Hi all,
I am trying to deploy some VMs from a Windows 2008 R2 Standard (64bit) base template and was wondering what the best way to give my cloned VMs unique SIDs is?
Basically, I see that NewSID does not work on R2. I have tried running sysprep -> Generalise on the R2 clones, (Out of box experience), but after restarting the VM needs to be re-activated (enter product key and activate again). Furthermore, VMWare tools stops working - I found I have to Uninstall it then reinstall to get it working again, so the console mouse responsiveness goes down the drain. My screen resolution is also set back to default in the VM and anything on the Desktop is cleared.
Running sysprep like this just doesn't seem to be an option as there is too much that needs to be sorted out again after the clone is made. I might as well just be installing the OS on a fresh VM again. Is there anything I am missing with sysprep? Any way to only let it re-set the SID and nothing else?
It would also be interesting to know what the guys are using that are running Windows 2008 R2 64bit with VMWare (VI / ESX 3.5) when it comes to cloning or deploying multiple VMs from a template.
For instance, I just want to be able to clone my base template, and get a new SID on each clone I make. Then I want to have another template that has a few extra features or roles installed in Windows and be able to clone from that too. For example a Terminal Server template.
Cheers!