Installing numerous PCs from a master build - Is this possible

[w3a537]

I'm not sure where online to go (what forum) to
ask this question, so I will just start here.
Any advice will be appreciated, or pointers to
information elsewhere, etc.
If I'm asking in the wrong place, re-direct me.
---
I build and sell PC's to small businesses. Well
configured systems. No junk. I use as much free
software as possible. Liscenses permitting.
Quality software.
---
I want to make a master system(s), just one master
if possible. Windows 7 with all the apps, ready to
go. I want to migrate this master(s) to other PC's.
Supplying new license keys when needed.
Worst case scneario, dis-similar hardware.
---
Is this possible? How?
I've seen a few references to commercial software
that does this. Recommendations?
I'm not sure what Google keywords to use either.
---
Thanks in advance, Steve Broshears ...

 

[theog]

Take a look here:
Windows 7 OPK

 

[seavixen32]

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Cloning an image is one way, but of course you'll need to discuss your license requirements with Microsoft.

Cloning: A Fast, Easy Way to Set Up Multiple Computers

You can also become an OEM system builder, which Microsoft will cater for.

http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/downloads/pages/windows_7_opk.aspx

 

[Ted Myers]

Instead of Cloning, I would use Imaging. Same app for either cloning or Imaging. You can save an Image to an ext HD, then you would have a single compressed file to restore to all the new PC's. Obviously you would have to purchase the required keys for each PC from MS to be able to activate the OS on each PC.

 

[w3a537]

Cloning Imaging ..
I tried this.

I have a Samsung ATOM 270 all set up ready to go. Works fine.
I made an image using the TeraByte Imager I always use.
I like this product. It's on a boot CD.

I installed the image to an Asus ATOM machine.

Error 0xc000000e.

Doing it this way doesn't work.
Possibly another imager.
I'm looking for advise.

Thank you very much, Steve ...

 

[kegobeer]

Imaging usually only works for identical machines with hard drives configured the same. The error you mention might be because of a partition or drive config issue. Are both installations configured to use AHCI (in the bios)? Do both computers have the 100MB system partition? Have you checked the boot loader?

 

[w3a537]

As for the OPK links all I can get is

"you are not authorized to view ..."
from the MS web pages.

Steve ...

 

[w3a537]

Like I said in my first post,

"worst case is dis-similar hardware".

In my last post I talked about imaging the Samsung to the Asus
in which both have ATOM processers which failed.

As for the mention of the 100mb partition, if you buy a PC from say an
office supply store you may have a c: of 100mb and a d: much larger.

If you install yourself you will likely get one C: which is large.

The 100mb partition a lot of times the norm.

Steve ...

 

[kegobeer]

Windows 7 creates a 100MB partition during the install process, unless you stop it from doing so. It is hidden, so you do not see it and certainly you won't have a C drive with 100MB. This partition is for the bitlocker feature.

If your original (donor) computer had Windows 7 installed and it created this partition, and you try to restore the image to a computer without the partition, you will most certainly have problems since Windows will be looking for this partition.

 

[cluberti]

If your original (donor) computer had Windows 7 installed and it created this partition, and you try to restore the image to a computer without the partition, you will most certainly have problems since Windows will be looking for this partition.

Depends - if you use setup to push your WIM down to the computer, it will recreate it and the bootsector. If you're just using imagex to push the WIM down, then it might not go so well without some custom scripting.

 

[kegobeer]

If your original (donor) computer had Windows 7 installed and it created this partition, and you try to restore the image to a computer without the partition, you will most certainly have problems since Windows will be looking for this partition.

Depends - if you use setup to push your WIM down to the computer, it will recreate it and the bootsector. If you're just using imagex to push the WIM down, then it might not go so well without some custom scripting.

Based on the OP's posts, I'm guessing it's a straight image, which would account for the error he's getting.

 

[gregrocker]

This is what SysPrep is for.

Create your master install, SysPrep it, then backup the image:

SysPrep to move HD to another computer
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
System Image Recovery
Macrium - Image your system

 

[w3a537]

Well I didn't make these mistakes.
I don't know why this is even being discussed.

As for the 100mb partition see:

http://www.sevenforums.com/installation-setup/10408-whats-100mb-partition-can-i-delete.html

I don't have one because I didn't ask Windows 7 to create one.
I know how to (not) do this.
End of story.

 

[Layback Bear]

End of story works for me. Have a nice day.

 

[theog]

As for the OPK links all I can get is

"you are not authorized to view ..."
from the MS web pages.

Steve ...

I build and sell PC's to small businesses.

You will need to sign in, with your business account.

 

[kegobeer]

End of story works for me. Have a nice day.

Ditto. Peace out.

 

[w3a537]

I don't know where my last post went but
what is a business account? Do I need one.
How do I get one?

 

[theog]

Microsoft OEM Partner Center

 

[w3a537]

One more time. Possibly I can explain better.

Someone said "You will need to sign in, with your business account".

I've looked all over at the top of the 1st page of this forum.
I found nothing about a sevenforums business account.

I've googled for "sevenforums business account". There were no hits.

I don't know what was meant by this post.

Steve ...

 

[theog]

As for the OPK links all I can get is

"you are not authorized to view ..."
from the MS web pages.

Steve ...

I build and sell PC's to small businesses.

You will need to sign in, with your business account.

I don't know where my last post went but
what is a business account? Do I need one.
How do I get one?

Microsoft OEM Partner Center

MS account, for the above.