Introduction

This page was last updated on September 21, 2006
Written by R.Collewijn

Introduction

This web site is still under developing, so there are some parts missing and some language and spelling errors. Sorry about this (lack of time). off course all suggestion are welcome.

We do many installations and in my opinion, if you do the same installation and configuration five times by hand, you've done it four times too many! So wouldn’t it be nice if we could make a Windows installation source that installs Windows and does the following automatically;

• Putting in your name, product key, timezone and regional settings.
• Slipstream the latest Service Pack, hot fixes.
• Silently installs all your favorite applications
• Updated drivers
• Does Registry tweaks

Yes, I have also thought about the current ADS/RIS option from Microsoft and although this is also an option I have gone for an independent system (see Pros and Cons).

• Whereby you don’t need a special Windows 2000/2003 server with Active Directory.
• Whereby you don’t need to use sysprep from Microsoft.
• Whereby you can easily add hot fixes.
• Etc...

You can, for example, build this on an USB HD or DVD (we are using a notebook) and put this on any PC to deploy a server, without depending on Windows 2000 or 2003 server. It is also easy to maintain. All the software I use is freeware, easy to use, and you can tune or customize it to your own needs.

There are more sites available with this kind of information and I recommend visiting them.
Because we discuss the same programs, issues and solutions, it’s possible that you will come across similar information. I have tried to write this site's content from a reverse engineering point of view and hope that you can learn from my mistakes. There are pages upon pages of information on this subject, and this guide only covers the tip of the iceberg.

The manual(s) has been broken up into three stages:

1. TFTPD32, PXELinux, BartPE and distribution share.
2. WUIM – Windows Unattended Installation Manager.
3. Installation source.

TFTPD32, PXELinux, BartPE and distribution share;

In this part we describe how to create/prepare a computer/server so it can run the TFTPD32 services, PXELinux, loading PXE environment, loading BartPE ISO to destination PC and how to create a distribution share.  

WUIM – Windows Unattended Installation Manager;

In This part we describe what WUIM (Windows Unattended Installation Manager) is and what it can do for you. We also describe how to configured WUIM to your own needs.

Installation source;

In this part we describe how to create/prepare the installation source, including slipstreaming hot fixes, tweaks and customize the look and feel of your setup and other adjustments. Because there are many manuals about the CD option (see links), we only describe how to create/prepare a network installation source.

Addition manuals;

Other short manuals useful for unattended installations covering this and related topics such as:

• Setup process
• Unattended installation process
• How unattended installation works
• RIS process
• How RIS works
• Auto answering file
• INF files

Target group/audience:

Users who are taking lots of time in re-installing Windows, manually installing essential applications, downloading windows updates, and tweaking their OS to perfection on every re-format.

Level of difficulty:
Requires an intermediate level of experience with Microsoft Windows and a basic knowledge of how batch commands function. Though batch scripts are briefly covered, it would be a good idea to brush up on your skills before starting.

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