install software off network?

[mackdd4]

There are about a hundred computers at work that need to be upgraded to WindowsXP, and i was wondering if it is possible to grab the software off of the server during initial unattended install. The software would be in a folder similar \\server1\software\office2k\setup.exe Any help would be appreciated as this is a timesaving effort. Im not quite sure if this is possible as all computers have to be a member of the domain to access server resources.

[GnarlyC]

I personally install Windows XP or 2k from the CD unattended, but install Office, etc. from a common network share. This has worked great both in my lab and on multiple customer's sites.

Instead of somthings like this:

start /wait %systemdrive%\install\Applications\AdbeRdr60_enu_full.exe -p"-s /v\"/qn\""

I use:

start /wait \\server\netdrive\install\AdbeRdr60_enu_full.exe -p"-s /v\"/qn\""

It has pretty well solved my space issues, so I have not had to delve into other areas like multiple CDs or space reduction. (Too much to keep up with as it is!) Yes, all of the computers will have to be a part of the domain or be logged in with a username/pw combo that authenticates to the share.

[oioldman]

That was something i've been meaning to do, but haven't got round to so thatnks for the answer in advance.

One thing i do have to ask though, do you know how to get the user to login as a networkeduser via roaming profile and not the local computer user? as i'm having a little difficulty.

My PC is added to the active directory, and can ping server etc, but i'm unable to access any shares on it.

Any assistance appreciated.