asked on

Windows 7 Sysprep and computer names

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to deploy Windows 7 Pro x64 machines using sysprep.

I've done this several times before, and the naming scheme was just randomised, i.e. "computername" was "*", so the name was "company-xxxxxxx".

However, for this deployment, this is not appropriate and I need to name the machines like "ws01", "ws02", "ws03" etc. I understand that we can write a script to deploy after the sysprep and name the machines, however this would kick the machines off the domain and defeat the purpose of unattended join.

Has anyone ever done this type of thing before? Or is there anything anyone could suggest to help accomplish this?

Please let me know if you require any further information.

Many thanks,
Matt

Neil Russell

If your deploying a lot of machines to a domain then you realy should be looking at something like Windows Deployment Services. Makes life simple.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/video/deploying-windows-7-with-windows-deployment-services.aspx

David Johnson, CD

For best results, create a base machine in a virtual machine, set up the applications you desire, sysprep the machine and capture it with either Microsoft Deployment Toolkit or WDS and then deploy these images using pxe to the client machines. MDT can automate the machine naming and the domain join for you

mmcdoug

ASKER

Hi guys,

I should have mentioned that we cannot use Windows deployment services.

We will be deploying using Kaseya (effectively clonezilla).

Thanks!

Neil Russell

Essentials or Advanced?

mmcdoug

ASKER

I am not aware of any version. We purchased the full version deployment addon outright.

Neil Russell

Then it will do all of what you ask, including naming machines as they deploy.
I use SCCM So can not walk you through it but I dare say there is a good training resource available for configuring it for correct deployment somewhere either from Kaseya themselves or our old friend Mr Google.

Neil Russell

Although I must add that I have never heard ANY good feedback about Kaseya from people who have used it for any length of time, sorry :(

mmcdoug

ASKER

Kaseya is good for a lot of things. Deployment isn't one of them. I'm really looking for a solution outside of Kaseya, that isn't MS deployment.

Neil Russell

And whats wrong with WDS? Works perfectly

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Neil Russell

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

mmcdoug

ASKER

It is. I think this is my last option. I just wanted to use Kaseya considering how much it cost.

I'll try it. Thanks :)