Automatic Computer Name Generator Does Not "Zero Fill" Numbers (223194)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
This article was previously published under Q223194

SUMMARY

The Remote Installation Service (RIS) has a feature that allows the service to automatically generate computer names for computers using RIS to install Windows 2000 Professional. Administrators can customize these automatically generated names using the following variables or a combination of the these items:

  • User's first name = %First
  • User's last name = %last
  • User's logon name = %Username =
  • MAC address = %MAC
  • Incremental number = %#
The administrator can also place a number in front of each variable so that n characters are used. However, RIS does not zero-fill the numbers.

MORE INFORMATION

For example, assume that the following customized name format is being used:

CORP-PC%3#

The generated name and computer account created in the Active Directory is equal to "CORP-PC1," not "CORP-PC001," "CORP-PC002," and so on. These numbers increase sequentially until all numbers equal to or less than 999 have been used. The Remote Install Administration tool shows the format as "CORP-PC123" to point out that numerals will be used in this field.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/21/2003
Keywords:kbinfo kbsetup KB223194
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