Sysprep and Ghost...

[Fofo]

Anyone ever used Sysprep to prep a server for ghosting?

I'm trying to get this to work, I used Sysprep on a server and after sysprep was done it reboots. Then I put my Ghost floppy and created a Ghost image from this server. That image I tried to push down, and it worked fine. When I install a new ghost image, am I supposed to get the Windows mini setup wizard on each NEW client computer? I'm asking so that I know that Sysprep worked correctly..

[muno]

Did I understand correctly:

You made a computer, installed stuff and everything. Ran sysprep and ghosted the installation.

Then you dumped the image to multiple computers.

Now you're asking whether it should at first boot ask for things like computer name etc.

If so, then yes.

[Fofo]

Ok, because on the new CLIENT computer it just booted into Win2k... So that means I didn't do sysprep right. I also didn't use the Sysprep.inf on the MASTER computer when I ran Sysprep. That isn't required is it?

[muno]

Of that I don't know.
I've only used sysprep few times to clone a single computer.

//edit:
If no one gives any insight, you can entertain yourself with the ms info on it
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000...ep/default.asp

[John Prophet]

Quote:

I'm trying to get this to work, I used Sysprep on a server and after sysprep was done it reboots.

"reboots"??

after sysprep is done it is supposed to SHUT DOWN and then you ghost it like that.....you dont reboot it before you run ghost.

it is supposed to shut down after sysprep is done and then u ghost it right there.....that way when you "push it" to the other comps it will boot up into the 'OOBE' (out of box experience) where it asks for comp name and product key etc

http://www.techimo.com/forum/search.php?searchid=139637

the only catch to it is that you have to make a "sysprep" folder in the root of the c drive....then you have to have 2 certain things in that folder...which I can never remember what they are so I have to look them up....one of them MIGHT be the sysprep.inf file..but I can never remember

what are you putting in the sysprep folder?


other than that it should be straightforward

run sysprep
comp shuts down
boot to ghost floppy and make ghost copy
push that to new machines
boot new machines and it will ask for name etc

JP

[Fofo]

You're absolutely right. LOL, this is exactly how I've been doing it...

Run sysprep
PC Shuts down
I turn on with no Ghost floppy
I input info for Mini Wizard
PC Reboots
THEN I put in Ghost floppy

LMAO..... Yes quite amusing

[John Prophet]

"The Sysprep.exe, Setupcl.exe and Sysprep.inf files must be located in the Sysprep folder. The Sysprep.inf file can reside on a floppy disk, but the file must still be named Sysprep.inf. When Mini-Setup starts, it looks at the floppy drive to see if a Sysprep.inf file is there. If the Sysprep.inf file is there, it copies it to the %windir%\System32 folder as $winnt$.inf. Any existing file of that name is overwritten. "

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;298491

[John Prophet]

well...also be careful...cuz sysprep only works 3 times on any one windows install and then it wont run again, lol

[Fofo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Prophet

"The Sysprep.exe, Setupcl.exe and Sysprep.inf files must be located in the Sysprep folder. The Sysprep.inf file can reside on a floppy disk, but the file must still be named Sysprep.inf. When Mini-Setup starts, it looks at the floppy drive to see if a Sysprep.inf file is there. If the Sysprep.inf file is there, it copies it to the %windir%\System32 folder as $winnt$.inf. Any existing file of that name is overwritten. "

http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;298491

From what I understand though, the Sysprep.inf file is optional. It is only required if you want to automate the Mini-Setup Wizard. That is not necessary in my case.

Thanks.

[John Prophet]

well thats probably why I remember that you have to put TWO things in the folder...cuz I probably never messed with the sysprp.inf file myself

either way it sounds like you had the sysprep workign fine but the boot order thing was getting you

Let us know when you succesfully go thru the whole process

JP