How to take an image from the reference windows?

Question

Windows

Good day, comrades!
I want to create a reference machine with windows 7, from which I will periodically (taking into account the installation of new updates on it) shoot an image for deployment on other machines.
The algorithm of actions, as I understand it, should be as follows:
1. Installing the system.
2. Install updates and software.
3. System preparation (c:\Windows\system32\sysprep\sysprep /oobe /generalize /shutdown).
4. Shutdown.
5. Loading the reference machine with WinPE and capturing the image.
6. Loading the reference machine from the hard disk, i.e. normal system boot.
7. Repeat after n days of points 2-6.
Am I understanding everything correctly?
Why I ask, because in some instructions there is another step "booting the system in audit mode", performed by the command "C:\Windows\System32\sysprep\sysprep /audit /reboot". Is this a mandatory procedure? If so, does it need to be done every time? If yes, then add it between the first and second points of the algorithm? If so, should this item be included in iterations (perform this procedure each time)?
Help me to understand.

Answer 1

The procedure is not required. It is checked up experimentally.

Answer 2

If it's completely rude, then everything is correct. Just keep in mind that sysprep can only be done 3 times from one system. About the audit: I have not heard that someone used it.

Answer 3

Try Drive SnapShot.
a compact utility that takes an image quickly, from under WinPE or a running system
it can mount its images on the fly (read only in my opinion)
the only paid a little and in eng)
and how you can use WinPE archer.
I have never done a sysprep. I haven't seen a lot of situations where it has any effect.