Dashboard - Templates

This guide outlines two methods for creating templates in Softdrive, which can streamline virtual machine deployment:

1. Method 1: Upload OS Images

   • Pre-Requisites

   • Step-by-Step Instructions

2. Method 2: Use an Existing Softdrive Machine

   • Pre-Requisites

   • Step-by-Step Instructions

3. Additional Notes

Method 1: Upload OS Images

Pre-Requisites [Steps required before uploading image]

• Install Drivers and Guest Agent on the image machine

• Confirm bitlocker is disabled at the time image is created.

• Confirm machine has been sysprepped 

• Must have a Softdrive administrator account

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log in to the Softdrive Dashboard

• Go to: https://dashboard.softdrive.co/

• Log in with administrator or user credentials.

2. Navigate to Templates

• Click the Templates tab.

• Select the “+” (plus) button on the top right.

3. Fill Out the Template Form

• Complete the form based on your requirements.

• Attach the image file in .qcow2 or .vmdk format.
  

4. Submit and Await Confirmation

• Click Send.

• You will receive an email within 24 hours confirming the upload is processed.

Method 2: Use an Existing Softdrive Machine

Pre-Requisites

• Must be signed in as a Local Administrator.

• Backup important data.

• Ensure Windows is fully updated.

• The computer should not be joined to a Domain, Intune, or Azure AD.

• Install all required applications prior to proceeding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Suspend BitLocker

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

powershell
CopyEdit
Suspend-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:" -RebootCount 3

⚠️ This prevents BitLocker from prompting for the recovery key after Sysprep. The -RebootCount value can be increased if more restarts are needed.

Step 2: Clean Up the System (Optional but Recommended)

• Open Command Prompt and run:

cmd
CopyEdit
cleanmgr /sagerun:1

• Remove unused user accounts and files.

• Optionally, run third-party cleanup utilities.

Step 3: Run Sysprep

To generalize and prepare for OOBE, execute in Command Prompt:

c
CopyEdit
C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep\sysprep.exe /generalize /oobe /shutdown

Explanation:

• /generalize: Removes unique system-specific info (like SIDs)

• /oobe: Triggers Windows Out-of-Box Experience on next boot

• /shutdown: Shuts down the system after preparation

 Tip: Avoid /reboot if planning to capture the image next (to prevent BitLocker auto-resume).

Step 4: Set the Machine as a Template

• Go to Softdrive Dashboard

• Navigate to Computers, find the machine that was Syspreped.

• Click on it and select "Set as Template".

Step 5: First Boot After Sysprep

• On next boot, Windows will show the OOBE setup screen.

• Proceed manually, or it will auto-enroll if Autopilot is configured.

Additional Notes

• ❗ Do not Sysprep a machine already joined to Azure AD, unless planning a full wipe or re-enrollment.

• For Autopilot scenarios, capture the hardware hash before running Sysprep.