unattend.txt vs winnt.sif

[crossgrid]

What exactly is the difference and why do you guys prefer winnt.sif over unattend.txt?

which is more flexible?

TIA

[Chudd]

I believe the biggest difference is that winnt.sif is needed to make an install from CD whereas the unattended.txt file is used for network installs like using RIS

[Jito463]

That's correct. The files are identical, but if you install from CD, it MUST be named winnt.sif or the Windows install doesn't use it.

[AriesSyntax]

Oh ! They are just not identical . hmm ... They are the same thing ~

When u use "Winnt.exe /xxx /xxx /xxx" to install, u need a Text file that we usually call it "unattend.txt" , but u can use a parameter to make it a different name, like "abc.txt" or "MyUnatt.txt"

We call this Text file "Answer File" --> Winnt.exe /u:[Answer_File_FUll_Name] (for install in Win32 Env use winnt32.exe)

And if we want Use a CD-Install then we must use the name "Winnt.sif"

Why ?

Cause , the Name is hard coded ! unless u change the program code, u must use that file name for cd-install