Using the Toshiba Backup Utility included on the M400, it is possible to create a system restore CD/DVD that will allow you to recover the OS in the state that is was during the backup. This should solve the problem of not having a way to get a cleaned OS install without having to go to each machine and uninstall programs individually or use a program such as Ghost. The software runs in Windows but can restore from bootable CD or DVDs. Using this application with sysprep should allow for creation of a baseline DVD set that can be used to recover the system to a state configured by the sysadmin or aid in a large deployment of identical M400s.
Please note that this is still something I’m testing. Only try this on non-critical systems until you are comfortable that everything works as desired.
Before you start, I strongly recommend you create the recovery set discs for your tablets before starting this process. Those recovery discs will allow you to restore to the factory default setup should the need ever arise.
What you will need:
- A few blank CDs or DVDs if your system has a DVD burner installed.
- The updated sysprep and deployment tools for your OS. I used the updated ones for XP SP2 that can be downloaded here. General sysprep information can be found here.
- At least one Toshiba M400.
- A few hours.
Prep the computer and create the image
- Using the Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator (icon is on the desktop), create the first disk of the set (the start up disk). If you have already done this, you can skip to step two. This is what you will boot with to restore the image we create later. If you are using CD’s the Start Up disk may be more than one CD, but I have not tried this with CDs.
- Configure the system as you want it imaged.
- Create your sysprep file (by hand or with the system manager tool) as you want and run sysprep (with switches if needed. I used -noreboot -mini). Do not reboot after sysprep is finished, we need to create the backup image first.
- Create the system backup using Toshiba Backup software (Start->Programs->Toshiba->Utilities->Backup Utility). Select the System Backup tab and click Start Backup to begin the process. You will need to create a folder to save the image to in the root of the C: drive. After the image is finished burn the image to DVD or CD(s). You can do it when prompted after the image is complete, or come back and burn it later with the Create Restore Media button. If you need more information, the help file has detailed information on the backup and restore process. I suggest looking to over before trying to restore from the image.
On the computer to receive the image
- With the Start CD in the optical drive, start the computer, hit F12 at the start screen and use the arrow keys to select the cd/dvd drive to boot from and hit Enter.
- When the setup program is loaded, choose the option for “Recovery of System Backup” and click next. When prompted insert the DVD or CD created with the Toshiba Backup program and click OK.
- From there select the partition you want to restore, and follow the onscreen instructions. I chose “Partition Restoration” and chose the C:\ drive and clicked Next. In the window that pops up, check that the proper partition is selected and click OK to proceed. Click Yes if you want to proceed, this is the last chance to back out.
- The restoration process begins. It isn’t a quick process, so now would be a good time to go to lunch. When it is finished you will get a “Restoration in Complete” message, click OK to reboot and begin the mini-setup.
Mini Setup
Run through the setup entering your product key, computer name, etc. This information will differ based on how you setup your sysprep file. After that you should be able to log in as usual and make any custom changes for that computer’s setup.
That should be it. If you have any comments or suggestions, please post them in the comments.