Sysprep CMD Command – System and utilities

Sysprep is a powerful command line tool that is used to prepare a Windows installation for duplication, auditing, and customer delivery. It is an essential tool for system administrators and IT professionals who need to deploy multiple Windows installations. In this guide, we will discuss the basics of Sysprep, its syntax, options, and user examples.

What is Sysprep?

Sysprep (System Preparation Tool) is a Microsoft utility that allows users to prepare a Windows installation for duplication, auditing, and customer delivery. It is a command line tool that can be used to reset the Windows activation timer, remove system-specific information, and remove installed applications. Sysprep can also be used to prepare a Windows installation for imaging, allowing users to quickly deploy multiple Windows installations.

Sysprep Syntax

The syntax for the Sysprep command is as follows:

  • sysprep [/generalize [/oobe] [/shutdown] [/quiet] [/mode:] [/unattend:] [/reboot] [/audit] [/mini] [/forcereboot] [/quit] [/reseal] [/noreboot] [/pnp] [/copysource:] [/skiprearm] [/pkey:] [/rebootonstatechange] [/persistalldeviceinstalls] [/norebootonstatechange] [/skipoobe] [/unattend:] [/reboot] [/audit] [/mini] [/forcereboot] [/quit] [/reseal] [/noreboot] [/pnp] [/copysource:] [/skiprearm] [/pkey:] [/rebootonstatechange] [/persistalldeviceinstalls] [/norebootonstatechange] [/skipoobe] [/unattend:] [/reboot] [/audit] [/mini] [/forcereboot] [/quit] [/reseal] [/noreboot] [/pnp] [/copysource:] [/skiprearm] [/pkey:] [/rebootonstatechange] [/persistalldeviceinstalls] [/norebootonstatechange] [/skipoobe]

The Sysprep command has several options that can be used to customize the Windows installation. The following table provides a brief overview of the available options:

Option Description
/generalize This option resets the Windows activation timer and removes system-specific information.
/oobe This option configures the Windows installation for a new user.
/shutdown This option shuts down the computer after Sysprep is finished.
/quiet This option runs Sysprep in quiet mode, without displaying any messages.
/mode: This option specifies the mode in which Sysprep will run. The available modes are audit, oobe, and reset.
/unattend: This option specifies the unattended installation answer file that will be used by Sysprep.
/reboot This option reboots the computer after Sysprep is finished.
/audit This option configures the Windows installation for an audit.
/mini This option configures the Windows installation for a minimal installation.
/forcereboot This option forces the computer to reboot after Sysprep is finished.
/quit This option exits Sysprep without performing any actions.
/reseal This option seals the Windows installation after Sysprep is finished.
/noreboot This option prevents the computer from rebooting after Sysprep is finished.
/pnp This option configures the Windows installation for Plug and Play.
/copysource: This option specifies the source files that will be used by Sysprep.
/skiprearm This option prevents Sysprep from resetting the Windows activation timer.
/pkey: This option specifies the product key that will be used by Sysprep.
/rebootonstatechange This option reboots the computer when the state of the Windows installation changes.
/persistalldeviceinstalls This option prevents Sysprep from removing installed devices.
/norebootonstatechange This option prevents the computer from rebooting when the state of the Windows installation changes.
/skipoobe This option prevents Sysprep from running the Out-of-Box Experience.

Sysprep User Examples

Now that we have discussed the basics of Sysprep and its syntax, let’s look at some user examples. The following examples show how to use Sysprep to prepare a Windows installation for duplication, auditing, and customer delivery.

Example 1: Resetting the Windows Activation Timer

In this example, we will use Sysprep to reset the Windows activation timer. To do this, we will use the following command:

  • sysprep /generalize /oobe /shutdown /quiet

This command will reset the Windows activation timer and configure the Windows installation for a new user. It will also shut down the computer after Sysprep is finished.

Example 2: Preparing a Windows Installation for Imaging

In this example, we will use Sysprep to prepare a Windows installation for imaging. To do this, we will use the following command:

  • sysprep /generalize /oobe /shutdown /quiet /mode:audit /unattend:unattend.xml /reboot /audit /mini /forcereboot

This command will reset the Windows activation timer, configure the Windows installation for a new user, and shut down the computer after Sysprep is finished. It will also configure the Windows installation for an audit, a minimal installation, and force the computer to reboot after Sysprep is finished.

Conclusion

Sysprep is a powerful command line tool that is used to prepare a Windows installation for duplication, auditing, and customer delivery. It has several options that can be used to customize the Windows installation. In this guide, we

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