When I copy the contents of my XP Pro SP2 disc there is no folder, hidden or otherwise, named $OEM$.

Is $OEM$ sopposed to exist by default or am I sopposed to make it?

Thanks.

You are supposed to make it.

think you would benefit greatly from a little trip here:

http://unattended.msfn.org

and yes you do create it

I know of http://unattended.msfn.org/ quite well. It's a great set of guides. I ask this question because it doesn't say in any of them if you have to make the folder yourself or not. Maybe I just missed that bit.

You're right, the guide doesn't state explicitly that you have to create the $OEM$ folder structure yourself. Given the number of questions that are asked in the forums about this, it should probably be added to the guide.