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Registry hack apparently causes Win 7 sysprep "fatal error." RRS feed

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    Hi, folks.

    This is almost more of a "heads-up" than a question: be careful which registry hacks you run on Win 7 if you're going to sysprep the PC.

    In my case, all other pre-sysprep adjustments in Win 7 Pro got along with sysprep, but not this registry hack. (A very similar hack works fine with XP sysprep, and this Win 7 hack works fine on my Win 7 test PC, but causes the "fatal error" if I run sysprep on it.) Here's the hack, by the way...

    ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    ; Elevate without prompting (to get rid of most of the UAC nags).
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
    ; "ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin"=dword:00000000

    ; Dump unnecessary startup programs.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
    ""=-
    "tkbellexe"=-
    "hotkeyscmds"=-
    "igfxhkcmd"=-
    "soundmaxpnp"=-
    "SigmatelSysTrayApp"=-
    "dvdlauncher"=-
    "PDVDDXSrv"=-
    "ituneshelper"=-
    "quicktime task"=-
    "sunjavaupdatesched"=-
    "synchronization manager"=-
    "acrobat assistant 8.0"=-
    "adobe reader speed launcher"=-
    "isuspm startup"=-
    "isusscheduler"=-
    "DLA"=-
    "Adobe ARM"=-

    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
    ""=-
    "swg"=-
    "MSMSGS"=-
    "ISUSPM"=-
    "Google Update"=-

    ; Let Windows handle virtual memory.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management]
    "PagingFiles"=hex(7):3f,00,3a,00,5c,00,70,00,61,00,67,00,65,00,66,00,69,00,6c,\
      00,65,00,2e,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,00,00

    ; Don't let Windows turn off your USB ports.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\USB]
    "DisableSelectiveSuspend"=dword:00000001

    ; Disable Win 7 Firewall.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\MpsSvc]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Disable Win 7 System Restore/Protection.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore]
    "DisableSR"=dword:00000001

    ; Disable AutoRun/AutoPlay.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\policies\Explorer]
    "NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:000000ff

    ; Disable Windows Defender.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\WinDefend]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
    "Windows Defender"=-

    ; Disable Computer Browser service.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Browser]
    ; "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Disable Server service.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanserver]
    ; "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Disable Task Scheduler, which most workstations don't need, and which viruses can hijack.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Schedule]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Enable TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LmHosts]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable BITS.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BITS]
    "Start"=dword:00000003

    ; Enable Win Update service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Event Log.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Eventlog]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Windows Audio.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AudioSrv]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Win Time service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time]
    "Start"=dword:00000003

    ; Enable Dist Link Tracking Client service -- MAY PROMPT CRANKY-BUT-HARMLESS REGEDIT ERROR MESSAGE.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TrkWks]
    ; "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Secondary Logon service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\seclogon]
    "Start"=dword:00000003

    ; Enable WLAN AutoConfig service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wlansvc]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable DHCP service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dhcp]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Workstation service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lanmanworkstation]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Enable Net Logon service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Netlogon]
    "Start"=dword:00000002

    ; Disable HPZ12 services.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Pml Driver HPZ12]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Net Driver HPZ12]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Disable iPod service.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iPod Service]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Hide Action Center.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
    "HideSCAHealth"=dword:00000001

    ; Disable Security Center.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc]
    "Start"=dword:00000004

    ; Kill stubborn services a bit faster.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]
    ; "WaitToKillServiceTimeout"="5000"

    ; Optimize system files during startup -- theoretically.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Dfrg\BootOptimizeFunction]
    ; "Enable"="Y"

    ; Terminal Server settings.
    ; [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server]
    ; "fDenyTSConnections"=dword:00000000

    ; Add Admin Command Prompt to context menu.
    ; [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas]
    ; @="Open Command Prompt Here (As Admin)"

    ; [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\runas\command]
    ; @="cmd.exe /s /k pushd \"%V\""

    ; [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\runas]
    ; @="Open Command Prompt Here (As Admin)"

    ; [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\runas\command]
    ; @="cmd.exe"

    ; Turn on IE pop-up blocker.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_WEBOC_POPUPMANAGEMENT]
    "iexplore.exe"=dword:00000001
    "explorer.exe"=dword:00000001
    "msimn.exe"=dword:00000001
    "WMPlayer.exe"=dword:00000001

    ; More appearance and folder tweaks.
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\DesktopProcess]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\HideFileExt]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\ShowFullPath]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\SuperHidden]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\AnimateMinMax]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\ComboBoxAnimation]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\CursorShadow]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\DragFullWindows]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\DropShadow]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\FontSmoothing]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\ListBoxSmoothScrolling]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\ListviewAlphaSelect]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\ListviewShadow]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000001

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\MenuAnimation]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\SelectionFade]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\TaskbarAnimations]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects\TooltipAnimation]
    "DefaultValue"=dword:00000000

    ; ---------------------------------------------------
    ; Per-user settings.
    ; ---------------------------------------------------

    ; RSD Proxy Stuff.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings]
    "ProxyEnable"=dword:00000001
    "ProxyServer"="[ip:port edited out]"
    "WarnonBadCertRecving"=dword:00000000
    "WarnonZoneCrossing"=dword:00000000
    "WarnOnPostRedirect"=dword:00000000

    ; Allow the following popups in IE.
    ; Follow the format to add more.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\New Windows\Allow]
    "*.emgames.com"=hex:00,00

    ; Disable IE phishing filter.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\PhishingFilter]
    "EnabledV8"=dword:00000000

    ; Force IE to empty the Temporary Internet Files folder when IE closes.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Cache]
    "Persistent"=dword:00000000

    ; Basic IE settings.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
    "Disable Script Debugger"="yes"
    "Cache_Update_Frequency"="Once_Per_Session"
    "XMLHTTP"=dword:00000001
    "UseClearType"="yes"
    "IE8RunOnceLastShown"=dword:00000001
    "IE8RunOncePerInstallCompleted"=dword:00000001
    "IE8TourShown"=dword:00000001
    "DisableScriptDebuggerIE"="yes"
    "NotifyDownloadComplete"="no"
    "Friendly http errors"="yes"
    "SmoothScroll"=dword:00000000
    "AlwaysShowMenus"=dword:00000001
    "DisableScriptDebuggerIE"="yes"
    ; "Start Page"="http://www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/"

    ; [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings]
    ; "SyncMode5"=dword:00000003

    ; Enhance the GUI.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
    "DragFullWindows"="1"
    "MenuShowDelay"="0"
    "FontSmoothing"="2"

    ; [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop]
    ; "DragFullWindows"="1"
    ; "FontSmoothing"="2"

    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects]
    "VisualFXSetting"=dword:00000003

    ; Show status bar.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
    "StatusBarOther"=dword:00000001
    "SmoothScroll"=dword:00000000

    ; Speed up taskbar preview popups.
    ; [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Mouse]
    ; "MouseHoverTime"="250"

    ; Run the following programs as admin, for current user.
    ; [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers]
    ; "c:\\windows\\system32\\chkdsk.exe"="runasadmin"
    ; "c:\\windows\\regedit.exe"="runasadmin"
    ; "c:\\windows\\system32\\powercfg.exe"="runasadmin"
    ; "c:\\windows\\system32\\fsutil.exe"="runasadmin"

    ; Good folder options.
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
    "Hidden"=dword:00000001
    "HideFileExt"=dword:00000000
    "DontPrettyPath"=dword:00000000
    "SuperHidden"=dword:00000001
    "SeparateProcess"=dword:00000001
    "HideDrivesWithNoMedia"=dword:00000000
    "ShowSuperHidden"=dword:00000001
    "HideIcons"=dword:00000000
    "ListviewAlphaSelect"=dword:00000001
    "ListviewShadow"=dword:00000001
    "TaskbarAnimations"=dword:00000001
    "Start_ShowNetConn"=dword:00000000
    "Start_ShowHelp"=dword:00000001
    "Start_ShowMyMusic"=dword:00000001
    "Start_ShowNetPlaces"=dword:00000000
    "Start_ShowUser"=dword:00000000
    "Start_ShowMyPics"=dword:00000001
    "Start_ShowRecentDocs"=dword:00000001
    "Start_LargeMFUIcons"=dword:00000000
    "Start_AdminToolsRoot"=dword:00000000
    "StartMenuAdminTools"=dword:00000000
    "Start_ShowSetProgramAccessAndDefaults"=dword:00000000
    "AlwaysShowMenus"=dword:00000001
    "FolderContentsInfoTip"=dword:00000001

    ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;

    You'll notice some of the entries are "commented out"; these are entries that I plan to test later, but seemed a bit risky, in most cases because they can't be adjusted via the GUI. (Generally -- generally -- I figure if MS lets you do it through the GUI, it's a safe tweak.)

    Here are the sysprep instructions I followed, by the way...

    http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/details.aspx?familyid=696DD665-9F76-4177-A811-39C26D3B3B34&displaylang=en

    http://blog.brianleejackson.com/sysprep-a-windows-7-machine-%E2%80%93-start-to-finish-v2

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee676646%28WS.10%29.aspx

    http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc730845%28WS.10%29.aspx

    Also: when I got sysprep to work (by NOT running the above registry hack beforehand), I noticed (on a Dell Latitude 2110 with Intel GMA 3150 graphics) that after the first post-sysprep reboot, Windows couldn't "find" the graphics driver, and defaulted to the standard VGA driver. Not a big deal, but annoying.

    So, if anyone can offer guidance here, either on the hack-sysprep issue or the sysprep-Intel graphics driver issue, I'm all ears. (Please no flames impugning my ancestry, IQ, mental health, etc., though; if you wouldn't say it to your mom, chances are, it's too rude to post.) :-)  Thanks for your time.

    --Chaz G.,

    St. Louis County, MO

     

    Thursday, July 1, 2010 6:14 PM

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    Please delete this post and then repost your comment in the appropriate Windows 7 Installation, Setup, and Deployment Forum.  Thank you!
    Carey Frisch
    Thursday, July 1, 2010 6:39 PM
    Moderator
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    Hi, Carey.

    I feel a bit silly for saying so, but somehow I can't find the "delete post" option. I have re-posted this issue in the forum you specified above, however. Just wanted to make it known that I'm not leaving my original post up purposely or defiantly; I just can't find the "delete" button. Thanks for your time.

    --Chaz G.

     

    Thursday, July 1, 2010 11:43 PM
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    No worries Chaz. 

    I'm just going to mark Carey's post as the "Answer" to this thread. It's possible that another user, with a similar issue, could be helped by knowing the correct forum to post in.

    Thanks,

    Darin MS
    Tuesday, July 6, 2010 8:44 PM