Fresh install of Win7Pro using OEM disk but Anytime Upgrade Key

gregrocker · 22 Aug 2014

What is SysPrep being used for?

An alternative is Make Windows 7 bootable after motherboard swap which works well and is easier.

stevegnh · 22 Aug 2014

I'm using it to create the Out of the Box system image for future use if I want to easily refresh the PC. I'll look at that link you sent, thanks.

gregrocker · 22 Aug 2014

For use on the same PC you only need a backup image saved using a program like Win7's to Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup or Imaging with free Macrium which is popular here and more flexible for changing the partition structure at the same time.

It's only necessary to generalize the OS (remove drivers, activation, SID and HID's) if you want to apply the image to new hardware. I find it easier to boot the PAR disk to adapt the image to new hardware than to use SysPrep. However if you would like more specific help with Windows 7 Installation - Transfer to a New Computer then I'd ask the tutorial's author in Comments section.
(I see he just showed up below!

)

Kari · 22 Aug 2014

stevegnh said:

Thanks. I just did a trial run on the old disk (while I wait for the new one), and upon quitting the sysprep utility, when it runs it's cleanup, it resulted in an error. "A fatal error occurred while trying to sysprep the machine." I will google it, but any quick answers/suggestions?

Thanks

Most common reason for a fatal Sysprep error is that Windows Media Player Network Sharing service is running. It must be stopped before sysprepping.

To stop said service give this command in Command Prompt before running Sysprep:

net stop WMPNetworkSvc

Also the IE10 can cause Sysprep fatal error. Read more here: Sysprep Fatal Error With IE 10 (FIX) | System Administration. Notice that this error only occurs with IE10 or older versions, not with IE11.

gregrocker said:

What is SysPrep being used for?

This from Microsoft:

Information

Important

You must use the Sysprep /generalize command to generalize a complete Windows installation before you can use the installation for deployment to a new computer, whether you use imaging, hard disk duplication, or another method. Moving or copying a Windows image to a different computer without running the Sysprep /generalize command is not supported.

Kari

stevegnh · 22 Aug 2014

Thanks all. I did figure out the media player process issue, stopped that, and got it all to work great. I won't be using the image on any other PCs, but I like the "Out of the box" image SysRep gives you if you refresh.

One question, when creating the system image, it shows I have about 40GB in use for the OS. Would I need all of that space to create the image, or will it be substantially less? Just trying to figure out if I create it on my NAS, or use DVDs if it's just a couple.

Thanks

gregrocker · 22 Aug 2014

I would never save an image to DVD's.

stevegnh · 22 Aug 2014

Thanks. I think I'm good now. You guys are great here, very much appreciated.

Kari · 22 Aug 2014

Here's a complete walkthrough for you, you clearly know the Sysprep already but this might give some fresh ideas when creating an Out-of-the-Box image next time: Windows 7 Image - Customize in Audit Mode with Sysprep.

Kari

AddRAM · 22 Aug 2014

I`ve used Macrium and Windows for disk images, Macrium is always much smaller.

stevegnh · 22 Aug 2014

That's the guide I was following actually.

I got it all working as planned on the old drive. Now I have it ready to go with the new drive. One question though - I'm first installed home premium, then applying my anytime upgrade key back to Pro. I can do this before I run sysrep and create the image right? i don't think that will mess anything up.