Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    bdunicorn's Avatar
    bdunicorn Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Aug 3, 2008, 07:26 AM
    Install xp over the network
    I want to install xp over the network to 10 pcs at a time using sysprep tools with in shortest possible time tell me all the steps as I am a beginner.
    chuckhole's Avatar
    chuckhole Posts: 850, Reputation: 45
    Senior Member
     
    #2

    Aug 3, 2008, 12:07 PM
    For this few number of PC's, it is much easier to setup a custom installation CD with the aid of the deployment tools. Create an ISO image of the Windows XP CD and then add your answer file to the I386 folder. The answer file is created using the deployment tools. The file name must be WINNT.SIF and be placed into the I386 folder. You may even add drivers to the CD to a folder created in the ISO file as $OEM$ with a subfolder named $1.

    To deply Windows XP via the network, the network cards that are in your PC's must support network based startup as the PC will not have an operating system. So the network card must be able to run basic networking and acquire an IP address. It then connects to your installation server and receives the image (same as what you would create in the ISO file) and then installs via the network.

    There is really not much of a difference for such a few number of machines except that a network distribution can accommodate tens or even hundreds of machines at a time. Then it is worth the additional work and cost.

    When you create your ISO file for burning your custom CD, you should use the same Service Pack version tools for creating the unattended installation file. If you do not have a CD with Service Pack files already there, you can slipstream your SP into your non-SP installation CD and create a new distribution media with the SP included.

    Note: SYSPREP is only required if you use imaging software such as Ghost. Ghost also has an Enterprise version (expensive) for deploying entire desktop images with all of the software installed. SYSPREP is used to wipe out the unique Computer Name, GUID and Kerberos machine keys prior to machine imaging for deployment.

    Reference:
    How To Perform an Unattended Installation of Windows from a CD-ROM
    INFO: What Does the Winnt.sif File Do?
    MSFN's Unattended Windows : Unattended Windows Introduction

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Install a Hard Drive - Install Error [ 11 Answers ]

HELP! I have a Compaq Presario 5333cl desktop with an Seagate 80GB HD (IDE). Running Windows XP SP2. Am using Casper XP 3.0 cloning software, (which worked perfectly on my Dell). Installed WD 320GB HD in disk #2 position. Both drives set to cable select. (Casper works within Windows, so...

Not on college network, my computer says it cannot detect wireless network?Belkin [ 2 Answers ]

I took my Dell laptop with me to college and used a cable to hook it up in the dorm. When I came back for the holidays my parents had gotten a new wireless card (BELKIN) for their laptop but said that they didn't change anything else. My computer used to run wireless at this home and my parents...

Local area network&wide area network [ 1 Answers ]

i. If we can extend the LAN then why we need a WAN? ii. How can a bridge know whether to forward frames? iii. Can the length of an Ethernet be increased to many segments of 500 meter each merely by adding a repeater to connect each additional segment? iv. How can a computer attach to a network...

BATCH files silent install or unassisted install? [ 3 Answers ]

Hello, :confused: I have many application's that I install at my place of employment. These applications have been packaged into a .exe, I currently install these apps VIA Batch files as there are many prerequisites required to install before installing the application itself i.e.. Oracle 9 etc....

Network using XP(SP2) [ 4 Answers ]

I have a small workshop repairing computers and I am facing with the following problem: I have a PC which has two network cards:one card is connected to the DSL modem and the other card is connected to a hub.I am using internet connection sharing in order for other computers to be able to have...


View more questions Search