Automating Client Installation and Upgrade

Automated Installation Methods

You can run an automated installation of Windows 2000 Professional by 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 client computers include the following:

Using Syspart on computers that have dissimilar hardware
Using Sysprep to duplicate disks
Using Systems Management Server
Using a bootable CD-ROM
Using Remote Operating System Installation

Note

Remote Operating System Installation automatically installs Windows 2000 Professional and applications on client computers from a designated Remote Installation Service (RIS) server. RIS is an optional component that is included with Windows 2000 Server.

Table 25.5 describes when you can use each automated installation method.

Table 25.5 When to Use Automated Installation Methods

Method	Use
Syspart	Use for clean installations to computers that have dissimilar hardware.
Sysprep	Use when the master computer and the target computers have identical hardware, which includes the HAL and mass storage device controllers.
SMS	Use to perform managed upgrades of Windows 2000 Server to multiple systems, especially those that are geographically dispersed.
Bootable CD-ROM	Use with a computer whose basic input/output system (BIOS) allows it to start from the bootable CD-ROM.
Remote Operating System Installation	Use to remotely install an image of Windows 2000 Professional on supported computers, eliminating the need to physically visit each computer to perform an installation.