How to run sysprep on windows server 2019

If you are a system administrator or IT professional, you may have come across the term “sysprep” when setting up a new Windows Server 2019. But what exactly is sysprep and why is it important? In this article, we will explore the purpose of sysprep and provide a step-by-step guide on how to run sysprep on Windows Server 2019.

What is Sysprep?

Sysprep, short for System Preparation, is a tool used to prepare a Windows operating system for imaging, cloning, or deployment. It is a built-in feature in Windows Server 2019 and is used to remove unique information from a Windows installation, such as computer name, security identifier (SID), and drivers. This allows the operating system to be deployed to multiple machines without conflicts.

Why is Sysprep Important?

Sysprep is an essential step in the deployment process for Windows Server 2019. Without running sysprep, you may encounter issues such as duplicate SIDs, which can cause problems with security and software licensing. Additionally, sysprep removes any unique information from the operating system, making it easier to deploy to multiple machines.

How to Run Sysprep on Windows Server 2019

Now that we understand the importance of sysprep, let’s dive into the steps on how to run sysprep on Windows Server 2019.

Step 1: Prepare the Server for Sysprep

Before running sysprep, it is essential to prepare the server by completing the following tasks:

• Install all necessary updates and patches.
• Install any required drivers.
• Install any necessary software or applications.
• Configure the server settings, such as network and firewall settings.

Step 2: Open the Sysprep Tool

To open the sysprep tool, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “sysprep” and press Enter.
3. The sysprep tool will open.

Step 3: Choose the System Cleanup Action

In the sysprep tool, you will see a dropdown menu labeled “System Cleanup Action.” This is where you will choose the type of sysprep you want to run. The options are:

• Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE): This option prepares the system for the first boot after deployment. It will prompt the user to enter information such as language, time zone, and user account details.
• Enter System Audit Mode: This option prepares the system for deployment but does not prompt the user for any information. It is useful for making final configurations before deployment.
• Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) with Generalize: This option is similar to the first option but also removes any unique information from the system, such as the computer name and SID.
• Enter System Audit Mode with Generalize: This option is similar to the second option but also removes any unique information from the system.

For most deployments, the recommended option is “Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) with Generalize.”

Step 4: Choose the Shutdown Options

Next, you will need to choose the shutdown options for the sysprep process. The options are:

• Shutdown: This option will shut down the system after the sysprep process is complete.
• Reboot: This option will restart the system after the sysprep process is complete.
• Quit: This option will close the sysprep tool without performing any actions.

For most deployments, the recommended option is “Shutdown.”

Step 5: Click “OK” to Start Sysprep

Once you have selected the appropriate options, click “OK” to start the sysprep process. The process may take a few minutes to complete, and the system will shut down automatically once it is finished.

Step 6: Boot the System and Complete the Setup

After the system has shut down, you can boot it up and complete the setup process. If you chose the “Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)” option, you will be prompted to enter information such as language, time zone, and user account details. If you chose the “Enter System Audit Mode” option, the system will boot directly to the desktop.

Troubleshooting Common Sysprep Errors

While running sysprep is a relatively straightforward process, you may encounter some errors along the way. Here are some common sysprep errors and how to troubleshoot them.

Sysprep Failed to Remove Apps for the Current User

One common error that users encounter when running sysprep is “Sysprep failed to remove apps for the current user.” This error occurs when there are apps installed on the system that cannot be removed during the sysprep process.

To fix this error, you will need to uninstall the problematic apps manually. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Appx\AppxAllUserStore
4. Look for any subkeys with the name “Microsoft.XboxApp” and delete them.
5. Close the Registry Editor and try running sysprep again.

Sysprep Fails to Validate Windows Installation

Another common error is “Sysprep fails to validate Windows installation.” This error occurs when there are issues with the Windows installation, such as missing or corrupted files.

To fix this error, you will need to run the System File Checker (SFC) tool. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and then try running sysprep again.

Conclusion

Sysprep is a crucial step in the deployment process for Windows Server 2019. It allows for easy deployment to multiple machines and ensures that there are no conflicts with unique information. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully run sysprep on your Windows Server 2019 and avoid common errors.