Hello Chis,
Here is some more information for you on activation via Sysprep and factory
mode:
How does Sysprep affect activation?
The clock for Windows Product Activation begins its countdown the first time
Windows starts. You can use Sysprep for a maximum of three times to reset the
clock for Windows Product Activation. After the third time you run Sysprep,
the clock can no longer be reset.
How can I limit the number of reseals in Sysprep?
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 customers?
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 customer, 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.
To add a pid to sysprep via sysprep.inf add the following section and lines:
[UserData]
ProductKey=xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx
Hope that helps
Tom D. [MSFT]
Windows Sustained Engineering
