

by: AdminJeremyPosted on 2007-02-08 at 13:12:18ID: 18497244

Unattended installation is the most flexible method of deploying XP Pro. You can automate both clean installations and upgrades, and you can automate the installation and configuration of a wide range of system settings and system components without running batch files or scripts.

For a complete overview see: <a href="http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/0930ddbf-3636-4b77-81ff-c1a073f38cbb1033.mspx?mfr=true"> Here.</a>

 

by: comteksystemsPosted on 2007-02-08 at 13:50:17ID: 18497528

thanks for the help guys. it looks like i'll the unattended installation a shot.

 

by: KromptonPosted on 2007-02-09 at 04:41:17ID: 18500765

It's a useful skill to have and worth learning incase you have larger projects later.

Good Luck and thanks for the points,
Krompton

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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