# Preparation

Use the **Preparation** page to select and configure an image preparation tool.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** When you specify properties on this page, they are remembered in your personal configuration file on the local machine. The next time you decide to create another template, the fields here will be populated automatically using the values you used the last time.
{% endhint %}

First, select whether you want to use RASprep or Sysprep. The advantages of using RASprep and the differences between the two tools are described below.

RASprep is the Parallels RAS tool for preparing Windows in a VM after cloning it from a base image. RASprep performs the following tasks during the initial startup of each new VM:

* Creates a new computer account in Active Directory for each host.
* Gives the host a new name.
* Joins the host to the Active Directory domain.

Compared to Sysprep, RASprep works much faster because it modifies a lower number of configurable parameters and requires less reboots.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Due to API limitations, RASprep cannot be used on Windows Server 2008 machines.
{% endhint %}

The following table lists the main differences between RASprep and Sysprep:

<table><thead><tr><th width="230">Operation</th><th>RASprep</th><th>Sysprep</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Delete local accounts</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Generate new SIDs</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Unjoin the parent host from the domain</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Change computer name</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Join the new instance to the domain</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Language, regional settings, date and time customization</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Number of reboots</td><td>1</td><td>2 (seal, mini-setup and domain joining)</td></tr></tbody></table>

After selecting the preparation tool, specify the following options:

* **Owner name:** Owner name (optional).
* **Organization:** Organization name (optional).
* **Administrative password:** Local Windows administrator password.
* **Domain:** A domain name for the VM to join.
* **Administrator:** Domain account.
* **Password:** Domain account password.
* **Target OU:** Specify the full distinguished name (DN) of the organizational unit (OU). Use the **\[...]** button to browse Active Directory and select an OU. When prompted, choose whether to browse all domains or only the current domain (in most cases, the current domain is sufficient).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If the Target OU cannot be validated, you may choose to ignore the warning. This is **not recommended**, but can be necessary in certain network configurations.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.parallels.com/landing/ras-admin-guide/parallels-ras-21-administrators-guide/virtual-desktop-infrastructure-vdi/manage-vdi/manage-templates-vdi/creating-a-vm-template/step-2-configure-the-template/preparation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.