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kleefaj
Asked: 2015-12-17 13:27:18 +0800 CST

Unable to clone a Windows Server 2012 R2 VM (VMware) that is a member of a domain

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Are you able to clone Windows Server 2012 R2 VMs that are members of a Windows domain and apply a customization specification?

I'm trying to clone a running Windows Server 2012 R2 VM via VMware. Brand new install of 2012 R2, no updates, no antivirus, member of a workgroup. VM is running and I'm able to clone the VM and apply a customization specification. No problem.

When I join the original VM to a domain and try to clone it it fails (attachment, on third reboot). VMware says I need to call Microsoft.

I'm able to clone a running 2008 R2 VM that is a member of a domain and apply a customization specification.

windows-server-2008-r2

1 Answers

  1. Well, it seems you know about SID and guest customization. To those that have no knowledge about it:

    Since the guest customization is a vmware feature that just triggers the System Preparation tools(that are built into the operating system). You will have to open a ticket/support_issue on Microsoft so they will better advice you how to deal with a system with no sysprep.exe after domain join.

    If you are using vCenter 5.0u1 or 5.1u0, i suggest you to take a look at this kb.

    Workaround: Apply sysprep manually - Instructions here.

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