Chris S.
(MM club member)
2002-05-03 06:05 PM
Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Here is the documentation I promised that outlays how to use KiX to supplement and enhance Sysprep images. I put it here, as opposed to the FAQ so that people would feel free to comment and add their scripts/experiences to the knowledgebase.

quote:

Automating Windows 2000 Installations with Sysprep and KiXtart Across Varying Hardware Platforms

Why Sysprep?
The process of deploying computers can be a lengthy process taking well more than an hour to install, setup, and customize a Windows 2000 installation. By using disk duplication (also called ‘cloning’) a standard configuration a deployment can take as little as 5-10 minutes per computer.

Cloning computers is fairly straightforward with using this process for identical or nearly identical hardware configurations. However, it is possible to use Sysprep and Windows 2000’s ability to identify plug-and-play hardware. I will discuss how to accomplish this later.

Adding KiX to the mix allows us to extend functionality to the unattended process. Using KiX one can automate virtually all of the tasks to ‘customize’ a user’s profile.

The downside to cloning is that you can only distribute the ‘image’ as a clean install; imaging won’t work for upgrades. Also, some applications installed on a standard configuration may not perform properly when imaging is used. Thus, planning, designing, and testing must be done.

Planning
When planning for a Sysprep Image you should consider it a project. Projects have phases that are performed in order to ensure the success of the overall goal. There are five phases in any deployment of an image:

· Data gathering
· Planning and design
· Testing
· Piloting
· Production deployment

Data Gathering
Before you plan and design your image, you need to understand the environment in which it will operate. Problems will arise if you don’t consider your environment. For this guide, we’ll focus on the last three of the following list.

At a minimum, assess and document the following:

· Business organization and geographical requirements
· Network and application standards-both current and future
· User types-who will be using the image?
· Support processes
· Naming conventions
· Hardware configurations and standards
· Application configurations and standards
· User settings and user data

Analyze Hardware and Software
Before you build an image you should have a clear understanding of the hardware and software deployed in your environment. For example, there may be some hardware restrictions that will affect how your image is deployed. Analyzing your software will help in understanding how users use software, potential compatibility issues, or licensing considerations.

Consider the target workstations Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL). The types of mass storage, drive controllers, and number of processors will play an important role. Check your hardware against Microsoft’s hardware compatibility list at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/server/howtobuy/upgrading/compat/default.asp

Analyzing your software is important as it shows you what your users have installed, how they are using their computer, where their data is stored, and how the environment is managed.

Planning and Design
Here is where we use the data we so fastidiously gathered and analyzed to plan and design our image. We will create the ‘master’ that when finished will be prepped for imaging with the Sysprep utility.

It is beyond the scope of this document to provide a complete reference for building a master image. Use your own experience, corporate guidelines, and best practices for setting up your Windows 2000 build. In general, the steps for creating your master will include:

· Installing Windows 2000
· Updating Device Drivers
· Applying service packs, hotfixes, and updates
· Setting up system and networking components
· Installing utilities and software
· Configuring desktop ‘look and feel.’
· Apply security policies
· Install post-configuration tweaks
· Etc.

Using your ‘master’ image across varying hardware platforms
One of the more challenging aspects of designing a master image is getting it to work on computers that are dissimilar to the computer on which the master was built. If not done correctly you will find yourself staring blankly at a lovely blue-screen-of-death. We can overcome the majority of these limitations by utilizing the Sysprep utility.

Get the Sysprep 1.1 utility here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url =/TechNet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/downloads/syprep11.asp

The Sysprep 1.1 download will include all the needed files, documentation, and some sample sysprep.inf files. I’d encourage you to become familiar with the documentation.

I won’t go into a lot of details on customizing the sysprep.inf file. See the documentation (Microsoft Windows 2000 Guide to Unattended Setup (unattend.doc)) for details. Essentially, you configure your customized sysprep.inf file to import your customized settings, run sysprep.bat with the appropriate switches to execute sysprep.exe, and make an image of the ‘prepped’ computer.

Suffice it to say, that using Sysprep you can do anything from displaying your company’s logo during setup to setting up user data information. I will display some examples of working around some of the more troubling issues.

The infamous “Stop 0x0000007B” error after cloning an image to a dissimilar PC
Ok, here is the scenario; you’ve just created your master image (created on a Dell GX150), tweaked it out, run Sysprep, ‘imaged’ your master, and have successfully tested it on other Dell GX150’s. Great! Now you go to clone the image onto a Latitude C610 reboot and…blue screen of death.

Why? IDE chipsets. In order for Windows 2000 to boot, it has to be able to load the proper driver for the IDE controller. The IDE controller (and driver) for the GX150 is not the same as the C610.

Now what? It is possible to enable the controllers that natively supported by Windows 2000. Include the following section in your sysprep.inf file:

code:
[SysprepMassStorage]
;***********(Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)*********
Primary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
Secondary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Generic_ESDI_Hard_Disk_Controller **********
*PNP0600=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Aztech IDE Controller **********************
*AZT0502=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Device ID for generic Dual PCI IDE *********
PCI\CC_0101=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Acer Labs Inc ******************************
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5215=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5219=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5229=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Appian Technology **************************
PCI\VEN_1097&DEV_0038=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************CMD Technology *****************************
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0640=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0646=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Compaq *************************************
PCI\VEN_0E11&DEV_AE33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Intel *************************************
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1222=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1230=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7010=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7111=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2411=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2421=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7199=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************PC Technology *****************************
PCI\VEN_1042&DEV_1000=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Silicon Integrated System *****************
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_0601=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_5513=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Symphony Labs *****************************
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0001=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0150=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Promise Technology ************************
PCI\VEN_105A&DEV_4D33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************VIA Technologies, Inc. ********************
PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_0571=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

There are drivers for SCSI devices as well, and an example of the entries to use for SCSI devices are included in the Sysprep examples. I have not tested whether or not both IDE and SCSI entries can be used in the [SysprepMassStorage] section of the sysprep.inf. Feel free to experiment.

How to add Plug and Play drivers to the Windows 2000 installation
Ok, using the same scenario as above. You’ve created your master on a GX150 and you’ve cloned the image to a C610. You managed to get the mass storage problem fixed, but now when you boot up the C610 plug and play kicks in and starts to install drivers for the ‘new hardware’ found. The problem is that the drivers for the new hardware aren’t included with the image.

How do we add the third-party drivers to the Windows 2000 installation, you ask? Use the following procedure to add your OEM-supplied drivers:

quote:

1. On the root of the volume where the %windir% folder is located, create a folder structure to hold the OEM-supplied drivers. For example:

code:
C:\Drivers
.....\NIC
.....\VIDEO
.....\SOUND
.....\ETC.

2. Copy the OEM-supplied drivers to their appropriate sub-folders.
3. Add the OemPnPDriversPath entry in the [Unattended] section of the Sysprep.inf file. You can list multiple paths in this key by separating them with a semicolon, as shown in the following example:

code:
[Unattended]
OemPnPDriversPath = Drivers\NIC;Drivers\Video;Drivers\Sound;Drivers\ETC.

Note: The %SystemDrive% environment variable is automatically inserted before each of the listed search paths.
If you do not want the OEM-supplied drivers to remain on the HDD after the mini-wizard is finished, you can place the folder structure you created under the Sysprep folder. You will need to adjust the OemPnPDriversPath appropriately. The Sysprep folder (along with its sub-folders are automatically removed after Setup is finished.

Save the Sysprep.ini file in the Sysprep folder and run the Sysprep.bat. Any Plug and Play devices (including the ones you added) are automatically installed during the mini-setup wizard on the target computers. Note that you will not need to specify the –pnp command line switch in your Sysprep.bat file unless there are legacy (ISA) devices on the target computers. Using the –pnp switch will force a full Plug and Play re-enumeration of all devices. This will add 5-10 minutes to the Setup mini-setup process.

Note: If the OEM-supplied drivers are unsigned, the mini-setup postpones the installation of the device until an administrator logs on to the computer. See the following ‘Q’ articles in Microsoft’s Knowledge Base for more information:

Q236029 Setting Driver Signing Policy for Windows 2000 Unattended Setup
Q256204 Unsigned Drivers Not Installed During Sysprep Mini-Wizard Without –pnp Switch


Incorporating KiXtart with Sysprep
The Sysprep process includes several techniques for added customization. However, there are limitations with these options; for example, installing and configuring a sound card or installing a service.

Follow these steps to include a KiX script during the mini-setup:

quote:

1. Copy KiXtart (and any other utility you use to administer computers) to the appropriate locations. Also, register any DLL that needs registered (i.e. KixGUI, AutoItX, etc.)
2. Create a file name Cmdlines.txt with the command-line information to run your script at the top of the file. Example:

[Command]
”C:\Sysprep\i386\$oem\kix32 kix_prep.kix”

3. Copy the script to the proper location in your Sysprep folder.

The included script will run at the very end of the mini-setup wizard process. Here is a sample script:

Kix_prep.kix:
code:
$model=WMIQuery("Model","Win32_ComputerSystem")
$model=rtrim($model)
Select
Case $model="OptiPlex GX150" goto "GX150_Drivers"
Case $model="Latitude C610" goto "C610_Drivers"
EndSelect

? "Your model of computer ($model) is not directly supported by this image."
exit

:GX150_Drivers
; copy your drivers here, remember that the Sysprep folder will be deleted when done.
goto "Next"

:C610_Drivers
; copy your drivers here, remember that the Sysprep folder will be deleted when done.
goto "Next"

:Next
; do other stuff here. Like...set a runonce key to run another script during the
; Autologon section you set up in your sysprep.inf file.
? "KiXPrep finished..."
exit

FUNCTION WMIQuery($what,$where,)
dim $strQuery, $objEnumerator, $value
$strQuery = "Select $what From $where"
$SystemSet = GetObject("winmgmts:{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!//@WKSTA")
$objEnumerator = $SystemSet.ExecQuery($strQuery)
For Each $objInstance in $objEnumerator
If @Error = 0 and $objInstance <> ""
$=execute("$$value = $$objInstance.$what")
$WMIQuery="$value"+"|"+"$WMIQuery"
EndIf
Next
$WMIQuery=left($WMIQuery,len($WMIQuery)-1)
exit @error
ENDFUNCTION

Follow these steps to run a KiX script as a post-setup script:

quote:
1. Setup your Sysprep.inf file to Autologon as administrator. Example:

code:
[GUIUnattended]
Adminpassword=password
Autologon=Yes
Autologoncount=1

2. Use the steps outlined above to create a Cmdlines.txt file.
3. Include in your KiX script the code to write into the Runonce key of the registry. Example (extended from above):

quote:
:Next
$=writevalue(“hkey_local_machine\software\Microsoft\windows\runonce”,”Kix_Post”,”kix32 %temp%\kix_post.kix”,”reg_sz”
exit

4. Copy your ‘Post Setup’ script to the appropriate directory.
Now you have created a method for running a script that will run after the mini-setup has rebooted your computer. Use your “Post Setup” script to automate tasks that cannot be accomplished by Sysprep like; installing machine specific drivers or software (i.e. touchpad drivers, chipset installations, changing computer name, add workstation to the domain, etc.). Use your imagination.

Testing, Piloting, and Deployment
Use the Testing and Piloting phases of your ‘Sysprep Image’ project to work out bugs and gain end-user acceptance. When that is done, you can begin Deployment.



[ 04 May 2002, 01:17: Message edited by: Chris S. ]


Les
(KiX Master)
2002-05-03 07:55 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Chris,
Thanks for your contribution. Obviously, you have put a lot of effort into it. I'm sure many people will gain from it.

I do much the same thing except I take the lazy approach. Rather than go through all that effort to build one image for all, I have several 'flavors'. After all, there are significant 'needs' differences between a desktop and a laptop that would warrant a separate image.

We even have some 'custom' images burned to CDs. When one of our 'repeat offenders' blows up their PC, we can drop down 'their' image and have them back 'just like new'.


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2002-05-03 08:12 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I'd like to second Les.. there a good about of work in this. Writing up the document not to mention collecting the data and research that went into it.

We have many sysprepped images for a variety of machines (compaq deskpro 400 - 1.7g) and dell latitudes (300 - 1.1g) which require about 10 different images due to chipsets, storage controllers, video/sound controllers, etc.

If this procedure can modify our image creation process to reduce the number of images (even by half) this would be a great benefit to us.


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2002-05-03 08:20 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Using this method is the 'real' lazy approach to imaging. Once you have it set up and working it is real easy to add new computers to the image. Now, when I make a change to our 'standard' deployment it is automatically reflected on all computers.

I came up with this method over the course of about two months of research and testing. The document I wrote above took about 10-12 hours to write (I looked busy, so I don't think my boss noticed. [Wink] ).

When I made my original image I used a combination of batch files, a Wise script, and Autoit to accomplish my goals. I'm thinking of re-writing everything in KiX. As I do this, I'll post more sample scripts.


Kdyer
(KiX Supporter)
2002-05-04 12:10 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I think this is good work. I agree 100% with Radimus and Les.

However, the format of this posting is annoying to read. I found myself dragging the screen all over the place to read.

Thanks!

- Kent


LonkeroAdministrator
(KiX Master Guru)
2002-05-04 12:17 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

good yeah, still can't see the reason for sysprep...
never needed it.
never will need it.
but for those who are starting from scratch this can be as a post from angel.

good job.

cheers,


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2002-05-04 01:20 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Ok. I fixed the formatting. Darned {code} brackets anyway...

Les
(KiX Master)
2002-05-04 01:55 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Kent and others,
You mentioned dragging the window side to side...
Not really necessary. If you look down at the bottom you will see a link to "Printer-friendly view of this topic" which is more than just "printer" friendly. It will make all lines wrap at the edge of the (screen) page. No need to side-ways schroll!

Lonkero,
You don't know what you're missing. I can have a build dropped down to a user in 15, 20 minutes tops. Like Chris said, complete with service packs, hot fixes, applications, customizations, everything. I just couldn't see myself building every machine from scratch. And when a user messes up their build, in 20 minutes there "as good as new".

About the only thing I build from scratch are the odd new image for a special application or hardware, and of course, my servers. I do make images of servers from time to time but only as a backup prior to a risky upgrade. These would not be SysPrep'd.


Sealeopard
(KiX Master)
2002-05-04 04:55 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I have to agree with Les.

I also created a SYSPREP image for our standardized machines. I've then created an image using PowerQuest DriveImage and used the powercast function to apply the image to multiple computers at the same time. The next step is to experiment with PXE and see whether I just need to plug in a network cable and boot up the PC to have the image applied.

It definitely saves some time even if you set up machines only every once in a while.


LonkeroAdministrator
(KiX Master Guru)
2002-05-04 07:28 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Les,
don't make it from scratch as you think.
ok, my installation takes 30mins and it just uses automated installation rutines with pre-installation, ghost and such things and then logonscript for software installation after domain logon.

I know it takes some minutes more to execute, but once got it working some time ago haven't had need to investigate in sysprep.

this way, when only system is installed from the cd, the rest of the installation can be altered from that script which is taken from server.

this way, I need only 1 image for all system compinations and types.

and that's the reason why I don't want to use sysprep neither...

not needed.

cheers and chipadiis,


Les
(KiX Master)
2002-05-04 08:35 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Back in the NT4 days, I used to clone with DriveImage and use their SID changer. I find that for Win2k, SysPrep is a better way to go.

Jens,
You've got way too much time on your hands. I'm happy to boot floppy. In fact I put the SysPrep.inf file on the boot floppy that sets most of the options. Sometimes I pull the image from the network, other times from CD. KiX only comes into play after the image is done.


NTDOCAdministrator
(KiX Master)
2002-05-05 09:06 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

If you want to REALLY automate the process, you should try looking at ALTIRIS.

Very powerful automation. Can even schedule periodic "sysdiff" type images of the user's computer so that even the user can repair, replace his/her image without your assistance. They also have PC Transplant Pro which is a very powerful utility that allows you to save almost every personal file and setting and apply it to a new computer. i.e. You could convert a user from Windows 95 to 2000 or XP and aside from the logon screen they would hardly even know their computer was switched out.

In my opinion there is no other company that has as complete a solution as they do. They have their bugs and issues I'm sure, just as every other product out there does, but I also feel it is the best one out there period.

If you can, have someone come out and to an in-house demo, I've been to their SMS/Altiris seminar in Las Vegas, and what this system can do is simply amazing. Supports the PXE boot and imaging as Lonkero is talking about, but so much more. We use Ghost 7.5, but that is only a small picture of what Altiris can do.

Heck, if I ever lost my current job, I wouldn't mind working for them, and working with that type of technology on a day-to-day basis.


masken
(MM club member)
2002-05-08 11:38 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Great input Chris S. [Smile]

You fot some more stars stats from me hehe.. [Wink]


Will Hetrick
(Hey THIS is FUN)
2002-05-09 02:56 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Chris,
That was a wonderful document on how to use sysprep. It explained it better than Microsoft ever has. When we first started to do sysprep back in NT 4.0 days, The documentation on it was, to say the least, horrifying. I dug my way through and finally had a working copy.
Then when Windows 2000 sysprep utility came out. It had better documentation but was still hard to read and the examples were just copies of themselves with a few changes.
Maybe you should send this post into microsoft and have them include this with their sysprep utilty so that there is a down to earth readable document in a form that use users can understand.

Hats off to you Chris on something I could never have put together myself. Cheers!!

[ 09 May 2002, 14:57: Message edited by: Will Hetrick ]


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2002-10-25 06:40 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Ping.

Waltz
(Seasoned Scripter)
2002-10-25 07:50 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Kudos Chris !!
Excellent material.
I just discovered this thread today and boy could I have used it in the not too distant past!
I have put it into my Hall Of Fame documentation collection, and anticipate having to use it in the future.
...and the votes are well deserved. [Big Grin]


ShawnAdministrator
(KiX Supporter)
2002-10-25 07:59 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Agreed! I've dogeared this thread as well - for next year, when we start our XP upgrade "evergreening" project ... well done.

LonkeroAdministrator
(KiX Master Guru)
2003-01-29 06:25 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

pushing up for myself...

Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 09:48 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Hey Chris, I have a problem with a sysprepped machine

Evo 510 image to latitude c540

It hangs on the black progress bar, just prior to the mini-setup starting.

Any ideas??


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-04-28 09:51 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

In the [Unatteded] section of Sysprep.ini do you have the following entry:

[Unatteded]
OemSkipEula=Yes

Or...

[GUIUnattended]
OemSkipWelcome=1

[ 28. April 2003, 21:53: Message edited by: Chris S. ]


Sealeopard
(KiX Master)
2003-04-28 09:53 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Windows 2000 or XP?

Did you clean out the drivers for keyboard/mouse/IDE?


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 09:56 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

win2k
nope, I'm trying the video drivers now as it 'stops' between the black character mode and the GUI mini-setup...


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-04-28 09:59 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Sorry for the mix up. I didn't know you weren't getting into GUI-mode yet. Sounds like a driver issue.

Are you running sysprep with the -pnp switch?


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:06 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

not yet... I'm hoping to do without it as it slows the process down a bit.

of course, if it is the difference between working and not working...


Sealeopard
(KiX Master)
2003-04-28 10:07 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Try this:

Clean up drivers before running SYSPREP:
Set keyboard to 'Standard 104-key'
Set Mouse to 'PS/2-compatible'
Set Video to 'Standard SVGA'
Set IDE to 'Standard IDE'


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:17 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

it isn't auto installing the OEM drivers...

sysprep.inf
-------------------------
[Unattended]
OEMSkipEula=Yes
OemPnpDriversPath=drivers\net;drivers\audio;drivers\video;drivers\Chipset;drivers\USB2
DriverSigningPolicy = Ignore

dir structure
-------------------------
c:\Drivers\Display\'lots of *.cat and *.inf files'

once it starts up, it prompts me for the drivers and if I direct it to c:\Drivers\Display it installs the drivers.

What am I doing wrong??


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:18 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

other than naming the folder wrong [Mad] [Mad] [Embarrassed] [Mad] [Embarrassed]

Les
(KiX Master)
2003-04-28 10:24 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I find that if you re-sysprep a previous sysprep image that the device path gets appended to. I always reset the path with the following:
quote:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion]
"DevicePath"=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,\
00,74,00,25,00,5c,00,69,00,6e,00,66,00,00,00




Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:31 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I have an image of the drive just before I syspreped it...

so I can restore it and make changes to the image and the sysprep it again


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:47 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

BTW... here is my step-by-step image creation doc.

code:
 
Deleted all partitions
Created 3gb NTFS partition
Installed win2k SP2 from shipped with Compaq PC
Used CD key from label of Compaq PC
Admin acct pw: *******
Eastern timezone
Reboot

Unchecked Welcome to Windows
Installed NIC Driver via USB drive: 82557-based Integrated Ethernet with Wake on LAN 6.2.10 Rev. A
Installed Audio Driver via USB drive
Installed USB2 Driver via desktop. Copy to desktop from USB device first.
Installed Video Driver via USB drive
Reboot

Set screen resolution to 800x600x16 bit
Windows Update: install SP3
Reboot

Windows Update: Install IE6SP1
Reboot

Windows Update: All Critical Updates and Service Packs
Reboot

Turn off Automatic Updates
Windows Update: Q328523, Q322913, Q327269, Q322842
Reboot

Windows Update: Windows Media Player 9
Defrag Disk
Reboot

Image --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Install MS Office 2000SR-1 from CD1
Install Publisher 2000SR-1 from CD2
Install Flash/Shockwave 6
Install RealOne Player, Custom turn off all desktop settings, turn off default player settings
Install RealOne Security Update
Configure RealOne player to open with player only
Turn off auto update on RealOne Player
Install Adobe Reader 5.1 Full
Install Mcafee 4.5.1
Install Mcafee SP1
Reboot

Disable tray icon for Mcafee scheduler
Configure mcafee
Update & Upgrade McAfee
Copy console.cmd to winnt
Hide McAfee Icons except for Virus Scan
Set McAfee menu folder to read only
Removed Outlook Express Icons
Removed Adobe Reader, WMP icons from desktop
Created MSOffice folder, moved Icons and other MS program folders into that one
Configure Internet Properties\Programs\to MS Office apps
Install Chameleon from MSI
Update the Atlanta Icon to FMMIS, copy consultec.cfg from good PC
Netmanage LPD service to manual
Install Informix32 from MSI
Install Informix16, copy Hosts & Services, create Prog Group
Install Oracle 7
Defrag
Reboot

Image --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Start all programs to remove first time run events
Local machine/user policies as per John Terry
Add Screen saver policy
Do not use search-based method when resolving shell shortcuts
Add logoff to start menu
Create temp account
Clear MRU list HKCU\SMWCVE\RunMRU & Map Network Drive
Empty Temporary Internet Items
Empty Trash
Login to temp admin account
Copy admin profile to Default User
Clear Event Viewer
Resize Page File to 2x Ram
Login to admin account
Delete temp account
Delete temp profile
Delete video/display adapter (enables VGA mode)
Uninstall all obvious hardware drivers
Empty trash
Defrag
Reboot

Image --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sysprep

Image --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Sealeopard
(KiX Master)
2003-04-28 10:51 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Never install MS Office products from CDs!

Create an admin install on a shared drive and install from there. Otherwise users might get prompted to insert CDs. Also, you can install fixes to the admin install and then advertise the new package or apply the updated version via command-line on clients.


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-28 10:55 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

they are transformed CDs

BTW, I already have the reg keys that point the office products to their install source...


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-29 02:15 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I still can't get the deployed image to get into the gui portion of mini-setup

it gets the character based progress bar to 100% and then nothing...

I've removed all the installed hardware devices as possible, but still nothing.


Les
(KiX Master)
2003-04-29 02:45 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

According to your step-by-step...

quote:
Uninstall all obvious hardware drivers
Empty trash
Defrag
Reboot
Image -------------------------------------------
Sysprep

If you reboot after the uninstall of drivers then PNP would put them back on reboot before the sysprep.

I found that on some images, I had to replace the ACPI HAL with a generic one and then set it back after.


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-29 02:49 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

ok... insert boot floppy
reboot

I did find this on Dell's site:
quote:

Mgoudreault wrote:
- I'm getting a strange behavior from my (all C600)
- laptop.
-
- We have about 2-300 C600's to deploy in W2K Pro. I
- made an image using Ghost 6.0 and Sysprep from
- Microsoft. Now, everytime i push the ghost image to
- a C600, it hangs on the first boot (in WINDOWS IS
- STARTING UP). I have to shut it down and restart so
- that the laptop boots up normally.
-
- I created different imagesand have the same problem.
-
- The BIOS is up to date "A09".

(reply)
I had the same sort of problem. I tracked it down to the machines that I was using to do a disk to disk ghost on were not using LBA translation to read the disk. The easiest way to fix it is to ghost the disks using a Dell desktop or alternatively try to find the disk translation setting in the BIOS and change it to LBA. To do this on the Compaq I was using I needed a BIOS upgrade. I would imaagine that the machine you are pushing the image to needs to be set to read the disk using LBA.


which is about what I'm experiencing. I'm going to dig up some other makes/models to test on, to see if the problem is just these new latitudes or that I just can't make an image.


Les
(KiX Master)
2003-04-29 02:54 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I have some machines where it hangs on first boot after sysprep but if I just reboot, it goes OK the second time.

Go figure!


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-29 09:18 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

So I tried this from a different angle.

I built an image on the oldest PC I had, installed no 3rd party/OEM drivers and sysprepped it with:

sysprep -pnp -quiet -reboot -clean
code:
 
;SetupMgrTag

[Unattended]
OemPreinstall = Yes
ExtendOemPartition=1
KeepPageFile=1
InstallFilesPath=C:\sysprep\i386
OEMSkipEula=Yes
OemPnpDriversPath=drivers\net;drivers\audio;drivers\video;drivers\Chipset;drivers\USB2
DriverSigningPolicy = Ignore

[GuiUnattended]
AdminPassword=
AutoLogon=Yes
AutoLogonCount=1
OEMSkipRegional=1
OEMSkipWelcome=1
TimeZone=35

[UserData]
FullName=
OrgName=
ProductID=

[Display]
Xresolution=800
YResolution=600

[TapiLocation]
CountryCode=1
Dialing=Tone
LongDistanceAccess="9,"

[SetupMgr]
DistFolder=C:\sysprep\i386
DistShare=win2000dist

[Identification]
JoinDomain=fdhc

[Networking]
InstallDefaultComponents=Yes

[SysprepMassStorage]
Primary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
Secondary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
*PNP0600=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
*AZT0502=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\CC_0101=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5215=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5219=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5229=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1097&DEV_0038=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0640=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0646=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_0E11&DEV_AE33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1222=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1230=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7010=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7111=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2411=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2421=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_244A=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_244B=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7199=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1042&DEV_1000=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_0601=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_5513=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0001=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0150=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_105A&DEV_4D33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_0571=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

now when I try it on the new Evo and Latitude, both BSOD on inaccessable boot device.

The Evo uses the 'standard 2 channel IDE controller'

Help.... [Frown]


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-04-29 09:25 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Here's the SysprepMassStorage section that I use:

code:
[SysprepMassStorage]
;***********(Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)*********
Primary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
Secondary_IDE_Channel=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Generic_ESDI_Hard_Disk_Controller **********
*PNP0600=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Aztech IDE Controller **********************
*AZT0502=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*********** Device ID for generic Dual PCI IDE *********
PCI\CC_0101=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Acer Labs Inc ******************************
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5215=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5219=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10B9&DEV_5229=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Appian Technology **************************
PCI\VEN_1097&DEV_0038=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************CMD Technology *****************************
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0640=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1095&DEV_0646=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;************Compaq *************************************
PCI\VEN_0E11&DEV_AE33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Intel *************************************
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1222=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1230=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7010=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7111=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2411=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2421=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_7199=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************PC Technology *****************************
PCI\VEN_1042&DEV_1000=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Silicon Integrated System *****************
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_0601=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_5513=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Symphony Labs *****************************
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0001=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf
PCI\VEN_10AD&DEV_0150=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************Promise Technology ************************
PCI\VEN_105A&DEV_4D33=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

;*************VIA Technologies, Inc. ********************
PCI\VEN_1106&DEV_0571=%windir%\inf\mshdc.inf

{edit} - which looks a lot like yours. [Confused]

[ 29. April 2003, 21:27: Message edited by: Chris S. ]


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-04-29 09:33 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

The -clean switch shouldn't be used for Sysprep. It disables any boot devices that were loaded by the [SysprepMassStorage] section in the Sysprep.inf file. The command issues a stop command through Service Control Manager; any device that does not have hardware present responds to the command.

The -clean switch should only be used in the CMDLines.txt file to clean out unused drivers to help "imaged" PCs boot faster after being "sysprepped."


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-29 10:22 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

I HATE being a dumbass

Make sure you are using sysprep 1.1

[Mad] [Roll Eyes] [Mad] [Roll Eyes] [Frown]


Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-04-29 10:48 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

so I should put "sysprep -clean" in the cmdlines.txt to have it clean out previous hardware & drivers?

Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-04-30 03:51 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Yeah, according to Technet it will allow the system to boot faster since it won't have to try and load unneeded drivers.

Radimus
(KiX Supporter)
2003-05-02 05:59 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Thanks for all the work you did on this...

Now that I have the sysprep issue fixed, I can't find a system in my company that will not install this image.

This is a HUGE benefit to my company, and will save me a lot of time, effort, and drive space.

Now to get myself a USB2 external drive to make it even quicker...

This isn't kixtart FAQ material, but for those of us here in the admin buisness, it is just as important.


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-05-02 08:25 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Glad I could help. Once you take the time to do it you'll never go back. It is easy to maintain and add new systems to as well. Now it'll just be a matter of adding the new drivers to your image.

Once I get my CorpPrep.kix finished I'll post it as well. I use it to install additional programs like CD burner software or Telnet applications that may not be on the standard image.

Vendors like Dell and IBM make a big deal about using their imaging services to manage your corporate image. Of course, thats fine if you have the money to spend. It also helps to "lock" you into them as a vendor.

I personally find it funny to see the look on their face when they ask how many images our company supports and I tell them "one." It just takes the wind out of thier sails. [Big Grin]


Chris S.
(MM club member)
2003-05-02 08:31 PM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

Hey, just noticed that its the one-year anniversary for this post.

Happy Anniversary, "Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX"!!!


LonkeroAdministrator
(KiX Master Guru)
2004-01-26 10:51 AM
Re: Automating W2K Installation w/Sysprep & KiX

huh.
I just noticed when fighting with crashed pc's and non-working off2k admin install points...
I even might need this!

me who shouted with loud voice: "never ever me!"

shiaaat, thanks anyway for the doc