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How to use Sysprep for Windows 10 Pro to make answer file?

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017 9:32 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm struggling to really wrap my head around sysprep and how it works, what functions to not use and what they mean.  I get confused about what goes where (specialize, oobe) what does it all mean?  I saw online there was a auto generator for it but I think it's outdated and some of the options I didn't still understand what they meant.

Is there any good websites that are up to date for v1709 that explain what one mostly needs to set up a answer file for sysprep?  Would greatly appreciate it alot!

All replies (2)

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 3:09 PM

You should use System Image Manager from the ADK to create an answer file (sysprep unattend file) that will address the many questions that appear when each clone boots the first time. The ADK can be downloaded here: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit

Here is a basic tutorial: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749317%28v=ws.10%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

There are 7 passes available. To create a master you typically run the sysprep with the /generalize /oobe options. When each clone boots, the image goes through pass 4 and pass 7. You will want to setup the settings for those 2 passes.

Here is a post on a sysprep unattended file: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/5bad07f4-45b5-4c46-acf5-42bbdfc939e7/sysprep-and-deployment-help-for-windows-10?forum=win10itprosetup

Sean Liming - Book Author: Starter Guide Windows 10 IoT Enterprise - www.annabooks.com / www.seanliming.com


Thursday, November 16, 2017 7:33 AM

Hi,

Sysprep (System Preparation) prepares a Windows installation (Windows client and Windows Server) for imaging, allowing you to capture a customized installation. Sysprep removes PC-specific information from a Windows installation, "generalizing" the installation so it can be installed on different PCs. With Sysprep you can configure the PC to boot to audit mode, where you can make additional changes or updates to your image. Or, you can configure Windows to boot to the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

For details, please read this article:

Sysprep (Generalize) a Windows installation

/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/sysprep--generalize--a-windows-installation

About the answer file, please refer to this article:

Unattended Windows Setup Reference

/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/unattend/

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