That the folders do not be relocated is always because an error in either in the answer file or in the procedure, error so small that it does not prevent sysprep from working but nevertheless does not do what was intended.
Check the drive letters, folder locations and install.wim file.
As I indicated, the file ran without error, but the Users folder didn't move. I don't see anything on D:.
I ran the file again, this time named relocate on D: and booted back into Audit Mode, but again, I don't see anything on the D: except the relocate.xml.
Now, when I attempt to reboot to OOBE, I get a sysprep fatal error. So, I'm stuck back in Audit Mode.
I think the problem with something hidden in the answer file is fixed, but the file execution is not moving any folders.
I'll download the AIK and create a new answer file and reload this Win 7. It doesn't take very long to install Win 7 when you don't download the updates.
I think I can get this to work now.
Do the line indents in the answer file matter? Do they affect the file run?
OK. I've now repeated the test, done it two more times. I get the result as intended, Users on D: using the answer file I posted.
When you have downloaded the ADK / SIM ISO image, save it on an external storage for later use. Notice that as it's an ISO, you need to either burn it to DVD / USB or mount as a virtual DVD. For mounting in 7 I use Gizmo: Gizmo Drive -- Mount ISOs, encrypted hard drive images to a virtual drive
Be sure to check the drive letters using Disk Management, don't forget to stop the WMPNetwork Service before sysprepping. When Sysprepping, skip the reboot to Audit Mode (use /oobe switch instead of /audit switch). Be sure that you are using original Microsoft Windows 7 install media, be sure that the install.wim location in answer file and processor architecture value (x86 for 32 bit Windows, amd64 for 64 bit) are correct.
No.
I'm reinstalling Win 7 at the moment. When I'm back up, I'll try your file again. This time I'll use the switches to reboot to Audit Mode and unattend. When I get back to Audit Mode after running the answer file, should I see the Users folder on the D:? I would think so, if the file ran as intended.
If not, I'll download the AIK and follow your instructions for a proper test.
OK, I'm back in Audit Mode after running the answer file and I don't see anything on D: other than the relocate.xml file. The Users folder is still on C:. So, I'm getting the impression that the file runs without error, but it's not moving the folders as intended. Do you want to see the log file?
Sysprep Log Files 4.zip
I downloaded and burned the Windows AIK to a DVD. I installed the AIK on the clean Win 7 install in Audit Mode. However, I'm getting the impression that I need to install some additional components, because when I select "New Answer File", I don't see a Sources directory as depicted in your tutorial. When I open the "Select a Window Image" pop-up, the Look in Directory is Documents and there are no items that match the search. I don't see a "Sources" folder on the downloaded and burned DVD or anywhere in the AIK install folder. Do I need to download the other items on the AIK start up screen?
EDIT:
When all else fails, read the instructions. I found the source folder on the Win 7 DVD. This is a bit involved, but it's interesting. I think I can figure this out now.
Last edited by tjg79; 24 Oct 2015 at 01:53.
I had a BSOD plus a few hours sleep. Back in business now. I am here most of the day apart some breaks required for me to keep pretending I have this thing they call The Real Life (doing groceries, walk, visit the pub and so on).
Let me know how you proceed.
Second to last line in answer file:
I meant that be sure its location is told correctly and that it is a valid, original Windows 7 install.wim file.Code:<cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="wim:E:/sources/install.wim#Windows 7 Professional" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
Success!
I didn't like running the AIK SIM on the new install without any video drivers, etc..., so I attempted to create the answer file on a fully installed desktop and copy the answer file to the new install for a run, but that run didn't move the folders. I checked the log file and I saw that there was some reason indicated why the file didn't execute the command to move the folders. So, I installed the AIK on the new install and created the answer file and saved directly to the C:\windows\system32\sysprep folder.
When I executed the file, I knew something was working differently, because the system rebooted twice. When I entered OOBE and checked the location of the Users folder, it was on the D:\. The ProgramData folder is not visible on either C:\ or D:\, but it is likely hidden or will likely appear when it has something saved to ProgramData.
At first I was confused, because it wasn't clear to me that the location of the Source folder when creating a new answer file is on the Win 7 DVD. But, once that was clear to me, this was a very easy task to perform. If you're not familiar with this, then it helps to practice on another system so you aren't doing it for the first time for record.
I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work perfectly as intended running an install on Intel Desktop RAID. I will try that next.
Of all the tutorials pertaining to moving Users' and ProgramData folders, I think this is the best.
As for the previous failures, I think that when you copy text from a pdf file, you are also copying some formatting commands that aren't visible. I think that is what happened on the first attempt. There must have been some hidden format commands copied that were not compatible with a proper answer file.
Also, rather than copy code and paste into notepad, I think it's better to load the AIK and run the SIM to create the answer file directly saved to the sysprep folder.
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