steev Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 I’ve been reading about the Sysprep utility / unattended setup / disc cloning in the “XP Inside/Out” book (a very informative reference!), and I have a question:Extract from the book:-Disk imaging (cloning). In this option, you set up Windows on a sample computer and then run the System Preparation utility (Sysprep.exe), which removes the unique security identifier (SID). You can then use a disk cloning program such as Symantec’s Ghost (http://www.symantec.com/ghost)or PowerQuest’s DriveImage (http://www.powerquest.com/driveimage) to copy the entire partition to a new computer; when it starts up, it runs a Mini-Setup program that completes in 5–10 minutes instead of the hour or more that a full Setup requires.My question is: If you now run the cloned copy onto another computer with different hardware (or the same computer) does the mini-setup programme create a new SID? Is this what it’s saying?Would the second computer have to be the same model as the original? – is this how companies make their mass produced models?Here is another extract:-Setupcl.exe. A small program used by Sysprep.exe to create unique security identifiers (SIDs).When would this prog run? Is this the prog that does the “mini setup”?Another extract:Factory.exe. Helper program used with Sysprep.exe to make changes to a standard configuration before delivering it to end users.When and how and why would this prog be used?Thanks for your help and advice,Regards, Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aegis Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Yes, sysprep will still work. But if you don't have the necessary drivers for your system, then not all of your hardware will work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takeshi Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Does the mini-setup programme create a new SID?A: YesWould the second computer have to be the same model as the original?A: No, but it must have compatible HAL.is this how companies make their mass produced models?A: More or less, + network install...Setupcl.exe. ...When would this prog run? Is this the prog that does the “mini setup”?A: I think so but you don't have to start it yourself.Factory.exe. ...When and how and why would this prog be used?A: Factory (command: -factory) - for configurating and repeated restarting in a factory . It restarts in a network-enabled mode without running Windows Welcome or Mini-Setup and enables drivers, devices and programmes to be installed.Sysprep is a big subject. MS has tens of KB on this alone, + TechNet, MCSE books... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steev Posted September 8, 2006 Author Share Posted September 8, 2006 Thanks for those answers, much appreciated - they have helped me to get a much better understanding of the setup process.Takeshi - what is HAL? Also, am I right is saying that the "factory.exe" would therefore be used by a company to install the extra software we find on computers?Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Takeshi Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 (edited) HAL = hardware abstraction layerFactory is used for testing including installation of extra stuff before the final reseal and delivery to end-users.If you're interested in the subject, read up more (a lot more...) and do it yourself, on a real PC, or virtual PC/VMWare. Edited September 8, 2006 by Takeshi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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