KB155614 - Unattended Installation of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0

Article ID: 155614

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

This article was previously published under Q155614

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:

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
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.
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.
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
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).

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