Based on the original article here: http://www.derekseaman.com/2013/05/automating-sysprep-on-vsphere-without-customization-specs.html
PurposeThis page describes how to obtain a certificate on Windows 2008 without using IIS. The instructions have been tested using Windows Server 2008 R2.InstructionsGenerate a new private key and certificate signing request (CSR)
You can trigger a save using:
/sbin/backup.sh 0
Normally this is called in /sbin/shutdown.sh., but you can call it manually:
~ # /sbin/backup.sh 0
Saving current state in /bootbankClock updated.Time: 13:49:53 Date: 10/08/2010 UTC