[How-To] Dynamic Serials

[silv3r]

I work for a computer company. We often reformat computers with XP. Ive previously made a personal unattended CD so I have a little bit of experience with this, but not enough to accomplish what I need. I need my near-fully unattended setup to do the follow:

Ask for XP Serial

Ask For Admin

Ask For Admin Pass

When it is installing programs I need to ask if I want to install it, and if so type Yes/No.

I think that both of these can be done with batch files. I think that part I could (hopefully) figure out. The one thing I dont know is where would I put the batch file asking for the serial and admin/pass so that it runs before the XP install actually starts? As far as the programs go I would also need to be able to enter in any serial, and I suppose I could get that to work with batch files (for atleast some of this). There may be an easier way and I dont even know If Im correct in what I said. Any insight/corrections/ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

This question seems impossible but why not ask. Say I have a Belarc advisor file full of serials/app. If I had the app setups would there be some way to have a program create the correct install (info file) for each program and the OS itself? Like say PS was in the list, it would install it through the provided setup and install it using the Serial in the belarc advisor html file that it would copy to the PS automated setup.

Edited March 3, 2006 by silv3r

[net_user]

this needs to be in the unattend section...

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=70

admins please move this post...

silv3r welcome to the fourms...make sure you read the fourm rules

[silv3r]

ah my mistake. I didnt notice the other set of forums. sorry

[Zxian]

To get your XP Setup to ask for the CD-Key, then simply leave that part of the WINNT.SIF file blank. Same goes for the Administrator password. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by "Ask for Admin" though.

As for selecting the software to be installed, this can be done with either XPlode or WPI. I personally use XPLode, but to be entirely honest, I've never tried WPI. Other users say it's the best thing since sliced bread. I suggest you try out both. (Hint - for XPLode, you need to use the XPlode-SelectInstall.xml file)

No idea about the last part...

And like net_user said, this should be in the UA forums. Please try to find the correct forum in the future.

Topic Moved

[silv3r]

Thanks Zxian.

About the "Ask For Admin," I mean I want it to ask for the Admin username/password. Ill leave that blank in the WINNT.SIF and see if thatll work too.