Installing numerous PCs from a master build - Is this possible

Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 30
    win 7 hp 64 bit
       #1

    Installing numerous PCs from a master build - Is this possible


    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 ...
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,408
    ME/XP/Vista/Win7
       #2

    Take a look here:
    Windows 7 OPK
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #3

    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/down...ows_7_opk.aspx
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 13
    64
       #4

    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.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 30
    win 7 hp 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    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 ...
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 2,913
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #6

    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?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 30
    win 7 hp 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #7

    As for the OPK links all I can get is

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

    Steve ...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 30
    win 7 hp 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    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 ...
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 2,913
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #9

    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.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 2,528
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #10

    kegobeer said:
    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.
      My Computer


 
Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:45.
Find Us