Windows Network Installation

[skdsp]

is there a way I could possibly install windows using network for multiple computer install? if so how is it done or is there a website with well written instructions?

 

[ThePiston]

windows has a network wiazrd, go to START-CONTROL PANEL-NETWORK SETUP WIZARD

 

[skdsp]

hmmm maybe i need to reword my question. I have 4 computers that have no operating systems. One computer with windows. Is there a way to simultaneously install windows using my network?

 

[JackMDS]

There few ways to do so.

However it is Not a simple affair if your Network and the computers were not organized ahead for such an installation, you might need to invest a time and some money to bring it to be able to so.

It worth while to go through it when you know that you would need such more Network installations on a frequent bases, but for one time installation of 4 peer to peer computers, Nah.

:sun:

P.S.
If the 4 computers can boot from CDROM, they have similar hardware, and you want them to be configured with Windows like you current computer is configured, you can save some time.

Buy a program like Acronis TrueImage and make an image of the current Computer (make sure that the computer can share the Hard Drive). Use TrueImage to make bootable recovery CD.

You can use the recovery CD to boot each new computer and install through the Network the previously produced image. You would need then to adjust Network setting and Activate Windows, and any other program that need activation.

 

[ktwebb]

Any number of imaging software apps. PQI, Ghost is probably the most well known. You'll create the image after running sysprep from the windows CD. That will create a new SID, help with hardware differences etc.. You'll still need legal licenses/CD keys for all your windows copies to activate them.

 

[Zuke]

Like Jack said, for 4 computers it isn't worth it. It's faster/easier to do a "manual" install.

That being said, there are a few sites around with quite a bit of information about creating CDs to do unattended installs. Ie, you pre-configure everything ahead of time (even adding 3rd party software) and put it all on a cd or dvd and then it all installs without any user interaction. http://unattended.msfn.org/ is one site with a lot of this kind of help.