Hi James,
If you want to restore an image into a machine with different HW using Console task, then the image needs to be created with sysprep. The advantage is you can include other steps in a restore task, such as configuration and refresh steps to apply a unique machine name and refresh it in the Console. Because the image is created from a Ghost client machine, after restore the image, the restored machine will connect to the Ghost Console automatically.
If you don't want the image includes Ghost Client, you need to run sysprep manually then using Ghostcast or just Ghost to create an image.
I heard some complains about have to enter product key after sysprep reboot. But I never see this when using volume license key. What are your license type and the OS?
Also you might like to check your sysprep answer file by running sysprep manually to make sure it does what you're expected. It also helps to isolate issues between sysprep and GSS if there is any.
Best Regards,
Jenny