KB-CLONE-IMG-001: Clonezilla Imaging and Deployment
Clonezilla Imaging and Deployment
Document ID: KB-CLONE-IMG-001
Version: 1.0
Date: 27/09/2025
Author: Ante Crvelin
Audience: IT Infrastructure, Service Desk
Scope: Applies to laptop/desktop imaging and deployment using Clonezilla for Makita AU.
1. Overview & Purpose
This KB provides end-to-end instructions for creating and deploying system images with Clonezilla Live.
It covers:
Booting from Clonezilla USB.
Deploying images to devices.
Post-deployment configuration steps.
Commands for image creation/restoration.
Registry key modifications for sysprepped Windows builds.
đź’ˇ Makita Service Desk Tip
Always verify that the correct image repository and hard drive are selected before proceeding.
Double-check device names (e.g., nvme0n1) to avoid overwriting the wrong disk.
Record device details in Meraki + TeamViewer immediately after imaging.
Use sysprep with PersistAllDeviceInstalls=1 for clean driver persistence on Win7 builds.
2. Prerequisites
Clonezilla Live USB stick.
Image HDD containing the latest sysprep image.
Admin credentials for local login and domain join.
Network access for Meraki + TeamViewer validation.
3. Procedure
Deployment Step 1 – Imaging Process
Plug in the Clonezilla USB.
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Power on and press Esc → then F9 (boot menu).
Select Boot from Clonezilla USB.
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Press Enter on:
Select device-image → local_dev.
Select the Go to image repository.
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Plug in the image HDD and wait for it to display.
Press CTRL+C, wait for devices to refresh.
Select the HDD (look for “Toshiba” in the name).
Press Tab to highlight <done> → press Enter.
Press Enter (no-fsck).
Select the image (e.g. imagesysprep Nov_25_CZ_IMG).
Press Tab → <done> → Enter.
Press Enter to continue.
Choose Beginner mode.
Select restoredisk.
Select the image (e.g. image_sysprep).
Select the target disk (e.g. local nvme0n1).
Confirm Yes, check the image before applying.
Select Reboot → Enter → Continue.
Wait ~30 seconds, then press Y + Enter twice when prompted.
Deployment Step 2 – Post-Deployment Configuration
Log in as Local Admin.
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Rename the device:
Restart the device.
Join the domain.
Restart again.
Install TeamViewer.
Install Avast.
Restart.
Validate that the device is listed in Meraki.
Add TeamViewer info to Meraki.
Shut down the device.
4. Clonezilla Commands
Create an Image on the Hard Drive
/usr/bin/ocs-sr -q2 -c -j2 -zip -i 4096 -sfsck -senc -p reboot savedisk 2021-11-09-img nvme0n1
Deploy Image on Machine
bash
/usr/bin/ocs-sr -g auto -e1 auto -e2 -c -r -j2 -p reboot restoredisk 2021-11-10-12-img nvme0n1
5. Windows Sysprep – Registry Preparation
If creating a Windows 7 image with all drivers (without AIK):
Install all required software and drivers.
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Modify registry:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\Sysprep\Settings\sppnp
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Run sysprep:
bash
sysprep.exe /oobe /generalize
Proceed to capture an image with Clonezilla.
Reference: SuperUser – Attaching Answer File to Sysprep.
6. Validation / Testing
Verify device boots cleanly after imaging.
Confirm hostname follows standard naming convention.
Validate TeamViewer + Meraki entries.
Confirm that antivirus is installed and updated.
7. Troubleshooting
Clonezilla won’t detect HDD → Ensure device plugged in before pressing CTRL+C.
Image restore fails → Verify image checksum or recreate image.
Sysprep issues → Check the registry key was set correctly before capture.
Device not in Meraki → Reboot and force sync.
8. Risks / Considerations
Incorrect disk selection may permanently overwrite user data.
The default media setup resets if the configuration is not saved.
Always run sysprep for driver persistence on new builds.
9. Related Articles / References