Ghost Solution Suite

I am trying to create an image for one classroom where the only information I need to physically input is the Windows Product Key.  I have been able to do this by using an unattended file, but run into a problem where Windows wants to activate every time I re-ghost the image.  Since one of the selling points of this classroom to our clients is that we promise to re-image after every course taught there, I can't be activating windows every time. Is there a way where I can input the Windows Product Key WITHOUT having to activate Windows?  I have created an interim solution by simply not running Sysprep when creating the image, but would like a more complete answer than this.

 

Many thanks for your help.

B

Hey,

 

Basically there are three different types of licenses - volume, retail and OEM.  According to the Microsoft following link, reimaging option is valid to volume license customer.

 

For Windows platform earlier than Vista, re-activation is not required after deploying an image that is created from volume license media.  We possibly can only use backup-and-restore concept for OEM image, as if the image is restored to other than the source machine, reactivation is required.  Please look at the link from the MS http://support.microsoft.com/kb/299840.

 

Regards,

Jenny