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MedquestFlag for United States of America

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windows server 2008 unattended install

hey guys,
happy new year.

I am trying to create an unattended install of windows server 2008. I have a DVD that includs 4 editions of windows server 2008, and I am trying to get to work on unattended install right after you select the edition you want to install.

Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERDATACENTER
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERENTERPRISE
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERENTERPRISECORE
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERSTANDARD
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERSTANDARDCORE
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERWEB
Windows Server 2008 R2 SERVERWEBCORE

I have the product key.

can somebody point me at the right direction as to where to start?

Thanks
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jazzIIIlove
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Hi there;

I haven't tried for the core ones, but I have tried for "non-core ones". Right now, I am using Datacenter for IIS, FTP, DHCP, Domain Controller and for Hyper V.

but what is your purpose of installing Windows 2008? FTP/DHCP/Hyper-V etc?

Best regards
http://www.shudnow.net/2008/05/05/unattended-server-2008-base-image-creation-using-wsimsysprep/

Unattended Server 2008 Base Image Creation using WSIM/Sysprep

Hope this helps...
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ASKER

jazzIIIlove,
I don't really care about the core for now, because we're not going to use it as much, but full install is what I am concerned about.
could you share your solution please?
Thanks
-----------------------------------------
ICaldwell,
I found that article when I started with this issue about a month ago, but it's really not all that good.
Thanks for trying to help.
Thats strange you have had problems with it because I have used it several times without a problem.... there are other unattended setups you can use but thats one of the easiest...
this one is really for creating an image and answer file, but all am after is being able to install the OS from the DVD using the answer file for each edition.
Then what you looking for is something like this:

http://www.windowsreference.com/windows-server-2008/unattended-installation-of-windows-server-2008/

the XML file is just like the Vista Unattended Install..
this is one of the funniest articles I ever seen. I mean the guy is just saying that "yes you can install windows in unattended mode"
have you seen the comments at the end of the articles? one of them is mine by the way, but I am not gonna tell you which one, because it's not very nice lol
haha yah but it is funny, but why does someone asking how you get the unattended xml on the CD....  Thats what other solutions such as flash drive, external hard drive, or even a floppy disk is for....

Basically what the guy is saying will work... You just have to create an unattended install... Yes the link does not work but its easy to find other examples on the web, its just like the vista install...

I am not by any means saying this is a good solution, This is why its easier to create a completely unattended install with a new DVD built off your original...  That way you just have one option on bootup which is what version of windows do you want to install... After that you can completely walk away...
I agree with you, but I am kind of running out of time and needing this done sooner than later.
I am trying to get to work on auto pilot right after selecting the edition of windows like in the attached image, and even though I found so many samples, but they have their own problems.

W2k8-Editions.jpg
Have you thought about just ghosting an image after you have installed the server 2008?  I know its not as nice as doing an unattended install but it maybe quicker....
I thought about it, but it's not a solution for what I have, besides we don't own ghost and don't think we will.
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jazzIIIlove
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I am not sure what is it, but when I used your answer file, I am not able to boot from the DVD. I am still trying, but thought to let you know and see if you have any ideas why is that.
No go.
I tried the answer file jazzIIIlove posted and when I use it, the computer doesn't even boot from the DVD and it trys to PXE boot as if the DVD is not there.
 
any other ideas guys?
ok so it was my fault all this time, because I wasn't creating th correct bootable DVD. I tried jazzIIIlove answer file and booted all the way and it stopped at language, time and currency, and keyboard.
so I think I am on the right direction, but of course I still need some more help please.
Thanks
 
Medquest, here is the microsoft document on the Unattended Setup Parameters

I think this will help you

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/155197
ICaldwell,
this is a great article. I am still working with the answer file jazzIIIlove posted and I may get it work sometime soon.
 
I am getting this error message, but with the article ICaldwell posted, I may be able to find out what value needs to be changed and then I'll live happily ever after lol
 
Thanks guys

IMG00140.jpg
this is not the solution to the problem I have, and I am closing the question
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centricsupport

ICaldwell:Medquest, here is the microsoft document on the Unattended Setup Parameters

I think this will help you

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/155197

at the bottem it says:

APPLIES TO
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51

Not really up to date I think...

Having the same problem/chalenge :)