Can you clone the program files with customised configurations from a Windows 7 to a Terminal service server?

Hi peeps

Is there a way of grabbing the configurations of a Windows 7 machine and then somehow having all of the applications and configurations made to that machine exported into a virtual terminal services server (on 2008R2 or 2012 depending on application compatibility) so that when you log onto that TS server it has the same applications/configs as the Windows 7 machine?

Is the easiest way for me to use something like Acronis to clone the application sections? Or is something like this possible using Vmware products?

I have Vmware Esxi 5.5 running on our infrastructure.

Thanks for helping
Yashy
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YashyAsked:
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systechadminConsultantCommented:
you can use P2V Convertor.
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Shaun VermaakTechnical Specialist/DeveloperCommented:
No, not when you want to jump from one OS version to another
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YashyAuthor Commented:
Hi Gaurav.

Can you please explain this further? I have the Vmware Vcenter Converter standalone version 6.2.

I have already done a P2V.

If I open it, do I configure the machine? What do I do to get all of the configurations transported from this onto a Terminal Services server?

Thanks
Yash
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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE MVE^2)VMware and Virtualization ConsultantCommented:
Don’t waste your time some one is talking foobar!

You can P2V your Windows 7 Machine

But importing program settings from one Windows OS to Terminal Server or Server is a different matter entirely!

Possible yes!

But difficult

Easier to reinstall software!
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Lee W, MVPTechnology and Business Process AdvisorCommented:
I wouldn't trust any utility that claims to do this to do it right.  I would look at this on a case by case basis.  Some applications may store settings in a way this is obvious and possible... others may not.  Examine each app and try it.  Of course, that's a HUGE time suck (you generally know this about the app or you don't, in which case, assume not).
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YashyAuthor Commented:
Righteo. I'll take the latter advice.

Basically, this is what we are trying to do:

We have quite a lot of stores/shops. These shops have laptops/PC's on them with specially configured software. Along with that, they also have a Skorpio barcode scanner with a special application that was configured.  However, every single time those laptops/PC's die or need replacing, costs an absolute fortune.

So, I virtualised one of these laptops and tried to have it running as a virtual machine on our infrastructure as a test. It runs without any problems.

Now, what we want to do is use a thin client, with the Skorpio scanner connected to them as they will sit in the shop and then have staff RDP or remotely access the virtualised application system with the Skorpio scanner picked up.

I can't go down the citrix route, as that will be too expensive. So this is now my dilemma as to what to do.

Will Vmware Horizon somehow give us what we are trying to accomplish?

Appreciate the help guys.
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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE MVE^2)VMware and Virtualization ConsultantCommented:
Horizon View is more expensive than Citrix!

Not going to work with RDP!
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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE MVE^2)VMware and Virtualization ConsultantCommented:
RemoteFX is not really RDP, it's RDP on steroids...

but you need the infrastructure for that as well!
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YashyAuthor Commented:
For RemoteFx do I have to setup the TS server with Hyper V capability or is it more.complicated than that?
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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert / EE MVE^2)VMware and Virtualization ConsultantCommented:
That's the route.... and VDI
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