Hey folks! I'm in the business of PC repair and refurbishment and deal with around 20-30 machines daily, ranging from older ThinkPads to the latest Gen 14 laptops. My main struggle has been finding an efficient way to deploy Windows without running into issues with sysprep or dodgy modified ISOs. I've tried several tools, including Microsoft MDT/SCCM, Acronis, Macrium Reflect, and others, but none seem to fit my needs perfectly. MDT has a steep learning curve and complex setup, while Acronis and Macrium Reflect aren't great for different hardware. I found some ease with Ventoy, but it still requires manual steps after the boot. I also looked into tools that either use modified ISOs or clutter the system with unnecessary software. Recently, I came across TekDT BMC Pro, which claims to deploy without altering the original ISO and effectively manages drivers automatically. Has anyone used it for their shop? What's the driver accuracy like for the latest Intel and AMD systems? Any thoughts or valid suggestions that prioritize a clean ISO approach?
5 Answers
Smart Deploy is worth considering. We use it as a different approach tailored to fit our needs, and it works pretty well for mass deployment without much hassle.
Take a look at FFU Builder for fast installs. It allows for scripting and automating the setup but may struggle with completely different models due to its imaging nature.
You can combine Ventoy with an autounattend.xml to automate the whole setup process. With the right drivers pre-loaded, you'll have a pretty smooth experience. Check out this generator: [Schneegans Unattend Generator](https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/).
Thanks for that link! I'm concerned about driver injection with a clean ISO. Does your XML setup dynamically handle hardware IDs during the Windows install, or do I still need to prep folders for each model?
I reckon driver management will be a tough nut to crack regardless of the tool you choose. There's no truly 'easy' route that I know of for handling so many different models.
I feel you; managing drivers is a nightmare. Have you found any moderate solutions that could utilize a global driver database? I wish there was something smart enough to automate injecting drivers without juggling endless folders every time a new Windows build comes out.
I've actually had a positive experience with MDT. My workflow for a new model is pretty streamlined: I import the new Windows ISO, update task sequences, and handle the driver packs for new models efficiently. It’s not a golden image approach—I've avoided it for years. I still manage to roll out various OS configurations while keeping my storage tidy.
That does sound efficient, but I’ve heard Microsoft has dropped support for MDT. Have you looked into any similar alternatives?
FFU looks fast, but I'm worried about its inflexibility with random hardware. Like you said, keeping multiple images can be a nightmare in a repair shop. This TekDT BMC Pro you mentioned might be the bridge between speed and flexibility!