Best Practices for Windows 7 Migration and Deployment

- a Microsoft Deployment Toolkit and Symantec Ghost Solution Suite Workshop -

Workshop General Description

Binary Research International's Best Practices for Windows 7 Migration and Deployment is a five-day, Instructor-led, lab-based program.  It provides Participants with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to migrate and deploy Microsoft Windows 7 to large numbers of computers.

Using interactive procedures and hands-on exercises, Participants learn how to plan for a Windows 7 deployment, how to install and configure all components of the Microsoft Deployment Toolset, how to use the Microsoft tools, and how to integrate these tools with the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU) to create hardware-independent Image files.

In addition, Participants are trainined in using the tools within the Symantec Ghost Solution Suite v.2.5.1 to create, capture and deploy Windows 7 Images and to perform post-migration tasks.

What are they saying about BRI Windows 7 Training?

I love the (BRI) Win 7 Deployment "Bible". I've already used some of the programs and examples from it. .  Douglas - Marquette University

...this course was well designed and the content in the manual will be very helpful when my company starts to get ready to deploy Win 7. Derek - American Transmission Co.

PLANNING TO MIGRATE TO WINDOWS 7 IN THE FUTURE ? READ WHY YOU SHOULD NOT POSTPONE GETTING YOUR TRAINING...

Who should Attend

This workshop is designed for Administrators and Engineers of corporate networks. Participants may also include Project Managers for Windows 7 implementations, business Systems Administrators, business analysts, and IT Project Managers. Others who would benefit are systems professionals and consultants tasked with the installation, configuration and operational management of Windows 7 and Images within corporate, government or academic environments.

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All Modules are based upon Binary's set of  Best Practices using our "Eight-step Process for Deployment Success"  

This module introduces the Program as a whole and provides a roadmap for instruction over the next three days.
The module begins with an overview of the Program, including the Program objectives, and continues with two key topics, which outline the Program Roadmap and introduce BRI's Eight Steps to Deployment Success. This is where Participants learn the training format of the Program and how the training materials are structured. Diagrams are included to clearly show the flow of learning and how each module builds upon previous modules.

Also included in Module 1 is a description of the lab setup, which is the environment in which Participants practice hands-on procedures and complete Labs.
The module then introduces another two key topics - Best Practices and Practical Project Management. Knowing how to use the deployment tools and utilities is only part of a successful Windows 7 deployment. Knowing when to use which tool is just as important and can mean the difference between success and failure.

Module 1 concludes with an introduction to Microsoft's Hyper-V technology, which is the virtualization environment used to simulate multiple computers during the Program.

Module 2 introduces Windows 7, Microsoft's latest operating system. The module begins with a description of Windows 7 and the path by which Microsoft arrived at Windows 7 as a product.

The module continues with a look at features that are new with both Windows Vista and Windows 7, and examines the changes that have been integrated since the release of Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Module 2 also discusses the different editions of Windows 7, as well as summarizing the numerous editions comprising the Vista product line, including their hardware requirements and licensing options.

The module concludes with a discussion entitled "Migrating Business Users to Windows 7", where Trainer and Participants have an opportunity to talk about how Windows 7 might be used in a business environment.  During the module, Participants install Windows 7 on a computer, which will be used as the Master Machine for Imaging later in the course.

Module 3 guides Participants through planning for a Windows 7 deployment. The module begins with a discussion of the importance of planning, emphasizing not only the organization's dependence on functional IT systems, but also the differences between Windows 7 and its predecessors that make a Windows 7 deployment unlike deployment of any previous Windows operating systems except Vista.

The module continues with a step-wise journey through the deployment process - an important conceptual aid to planning a deployment. This section focuses on those issues and tasks that will be the responsibility of hands-on Network Administrators.

The focus then moves to tasks and considerations for more senior personnel in preparing for the Windows 7 migration, with guidance on assembling a project team and expanding upon the best-practice project management methodologies within the Microsoft documentation. Then, with the project team in place, the module addresses the definition of a Project Vision, Scope, and Design document.

Module 4 introduces the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, the Solution Accelerator provided by Microsoft for automating desktop and server deployment. The MDT supports deployment of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as deployment of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

Also introduced in this module are the supporting components and toolsets that form the foundation for Microsoft Deployment. Some components are essential for the entire installation process, such as Windows Deployment Services and the Windows Automated Installation Kit, while others perform key tasks, such as creating and modifying an Image.

In preparation for the remainder of the workshop, the Microsoft tools discussed in this module have been pre-installed. Instructions for the installation of each tool are included in the Appendices section of the Manual. This Module gives Participants an understanding of the functionality of each tool and introduces the Deployment Console and Wizards provided therein to prepare and deploy Windows 7 across the network.

Module 5 explores the software inventory and assessment tools provided with Microsoft Deployment. These tools are part of the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT).  During Module 5, Participants collect an inventory of installed applications, test applications for Windows 7 readiness and identify considerations required for Windows 7 Compatibility. This course uses version 5.5 of the ACT, which includes support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

The Application Compatibility Toolkit includes a number of components, such as the Compatibility Evaluators, the Setup Analysis Tool and the Compatibility Administrator. This module describes how to use all of these components.

Also included in Module 5 is a discussion of the ACT Standard User Analyzer. This component is used to check for permission issues for non-Administrators on applications that are intended to run on Windows 7. Using the Standard User Analyzer, course Participants analyze a software application to determine its readiness for Windows 7 migrations.

Module 6 covers the Hardware Inventory and Assessment tools provided with Microsoft Deployment. Participants learn about two tools for cataloging and analyzing hardware and gain some hands-on experience with these tools during the Module 6 procedures.

The two tools described in this module are the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit Solution Accelerator. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor is more suited to smaller networks with low numbers of computers, whereas the Assessment and Planning Toolkit can be used on networks of any size.

In order to successfully capture a Windows Image, certain tools are used. These tools are described and used in this module. Capturing a Master Image means taking a Windows 7 Master Machine, with all of the tools and applications used by everyone in an organization, and creating a Windows .wim Image file that can then be deployed to other computers.

The Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK) comprises a number of tools for deploying Windows 7. Some of these have been covered in previous modules. This module describes two of the most important: Windows PE and ImageX.

First, the two components are introduced and put into context with the other tools in the WAIK. Next, both are described in more detail, including typical scenarios for using the tools. Procedures are included to show how the tools work together to build a Windows 7 environment and create an Image ready for further modification.

Module 8 explores how to modify a master Image using the Windows 7 deployment tools. During Module 8, Participants create an unattend.xml file from a .wim Image and import the unattend.xml into the (.wim) Image file using ImageX.

In addition, this module introduces Participants to the Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM) and its components. Windows SIM is a tool used to create unattended Windows Vista and Windows 7 Setup answer files from a (.wim) Image file and a catalog (.clg) file.

This module is designed to explore the Microsoft migration tools which assist in the migration of data between two systems. These systems can be two completely separate physical machines, two virtual machines, one machine with two different operating systems (i.e. a dual-boot configuration) or a simple upgrade, where User data and settings must be preserved when moving from the old operating system to the new one. This module examines the purpose, installation and utilization of the tools for Windows 7 migrations.

The two tools covered in this module are:

• Windows Easy Transfer - Used for the migration of files, User account settings and Microsoft application settings (e.g. Outlook Express).
• User State Migration Tool - Used in large deployments to capture desktop settings, User application information, User accounts settings and User specific files on the system.
  

Module 10 introduces the concept of test cases and testing procedures. Participants are introduced to a formal methodology for creating and executing test cases and testing procedures.

This module explains a methodology by which an issue trace matrix can be implemented during the corrective action section and how to finalize the testing process with User Acceptance Testing.

Module 11 explores the methodology used to deploy the customized master Image using the Microsoft deployment tools. In addition, Participants experience the process of restoring the User data and settings captured in Module 9.

As well as revisiting the use of Windows PE and ImageX, this module introduces Windows Deployment Services (WDS), which is a tool that allows any PXE-capable computer to boot over the network, including bare metal computers (i.e. computers with no installed operating system).

Module 12:  POST-MIGRATION AND MAINTENANCE

Module 12 covers discussion of the tasks which need to be addressed after the migration is complete. This includes the use of Windows Software Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), as well as updating the Image with new applications and device drivers.

Any IT Manager will happily state that most of the cost of ownership is incurred during the maintenance phase of a computer's lifecycle. In other words, after installation and deployment. The post-migration activities described in this module are important to minimize both the effort needed from Administrators and the disruption to users.

This module covers the use of a tool called the Universal Imaging Utility (UIU), manufactured by Big Bang LLC.  Used in conjunction with Imaging Technologies, the UIU prepares a computer for the creation of hardware independent Images.

The UIU module provides an overview of the Image creation process, general guidelines for the creation of Universal Images and the steps necessary to create optimized Images with the UIU. Although the UIU may be used with Windows 2000 (SP4) and Windows XP (SP2), this module focuses on the utilization of UIU with Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Description: Modules 14 through 21 describe how to apply BRI’s Eight Step process to migration or deployment scenarios using the Symantec Ghost Solution Suite.  The process is outlined in Figure 14.1 Eight Steps to deployment success using Ghost Solution Suite.  Version 2.5.1 of the Ghost Solution Suite is used for procedures in the manual and is the software provided during the course.

The modules have been designed to provide the necessary knowledge and tools to deploy Windows 7 using the Ghost Solution Suite.  They are structured in the same way as the Microsoft Deployment modules, following a nearly identical eight-step process. 

Module 14 introduces the Ghost Solution Suite and explains the planning, installation and configuration tasks prior to capturing and deploying Images.

Description: Module 15 explores the hardware and software inventory and assessment tools provided with the Ghost Solution Suite.  As mentioned in the previous module, the inventory and assessment tools for both hardware and software are integrated into one piece of functionality, which is why they are covered together in this module.

During the module, Participants gather an inventory of the hardware and software comprising a typical enterprise computer.  A Ghost Console task is used to capture inventory data from this computer.  Once inventory data is collected, Participants then assess and report on the data, again using Console tasks.

As well as describing how to create and execute the inventory and reporting tasks, the module covers dynamic machine groups, custom filters and custom reports.

Description: Regardless of the methodology used (Microsoft or Symantec), in order to successfully capture a Windows Image, certain tools are required.  The Symantec Ghost Solution Suite tools for capturing an Image are described in this module.

Capturing a Master Image means taking a Windows 7 machine, with all tools and applications used by everyone in the organization, and creating a Ghost Image file (*.gho) which can then be deployed to other computers.

The module begins with the steps necessary to create an optimized Master machine - one that is the best mix of applications and configuration choices for a particular environment.

Next the Ghost Boot Wizard is introduced, which is a program for creating bootable media and a pre-operating system environment. Such an environment is needed to allow the Ghost engine (ghost.exe) to run.

The module then covers GhostCasting and using the Ghost Console to capture Images of a Master machine. Procedures are included to show how to create an Image using both the Console and GhostCasting.

Description: Module 17 describes how to modify a master Image using Ghost Explorer, one of the Ghost Solution Suite tools.

During this module, Participants use Ghost Explorer to open and browse a previously created Image, and then update and recompile the Image.  Participants can also produce a listing detailing the contents of an Image file.

Description: Module 18 covers migrating personal files and configuration settings for one or more Users, either between different computers or between operating systems on the same computer.

The module introduces the User Migration Template and describes the three components that make up the template: Application Settings, User Files and Folders and Registry Keys.

During the module, Participants learn how to use a Ghost ConsoleTask to capture User migration data and how to manage User Packages with the User Migration Package Explorer.

Description: Module 19 explores developing and running test procedures in a Ghost Solution Suite environment.

Participants were introduced to a formal testing methodology during Module 10 – this module revisits the methodology from a Ghost perspective.  The structure of testing does not change, but the test cases are drawn from Ghost Solution Suite tools and the examples discussed are Console tasks.

Description: Module 20 covers the deployment of Images to target computers.  It begins with a discussion of the tools available when running ghost.exe locally, including the pee-to-per options and manual resizing of partitions.

The module then describes how to restore an Image using the GhostCast server, followed by restoring an Image using Ghost Console tasks, which make use of the GhostCast server for “push” (i.e. clone or deploy) operations.

During this module, Participants carry out procedures to deploy Images via both the Ghostcast Server and a Console task. A Console task is also used to illustrate Symantec's DeployAnywhere technology, which is a way for Images to be retargeted with specific drivers needed for a computer's mass storage and network interface devices.

Description: Module 21 describes the key administration and maintenance tasks that need to be done after an Image is deployed to one or more target computers.  Tasks such as restoring Users’ data files and configuration settings, setting up boot partitions, if required, installing any additional applications and special files that might be needed, and establishing backup schedules for key computers.

These tasks can be setup, run and monitored using the Ghost Solution Suite.  Depending on the operating systems running on client computers, it is possible for all this administration to be handled remotely, using the Ghost Console to monitor and report on progress and success or failure of each task.

The module begins with a discussion of User data and settings - how to setup tasks to restore User information following a new client computer deployment or operating system upgrade. Next, the session covers boot partitions and virtual partitions, followed by a section on transferring files and executing commands.Also included are procedures and discussion on how to set up tasks to backup and restore individual client computers.

The module concludes with a section on 3Com Boot Services, which is a set of tools used to enable client computers to boot over the network into a pre-execution (PXE) boot environment.