Release date: May 26th 2019
Welcome to my VMware Horizon series. In this sub-session I will describe how I generalized my Windows 2016 Server for Instant Clone usage.
I’m now ready to Sysprep and create a mandatory profile. Before I sysprep my image, I need to disable Password Complexity Requirements on Windows Server.
From gpedit.msc I change the local policy setting
Now it’s time to sysprep the image. First, I will create an answer-file for sysprep, unattend.xlm. I have modified mine as follows. A sample file is attached at the end of this page.
I copy unattend.xml to “C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep”
From an administrative cmd-prompt, I start sysprepping by running this cmd: “c:\windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe /oobe /generalize /mode:vm /unattend:c:\windows\system32\sysprep\unattend.xml /reboot”
After sysprep is done and the server is restarted, we can verify that the server now has a typical “sysprep’ed” computername
Next, I will create a mandatory profile. In Windows Explorer, Right-click “This PC” and click Properties. From the Advanced-tab I click Settings under User Profiles.
Select Default Profile, Copy To…
Copy profile to “C:\Users\Mandatory.v6” and click “Change” to set permissions
Select the user group: “Authenticated Users”
Click OK
Back in the User Profile dialogue box, delete the Account Unknown-profile
Click OK to exit User Profiles windows
Back in Windows Explorer, I browse to C:\Users\Mandatory.v6 folder, choose view “Hidden Items” and deselect “Hide protected operating system files”
I rename the file ntuser.dat to ntuser.man
I delete all ntuser*.* files except ntuser.ini and ntuser.man
Lastly, I revert changes in the View Options I made above.
Unattend sample file: Unattend_xml
PS: Beware of formatting when doing copy/paste!
That concludes my session about how I generalized and prepared Windows in my template. My next logical step will be applications and agents, covered here: VMware Horizon – Setup Server 2016 Instant Clone Template – Install Agents and applications
Recommended reading:
VMware Tech Zone: Creating an Optimized Windows Image for a VMware Horizon Virtual Desktop
VMware Horizon – Setup Server 2016 Instant Clone Template
VMware Horizon planning, deployment etc.
Disclaimer: Every tips/tricks/posting I have published here, is tried and tested in different it-solutions. It is not guaranteed to work everywhere, but is meant as a tip for other users out there. Remember, Google is your friend and don’t be afraid to steal with pride! Feel free to comment below as needed.
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