Installing XP base image via WDS

[nm_media]

Hi,

I have been using RIS to deploy XP images for a few years now and have recently upgraded to WDS this past year or so to deploy Win 7. However, I would like to be able to deploy XP base images from the WDS native server also. With RIS, it allows you to upload a copy of the original XP source CD to a network directory within RIS and to deploy this to clients as a base/clean image with no drivers, etc.

Is there a way of doing this with WDS now? I do not want to have to install base XP from USB/CD but rather via the network service which RIS is so good at doing. Nor do I want to create a reference PC for base image of XP and then take an image of that to push out.

Any help or suggestions will be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Nick

[themightymrp]

Easiest way is to install Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010 (free) and link that into WDS. A very basic setup od MDT allows you to import your XP CD and, optionally, a shed load of drivers. Then you can boot and install XP from that.

[somebloke]

Agree with that - you need to make the jump to MDT. It'll make your life so muh easier.

[themightymrp]

For a basic setup, see the attached instructions I made a while ago

[nm_media]

Wow, great responses! Seems MDT is the way to go. Thanks all for replies and themightymrp for destructions. Newbie to this forum but will defo use it in future!!!

[themightymrp]

Theres load of info on the forums about MDT, I use it quite a lot here so can provide help if you ever want to PM me. Hope the instructions help to get you going

[chazzy2501]

Do I need additional licensing to use MDT? I have ESS at the mo.

[nm_media]

Tested MDT following guide from mightmrp. Works a treat! Thanks again!