Windows 7 OEM clone

[kanu2k12]

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to know about cloning a Windows 7 machine. What I have to do is I have a system with OEM Windows 7 Pro installed with SQL Express edition and visual studio installed, now I want to make a clone of this machine so when a new machine comes I just run this clone on it and all the softwares and tweaks gets installed on it.
please i am a noob regarding this so help me.

 

[abekl]

You can't just clone a machine and run it legally. You have to get software licenses for the second machine.

 

[kanu2k12]

the second machine also comes with a windows 7 pro OEM . then how should I do it?

 

[bumnut53]

You will need imaging software, I use symantec ghost.

You will then need to run sysprep (c:\windows\system32\sysprep)

Make sure you set the mode to shut down and tick the generalize box (this will let the image work on machines with different hardware installed)

Also set sysprep to OOBE mode.

Your machine will then shutdown and is ready to be cloned.

you can then boot to the symantec ghost boot cd and create an image (clone) of your computer. Its best to plug in a usb hard drive and save the image file to that.

 

[kanu2k12]

@bumnut53
Thanks for the advice but is there any free/opensource software that can be used to achieve this task?

 

[whatsthatnoise]

If you have a second serial you can clone and then change the serial in Windows. System Properties > Change Product Key.

Here's a list of free cloning software, you might check some of them. I'm sure one will do the trick.
http://www.thefreecountry.com/utilities/backupandimage.shtml#imaging

 

[bumnut53]

@bumnut53
Thanks for the advice but is there any free/opensource software that can be used to achieve this task?

I have not tried any free ones so am unable to recommend one.

The sysprep instructions are still valid for all imaging tools.

 

[das_stig]

If the PC's are identical, just create your install with just the admin account active, but don't enter a licence nunmber and use free imaging software to create clone image.

http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2008/09/05/5-free-apps-to-clone-your-hard-drive/

On first boot of newly installed cloned image, enter the oem licence to keep Microsoft happy.