sysprep not finding answer file

[sabazius]

Hello,
I have not used the updated sysprep available for XP. In the past I have only syspreped w2k machines. At present I don't seem to be able to get the sysprep image to see the answer file i have created which contains thinks such as our corporate xp license key, computer name, workgroup. I have checked and double checked mistakes such as type errors etc. The answerfile lives in c:\sysprep folder. The part of the sysprep process which is new to me is the settings. Once I have completed setup manager and double clicked sysprep.exe I chose "Factory" and "Use Minisetup". The pc shuts down and I image the disk with ghost. Upon putting this image on a new test pc, I click "reseal". When the pc reboots I am asked to put in my corporate xp key and other parts of the answer file are not used. I would expect the pc to boot with all my answerfile setting in place.
Could someone please advice if the settings I am using are correct for what I am trying to do.

Thankyou

 

[bracadar]

check this out

1. Run Setupmgr from XP CD\Support Tools\Deploy.cab

2. Create a Sysprep.Inf file by selecting Create New Answer File>Sysprep install>Windows Xp Professional>Yes, Fully Automate the Installation. The information collection procedure begins, provide relevent info and save the file into c:\sysprep\sysprep.inf on ref computer. Copy the sysprep.inf file onto your WDS server and place it as RemoteInstall\Images\Image Group\$OEM$\$1\Sysprep\sysprep.inf

3. Run sysprep.exe from XP cd\support tools\deply.cab on ref computer. Select MiniSetup, change Shutdown option to reboot from the flags section and then click Reseal.

4. Choose to network boot on ref computer after reboot.

5. Choose Image Capture wizard and capture volume C:\. Transfer the image to WDS server and reboot ref computer.

6. Select Network boot and re-image the computer using newly syspreped image you have just created.

7. Get yourself a coffee, return to ref computer and see if it has asked for any information.

8. At this stage you will find out whether it has worked or not.

 

[sabazius]

Hi Bracadar,

Thankyou for your help with this. Alterting the set up options as you suggested (minisetup + shutdown) has worked for me.

Thanks