RIS Computer Names

[Taggs]

Hi,

can anybody tell me what I'm doing wrong or not doing as the case may be!

I've been told you can get a RIS installation to ask for a computer name on installation rather than from the .SIF file.

I've been into Group Policy Editor\user configuration\windows settings\remote Installation service\choice options\ and setup custom setup to allow.

At present the name is automatically crreated from the RIS server.

I've tried removing the name from the .SIF file ComputerName=%MACHINENAME%

Can anybody point me in the right direction please.

Taggs

[Taggs]

P.S. I'm using RIS on Windows 2000.

[un4given1]

You need to go into Active Directory and browse the Properties on your RIS server. You should be able to set it there.

[Taggs]

Hi un4given1,

I've been into active directory and had a look at the server properties(remote install tab). This allows me to set the name automatically from the server but what I want to do is get the computer name from user input in the CIW.

I'm note sure if I am making any sence but I know what I mean!

Taggs

[un4given1]

There is an option there, I am sure of it. It's been awhile.

[Taggs]

I've had a good look around and I cant see anything

[MacMe]

By setting the policy to custom you can provide the computer name during the ris installation.

You can do this for example the following way.

Open Active Directory Users and Computers

Select your domain and view the properties.

On the Group Policy tab, select the default domain policy and edit that one.

Inside the policy, expand User Configuration - Windows Settings - Remote Instalaltion Services.

Double click on Choice Options and set the Custom Setup option to Enabled.

Now when you RIS a client, you will get the choice to select an Automatic and Custom installation.

By selecting Custom, you can change the Computer name.

Hope That Helps...

[Taggs]

Hi MacMe,

funnly enough I have just found this out by playing but thank you anyway.

For information, if anybody is having the same problem or needs a solution please see MacMe's post.

My problem was when I opened gpedit.msc \user configuration\windows settings\remote Installation service\choice options\ it was opening the wrong profile and so need's to be done the way MacMe has posted.

One little problem I have now is I can enter the computer name in the CIW but my sif file seems to be taking preference or I get an error.

I've tried the following on the line ComputerName=%MACHINENAME%

1) removing completely

2) =""

3) =*

4) =

one problem sorted, another comes along!