RIS answer files for XP

[Ollie]

Hi,
I'm just experimenting with a RIS server as a possible
replacement for Sysprep & Ghost. I'm running it on a 2003
server and deploying XP Pro.
Now,
When I built sysprep'ed images on Windows 2000, I could
create the answer file using Setup Manager and leave the
Computer name blank so when the image was installed, the
technicians could enter a relevant computer name (based on
it room number etc), the rest would install autimatically
from the answer file. I'm trying to do the same thing with
RIS and XP Pro but cannot get it to install without a
computer name in the answer file - it stops the install if
one isnt present. My question is, is it possible to do an
installation in the same way as my W2k images? I've tried
using Riprep but when that installation is put back on the
same machine, it asks for Activation Codes etc when it
starts up. Any ideas gratefully recieved!
Cheers
Ollie

 

[NIC Student]

Hi Ollie,

When you RIPREP a machine and it wants activation codes, it usually means
that you are not using volume licensing media, which does not require
activation codes.

When you say the install stops, do you mean installation pauses while you
are prompted for the computer name or the install crashes?

Are you choosing custom install from the RIS screens? You can enter a
computer name at that point. If you don't enter a computer name, the server
settings take over and the naming convention that is set on the RIS server
is used (ie administrator12, etc).

We use a custom screen so our techs can enter the computer's name, choose
the domain the computer will reside in, and choose the directory services
location (OU) that the machine account should be created in.

www.mvps.org/serverstuff

--
Scott Baldridge
Windows Server MVP, MCSE


"Ollie"

 

[Ollie]

Hi Scott,
I am using a volume licencing CD, but the latest batch of
MS Select media requires activation codes.
The installations halt at the beginning of the text mode
with an error message about the answer file not containing
a computername and it stops at that point.
The custom option doesn't fit the name characteristics I'm
trying to use, and when I'm trying to use RIS to install
classrooms of 20+ machines, none at a time isn't really an
option!
Cheers
Ollie

 

[NIC Student]

Does your *.SIF have this parameter?

[UserData]
ComputerName = %MACHINENAME%

From the custom screens you can specify the computer name... what name
characteristic are you using?

 

[Guest]

Find the Ref.chm file on the server CD and open it, it will tell you every entry of the answer file, and libraries of options

Ron
Hi
I'm just experimenting with a RIS server as a possible
replacement for Sysprep & Ghost. I'm running it on a 2003
server and deploying XP Pro.
Now
When I built sysprep'ed images on Windows 2000, I could
create the answer file using Setup Manager and leave the
Computer name blank so when the image was installed, the
technicians could enter a relevant computer name (based on
it room number etc), the rest would install autimatically
from the answer file. I'm trying to do the same thing with
RIS and XP Pro but cannot get it to install without a
computer name in the answer file - it stops the install if
one isnt present. My question is, is it possible to do an
installation in the same way as my W2k images? I've tried
using Riprep but when that installation is put back on the
same machine, it asks for Activation Codes etc when it
starts up. Any ideas gratefully recieved! :
Cheer
Olli

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