Cloning Windows/XP

Steps to take

• Remove system to clone from domain
• turn off Encrypting File System (EFS)
• create a folder named C:\Sysprep
• find SUPPORT\TOOLS\
• doubleclick on DEPLOY.CAB
• copy sysprep.exe, setupcl.exe, setupmgr.exe, factory.exe, deploy.chm and ref.chm to C:\Sysprep
• run C:\Sysprep\setupmgr.exe
  • create new
  • sysprep setup
  • not fully automate
  • prompt end user for admin pass
  • log in as admin 1 time
  • after filling everything in the dialog hangs, this is normal, just cancel

• run sysprep
  • Use mini-setup
  • make sure it will regenerate security identifiers
  • reseal

Sysprep

sysprep is needed to ensure uniqueness of SID ( Security IDentifier). If these are duplicated only one system would be able to join a domain. Another solution is using SID changer.

Links

• Windows XP Cloning or Universal system installation
• Deploying Windows XP Using Windows Product Activation
• Introduction to cloning a Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP computer
• Using sysprep
• Using partimage for cloning
• Forking a XP-installation
• gparted