Auto Installer

[lisss001]

Hi I have around 10 computers to manage in my home and every so often I would say three to four times a year a machine has to be re-installed.

The problem is that installing means installing the following applications:

- IE8

- Combined Community Codec Pack

- Norton Internet Security

- Microsoft Office 2007

- Skype

That's quite a lot and I have considered virtualising everything as it would make my life a lot easier but I don't think this is a viable way forward.

My question to you guys is, without setting up a domain is their a way I can run a script from a removable hdd (where the installs are located) that will look for the software and install it with relevant license keys etc if it isn't already?

I also need some of the following files copied to each new machine:

- Logon Wallpaper (Windows Vista Customised)

- DNS Settings

- Set Administrator account to active with password "12345"

- Turn off Windows Sidepanel

So any suggestions ?

Or is their a generic way to re-image a machine whilst installing this software and auto-partitioning the hdd to it's maximum size?

I would invest in software if recommended.

Any help appreciated.

[user_a]

Actuallu,yes.Try to use n-Lite to make unatended instalation on windows.It has functions for installation of drivers, software, configure windows and cutting some services. Try to download from here:

http://www.nliteos.com/download.html

You can use the n-Lite Addon Maker to make your software in the required format.

http://www.virtualltek.com/downloads/show/3

[Tripredacus]

Also, if you decide to go this route, remember that nLite is not for commercial use. In addition, we have a forum just for nLite (and vLite for Vista and 7) here:

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=89