Deploying Windows XP, Using the Windows PE
[February 15, 2008] SWatch Reader Favorite! Life is filled with challenges for a sys admin rolling out a large-scale operating system install. Windows Preinstallation Environment, a stripped-down version of the OS designed specifically for deployment, simplifies the process.

Deploying Windows XP, Bart PE
[December 22, 2005] Bart's Preinstallation Environment is a free alternative to Software Assurance program or Systems Management Server 2003 software. Is this Windows preinstallation environment for everybody?

Deploying Windows XP, Business Desktop Deployment
[October 20, 2005] The Microsoft Solution Accelerator for Business Desktop Deployment facilitates the process for which it is named. The software guides admins through the Windows XP Pro deployment process, from initial inventorying to post-deployment tasks.

Deploying Windows XP, SMS 2003 Feature Pack
[September 8, 2005] The Systems Management Server 2003 Operating System Deployment Feature Pack delivers the benefits of Windows PE — reduced installation time, improved hardware support, and scripting capabilities — without its inherent availability problems.

Deploying Windows XP, Application Migration
[March 3, 2005] The complexity of user state migration pales in comparison to application migration. We look at some of the more common challenges and solutions sys admins face when moving applications written for legacy Microsoft operating systems to XP.

Deploying Windows XP, Managing User State (Part 2)
[February 11, 2005] We continue looking at the role of user state in Windows XP migration with a focus on two tools from Microsoft: Files and Settings Transfer Wizard and User State Migration Tool.

Deploying Windows XP, Managing User State
[December 30, 2004] Still planning your NT 4 migration? We look at what's involved in moving to XP. Our series kicks off with a look at the most complex facet of any operating system deployment: managing user state.