Hello gang,

new day, new question ... imaging servers? what software do you use - and do you do it? thats one easy questions next one will seperate the boys from the men.


My network is mid sized (150 computers), and the thing that really chews my nuts about this network is that all computers have they're own CD keys.

there is no voume licensing here - for XP (O/S).
every client needs to have its own cd key for intsall the O/S - else if you use the same CDKEy on multiple computers you get lots of problems and everything goes to ... crap.


So how would i be able to make single image to run across these cleints when it comes to re-imaging? I know i can make an image ... then run SYSPREP.exe and have it regenerate SID's, and ask for the CDKey again.

But that means everytime i image anything i have to re put in the CDKEy - and if i reimage 30 comuters i ahve to re tpye the 25digit cd key for each one!!! that is unacceptable.

i am alone in thiis administration and if i had a flunkie to do this it would be ok - but it falls str8 on my shoulders so ... stuff that.

How can i acheive what i want? A quick way of reimaging clients incase of failure or software updates without having to put in the CDKey everytime.


ALSO the same applies for Computer names of image - u have to chase the images ur roll out and change the computer names - how can be assign computer names automatically? And perhaps domain membership aswell.

So lets recap

A.) How do you backup live servers (IE imaging) and what software
B.) How do you roll out a SOE that doesnt have a volume license CDKey?
C.) How do you roll out a SOE that doesnt need admin to go behind and chage computer names and domani membership?


Once again, thanks for all the help in advance.

I tried the W2K trick of giving the PID 270 so that it generates its own CD key, but it doesn't work in XP.

You could use floppy disks for the pc name, domain and cd key with sysprep. Run the setup manager it has the sysprep option there.

A) Windows Backup and Volume Shadow Copy Service for your live servers.

You should be using Folder Redirection so all your users data is on the server

A) PowerQuest V2i Protector Server Edition(Now called Symatec LiveState Recovery). Then back the images up to tape. Would be a good solution for you.
B & C) You'd either need to manually enter the license key or image each pc i think. Fortunately if you use products like PowerQuest(symantec) there are client-server products available.