Auto-installs for Win 2000?

[JeSpre]

For WinME, I used a file called msbatch.inf to automatically insert the CD-Key when the installation got to that point. Now, I want to do something similar with a Win2K CD. Does anyone know how to have the Key automatically inserted when the prompt comes up for it. Another thing I've been wondering about is a file that could tell the installer what components I want each time without going through and selecting them (ie. Paint, Direct Connect, Accesibility, etc.). I don't know how to go about doing this with Win2K, so if anyone has any ideas or links to help me, I'd appreciate it.

 

[Mr. Burns]

There is an article on unattended installations of win2k in the microsoft knowledge base:

Using an Answer File for an Unattended Installation

Hope this helps

 

[sirfergy]

Could you post a link on how to create that batch file for WinME installs? I would love that because I hate entering the Key and also does it set up the options too?

 

[JeSpre]

Thanks for the link, Mr. Burns.

sirfergy, you need to make a file called msbatch.inf and put it in the "win9x" directory on the CD. Below the line are the complete contents of my msbatch.inf:

____________________________________________________________________________

; MSBATCH.INF
;
; Copyright (c) 1995-2000 Microsoft Corporation.
; All rights reserved.
;

[BatchSetup]
Version=3.0 (32-bit)
SaveDate=06/08/2000

[Version]
Signature = "$CHICAGO$"

[Setup]
ProductKey="ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ-ZZZZZ"

_____________________________________________________________

That's all there is to auto-filling in the serial. It doesn't choose the options, though. I was looking into that one time and found someone who did it. It looked like it required a couple of batch files and .inf files. If I find the link or remember how it went, I'll post it.

 

[sirfergy]

Cool, that would be really nice if you could find that link.

 

[Mr. Burns]

Here's what the MS knowledgebase says about automatic installs for winME:

Automated Installation Support in Windows Me



<< Windows Me is an operating system developed for the home user, and as such does not have tools updated or made specifically for batch support or tools for the creation of custom .inf files. >>





<< The Windows 98 automated installation tools (listed below) may work in some scenarios, but have not been tested and are not supported by Microsoft Product Support Services with Windows Me: >>



Yet another reason to steer clear of winME, IMO...

 

[Sloakie]

Search you're Windows CD for Unattend.doc.