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PXE boot from Ghost image without login/password?

I have set up a Microsoft RIS server and enabled PXE boot on a couple of separate servers on our network. I have a classroom of 20 computers that all require a new image pushed to them every couple of weeks.

Is it possible to fully automate a PXE boot?

or

Is it possible to at least NOT require a username and password to be input before a selection is made?

Please let me know if I haven't provided enough information.

neomage23

Hello!

The answer to your first question is "Yes." you can set the RIS server to offer a specific kind of boot file that goes straight to RIS without prompting for F12.
http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsServer/en/library/a6e23f3c-c982-49b4-940d-bd0fd54cd4201033.mspx?mfr=true

The answer to your second question is, "Yes." You can modify a file called "login.osc" (open it with notepad) and you can edit the OSCML inside.
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windows2000serv/reskit/distrib/dsed_dpl_kemo.mspx?mfr=true

Here's another tip:

If you're deploying client-based operating systems such as Windows 2000/XP then you may want to search around for "ZTI" (Zero-touch Installation). Here's the place to begin:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/desktopdeployment/bdd/enterprise/default.mspx

-neo

jalilthe1

PXE boot from Ghost image without login/password

http://www.blogsarchives.com/virtualserver/

Webmonkey

ASKER

neomage23,

Thanks for the reply. I've already been able to customize the screens, and I have them down to two screens. But, still, I would like to have the process completely automated.
On your second tip, unfortunately I'm pushing out Windows Server 2003 platforms.

jalilthe1,
I can't find anything there that is relevant. Can you give me a specific page?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

neomage23

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Webmonkey

ASKER

Thanks neo, I'm downloading ADS now, so I'll get to try it out tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

neomage23

Great! I think you'll like it. One tip for you is this...

If you're going to run all of it on one server and have DHCP on that server...make sure you have DHCP on the server first and the ADS installer will configure DHCP for you.

-neo

Webmonkey

ASKER

Will do...

Webmonkey

ASKER

I accepted Neomage's answer because it was the closest to a good answer. I have still been unable to completely automate the process using RIS.