Possible Error Messages

In my experiences with cloning Windows NT systems, I've encounteredsome errors. Unfortunately, little documentation on cloning is available. Mostof what I've learned is through trial and error. Here are some common cloningproblems and their solutions.

PROBLEM 1
Computer hangs during the SYSDIFF/APPLY operation (step12 in the main article). The reason why the system hangs is usuallya lack of disk space or a problem with the difference file (it's eithercorrupted or a portion of the application or data files is bad). Check diskspace on the target system that the applications will be copied to. If diskspace is insufficient, you've found the source of the problem. You can easilyremedy this problem by adding more disk. If you have plenty of disk space, trymanually installing the difference file from the local system instead of acrossthe network. If that workaround doesn't work, re-create the difference file.

PROBLEM 2
Error Message: System Error 5. You sometimes get a SystemError 5 message when SYSDIFF.EXE attempts to enter restricted areas of theRegistry. This error message means Access Denied. It sometimes happens becauseyou've tried to access files or Registry entries that the administrator hasrestricted. To remedy the problem, edit the SYSDIFF.INF file to exclude sectionsof the Registry and directories that are off limits.

PROBLEM 3
Error Message: Diff Failed (Error 2). The Diff Failed (Error2) error message is a syntax error on the command line when you choose the /DIFFoption. Check the step-by-step instructions in the main article and try again.

PROBLEM 4
Error Message: Diff Failed (Error 32). Error 32 signals anopen file error. The files could be open because applications are in use orbecause the system has opened other applications. To solve this problem, restartthe system and run the SYSDIFF/DIFF procedure before running any otherapplications. Next, turn off virus checking or system monitoring. Exclude thefollowing directories on a domain controller:

Then, exclude the location of the difference file and all .LOG files.

PROBLEM 5
Error Message: Access Denied. When you use SYSDIFF/INFto create one image in the installation location, and then rerun the function toadd another difference file, you might get an Access Denied error. To get aroundthe problem, use the first image you created with the SYSDIFF/INF optionfor the installation and use SYSDIFF/APPLY to apply the second differencefile manually.