Installing Managed Desktop
Before trying to install the Managed Desktop Service, you should check with the CiCS approved list that the computer motherboard is supported for use with this service.
If you are purchasing a computer you should check with Viglen or Phoenix that the computer is compliant for use with the University's Managed Desktop Service.
Preinstallation tasks
Before downloading and installing the disk image, you will need to ensure that the BIOS is correctly set.
- Configure the BIOS settings as documented for each particular computer.
- The choice of setup/supervisor password is at the discretion of the department.
However, if a computer needs to be reimaged, it is vital the person carrying out this task knows this password. A written record of this password should be kept by the department.
- Save the settings and restart the computer.
Downloading the disk image
Please ensure you have no removable media (such as floppy disks, CDs, USB sticks and Zip disks) in your machine during the imaging process. Downloading the disk image will erase all data on all hard disks in the workstation, this includes the writable partition and MyFolder. Please ensure you have a copy of any data on any hard disks that requires keeping before proceeding.
- After completing the changes to the BIOS the computer will automatically restart.
As no image has been previously installed on the computer, the Imaging Engine will load from the network.
- After the Imaging Engine has loaded, please enter the password for the process, which has been supplied by CiCS.
Please note: entering the password gives no indication on the screen of what is being typed.
If you need to Cancel any operation, use the TAB or arrow keys to move between the Password box, OK and Cancel buttons.
- At the top of the next screen, information is displayed about the type of computer/workstation that has been detected.
"Legacy" workstations are referred to as either Viglen Standard, Dell Standard or Acer Standard.
Newer models are referred to more specifically - usually, Viglen models refer to the type of motherboard, Dell to the computer model name.
Check that the description matches the type of workstation you are imaging.
- Select the disk image to download that is most appropriate for the function of the computer/workstation.
There are three disk images to choose from.
- CiCS Student Computer Room - must be used only on computers in Student Computer Rooms managed by CiCS.
- Departmental Computer Room - for use on computers in student rooms managed by departments.
- Staff Computers - For use on workstations that are on the desks of members of staff.
- Use the arrow and TAB keys to select the disk image. Press Enter to confirm selection.
Occasionally additional options may appear in the menu - only choose these if you have been instructed to do so.
- The download and installation process will now begin requiring no human interaction.
During the Installation Process:
- The base image and any supplementary images (that depend on the computer's setup) are downloaded onto the workstation.
When completed, the message New Image Successful will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
- The workstation reboots to allow Windows XP "mini-setup" to run.
- The workstation will reboot and the login screen will appear.
Do not attempt to log in yet as the workstation will go through at least one further automatic reboot over the next 5-15 minutes depending on the speed of the computer and amount of work to do.
It is important that the computer be allowed to finish all the operations above - do not shut down the computer before these tasks are completed.
- After the imaging process has completed the computer will automatically shut down.
You can turn it on and begin using it at any time.