System Preparation Tool and Answer File Usage (314460)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP 64-Bit Edition
This article was previously published under Q314460
For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 216937.

SUMMARY

The Windows XP System Preparation file (Sysprep.exe), the Riprep tool, and answer file functionality are different from those same elements in Microsoft Windows NT 4.0. Additionally, the name and location of the answer file have been 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
  • mini - Configures Windows XP Professional to use Mini-Setup instead of Windows Welcome. This option has no effect on Windows XP Home Edition, where the first-run experience is always Windows Welcome. This switch also forces SysPrep to recognize the Sysprep.inf file.
Note There is not a parameter by which to specify the Mini-Setup Wizard answer file. The answer file must be renamed as Sysprep.inf, and it must reside in the Sysprep folder on the root of the drive on which Windows is installed. If the Sysprep folder is named differently, Setup ignores it. The answer file uses 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 on the Microsoft Windows XP CD-ROM.

[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]
Only the InstallDefaultComponents key is supported.
[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 Deploy.chm file in the Support\Tools\Deploy.cab folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.

To install the Setup Manager utility, follow these steps:
  1. Open My Computer, and then open the Support\Tools folder on the Windows XP CD-ROM.
  2. Double-click the Deploy.cab file to open it.
  3. On the Edit menu, click Select All.
  4. On the Edit menu, click Copy To Folder.
  5. Click Make New Folder. Type the name that you want for the Setup Manager folder, and then press ENTER. For example, type setup manager, and then press ENTER.
  6. Click Copy.
  7. Open the new folder that you created, and then double-click the Setupmgr.exe file. The Windows Setup Manager Wizard starts. Follow the instructions in the wizard to create an answer file.

    For additional information about how to create an answer file, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    308662 Use Setup Manager to Create an Answer File

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:11/4/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo kbSBK kbsetup KB314460
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.