Thursday, June 25, 2009

How do I perform a install a SERVER CORE installation using an UNATTEND file

Using an unattend file to install a Server Core installation

Using an unattend file for a Server Core installation enables you to perform most of the initial configuration tasks during Setup. Performing an unattended Server Core installation provides the following benefits:

  • There is no need to perform the initial configuration by using command-line tools.
  • You can include the settings in the unattend file to enable remote administration (when Setup is complete).
  • You can configure settings that cannot be easily modified at a command prompt, such as display resolution.

To install a Server Core installation by using an unattend file:

  1. Create a .xml file titled Unattend.xml by using a text editor or Windows System Image Manager.
  2. Copy the Unattend.xml file to a local drive or shared network resource.
  3. Boot your computer to Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE), Windows Server 2003, or Windows XP.
  4. Insert the media disk with the Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008 into your disk drive. If the auto-run Setup window appears, click Cancel.
  5. At a command prompt, change to the drive that contains the installation media.
  6. Type the following at a command prompt:
    setup /unattend:<path>\unattend.xml
    where path is the path to your Unattend.xml file.
  7. Allow Setup to complete.

Note:
Appendix A of this document contains a sample unattend file with comments that explain the settings in the sample configuration. This sample can be modified for use in your environment.

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