winnt.sif - activation

[bigfatroundguy]

I have a Dell OEM version of Win XP Pro SP1. Using the reinstallation CD, the install is automatically activated. I have successfully slipstreamed SP2 and created a reinstallation CD. Using this new reinstallation CD, the install is automatically activated. further, I have successfully slipstreamed hotfixes into the SP2 version and created a reinstallation CD. Using this new reinstallation CD, the install is once again automatically activated. When I attempt to use winnt.sif to pre-fill my user data, create a reinstallation CD, then use this CD to install, it fails to preserve the activation. I have followed the Unattended CD instructions to the letter (at least, I think I have). I have have attached my winnt.sif file (at least the key parts) for review. can someone make any suggestions that would help me preserve the activation?

;SetupMgrTag

[Data]

AutoPartition=0

MsDosInitiated="0"

UnattendedInstall="Yes"

[unattended]

UnattendMode=FullUnattended

FileSystem=LeaveAlone

OemSkipEula=Yes

OemPreinstall=Yes

TargetPath=\WINDOWS

UnattendSwitch=Yes

[TheeBeets]

Heres is mine I can assure you it works brillantly

[Data]Autopartition = 0

FloppyLess = 1

MsDosInitiated = 0

UnattendedInstall = Yes

[unattended]

UnattendMode = FullUnattended

UnattendSwitch = No

OemPreinstall = Yes

OemSkipEula = Yes

FileSystem = *

WaitForReboot = No

NoWaitAfterTextMode = 1

NoWaitAfterGUIMode = 1

TargetPath = Windows

        Repartition=Yes

[Display]

Xresolution = 1280

Yresolution = 1024

BitsPerPel = 32

        AutoConfirm=1

[GuiUnattended]

AutoLogon = No

AdminPassword = *

TimeZone = 085

OEMSkipRegional = 1

OemSkipWelcome = 1

[Components]

        msmsgs=off

msnexplr=off

freecell=off

hearts=off

minesweeper=off

pinball=off

spider=off

zonegames=off

[userData]

ProductKey = "XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX"

ComputerName = EQUINOX

FullName = TheeBeets

OrgName = Home

[RegionalSettings]

Language = 0809 (0809 = United Kingdom)

Home_Page =http://www.google.co.uk

Search_Page =http://www.google.co.uk

[Networking]

              InstallDefaultComponents=No

[GuiRunOnce]

        %systemdrive%\Install\codecs.cmd

        %systemdrive%\Install\wpi\WPI.hta

[shell]

              CustomDefaultThemeFile="%WinDir%\Resources\Themes\Longhornish.theme"

[spiritpyre]

I have a Dell OEM version of Win XP Pro SP1.  Using the reinstallation CD, the install is automatically activated.  I have successfully slipstreamed SP2 and created a reinstallation CD. 

what? You must be one of the lucky ones... my Dell OEM version of Win XP Pro SP1 is totally screwed. Dell made it some a**-backwards way so that I can't remove sp1 and slipstream sp2 onto mine. in fact i haven't been able to make ANY progress w/ my dell oem cd had to port my oembios files from it to another cd to bypass reactivation on a different oem cd.

[spiritpyre]

in other words IMHO (at least as far as the reinstall cd goes): Dell is a f@$^%!# bas#$%! who screws you over.