While preparing a RAS Template, RAS administrators can choose either RASprep or Sysprep.
The advantages of using RASprep and the differences between the two tools are described below.
RASprep is the Parallels RAS tool for preparing Windows in a VM after cloning it from a base image. RASprep performs the following tasks during the initial startup of each new VM:
- Creates a new computer account in Active Directory for each guest VM.
- Gives the guest VM a new name.
- Joins the guest VM to the Active Directory domain.
Compared to Sysprep, RASprep works much faster because it modifies a lower number of configurable parameters and requires less reboots.
Note: Due to API limitations, RASprep cannot be used on Windows Server 2008 machines.
This table lists the main differences between RASPrep and Sysprep:
| Operation | RASPrep | Sysprep |
|---|---|---|
| Deleting local accounts | No | Yes |
| New SIDs generation | No | Yes |
| Unjoining parent guest VM from domain | No | Yes |
| Changing computer name | Yes | Yes |
| Joining the new instance to the domain | Yes | Yes |
| Language, regional settings, date, and time customization | No | Yes |
| Number of reboots | 1 | 2 (seal, mini-setup and domain joining) |
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