I have a large batch of laptops that all have identical hardware. Right now each laptop has its own backup image (ie Norton Ghost) that contains the installed OS as well as all the relevant software.
What I'd like to do is create a master base image that can be loaded onto any of the laptops but requires the product keys to be installed when the system is initially booted.
Is there a built-in way to invalidate the install to force a re-activation and/or can Windows be installed in a pre-activation state to meet the same requirement.
Currently, with updates and software install it can take 5-7 hours to create each image so anything I can do to cut down on that time will save a ton of time on deployments/re-imaging.
Note: Assume that all of the laptops are distributed geographically so leveraging a central network for deployments is not an option.
Best Answer
Yes, When you run sysprep it will strip the activation out of it. However, if you plan on using KMS server I would not suggest it. KMS client key is installed by default and when you try to activate via KMS it should attempt to search for first one it comes across.
If you have a windows 7 restore dvd from the manufacturer that only has the OS on it. You can install that disk and run audit mode on it. Major manufacturers use SLP BIOS activation in order to activate. Example is if you buy a dell computer and use a dell restore disk you don't have to put in the key normally.
I would research Microsoft MDT and windows automated installation kit. Plus, there are tons of websites out there these days that have walk throughs on how to get you started. Be warned that if you try to use WAIK to join a domain it does not work properly due to the pass that it does the join.