Topic: Working Universal Image
Hi,
I just wanted to let everyone know the process I took to get a pretty much universal image created that works on almost every make and model computer I've put it on so far. I'll try my best to make it as simple to follow as possible and hopefully some will find it useful as I spent many days getting this to work as well as it does. Some tweaking can likely be done to make it better but I haven't had anymore time to test many other options/methods.
I will try to update each step as needed with more detail when I get a chance in case you are not familiar with programs like sysprep driver scanner, mysysprep or offlinesysprep.
1. Download all the driverpacks that you require. Put these in the c:\d folder
2. Download the sysprep driver scanner software http://www.vernalex.com/tools/spdrvscn/index.shtml (put in a c:\sysprep folder)
3. Download sysprep (put in a c:\sysprep folder)
4. Download mysysprep from http://www.tsaysoft.com/mysysprep/ (put in a c:\sysprep folder)
5. Create a LiveXP cd with Offline Sysprep integrated into it
6. Find a 64-bit copy of an ntldr file and copy it to the root of C: replacing the existing ntldr
7. Get your system setup the way you want (If you're using VMware make sure to remove the tools, make sure to use an IDE disk, and switch the HAL to Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC. I also remove the IDE controller and install a "Standard Dual Channel..." controller.
8. Run the sysprep driver scanner and have it integrate all the driver paths into the registry
9. Run Mysysprep.exe. I choose mini-setup and reseal.
10. Once the computer shuts down boot from the livexp cd and run offline sysprep.
11. I choose to "do nothing" with the hal detection. leave the extra drivers section blank. In advanced, check "stop Intel PPM...", "supress driver...", "Inject HWID's...", "Install standard IDE...", choose to install all driver packs MSD's, and complete OLSP without running sysprep.
12. Let OLSP do its thing and then shut down the computer.
13. Take an image at this point to be used on most computers.
I have found so far that using the old driverpacks (v9 I believe) the image has worked on over 20 different makes and models that I am aware of. With the old driver packs however it does not appear to work on a toshiba A10 but the new driver packs appear to fix that, but I'm not sure if the new driver packs break any other systems yet. I did try using OLSP only but ran into some issues (although I cannot remember what they were at this point) What I stated above may not be the "best" way but it works for me.
If you have any questions about the process or suggestions on how it could be done better please let me know. Couldn't have done it without everyone.