JSI Tip 8059. What are the major limitations that apply to using Sysprep to create Windows XP images?

Jerold Schulman

May 19, 2004

1 Min Read
ITPro Today logo in a gray background | ITPro Today

When you use the Sysprep (System Preparation) tool to create Windows XP images, the following are some of the limitations that apply:

  • Sysprep can only be run on an installation that resides in the c: partition.

  • Sysprep does not support creating images of computers that have multiple partitions.

  • You SHOULD NOT use an OEM installation as the basis for a image that will be installed on different hardware. You may have problems with licensing and/or activation. Use volume licensing media.

  • Only image a clean install, NOT an upgrade.

NOTE: See HAL options after Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Setup.

NOTE: When using Sysprep to image a server, you cannot image a domain controller, or any server running the Certificate Services service or the Cluster service.

NOTE: See 'An error has been encountered that prevents Setup from continuing' error message when Sysprep Mini Wizard runs.



About the Author

Jerold Schulman

Jerold Schulman

See more from Jerold Schulman
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up

You May Also Like

Editor's Choice

a stressed employee at their laptop and collaboration icons gone amok
Unified Communications
Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?Microsoft Teams Is Acting Up. What Can We Do?
byBrien Posey
Sep 12, 2024
4 Min Read
person placing a block between two columns of blocks
IT Management
Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?Data Skills Gap Is Hampering Productivity; Is Upskilling the Answer?
byNathan Eddy
Sep 7, 2024
7 Min Read
data privacy quiz sample question above a desk
Data Privacy
Data Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your KnowledgeData Privacy Quiz: 20 Questions To Test Your Knowledge
byIan Horowitz
Aug 30, 2024
1 Min Read
Exclusive ITPro Resources
See all ITPro Resources

Featured How Tos

tablet with "cloud computing" on the screen on top of financial documents and calculator
Cloud Computing
Guide to Cloud Computing ETFsGuide to Cloud Computing ETFs
A cartoon of a person sitting at a computer, with speech bubbles—one from the person saying Hello and one from the computer responding with Hello
PowerShell
PowerShell Speech Recognition: How To Set up Voice Commands and ResponsesPowerShell Speech Recognition: Set up Voice Commands and Responses
Migrating From VMware Guide cover
VMWare
Migrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful TransitionMigrating From VMware: Guide to a Successful Transition
Sign up for the ITPro Today newsletter
Stay on top of the IT universe with commentary, news analysis, how-to's, and tips delivered to your inbox daily.
Newsletter Sign-Up
Trending

Recent What Is

list of domains within the umbrella category of IT security
IT Security
What Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security ExplainedWhat Is IT Security? Essentials of IT Security Explained
ITPro Today's tech careers quick reference guide cover
Career Management
Tech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job TitlesTech Careers: Quick Reference Guide to IT Job Titles