I came across the option to set/randomly gererate the computer name the other day. On my unattended CD I used to leave this option to auto-generate.

However I have a collection of computer names as a text file that I would like XP to randomly choose one from during install. How could this be done?

I'm not sure about how you would go about doing that, however you would eventually run into problems on your network because it's only a matter of time before it randomly chooses the same name.

This can only be accomplished in RIS by prepping the systems and their names in AD. Sorry.

If windows sets a computer name that is already on the network, then one will automatically be generated using the owner name entered, and some random numbers.

If windows sets a computer name that is already on the network, then one will automatically be generated using the owner name entered, and some random numbers.

Wow, I didn't know it did that. I know if you set it yourself manually & there is another comp on the network with the same name it just does it & then bitches about it later.

That doesnt happen when you're setting up a computer name during an Install. Instead, it randomly generates a computer name, as i said.