What happens when you run sysprep?
Sysprep can remove PC-specific information from a Windows installation (generalizing) so it can be installed on different PCs. When you run Sysprep you can configure whether the PC will boot to audit mode or to the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE). Sysprep is part of the Windows image, and is run in audit mode.
Does sysprep wipe data?
Sysprep provides the following benefits: Removes system-specific data from Windows. Sysprep can remove all system-specific information from an installed Windows image, including the computer security identifier (SID). The Windows installation can then be captured and installed throughout an organization.
How do I run sysprep after cloning?
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- Clone the machine.
- Disable the nic on the clone.
- Boot up, log in, leave domain, reboot.
- Log in, change name, reboot.
- shut guest down and enable NIC (beware duplicate IP’s!)
- Shut down and start in correct network.
- You can now join the domain for testing.
What does sysprep without generalize do?
If you intend to transfer a Windows image to a different computer, you must run sysprep /generalize, even if the computer has the same hardware configuration. The sysprep /generalize command removes unique information from your Windows installation, which enables you to reuse that image on different computers.
When should you use sysprep?
Sysprep is used to clone an existing Windows installation across multiple PCs. Cloning Microsoft Windows without first running Sysprep would be problematic because Windows 10, Windows Server and other versions of Microsoft Windows include security identifiers (SIDs) that must be unique from one computer to the next.
Is sysprep still needed?
Sysprep isn’t necessary, as long as you change the SID and computer name. It’s also a good idea if the hardware you’re deploying to is the same or similar. There are tools that you can use to change the SID so you don’t need to run sysprep.
Does Sysprep remove user files?
Sysprep doesn’t remove users account. It is recommanded to customize the Windows using the default local administrator.
Does sysprep remove all drivers?
Sysprep removes all device drivers, sets the system to a first-run state and removes Windows license authorization. Often a last resort when migrated systems fail to boot or crash during startup, Sysprep can provide a way to boot Windows when other steps have failed.
How do I run sysprep on Windows Server 2012?
Follow the steps below to use Sysprep in Windows Server 2012.
- Press Windows logo key + X at the same time.
- Type cd \Windows\System32\Sysprep and then press Enter.
- Sysprep can be run in 2 modes, the GUI mode and the command line.
- Choose Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) and check the Generalize checkbox.
When should I use sysprep?
Does Sysprep remove local admin accounts?
sysprep is designed to put the OS into OEM state. All local accounts and user profiles are deleted. Because it will be the base image for all your future VMs.
Will sysprep remove drivers?
Run Sysprep – Sysprep is a tool built into all versions of Windows and serves to remove device drivers, among other things. When run using default settings, Sysprep is a blunt instrument. Sysprep removes all device drivers, sets the system to a first-run state and removes Windows license authorization.
How many times can you run Sysprep?
There is no limit to the number of times that the Sysprep command can run on a computer. However, the clock for Windows Product Activation begins its countdown the first time Windows starts. You can use the sysprep /generalize command to reset Windows Product Activation a maximum of three times.
When should you use Sysprep?
Sysprep is the Microsoft system preparation tool used by system administrators often during the automated deployment of Windows Server based operating systems. Sysprep is most frequently used in virtualized environments to prepare a system image which will be cloned multiple times.
How do I use Sysprep in Windows?
Here’s the complete Sysprep syntax to use. Open an elevated command prompt, move to c:\\windows\\system32\\sysprep, then run: and you are done.
How many times can I run Sysprep on a Windows Image?
For more information about Sysprep -related Windows unattend components, see the Unattended Windows Setup Reference for Microsoft-Windows-PnpSysprep. You can run Sysprep command up to 1001 times on a single Windows image. After running Sysprep 1001 times, you must recreate your Windows image.
How do I shut down my computer after running Sysprep?
Run Sysprep. If the System Preparation Tool window is still open, click Generalize, click Shutdown, and then click OK to generalize the image and shut down the PC.
How do I reset the Windows Product Activation clock when running Sysprep?
In previous versions of Windows, you could use the SkipRearm answer file setting to reset the Windows Product Activation clock when running Sysprep. If you are using a volume licensing key or a retail product key, you don’t have to use SkipRearm because Windows is automatically activated.