From download to implementation with Broadcom Ghost Solution Suite 3.X

Products

• Ghost Solution Suite

Issue/Introduction

From Download to implementation, Steps to get started with Broadcom's Ghost Solution Suite

Environment

GSS 3.x

Resolution

This document covers the installation and configuration of Ghost Solution Suite for the first time.

• For assistance with Ghost Standard Tools see this document: Getting Started With Ghost Standard Tools 3.x
• For a narrated series that walk through installation, configuration, and creation of images as well as deployment with version 3.3 / 3.3 RU1 visit: Ghost Solution Suite 3.3 - Instructional "How to" Video Series

 

Here are the steps to get started with Ghost Solution Suite:

1. Disable any Antivirus and Intrusion protection software on the Ghost Server
2. Ensure that your Server meets the minimum specifications described in the Install and Upgrade guide, here:
   GSS Landing page
3. Turn off User Account Control.
4. Download and install Ghost Solution Suite 3.X and the most recent update.
   The steps to get a license key and download the files are in this document: 175846 "Download the latest version of Symantec Ghost Solution Suite" 
   Run both the 3.X installer and the most recent update. When you run the installer be sure to click "Check", to run the Install readiness Checker. Make sure you get "Passed" on each section except the database. (The database will show it fails to connect because it is not yet installed.)
   For more information about the installation process see:
   Simple Install Guide: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/symantec-security-software/endpoint-security-and-management/ghost-solutions-suite/3-3/Getting-Started/Installing-Ghost-Solution-Suite-Server/simple-install-for-ghost-solution-suite-server-v101659361-d1448e7953.html
   Complete Installation and Upgrade guide: GSS Landing page
   and the Release Notes, here:  GSS Landing page
   A video of the "Custom" installation option for Ghost 3.3, including a description of each field you encounter in the installer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrcqVfbuG5E&list=PLzKI8Y3zwNuCiGZ3QHrgih8n9R1L3Ef3s&index=1 
5. Install the ADK and Import it into Boot Disk Creator.
   Before imaging it is necessary to install a Preboot Environment, usually Windows PE. Windows PE is part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit. (ADK)
   For Ghost Solution Suite 3.X it is suggested to use Windows PE 10. Here are the steps to install and import the ADK:
   https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=HOWTO124277 - Ghost will not allow the import of an unsupported WinPE version, so check the release notes prior to downloading. The currently supported WinPE version for GSS 3.3 was shipped with Windows 10 ADK v 1709. GSS 3.3 RU1 adds support for later versions.
   The following link provides access to multiple versions of the ADK: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install 
   Using the Linux preboot environment is not covered in this document.
6. Create a configuration in Boot Disk Creator, here are the steps:
   https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/175015/how-to-create-a-bootable-dvd-or-usb-driv.html
7. Create an Automation Folder installer using “Method 2” described in this document:
   https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/150208
   Support suggests using Method 2 because more feedback into the status of the process is provided to the client. Method 1 will also usually work, but it is important to wait for up to an hour to know if it has succeeded.
     7.1 If users should not have access to the preboot environment you need to modify the BCD Timeout to suppress access to the Preboot Environment. Here are the steps: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=TECH233432
8. Create a PXE environment. The PXE Quick Start guide is here:
   https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=TECH233432
   Note that steps 3,4 and 5 in the PXE Quick Start are unnecessary if you have already imported Windows PE 10 in Boot Disk Creator as described in step 5, above.
      8.1. If your environment contains multiple subnets you must configure your PXE server to work in that environment. 
   IP Helpers is the suggested configuration: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?articleId=152214 (See 'Configuring Your Router to Forward Broadcasts') For assistance configuring your router with IP Helpers pelase contact your router manufacturer. 
   DHCP Scope Options is another option: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=HOWTO7071 For assistance configuring DHCP scope options please contact the vendor of the DHCP server, usually Microsoft. 
9. Create a WAIT job, here are the steps:
   https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=TECH247897
10. Create a Backup This PC job, here are the steps:
    https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=HOWTO127728
11. Create a “Create Sysprepped Image” job. Here are the steps:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3x0pHJyn2NA
12. Create a “Deploy Sysyprepped image job”. Here are the steps:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D7UDo-drwY
13. Add the "Wait", "Create Backup", and "Deploy Sysprepped Image" jobs to the Initial Deployment menu – set the Wait job to be Default.
    https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=HOWTO127729