Ghost client can be installed by using different methods, either Ghost Console or directly from the Ghost installation CD/DVD, the third method is to use is a login script.
I would like to mention the points to ensure that your workstation is ready to install the Ghost client through the Console as first method.
For Windows XP:
- If the Windows Firewall is turned on, then you must verify that File and Printer Sharing is added to the Firewall Exceptions list.
- If a firewall other than Windows Firewall is turned on, then you might need to allow the following ports:
- For UDP: 137 and 138
- For TCP: 139 and 445
- The administrator user account on the client computer must have a password.
- Simple file sharing must be turned off.
For Windows Vista:
- If the Windows Firewall is turned on, then you must verify that File and Printer Sharing is added to the Firewall Exceptions list.
- If a firewall other than Windows Firewall is turned on, then you might need to allow the following ports:
- For UDP: 137 and 138
- For TCP: 139 and 445
- The administrator user account on the client computer must have a password.
- If the client computer belongs to a workgroup, either the "built-in Administrator account" must be turned on or the "User Account Control (UAC)" must be turned off.
The other method is using a login script. Please follow the following steps:
- Create a folder in your server and share it for everyone.
- Copy the client.msi under that folder
- Create a bat file and write the following:
=========================================================================================
@echo off
NET USE X: \\your_server_name\your_shared_folder\ /user:<domain>\<User Name> [Password]
IF NOT EXIST "C:\Program Files\Symantec\Ghost\NGCTW32.exe" start X:\client.msi /qb
=========================================================================================
- Save the batch file and deploy it to your clients or have it run as a login script
Note:
You may also use the following parameters:
/qn : No UI
/qb : Basic UI
/qr : Reduced UI
/qf : Full UI
The client require the following ports in-order to communicate with the console after the installation:
- 1345 (UDP)
- 1346 (UDP)
- 1347 (UDP)
- 6666 (UDP)
- 7777 (UDP)
So please make sure that the above ports are opened in the client firewall. (If there is an active firewall running on the client or the Ghost server.)
Finally, Ghost Client search the Console using two methods. If the first method failed, it will try the second method.
Method 1: Multicast
The client sends a Multicast packet to an address and port number that the Console is expecting. All Consoles register their interest in this traffic by sending IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) messages. Properly configured routers and switches pass this traffic to the Console. Ensuring that the routers will pass Multicast traffic is usually all that is necessary to get this method working.
Method 2: WINS
This method relies on a WINS infrastructure existing and working between the networks in question. Usually, if you can browse a computer in the remote site using My Network Places in Windows Explorer, then this method COULD work.
References:
Ghost console client communication issues
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008042509284860
Software firewall exceptions for Ghost.
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008020713113460
How to ensure your XP/Vista workstations are prepared to receive a Remote Client Install.
http://service1.symantec.com/support/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008060510123760?Open&seg=ent
How to use a login script to install the Ghost Client
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2008120817200660
How the Ghost Console and Client communicate over the network
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/on-technology.nsf/docid/2002101612025325