Prepare an XP image with sysprep for installation on VMWare Server/ESX

You may encounter trouble if you want to deploy your XP image with sysprep on VMWare Server or ESX virtualization platforms. XP out-of-the-box does not support SCSI Controllers used by VMWare. The clue is to obtain the correct versions of drivers plus reconfiguring your sysprep. The recipe below has been implemented successfully on VMWare Server 1.0.5 and ESX 3.5 platforms:

 

  • Download the attached driver set (two files, symmpi.inf and symmpi.sys) and place them into a dedicated directory in your image, say C:\DRIVERS\SYMMPI.
  • Add the directory above to the value of HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DevicePath in Registry: 

 

DevicePath = <previous value>;C:\DRIVERS\SYMMPI

  • Update your sysprep.inf:


BuildMassStorageSection = Yes


PCI\VEN_1000&DEV_0030="C:\DRIVERS\SYMMPI\symmpi.inf", "C:\DRIVERS\SYMMPI\", "LSI Logic PCI SCSI/FC MPT Driver Install Disk"

  •  Sysprep your image. You can now use your image to create virtual PCs on VMWare.

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