DOCUMENT:Q155614  09-AUG-2001  [winnt]
TITLE   :Unattended Installation of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0
PRODUCT :Microsoft Windows NT
PROD/VER:winnt:4.0
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:kbsetupkbfaq

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The information in this article applies to:

 - Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
 - Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
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SUMMARY
=======

This article discusses strategies and tools for performing unattended
installations of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Automating Windows NT installation is a key step in reducing the cost of
migration. The method of Setup automation depends upon the existing network
infrastructure, the number and variety of computers to be upgraded, the schedule
for deployment, and other factors. Based on these criteria, the following
options can help you smoothly deploy Windows NT Workstation:

1. Use Setup Manager to create unattended answer files.

   By creating an unattended answer file with predetermined answers for
   installation questions, the installation process can run from start to finish
   with limited or no user intervention.

   For detailed information on answer file parameters and command-line syntax for
   unattended installation, download the "Deployment Guide: Automating Windows
   NT Setup" document from the following Microsoft Web site:

   http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/technical/DeploymentDocs/DepGuide.asp

Or download the "Automatic Windows NT Setup Deployment Guide" document from:

   http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/technical/DeploymentDocs/DownGuideAutomate.asp

2. Use management software such as Microsoft Systems Management Server.

   With software such as Systems Management Server, you can "push" the
   installation from the server, so that you can install Windows NT Workstation
   4.0 on an individual personal computer without ever touching the computer.
   This allows a small installation team to deploy Windows NT Workstation to a
   large number of computers in a short period of time. In addition, this method
   requires little or no work on the part of the end-users. This allows
   end-users to stay focused on productive work for the organization, and
   eliminates a potential source of installation errors.

   This method is possible only with a system management program such as Systems
   Management Server. If you plan to use system management soft- ware in
   automating the installation, make sure this has been acquired and tested.

   Because you can use Systems Management Server to gather detailed information
   about the resources already in use on your network, you might want to begin
   using it during the earliest stages of the deployment process. You can then
   use it to simplify the pilot and final roll-out.

3. Modify login scripts, or send embedded setup scripts in e-mail.

   You can automate the installation process by editing the login script for the
   user, or by sending a link in e-mail to a batch file that runs Windows NT
   Workstation 4.0 Setup. In these cases, the user only needs to log on or
   double-click an icon to start the installation.

4. Use the Sysdiff tool.

   The Sysdiff tool allows you to record the variations between a standard retail
   installation of Windows NT Workstation and a customized version. If the
   difference file created by Sysdiff is available during Setup, the Setup
   program applies the differences automatically.

   Use the Sysdiff tool to include programs in your customized installation of
   Windows NT Workstation. The Sysdiff tool is discussed in Chapter 2,
   "Customizing Windows NT Setup," in the "Windows 32-Bit Deployment Guide"
   document available on the World Wide Web at:

   http://www.microsoft.com/ntworkstation/technical/DeploymentDocs/DepGuide.asp

5. Use third-party solutions (including OEM preinstallation).

   Your organization may choose a third-party solution for deploying Windows NT
   Workstation. These include custom solutions made available through a
   Microsoft Solution Provider, or preinstallation of the operating system by an
   OEM (original equipment manufacturer).

Additional query words: ntfaqset

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Keywords          : kbsetup kbfaq
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0

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