Creating a base image can save you a lot of time when deploying new servers in your network.
With a base image you for example can update your installation with the latest Windows Updates, install drivers or basic software.
Probably the best part is, that in Server 2008R2 sysprep is allready a part of the initial installation, so no need for a seperated download or copy .. it can be found in: C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep
When starting the utility you will get the following screen
The following options are available:
System Cleanup Action
- Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
(OOBE will start with the Windows Welcome screen) - Enter System Audit Mode
(Audit mode is used by OEMs and corporations to add customizations to their Windows images)
Generalize
- Checking this option will reset your SID
Shutdown Options
- Quit
- Reboot
- Shutdown
You will probably use the following settings:
- Enter System Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)
- Generalize checked
- Shutdown
One hint though… never use that image if you are going to put those servers in a (microsoft) load balancer situation.
You may be using the /generalize option, but this does not reset the unique id of the network cards 🙂