Attaching answer file to sysprep

Question

Cloning Windows 7 is very confusing!

I've read most of http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee523212(v=ws.10).aspx and it's sub-topics, but I can't figure it out.

When I run the sysprep, it strips the custom drivers out?

Apparently, I am supposed to create an answer file which contains the following:

<settings pass="generalize"> 
  <component name="Microsoft-Windows-PnpSysprep"> 
    <PersistAllDeviceInstalls>true</PersistAllDeviceInstalls> 
  </component>

What I can't figure out is how to attach this answer file to sysprep?

Or am I supposed to run sysprep, let it strip out all the drivers, then use windows aik to re-attach the drivers? I can't figure out the correct sequence from the microsoft help files.

Solution 1

The file is actually an "Unattended Install Answer File".

Take a look at this MS Article: Sysprep Command-Line Syntax.

Specifically the Sysprep option "/unattend answerfile":

/unattend
Applies settings in an answer file to Windows during unattended installation.

answerfile
Specifies the path and file name of the answer file to use.

Solution 2

I know this is an old post but if anyone ever needs to create an win7 image w/ all drivers quickly w/o installing AIK, here is what you can do,

1. Install all software and drivers you need

2. Go to registry

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\Sysprep\Settings\sppnp

   and change PersistAllDeviceInstalls to 1

3. Run sysprep sysprep.exe /oobe /generalize