Answer File for System Preparation Tool Is Not Removed After Completion

• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

An answer file that is used by the Windows NT System Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe) is not removed when the mini-Setup wizard is complete.

CAUSE

If you use an answer file to automate the mini-Setup wizard, Sysprep.exe copies the file to the %SystemRoot%\System32\$nt4pre$.inf file. When the mini-Setup wizard starts, it looks for this file and uses it if it is present.

However, this file may contains the local administrator's password (if you specify the "AdminPassword = password parameter. This password is displayed in clear text.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, use any of the following methods:

• Delete the file listed above after Setup is finished. The RunOnce registry keys do work with Sysprep, so you can use these keys to accomplish this task.



• You can specify the administrator password you want to use before running Sysprep.exe. If you are automating the mini-Setup wizard by using an answer file, place the following parameter in the file:




AdminPassword = "*"

This allows a blank administrator password. Because the password is not null before you run Sysprep, the password remains unchanged.


• Leave the "AdminPassword" key out of the answer file. Enter the password manually during the mini-Setup wizard.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbbug4.00 kbfix4.00
Version : winnt:4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb