http://www.systemimager.org/


I need to create recovery CDs for a few machines. These need to be equivalent to the recovery CDs you might find in a Dell or HP desktop box.

1 CD/DVD that installs slipstreamed updates, programs, OS, drivers.

I need it as automated as possible.

Not interested in a ghost image (not automated enough). I need to just boot to this disc, say yes to the format, and sit back.


Any suggestions on software (cause I'm pretty sure that trying to write the code/scripting for it is going to be over my head)?



[Edited on June 9, 2006 at 2:21 PM. Reason : kk]

6/9/2006 2:20:24 PM

How is ghost not automated enough?

6/9/2006 2:27:20 PM

A ghost image means loading ghost and clicking through to set source/destination drives.


So I'd have to switch CDs, or embed ghost on the same CD, which I'm not sure would even work.


Ghost is out.


I need another solution.

6/9/2006 2:34:44 PM

Well it seems you are dead set against ghost but for the record you can make ghost restore an image that is on the same DVD (cause an image ain't likely to fit on one CD) from the command line - and even include the command in an autoexec.bat file. You can't get more lazy automated that that.

6/9/2006 2:42:17 PM

I'm hoping I can.


although a CD/DVD that boots to a command prompt and all you have to type is "D:\RECOVER.BAT" seems pretty easy, I'd like to do away with even that.

6/9/2006 2:44:33 PM

The new ghost will do all that, but it's a fucking pain in the ass to setup and configure in the first place.

6/9/2006 2:52:04 PM

I wish there were an open source program for this.


I may end up having to use some kind of ghetto ghost work-around.


I'm sure the software for this is out there, that's why it's irking me.

6/9/2006 3:00:59 PM

do you mean "free software"

or really open source

i mean

what are you gonna do with the source?

6/9/2006 3:02:09 PM

Open Source = Free.

This is a business solution. I'd rather not start distributing pirated software. That's another reason I'm avoiding ghost.


Not that I can find any to steal.

[Edited on June 9, 2006 at 3:06 PM. Reason : ]

6/9/2006 3:06:00 PM

closed source could be free as well.

6/9/2006 3:06:47 PM

but it makes me feel warm and gooey inside when I can use open-source software.

6/9/2006 3:10:31 PM

this can be done with ghost in a number of ways.

you can create a boot cd/dvd that will image the drive.

you can setup a PXE server and have it ghost from there.

You can create a boot disk and have it point to a network share to image from.

6/9/2006 3:45:15 PM

Open-source != Free.

GPL ~= Free.

6/9/2006 3:47:52 PM

ghost 2003 = $40 and a hell of a lot better

6/9/2006 4:00:46 PM

^

6/9/2006 4:13:02 PM

Open-source ~= Free.

6/9/2006 4:38:19 PM