Using sysprep with Windows XP

SUMMARY

This contains information to assist in the use of sysprep.exe, for example when creating templates for imaging workstations.

SYMPTOMS

Sysprep does not produce the expected results when used.

RESOLUTION

The following articles describe the Windows XP sysprep procedure:

How to prepare images for disk duplication with sysprep - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/duplication.mspx

How to use sysprep to automate mini-setup - http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/deploy/minisetup.mspx

How to use the sysprep tool to automate successful deployment of Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;302577

Description of new features in sysprep for Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;282190

Download the correct version of sysprep for your Service Pack:

Overview - KB article 838080 - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=838080

Windows XP SP2 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3E90DC91-AC56-4665-949B-BEDA3080E0F6&displaylang=en

Windows XP SP1 - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=7A83123D-507B-4095-9D9D-0A195F7B5F69&displaylang=en

MORE INFORMATION

Changes in behaviour of the sysprep and RIPREP tools after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/887816

The sysprep.inf file is not read from floppy disk - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=288326

HOW TO: Use cmdlines.txt file during sysprep.exe setup wizard - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=238955

Best practices for using sysprep with NTFS volumes - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=240126

The Microsoft policy concerning disk duplication of Windows XP installations - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;314828

Using sysprep for images used within VMWare - http://www.vmware.com/support/vc11/doc/c12prepcustomize.html

How to use sysprep with Ghost - http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2000081610075225

How to use sysprep with Windows Product Activation or Volume License Media to deploy Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299840

Computer stops responding after restoring a Windows XP image to it - http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2002090614293125?Open&src=&docid=2000081610075225&nsf=ghost.nsf&view=docid&dtype=&prod=&ver=&osv=&osv_lvl=&seg=

RELATED ARTICLES

How to use the system preparation tool (sysprep.exe) to perform disk duplication (Windows 2000 Professional) - http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=298491#5

The computer may stop responding during the shutdown process when you use the sysprep tool (Windows 2000) - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;288977

Computer may hang after using sysprep on ACPI-enabled computer (sysprep 1.0) - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;259144

How to add customized user settings when you run sysprep in Windows 2000 - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;291586

APPLIES TO
• Microsoft Windows XP