Automating Server Installation and Upgrade

Automated Installation Methods

You can run an automated installation of Windows 2000 Server using several methods. The method that you choose depends on the outcome of your critical planning, as discussed earlier in this chapter.

Methods for performing automated installations on servers include:

Using Syspart on computers with dissimilar hardware.
Using Sysprep to duplicate disks.
Using Systems Management Server.
Using a bootable CD.

Table 13.5 describes when to use each automated installation method.

Table 13.5 When to Use Automated Installation Methods

Method	Use
Syspart	You use Syspart for clean installations to computers that have dissimilar hardware.
Sysprep	You use Sysprep when the master computer and the target computers have identical hardware, which includes the HAL and mass storage device controllers.
Systems Management Server	You use Systems Management Server to perform managed upgrades of Windows 2000 Server to multiple systems, especially those that are geographically dispersed.
Bootable CD	You use the bootable CD method with a computer whose basic input/output system (BIOS) allows it to start from the CD.