Sysprep Data location with vCenter running on Windows 2008

The default location of sysprep files.

When you have your vCenter running under Windows 2008, the sysprep files are located at this path:

ProgramData\VMware\VMware VirtualCenter\sysprep

Then you’ll see that there are empty folders for the sysprep files already created there. You just need to download the latest sysprep files and extract the cabinet files there for each and different OS.

…\1.1\
…\2k\
…\xp\
…\svr2003\
…\xp-64\
…\svr2003-64\

If you don’t copy the sysprep files there after installing your vCenter, for certains OS you don’t have the possibility to personalize your installation (the radio buttons are grayed out).

To get the latest sysprep files follow the links below:

• 2000 Server SP4
• XP Pro SP3 or XP Pro (x64)
• 2003 SP1
• 2003 SP2
• 2003 R2
• 2003 x64

1. Open a Windows command prompt. For more information, see Opening a command or shell prompt (1003892).
2. Change to the directory where the .exe file is saved.
3. Enter the name of the .exe file with the /x switch to extract the files. For example:WindowsServer2003-KB926028-v2-x86-ENU.exe /x
4. When prompted, choose a directory for the extracted files.
5. Browse the directory and copy the extracted files directly to the Sysprep Directory or extract the files from the deploy.cab and copy to the Sysprep Directory

Those OS which sysprep files are not needed, because they are already integrated into the OS are:

2008 Server, 2008 R2, Vista or Windows 7

There is a further reads:

• vSphere Compatibility Matrixes for a list of supported operating systems for virtual image customization.
• Troubleshooting template deployment or cloning when it fails (1004050),

Source: VMware KB 1005593 – Sysprep file locations and versions

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Vladan SEGET

Vladan is an Independent consultant, vExpert, VCP and owner of this website. This website ESX Virtualization started as a bookmarking site, but very fast found itself many readers and supporters. Feel free to network via Twitter @vladan

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