VMware - Resetting Computer Accounts

[boston33]

Hello,

We are using Vmware Workstation 6.5.1. We are using a Windows 2003 Domain. We have a VM Machine named \\workstation1.(\\workstation1 is running xp pro. It has been added to the domain.).

The VM Machine named \\workstation1 is used to test our upgrade executables. After we are done testing, we like to start fresh and copy a new VM Machine for \\workstation1, so the OS isn't tainted. Each time we start from scratch, we reset the computer account in AD Users and Computers. We start the VM Machine and take it off the Domain and rename the VM Machine. After, we rename it back to \\workstation1 and add it back to the domain. This is time consuming. We have to restart the VM Machine several times to start with a clean VM Machine.

Is there a way to use the VM Machine named \\workstation1, without having to reset the computer account and re-add it to the domain? Is there a procedure w/ Sysprep or anything?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Roadki11]

Probably a dozen ways to deal with this, i will suggest two. One way would be to get your test machine all setup the way you want it, then use VMWare to snapshot it just before you install you test executables. Do all your testing and when you are done restore the snapshot and it will be in pretest condition again. Another way would be setup your test machine, shut it down and just copy the VM folder and all its contents somewhere safe. Start it back up and install your test executables, when you are done, shut it down and delete it, then copy the copy back in its place and fire it up. It will be back to pretest condition. Your sysprep idea would work also in conjuction with my second idea. What your doing now sure isnt the best solution, but i have no idea of the duration of your testing, if it takes months my suggestions probably wont work.


RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen