Windows – Using ImageX for ghosting Windows XP

deploymentdisk-imageimagexwaikwindows

I'm in a project where the hardware specification is closed. The Windows XP image will run always on top of the same configuration. We are thinking on using ghosting for enabling a quick restore of the system in case of failure.

I understand ghosting concept but I have never done it before. I have used imagex working with Windows XP embedded, but it is not clear for me the process to generate the first image nor the process for installation. Have you experience with that? What are your recommendations?

Also, any links to related material are welcome.

Best Answer

You only need to use sysprep if your capturing a single image to deploy to multiple machines, Is this the case for your scenario?

To capture an image using imagex you must PXE/CD/USB boot into Windows PE.

Then use the imagex /capture to capture your image.

You can then boot the machine you wish to deploy to & use the /apply switch.

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Windows – How to find what process is holding a file open in Windows

I've had success with Sysinternals Process Explorer. With this, you can search to find what process(es) have a file open, and you can use it to close the handle(s) if you want. Of course, it is safer to close the whole process. Exercise caution and judgement.

To find a specific file, use the menu option Find->Find Handle or DLL... Type in part of the path to the file. The list of processes will appear below.

If you prefer command line, Sysinternals suite includes command line tool Handle, that lists open handles.

Examples

c:\Program Files\SysinternalsSuite>handle.exe |findstr /i "e:\" (finds all files opened from drive e:\"
c:\Program Files\SysinternalsSuite>handle.exe |findstr /i "file-or-path-in-question"

Windows – Useful Command-line Commands on Windows

A little known one is

getmac

It shows the MAC address(es) of your network adapter(s).

Screenshot of running getmac from a Windows commandline window.

Best Answer

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Windows – How to find what process is holding a file open in Windows

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