Help for activation while not restoring backup file from cd

[SidB]

Hi,

I'm trying to build an unattended install with no work on files from cd, so everything (apps, batch files etc) stays on the HDD of each computer. I wanted to do like that in order to dissociate windows install from remainng (post-install) which change a lot with different pcs, this avoids me making several install cds.

But in this way, after backing up wpa.dbl, it seems I cannot restore it once XP is loaded. I read this can only be done in safe mode. Does anyone has another solution, so that I can avoid going the safe mode way.

Thanks

Edited June 20, 2006 by SidB

[SidB]

I'm a newbie so sorry if that's a common question.

Please, help me

Edited June 20, 2006 by SidB

[MarkXP]

far as i gather so far, windows gets activated after the setup. the wpa.dbl file gets created after setup when wizzard takes you through to activate, register, turn on firewall, username/s.

So therefore the only way to copy that file in its rightful place is to be in safe mode.

i cant think of any other way. most ideas i thaught of would be (unattended) in normal windows (not safe mode)

sorry buddy

[Bezalel]

It's WPA.BAK that you need to save not WPA.DBL (WPA.DBL get recreated every time you start your PC). This method no longer works (unless your media doesn't have any service packs).

[SidB]

If I want to apply the method described in the msfn unattended guide, but instead of restoring the backup file from $OEM$\$$\system32 folder on cd, I specify to restore the file fom a defined place on HDD (which will not change on diffrent pcs), is that possible?

If so, can someone please help me how to do that?

Thanks

[Bezalel]

You don't need to replace any files. WPA.BAK doesn't exist until the PC is activated.