Sysprep and Activation

[Mark]

I created an image that was already activated, I ran
sysprep with the -mini -reseal -activated parameters. I
created a sysprep.inf file and in that file I put the
product key for the computer that I am using as the
template image. These are Dell Optiplex GX270's. Anyway,
when the computer reboots after sysprep, it wants to
activate windows again. So I thought that I misread the -
activated parameter and left it out, tried running sysprep
with -mini and -reseal, after reboot it still wants to
activate. This is not good. I have 500 computers that I
need to image and cannot be activating each one,
especially with no internet access at the location until a
month from now and I need these computers operational in 3
days. Anyone know why or how to ghost XP without having
to reactivate every machine?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Purchase a Volume License version of Windows XP. Microsoft
recommends using only VL when using Sysprep.

How to Use Sysprep with Windows Product Activation or Volume License Media
to Deploy Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;299840&Product=winxp

Unsupported Sysprep scenarios
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;828287&Product=winxp

Summary of the limitations of the System Preparation tool
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;830958&Product=winxp

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

|I created an image that was already activated, I ran
| sysprep with the -mini -reseal -activated parameters. I
| created a sysprep.inf file and in that file I put the
| product key for the computer that I am using as the
| template image. These are Dell Optiplex GX270's. Anyway,
| when the computer reboots after sysprep, it wants to
| activate windows again. So I thought that I misread the -
| activated parameter and left it out, tried running sysprep
| with -mini and -reseal, after reboot it still wants to
| activate. This is not good. I have 500 computers that I
| need to image and cannot be activating each one,
| especially with no internet access at the location until a
| month from now and I need these computers operational in 3
| days. Anyone know why or how to ghost XP without having
| to reactivate every machine?

 

[Mark]

I cannot use the version that came with the Dells? I
purchased so many, now in order to use sysprep without
activating windows everytime I have to buy 500 licenses?
Or just using a VL CD with a product key from the Dell
will work?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

No, you cannot use an OEM Product Key with a VL CD.
What you need to do is contact Dell and ask them to trade-in
your OEM licenses for VL licenses. Otherwise, you'll have to
activate Windows XP at each workstation.

How to Acquire Microsoft Product Licenses Through Microsoft's Volume Licensing Programs
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/howtoacquire.mspx

Microsoft Volume Licensing FAQ
http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/resources/faq.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

|I cannot use the version that came with the Dells? I
| purchased so many, now in order to use sysprep without
| activating windows everytime I have to buy 500 licenses?
| Or just using a VL CD with a product key from the Dell
| will work?