Microsoft KB Archive/216258

= How To Perform an Unattended Installation of Windows from a CD-ROM =

Article ID: 216258

Article Last Modified on 10/30/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Edition
 * Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

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This article was previously published under Q216258





For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 314459.

IN THIS TASK
SUMMARY
 * Preparing the Computer for an Unattended Installation from a CD-ROM



SUMMARY
This article describes how to perform an unattended installation of Windows by starting your Intel-based computer from a CD-ROM. In Windows 2000, an unattended installation from a CD-ROM can be performed.

To perform an unattended installation from a CD-ROM, the following conditions must be met:
 * The computer must support booting from a CD-ROM, and must adhere to the El-Torito non-emulation specification.
 * The unattended answer file must be renamed to Winnt.sif and copied to a floppy disk so Setup can access it.
 * The answer file must contain a valid [Data] section. This is explained later in this article.

NOTE: The following limitations exist with this installation method:
 * The installation is limited to a single partition.
 * You cannot specify third-party drivers during Setup.

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Preparing the Computer for an Unattended Installation from a CD-ROM

 * 1) Create an unattended answer file using the Setup Manager tool included with the Microsoft Windows 2000 Resource Kit.
 * 2) Add a [Data] section with the following entries to the unattended answer file:


 * 1) * UnattendedInstall=Yes - Value must be set to "yes"
 * 2) * MSDosInitiated=No - Value must be set to "no" or Setup stops during the graphical portion of Setup
 * 3) * AutoPartition=1 - If the value is set to 1, the installation partition is automatically selected. If the value is set to 0 (zero), you are prompted for the installation partition during the text portion of Setup.
 * 4) Save the unattended answer file as winnt.sif on a floppy disk.
 * 5) Insert the Windows CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive and the floppy disk into the disk drive.
 * 6) Change the boot order in the CMOS so that the CD-ROM is first in the list. For information about how to do so, refer to the documentation included with your computer, or contact the manufacturer.
 * 7) Restart your computer. When Setup is started from the CD-ROM, the Winnt.sif file located on the floppy disk is used for the unattended installation.

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Additional query words: CDboot

Keywords: kbhowto kbhowtomaster kbsetup KB216258

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