I know there was a thread about how to silently install Microsoft Word 97. I can't seem to find it. Is someone knows how, or could direct me to the thread, it would be very helpful.

I think you need to use an INI for that.

But personally, I just copy out the installed folder, and copy it into the new install. And then apply the registry keys from the install. And create shortcuts in start-menu for it.

1. Create an Administrative install point

2. Install Network Installation Wizard from Office 97 Resource kit

3. Run Network Installation Wizard and answer the questions.

4. Create batch file to run your answer file (created in step 3)

My batch file is on the CD and the command syntax is:

start /wait \MSOFFICE\myfolder /L myfolder2\answerfile.LST /B2 /Q1

where the answer file [answerfile.LST] is located in:"MSOFFICE\myfolder\myfolder2" (place your answer file wherever you want)

This command syntax runs unattended and shows progress.

A better explanation can be found here:

http://www.winnetmag.com/Articles/Print.cfm?ArticleID=3461

Office 97 Network Installation Wizard Info can be found here:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/232967/en-us

and "Setupniw.exe" downloaded here:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/off...us/setupniw.exe

That's a good addition...

Thanks for sharing the info

I'm using this as my batch file

Setup.exe /b2 /k "xxxxx-OEM-xxxxxxx-xxxxx" /n "Neo" /o "Matrix" /q1

I'm getting this error message

The cd key command line option (/K) must include the identification number from your cd sticker in double quotes.

How do I fix this? Do I even need to put in a cd key?

I think you don't need the OEM string in the key. This itself should work:

/k "xxxxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx"

I tried this, and it still didn't work /k "xxxxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx"

I keep getting The cd key command line option (/K) must include the identification number from your cd sticker in double quotes.

What do I put in double quotes? This is really ticking me off! dennxyz, can you help me?

hmmm, been a long time since I played with this...

My CD was inherited and patched to SR2 so I don't

know if any trickery was performed to not need to

input the CD key. At least I have never had to enter

the key whether doing a manual install or silent.

My key has 20 numbers and no "OEM".

Anyways....

Check out the help file in the Office 97/98 Resource Kit

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&DisplayLang=en

The section that pertains to your command syntax is in appendix B

"Setup Command­Line Options and File Formats"

Scroll down to "Command­Line Option Descriptions"

From the table:

/c "number"

"Bypasses the dialog box for entering and validating the 20­character Product ID from the OEM Certificate of Authorization by entering the number you specify."

/k "number"

"Bypasses the dialog box for entering and validating the 11­digit key from the CD sticker by entering the number you specify. "

I just tried this batch on my sacrificial machine and it worked perfectly.

A complete default install of Office occurred silently with progress shown.

Setup.exe /b2 /c "xxxxx-xxx-xxxxxxx-xxxxx" /n "Neo" /o "Matrix" /q1

[sN is ALL numbers, note /k changed to /c]

I always use the the NIW and create an answer file to avoid installing "Office Assistant', Outlook, Findfast, all other resource hogs, etc.

This did it

Setup.exe /b2 /c "xxxxxOEMxxxxxxxxxxxx" /n "Neo" /o "Matrix" /q1

Thanks dennxyz! You're the man!