DOCUMENT:Q195446 20-MAR-2002 [winnt] TITLE :How to Obtain the System Preparation Tool for Windows NT 4.0 PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT PROD/VER::4.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY ======= The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 System Preparation tool prepares the preinstalled hard-disk contents of a Windows NT 4.0-based computer (referred to here as the "source computer") for imaging and subsequent transfer to other computers (referred to here as "destination computers"). The System Preparation tool prepares the source Windows NT 4.0 computer image to run a mini-setup wizard and regenerate a system security identifier (SID). The result is a source computer system configuration that you can copy to another identically configured computer through the use of disk image copying tools. The mini-setup wizard configures some of the computer-specific or user-specific settings, including user name, organization, product key, computer name, and administrator password. When the destination computer is started, the SID is regenerated, which ensures that each system SID is unique and the mini-setup wizard is run. Note that most of the mini-setup wizard can be scripted to automate the process, which minimizes setup technician time. MORE INFORMATION ================ How to Obtain the New Windows Deployment Tools ---------------------------------------------- The Windows NT 4.0 Sysprep tool is available from the following Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/technicalresources/deployment/DeploymentDocs/deploy/DeployTools/SysPrep.asp NOTE: These tools do not copy the image, they "prepare" a system to be copied through the use of a third-party tool. Microsoft currently has no plans to develop a disk image copying tool. Additional query words: Sysclone clone deployment win_deploy nt4prep.exe w98prep.exe preptool.exe win_deploy.exe ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search Version : :4.0 Issue type : kbinfo ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2002.