Building several PC's; Can I image one system and copy to all othe

Jixy · 12-07-2007, 09:10 AM

I am building about 10 computers for a non-profit organization. The systems will include Windows XP volume license and therefore will have the same key (same for Microsoft Office suites). But in addition, I will be installing several games that they own, such as FarCry, Call of Duty 4, several other productivity programs etc.

My question is this... If all the computers (hardware) will be identical, can I just build and image one system and then copy it to all the rest? That would save me a lot of time installing and updating each system separately. If no, what other option do I have?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

J

JohnthePilot · 12-07-2007, 09:37 AM

Hi and welcome to TSF.
You can use the Microsoft System Preparation Tool. For details of how to do this look at this article.

Jixy · 12-07-2007, 10:08 AM

Thank you for the quick response :)

I had a feeling that imaging and copying the OS (Windows XP Pro) would not be an issue, since the licenses are for multiple PCs. My main concern is that some of the other software, like the games would try to compare hardware IDs and fail when copied to a new system.

J

JohnthePilot · 12-07-2007, 10:18 AM

I doubt if there would be a problem with other software.

12-07-2007, 09:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jixy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP Pro	Building several PC's; Can I image one system and copy to all othe I am building about 10 computers for a non-profit organization. The systems will include Windows XP volume license and therefore will have the same key (same for Microsoft Office suites). But in addition, I will be installing several games that they own, such as FarCry, Call of Duty 4, several other productivity programs etc. My question is this... If all the computers (hardware) will be identical, can I just build and image one system and then copy it to all the rest? That would save me a lot of time installing and updating each system separately. If no, what other option do I have? Thanks for all your help in advance. J

12-07-2007, 09:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
JohnthePilot Manager, TSF Articles Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cheltenham, near Wales. Posts: 30,768 OS: XP Home SP3, PCLinux, Vista Home Premium SP1 My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Building several PC's; Can I image one system and copy to all othe Hi and welcome to TSF. You can use the Microsoft System Preparation Tool. For details of how to do this look at this article. __________________ Submit New Articles Here If you feel that TSF has helped you please make a donationand help to keep the forum free Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon Folding@Home - Team 85015

12-07-2007, 10:08 AM	#3 (permalink)
Jixy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2 OS: Windows XP Pro	Re: Building several PC's; Can I image one system and copy to all othe Thank you for the quick response :) I had a feeling that imaging and copying the OS (Windows XP Pro) would not be an issue, since the licenses are for multiple PCs. My main concern is that some of the other software, like the games would try to compare hardware IDs and fail when copied to a new system. J

12-07-2007, 10:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
JohnthePilot Manager, TSF Articles Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cheltenham, near Wales. Posts: 30,768 OS: XP Home SP3, PCLinux, Vista Home Premium SP1 My System Blog Entries: 1	Re: Building several PC's; Can I image one system and copy to all othe I doubt if there would be a problem with other software. __________________ Submit New Articles Here If you feel that TSF has helped you please make a donationand help to keep the forum free Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon Folding@Home - Team 85015