To RIS or not to RIS
It is nice to see I am not the only one that has problems with RIS (Remote Installation Service). Its a simple concept, Client boots via network, you login, select an image, and boom! You have one completely loaded OS ready for a user to login and get back to work.
So far I am the only IT person I have meet that actually uses the thing. I love it, any client over 5 PC and I start suggesting it. I still use a lot of OEM Media, but that doesn't bother RIS. I can even create custom screens to ask for it and apply it to the answer file. Normally RIS Can reinstall an Image complete with App's (like office and the LOB app) in about 30 mins. With RIS and Group Policy (to remap folders and settings). You can go from bad virus toasting the PC back to full steam ahead captain, in about 30 mins.
Why spend all day troubleshooting when you can have someone back up and going just where they left off in such a quick time. Well one reason is because RIS isn't working 
Errr...
That is where I have been for the last week. No RIS. Really its been almost 2 weeks. Now I'm no expert, but I do feel I know RIS rather well. I can setup images in my sleep, can almost get NIC drivers installed on the first time every time. But this is different. This isn't the normal problem, but it does mask itself as a normal problem.
This brings me to Microsoft Tech Support. Normally I would give these guys a Hugh Hugh thumbs up! 
This time though... Its not nearly as grand. I have been talking to MS for almost a week. At this point I am no closer to an answer, or even a real idea of what is wrong. I have been through 6 MS Reps in 4 days. All of them doing the same thing I did before calling them.
Now, I sit, waiting... Yes that is right. After about 10+ calls to PSS, this is the first time I have gotten the "Can I call you back?" Normally they will sit on hold with you till the cows come home. Today, well today is special. I don't have a clue what is wrong, and from the looks of it, neither does MS.
What am I waiting on? I Think some kind of Lightbulb to go off... 
The official answer I got was they are going to setup a lab and try and recreate the issue. Ok, I have 5+ clients using RIS in the same "type" of setup as I have with this one. My thinking is their lab will work, I mean, my other clients using RIS aren't calling me (Maybe I need to schedule a visit to them).
Anyway, Normally I would suggest RIS to anyone. I use it at home (on my home SBS box LOL). I have OPK' ed windows 98-XP using RIS, I set it up for my clients, and I just plain love the thing. Yeah it needs a real overhaul on the setup and troubleshooting side of it. I would also like to see better internal driver support and better driver support for all the unattended setup options. For what it is, it is great, and for the most part, once you get the NIC/Storage drivers you need installed, it works without much issues.
I will keep you posted...