DC7800 SFF with XP Pro SP2 - upgrade to SP3?

[Klaxon]

Hi all. I've recently rebuilt several "wiped" DC7800 SFF computers using the restore disks. They're now running Win XP Pro SP2. Should I update them to SP3, and if so, can I use the standard Microsoft download SP3 or is there a specific one from HP? Thanks.

[erico · Accepted solution]

I just happen to have done a recovery on a dc7800 business PC yesterday at a client site. I recommend that you leave it at SP2. There are some security updates that Microsoft Update will recommend that you apply should you choose not to apply SP3. Apply the security updates. The reason that I make this recommendation is for avoidance of driver and BIOS issues.

There is no specific Microsoft Windows Pro SP3 update for the dc7800 provided by HP.

[Klaxon]

Thanks, Erico, I'll follow your advice and stay with SP2.

On a related subject, it took a loooong time to restore each PC using the recovery disks, and I have another 20 or so to do. Can I use some sort of replication or deployment software to clone an image from a working machine to the other 20? We don't have a "server" as such, and I know almost nothing about this type of setup.

Alternatively, could you suggest a "deployment for dummies" tutorial or paper to give me a step-by-step guide?

Thanks again.

[erico]

Unfortunately that is beyond the scope of this forum.

If you do have identical machines that you can use commercial cloning software such as Paragon Drive Copy 11 for migration.

I have an NFR copy that was provided to me by Paragon and I find it very useful. I believe you will find the process quite simple and well worth the expenditure. I recommend using the Migrate Hard disk to Container option for your 20 machines.

 

[Klaxon]

Thanks again, I'll check that one out.