Windows XP Automated Deployment Tools

Windows XP automated deployment tools allow you to run the installation without user input.rackmount server farm datacenter image by Adryn from Fotolia.com

Microsoft Windows XP is an operating system that was released after Windows 2000 and before Vista. If your computer does not already come with Windows installed, you will have to do the installation yourself. There are free programs available that allow you to install the operating system automatically (see Resources). These programs will walk your system through the setup without user input.

Unattended

Unattended is compatible with Windows 2000, Server 2000, Server 2003 and XP, and it allows you to install the full operating system plus any hotfixes (updates) or applications associated with the program. This program creates a floppy or CD-ROM disk of the operating system, which allows you to start the installation when the computer is booting. Once the system starts, you need to answer a few questions, and then the system will automatically start installing the needed programs. It usually takes one to two hours for the system to install, and it will add all the needed source code and documentation for the system. You may use Unattended with either a UNIX or Windows server environment. You must know how to write code to use this program; it does not use a graphical user interface (GUI).

The System Preparation Tool is a Microsoft application that allows you to deploy either Windows XP and/or Server 2003 system. This program allows you to perform an automated installation and create a duplicate of one computer onto another. You can also set up the system to allow the end user to customize the operating system based on his needs. Other features include the ability to create copies of disks and audit your system. It also allows you to generate images of the operating systems and run the mini setup program unattended. You run this tool from the Setup Manager Wizard, where you will select the Sysprep Answer file button.

This tool provides you with the means to set up your system automatically and add hotfixes, patches and tweaks to the system as well. It also allows you to remove any program that you do not want installed before the operating system begins installation. nLite is compatible with Windows 2000, XP and 2003, and you must have .NET Frame 2.0 installed to run this program. This program works with the Windows Service Pack, and it allows you to generate a bootable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) disk.