Rapid configuration of OEM imaged machines.

[willgonz]

So if you're not imaging systems and you are just taking Windows 7 Professional as is from the vendor. Is there a way to automate the Welcome screen?

For example will Windows look for an answer file on say a thumb drive to blow past the Welcome wizard?

I would like to automate it so when a system comes in the tech inserts a thumb drive and the Welcome questions are answered, the machine is stripped off from extra software, the machine is added to the domain etc.

Anyway to do this besides, Re-imaging etc.

[Tripredacus]

I don't think it will read a thumb drive. I know that if the OS was resealed using the /unattend switch, you can change the answer file.

You can try putting an answer file in one of the search path locations, but I don't know if sysprep will pick it up.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc749415%28WS.10%29.aspx