Network Boot Question

[Wiz0fBaud]

Hey guys right now I'm using a machine with win2k server and Remote Installation Services to install a windows xp operating system.

These current systems do not have a floppy drive. I do however have a PXE enabled LAN card which is how I get everything to work.

These are machines that can barely handle winxp and I was wondering since they're getting old if there was a way, if the local hard drive fails, to boot from a server stored image? Like a remote hard drive just in case?

Thanks for any help

 

[bcastner]

There is no native feature to do this.
There are Third-party offerings. I have never used them so all I can do is offer a link for your to explore"

http://www.directinsight.co.uk/products/venturcom/bxp.html

 

[franklin97355]

It's called terminal services. Take a look at:

http://www.ltsp.org

 

[bcastner]

TS would require that the workstation was already booted to Windows.

The question is how to allow a remote boot from a central image.

 

[Wiz0fBaud]

Thanks guys, all of your posts have been helpful, but does anyone know a freeware 3rd party for something like this in the win2k server enviornment?

 

[dtorres]

I have been exploring RIS integrated with 2003 Server, but I was wondering if you are do a freash install to the W2k machines or an Upgrade. What are your thoughts on this. I personally like doing a clean install but having to deploy Windows XP to over 3,000 computers ( eventually ) an upgrade my be better due to the fact that trying to save users files/setting could be a big pain.

Let me know how you like RIS and/or if you are using to upgrade the OS or do a clean install?

Thank You

- Dom

 

[bcastner]

It is not an issue of RIS or other deployment methods, it is a question of how substantially similar are the machines.

In your circumstance the "unattended installation" method is advised.

There is a wonderful web site that explains in detail how to create an unattended image:

http://www.msfn.org/unattended/xp/index.htm

With 3,000 machines I suggest you join the site (it is free) and read the sticky notes in the Forum.