Sysprep on Win2K3 VM Template

[tim_hadley]

Does anyone know if you need to run sysprep on a Win2k3 when you deploy a VM from a template? I deployed a VM from a template on a Win2k8 VM and it didn't need sysprep, but wasn't sure about the win2k3 VM.

[weinstein5]

Welcome to the Forums - yes Virtual Center can sysprep a Windows 2003 VM when it is deployed form a template as long as the sysprep files are extracted to the right firectory on your VC Server -

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[atbnet · Accepted solution]

Yes when deploying a windows server 2003 VM from a template it uses sysprep to customize the OS and also give it a new SID etc.

vCenter needs the sysprep files for 2003, XP etc to be able to do this. See http://www.vmadmin.co.uk/resources/36-virtualcenter/114-sysprepdeploytemplate on how to do this.

Vista and 2008 work differently and have the tools for customizing already built into the OS. (Note from vCenter U4 you can customize windows server 2008 OS supported.)

Andy, VMware Certified Professional / VMware vExpert Award 2009

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