Automating OSS Install On Multiple Non Identical Machines (Image / Ghost?)

SubDude199

Member
Hi All. :)

I reformat computers daily. And I do the same thing to every computer (Install Oss, Install Drivers, Load my business theme, Load AVG Free, Arrange Icons, ect.) Its VERY repetitive and I KNOW there is a better options out there. I have played with Nlite and created a untended installation witch helped a lot, but now I need to get all the extra little things I do to be automated for me.

So I would like to load everything manually on one computer, set it up exactly how I want with my theme and AVG and everything to the point where its ready to ship. Then take a image or snapshot of it and save it. Then when the next computer comes in I want to apply that image. I know that is exactly what Norton Ghost does. But the hard parts comes here: NONE of these computers will be identical.

I am not worried about network name or ID at all because they will never be on the same network. I am also not worried about CD key or activation. I will take the time after every install to change the CD key to match the displayed key on the case and activate the Windows on that computer.

I believe the biggest problem will be the size of the hard drives will vary greatly from about 40GB to over 500GB. The second and largest problem I see is drivers. Its my understand that for Norton Ghost to work properly the computes need to be either identical or close to identical.

I was thinking for fixing that problem I will back up the drivers from each system BEFORE the drive is formatted. Maybe using a driver backup program like WinDriversBackup. (Or Some Equivalent Program - Any Recommendations). Or would it work to just back up the Drivers or System32 Folders? or search for *.SYS files and back them all up then put them back on the hard drive before booting?


Is Norton Ghost the best program for this job or do you have any other recommendations? Thank you for any help you have to offer.
 

SubDude199

Member
or is there like a ultimate driver pack I can streamline into the initial install so it covers most compenents like Vista and Windows 7 Already do?

Or would it work if the PC does not boot to run repair with the XP disk?
 

salvage-this

Active Member
if you are familiar with programming I'm sure there is a way that you could run a program that would call the .exe for the drivers. might be tough to make.
 

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
If all the machines have different hardware in them then it would be very difficult to figure out. If they were all the same machine then you could create an image.
 
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