asked on

Cloning computers

What is the best way to clone 5 computers.

I will image one master computer just the way I want it, and save it on a USB key , then I want to boot from the USB and install the image on the computer.

I will need all computers to work in a network, so I will have to change the computer name, and I need the Cloning program to re-generate SID for each computer.

In the future I want to use that image for clone over the network.

What is the best / easy working solution that you know.

Cotillion

This technet has step-by-step instructions on how to capture a Windows 7 machine and then Sysprep it. Sysprep removes the identifying information from the machine, so you can set it to what you like.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee523217(v=ws.10).aspx

Luke

alonig1

ASKER

I'm sure there is a simpler way , (e.g Acronis , ghost etc..)

John

You need to be sure what licensing you have before using Ghost (or Acronis). If you have OEM licensing, there are Microsoft restrictions about making images of OEM computers except for backup for that computer.

Sysprep gets around this but is more complicated than you might like for 5 computers.

alonig1

ASKER

It's Dell computers with the original Dell images installed.

SOLUTION

rindi

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

SOLUTION

Cotillion

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

alonig1

ASKER

Each computer comes with their own license and with windows pre-installed. so every computer has license. my question is what is the best way to clone, there is no product key on the sticker just Windows 7 .

alonig1

ASKER

Ok leave the license for a second.

What is the best and easiest way to clone the machines. ?

John

That's now an academic question. Ghost works just fine if licensing is not an issue. I have used this at clients and it works well.

SOLUTION

Cotillion

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

alonig1

ASKER

To clone 5 computers do I need to buy license for each one of the computers or just for main one.

I will copy the image to a flash drive and boot from the USB and extract the image to the machine locally.

Cotillion

What license are you referring to?

alonig1

ASKER

of the program itself, in this case ghost $48.

John

You need a Ghost license for each computer, but in volume the cost should be less than $48. It is for us.

Cotillion

If you use PING, it's free and you don't need a license.

alonig1

ASKER

So after I use ping or any other software I should run sysprep?

SOLUTION

Cotillion

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

rindi

As I mentioned earlier, you will need to get a Windows Volume License in order to image one PC to another. Without it you aren't allowed to do this.

SOLUTION

David Johnson, CD

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

alonig1

ASKER

You took an easy process is made it somewhat difficult. for someone that is looking for an easy solution your answer just failed in the response.

There are many products out there , with GUI that eases the process.

SOLUTION

David Johnson, CD

membership

This solution is only available to members.

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

Start Free Trial

NinjaStyle82

I recommend clonezilla live. it's free and very easy.

http://clonezilla.org/liveusb.php

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION