Sysprep answer file

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  1. Posts : 18
    Win 8 Enterprise
       #1

    Sysprep answer file


    I have been reading a lot about imaging lately and I am starting to get it down. Somewhere in my searches I thought I read something about a program that will pull your system configuration and settings for you and create a sysprep answer file from it. I have read so much in the last few days that I am having a hard time finding it again.

    Has anyone heard of what I am talking about? I can create it the old fashion way, but I thought that if the program worked it might save me from missing anything.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can offer
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #2

    As far as I know there are no tools that can simply extract information about an existing Windows setup and automatically create an answer file based on extracted information.

    Microsoft has an excellent tool for creating answer files from scratch called Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM). It is part of the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows 7, and part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) for Windows 8.

    More about Sysprep, Windows SIM and how to use them: System Preparation Tool - Use to Customize Windows

    These Seven Forums tutorials could also help you in understanding answer files and how they are used in various scenarios:

    Kari
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18
    Win 8 Enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks for the quick response Kari

    I read through and have been using your tutorial on how to use sysprep to customize windows 7 and 8 and it has been a huge help. There is a lot of good info in there as well as explanations on how/why some of the changes are made. I have actually been sharing it with the office as I am not the only one working on this project.

    I was hoping you might be able to help me with one more thing. I am trying to make an image to deploy to a lab of computers using ghost. In this case it would be inconvenient to use a USB to store the answer file on. Can I place this file somewhere else?
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  4. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #4

    Answer file can be placed anywhere where Sysprep can find it. It is recommended to save it always in root of a drive, but there's nothing preventing it to be placed in a subfolder.

    F:\Unattended.xml is as good as X:\AnswerFiles\Unattended.xml.
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  5. Posts : 18
    Win 8 Enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #5

    One more question. What pass do I put the windows shell with the activation key in it? I have tried a few and have not had any luck.
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  6. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #6

    If you want to add the Product Key to the answer file

    Specialize Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup\ProductKey
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #7

    VistaKing said:
    If you want to add the Product Key to the answer file

    Specialize Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup\ProductKey
    What a strange, and wrong answer.

    Product key belongs to configuration pass 1, WindowsPE:

    (Screenshot: System Preparation Tool - Use to Customize Windows)

    Kari
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #8

    Strange answer ? Not if you're deploying Windows

    Here is proof

    Unattended Windows 7 Product Key Error » Read, Deploy, Enjoy!

    Sorry I said anything .
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 18
    Win 8 Enterprise
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Well I have finally found a place where my key will activate, but so now I'm on to a whole mess of other issues I was hoping you guys might be able to help with.
    1. I cant get it to join the domain
    I'm using mysysprep to enter a name, but for some reason I cannot get it to automatically join the domain

    2. How can I add drivers so that things like touchsmarts will work right off the bat? I know there are a few others out there but it seems like touch drivers are my biggest issue right now.

    3. any way to get rid of the unattend so that info after it boots so it isn't just sitting on my image?

    Thanks again guys. This forum has been a huge help in everything I have done with windows 7 and 8
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6,830
    Windows 7 Ultimate 32-Bit & Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit
       #10

    Wallify

    Where did you put the key so it could be activated . For the drivers . You would have to mount the Install.wim file and add the drivers to that . You could use DISM.exe to add the drivers or you could use third party software .
      My Computer


 
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