Use Windows XP sysprep to create images

Use Windows XP sysprep to create images

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Using Windows XP sysprep to create images for quick and easy disbursement of a high volume of computers is the way to go. It will wipe out computer name and SIDs so that all computers can be immediately joined to the network.

Here's the tip: After creating the sysprep.ini file, save a copy of the sysprep folder out to a network, or removable device. Also create a quick batch file, so you don't have to remember the five or six switches you use to tell the program to wipe out the SIDS. Use the .ini file and force the computer to shutdown when done. After having failed to do this properly a few

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times I decided to do the batch file procedure. Now I only have to run a single batch file from the run command line and the computer is ready to be imaged and distributed.

This was first published in July 2005

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