After you configure the reference computer, your next step is to prepare the computer for imaging. Many settings on a Windows XP Professional computer must be unique, such as the Computer Name and the Security Identifier (SID), which is a number used to track an object through the Windows security subsystem. To address this requirement, Windows XP Professional provides a tool called the System Preparation Tool (Sysprep) that removes the SID and all other user-specific and computer-specific information from the computer, and then shuts down the computer so that you can use can use a disk duplication tool to create a disk image. The disk image is a compressed file that contains the contents of the entire hard disk on which the operating system is installed.
Sysprep can be used to prepare a reference computer with Windows SteadyState for disk imaging. You can then replicate the disk image on multiple computers with the same or similar hardware configurations.
When you run Sysprep on a computer with Windows SteadyState, ensure that all user profiles are unlocked before running the tool. Sysprep.exe does not recognize locked or mandatory profiles and will copy a new Ntuser.dat file into the
Typically, when a client computer starts Windows XP Professional for the first time after loading a disk image that has been prepared with Sysprep, Windows automatically generates a unique SID, initiates Plug and Play detection, and starts the Mini Setup Wizard. The Mini Setup Wizard prompts for user-specific and computer-specific information, such as the Microsoft Software License Terms, regional options, user name and company, and product key.
You can further automate the imaging process by including a special answer file named Sysprep.inf with your master image. Sysprep.inf is an answer file that automates the Mini Setup Wizard. It uses the same INI file syntax and key names (for supported keys) such as Unattend.txt. Place the Sysprep.inf file in the %systemdrive%\Sysprep folder or on a floppy disk. If you use a floppy disk, insert it into the floppy disk drive after the Windows startup screen appears. Note that if you do not include Sysprep.inf when running Sysprep, the Mini Setup Wizard requires user input at each customization screen.
To learn more about how to use Sysprep, see the following resources:
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For an overview of the process of imaging clients, including the use of Sysprep to prepare a system for imaging, see the Imaging article on the Microsoft Web site.
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For information about how to customize Sysprep installations, see the "Automating and Customizing Installations" section in the Windows XP Professional Resource Kit.