Yeah, I think what the OP would be looking for is taking bits and pieces of everything posted so far, taking the extra time to create something that could be deployed to the hardware they end up with, then only having to spend minimal time to finish off each install. A little hard work (time) up front can pay off in the end.
Another thing to be looking at is whether or not each machine will be direct access to the web or some simply be tied into a central network. Without web access the activation of the volume license used as well as the automatic updates for Windows and generally the av program and other office wares used as well would miss out on simply seeing any extra device drivers added along with the software updates.
The option for the generic system image before any full install is complete and holding off on all device drivers could still cover most of the machines. At least with the typical multi office machine type environment the extra work is simply finishing up the install on each pc rather then the full start from scratch. board, video, sound(when applicable), printer software/drivers following all of the office wares and the av program used would still be seeing the need for individual attention however.
i believe i got my answer from all of the great information and links to tutorials you all posted! Thank you for all the help. Maybe i can one day be good enough to help you guys on a problem
The guides here are well written! Simply following them closely will generally working results each time.
If you do get stuck on something or need more information simply get back to us here.
ok. I have an experimental bootable usb drive. is there a way to on the same drive(or a seperate if needed) put the windows update files(which i have done) and have the newly installed operating system install them without me having to go thru and clicking them all?
The method for integrating updates and even SP1 into the 7 media you would use to see an automatic install of all updates as well as the service pack is by way of slipstreaming everything into a new iso image. You can then see that new image burned to disk or written to a flash drive made bootable as a new USB Install Key. Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 into a Installation DVD or ISO File
The one thing to know ahead of time however if your Windows product key is pre-SP1 any install with SP1 integrated won't be able to be activated. The product key would need to be from a 7/SP1 release.The updates however can still be integrated using the RT 7 Lite program discussed there.
Quote