# Image Preparation

## About this task

Create a new machine in VMware vCenter and install a base version of your preferred Windows build. The smaller the VMDK drive, typically the faster you can clone and deploy. Utilizing VM Essentials, provisioning and post deploy scripts can expand drives to desired sizing.

## Procedure

1. Ensure VMware Tools is installed on the operating system.
2. Apply any service packs / updates to the operating system.
3. Configure WinRM to allow remote management and open the firewall. This is optional if using VMware Tools RPC mode for agent install and VM Essentials Agent for guest exec. To enable this, under local computer Administrator, open a command prompt and run 

   ```
   ```
   winrm quickconfig
   ```
   ```
4. Install .Net at least 4.5.2
5. Ensure Windows Firewall will allow WinRM connections.
6. Shutdown the virtual machine and convert to a template.

## Results

NOTE

WinRM is not required and is used as a fallback when using vmtools guest exec and customizations

NOTE

Morpheus will sysprep images based on the “Force Guest Customizations” flag under the Virtual Image’s settings when using DHCP. Ensure a sysprep has not been performed on the template if this flag is enabled or if using Static IPs/IP Pools when provisioning, which will always use Guest Customizations and trigger a sysprep.

IMPORTANT

VM Essentials supports the use of SR-IOV network adapters with VMware Clouds. Windows images must have SR-IOV network drivers installed to work with this adapter type. If they do not, provisioning will fail.
