Using Sysprep in Audit mode to deploy Win 7 multiple computers

[andrew124c41]

I am trying to set up Win 7 Professional on three computers with the same MB.

I read the thread regarding the use of sysprep.

These are new instillations.

I have just been working under Audit Mode for the first instillation to move the Users folder to the D: drive. I ran the .xml file and am still in audit mode doing things like disabling certain services, etc.

I read that I cannot keep it this way, that I need to restore the users folder to the C: drive...however, no new account has been created.

Can I use the present image, that is prior to entering OOBE and using imaging software to clone what I now have to a second, install that SSD in another computer with a hard drive d:\ and have it boot up, still in Audit mode,

Then, on the new computer, will it boot up into Audit mode allowing me to go to OOBE and then find the D drive is linked...or will in not work that way.

 

[Kari]

Could you please explain your work flow, what you are doing and want to achieve a bit more detailed? What do you mean with being forced to move Users back to C:, that you cannot keep it as it is?

The Sysprep, to relocate the Users or to modify anything else should of course be the absolutely last thing to do after all customizations and such have been done.

Kari

 

[andrew124c41]

Sysprep

Kari,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I always wanted to know how to use sysprep. What I am trying to do is create one image which I can deploy to a number of systems. In this case, all of the MBs are the same.

Initially, I simply used the answer file that you created to move the users folder to a second drive, in this case d:

Then I came upon the videos regarding the use of sysprep and making the answer file with the AIK

So, I am still in Audit mode right now. I used that answer file. I thought that one had to move the users folder back to C: prior to making the image but I may be mistaken.

At this point, I have done the following SSD and performance tweaks...disabling services according to your list, turning off indexing, search, restore, hibernate, sleep, etc. (although for some reason, sleep or I can't recall, hibernate returned to the start button even though disabled.)

I next want to install some programs like M Office, Paperport, malwarebytes and a few others.

I am considering installing vmware. The reason is that my wife watches foreign videos and she seems to get malware. I thought rather than having a separate OS on a different drive, perhaps simply run a virtual machine and put it in the image now...that way, she can't corrupt the main OS.

I would also like to put the MB manufacturer, model, and an image...however, as I ran your answer file already, I am not sure I can.

This brings me to a final problem. I have a volume licensed instillation. I cannot find the image files...that catalogue what is it...clg I think. Every Win 7 from start to Ultimate is on this DVD 86 and 64. I opened up the install.wim which was really big...but know catalogue file...now there is a install boot that might open up...have not tried it. The Sources folder simply does not have the catalogue file so I can't use the ADK executable to make the answer file.

If I am unable to do anything else other than what I have done, I am unsure of the next steps:

Do I stay in audit mode, make my image and clone what I have and then when I boot up the new machines I will still be in audit mode...then do the cleanup...or do I do it now.

The issue is that at the moment, the users folder has NOT moved to the other drive because I am still in audit mode.

You also mention using Macrium for the Win PE...however, there is a link to SIW2 who has something else...which to use?

I also want to give Win 10 a whirl. I have the iso...don't know whether to duel boot it, put it on a second drive, or different machine.

The issue is that if I like Win 10, having moved the users folder to d: if I were to upgrade, I would have to move them back...then again, I have never upgraded, but always done clean installs...meaning that I will have to start over with the procedure for multiple instillations with win 10 when the final comes out.

There is also something about using shell extension to move the instill directory to cut down on writes...is this necessary.

While I am not new at computers, having gone back to the DOS days, it seems like there is an ever endless amount of information that is overwhelming! Kari, I don't know how you learned it all!

Thanks

So, in summary...I am in Audit mode, I can't find the catalogue file, have already run the answer file with ONLY the move of the users folder, and I need to know what to do next.

 

[Kari]

Long post, short reply:

Check this tutorial, especially the videos (at least the shorter one) in Part 2: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/319903-windows-7-image-customize-audit-mode-sysprep.html

That is a simple walkthrough to do exactly what you are trying to do.

Kari

 

[andrew124c41]

clg

I have looked all over and cannot find clg file....used win 7 to open boot wim... and can't find it there either. Without image info can't make my own answser file.

 

[Kari]

Open the install.wim file instead, the System Image Manager will then create the catalog file for you.

 

[andrew124c41]

Tried That got the following error

:47 PM : System.ArgumentException: An item with the same key has already been added.
at System.ThrowHelper.ThrowArgumentException(ExceptionResource resource)
at System.Collections.Generic.Dictionary`2.Insert(TKey key, TValue value, Boolean add)
at System.Collections.Generic.Dictionary`2.Add(TKey key, TValue value)
at System.Collections.ObjectModel.KeyedCollection`2.AddKey(TKey key, TItem item)
at System.Collections.ObjectModel.KeyedCollection`2.InsertItem(Int32 index, TItem item)
at System.Collections.ObjectModel.Collection`1.Add(T item)
at Microsoft.ComponentStudio.ComponentPlatformInterface.WimInfo..ctor(String wimPath)
at Microsoft.ComponentStudio.ComponentPlatformInterface.Cpi.OpenWim(String wimPath)
at Microsoft.ComponentStudio.ImagePicker.GetImageInfoFromPath(String path)
at Microsoft.ComponentStudio.ImagePicker.ValidateImageFileOrFolder(String fileOrFolder)

I tried going to the wim on my dvd...does not work...went to the folder of windows on the opened wim and I can't do it there either...maybe copy wim file and try again

 

[Kari]

What process / procedure / program gave you that error? What were you doing, exactly?

 

[andrew124c41]

Error

I ran the SIM...File..system image...install.wim and you what I got.

Additionally, after running in audit mode...the xml answer file that was created to move the user folder....now on my new system, I am unactivated!

Yet, I could use the DVD to install on mutliple computers and they are automaticallty activated....wow...this isnot so easy!

 

[Kari]

First, about creating the catalog, the install.wim file cannot of course be read and write protected. This means that you must first copy the install.wim from the DVD for instance to desktop.

Second, sysprepping Windows always means that when the sysprepped Windows is booted to OOBE, or the image captured from the sysprepped Windows is deployed to another computer, it needs to be reactivated with a valid product key. Sysprep will remove the activation.

 

[andrew124c41]

I did not realize that using sysprep would delete my activation. Furthermore, came to understand that I am using OEM. In any case, have purhcased keys but downgrading to professional.

I want to try this another way without using audit mode, rather sym links.

1) Install OS on 1 PC.
2) Use either this: Profile Relocator Software by Joseph Cox or
3) Use robo copy software to copy all user folders to second drive: Easy RoboCopy - Software Informer. RoboCopy is a Microsoft command-line tool for copying files and folders., followed by
4) Symlink creator software to make hard link (j): Symlink Creator - Software Informer. With this utility you can use the symlink application Microsoft Windows .
5) Then do all of the SSD, service reduction, and all other "tweaks."
6) Install drivers which are the same for two of the three boards (other drivers done after deployment)
7) Windows update
8) Then install software for all users
9) Then clone disk for deployment on other two MBs which are the same
10)Deploy to other computers
11)Install missing drivers
12)Activate the PCs

Will this work? Would you change the order?
By the way, I made a Win PE USB with Macrea Reflect Free and have to say it works well.
A friend of mine who is a computer guy likes Active lavasoft, something like that.

Thanks

 

[Kari]

I give up. Totally. I totally give up with you.

I wish you luck in your efforts to do the most simple procedure in the most difficult, time consuming and difficult way ever possible. A procedure never in need of any third party programs, you will use two to be sure it will be as difficult as possible and leave as many possibilities for it to go wrong as possible.

I simply do not not understand why you just won't install the Seven on one computer and boot to Audit Mode with no product key, customize it as you want to, sysprep with a generalize switch to keep the customizations at the same time relocating the Users folder, then get (capture) the image with Macrium Free or any other imaging program, and finally deploy (install) the image on any number of computers, whatever hardware they have.

Good luck. You will need it.

Kari

 

[andrew124c41]

Audit....sorry

Kari,

I am sorry. I posted this before I realized I just needed to purchase keys.

You are right...simply use audit mode.

I was trying to use the stupid disk that turned out to be an OEM. It had worked fine for a time...but now no.

So, what you say makes sense...simply use audit mode...that is what I will do.

I assume I can do all the things I mentioned...just that I will not leave audit mode until all is done...catch one image...then after cleanup catch another.

Is that correct.

Thanks

 

[Kari]

   Note

The below is how I would do it, how I have always done it, and how I will do it in the future. My advice is everything regarding this kind of procedure is only (I repeat: only!) the successful, effortless and no-issues way I have always done it. Other geeks might disagree and give different advice.

• Install Seven on a reference computer
• When installation is finished and the OOBE starts, reboot to Audit Mode
• In Audit Mode, install your software and customize the desktop
• Do not install any device drivers
• Follow the instructions in this tutorial to prepare your image for relocating the Users folder
• When you have created your answer file, installed the software and customized the desktop, run the following commands in an elevated command prompt:
• First: net stop wmpnetworksvc (to stop the WMP service which when running causes Sysprep to fail)
• Then: %windir%\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /generalize /oobe /shutdown /unattend:\custom.xml (the D:\custom.xml is the name and path of your answer file)
• Boot the PC with Macrium Boot Disk or any other third party imaging boot disk
• Create / capture a system image
• Deploy / Restore this image to any computer you want to

The above more detailed here.

Kari

 

[andrew124c41]

Tweek

Kari,

Thanks again.

What do you think of the Pro version of SSD Tweaker..https://www.elpamsoft.com/?p=ssd-tweaker.of course all of this can be done manually. Is there a way to incorporate these and also turning off unnecessary services when you run the answer file....it would be great if everything could be accomplished that way.

BTW, the little app for tweaking services, SMART, Tweak Windows 7 Services with SMART Utility : HomePage, is fantastic. I had been doing this manually. I also found Service Hawk but it is rather pricy at $279 for a 3.12 mg file! Restart Windows Services Automatically - Windows Service Monitoring Software

On a final note, I suspect I will be upgrading to Win 10....question is whether it wil be an upgrade or will we be able to to a clean install as was done with the TP.

 

[Kari]

Personally I have never used any tweakers, registry cleaners and such. I simply see no point in getting this and that software to do stuff I can do natively in Windows with a few mouse clicks. I would never even dream to use any such third party tools in customizing my Windows.

Of course Windows 10 can be cleanly installed. The most stupid thing MS could do would be to only allow Windows 10 to be installed on systems with a previous version of Windows. That makes no commercial sense. I have installed each and every build of Windows 10 Technical / Insider Preview clean from the ISO I have made myself from the upgrade ESD file. At the moment I am running the Build 10166 released yesterday, as a clean install.

 

[andrew124c41]

Kari,

I understand what you are saying. You can't control what the "tweaker" does. I was just surprised to find them while doing research. SMART I found on this Forum. I think as long as you review what it has done by comparing to the list, it saves some time....it just automates the process and might be good for those who are not dealing with PCs all the time.

I mentioned the business about clean installs of win 10 because somewhere, some article I read said something about about windows becoming a subscription service.

What do you think of the 10 TP? Have you rendered an opinon on the 10 Forum yet?

BTW, I noticed that you live in Leipzig. I have a friend I have known since I was a kid who moved there. He just came back recently after his mother died. My grandfather's family were originally from Baden Baden. Hmm. I suspect you might have even heard of him, Hugo Gernsback. I am semi retired from medicine and am presently working on projects to better define and promote his legacy.

 

[Kari]

I have lately been more active on TenForums.com than here, as I have not used any other OS since the October 1st. Some examples:

• ESD to ISO - Create Bootable ISO from Windows 10 ESD File - Windows 10 Forums
• Users Folder - Move Location in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
• Windows 10 Image - Customize in Audit Mode with Sysprep - Windows 10 Forums
• RDC - Connect Remotely to your Windows 10 PC - Windows 10 Forums
• Hyper-V virtualization - Setup and Use in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
• Hyper-V - Create and Use VHD of Windows 10 with Disk2VHD - Windows 10 Forums
• PowerShell OneGet - Install Apps from Command Line - Windows 10 Forums

At the moment concentrating in this, trying to fine tune everything to be ready on 29th: Welcome to the Ten Forums Windows 10 Launch Party! - Windows 10 Forums

 

[andrew124c41]

Win 10

If I understand your last post, you are no longer using 7 or 8.1 but rather the 10 TP. So, I assume you have loaded all of your programs etc.

I am asking because I am wondering if I am going through all this trouble with Win 7 for nothing. Should I just sysprep the TP (if that can be done) and run it with the key provided.

How will you convert the TP to a licensed version? I think the TP will function until October if I recall?

Also, how are you doing clean installs everytime a new build comes out?

Again, maybe I am making a mistake still fooling around with 7. I have had some experience with 8.1 helping friends...essentiall to make 8.1 look like 7 with the various tweeks available...start menu etc. (I really don't like 8.1 at all. It was hard enough for me to jumpt from XP to 7 which I did only about a year ago!) I mean if there is someway for me to sysprep the TP with the programs I use, deploy to 3 computers, update the builds, then convert to licensed copies on the 29th...then perhaps I should do that. I have the TP running on a PC that I do not really use and have not kept up with the builds.

Any advice you have is really, really appreciated...

I am not a computer person by trade, as you now know. (I never would have thought that I would have to become an IT person just to keep the PCs runnng correctly

Also, are you using vmare or vbox...or now just hyper v? Win 10 within Win 10 or linux... I ask because my wife watches news from other countries...or who knows what she does...but she gets malware despite all safeguards....so best virtualization solution for win 10

 

[andrew124c41]

Could you please explain your work flow, what you are doing and want to achieve a bit more detailed? What do you mean with being forced to move Users back to C:, that you cannot keep it as it is?

The Sysprep, to relocate the Users or to modify anything else should of course be the absolutely last thing to do after all customizations and such have been done.

Kari

Kari,
You have been kind enough to advise me. Let me tell you what I have done so far because I don't want to make a mistake:

ultimately, my goal is to deploy Win 7 to three PCs with same MB.
One is for my wife who I need to protect from malware from watching news on all sorts of alternative sites. I have used malwarebytes, supermalwarebytes, and Norton av, and Open DNS...she still get stuff.
So, plan is to give her a browser in virtual pc...maybe win 7 maybe ubantu/wine....not sure.

-installed Win 7 Professional and booted into Audit
-there are two drives 1) SSD 120 gb 2)HDD 1 tb SSD is C: os 80 GB and d: has rest of ssd VBox the HDD is e: data

-I have done all the "tweak's" cutting back services, etc. and working on the desktop, etc.
-did install lan driver so I could do updates
(Should I turn off indexing for all disks, even the second data disk...or only ssd)
-Have not yet installed software...plan to but in Office 2007. Paperport 14, malwarebytes, supermalwarebytes...and few others.
(we don't like explorer..she likes firefox which I think too resource intensive....I like google for its integration...yet to try Vivaldi.

From tutorial...I think I can install software in audit prior to moving users folder...is that right

Meanwhile, I am working with AIK (on a different computer but with the same image I plan to use on the computer I am tweaking/installing programs) to write the script. This is where I am. Do I have to install AIK on the computer that I am "tweaking" so that I can get those tweaks to be part of the image...not clear.

Questions: Do I install Vbox on the d: partition or on c:\ with the virtual os on d:\
How do I keep any files generated in vbox...virtual pc from getting written on c....but moved to second HDD e?

Also, do you turn off anything in event logging or in task scheduler?