The computers on most networks are not identical, but still have many similarities. It is possible to use installation scripts to specify the variations in the hardware configurations of the computers that will receive installations.

One of the most significant improvements in Windows 2000 is the ease and flexibility of scripting installations. The new Windows 2000 Setup Manager wizard allows you to quickly create a script for a customized installation of Windows 2000, without concern for cryptic text file syntax. Knowing how to use Setup Manager enables you to perform customized installations on workstations and servers that meet the specific hardware and network requirements of your organization.

You can create or modify an answer file by using Setup Manager. Although it is still possible to use Unattend.txt files created with a simple text editor, such as Notepad, use Setup Manager to reduce errors in syntax. Setup Manager is part of the Resource Kit found on the Windows 2000 compact disc. The Resource Kit can be installed by running Setup.exe in the \Support\Reskit folder. A sample answer file, named Unattend.txt, is also included on the Windows 2000 compact disc.

Setup Manager provides the following benefits:

When you start the Setup Manager wizard, you will be presented with three options:

If you are creating a new answer file, you will need to choose what type of answer file you are creating. Setup Manager can create the following types of answer files:

The remainder of the Setup Manager wizard allows you to specify a level of user interaction with the Setup program, and to enter all of the information required to complete Setup.

Tip   If you are installing Windows 2000 by booting from a CD-ROM drive, you can create an answer file designed for this purpose. In Setup Manager, specify the installation folder, select No, this answer file will be used to install from a CD on the distribution folder page, and save the file as a:\Winnt.sif. The Winnt.exe program will search for this file when you boot from the compact disc.

If there are several domain controllers in your organization, you may find it efficient to automate these installations. When you automate a domain controller installation, you can automate installation of the server as you normally would, and then automate the promotion of the server to a domain controller with a second answer file.

To start a domain controller promotion immediately after Setup completes, specify the following command to run after Setup completes: dcpromo /answer:< answer file>. You can find more information on the syntax of answer files in Unattend.doc.

Note   The Sysdiff.exe utility is often used in conjunction with Setup Manager to install Windows by using difference files. The use of Sysdiff.exe has not changed from Windows NT 4.0.