What does 'reimaging' a computer involve?

[Mcr Warrior]

Reimaging may indeed be the easiest and quickest option at this point.

In layman's terms, what's that involve, exactly?

 

[Dai Corner]

In layman's terms, what's that involve, exactly?

Make an 'image' by setting up a machine exactly as you want it. Take a copy. Replace whatever's on each faulty machine with that copy.

 

[BluePenguin]

In layman's terms, what's that involve, exactly?

An image is basically a snapshot of a Windows installation. Technician will install a fresh copy of Windows on a test PC and all required software and drivers. Some features are enabled, others disabled. Then final changes are made before taking an image of this installation, typically using tools like imagex or dism. The image is then stored on the server as a .WIM file.

Re-imaging means applying this file to the hard drive of many computers at once, so when they boot up they are ready to go. All the drivers, ticket software etc and user accounts created on the test PC exist and the computers are configured and usable.

This is done by booting the computers using a network boot option which loads and automated version of the normal Windows set up over an Ethernet cable and installs Windows automatically. This tool is called Windows Deployment Services and is available on all versions of Windows Server.

Sometimes a special script is written containing naming conventions. This way all the computers names can be looked up should they need to be, accessed remotely.

 

[DB]

This is done by booting the computers using a network boot option which loads and automated version of the normal Windows set up over an Ethernet cable and installs Windows automatically. This tool is called Windows Deployment Services and is available on all versions of Windows Server

Or off a USB stick / DVD - useful for for machines with slow internet connections where it would take ages to download the image. Doesn't necessarily need to use Windows deployment services - various options out there.

 

[BluePenguin]

Or off a USB stick / DVD - useful for for machines with slow internet connections where it would take ages to download the image. Doesn't necessarily need to use Windows deployment services - various options out there.

Well, I suppose if you’re only needing to do one machine or your own one at home you could do. I quite like using Macrium reflect as an alternative personally. What’s your usual choice?

 

[DB]

Well, I suppose if you’re only needing to do one machine or your own one at home you could do. I quite like using Macrium reflect as an alternative personally. What’s your usual choice?

Tend to mostly use Intune now - avoids the need to maintain multiple images, although a reasonable internet connection is really a requirement.

 

[Ediswan]

Or off a USB stick / DVD - useful for for machines with slow internet connections where it would take ages to download the image. Doesn't necessarily need to use Windows deployment services - various options out there.

Or you can prepare the media on another device, possibly in bulk, then install it in the target system. There are umpteen ways to skin this particular cat.