Is this the right approach for a truly clean install?

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  1. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #41

    Thank you Kari. Made me feel less guilty.
    The command line came from Win 10 tutorial.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
    Thread Starter
       #42

    Megahertz07, I followed your instructions exactly.

    Kari, I used the Sysprep.exe /audit /reboot /unattend:\relocate.xml.

    On the last install it setup an extra System Reserved partition that was 100 MB.

    Everything seemed to go OK. I got all the boxes and it said it was working. But I still didn't get to enter the Product Key and the Users are still on drive C:.

    I checked and it is definately a 64-bit system.

    I entered the sysprep lines manually in the command prompt:

    C:\Users\Administrator>cd \Windows\System32\Sysprep
    C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep>Sysprep.exe /audit /reboot /unattend:\Relocate.xml

    And this is the Relocate.xml file I used:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
    <unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">
    <settings pass="oobeSystem">
    <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
    <FolderLocations>
    <ProfilesDirectory>D:\Users</ProfilesDirectory>
    </FolderLocations>
    </component>
    </settings>
    </unattend>
    Last edited by Paul Black; 05 Jul 2017 at 19:03.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #43

    For Sysprep to run without any error messages, and Users folder not to be relocated, there are only three possible causes:

    1. Wrong bit architecture
    2. Windows setup does not find the target drive, for instance when user is pointing Users folder to drive W: but when Windows setup is run after Sysprep, drive W: is not found
    3. Target drive is not an internal NTFS formatted partition (Users folder cannot be relocated to an SD card, external USB disk, internal FAT32 formatted drive and so on)


    In OP's case I suspect it's the list item 2 that is the culprit.

    Kari
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
    Thread Starter
       #44

    Just a thought, would skipping connecting to a wireless network during installation have anything to do with it?
    This is what I have been doing because I was going to setup a wireless network later on.
    I know that comes after running the Sysprep but just a thought!
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,545
    Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
       #45

    No, network connection or lack of it has nothing to do with your issues.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
    Thread Starter
       #46

    Well I have just done another installation with the same results.
    It did seem however that everything worked OK, oh well!
    No option to enter Product Key and the Users are still on drive C: and the only file on drive D: is the Relocate file.
    I think tomorrow I will just install Windows normally and then try and relocate the User folders afterwards somehow.
    I will let you know how I get on.

    Thank you both so very much, it really is appreciated.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #47

    Paul, where did get the Win 7 installation disk?
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
    Thread Starter
       #48

    It came with the laptop along with a DVD for Drivers, Manuals & Utilities and a DVD for MS Office 2010 (Pre-Installed) & Windows Live Essentials.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7,351
    Windows 7 HP 64
       #49

    That explains a lot, at least why you're never asked to give the Key.
    You have 3 kinds of win 7 licenses:
    - OEM SLP are licenses sold to big manufactures (Dell, HP, Lenovo etc). The activation code is already in the installation disk and must match a code saved on BIOS - That is the one you have.
    - OEM System Builder are licenses sold to small builders and you buy them on stores. Once activated on a computer it will be tied to that computer.
    - Retail licenses were sold to customers to upgrade or install on their computers. You can move the license from one computer to another.

    This is a link for Win 7 HP OEM SP1 https://software-download.microsoft....de3e9ac8970c77
    The link is only valid till 11.30AM Friday.
    Download it NOW.
    For this Installation disk you will need the COA key that came with your computer.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 6,021
    Win 7 HP SP1 64-bit Vista HB SP2 32-bit Linux Mint 18.3
    Thread Starter
       #50

    Hi Megahertz07, I really can't thank you enough for sticking with me on this, it is appreciated.

    I reinstalled the system AGAIN this morning as normal without trying to relocate the Users.
    I still didn't get to enter the Product Key but now I know why, thank you.
    It was very slow indeed after the installation had finished so I flashed the BIOS, this seemed to help.
    I have been doing bits on it and it has just crashed several times without any reason. I got a blue screen saying that it was saving crash information.
    It is still very slow indeed now.

    Anyway, I am currently downloading the file that you kindly posted.
    Is it a case of just copying this file to a DVD and inserting it into my new laptop and running it and then using the Product Key on the bottom of my laptop?

    When I right click computer and select properties I also have a Product ID: nnnnn-OEM-nnnnnnn-nnnnn code and it says that Windows is activated. Exactly as you have stated in your previous post.

    Thanks in advance.
      My Computer


 
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