Why Not to Sysprep SQL Server
If you do a lot of installs its a good idea to have an automated process for provisioning SQL Server. A lot of people try to use "sysprep"
Here's a few reasons why not to use sysprep.
- Its not supported by Microsoft CSS.
- SQL will not work properly until it is "renamed".
- If you have reporting services it will be messed up to.
- The System and Network Service accounts will get new SID and passwords, so if you have used these as service accounts there will be some pain.
- SQL Server creates a good few local groups with the format. SQLServer2005MSSQLUser$<Server>$MSSQLSERVER. Its not supported to rename these
- It just doesn't feel clean ;-)
If you do want to plod on here's some links and tips
- How to rename SQL Server
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143799.aspx
- Renaming a Report Server Computer
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345235.aspx
- Don't start the SQL Server when sysprep is taken. This can help resolve the issues with SID values.
Alternative Approach
The best alternative is to add the pre-requisites to the base image, sysprep the computer WITHOUT SQL Server installed and then have the installation fully automated via a configuration file as per https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd239405.aspx
or with SQL 2005 you'll need the command line approach
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(SQL.90).aspx