Windows 7 image. External USB DVD drive.

TroganTrogan London, UK
edited May 2011 in Science & Tech
Hi guys,

We have 15 Dell Optiplex GX270's that have Windows XP installed and I want to install Windows 7 on them. The machines have no CD/DVD-ROM drives.

I have installed Windows 7 on one machine using an external USB DVD-ROM drive. I created a system image using Windows 7 Backup and Restore. However, since I can't boot to the USB DVD-ROM drive there is not much I can do.

Any suggestions on how I get Windows 7 on each machine?

Comments

  • RyderRyder Kalamazoo, Mi Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    Can you get that image on a Bootable USB Stick?
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    RyderOCZ wrote:
    Can you get that image on a Bootable USB Stick?
    The image I created is on 3 DVD's. I could create a new image and save it on a USB; is that what you mean?
  • RyderRyder Kalamazoo, Mi Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    Yes, if you can get something booted to run the Windows 7 restore, then just read the image off the USB.

    If you get a big enough USB stick, use the tools by Microsoft to put Windows 7 on it for the install, then add the backup files on it too. Then you can boot to it and restore :)
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    Cool, thanks! I'll let you know how it goes once I get a hold of a USB. :)
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    Trogan wrote:
    I have installed Windows 7 on one machine using an external USB DVD-ROM drive. I created a system image using Windows 7 Backup and Restore. However, since I can't boot to the USB DVD-ROM drive there is not much I can do.
    I don't think that works the way you intend. Multiple computers require multiple licenses, unfortunately.
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    Unless it's a VLK.
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    more specifics are needed by OP for some winning advice
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    We've got 100 MAK/VLK licences, so we should be OK. :)
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    Tushon wrote:
    more specifics are needed by OP for some winning advice
    What specifics?
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    The license key info, mostly :)

    You could also do a network deploy using something like Paragon Backup and Recovery (good for non-server environments) or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (when you have access to a server) (see TechNet guide for deploying Win7 here)
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    Tushon wrote:
    The license key info, mostly :)
    Win 7 - [key removed by admin]
    You could also do a network deploy using something like Paragon Backup and Recovery (good for non-server environments) or Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (when you have access to a server) (see TechNet guide for deploying Win7 here)
    Thanks! I'll try to network deploy Paragon and see how that works.
  • TushonTushon I'm scared, Coach Alexandria, VA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    woooah didn't mean to post it. you should edit that out quickly

    http://computerrepair-vancouver.org/create-an-image-of-your-computer-with-paragon-backup-and-recovery/
  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited May 2011
    Thrax, Tushon - the key was fake. :D

    No way was I going to post the real key.
  • the_technocratthe_technocrat IC-MotY1 Indy Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    Win7 64bit: 7H15 15AA F4K3 0K3Y 1U1Z
  • ButtersButters CA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    the_technocrat wrote:
    Win7 64bit: 7H15 15AA F4K3 0K3Y 1U1Z

    works! :rockon:
    A+++ :thumbup
  • the_technocratthe_technocrat IC-MotY1 Indy Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    If you have trouble using this key to activate your torrented installation disk of Win7 64-bit, you can get help here.
  • ButtersButters CA Icrontian
    edited May 2011
    the_technocrat wrote:
    If you have trouble using this key to activate your torrented installation disk of Win7 64-bit, you can get help here.

    I've heard a lot of complaints and horror stories about them. I've had more luck with this company's customer service.
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