Using the System Preparation Tool or Sysprep

The most commonly used tool for preparing a computer is the System Preparation Tool, or Sysprep (sysprep.exe). This Microsoft tool is installed in the %WINDIR%\system32\sysprep directory and solves the problem of duplicate SID numbers. The Sysprep tool removes all computer-specific information from an image, including the SID numbers and computer-specific drivers. It also prepares the Windows installation for an Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE), which involves setting a computer to boot to audit mode, allowing you to change the installation in more detail. Using Sysprep, you can prepare a generalized image that can be used to deploy computers with unique security identifiers.

The Sysprep tool supports several switches that control its behavior and features:

The high-level overview steps to prepare a Windows installation for imaging using Sysprep are as follows:

1. Install a Windows Server 2016 operating system.
2. Install all necessary applications, device drivers, services, features, and files that will be applied to cloned computers.
3. Run Sysprep.exe to prepare the computer for imaging. You can double-click on %WINDIR%\System32\Sysprep.exe or run Sysprep.exe from the command line with the following code: Sysprep.exe /generalize.
4. When the Sysprep command finishes, use an imaging tool to capture a prepared installation.