Re: Best method to bulk install multiple PC's?

ZenMasta wrote:
I'm planning on building some replacement desktops for our office
here. The hardware I'm buying will be exactly the same on all the
pc's. What I'd like to do is build one, install windows, update it,
install network printers etc. Then clone the drive a few times and
build the other pcs.
I had done this once before with Windows 98 but since there wasn't
any activation back there was no problem. Now with activation
though I need to know how to do this. We will of course have valid
licenses for each pc, I just don't want to take an hour installing,
patching and configuring each pc. I'll be installing XP Pro

Shenan Stanley wrote:
Ghost will work - perhaps changing the product key with an
application. Probably the fastest.

Unattended installation is another option - withthe proper license
(product key) for each machine give at startup.

I'd personally get a volume license and that way - there is no
activation.

ZenMasta wrote:
Is there a tool that can change the product key or would I have to
just do this by registry edit on each pc?

I'll look into the volume license, I was originally going to get
oem from newegg.

Volume Licensing:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/howtobuy/pricingvolume.mspx
and/or
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/default.mspx


Change the key:
The Genuine Advantage Product Key Update Tool is only valid for
users attempting to change their current non-genuine Product Key
to a genuine COA sticker or genuine Product Key - all without a
reinstall!
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=50346&clcid=0x409

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html


.

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