If I run sysprep -> Install Updates -> Enter OOBE, do the updates stay?
Posted by mikedubayou@reddit | sysadmin | View on Reddit | 12 comments
I repair peoples computer, and many times they need a new drive/windows install. If I install windows, then ctrl+shft+f3 to enter sysprep and then I install updates. Does everything stay if I shut down to enter OOBE?
I ask this because I had one customer come back to me because his backup files werent on his computer. I installed windows for him, entered sysprep, ran all windows updates, and then put his backup files onto a folder on his desktop. Well after he finishes his windows installation, the folder isnt there.
I believe I dont fully understand this tool, or Im using it wrong. Why was his folder not there, and what should I do if I do want to put some files onto a customers new windows? I never click generalize, so maybe thats what Im doing wrong. But Im curious if his backup folder wasnt there, did the windows updates even stick, or were they also reverted?
Thanks for any assistance!
throwaway0000012132@reddit
Why are you syspreping users personal computers?
That doesn't make sense.
mikedubayou@reddit (OP)
Because I have install windows sometimes and I want to update them
throwaway0000012132@reddit
But sysprep is not for personal devices.
Sysprep is for companies that have volume license key, so you can prep dozens, hundreds or thousands of the same computers baked with the same image.
For a computer shop, while technically it's possible to use it, it violates the licence agreement, since those computers aren't yours and you don't have volume license key to use on them.
mikedubayou@reddit (OP)
yeah, and when they launch windows for the first time and set up their account, they are asked for a product key. If they dont have it, then they get that message in the bottom right corner and they need to buy it. I just think if someones hdd fails, and I replace it with an ssd and reinstall windows on their computer, the least I can do is run windows update. It seems sysprep works very well for this, but maybe I'm wrong. If you can tell me a better way to do this, I'm all ears.
throwaway0000012132@reddit
Unfortunately, Microsoft haven't created a better way for customers to replace quickly their driver and use Windows asap.
So no, IMHO there is no other way but install manually.
Engineered_Tech@reddit
Some light reading would be advised. And yes, you are using it wrong.
https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterprisedesktop/definition/Sysprep-System-Preparation-Tool
itishowitisanditbad@reddit
If you're using it right, you're using it wrong.
Wrong uses > correct uses.
I'll fight to the death about windows tools being used wrong, is actually right.
BlackV@reddit
updates are completely different process to user folders
sysprep nukes all users profile folders (depending)
you should have stored the data elsewhere
you can easily check what updates are installed in control panel or powershell
judgethisyounutball@reddit
If you do this on a regular basis try and do it the same on all so you don't have to try and remember where you put shit. C:\backup is a good place, makes sense, can be used universally, etc..
Banluil@reddit
If he chose to login with an already existing MS account during his OOBE setup, and you had placed the backup folder on an account that didn't match the account he logged in with, then the backup folder wouldn't have shown up.
The updates and such that you do before you set it back to OOBE will still be there, but understand that they will be setting up the computer as if they were taking it Out Of the Box (Experience).
That means that if they already have a microsoft account (which most people will have if they have set up windows 10 or 11), and they log into it, it won't necessarily see any files or folders that you set up on a desktop.
What I would generally do in a case like that, is backup all the files and such to an thumb drive/external drive, or even a folder directly on the C drive called "Backup".
mikedubayou@reddit (OP)
Ah so just placing the folder on the desktop, which is in the users folder, doesnt get saved because they set up a new user. So saving it anywhere else like a seperate folder on the C drive would save it. If I got it wrong, please correct me, but what you said makes sense.
Thank you!
Banluil@reddit
OOBE isn't really meant for what you are doing with it, but it CAN work.
You are basically setting up a clean slate for someone to log in just like they are pulling the computer out of the box for the first time.
Adding in updates and such just make it easier for the customer for the first time. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. But, they won't see anything that you place on the desktop.
I would seriously just ask your boss if you can put any backup files/folders on a thumb drive, and just give that to the client. That way they can decide where/what they want to bring to the new system.