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Q241048: Answer File for System Preparation Tool Is Not Removed

Article: Q241048
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): winnt:4.0
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 06-AUG-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
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SYMPTOMS
========

An answer file that is used by the Windows NT System Preparation tool
(Sysprep.exe) is not removed when the mini-Setup wizard is complete.

CAUSE
=====

If you use an answer file to automate the mini-Setup wizard, Sysprep.exe copies
the file to the %SystemRoot%\System32\$nt4pre$.inf file. When the mini-Setup
wizard starts, it looks for this file and uses it if it is present.

However, this file may contains the local administrator's password (if you
specify the "AdminPassword = <password> parameter. This password is
displayed in clear text.

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this issue, use any of the following methods:

- Delete the file listed above after Setup is finished. The RunOnce registry
  keys do work with Sysprep, so you can use these keys to accomplish this task.

- You can specify the administrator password you want to use before running
  Sysprep.exe. If you are automating the mini-Setup wizard by using an answer
  file, place the following parameter in the file:

  AdminPassword = "*"

This allows a blank administrator password. Because the password is not null
before you run Sysprep, the password remains unchanged.

- Leave the "AdminPassword" key out of the answer file. Enter the password
  manually during the mini-Setup wizard.


Additional query words:

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400
Version           : winnt:4.0
Hardware          : ALPHA x86
Issue type        : kbprb

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