In my experiences with cloning Windows NT systems, I've encountered
some errors. Unfortunately, little documentation on cloning is available. Most
of what I've learned is through trial and error. Here are some common cloning
problems and their solutions.
PROBLEM 1
Computer hangs during the SYSDIFF/APPLY operation (step
12 in the main article). The reason why the system hangs is usually
a lack of disk space or a problem with the difference file (it's either
corrupted or a portion of the application or data files is bad). Check disk
space on the target system that the applications will be copied to. If disk
space is insufficient, you've found the source of the problem. You can easily
remedy this problem by adding more disk. If you have plenty of disk space, try
manually installing the difference file from the local system instead of across
the network. If that workaround doesn't work, re-create the difference file.
PROBLEM 2
Error Message: System Error 5. You sometimes get a System
Error 5 message when SYSDIFF.EXE attempts to enter restricted areas of the
Registry. This error message means Access Denied. It sometimes happens because
you've tried to access files or Registry entries that the administrator has
restricted. To remedy the problem, edit the SYSDIFF.INF file to exclude sections
of the Registry and directories that are off limits.
PROBLEM 3
Error Message: Diff Failed (Error 2). The Diff Failed (Error
2) error message is a syntax error on the command line when you choose the /DIFF
option. Check the step-by-step instructions in the main article and try again.
PROBLEM 4
Error Message: Diff Failed (Error 32). Error 32 signals an
open file error. The files could be open because applications are in use or
because the system has opened other applications. To solve this problem, restart
the system and run the SYSDIFF/DIFF procedure before running any other
applications. Next, turn off virus checking or system monitoring. Exclude the
following directories on a domain controller:
\WINNT\SYSTEM32\WINS, which the system uses for Windows Internet Name
Service (WINS) management
\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DHCP, which the system uses for Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) management
\WINNT\SYSTEM32\SYNCAGNT, which the system uses for domain synchronization
Then, exclude the location of the difference file and all .LOG files.
PROBLEM 5
Error Message: Access Denied. When you use SYSDIFF/INF
to create one image in the installation location, and then rerun the function to
add another difference file, you might get an Access Denied error. To get around
the problem, use the first image you created with the SYSDIFF/INF option
for the installation and use SYSDIFF/APPLY to apply the second difference
file manually.