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Sysprep and Office Serial number

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14 replies

by valdoltra

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I'm trying to deploy WinXP and office SB edition on a 30 computers. We all know that this could last a long time. I figured out how to use sysprep with windows and entering serial number. However I wish to enter serial number for Office pack also since we have OEM licenses for all 30 computers. Is there a solution to this?

Regards,

Vladimir

14 replies

by p.j.hutchison

Sysprep will remove the hardware information and allow you to set the Windows product id (using Setup Manager tool) into a inf file.

Normally you would use the volume license key if deploying the same application rather than idividual keys. In this case you will have to enter than manually... or configure a MSI using seperate manifest files creating using setup.exe.

by valdoltra

Ok so basically I'd have to install office pack manually since we don't use VLK?

Regards,
V

by charliespencer

In addition to sysprep, you need a disk imaging tool. I use Ghost, but there are others.

If you have to set up multiple computers on a regular basis, an image management tool is the way to go. Take the time to read the instructions for making a boot CD. Configure the software, put the boot CD in, then run sysprep and tell it to reboot. The system will boot from the image software's boot CD. Create the image from the boot CD, then use the boot CD to put the image on each of the remaining computers. When you boot the system, sysprep will kick in and ask you for the initial Windows data (user name, system name, option to add to a domain or workgroup). Since the image will have Office already installed, you won't have to specify the Office license number again.

If you don't want to go that way, look for the Office Resource Kit. It will tell you how to build a .MST file. This file will contain the settings for how you want Office installed (what applications, options, etc.) along with the serial number. You start the Office installation from a command prompt and specify the .MST file as a parameter.

by cg it

OEM licenses are only good for a single install on a single machine and are NOT transferable to other machines.

by charliespencer

I missed that in his initial question. That makes what I described illegal. The 30 separate licenses will have to be entered individually.

by cg it

I saw that he mentioned OEM and thought well maybe he knows but better point it out if he's doing sysprep and then wonders why Office Update might not validate the software.

He's going to have to load each license individually because their OEM licenses. If he bought 30 regular licenses and 1 media, he could sysprep em with the batch licensing. OEM will cause validation problems and activation problems because of the single install on a single machine requirement.

by valdoltra

I know that OEM license cannot be transferred and I know about imaging tool. Why OEM? Our customer's request :( I also know that sysprep enables you to enter serial number upon mini-setup wizard but I wasn't sure about possibility for Office... thanks anyways guys. I'll just use sysprep for windows and install office manually!
Have a nice holidays!

Regards,
Vlado

by joe

Rather than installing Office manually on each computer, why not just install (but don't activate) office on the source computer, then activate office on each destination computer. He should be able to click change product key at the activation screen and activate each computer with its own license, but that will be way faster than having to run the installation on each machine. Am I missing something?

by cg it

Its the fact he got OEM and not just licenses. OEM is a single install, single machine with no transfer capabilities.

So when he does a image install using OEM software, product activation will fail, not only that but the first machine he activates is the only machine that media is good for. So in essense he would have to make up a an image for each machine with each CD he has. So the real issue is what's the point using sysprep.

by p.j.hutchison

I am sure you have to enter the product code before office will be installed so I don't think this method works.

by cg it

he can use an answer file but OEM will preclude him from doing this. IF this had been a regular Office version he could do an network install with just one media set and key. When he tries to activate the product, he would have to provide the 29 licenses he purchased. MS has a method of multiple network installs with multiple product licenses for activation on Technet.

by jcnewman83

If you want to install Office 2003 and have it prompt you for cd-key and activation after using Sysprep here's what you have to do:

Use regedit and remove the product code at this location: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Registration\{90110409-6000-11D3-8CFE-0150048383C9}

(This example is for Office 2003, other versions will be slightly different but you should still easily be able to find the code)

by valdoltra

The real point using sysprep is to minimize the time I have to spend installing windows since I have identical hardware. It takes less time to install office than windows.

Regards,
V

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