Hardware independent images with Windows 2003 server??

[gicio]

Hi!

It's possible to make a hardware independent image from
Windows 2003 Server?
When Yes give me some information how to make it?
When Not tell me to what extent is it possible to
create a hardware independent image of a Windows 2003 server?

should I use 3rd party software for this...e.g. from PowerQuest?



regards,


gicio

[asklepios]

the main problem that you will face in making an image of your Windows 2003 Server and then implementing it on another hardware is that drivers will not be compatible.
imo you will be able to just image your program files/other data etc. if you image your whole OS then don't expect it to work on new hardware.
that is just my opinion...you might get other opinions.

[VinnieVen]

Whenever I make an image of an OS whether it be win95 or 2003 server, I make sure to not install any of the dirvers that are not native until ater I have my image.

[gicio]

HI!!!


It's maybe possible with "Microsoft Automated Deployment Services" ???
or other "new" tools from Microsoft?


regards,

gicio

[gicio]

Hi again!!!


or is this possible with that:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/deploying/factorymode.asp

???


regards,

gicio

[asklepios]

yes it is possible as explained in last link but "Automated System Deployment" or "Sysprep" is not an imaging software.
it will not clone all your program files or your data for that matter.
it is a tool for IT pros or network administrators to install Win XP on more than one PC at a time and that too unattended.
you will need one sample computer networked to all the PC's you are planning to install windows on. this one PC will act as a source of installation for all other computers and will thus install hardware specific drivers.
just pasting an OS image that has been made with the help of some ghosting program like Norton/PowerQuest/Acronis will not work (imo).