Will it fit in my needs?

[Bommelding2]

I am searching for a way to restore computers configurations in a very easy and fast way, when neede of course.

First I was thinking of making an image of the different configurations and place them on to one of the fileservers.

But what will be the best for me? Using images or using an unattende disk? The problem is that every computer has his own needs for software, is it possible that I add all the needed software for about a hundred computers to the unattended disks and is it possible that I can select the right software when it is installing? Or am I better of with images?

[jaclaz]

I am searching for a way to restore computers configurations in a very easy and fast way, when neede of course.

Disk imaging once setup is the fastest way, because:

The problem is that every computer has his own needs for software

and I may add have different configurations, logins, passwords, IP address and so on.

The only advantage going "unattended" you'll have is saving some space on the server, but you'll spend MUCH more time preparing the setups, scripts, etc.

jaclaz

[Bâshrat the Sneaky]

@jaclaz: Disk imaging won't work here, exactly for the reason that each computer is different. Unless you mean a separate disk image for each computer of course...

[tjhart85]

You can use a program like WIHU or WPI to install the software silently, and it will allow you to pick and choose what software you want.

[jaclaz]

@jaclaz: Disk imaging won't work here, exactly for the reason that each computer is different. Unless you mean a separate disk image for each computer of course...

Yes, that is what I meant!

If each computer, apart from different hardware (that can be dealed with by slipstreaming drivers, running scripts, etc.), also has different softwares, each unattended install script will have to be different, unless you make a "mega" disk with all softwares then install selected software to a certain machine, but then it won't be unattended anymore.

On the other hand theoretically it is possible to write a separate script for each different machine, and probably even find a way to make the selection automatic by "identifying" a particular machine (for example by the MAC address of the NIC or by the HD serial number), but unless you have to re-install every few days, I think the time spent on building and testing the scripts is not worth it.

jaclaz

[EliasXP]

Yes , an unatteded xp cd will fit your needs, if u use WPI , this takes a lot of time to configure, but if its done, i is really nice that u have your unatteded windows xp cd

[Astalavista]

IF you know what u are doing. It does not take very long to configure wpi.

IF u hv an existing RunonceEX.cmd u only need to transfer the switches.

[prathapml]

You can make a multi-boot disk.

Or just stay with RIS images on server.