RIS

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I can push AV, Adobe and Office all out from the server with group policy, then reboot the PC with a scheduled task. Saves time!

The Dells cause the most problems as they come with Windows pre-installed so I end up having to use a Dell CD to reinstall the OS so it will take the product key.

Other clients with older PCs which have been built with a volume licence copy of XP are easier to rebuild, to be honest there isn’t enough PCs on the networks for these particular clients to make RIS a worthwhile investment.

 

It all comes down to licensing. The Dells have Windows pre-installed so you need to use the key on the side of the base unit to activate; this is also the same for Office as well except this is on the CD packaging. You can buy Dells without an OS from the Small Business Section on the website but I’m not sure if it works out more expensive in terms of licensing XP.

It’s best to make the RIS image with volume licence keys so you can deploy without any activation drama.

 

Yup, it’s a pain.

Can be a nightmare when a laptop has to get rebuilt (say after a new HD) and you don’t have the original media. There is no chance any XP discs in the office are going to work even though you have the product key on the laptop!