Ghost Solution Suite

Using the Ghost Console I am able to create and deploy images with little issue. However, upon looking at the properties of my cloned machines on the general tab, the header "Last image file this machine was cloned with:" displays "Image file unknown".

Is there an error in the configuration, the methodology, or is it between the chair and keyboard?

Using:
GSS v1.1 on Win2K server w/ SP4
Console version 8.3.0.1331
Clients display "Symantec Ghost Enterprise Version 83.00.1331"

> Is there an error in the configuration, the methodology, or is it between the chair and keyboard?

I'd say for this case PEBKAC is the least likely :-)

This is the first time I've heard of this but I've taken a close look at the implementation and it's a little different to what I had expected; basically, one table in the database is the master one for clients, and it has a column that contains a marshalled list of all the MAC addresses of the 802.11-style network adapters in the machine (although in GSS1.1 it could sometimes be fooled into picking up a software adapter like the MS Loopback adapter in that set).

Now, when this one piece of statistical information was added to GSS the implementer added a table just for it, and made the primary key that same binary identifier column (instead of one of the simple numeric primary key for that machine table). When displaying the property sheet for the client, the console looks in that column for it.

The configuration server updates the LastImage table as part of what it does to run images through the console, so the data only applies to imaging operations done through the console, not interactive GhostSrv.exe clones.

So, some things to check:
- maybe the data is in the LastImage table, but if the different OS's you clone report different sets of network adapters, the matching-up process is going awry.
- maybe the Configuration Server isn't updating the LastImage table properly (it's empty or something).
- maybe there's some aspect of the Identifier column that means they aren't matching up correctly in the console

Depending on whether you're keen to poke around in the database yourself, you can explore the raw contents yourself using the dbisqlc.exe tool under "c:\program files\symantec\ghost\bin" (you can use the same credentials as the console does under "Tools" "Database Password") or you can send it to me to inspect.

Because the database has the DBA account disabled and random names and passwords for the other account, if you want to send it to me you're best to use a batch file I wrote that you can get from http://nigel.bree.googlepages.com/export.zip that exports the username/password and archives the database into a cabinet

Yes, a lot of the computers I have ghosted have multiple NIC's installed. To be more specific, the laptops are the machines that recorded at least 3 NIC's in the hardware inventory view: one integrated LAN, one wireless LAN, the other a virtual Cisco VPN adapter (created by our third-party VPN software).

Every computer in my console displays "Image file unknown", and I was half expecting that with the mobile systems since they also report "Network Card Error: Multiple Network Cards Installed" on the same general properties page.

That being said...

I never rule out the ID10T errors

I downloaded your export.bat file from the link and took at look at it. I could already tell I was going to run into issues from the get-go. The most prominent concern was the missing registry key NGServer. After throwing a hail mary anyway, I received the error "The database and/or some of the files could not be copied." (as expected). In the \Ghost dir there was created a send.ddf file, but no \Send\Send.cab file (and yes, I stopped all processes Ghost beforehand).

And I am embarrassed to admit, my knowledge of all things "database" is as close to non-existent as can be. I got as far as linking the dbisqlc.exe program to my 65MB SYMANTECGHOST.DB file, alas, ending up staring at a flashing cursor like a deer to headlights.

Long story short: Missing NGServer key? I know this must be the catalyst to my plight.

> one integrated LAN, one wireless LAN, the other a virtual Cisco VPN adapter (created by our third-party VPN software)

Interesting. It's hard to say whether it's related.

> And I am embarrassed to admit, my knowledge of all things "database" is as close to non-existent as can be.

It's no problem, just send it to me (I just mentioned the option because system administrators are often keen tinkerers). Since the export script failed, I'll just need the SYMANTECGHOST.DB file and the passwords to access it (from "Tools" "Database Password" in the console). Zip up the database, and drop me a line at nigel dot bree at gmail dot com with the credentials, and I can send you credentials for a secure upload facility that you can load it onto.

I'll be travelling without internet access for the next couple days but I'll catch up as soon as I'm able.

> system administrators are often keen tinkerers

Depends on the system :)

I have done as requested. Thank you for your time. It is much appreciated.

> Depends on the system :)

Heh, very true!

> I have done as requested.

Alas, the mail doesn't seem to have come through (this would be the second time in the last couple of weeks, so I suspect a glitch at the google end). If you can, could you try e-mailing me again (and drop a note in here)?

I apologize for not doing this sooner, but when I tried to gmail dot com the zipped db file, gmail kicked it back with a size restriction error. Then I thought I would use a RAR utility to span it, then I suffered from AADD (administrator's attention deficit disorder) and forgot to come back to it.

To make things easier, I have uploaded the zip file (with credential information) to a FTP server in which I will provide login instructions to gmail dot com.