Cloning a PC

[Wheelie]

I have a job to set up 14 new identical All-in-One computers for a business client. They must be configured identically (except for licenses obviously). So ideally I will turn on and set up the first PC (run all updates, install all software, configure all other settings and software for them, etc) then I'd like to clone that PC to the remaining 13 PCs. PROBLEM: These PCs are a royal pain in the butt to open up and remove the SSD's to clone.

SO MY QUESTION IS: Is there a way to create a fully functional clone image of the first configured PC (by using its USB port) onto a flash drive so I can then use that flash drive to plug into and clone the remaining 13 PCs to be the same? If so what software would do that? Does something like Acronis or Macrium do this from a flash drive? Anyone have experience doing this?

I just do not want to have to open up 14 all-in-one computers to clone the SSDs or manually have to set up 14 PCs identically.

 

[Moltuae]

Does something like Acronis or Macrium do this from a flash drive?

Yes. Just use Reflect to create a 'rescue' USB drive. Then set up one PC exactly how you want it, run Sysprep and shutdown the PC. Boot from the Reflect USB and create an image of the system drive (saving the image to the same USB drive). Then just boot from the Reflect USB on the other PCs and restore the image.

 

[Big Jim]

yeh reflect will handle this

 

[Wheelie]

Yep. Macrium Reflect works like a charm!

 

[Larry Sabo]

I am perpetually puzzled by the number of techs on TN that use Macrium Refect to work on customer systems, given the horrendous cost of the technician license and the fact that it needs to be renewed annually. I bend over backwards to avoid using software in contravention of the EULA and thought, as professionals, we all did. Colour me disappointed -- or are you all Macrium Reflect resellers, so get it at a good discount?

 

[Wheelie]

I purchased the workstation license solely for this project.