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Q126985: INFO: Unattended Setup Switch Fails to Run

Article: Q126985
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:3.5
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbOPK kbSBK
Last Modified: 02-FEB-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5 
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SUMMARY
=======

The command for unattended setup, WINNT /U, does not run as stated on page 99 of
the "Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit Volume 1: Windows NT Resource Guide." It
states that syntax for the command is:

     winnt /u[:answer_file]

-or-

     winnt32 /u[:answer_file]

The WINNT /U switch does not work without the /S:<SOURCE PATH> switch, as
specified in the SETUPMGR.TXT file provided with the Microsoft Windows NT
Resource Kit software.

NOTE: WINNT32 /U works as documented in the "Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit
Volume 1: Windows NT Resource Guide."

MORE INFORMATION
================

The following information, taken from the SETUPMGR.TXT file, correctly documents
the use of the unattended setup command:

     The saved answer files can be executed at the command line
     in conjunction with the winnt or winnt32 commands. The syntax
     for the commands is shown below.

     winnt /u:<answer file> /s:<source path>

If you use the WINNT /U command without adding the /S<SOURCE PATH> switch,
Windows NT command help is displayed, just as it is when you run WINNT with the
/? switch; it lists all of the documented switches for the WINNT command, but
does not start Windows NT Setup.

USE OF THE / B SWITCH
---------------------

The SETUPMGR.TXT file also states, in the following text, that the use of the /B
switch is optional when you run WINNT; it is not.

     Other winnt and winnt32 switches that make unattended
     installations go easier are:

        /B    to eliminate the need for the
              multiple setup floppy disks.

Contrary to this statement, just specifying the /U switch will include the floppy
diskless setup feature. The functionality of the /B switch is included in the /U
switch, and therefore does not need to be specified at the command line. The /B
switch is correctly documented on page 99 of the Microsoft Windows NT Resource
Kit Volume 1: Windows NT Resource Guide.

Additional query words: prodnt options configuration install disk less OPK Unattended Setup

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Keywords          : kbOPK kbSBK 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNT350search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS350search
Version           : winnt:3.5
Issue type        : kbinfo

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