How to Use an Answer File to Add Base Images to a RIS Server (283046)

SUMMARY

Microsoft Windows supports the use of an answer file to automate the process of adding a base image flat file to a Remote Installation Services (RIS) server. Risetup.exe is the stand-alone version of the RIS Setup Wizard that is invoked when you add a RIS image by using the Active Directory Users and Computers MMC snap-in. Risetup.exe can be run without command-line arguments to invoke the Setup Wizard, or it can be run with the /auto switch if an answer file is specified on the command line.

The following is a sample answer file and command line syntax for adding a Windows XP Professional base image:

;-----begin pro-rtm.inf below----------

[version]
signature = "$Windows NT$"

[risetup]
RootDir = "f:\remoteinstall"
Source = "\\server\flats\WinXP\pro\i386"
Directory = "XPProRTM"
Description = "Windows XP Pro base RTM image"
HelpText = "This will install the base Windows XP Pro os (RTM) without any applications installed. This will support all x86 hardware."
Screens = "leavealone"

;-----end pro-rtm.inf above-----------

MORE INFORMATION

The configurable items in the answer file are:

[risetup]
RootDir = Path to \remoteinstall folder on the RIS server.

Source = Path to \i386 source flat. This path can be local or a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path.

Directory = directory name that you want files to be stored in on the RIS server.

Description = Description that appears in the Client Installation Wizard (CIW) operating system choice screen.

HelpText = Help text that appears in CIW operating system choice screen.
Screens = Determines whether OSC screens should be updated or left alone. Valid answers are "leavealone," "overwrite," and "backup."

The command-line syntax when you start Risetup.exe using an answer file is:

RISETUP.EXE /AUTO c:\answerfiles\pro-rtm.inf

NOTE: The path to the answer file can be the local drive letter or a UNC path.