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Deploying WinXP with WDS, Computername=%MACHINENAME%

Hi, I'm trying to deploy a winXP image that I captured previously but im getting stuck in the mini menu when it asks for the computer name. In the Sysprep.inf file i have the setting Computername=%MACHINENAME% and this doesn't work it says that i can't use special characters.

I'm trying to name the computer the name that was prestaged in AD. Does anyone know of what to put in the syspre.inf file to make it use the name prestaged in AD??

The process im doing to test if the sysprep.inf is configured correctly is:

1. Run sysprep.exe and select mini setup checkbox
2. Save the sysprep.inf in the C:\Sysprep folder and click reseal
3. Restart Computer to test config

Any ideas?

yelbaglf

You'll need to use the Cmdlines.txt file.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc784682(WS.10).aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/238955

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yelbaglf

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Thunder-Cat

ASKER

Hey thanks for your reply, cmdlines may not work because they run after the computer has already received a computer name and have been joined to the domain. Hmm

yelbaglf

You could always use Cmdlines.txt to change the name and join the domain, by using netdom instead of sysprep for this.

yelbaglf

Another option would be to use something like a fog server, which then uses netdom to do this. It's also a pretty slick open source imaging solution.

Thunder-Cat

ASKER

Ill VBscript it cheers

Thunder-Cat

ASKER

Cheers