View Full Version : Can I Ghost XP?
CableDude
07-29-03, 07:59 PM
I have several machines (all same hardware) that have Windows XP on them already.
I need to setup a machine and Ghost it to the others.
Reason I ask is because of XP's product activation.
Will it work?
Ghosting Im not sure. When I had 2 machines with the exact same hardware I was able to install and activate with no problem. It will work is my guess if the hardware is exactly the same.
Your best bet is to run sysprep on the one machine you need to duplicate, then ghost it.
Sysprep removes the SID's from the machine, this is really important if all the systems are on the same network.
Sorry didn't see the last part about activation. Go to MS's website and download the doc on xp deployment(hint you can usually find it with the service packs).
CableDude
07-30-03, 06:58 PM
Originally posted by Sid
Sorry didn't see the last part about activation. Go to MS's website and download the doc on xp deployment(hint you can usually find it with the service packs).
Will look into this. Thanks. :)
YeOldeStonecat
07-30-03, 07:48 PM
Yes, I've ghosted XP many a times for networks I roll out, in quantity. Newer OEM versions of XP you don't activate. Always run Sysprep first, then on that first shutdown, pull the power, and clone the drives. Then when you boot up each computer, with it's new drive, it'll run through the usual "first boot" stuff, like computer name, time zone, etc etc.
Originally posted by YeOldeStonecat
Yes, I've ghosted XP many a times for networks I roll out, in quantity. Newer OEM versions of XP you don't activate. Always run Sysprep first, then on that first shutdown, pull the power, and clone the drives. Then when you boot up each computer, with it's new drive, it'll run through the usual "first boot" stuff, like computer name, time zone, etc etc. Good to know how that works, thanks. I've often wondered what would happen, but never put aside the time to try it.
It's only a matter of time before someone will want me to ghost an XP system. I've been lucky so far.
CableDude
07-31-03, 07:05 PM
Originally posted by YeOldeStonecat
Yes, I've ghosted XP many a times for networks I roll out, in quantity. Newer OEM versions of XP you don't activate. Always run Sysprep first, then on that first shutdown, pull the power, and clone the drives. Then when you boot up each computer, with it's new drive, it'll run through the usual "first boot" stuff, like computer name, time zone, etc etc.
These are Dells. I'll look into this. Seems kinda complicated though.
:confused:
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