System Preparation Tool and Answer File Usage (216937)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
This article was previously published under Q216937
For a Microsoft Windows XP version of this article, see 314460.

SUMMARY

The Windows 2000 System Preparation (Sysprep.exe), the Riprep tool, and Answer File usage is different from Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. In addition, the answer file name and location where it needs to reside for Setup is changed.

MORE INFORMATION

The following parameters can be used with the Sysprep.exe (and Riprep) tool:
  • pnp - Force Plug and Play enumeration on next restart
  • quiet - Run in Silent mode, with no dialog boxes
  • nosidgen - Do not regenerate security ID on restart
  • reboot - Automatically restart when the Sysprep.exe tool is finished
NOTE: There is not a parameter for specifying the Mini-Setup Wizard answer file. The answer file must be renamed to Sysprep.inf, and must reside in the Sysprep folder in the root of the drive on which Windows is installed. If the Sysprep folder is named differently, Setup ignores it.

The answer file's format and parameters use the same format as the Unattended.txt file, but only the following sections and parameters are supported. The answer file can be created by using a text editor or the Setupmgr.exe tool included with the Microsoft Windows Resource Kit.

[Unattended]
OemSkipEula
OemPnPDriversPath
ExtendOemPartition
InstallFilesPath
UpdateHAL
UpdateUPHAL
KeepPageFile
[GuiUnattended]
AdminPassword
Autologon
AutoLogonAccountCreation
AutoLogonCount
OEMDuplicatorString
OEMSkipRegional
OEMSkipWelcome
TimeZone
OEMDuplicatorString
TimeZone
[UserData]
All keys are supported
[LicenseFilePrintData]
All keys are supported
[GuiRunOnce]
[Display]
All keys are supported
[RegionalSettings]
All keys are supported
[Networking]
InstallDefaultComponents=Yes key is supported. InstallDefaultComponents=No is not supported. For additional information, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

247952 The InstallDefaultComponents Key in the Networking Section Always Defaults to Yes

271369 Statically-Entered TCP/IP Settings Are Not Present After Sysprep

[Identification]
All keys are supported
[NetClients]
All keys for Client Services for Microsoft Networks and Client Services for Netware are supported.
[TapiLocation]
All keys are supported. The values will only be valid if a modem is present on the computer.
[Fax]
All keys are supported
[Oem_Ads]
All keys are supported

For a detailed explanation about answer files and a list of valid parameter values, please refer to the Unattend.doc file in the Support\Tools\Deploy.cab folder on the Windows CD-ROM.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/29/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo kbSBK kbsetup KB216937
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.