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Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

Migration User

Migration UserJul 15, 2010 04:42 PM

  • 1.  Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 12:11 PM

    Yesaterday I was able to capture an Iimage using Ds 7.1. However qwhen I tried to set up a deployment job it would not let me create one with out entering a product key for the OS. I did then I pushed out the image and it sys preped it. My question is how can I push out an Image in DS 7.1 with out sys preping it



  • 2.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 01:23 PM

    When you run the Prepare for Image Capture task prior to a Create Image task, you should be able to tell it to use Current Key for the product key.  Nonetheless, if you want to create an image without running sysprep, you'll create a Back-Up Image:

    Home > Deployment Portal
    Right-click on My Tasks and choose New Task
    In the Create New Task window that opens, under Deployment and Migration, choose Create Image
    Name the task 'Create Non-Sysprepped Image'
    Provide an image file name and description
    For Imaging tool, choose Ghost or RapiDeploy -- RapiDeploy if you want to multicast
    For image type, choose Back-Up Image
    Click OK to save the task

    Then create a new job that boots the computer into PXE or Automation and then creates the Back-Up Image.

    You will need to be very careful not to create duplicate SIDS/GUIDs/etc.  In fact, I wouldn't even try using a non-sysprepped image to any computer other than the original computer -- hence why it's called a Back-Up Image.

    FYI: The task to restore a Back-Up Image is not Deploy Image; it's called Restore BackUp Image.

    Does this answer your question?



  • 3.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 03:21 PM
    SO just to make sure I understand what I need to do

    My goal is for me to build a master image and deploy it. I agree about the sys prep thing. that it is very important. So how can I accomplish building a master machine with all apps and re-deploy it out without having to enter any information? I also would like to make sure that the machine maintains it AD information as well. The machine that sysypreped on me yesterday broke away from the domain and I had to rejoin it. I know in 6.9 it would automatically reconfigure all the unique things about the computer automatically after imaging.


  • 4.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 03:41 PM
    What's your current process that you followed for creating an image?

    At its most basic, set up the computer you want it, then create a Job that has a 'Prepare for Image capture' task (where you specify that you're preparing a Windows computer using Sysprep, list the OS type and product key, and enter credentials for joining the domain, and tell it where to reboot) and a 'Create Image' task (where you provide a name for the image file, choose your tool, and select Disk Image).

    What happens if you follow this very basic process?  By the way, if you have the Agent installed, make sure you've stripped out the GUID.


  • 5.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 04:32 PM

    I haven't seen 7.1 so I'm asking this out of not knowing but does this same basic process work if you want to create a WIM image and use ImageX or is it a whole different process like I have to do with 6.9?


  • 6.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 04:42 PM
    I haven't seen support for ImageX in 7.x solutions.


  • 7.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 04:48 PM
    "By the way, if you have the Agent installed, make sure you've stripped out the GUID."

    I created a sysprep image and had the client on this image. Is this going to cause a problem ???

    Joe.


  • 8.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 05:07 PM
    Windows sysprep, I believe the answer is Yes.
    'Prepare Computer for Imaging' task, no; it takes care of the GUID.

    The GUID you need to manually delete--without letting the Agent check in with the server again and get a new one--is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Altiris\Altiris Agent\MachineGuid value.

    A better policy if you don't want to use the built-in Task (Prepare Computer for Image) is to install the agent, but to not let it communicate with the Notification Server.  You know you've done this correctly if there is no MachineGuid value in the registry.


  • 9.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 15, 2010 05:45 PM
    I tell it to boot to Automation
    then use the create image task
    then tell it to reboot to production
    and can you tell me how to strip out the GUID?
    Can that be done in the CLient Job Itself?


  • 10.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 02:12 AM
    Imagex is not supported in DS 7.1
    You can not deploy a sysprep image without providing the product key, however if you have OS Vista or above you can set the key as Current Key, this will activate your windows for 30 days.
    or
    Create a image without using Prepare for Image capture and then after deploying on client machine try using Apply system Configuration to change name and domain, but it will be tedius for large numbers
    -
    Back up Image option will also not work as it deploy/Restore the image on same computer not any other computer.


  • 11.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 10:42 AM
    I tell it to boot to Automation
    then use the create image task
    then tell it to reboot to production
    and can you tell me how to strip out the GUID?
    Can that be done in the CLient Job Itself?


  • 12.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 10:57 AM
    I explained above the registry key that needs to be removed.  You would use the REG DEL command to do this.  Start > Run, cmd, Enter, reg /? for help.  May need to enclose the registry path in quotes and tell it to /f (force) deletion.  This takes care of the Altiris GUIDs but not the Microsoft SIDs and other unique identifiers.

    Or just run the Prepare for Image task which is the recommended method of doing this.   Takes care of all GUIDs/SIDs and prepares computers to be imaged anywhere.  Not sure why you are avoiding sysprep.


  • 13.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 11:10 AM
    Damn... I'm rolling out 150 sysprep machines with the altiris agent on it. It was installed through a DS server in a workgroup. I'm later going to add this server to the domain. Any idea what I would have to do to get these agents to 'speak' to the server correctly ?
    Could I do a script at login to remove this registry setting and that would sort it ?

    Cheers

    Joe.



  • 14.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 11:23 AM
    New topic should be a new thread.  We can help you over there just to keep threads logical and on track.


  • 15.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 11:39 AM
    I am ok with doing SYSPREP It is just somewhat new to me. I just want to know what to expect when I am going to Image machines.  What about rejoing the domain that is not happening for me as wll. My ultimate goal is to have a zero touch deployment. If that now includes SYSPREP that is cool.


  • 16.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 01:32 PM

    Use the Apply System Configuration tasks to join a domain.  If you are reimaging, you'll join to workgroup, reboot, and join domain, reboot (Apply System Configuration, Restart Computer, Apply System Configuration, Restart Computer).  If you are imaging for the first time, should just be one or two tasks (Apply System Configuration, Restart Computer).

    What OS are you working with: Windows 7 or Windows XP?



  • 17.  RE: Image Creation and Deployment DS 7.1

    Posted Jul 16, 2010 03:36 PM
    I am currently working with XP but am soon to move to 7 after I master the new CMS