Windows 7 Image - Customize in Audit Mode with Sysprep

No, the key will be flagged as used as soon as you have used it first time to activate. If it is an OEM key it can only be re-used on same hw setup.

Simple logics behind this, if it wasn't like this it would offer a too easy to use workaround in re-using OEM keys on multiple computers.

Thanks, I thought maybe I had stumbled on a way out for some people.

I hope you get your answers. As I have told earlier, my Sysprep interest and tuts I have written are based on my own interests. As I have never been interested in creating hardware specific images, seeing no point in them, nor have I tested answer files with custom drivers, I am unable to assist you.

I do not want to give an answer based on "I don't know for sure but I think it's like this". For me to answer your questions would require me knowing the answer; setting up a test rig, test all possible scenarios and write something based on those tests. For that I have no time nor interest.

This might sound a bit harsh but is not meant to be like that; it's simply my honest personal opinion.

I have one recommendation, though: Install Windows 7 on a virtual machine, boot it to Audit Mode and create a Checkpoint or Snapshot, to be able to revert your changes fast. Now start playing with answer files, test everything you want to. No harm can be done, if it doesn't work just restore the Snapshot and try again.

Hi Kari ... just found this ... your tutorial :)

I am bemused by "the article"

the author said:

I thoroughly admire the resolve of Windows users who want to push the limits of the operating system.

I for one am not "pushing".
Reclaiming, dumping crud and treating the SSD drive with respect. Yes!
Two days ago I deleted 6380 working files in "AppData" -- on the SSD, for "DropBox" last used over a year ago.
So many programs dump working folders/files in "Users" ... when it makes better sense to use a disc drive.

I am no geek, but where is it written in stone that there is only one way to skin a cat.

Would I be right in assuming MS do not allow for desktops with SSD + disc drives for a reason.
Mine is for AutoCad

Once again thank you for your excellent tutorials.

It's perfectly fine to have your w7 on a SSD and AppData and Users on a HDD, I have 3 systems setup this way.

User Profiles - Create and Move During Windows 7 Installation

User Profile - Change Default Location

I used Kari's tutorial do install with. MS doesn't officially support it, but it works great.

Britton30 said:

MS doesn't officially support it, but it works great.

I wouldn't say they do not support it. Read for instance this Microsoft Knowledge Base article: Relocation of the Users directory and the ProgramData directory to a drive other than the drive that contains the Windows directory.

An extract from the said KB article:

There are various reasons why you may want to relocate the Users directory or the ProgramData directory to other drives.

For Windows, the most common reasons are as follows:

• It is easier to back up data from a single drive and from a drive that contains only user files.
• It is easier to rebuild the operating system drive on a user’s computer if user data is located on a separate volume. In this case, the drive that contains the Windows directory can be formatted, and Windows can be reinstalled without having to worry about how to remove user data.

For Windows Server, the most common reason is as follows:

• There are performance improvements when you relocate the Users directory and the ProgramData directory to a drive other than the operating system drive.

The article has one warning, though:

Caution
Using the ProgramData setting to redirect folders to a drive other than the system volume will block your ability to upgrade to future versions of Windows.

What does this mean? Simply that if you later want to upgrade to a superior version of Windows 7 or to any later editions of Windows, you need to do it by clean install, or first use sysprep method to "revert" the relocation and relocate Users and ProgramData back to C: before upgrading.

Kari

Gary wrote

It's perfectly fine to have your Windows 7 on a SSD and AppData and Users on a HDD, I have 3 systems setup this way.

I have the same OS on SSD, Programs on HHD :)

Kari it also says this:

Caution Using the ProgramData setting to redirect folders to a drive other than the system volume will block your ability to upgrade to future versions of Windows.

By changing the default location of the user profile directories or program data folders to a volume other than the system volume, you cannot service your Windows installation. Any updates, fixes, or service packs cannot be applied to the installation. We recommend that you do not change the location of the user profile directories or program data folders.

But Windows Update works fine for me.