Sysprep /generalize fails windows server 2019 1809

Question

Hi All,

I've spent a while on this one now and find my self no further forward.

The server is a VM, I have been asked to clone it as the user has installed all the required software and does not want to repeat this process.

I have cloned it and logged in then am attempting to run sysprep /generalize /reboot on it but upon reboot I get that message I'm sure we all know about

"Windows could not finish configuring the system. To attempt to resume the process, restart the computer."

I have tried the shift-f10 to launch cmd and then cd oobe and msoobe.exe. But it still persists.

I have seen a post about removing appx applications installed for all users, but this does not help.

Does anyone have a definitive trouble shooting method for this, a log I should be reviewing or better still a tried and tested solution?

I'm pulling my hair out now and there's not much of it left :(

Any help or words of wisdom greatfully received.

Vince

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank for reaching out.

1. Please uninstall or disable Antivirus from original VM.
2. If you backup of original VM image Please re run syprep without reboot or shutdown and check the sysprep log file to see no errors logged.

Please have a look on below Microsoft article.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/azure/virtual-machines/windows-could-not-configure-system

Thank you