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is there a quick way to install win7 and some basic programs (skype, and few others) on many (exact same manufacture) new 'OSless' miniPCs that will be connected in local network. I know I can create a bootable usb and place inside it a win7 installer, but I was wondering if somehow I can make an image of a win7 (configured with all my basic programs) and then mount that image on each new OSless PC, is that possible? what about if there are meant to be connected in a local network? Isn't there any shortcut that could spare me having to install win7, config it, install programs, on every single PC?? Thanks Advanced.

PD: I'm familiar with AOEMI Backupper (currently using it to backup-restore windows system), I know it can clone a disk to another, but you have to plug every 'destination' disk into the PC where the 'source' disk is placed in order to perform the cloning. I would like to somehow mount an image of my OS into a bootable USB, and install that image on every PC. is that possible? Could please somebody provide some tutorial link fo how to do it?? Thanks Advanced.

could someone please tell me what is the difference between a normal installation of windows7 and a Windows PE installation? I have read here https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc766093(v=ws.10).aspx that they are different. Thanks Advanced.

Natysiu16
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3 Answers3

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Few options

  1. Make a disk image with everything you need, install it on a few USBs and go around installing onto all machines.
  2. Use a PXE to boot off an image on the LAN and install that way
  3. Install generic windows then run Ninite to install any apps you want. https://ninite.com/
Linef4ult
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You can do a net install (PXE) with Microsoft WDS/MDT/SCCM but if you want something far easier you can also try Serva where you can use a regular Windows 7 DVD with a customized Install.wim to suit your needs. (I'm related to Serva development)

Pat
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I'd install everything, then boot a Linux, and do: dd if=/dev/sdX of=~/harddrive_backup.iso replace sdX with the drive. You can list them with lsblk.

This is the most general way as it will copy the whole drive, not only one partition but the whole drive with MBR etc. Depending on how it's set up you can optimize but this is working fine.

Then just use: dd if=~/harddrive_backup.iso of=/dev.sdX to get it onto another drive. It should be able to do that with PXE boot, too. Quite easily actually.

ElleJay
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