Connecting Dell machines to RM CC3 network (Optiplex 755)

[ddell]

Hi guys...we've ordered 45 Dell Optiplex 755 machines, but we are having a little trouble connecting them to the CC3 network. We have tried lots of different things but nothing seems to work.

 

When we use the RM build disk everythings goes ok until just after all the XP files are copied across...when the pc restarts and tries to install XP, the pc blue screens. The same thing will happen if you use a standard XP disk and try to install XP on the pc to use it as a stand alone. However when using the Dell install disk windows will install ok.

 

We have noticed that the Dell disk does have additional Dell cab files which aren't going to be present on the server.

 

We have also tried to use smart client but not everything gets installed.

 

The only thing that we can think of is to maybe copy the additional Dell cab files to the server, but not entirly sure how to do this or if it will work.

 

Any help on this would be great.

Edited April 17, 2008 by ZeroHour
Added model to title to help users

[Joanne]

put all of the dell drivers in the DRV folder on your build server.

 

It might be having a problem with the SATA drivers?

 

We always get a test machine before we buy in bulk to make sure they build ok on the network!!

[ddell]

I'll give that a go first and then get back to you.

 

By the way one of the other members of staff just ordered the machines without even checking with us...crazy.lol

[Jona]

Could you not just do a normal clean install of windows xp standalone and then use the RM migration utility (can't remember what it's called, I'm sure someone will) to join it onto the CC3 network using that?

 

Edit:

It's called SmartClient see: RM SmartClient Info [bishop Barrington IT Wiki] or http://www.edugeek.net/forums/network-classroom-management/12933-connecting-non-rm-laptops-cc3-network.html

 

Jona

Edited April 17, 2008 by Jona

[ddell]

Tried using smart client already, but it didn't work very well i.e all the remote tools never came down.

[Guest kerrymoralee9280]

@Jona: He's already tried Smart client - see his first post.

 

Go into RM Build Manager and add all the drivers for your Dell machine through there. Just point where they are and the software does the rest - Create a new build disk after though!

[spc-rocket]

Hi,

 

Disable the AHCI support on the BIOS, can't remember where it is in BIOS and then try rebuilding the machine. It will work, also its worth installing HSP 28 and trying to build as this has an update to ICH9 for Intel.

 

HTH,

 

Ash.

[ddell]

Just switched the ahci support off and all working fine.

It's under the sata drives menu.

 

Many thanks

Dan.

[Joanne]

that could be a nugget of info useful to me in the future!!

[Netware]

nice to know thanks

[ANiceEnglishman]

Was having exactly the same problem. Will check this fix out tomorrow

 

On a more general note, how helpful are RM Tech Support towards those using third party hardware? We've always bought RM up to now but simply can't justify the price differential any more.

 

Edit: Yep worked for me too.

 

I also found that I had to turn of hyperthreading to get RM Client Security Module to install. It has been a known problem to RM for some time.

 

All that's left now is getting the Audio drivers to install during the unattended build. Works fine if I install manually

Edited June 5, 2008 by ANiceEnglishman

[leeshellard]

Hi,

 

Disable the AHCI support on the BIOS, can't remember where it is in BIOS and then try rebuilding the machine. It will work, also its worth installing HSP 28 and trying to build as this has an update to ICH9 for Intel.

 

HTH,

 

Ash.

 

Worked great for us Thanks!!!!

[crt404]

Apologies for the bump, however the new Dell latitudes (E series) have exactly the same problem. Have just spent the last week working out what was wrong. Grrr...