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Symantec Ghost Automation

We are using Symantec Ghost 8 with an Windows XP image. We are getting ready to roll out a lot of computers and I would like to know if there is a way I can automate the rest of the install. After the image we still need to enter the XP product key, computer name, time zone, TCP/IP options, and then add it to the domain. Is there a way the we can automate this process? Thanks.

SOLUTION

boris711

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isd503

I am almost certain that you will have to continue entering certain information during this process, unless you purchase a Microsoft Select agreement. The Select CD's do not require a license key and other information you refer to above. However, they are significantly more expensive than the typical Open License agreement.

I have the same issue. There are two types of Ghost software; Norton Ghost and Symantec Ghost. Norton Ghost products are typically for home users. Symentec Ghost typically includes Multicast software which allows one to apply images to workstations over the network via TCP/IP. You can also write images from machines to an NTFS partition over the network. You sound like you are already using this feature and are just looking for a way to image a workstation and go to work?

In my example, I use images I created using the green Windows XP Professional CD-ROM that comes with a new Dell OptiPlex machine. I create the image without ever joining the machine to the domain. I configure it the way I want, perform all updates, etc. I use sysprep for XP Professional SP-2: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3E90DC91-AC56-4665-949B-BEDA3080E0F6&displaylang=en

I then dump it from the machine to the server using Ghost Multicast software. I always use the -split=650 switch so I can burn the image to CD-ROM if necessary.

I then use Ghost Multicast to write the image to multiple machines. When they boot, I have to go through initial configuration with each of them and I use the license key on the sticker attached to the machine.

jmoody

ASKER

isd503 you are right I am doing just as you are and was hoping there was something that would allow it to finish without intervention from me.
Thanks for the reply boris771, I will research that a little further.

dclive

Count another answer for Sysprep.

It will automate everything for you, start to finish - VLK #s, timezone, username / companyname, adding to the domain...everything. You should always Sysprep prior to Ghosting, as that ensures the XP machines made from that Ghost .GHO file will be unique.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

bigjimbo813

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bigjimbo813

format was screwed up

[Unattended]
OemSkipEula=Yes
OemPreinstall=Yes
UpdateUPHAL="APCIAPIC_MP,%windir%\inf\hal.inf"
OemPnPDriversPath=D\AA;D\AB;D\AC;D\AD;D\AE;D\AF;D\AG;D\BA;D\BB;D\BC;D\BD;D\BE;D\BF;D\BG;D\BH;D\BI;D\BJ;D\BK;D\BL;D\BM;D\CA;D\CB;
DriverSigningPolicy=Ignore
TargetPath=\WINDOWS
UpdateInstalledDrivers=Yes
InstallFilesPath=C:\sysprep\i386
ResetSourcePath=F:\XP_i386
KeepPageFile=0

jmoody

ASKER

bigjimbo813 thanks for the example this helps a lot.

bigjimbo813

no problem!

good luck!