Creating a "Restore CD" for custom built rigs?

[StykFacE]

Before I get into the topic, my ultimate question/goal is this: Can I create a Custom Restore Disc with an OEM XP disc, with Drivers/Software added to a built rig??

I build about 4 or 5 computers a year for friends and family members, ranging from simple desktop units to Home Theater PC's. Like all other people like myself, if you build it, you automatically become the "technical support" guy. Well I am getting really tired of reformatting/reinstalling for people because of virus's, spyware, and other mess-ups that only God knows how the average user can get themselves into.

I would love it if there's some type of easy way to make a copy of the OEM XP disc and add in all necessary drivers, and few small software additions (such as Java R.E., PDF Reader, etc) to give to them so when something happens, they pop in the disc and can run an automated unattended restore of their system.

Anyone know if there's something that allows you to do this? Thanks for all your help in advance.

[IntegraGSR]

Sounds like a good idea, but the only thing I can think of is a batch file launching all of these items upon an Autostart setup in sequence. Just make an ISO of the XP install, add these programs in a folder and edit the autostart setup to launch the batch file instead of the Windows XP install/upgrade program.

[Panama Red]

What about using imaging software like Acronis? Complete the install with all the programs and files and then make an image of the entire disk. Save the image in a folder labeled with the customer's name or have them store it on a separate hard drive. When needed, just use the imaging software to restore the image.

[TwoRails]

I do what PR suggests. I make an image of the completed system. Make sure you give very detailed instructions, in printed form, on how to restore the system, including a proverbial "gazillion" screen shots. If you don't, you'll be doing the job anyway. After you make your first instruction manual, do a restore yourself following nothing but your instructions, step by step, to make sure there are no holes in it. Keep in mind the people using the manual are typically clueless...

[StykFacE]

hmmm, so I can basically partition the drive, and on the 2nd drive I can house the copied image of the C: drive of the 1st fresh install? This could be what I do from now on. I will look into the software you mentioned. Thanks for the help guys, if I have any more questions I will post back up.

[TwoRails]

Yep, you put the image on the other drive. Don't forget to keep another copy on DVD in case of catastrophic system failure.

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by StykFacE hmmm, so I can basically partition the drive, and on the 2nd drive I can house the copied image of the C: drive of the 1st fresh install?

Keep in mind that storing the image on another partition of the SAME hard drive will do you no good in the event of a hard drive hardware failure. You would lose all the data and the image. TR and I are suggesting storage of the image on a different hard drive not just a different partition.

[rjfvillarosa]

I don't do it for customers because that is taking business away from me, But, I always salvage old small IDE harddrives for my own use and I image my own machines on to them.
Once you get your head around the imaging software it is a walk in the park.
If you can get a hold of a few old IDE harddrives maybe you can install them in your family/friends machines and then PR's and Two Rails' suggestion will ease your pain.

[Negeva]

The larger OEMs use imaging software for installations: Symantec Ghost seems to be the popular chioce, however Acronis is used by some: ACER for example.

With Acronis you don't have to create the image to the hdd you can place it on CD or DVD; thus Panama Red's justifiable fear of a hdd with partition failure is avoided. But, it now means you have to rely on a customer not to lose the recovery CD/DVD.

Acronis, actually sell a version of TrueImage for OEM and system builders; just browse their site.

Since you only build less an half a dozen machines have a look into using something like nlite to create a custom installation disk for XP. With that you can make it nearly automated and just have the user input the CD License key and their name.

[StykFacE]

Originally Posted by Panama Red Keep in mind that storing the image on another partition of the SAME hard drive will do you no good in the event of a hard drive hardware failure. You would lose all the data and the image. TR and I are suggesting storage of the image on a different hard drive not just a different partition.

Yeah, I'm fully aware of the partitioned hard drive and how it works. Thanks for the input though. I still will probably do it this way because very VERY rarely does a drive ever actually go out from the computers I build, so I've been lucky.

Originally Posted by Negeva Since you only build less an half a dozen machines have a look into using something like nlite to create a custom installation disk for XP. With that you can make it nearly automated and just have the user input the CD License key and their name.

I will try out the nLite, I have already looked into the Acronis and downloaded the trial. It works exactly how I want, so I might just stick with this for the actual recovery, but I will still look into nLite before I purchase anything.

Once again thanks to all for the help and info.

[glc]

The ideal situation is use Acronis to create a bootable recovery CD set or DVD - and burn 2 of them. Give one to the customer and file the second one in case they lose the thing.