SourcePath Value Set Back to the First CD-ROM Drive Letter with Sysprep.exe

ID: Q243072

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server

SYMPTOMS

When you use the System Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe) to create images of systems, the installation source path is set back to the first CD-ROM drive letter during the mini-Setup wizard.


CAUSE

At the end of the mini-Setup wizard, Setup searches all mounted devices and drive letters to locate a CD-ROM. Setup sets the source path to the first drive letter it finds. If a CD-ROM is not detected, the SourcePath value is left intact. The following registry location is being modified:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
Value: SourcePath (REG_SZ)


WORKAROUND

There may be situations when you want all installation sources to point to distribution servers if the source files are ever needed. To work around this behavior, use either of the following methods:

  • Method 1: In the Sysprep.inf file, add the InstallFilesPath value to the [Unattended] section of the answer file. This value should be the location of your distribution share (either the drive letter or universal naming convention (UNC) name).


  • Method 2: Change the InstallFilesPath value to the distribution share by creating a Regedit file and using the [GUIRunonce] section to import the file into the system on the first boot after the mini-Setup wizard runs.


Changing the value using the Regedit file (method 2) is the preferred method. If you use the InstallFilesPath value, the following rules and restrictions apply:
  • If a CD-ROM drive is present on the computer, the mini-Setup wizard still changes the SourcePath value to the first CD-ROM drive that is detected.


  • If the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Plug and Play drivers are needed or if you need to use the Cmdlines.txt file during the mini-Setup wizard, the InstallFilesPath value must point to the location of these files.



STATUS

This behavior is by design.


MORE INFORMATION

This behavior allows the installation source that the OEM uses to not be exposed to the end user.

Additional query words: pnp

Keywords : kbenv
Version : WINDOWS:2000
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: December 29, 1999
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