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Cloning Dell Computers

Afternoon Everyone. I'm in the process of getting 60 Dell machines for work. They are all the same model and configuration. In the past I would install all the software I'd need, clone it and then blow out the image to the other machines. My boss was doing some research and a colleague told him that the cloning might not work because each Dell machine has a unique system ID which I guess would mean Windows won't activate? Is this a concern? We will be cloning Windows 7 machines. If you guys need more information please let me know and I'd be happy to provide it. Thanks

McKnife

No concern. Change the product key on each machine and activate.

Patrick Bogers

Hi,

You would install one machine and install all updates. Just before Joining the domain use sysprep to delete all system specific info like Unique PID.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc721940(v=ws.10).aspx

Whats left is an image you can distribute to the 60 machines.

discgman

Yes, use the new sysprep and then either register each of the licenses once they are online or use a kms server script (If you have a kms server) to automate the windows licenses during the sysprep process.

Pancake_Effect

I image dell machines on a daily basis at work using imagex. As others stated, simply change the product key and you will be just fine. I've also done it using clonezilla.

The unique system ID might simply just be the service tag code that's installed on the support tool software when you buy it. You can simply go to their website and download their tool to be able to have their support website recognize the service code again, it's not a big deal.

esarmiento

Sysprep and then http://clonezilla.org/

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

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