Part of what I do for the company I work for is automation of everything. I administer the RIS server as well as all of the images on it. I create SMS, MSI, MST, and other forms of automation packages that require no user interaction at all. I also create batch scripts to automate tasks. I have spent well over the last year researching every automation route available. I would like to share my knowledge with others. I would like to use this thread as a way for others to ask questions about these methods so that I might help them. Please feel free to post any questions about automation, RIS, network installation, unattended installations from CDs, or creation of automated packages for software.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with some of these technologies I will take a second to explain them.
RIS (Remote Installation Services) is a Windows 2000 server that allows you to boot to your network and by answering a series of questions (usually information about authentication, computer name and image) kick off an automated installation of Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
MSI packages are MicroSoft Installer Packages.
SMS packages are packages created by SMS Installer.
MST is MicroSoft Transform files. They are what programs such as Office uses to automate installation.
Alright... Hit me! I will do my best to answer any questions in a prompt manner.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with some of these technologies I will take a second to explain them.
RIS (Remote Installation Services) is a Windows 2000 server that allows you to boot to your network and by answering a series of questions (usually information about authentication, computer name and image) kick off an automated installation of Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
MSI packages are MicroSoft Installer Packages.
SMS packages are packages created by SMS Installer.
MST is MicroSoft Transform files. They are what programs such as Office uses to automate installation.
Alright... Hit me! I will do my best to answer any questions in a prompt manner.