Sysprep Audit Mode Alternate Key Sequence

When it comes to building custom Windows images, few tools are as helpful as Microsoft’s venerable System Preparation Tool. Usually known as “Sysprep,” this tool works with a variety of other elements from the Microsoft Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). Savvy admins use Sysprep in Audit Mode to make and capture alterations to running Windows images. The Microsoft docs tell us that once you get to the final dialog after the last boot during the Windows install process, one can enter Audit mode using Ctrl+Shift+F3 keys. Why, then, is a Sysprep audit mode alternate key sequence necessary? [Note: this is the dialog where the system asks you to choose “Customize” or “Use express settings.” See Kari’s great TenForums tutorial Customize Windows !0 Image in Audit Mode with Sysprep… for fully illustrated step-by-step instructions.]

When you enter Audit Mode, the System Preparation Tool pops up. For those who wish to customize a Windows install, the next thing to do is to press the Cancel button to close this window.

It seems that on some keyboards — especially those found on laptops — system builders monkey with the handling of function keys. Often, that’s because keyboards are smaller and include fewer options. On my Lenovo laptops, for example, there’s a blue function (Fn) key that must be pressed for those keys to perform alternate functions. These include lock/unlock, sleep, display redirection, snapshots from the built-in camera, brightness controls, and so forth. On my Dell Venue Pro, the function keys work only if the blue Fn button is depressed. Otherwise, system control functions apply. Still other laptop makers use different conventions, key assignments, and so forth. You get the idea, I hope.