The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
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.
- 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/plan.htm
- 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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