Overview of an Answer File A customized script that allows you to run an unattended installation of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Answers questions that Setup prompts you for during installation Sample on the Windows 2000 Server installation CD ‑ ROM Different names for different programs:.txt, Winnt.sif, and Sysprep.inf Same format used for each type of answer file Contains multiple optional sections that you can modify Tells Setup how to interact with the distribution folders and files

Answer File Format ;This section provides information about the user and the computer. [UserData] FullName = Student01 OrgName = "Contoso Corporation" ComputerName = Srvdc01

Using Setup Manager Available on the Windows 2000 Server installation CD ‑ ROM in the Support\Tools\Deploy.cab file Used to perform a number of tasks Adds consistency to the process of creating or updating the answer file Cannot be used to specify all answer file settings or optional components, create Txtsetup.oem files, or create subfolders in the distribution folder Commonly used Setup Manager specifications

Creating the Answer File Manually Use a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad. Define additional section headers. Customize the default answer file or write a new one.

Structuring the Distribution Folders

Performing an Unattended Installation Bootable CD ‑ ROM Winnt.exe Winnt32.exe

Bootable CD ‑ ROM The computer must support the El Torito Bootable CD ‑ ROM (no emulation mode) format to boot from the CD ‑ ROM drive. The answer file must be named Winnt.sif and be placed on a floppy disk to be inserted into the floppy drive as soon as the computer boots from the CD ‑ ROM. The answer file must contain a [Data] section with the required keys specified.

Initiating an Unattended Installation

Comparing Installation/ Upgrading Methods Syspart Sysprep SMS Bootable CD ‑ ROM RIS

Syspart Included as a parameter of Winnt32.exe Used on a reference computer to complete the first phase of installation Can be used if the reference computer and the computers on which you will complete the installation do not have similar hardware Requires two physical disks Can be used if you require a similar installation on hardware types in which the HALs or mass storage controllers differ

Running Syspart winnt32 /unattend:unattend.txt /s: /syspart: /tempdrive: /noreboot

Results of Running Syspart

Overview of Sysprep Facilitates creating a disk image of your Windows 2000 Server installation Prepares the hard disk on the master computer Identical HALs, Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support, and mass storage devices Allows you to configure a master image containing the necessary components for a member server Can be used in conjunction with Sysprep to create a master for each type

The Sysprep Process Sysprep duplication Sysprep files Mini-Setup wizard

Sysprep Duplication Installing Windows 2000 Configuring your computer Validating the image Preparing the image for duplication Duplicating the installation

Sysprep Files Sysprep.exe Sysprep.inf Setupcl.exe

Mini-Setup Wizard The wizard starts the first time a computer boots from a disk that has been duplicated by using the Sysprep tool. The wizard gathers information needed to customize the target computer. You can bypass the screens in the wizard by specifying certain parameters within the Sysprep.inf file.

Running Sysprep Manually Preparing the Sysprep folder Running the Sysprep utility Running Sysprep without the -reboot switch Running Sysprep with the -reboot switch

Running Sysprep Automatically You can use the [GuiRunOnce] section of the answer file to create an installation that completes Setup, automatically logs on to the computer, runs Sysprep in quiet mode, and then shuts down the computer.

Using Sysprep to Extend Disk Partitions Configure the partition on the master computer hard disk to the minimum size required. Modify the answer file used to create the master image by including the FileSystem=ConvertNTFS option in the [Unattended] section. Install Windows 2000 Server to the master computer and create an image of the drive. Place the image on a target computer that has the same-size partition as the master computer. After you reboot the target computer, the Mini-Setup wizard will begin and the partition will be extended.

Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) SMS allows you to maintain control over the upgrade process. Before you use SMS to perform an upgrade, assess your existing network infrastructure, including bandwidth, hardware, and geographical constraints. Use SMS to perform managed upgrades of Windows 2000 Server to multiple systems. Use SMS only for installation to computers that contain a previously installed operating system and that are running the SMS client agent.

Bootable CD ‑ ROM Setting the BIOS order Using a bootable CD ‑ ROM Installing from a bootable CD ‑ ROM

Using the Cmdlines.txt File Contains commands that are executed from the $OEM$ subfolder of the distribution share Used in certain circumstances Uses specific syntax

Syntax for the Cmdlines.txt File [Commands] ". "

Using the Answer File The [GuiRunOnce] section of the answer file contains a list of commands that are executed the first time a user logs on to the computer after Setup runs. If an application forces a reboot, the reboot needs to be suppressed. Use alternatives if you cannot suppress a reboot. If an application requires a Windows Explorer shell in order to be installed, you cannot use the [GuiRunOnce] section. Applications that use the same type of installation mechanism might not run properly if a /wait command is not used.

Using Application Installation Programs The preferred method for preinstalling an application is to use the installation routine supplied with the application. The application must be able to be installed in quiet mode. Setup parameters vary among applications.

Using a Batch File Allows you to control how individual applications are installed Can be run from the [GuiRunOnce] section of the answer file Ensures that your applications install sequentially and that each application is fully installed before the next application begins its installation routine

Batch File Syntax start /wait \setup_file> exit