Ghosting to different hardware

[sternfan2011]

Hi all,
In the past I have used ghost to clone XP PCs but it only really worked if all of the target PCs were the same hardware as the source. So basically if you had 3 different models of PCs - you needed 3 different source images.

I was talking to another tech, and he tells me that this is no longer the case; that you can create a single source image and client will work regardless of what hardware it is.

Is this true? Can you push images to different PCs using the same source?

Any info appreciated,
Rob

 

[gregrocker]

Only by SysPrepping the installation before imaging it, reimaging with Acronis True Image with Universal Restore, or using Paragon Adaptive Restore if you can still find it's boot CD to boot and adapt the image before starting it up.

SysPrep to move HD to another computer

 

[sternfan2011]

Thanks for the prompt response.

Yes - I sysprep everything before ghosting. In the past, I would setup the source PC - software installs etc - sysprep - then do the ghosting. But I would have to do that for every type of PC, which meant that there were several source images and they weren't always quite the same (forget to install something, etc).

Specifically what I am trying to do is create a source PC, sysprep it and be able to do an install on a batch of Dells, then a batch of HPs - all with the same image. Has anyone done this? Are there any gotchas?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[gregrocker]

Why SysPrep the image for each batch of computers? Use the same Sysprepped image which will have most of the drivers in it since it is Win7 - the first driver-complete OS via the installer and optional Windows Updates.

If you want to slipstream in the few missing drivers for a batch of models, use 7Lite.

 

[sternfan2011]

I think you are misunderstanding me - in the past (XP) I would have to make different images for different groups of hardware.

When I go to win7 - my hope is to have a single image that works on all the hardware. (after sysprepping etc). I haven't done it yet, so just want to make sure this can be done before putting in the time.

Rob

 

[gregrocker]

I guess it depends upon the model and how many drivers (including LAN to get online to Update) are missing after reimaging and not provided from the huge Win7 Driver Store or WIndows Update. If there are too many you may want to customize that model's image by slipstreaming the additional Updates/drivers using 7Lite.