Hardware Independant Image?

The_KiD · 24 Nov 2006 at 09:59

Is it possible to create a hardware independent image for PC's?

So that it will install windows, all the patches, MS Office, av software etc, then when it's complete we can install any drivers needed?

Vai · 24 Nov 2006 at 10:10

Look into nLite, I havn't used it myself, but you can use it to integrate the patches, drivers, customise Windows before installing it, and I think it can automatically install .msi files.

Clarkey · 24 Nov 2006 at 15:46

put simply no, you would have to use a custom windows installation.

Craig321 · 24 Nov 2006 at 15:49

Clarkey said:
put simply no, you would have to use a custom windows installation.

You can, just use nLite and slipstream the SP packs, drivers and updates in/.

Clarkey · 24 Nov 2006 at 15:59

what do you think I meant

bledd · 24 Nov 2006 at 16:13

isn't this what sysprep is used for?, or does that only work if you're using it on pc's that are all the same?

this_is_gav · 25 Nov 2006 at 11:03

bledd. said:
isn't this what sysprep is used for?, or does that only work if you're using it on pc's that are all the same?

In short, yes, but if you use a common platform with drivers built into Windows (an old Intel based PC is usually best) or build an image within VMWare Workstation (probably VMWare Server too), and not installing 3rd party drivers then you'll usually be OK.

One situation I've had no luck with is with most laptops. No matter what I've tried, I can't get the image to get as far as Sysprep after deploying the image to the laptop. It's been fine on every desktop I've tried though.