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

[turtlebain]

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]

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.

 

[turtlebain]

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.'

 

[TCG]

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.

+1 for sysprep. It's the only way to go.

Basically what he's saying by "metal or chip" is it will allow you to install this captured state onto any hardware without issue, as sysprep removes the hardware/software specific items that prevent windows from moving once it's been installed. It requires some setup, but once you get your routine down, it's very easy to do and maintain. My windows installs here are roughly 4-5 mins from flash drive boot, to up and running on the new install. Saves a TON of time.

 

[gregrocker]

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

 

[turtlebain]

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.

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.

 

[turtlebain]

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.

 

[gregrocker]

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:

 

[Kari]

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

No. What he meant is sysprep with generalize switch removes all hardware specific information and drivers, using Windows general drivers instead:

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

 

[turtlebain]

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.

 

[gregrocker]

No it is not a fresh install, but includes everything already installed such as the Adobes, Works, CCleaner, Defragger, Firefox w/customizations, TeamViewer, Updates, SP1, Office, desktop, etc.

I prefer Paragon Adaptive Restore which if I moved this HD or its image to another computer then run PAR from CD on it, it would start up and I would have the same exact install on another computer with no noticeable changes or further setup needed after drivers are loaded.

SysPrep requires a bit more setup but still has everything you've installed for the most part. When original is setup as Hidden Admin, it will start up with Account Setup like a new computer from the store.

 

[TCG]

You're not doing a fresh install, you're restoring your image that you created with sysprep onto any new computer that you'd like(hardware does not mattter). Not only is the install very quick, but once windows is up and running, all the programs you installed are there as well saving you even more time.

It's much like the state your computer would be in if you bought it from Dell, HP, Acer, etc.... Plug it in, turn it on, you're at the setup screen. Once you get to windows all the HP/Dell/Acer software is installed already. This is how they do it.

 

[Kari]

An imaginary scenario:

I have 5 computers, all with different hardware setup. I want to install Windows 7 Ultimate on all 5 rigs, plus Office 2010, VLC Player, complete Windows Live Suite and Skype. I have 5 Ultimate licences (product keys).

I use the one of these 5 rigs with the smallest drive C: as a "master rig" (this because of the problems and extra steps involved when restoring a system image to a smaller HD). I install Windows, Office 2010, VLC Player, Windows Live suite and Skype.

Now, following the steps on Method 2 in this already mentioned tutorial, I create a sysprepped image of that system. Now comes the easy part: I just restore this image to remaining four computers.

Result: five rigs with identical Windows 7 setup.

One important thing to remember when you are setting up rigs to be sold or otherwise deployed: When installing Windows on the "master rig", the one you are going to sysprep, stop the normal setup procedure when Windows after last reboot of installation phase stops to ask username. Do not enter the username ! Instead, press CTRL+SHIFT+F3 to enter Audit Mode.

Audit Mode allows you to install all apps you want to and customize the Windows setup. This is done using the built-in administrator account, no other user accounts need to be created. When the setup is ready, do the sysprep and deploy the image to other computers. Doing this way, every computer with this image boots first time as any new Windows installation, asking user to enter username and computer name.

To put it short, when you see this dialog, do not enter a username. Instead, boot to audit mode pressing CTRL+SHIFT+F3:

Kari