Using a Generalized image in Azure Lab Services Lab Plan

Mas023 10

Hello,

I need to use a Generalized image in my lab because I need each lab's virtual machine to have a unique SID. I created my image and used Sysprep to Generalize it. This however didn't work because my Lab machines don't start.

Any insight is much appreciated.

Regards,

Masih

VasimTamboli 4,775 Reputation points

2023-05-24T18:32:30.3633333+00:00

Here are some insights to help you troubleshoot the issue with your lab machines not starting:

Sysprep configuration: Ensure that you have properly configured the Sysprep process before generalizing the image. Verify that you have specified the appropriate settings, including the generalize option and the necessary cleanup actions.

Image format and compatibility: Make sure that the Generalized image you created is in a compatible format for Azure Lab Services. The supported image formats include VHD, VHDX, and VMDK. Additionally, verify that the image meets the other requirements such as the correct operating system version and architecture.

Lab machine startup configuration: Review the configuration of your lab machines to ensure they are set up correctly to use the Generalized image. Check the VM size, network settings, and any custom configurations you may have applied. It's important to ensure that the lab machines are configured to use the Generalized image as their base.

Image deployment process: Double-check the process you followed to deploy the Generalized image to your lab. Ensure that you correctly selected the Generalized image during the lab setup and that all necessary configurations, such as networking and storage, are properly set up.

Error messages and logs: Check for any error messages or logs that might provide insights into the issue. Review the Azure Lab Services portal, Azure portal, and any diagnostic logs or events related to the lab machines. These logs may contain valuable information to help identify the cause of the problem.

If you have reviewed these points and are still experiencing issues with your lab machines not starting, it is recommended to reach out to Microsoft Azure Support for further assistance. They can help investigate the specific configuration and provide guidance tailored to your scenario to help resolve the issue.
vipullag-MSFT 25,616 Reputation points

2023-05-25T14:41:40.5466667+00:00

Hello Mas023

I see there is another similar question posted here (https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/answers/questions/1291652/using-a-generalized-image-in-azure-lab-services-la)

Considering this as duplicate.

1 answer

Michael Durkan 12,191 Reputation points MVP

2023-05-24T16:14:39.3966667+00:00
Hi

where are you creating the custom image from - Azure or from Hyper-V On-Premises and uploading it?

It is supported as per the steps in the article below:

https://video2.skills-academy.com/en-us/azure/lab-services/approaches-for-custom-image-creation

One thing to be aware of "if" you have used Hyper-V - the disk needs to be a fixed-size disk and not dynamically expanding as this is not supported and will cause the deployment to fail.

Hope this helps,

Thanks

Michael Durkan

If the reply was helpful please upvote and/or accept as answer as this helps others in the community with similar questions. Thanks!
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Mas023 10 Reputation points

2023-05-24T17:51:59.7366667+00:00

Hi,

I followed pretty much the same link. Here is the summary:

I created a template in the lab

Did the desired modification and then Generalized it using Sysprep (/oobe)

Exported the template to Compute Gallery

I just learned that Azure Specializes the template before exporting it to compute gallery. But I'm not sure if that should cause the problem.
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Using a Generalized image in Azure Lab Services Lab Plan

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