Question : SCCM Operating System Deployment with SCCM and Multiple Model's of HP Notebooks

Hi,

Currently we have a number of different model hp notebooks which we must manage. The current image is deployed with Norton Ghost. We would like to start using our existing SCCM environment to deploy the XP SP3 operating system to these notebooks.

Considering that we have quit a few different models, how does SCCM handle this? How do you select the correct image to be deployed to the correct model laptop? How do you assign the correct drivers to each corrosponding model. Is this fairly easy to do or will it be a very time consuming task.

Is there an easy way to obtain all the drivers for each model and create a driver package? Is there a downloadable driver archive that people have been complyling for each model of laptop which I can find on the internet?

So far I have been reading a tutorial on how to PXE to a reference computer to create a 'build and capture' image. What I dont understand is how I use this image to then deploy to each different laptop without weeks of work testing with each model for completeness of driver and HP software required.

Can anyone with experience please explain what is the best way to implement this solution.

Thanks

Answer : SCCM Operating System Deployment with SCCM and Multiple Model's of HP Notebooks

Unlike Ghost SCCM can deploy the same OS over multiple computer brands and models. We have 97 different models consisting of both Dell and HP systems. All you need to support multiple models is to just have a large driver database. The OS install will select the needed drivers if available. Also set your reference computer up with all the universal software used (Flash, Reader, Java, Office...) then capture everything in one .wim file as I have found this makes for a quicker deployment. Also make sure you get all the Microsoft updates before you capture the OS. Once everything is how you want your baseline computer to look break it off the domain and begin the capture. Once you get over the hump it is really a simple process but it is a steep learning curve when you are thrown to the wolves.

Here is a good Step-By-Step Guide to OS Deployment

http://blogs.technet.com/b/configurationmgr/archive/2009/07/27/a-step-by-step-for-using-osd-through-system-center-configuration-manager-2007.aspx

And you can get the majority of your drivers from here.

http://driverpacks.net

I personally have over 8 gigs of Nic, Video, Chipset and Sound drivers. Also when you’re importing your drivers separate them into categories such as Network, Video and so forth just for manageability.