Updated System Preparation tool for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (892778)

INTRODUCTION

Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) includes an updated version of the System Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe) for Windows Server 2003. The Sysprep.exe program is located in the Windows Server 2003 SP1 Deployment Tools .cab file. Use this version of the Sysprep.exe program when you deploy Windows Server 2003 SP1.

To obtain the updated version of the Sysprep.exe program, download and install the latest version of Windows Server 2003 SP1 Deployment Tools. To download and install the Windows Server 2003 SP1 Deployment Tools, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=A34EDCF2-EBFD-4F99-BBC4-E93154C332D6

These tools are also available in the Support\Tools folder on the Windows Server 2003 SP1 product CD. For more information about how to obtain the Windows Server 2003 SP1 product CD, visit the following Microsoft Web site, and then click Order Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 on CD.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/cdorder.aspx

MORE INFORMATION

The System Preparation tool

The Windows Server 2003 SP1 System Preparation tool enables administrators to prepare Windows Server 2003 system images as part of an automated deployment. This tool is an updated version of the System Preparation tool that is included with Windows Server 2003.

You can use the System Preparation tool to perform the following tasks in a manner that is supported by Microsoft:

Prepare Windows for duplication from one computer to another computer.
Change security identifiers (SIDs) and other system and configuration settings to make them unique.
Configure user-specific information to be customized by the end-user when Windows starts the first time.
Create images of operating systems.
Automate the Windows mini-Setup program.
Perform auditing tasks.

The Sysprep.inf file

The Sysprep.inf file is the answer file for the Sysprep.exe program. To build the Sysprep.inf file, run the Setup Manager Wizard by using the Sysprep Answer file option.

The Deploy.cab file

The Support\Tools\Deploy.cab file includes Deploy.chm, a detailed Help file that describes the latest features of the Windows Server 2003 SP1 deployment tools and how to use them. This Help file includes information about the Sysprep.exe program.