sysprep.inf - How to automate the new machine name

[Bob]

I was wondering if anyone knows how to automate a unique Computer name with
the sysprep.inf file.

I know I can include the file in the %systemdrive%\sysprep for all the
answers but if I have ghost imaged a sysprep machine how do I actually
ensure that every clone machine I make will be created with a new Unique
computer name following my standards (without having to have a floppy disk
with a different sysprep.inf for every machine).

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Mike Kolitz]

This is probably one of the tougher parts of automating a rollout using
Sysprep.

One of the more unique ways that I've seen it done is to have a datastore
(SQL Server, Access Database, INI file, etc) with all of the PC names in it
correlated to MAC address. During mini-setup, let Sysprep name the machine
anything it wants - usually a combination of the first few characters of the
business name, followed by a unique hash. Then, set the system so that it
automatically logs on as an administrator, discovers the MAC address,
queries the datastore for the corresponding PC name, and renames the
computer.

Here's a page describing something similar:
http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/msg00319.html

(yes - I know there's an @ symbol in it, which shouldn't make a difference.
However, I figured I'd just post the whole thing.)