Windows 7: Windows 7 sysprep questions.

Hi Folks,

I'm trying to create a Windows 7 image ...

Steps.

1) I installed all necessary apps, made customizations.
2) I run Sysprep utility ( select Generalize, Shutdown, OBOE )
3) Before Windows starts I create an image ( Using DD )
4) I deploy Image to different machine ( Same Hardware )


Only problem is that it dosen't ask me for new serial number .... ?
Is that normal ? It gives me 2 days to activate system ...
I guess I have to change serial number to the one from sticker and activate then ?

Did I miss any steps ?



Help would be appreciated.

You should not activate Windows if you plan on deploying a sysprepped image. Install Windows without the product key, install your apps, updates, etc, then sysprep it. When the new image is deployed, the end user will be asked for a product key and do the activation.

Hello,

Only problem is that I'm using OEM HP Windows 7 .. to create Image .. so It comes with serial number ... So I can't install it without key ?
Any way around this ? Or way to prompt for new key after deployment.

Thx

What is the activation status at Control Panel>System Activation link?

Insert the Product Key there if needed, or when requested.

So after each deployment .. I will go in change key to match the label on machine and then activate ?
This will not cause any problems ?

I was under impression that Sysprep ... removes the Installation Key .. and that I will be prompted to type it at next boot ?

It should. What exactly makes you think it didn't?

I Deployed image to new machine, And only thing it asked me was language, account/computer name... It didn't ask me for Key Product

any ideas ?

It may wait to prompt you until after setup.

What does it say at Control Panel>Properties when you scroll down to Activation?

It gives me 2 days to activate ... and there is a serial number .... But I didn't input it .. its from image .. so it looks like sys prep is not removing key ...

If this is an HP OEM install, and you are installing it on identical HP computers, it will never ask for a key. There is a unique BIOS identifier located during the install, and that allows a volume key to be used. The COA attached to the computer is there because HP must affix the sticker (which has a unique key, because the EULA requires it).

You still have to activate it online, though - which is why you get that message.