I want to know the MOST EFFICIENT way to install (on multiple PC's)

I'm a starting up system builder. I'm in the process of trimming down all my processes to maximize efficiency and eventually throughput.

One of my main bottlenecks at this point is installation of Windows. I have been doing it on all the computers individually so far.

I have one goal for this thread. Figure out how to do a clean install of Windows 7 the quickest way on multiple PC's.

Within this goal there are some minor goals that may or may not be necessary.
- How to run an automated install (through updates.)
- How to create a batch file to do install 'standard programs'
- Can I RAID1 (drive copies) multiple disks - say 10, then use them in 10 different computers?
- Can I install, configure, and update a single drive, then use a system image to 'flash' the other drives?

Ultimately, I need to know how to install many of the same configurations in the shortest time period.

gregrocker said:

I have SysPrepped Win7 backup image of a perfect install taken right after setup with basic programs, which I can use in place of installing: SysPrep to move HD to another computer

Takes about 20 minutes, then any time needed to optionally Update specific drivers, add a specific Office, Itunes, etc. But everything is already set up and running perfectly when it hits metal or chip.

Greg - first of all, you're the man for always answering my posts 1st and FAST.

That sounds like exactly what I need to do, but I'm not quite sure i understand what you mean by 'when it hits metal or chip.'

turtlebain said:

That sounds like exactly what I need to do, but I'm not quite sure i understand what you mean by 'when it hits metal or chip.'

When it is reimaged to the HD or SSD: System Image Recovery

TCG said:

sysprep removes the hardware/software specific items that prevent windows from moving once it's been installed.

So software installed on the image will not work on the new hard drive? Still having a hard time following.

TCG said:

My windows installs here are roughly 4-5 mins from flash drive boot, to up and running on the new install.

Oh my..... this is going to save me so much time.

gregrocker said:

When it is reimaged to the HD or SSD: System Image Recovery

So the steps are as follow (please confirm):
(1) Install Perfect System
(2) Run SysPrep on Perfect System
(3) Run Image Recovery (from Win7 boot disk)
(4) Enjoy a fully installed Windows with updates, programs, and drivers (assuming the same configuration) in 4-5 minutes with no known bugs.

Everything I've included in a SysPrepped image so far has run on any new hardware I try it upon. The activation is removed during the process along with all hardware ID's so you only need to reactivate paid software. Everything else works fine, amazingly.

The paid version of SysPrep is Paragon Adaptive restore CD which can prep the HD on the target hardware as well, whereas SysPrep must be run on original hardware TMK.

You missed the step in tutorial to create an Image of the SysPrepped HD if you don't want to move the HD itself. It's the image you deploy. Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

Here comes the author of this breakthrough 7F tutorial, Kari, who can help you further:

This from that tutorial Greg gave you a link earlier:

• All system specific information is removed or uninstalled
• Security ID (SID) of your hardware setup is reseted
• All system restore points are deleted
• All event logs are deleted
• All personalization is removed (taskbar, toolbars, folder options, start orb etc.)
• Built-in administrator account is disabled (if it was enabled) and needs to be re-enabled if needed

When then booting a new rig with this image:

• First boot configuration is run
• New SID is created
• Re-arm counter is reseted if not already re-armed three times
• Windows 7 is booted using first boot default drivers and settings

Kari[/QUOTE]


So by what you are saying, if it's a completely fresh install, I don't need SysPrep, because it will all be that way anyway. I don't want to create unnecessary steps - keep in mind I'm only performing fresh installs, that are going onto BLANK disks, and SAME hardware.