Back in the day I used to sysprep and imagex. Now I use MDT. Still sysprep my base image after updates, but let MDT handle the rest. I don't do onsite reloads but you can run MDT off your laptop.
The time it takes depends on updates. If my base image is 100% up to date, and I don't have any other updates (seems like it never happens...) then I can have a fully patched Windows 7 install ready to set up in under 20 min.
99% of my reloads are to OEM machines. In the case of Windows 7 I always use SLP activation (same as what the OEM does). I rarely ever use the key on the COA anymore. Back when I was using the COA key I used and OEM image for my installs so it always activated.
Also see this I posted a while back:
https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/fastest-way-to-install-windows.58058/#post-450558
These days I would not do it manually. Just use MDT.
The time it takes depends on updates. If my base image is 100% up to date, and I don't have any other updates (seems like it never happens...) then I can have a fully patched Windows 7 install ready to set up in under 20 min.
99% of my reloads are to OEM machines. In the case of Windows 7 I always use SLP activation (same as what the OEM does). I rarely ever use the key on the COA anymore. Back when I was using the COA key I used and OEM image for my installs so it always activated.
Also see this I posted a while back:
https://www.technibble.com/forums/threads/fastest-way-to-install-windows.58058/#post-450558
These days I would not do it manually. Just use MDT.
