Remove computers from active directory

[Migration User]

Hello!

 

We are deploying about 12 workstations using ghost and a single image. Each machine is being randomly named using the

 

ComputerName = *

 

in the sysprep. We did this because we have no reliable way of naming these machines and using only a single image and sysprep file. Sysprep is also scrambling the SID.

 

Our problem is that the old SID's are not being removed from active directory. So when we redeploy images we now have 24 stations in active directory instead of only the origional 12.

[Migration User]

Hi,

 

Usually when machines are removed from AD, it does not remove the account. This is the case when you do it manually too. If you want to do it automatically, I can't think of a easy way. But you can use dsqurey and dsrm utilities (they are in 2k3 server by default). You can query accounts that are inactive using dsquery and use that information with dsrm to remove them.

 

Do you use sysprep or Console to join the machines to the domain? If it is Console, you can apply default configuration so that the names won't change.

 

Krish

 

 

[Migration User]

Hello!

 

We are using sysprep for the names. Currently its set to just give us random names as we need each machine to come up with a different name. How would we beable to make each work station come up with a predictable yet different name after being image?

[Migration User]

Hi,

 

I assumed that you are using Ghost Console for this. It looks like you do not use Console but use GhostCast server manually. Is that correct?

 

If you do not use Console, there is no easy way. If you like to write scripts, you can change the machine name in the sysprep.inf file (based on MAC address). 

 

Let me know if you would like to go that way,

 

Krish

 

[Migration User]

I use a script that I've "built-in" to our image that executes once after sysprep to perform a few tasks (using a secure auto-admin logon), one of which is to name the machine based on the "service tag" that Dell assigns.  This way, it's unique and it's a value we're already familiar with.

 

~B