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Performing a Clean Unattended Installation with an MS-DOS Startup Disk

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Before you perform an unattended installation with an MS-DOS startup disk, verify that:

  • The destination computer is connected to the network if you are using a distribution share, and any peripheral devices, such as scanners, printers, and cameras, are connected to the destination computer.

  • Your MS-DOS startup disk contains the appropriate device drivers for network connectivity, DVD drives, and any other peripherals that your unattended installation requires. For example, if you are installing from a distribution share on a server, the destination computer needs network connectivity. Likewise, if you are installing from the operating system CD, the destination computer needs to load the drivers for the DVD drive.

  • The BIOS settings in your destination computer list the floppy disk drive as the first or second startup device.

  • You have the proper permissions to access the distribution share, if you are installing from a distribution share.

  • Your answer file is saved on the MS-DOS startup disk or in your distribution share.

After you perform these verification steps, you are ready to perform the unattended installation.

To perform an unattended installation with an MS-DOS startup disk

  1. Perform the tasks described in your user state migration plan (if you have one).

  2. Perform the tasks described in your disk configuration plan (if you have one).

  3. Insert the MS-DOS startup disk into the floppy disk drive, and make sure you do not have a CD in the CD-ROM drive.

  4. Start the destination computer.

  5. If you are installing from a distribution share that is on a CD, or if you are installing from an operating system CD, insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.

  6. At the command prompt, run Winnt.exe with the parameters listed on the "Unattended Installation Worksheet (ACIUI_1.doc).

After you complete this procedure, Setup starts, reads your answer file, and installs the operating system with the configuration settings specified in your answer file.