Weird Activation Status question

[Ken Levy]

We have a large number of desktop PC's that are being deployed. We set up a
"master" system, complete with apps, and sysprep'ed it. We then clone the
hard drives with Ghost. We restart the system and go through the mini-setup
routine, entering the license key for that particular unit.

After mini-setup, we do a number of minor modifications (install and
activate an Antivirus package, etc.) and then activate the Windows license.
After a 24 hour burn-in run, we deploy the system to the field, all set to
boot and go.

We run a number of scripts, once the machine is in the field, to capture
documentation about the site (mostly network info). As part of these
scripts, we run the msinfo32.exe routine to capture the final installed
hardware info.

On the System Info System Summary page, it has an Activation Status field
which shows "Activation Pending (30 days remaining). This was the status
of the original, master sysprep'd drive before we Ghost'ed it. I am sure
that each of these machines was activated in house before deployment. We've
done 4 machines now, each showing the same status. I went back and checked
the first of the systems we set up, which was installed in the field 3 days
ago, and it is still showing Activation Pending with 30 days remaining
status. The activation icon is no longer in the system tray, so I believe
that the license is activated. I could see missing the activation step on
one system, but not four . . .

Is this a bug in the System Info program, or what?

Any advice is appreciated. Please post any responses to the newsgroup.

Ken

 

[Guest]

Hello Ken,

It depends on how you are running Sysprep. I am assuming you are running
sysprep -reseal? If the system you run in this manor, you will actually reset
the Activation up to 3 times, this is by design so that OEMs can create a
factor image and then deploy that image to thier customers, who then activate
with thier provided pids.

Here is some additional information :
You can create a master installation, run sysprep -reseal on it, create an
image of that installation, and then safely store that image for more than 30
days. The 30-day countdown for Windows Product Activation does not begin
until the next time the operating system starts.
If you do not want to reset the clock, or if you want to preserve settings
while running Sysprep on an installation that is already activated, use the
-activated command-line option. For example, type:
sysprep -activated -reseal
By using the command sysprep -activated, you can avoid resetting the grace
period for activation. This requires that the system be preactivated in the
factory.
You can avoid resetting the grace period by using SLP (System Locked
Preinstallation) in your factory installations. SLP is only available to
royalty OEMs.
By setting the parameter OEMAuditBoot = 1 in the [Startup] [StartupOptions]
section of Oobeinfo.ini before resealing, you can specify that the computer
restarts in Factory mode. This is equivalent to using the sysprep -factory
command.
If you need to modify the configuration on the computer before delivering it
to the end user, you can press CTRL + SHIFT + F3 at the Windows Welcome
Screen to re-enter Audit mode.

Can I activate Windows for my users?
Most customers can easily manage activation after receiving their PCs. But
if you prefer, you can activate the software on behalf of your customers,
making it easier for them to get started with their new PCs and adding
significant value to your products and services. After activation is
completed, most users will never need activate their installation again.

To activate Windows for your user, prepopulate the unique Product Key from
the certificate of authenticity (COA) label that is affixed to the specific
computer, and activate the computer on behalf of the end user. Then run
sysprep -reseal to shut the computer down.

To activate the Windows installation automatically during Setup, complete
this procedure:

In Unattend.txt, set the ProductKey entry in the [UserData] section equal to
the Product Key on the COA sticker attached to that particular computer.
In the [Unattended] section, set AutoActivate = Yes.
Install Windows using an unattended Setup.
The destination computer must have physical access to the Internet.

To preserve a successful activation of the installation, you must run
Sysprep with the -activated command-line option. For example:

sysprep -activated -reseal
If you do not run Sysprep with the -activated option, Sysprep removes these
activation settings and resets the clock on Windows Product Activation.

Is there anything else I should know about activation?
You cannot make an image of an activated Windows installation and duplicate
that image to another computer. If you do, Windows fails to recognize the
activation and forces the end user to reactivate the installation manually.

System-locked preinstallation (SLP) is an anti-piracy technology that helps
prevent the copying of legitimately licensed operating system software. SLP
is available only to royalty OEMs.


Thanks
Tom D.
Windows Sustained Engineering