Comuter Lab Recovery Disc Set?

[NobleGoldKnight]

I work as a technician for a educational facility and we have labs of computers. Recently a virus exploded on our network and ripped through our defenses and corrupted 1000+ computers in a single day. So we had to go through and re-image all those computers. While doing so it came to mind that our reimaging capabilities is not up to par. We remove the hard drives and go to another computer to reimage them back at the office. It has come to mind that it would be beneficial if we could create a full system recovery disc with 1 or 2 dual layer dvd's.

How I image it to work is, I take a computer, reinstall the OS and place the security and programs necessary for the education of our students and fully update the computer. Then I would create the image and somehow make it to where it can be bootable and recover it. Operating System and all programs. That would make it easier on us and more effecient because then we can just come in with a folder full of discs. What do you guys think? Can you recommend software, tools, utilities? Perhaps a different scenerio? Multithread through the network is not an option... too much red tape as far as management. I could use some help with recommending software or perhaps another method.

[patonb]

Youre in luck... I forget who, but someone else does this too, and has been reimaging and reworking their image for optimal use too.

I think it's Jayce... He'll probably be your best resource.

[NobleGoldKnight]

Originally Posted by patonb

Youre in luck... I forget who, but someone else does this too, and has been reimaging and reworking their image for optimal use too.

I think it's Jayce... He'll probably be your best resource.

Jayce? Do you know the best method to seek out this Jayce.. How may I contact him? What times is he available? Does he like cats?

[patonb]

Not sure about the cats, he's on here all the time. Even just forum search for his name, you'll probably find his post and issues/solutions.

[NobleGoldKnight]

Originally Posted by patonb

Not sure about the cats, he's on here all the time. Even just forum search for his name, you'll probably find his post and issues/solutions.

I did a search and I found him but I am trying to "lure" him into this thread without causing too many people to get angry, espiecially him.

[CntdwnToExtn]

Wow, I would shoot out bricks if I had to manually re-image 1000+ computers.

I'd suggest Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager). Of course, it's Microsoft so it's not free; but it's a whole System Administration solution. You have everything from PXE boot to install new O/S images, deploying new software remotly, Windows updates, reporting, the beginings of software metering (helps keep track of licenes for each program)....it's fricken beautiful man.

If you have 1000+ PC's you can easily put up a case to whoever gives you money for this program. And of course, Microsoft offers trials of this, so heck...test er out.

[NobleGoldKnight]

Originally Posted by CntdwnToExtn

Wow, I would shoot out bricks if I had to manually re-image 1000+ computers.

I'd suggest Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager). Of course, it's Microsoft so it's not free; but it's a whole System Administration solution. You have everything from PXE boot to install new O/S images, deploying new software remotly, Windows updates, reporting, the beginings of software metering (helps keep track of licenes for each program)....it's fricken beautiful man.

If you have 1000+ PC's you can easily put up a case to whoever gives you money for this program. And of course, Microsoft offers trials of this, so heck...test er out.

That's beautiful man! I will take the trial run for a spin, I have set up a mini network of 8 computers at the office and a switch to give it a run and find useful features. If anyone else has suggestions with software please lay it down on the table!