CloneZilla Desktop Imaging
Desktop deployments and rebuilds were being performed manually, leading to inconsistent configurations, longer setup times, and higher chances of human error.
Project Overview
Desktop deployments and rebuilds were being performed manually, leading to inconsistent configurations, longer setup times, and higher chances of human error.
Outcome
Implemented a standardized imaging process using Clonezilla that reduced desktop deployment and recovery time from several hours to under one hour per machine. The solution enabled rapid system restoration, consistent configurations across workstations, and improved operational reliability during hardware failures and OS corruption events.
Project Phases & Timeline
Assessment and Planning
Completed
Mar 2024 → Mar 2024
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Goal
Identify inefficiencies in the existing desktop deployment and recovery process, evaluate viable imaging solutions, and define a standardized approach that minimizes downtime and configuration drift.
What I Did
Reviewed the existing manual desktop deployment workflow, documented common failure points, and compared imaging approaches based on reliability, cost, hardware compatibility, and recovery speed. Defined requirements for a standardized imaging solution that could be consistently applied across multiple workstation types.
Technical Details
Evaluated disk-based imaging solutions with support for both UEFI and legacy BIOS systems. Considered driver portability, partition handling, and restore flexibility across varying hardware profiles within a Windows 10 and Windows 11 environment.
Challenges
Balancing the need for a single standardized image against hardware differences, boot modes, and driver compatibility across multiple workstation models.
Outcome
Selected Clonezilla as the primary imaging solution and established a clear deployment strategy, enabling progression into golden image creation and deployment testing.
Image Creation
Completed
Mar 2024 → Mar 2024
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Goal
Create a stable, reusable image that could be reliably deployed across multiple workstation types while minimizing post-deployment configuration and recovery time.
What I Did
Built a clean base operating system installation, applied all required updates, installed baseline applications, and validated system stability prior to image capture. Iteratively refined the image through multiple capture and restore cycles to ensure reliability across target hardware.
Technical Details
Configured the system for UEFI boot, verified partition layout and alignment, and ensured compatibility with Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments. Captured full-disk images using Clonezilla, accounting for EFI system partitions, recovery partitions, and disk size variations across different hardware models.
Challenges
Encountered issues related to UEFI boot configuration, partition structure inconsistencies, and restore failures during early testing. Required troubleshooting around EFI partition handling, disk layout differences, and ensuring the image remained portable across multiple workstation models.
Outcome
Successfully produced a validated golden image that restored cleanly across tested workstations, booted reliably without manual intervention, and served as the foundation for standardized deployment and recovery workflows.
Deployment
Completed
Mar 2024 → Mar 2024
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Goal
Deploy the validated image to production workstations and confirm the imaging process could be reliably used for real-world system recovery and hardware replacement scenarios.
What I Did
Deployed the standardized image to multiple workstations using Clonezilla, performed full system restores, and verified successful boots, driver functionality, and system readiness. Used the imaging process during actual recovery scenarios to confirm reliability under operational conditions.
Technical Details
Executed full-disk restores using Clonezilla, accounting for disk size differences and ensuring correct restoration of EFI system partitions. Performed post-deployment validation including boot verification, device driver checks, and basic system functionality testing.
Challenges
Managing deployment timing to minimize user disruption and ensuring restores completed successfully across varying hardware configurations during early production use.
Outcome
Successfully deployed the imaging solution into production use, enabling rapid workstation recovery and consistent system configurations. Imaging became my preferred method for desktop rebuilds and recovery, significantly reducing downtime and manual setup effort.
Maintenance and Upkeep
In Progress
— → Present
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Goal
Maintain a reliable and up-to-date system image by regularly applying operating system updates, reviewing baseline configurations, and ensuring the imaging process remains compatible with current hardware and operational requirements.
What I Did
Established a process for periodically updating the system image, including applying operating system patches, updating baseline applications, and validating system stability prior to recapture. Reviewed and adjusted imaging procedures following major updates or hardware changes to ensure continued reliability.
Technical Details
Performed image maintenance in a controlled environment by updating the base system, verifying UEFI boot configuration and partition layout, and re-capturing images using Clonezilla as needed. Validated updated images through restore testing before placing them back into operational use.
Challenges
Balancing the need to keep the system image current while avoiding unnecessary recaptures, and ensuring updates do not introduce instability or compatibility issues across different workstation models.
Outcome
Maintained a dependable and current imaging process that supports ongoing system recovery, hardware replacement, and consistent workstation deployments as operational needs evolve.