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Question

Reimage Windows 7 on Multiple Computer

Jun 13, 2014 6:30PM PDT

Just want to know how to image a Windows 7 to be installed on multiple computers. The machines that will be used is Optiplex 3020 which has a injected serial key on their BIOS.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: image
Jun 13, 2014 9:23PM PDT

I'm inclined to say that an image is an image, so just make it and restore it on the same or another (identical) PC. To be on the safe side, you can first make an image of that other PC also, so you can restore if your test restore fails.

Bu why not ask Dell customer support. For their business customers, it's common practice to do this, so they surely know how to do it best.

Kees

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Reimage Windows 7 on Multiple Computer
Jun 14, 2014 2:38PM PDT

I already did, still waiting for their reply. Hope they can assist me on this issue. I don't want to spend my time on all 500+ units installing manually with their needed applications(All the same). Sad to say, i am starting now if its not possible...

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Answer
Reimage Windows 7 on Multiple Computer

Hi,
I've used Acronis True Image to do multiple computers. Install / setup one computer then use Acronis True Image to create image and copy it to another hard drive (copying only takes about 5min each). Not sure that would be what you would want with a very large install though.


-Charles

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Answer
I forget the name
Jun 15, 2014 12:28AM PDT

I forget the name off the top of my head, but Microsoft has a image deployment tool specifically for Windows 8. You're hardly the only person who runs into this sort of issue. Imagine all the Fortune 500 companies which have thousands of systems spread across entire continents. Not to mention Dell itself, which somehow manages to get the same Windows image onto all those Optiplex systems despite the product key being different. So clearly tools exist to make this happen, it's just a matter of you figuring out what they are.

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Answer
Well check with MS on what licensing is required and
Jun 15, 2014 9:22PM PDT
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Good point
Jun 15, 2014 11:02PM PDT

Good point, I forgot to mention that unless these systems came with Windows 7 preinstalled, only Windows 8 Pro has downgrade rights, which is a new change starting with Windows 8. Odds are an Optiplex would have Win 8 Pro, but just in case someone thought they'd save some money or something because they were going with the home version of Windows 8, you'd need a volume Windows 7 license to do this legally.

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the product key being inserted into the UEFI is a new thing that started only with Windows 8 and wouldn't apply to Windows 7. Which is another point to take into consideration. You can install Windows 7 on a UEFI system, but it often takes a bit more work.

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I don't believe that
Jun 16, 2014 4:52AM PDT

you can legally image the OEM version of Windows and install it on multiple computers. If you purchase a Enterprise license you are giving a range of keys so every machine would have a unique key.

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More info on Sysprep a tool to
Jun 16, 2014 5:00AM PDT
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Every volume license I've seen
Jun 16, 2014 10:15AM PDT

Every volume license I've seen is one "master" key that is shared throughout the entire company or organization.

But I was commenting on a situation that is likely to come up to people who will later be searching and come across this thread. If you have Win 8 Home, there are no downgrade rights. So if someone decides to try and cut corners they might find themselves on the wrong side of the EULA which could be very bad if Microsoft or the BSA decides to audit.